In vitro screening for resistance against Septoria nodorum blotch in wheat

This study was carried out to develop an in vitro test for the identification of genotypes resistant to Septoria nodorum blotch. The basis for this project was a previous study in which a crude extract of S. nodorum was used as a selective agent (Keller et al. 1994). It was possible to distinguish resistant and susceptible cultivars in an in vitro test with zygotic embryos. In our project we wanted to test whether this in vitro test can also be used to detect resistant and susceptible genotypes in early segregating populations. Specific crosses between eight winter wheat lines showing contrasting resistance reaction for S. nodorum blotch on leaves and ears were made. The resistance level of both leaf and ear was evaluated after artificial inoculation in the field for the parental lines, the F₁ progenies, as well as for segregating F₃ and F₄ populations. In addition, this plant material was tested in vitro using methods similar to those described by Keller et al. (1994), i.e. culturing immature zygotic embryos and mature seeds on selective media. A good agreement between in vitro screening and field resistance on the ear was found for the parental lines, the F₁ and F₄ generation but not for the F₃ generations. This leads to the conclusion that the in vitro screening might be integrated into wheat breeding programs. Populations showing a high susceptibility to the pathogen metabolites in vitro could be discarded. Another promising implementation for wheat breeding would be the screening of advanced breeding material or candidate partners in a crossing program for resistance on the ear. However, the in vitro screening is not precise enough to select single plants in early segregating populations. Received: 18 January 1999 / Accepted: 30 April 1999     

Effects of Leaf Infections by Septoria nodorum Berk. on the Translocation of 14C-labelled Assimilates in Spring Wheat

The influence of infection with Septoria nodorum of leaves belowthe flag leaf on the translocation of ¹⁴C-labelled assimilatesin wheat was followed. In the vegetative phase export of assimilatesfrom a single infected leaf was reduced, but export from a healthyleaf on a heavily infected plant was increased. During the reproductivephase export from leaves was not affected by disease. Heavyleaf infection had little effect on the patterns of distributionof export especially during reproductive growth when only changesin the proportion of assimilates in leaf sheaths and tillerstumps were found. Distribution of export from a healthy flagleaf on an otherwise heavily infected plant was unaltered. Duringvegetative growth changes in the distribution of assimilateswere more marked, the greatest changes occurring when a singleinfected leaf on a healthy plant was exposed to ¹⁴CO₂.     

ABA Levels and Sensitivity in Developing Wheat Embryos of Sprouting Resistant and Susceptible Cultivars

A sprouting-resistant and a sprouting-susceptible wheat cultivar were utilized to examine the role of ABA levels and sensitivity responses in wheat embryonic germination. Endogenous embryonic ABA levels were measured in both cultivars throughout grain maturation utilizing a new and sensitive ABA immunoassay. Embryonic ABA levels of each cultivar were similar with the sprouting-susceptible cultivar having about a 25% lower ABA level than that of the sprouting-resistant cultivar. Larger differences between the cultivars were noted in sensitivity to ABA, as measured by capability of ABA to block embryonic germination. ABA inhibited embryonic germination much more effectively in the sprouting-resistant cultivar.     

Comprehensive In Vitro Toxicity Testing of a Panel of Representative Oxide Nanomaterials: First Steps towards an Intelligent Testing Strategy

Nanomaterials (NMs) display many unique and useful physico-chemical properties. However, reliable approaches are needed for risk assessment of NMs. The present study was performed in the FP7-MARINA project, with the objective to identify and evaluate in vitro test methods for toxicity assessment in order to facilitate the development of an intelligent testing strategy (ITS). Six representative oxide NMs provided by the EC-JRC Nanomaterials Repository were tested in nine laboratories. The in vitro toxicity of NMs was evaluated in 12 cellular models representing 6 different target organs/systems (immune system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, reproductive organs, kidney and embryonic tissues). The toxicity assessment was conducted using 10 different assays for cytotoxicity, embryotoxicity, epithelial integrity, cytokine secretion and oxidative stress. Thorough physico-chemical characterization was performed for all tested NMs. Commercially relevant NMs with different physico-chemical properties were selected: two TiO₂ NMs with different surface chemistry – hydrophilic (NM-103) and hydrophobic (NM-104), two forms of ZnO – uncoated (NM-110) and coated with triethoxycapryl silane (NM-111) and two SiO₂ NMs produced by two different manufacturing techniques – precipitated (NM-200) and pyrogenic (NM-203). Cell specific toxicity effects of all NMs were observed; macrophages were the most sensitive cell type after short-term exposures (24-72h) (ZnO>SiO₂>TiO₂). Longer term exposure (7 to 21 days) significantly affected the cell barrier integrity in the presence of ZnO, but not TiO₂ and SiO₂, while the embryonic stem cell test (EST) classified the TiO₂ NMs as potentially ‘weak-embryotoxic’ and ZnO and SiO₂ NMs as ‘non-embryotoxic’. A hazard ranking could be established for the representative NMs tested (ZnO NM-110 > ZnO NM-111 > SiO₂ NM-203 > SiO₂ NM-200 > TiO₂ NM-104 > TiO₂ NM-103). This ranking was different in the case of embryonic tissues, for which TiO₂ displayed higher toxicity compared with ZnO and SiO₂. Importantly, the in vitro methodology applied could identify cell- and NM-specific responses, with a low variability observed between different test assays. Overall, this testing approach, based on a battery of cellular systems and test assays, complemented by an exhaustive physico-chemical characterization of NMs, could be deployed for the development of an ITS suitable for risk assessment of NMs. This study also provides a rich source of data for modeling of NM effects.     

氨基酸L-和D-异构体对离体小麦胚植株生长的影响

5种氨基酸L-和D-异构体对离体小麦胚植株生长的影响结果表明,在1~7 mmol.L-1浓度范围内,脯氨酸异构体均不抑制植株生长;缬氨酸和蛋氨酸的L-型严重抑制生长,D-型不抑制或轻微抑制;丙氨酸则相反,L-型无抑制作用,D-型是严重抑制类型;丝氨酸的L-型轻微抑制生长,D-型严重抑制生长。生长结果也表明,DL-异构体的抑制作用介于D-型和L-型之间。     

植物生长物质在胚培养法挽救陈年小麦种质中的作用

以陈年小麦离体胚为外植体,MS培养基为基本培养基,附加5种植物生长物质2,4-D、NAA、KT、6-BA、GA3进行单因子和正交试验,研究植物生长物质在陈年小麦离体胚萌发中的作用。单因子试验结果表明：单独使用6-BA 1．0mg／L、GA3 2．5mg/L均能在一定程度上促进陈年小麦离体胚出芽和生根,出芽率分别为70．0％和77．5％,比对照分别提高了21．7％和29．2％;生根率分别为63．3％和72．2％,比对照分别提高了21．3％和30．2％。正交试验结果显示GA3对陈年小麦离体胚的萌发影响显著,最佳植物生长物质组合为2,4-D2．0mg／L NAA 1．1mg／L 6-BA0．5mg/L GA3 4．0mg/L,出芽率为82．5％,生根率为60．0％,比对照分别提高了32．5％和17．5％。     

Differential Carbon Monoxide Sensitivity of Cytochrome-Oxidase in the Leaves of Tall and Dwarf Wheat Cultivars

Differential response in the leaves of tall and dwarf wheat to CO, an inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase and to SHAM, an inhibitor of alternative oxidase appears to be correlated with presence of Rht dwarfing genes. This was detected by in vivo nitrate reductase assay after CO treatment and direct O₂ uptake in presence of SHAM. Pretreatment of the leaves with Triton X-100 at a concentration which specifically inhibits the accessibility of exogenous NAD(P)H to alternative oxidase, Significantly enhanced the CO response as assessed by in vivo NR assay. This supports the hypothesis that the competition for NADH between NR and mitochondrial respiration is regulated by NADH-dehydrogenase located on the outer surface of inner mitochondrial membrane.     

Computer-Simulation of De-Hydration in Zeolites: First Steps in a Complex Problem

Abstract

The choice of suitable interatomic potentials, simulation cell and procedure are discussed in relation to the first attempts at a Monte-Carlo study of the final stages of dehydration of Ca-zeolite A. The method leans heavily on the known crystallographic structure of the anhydrous zeolite and comparisons are also made with temperature-resolved X-ray and neutron diffraction data obtained during dehydration. The results reveal four types of hydration site, the populations of which reflect their relative stabilities. It is anticipated that these methods will now be extended to cover a wider range of applications.     

First Steps in Eukaryogenesis: Physical Phenomena in the Origin and Evolution of Chromosome Structure

Our present understanding of the origin and evolution of chromosomes differs considerably from current understanding of the origin and evolution of the cell itself. Chromosome origins have been less prominent in research, as the emphasis has not shifted so far appreciably from the phenomenon of primeval nucleic acid encapsulation to that of the origin of gene organization, expression, and regulation. In this work we discuss some reasons why preliminary steps in this direction are being taken. We have been led to examine properties that have contributed to raise the ancestral prokaryotic programmes to a level where we can appreciate in eukaryotes a clear departure from earlier themes in the evolution of the cell from the last common ancestor. We shift our point of view from evolution of cell morphology to the point of view of the genes. In particular, we focus attention on possible physical bases for the way transmission of information has evolved in eukaryotes, namely, the inactivation of whole chromosomes. The special case of the inactivation of the X chromosome in mammals is discussed, paying particular attention to the physical process of the spread of X inactivation in monotremes (platypus and echidna). When experimental data is unavailable some theoretical analysis is possible based on the idea that in certain cases collective phenomena in genetics, rather than chemical detail, are better correlates of complex chemical processes.     

Natural Ageing: Poly(A) Polymerase in Germinating Embryos of Triticum durum Wheat

The viability of seeds is associated with ageing and storageconditions. A loss of viability is accompanied by slow germination,reduced growth, and a decline in protein and poly(A)⁺RNA synthesis.This paper reports on the activity of poly(A) polymerase indry and germinating embryos of Triticum durum Desf. cv. Cappellicaryopses of different ages and viability. The enzyme was presentas a single form during ageing and germination. The poly(A)polymerase was active at decreasing levels in all aged dry embryos,in parallel with loss of viability. Its activity strongly increasedduring the germination only in viable embryos. The observedincrease was due to de novo synthesis of the enzyme. Poly(A)polymerase synthesis was low during germination of less viableembryos and absent in older ones. Reduced poly(A) polymeraseactivity in dry or germinated wheat embryos may cause a shorteningof poly(A) chains in vitro and a decline in poly(A)⁺RNA synthesis.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Triticum durum Desf. cv. Cappelli, wheat, embryo, natural ageing, poly(A) polymerase     

耐盐突变体小麦后代耐盐稳定性分析研究

以卫星搭载小麦种子为原始材料,利用其幼穗、幼胚诱导的愈伤组织进行耐盐突变体的筛选,对耐盐愈伤组织再生植株后代进行耐盐稳定性生理生化特性分析。结果表明：(1)耐盐系后代在土壤高盐浓度条件下,游离脯氨酸含量稳定增加,且高于对照系;(2)耐盐系再生植株后代保持较高的K^ ／Na^ 比;(3)与对照相比,种子醇溶蛋白电泳带谱中的b2,b3,b5,b7带为耐盐系所特有,b8带消失;(4)耐盐系再生植株后代可溶蛋白电泳带为26条,而对照系为23条蛋白带。其中98kD、75kD、52kD、49kD和32kD为耐盐系的特有蛋白带。而38kD和35kD蛋白带为对照系所特有。     

An InCytes from MBC Selection: Specificity of Cytoplasmic Dynein Subunits in Discrete Membrane-trafficking Steps

The cytoplasmic dynein motor complex is known to exist in multiple forms, but few specific functions have been assigned to individual subunits. A key limitation in the analysis of dynein in intact mammalian cells has been the reliance on gross perturbation of dynein function, e.g., inhibitory antibodies, depolymerization of the entire microtubule network, or the use of expression of dominant negative proteins that inhibit dynein indirectly. Here, we have used RNAi and automated image analysis to define roles for dynein subunits in distinct membrane-trafficking processes. Depletion of a specific subset of dynein subunits, notably LIC1 (DYNC1LI1) but not LIC2 (DYNC1LI2), recapitulates a direct block of ER export, revealing that dynein is required to maintain the steady-state composition of the Golgi, through ongoing ER-to-Golgi transport. Suppression of LIC2 but not of LIC1 results in a defect in recycling endosome distribution and cytokinesis. Biochemical analyses also define the role of each subunit in stabilization of the dynein complex; notably, suppression of DHC1 or IC2 results in concomitant loss of Tctex1. Our data demonstrate that LIC1 and LIC2 define distinct dynein complexes that function at the Golgi versus recycling endosomes, respectively, suggesting that functional populations of dynein mediate discrete intracellular trafficking pathways.     

Folding Steps in the Fibrillation of Functional Amyloid: Denaturant Sensitivity Reveals Common Features in Nucleation and Elongation

Functional bacterial amyloids (FuBA) are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) which rapidly and efficiently aggregate, forming extremely stable fibrils. The conversion from IDP to amyloid is evolutionarily optimized and likely couples folding to association. Many FuBA contain several imperfect repeat sequences which contribute to the stability of mature FuBA fibrils. Aggregation can be considered an intermolecular extension of the process of intramolecular protein folding which has traditionally been studied using chemical denaturants. Here we employ denaturants to investigate folding steps during fibrillation of CsgA and FapC. We quantify protein compactification (i.e. the extent of burial of otherwise exposed surface area upon association of proteins) during different stages of fibrillation based on the dependence of fibrillation rate constants on the denaturant concentration (m-values) determined from fibrillation curves. For both proteins, urea mainly affects nucleation and elongation (not fragmentation), consistent with the fact that these steps involve both intra- and intermolecular association. The two steps have similar m-values, indicating that activation steps in nucleation and elongation involve the same level of folding. Surprisingly, deletion of two or three repeats from FapC leads to larger m-values (i.e. higher compactification) during the activation step of fibril growth. This observation is extended by SAXS analysis of the fibrils which indicates that weakening of the amyloidogenic core caused by repeat deletions causes a larger portion of normally unstructured regions of the protein to be included into the amyloid backbone. We conclude that the sensitivity of fibrillation to denaturants can provide useful insight into molecular mechanisms of aggregation.     

木荷及其与无患子皂甙抽提物单复配体外抗稻瘟病活性(英文)

来自木荷叶和无患子中果皮的皂甙抽提物对抗稻瘟病原活性被试验。皂甙抽提物体外抑制活性显示了皂甙剂量与抗真菌效果高度相关性。它们的抗稻瘟有效中浓度EC50:木荷叶乙醇抽提物为42.95μg/mL,木荷叶水抽提物为452.91μg/mL,无患子中果皮的甲醇抽提物为95.65μg/mL。一个重要的结果是当上述木荷叶和无患子中果皮醇抽提物以3∶4到15∶8的质量配比时产生了显著的增效抗稻瘟作用,而在其它配比时有相加作用。通过乙醚/丙酮沉析、硅胶柱色谱分离,以及酸水解和薄层过程,检测出木荷抽提物皂甙中含有2种三萜类皂甙元和5种单糖。纯化后的皂甙在150μg/mL时显示了98.28%的抑制率。此研究结果表明:木荷叶抽提物,或木荷叶和无患子中果皮抽提复配物对毁灭性的稻瘟病害具有重要地抗病效果。     

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis in Sea Urchin Embryos: Differential Rates of Accumulation in Chemically-induced Animalized and Vegetalized Larvae

Animalization was induced with evans blue and with Zn⁺⁺ in embryos of Arbacia punctulata and of Lytechinus variegatus , respectively. Li⁺ induced vegetalization in A. punctulata embryos. While animalization did not affect the rate of cleavage, vegetalized embryos exhibited a reduction in cell number at post-morula stages. Mid-gastrulae and corresponding experimental embryos each were labeled for 4 hr with uridine-[5-³H] and with L-[³H-methyl]-methionine. The rate of uptake of each exogenous RNA precursor was similar in control and in experimental embryos. Purified RNA preparations were fractionated by electrophoresis on 2.4% acrylamide+0.5 % agarose gels. Comparison of rates of incorporation of each RNA precursor into 26s and 18s RNAs indicated that on a per cell basis evans blue- and Zn⁺⁺-animalized embryos showed a reduction (0.53–0.56) and Li⁺-vegetalized embryos an enhancement (1.41—1.53) in the rate of accumulation of newly made 26s and 18s RNAs compared to controls (1.00). These results suggest that chemically-induced animalized and vegetalized embryos provide useful tools for studying possible differential gene expression in different embryonic germ layers of the developing sea urchin embryo.