The role of cellular active stresses in shaping the zebrafish body axis

Tissue remodelling and organ shaping during morphogenesis are products of mechanical forces generated at the cellular level. These cell-scale forces can be coordinated across the tissue via information provided by biochemical and mechanical cues. Such coordination leads to the generation of complex tissue shape during morphogenesis. In this short review, we elaborate the role of cellular active stresses in vertebrate axis morphogenesis, primarily using examples from postgastrulation development of the zebrafish embryo.     

Heat stress during development affects immunocompetence in workers,queens and drones of Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Though social insects generally seem to have a reduced individual immunoresponse compared to solitary species, the impact of heat stress on that response has not been studied. In the honey bee, the effect of heat stress on reproductives (queens and males/drones) may also vary compared to workers, but this is currently unknown. Here, we quantified the activity of an enzyme linked to the immune response in insects and known to be affected by heat stress in solitary species: phenoloxidase (PO), in workers, queens and drones of Africanized honey bees (AHBs) experimentally subjected to elevated temperatures during the pupal stage. Additionally, we evaluated this marker in individuals experimentally infected with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Differences in PO activity were found between sexes and castes, with PO activity generally higher in workers and lower in reproductives. Such differences are associated with the likelihood of exposure to infection and the role of different individuals in the colony. Contrary to our expectation, heat stress did not cause an increase in PO activity equally in all classes of individual. Heat stress during the pupal stage significantly decreased the PO activity of AHB queens, but not that of workers or drones, which more frequently engage in extranidal activity. Experimental infection with Metarhizium anisopliae reduced PO activity in queens and workers, but increased it in drones. Notably, heat stressed workers lived significantly shorter after infection despite exhibiting greater PO activity than queens or drones. We suggest that this discrepancy may be related to trade-offs among immune response cascades in honey bees such as between heat shock proteins and defensin peptides used in microbial defence. Our results provide evidence for complex relationships among humoral immune responses in AHBs and suggest that heat stress could result in a reduced life expectancy of individuals.     

Morphological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) associated with resistance to shoot fly,Atherigona approximata Malloch

Shoot flies (Atherigona spp.) are the members of muscidae family which have got economic importance as pest of several crops of Gramineae family mostly cereals and millets. One of the most effective management strategies for controlling shoot fly is the use of resistant wheat cultivars carrying specific resistant traits. Among thirty wheat genotypes screened at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-Karnataka (India), two advanced germplasms UAS BW-12417 and UAS BW-11110 recorded least oviposition and dead heart due to shoot fly and found to be less preferred by Atherigona approximata Malloch. The morphological traits of different wheat genotypes revealed a significant negative correlation of shoot fly oviposition and dead heart with leaf length, leaf length to breadth ratio, seedling height, average seedling growth rate, seedling vigour, leaf glossiness and trichome density of wheat leaves, which indicated the enhanced shoot fly infestation as decrease in the values of above-mentioned morphological traits. Meanwhile, increase in leaf breadth and leaf area of wheat genotype aggrandised the oviposition and dead heart damage by shoot fly. Under the changing climate where, the minor insect pests attaining major pest status, the present investigation would pave way for breeders to tailor future breeding programmes to evolve shoot fly resistant hybrids with high yielding traits.     

A comprehensive multi-directional exploration of phytochemicals and bioactivities of flower extracts from Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L.

Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L. are three ornamental plants that produce colorful flowers. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals and bioactivities of methanolic extracts of flowers from Delonix regia (DrFME), Cassia fistula (CfFME), and Lagerstroemia speciosa (LsFME). The presence of ten different chemical classes in varying degrees was confirmed while qualitatively screened. During quantitative determination, LsFME possesses the highest amount of total phenolic (418.0 mg/g), flavonoid (50.8 mg/g), and tannin (256.3 mg/g) contents. The extracts showed excellent antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent manner with the lowest IC50 value (41.51 μg/mL) displayed by LsFME. LsFME paralyzed the experimental worms at 2.95 min and killed at 3.96 min. DrFME was found to be more effective in thrombolytic (35.5% clot lysis) and anticoagulant activities. Negligible hemolytic activity (IC50 > 200 μg/mL) found for all extracts which suggest their less potential toxicity. The in vivo experiments revealed that the CfFME has the highest analgesic (64.34% pain inhibition) activity while LsFME has the highest antidiarrheal (70.27% inhibition) and antihyperglycemic (46.94% inhibition) activities at 400 mg/kg of body weight doses. This study has shown the presence of phytochemicals and potential bioactivities which indicates the possibility of these flowers to be used as a source of phytochemicals as well as safe and effective natural medicine.     

Differential gene expression associated with flower development of mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties with different shelf-life

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important commercial fruit crop grown in many parts of the world. Major challenges affecting mango trade are short shelf-life, high susceptibility to chilling injury, post-harvest diseases and consumer demand for improved fruit quality. The objective of the present study was to reveal the key regulators present in bud and flower tissues during flower development stage, associated with fruit development and affect the shelf-life of the mango fruit. RNA-sequencing of contrasting genotypes having short and long shelf-life, was carried out. Comparative differential expression pathway studies of long shelf-life (Totapuri) and short shelf-life (Bombay Green) mango genotypes revealed a total of 177 highly differentially expressed genes. Out of 177 total genes, 101 genes from endoplasmic reticulum pathway and very few from gibberellins (3) and jasmonic acid (1) pathway were identified. Genes from endoplasmic reticulum pathway like hsp 90, SRC2, DFRA, CHS, BG3 and ASPG1 mainly up regulated in Bombay Green. Uniprotein B9R8D3 also shows up regulation in Bombay Green. Ethylene insensitive pathway gene EIL1 up regulated in Bombay Green. Gene CAD1 from phenylpropanoid pathway mainly up regulated in Bombay Green. A total of 4 SSRs and 227 SNPs were mined from these pathways specific to the shelf-life. Molecular studies of endoplasmic reticulum, phenylpropanoid, ethylene, polygalacturonase and hormone pathways at the time of bud and flower formation revealed key regulators that determine the shelf-life of mango fruit.     

Optimizing nitrogen supply promotes biomass,physiological characteristics and yield components of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

Avoidable or inappropriate nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates harmfully affect the yield production and ecological value. Therefore, the aims of this study were to optimize the rate and timings of N fertilizer to maximize yield components and photosynthetic parameter of soybean. This field experiment consists of five fertilizer N rates: 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N ha⁻¹ arranged in main plots and four N fertilization timings: V₅ (trifoliate leaf), R₂ (full flowering stage) and R₄ (full poding stage), and R₆ (full seeding stage) growth stages organized as subplots. Results revealed that 225 kg N ha⁻¹ significantly enhanced grain yield components, total chlorophyll (Chl), photosynthetic rate (P_N), and total dry biomass and N accumulation by 20%, 16%, 28%, 7% and 12% at R₄ stage of soybean. However, stomatal conductance (g_s), leaf area index (LAI), intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (E) were increased by 12%, 88%, 10%, 18% at R₆ stage under 225 kg N ha⁻¹. Grain yield was significantly associated with photosynthetic characteristics of soybean. In conclusion, the amount of nitrogen 225 kg ha⁻¹ at R₄ and R₆ stages effectively promoted the yield components and photosynthetic characteristics of soybean.     

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in two-kidney,one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats

BackgroudPeperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth has been used widely to treat headache, kidney disease, fever, and hypertension. Previous in vitro studies discovered that the flavonoid-rich extract of this plant has potential hypotensive effects, specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to validate the result in vivo.PurposeThis study investigated the dose dependencies of the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extract of this plant on blood pressure and biomarkers associated with the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone systems (RAAS), such as angiotensin II (AII) and the plasma renin concentration (PRC).Study designIn total, 30 two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive model rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 each): model group, captopril 25 mg/kg BW group, and three different ethyl acetate groups (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW). Another six rats comprised the sham group.MethodsRenal hypertensive rats (RHRs) were generated using stainless steel modification clips. Drugs were administered via oral gavage for 2 consecutive weeks. Blood pressure was measured weekly prior to treatment. Blood samples were collected before treatment and after the last dose to measure AII and PRC. The left kidney was isolated for histopathological examination.ResultsBlood pressure, AII levels, and PRC were elevated after 6 weeks in RHRs. Treatment with captopril and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. pellucida (L.) Kunth decreased blood pressure, AII levels, and PRC. The ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW had similar ACE-inhibitory effects as captopril. Histopathological examination disclosed coagulative necrosis in clipped kidneys. Impairment was alleviated in a dose-dependent manner by P. pellucida (L.) Kunth, similarly as observed in the captopril group.ConclusionP. pellucida (L.) Kunth targets the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which might explain its antihypertensive effects.     

Regulation of nutrient transporters by metabolic and environmental stresses

The yeast plasma membrane is a selective barrier between an erratic environment and the cell's metabolism. Nutrient transporters are the gatekeepers that control the import of molecules feeding into the metabolic pathways. Nutrient import adjusts rapidly to changes in metabolism and the environment, which is accomplished by regulating the surface expression of transporters. Recent studies indicate that the lipid environment in which transporters function regulates ubiquitination efficiency and endocytosis of these proteins. Changes in the lipid environment are caused by lateral movements of the transporters between different membrane domains and by the influence of the extracellular environment on the fluidity of the plasma membrane.     

Comparative study of the antioxidant activity of the essential oils of five plants against the H2O2 induced stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The purpose of this work was to investigate the protective effect of five essential oils (EOs); Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum compactum Benth., Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Ocimum basilicum L.; against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated and the protective effect of EOs was investigated. Yeast cells were pretreated with different concentrations of EOs (6.25–25 µg/ml) for an hour then incubated with H₂O₂ (2 mM) for an additional hour. Cell viability, antioxidants (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione reductase) and metabolic (Succinate dehydrogenase) enzymes, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl content (PCO) were evaluated. The chemical composition of EOs has shown the difference qualitatively and quantitatively. Indeed, O. compactum mainly contained Carvacrol, O. basilicum was mainly composed of Linalool, T. vulgaris was rich in thymol, R. officinalis had high α-Pinene amount and for E. globulus, eucalyptol was the major compound. The EOs of basil, oregano and thyme were found to possess the highest amount of total phenolic compounds. Moreover, they have shown the best protective effect on yeast cells against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. In addition, in a dose dependent manner of EOs in yeast medium, treated cells had lower levels of LPO, lower antioxidant and metabolic enzymes activity than cells exposed to H₂O₂ only. The cell viability was also improved. It seems that the studied EOs are efficient natural antioxidants, which can be exploited to protect against damages and serious diseases related to oxidative stress.     

LRP1 loss in airway epithelium exacerbates smoke-induced oxidative damage and airway remodeling

The LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) partakes in metabolic and signaling events regulated in a tissue-specific manner. The function of LRP1 in airways has not been studied. We aimed to study the function of LRP1 in smoke-induced disease. We found that bronchial epithelium of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and airway epithelium of mice exposed to smoke had increased LRP1 expression. We then knocked out LRP1 in human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro and in airway epithelial club cells in mice. In vitro, LRP1 knockdown decreased cell migration and increased transforming growth factor β activation. Tamoxifen-inducible airway-specific LRP1 knockout mice (club Lrp1^?/?) induced after complete lung development had increased inflammation in the bronchoalveolar space and lung parenchyma at baseline. After 6 months of smoke exposure, club Lrp1^?/? mice showed a combined restrictive and obstructive phenotype, with lower compliance, inspiratory capacity, and forced expiratory volume_0.05/forced vital capacity than WT smoke-exposed mice. This was associated with increased values of Ashcroft fibrotic index. Proteomic analysis of room air exposed-club Lrp1^?/? mice showed significantly decreased levels of proteins involved in cytoskeleton signaling and xenobiotic detoxification as well as decreased levels of glutathione. The proteome fingerprint created by smoke eclipsed many of the original differences, but club Lrp1^?/? mice continued to have decreased lung glutathione levels and increased protein oxidative damage and airway cell proliferation. Therefore, LRP1 deficiency leads to greater lung inflammation and damage and exacerbates smoke-induced lung disease.     

Zonal expression of StARD1 and oxidative stress in alcoholic-related liver disease

Alcoholic-related liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and morbidity. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of ALD is still incompletely understood. StARD1 has emerged as a key player in other etiologies of chronic liver disease, and alcohol-induced liver injury exhibits zonal distribution. Here, we report that StARD1 is predominantly expressed in perivenous (PV) zone of liver sections from mice-fed chronic and acute-on-chronic ALD models compared to periportal (PP) area and is observed as early as 10 days of alcohol feeding. Ethanol and chemical hypoxia induced the expression of StARD1 in isolated primary mouse hepatocytes. The zonal-dependent expression of StARD1 resulted in the accumulation of cholesterol in mitochondria and increased lipid peroxidation in PV hepatocytes compared to PP hepatocytes, effects that were abrogated in PV hepatocytes upon hepatocyte-specific Stard1 KO mice. Transmission electron microscopy indicated differential glycogen and lipid droplets content between PP and PV areas, and alcohol feeding decreased glycogen content in both areas while increased lipid droplets content preferentially in PV zone. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria from PV zone exhibited reduced length with respect to PP area, and alcohol feeding increased mitochondrial number, particularly, in PV zone. Extracellular flux analysis indicated lower maximal respiration and spared respiratory capacity in control PV hepatocytes that were reversed upon alcohol feeding. These findings reveal a differential morphology and functional activity of mitochondria between PP and PV hepatocytes following alcohol feeding and that StARD1 may play a key role in the zonal-dependent liver injury characteristic of ALD.     

Genetic diversity in nutritional composition of oat (Avena sativa L.) germplasm reported from Pakistan

In the present study, 30 potential germplasm of oat (Avena sativa L.) were subjected to proximate, elemental, and HPLC analysis to provide a scientific basis to genetic diversity present among them. The extracts of the selected germplasms were also evaluated for their antioxidant potentials through DPPH and ABTS assays. Proximate analysis showed protein contents to be in the range 8.35–17.72% with the highest protein contents in the accession line 22,365 (17.72 ± 0.38%). The genotype-725 showed the highest carbohydrate, and dry matter (53.35 ± 0.01 and 93.50 ± 0.07% respectively) contents whereas, the germplasm-830 contained the highest fat (7.88 ± 0.12%) contents while the highest moisture contents were there in germplasm-22348 (11.95 ± 0.06%). The crude fiber contents (19.67 ± 0.19%) were found high in germplasm-832. The mentioned contents were also correlated to each other where a negative (?0.431*) correlation was noted for crude protein and carbohydrate while ash content to crude protein has a positive (0.38*) correlation. A positive and a negative correlation were there in Crude fats/crude protein (0.30*) and crude fats/moisture contents (?0.39*) respectively. Principal component analysis showed an Eigenvalue of 0.76 with a total variation of 85.01% when applied to proximate components. Based on cluster analysis to proximate composition all the oat germplasms were divided into 5 sub-clusters, where accession numbers 769 and 817 were found to be the most diverse genotypes. The elemental analysis confirmed the presence of magnesium (2.89–7.62 mg/L), sodium (3.71–8.03 mg/L), manganese (0.93–3.71 mg/L), copper (0.35–3.36 mg/L), iron (2.15–6.82 mg/L), zinc (1.30–3.37 mg/L), chromium (0.37–3.34 mg/L), and potassium (50.70–59.60 mg/L) in the selected germplasms. Principal component analysis for elemental composition showed the total variation of 73.75% with the Eigenvalue of 0.97. Cluster analysis on an elemental basis divided all the oat germplasms into 7 sub-clusters where accession numbers 769 and 22,350 were found to be the most diverse germplasm. Phytochemical analysis performed through HPLC resulted in the identification of nine possible compounds (malic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, morin, ellagic acid, catechin hydrate, rutin, pyrogallol, and mandelic acid) in various germplasm of oat. A concentration-dependent antioxidant response was recorded when extracts were tested as an inhibitor of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. The results revealed that oat grains are a good source of nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals that can be used as nutraceuticals and as food. The genetic differences revealed that this plant can be grown under varied environmental conditions.     

Thiol antioxidants protect human lens epithelial (HLE B-3) cells against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage and cytotoxicity

Oxidative damage to lens epithelial cells plays an important role in the development of age-related cataract, and the health of the lens has important implications for overall ocular health. As a result, there is a need for effective therapeutic agents that prevent oxidative damage to the lens. Thiol antioxidants such as tiopronin or N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine (MPG), N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and exogenous glutathione (GSH) may be promising candidates for this purpose, but their ability to protect lens epithelial cells is not well understood. The effectiveness of these compounds was compared by exposing human lens epithelial cells (HLE B-3) to the chemical oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) and treating the cells with each of the antioxidant compounds. MTT cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and levels of intracellular GSH, the most important antioxidant in the lens, were measured after treatment. All four compounds provided some degree of protection against tBHP-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Cells treated with NACA exhibited the highest viability after exposure to tBHP, as well as decreased ROS and increased intracellular GSH. Exogenous GSH also preserved viability and increased intracellular GSH levels. MPG scavenged significant amounts of ROS, and NAC increased intracellular GSH levels. Our results suggest that both scavenging ROS and increasing GSH may be necessary for effective protection of lens epithelial cells. Further, the compounds tested may be useful for the development of therapeutic strategies that aim to prevent oxidative damage to the lens.     

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of pharmacological activities of Adenia trilobata (Roxb.)

Adenia trilobata, locally known as akandaphal in Bangladesh, has some traditional uses. Leaves and stems extracted with pure methanol (MEATL, MEATS) and fractioned by n-hexane (NFATL, NFATS), which was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of four extracts showed the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, carbohydrate, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, flavonol, and saponins. All four extracts of A. trilobata, exhibited a strong antioxidant activity while a moderately (MEATS = 328 μg/mL) to weakly toxic (NFATL = 616.85 μg/mL) LC₅₀ observed in brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In thrombolytic test, MEATL (18.54 ± 2.18%; P < 0.01) and MEATS (25.58 ± 4.76%; P < 0.0001) showed significant percentage of clot lysis in human blood. The in vivo analgesic activity carried by acetic acid test and formalin test, while the antidiarrheal activity assayed by two standard methods e.g., castor oil-induced diarrhea and castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility. Both, in vivo model, showed an extremely significant (P < 0.0001) dose-dependent manner percentage of inhibition in comparison to the control group. Present results suggested, A. trilobata could be a potential source for antioxidative, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, analgesic, antidiarrheal agents which require further study to identify the mechanism of A. trilobata.     

Hepatic oxidative stress,up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines,apoptotic and oncogenic markers following 2-methoxyethanol administrations in rats

2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) is an organic solvent widely used in the manufacture of brake fluids, paints, resins, varnish, nail polish, acetate cellulose, wood coloring, and as a plasticizer in plastics manufacturing. We therefore, investigated its effect on the liver, in a time-course study in male Wistar rats. Animals were orally administered 50 mg/kg body weight of 2-ME for a period of 7, 14, and 21 days. Following 7 days of administration of 2-ME, there was a significant increase in the level of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and GPx activity, while the levels of Bcl-2, NO and GSH were significantly reduced compared with control. At the end of 14 days exposure, Bcl-2, and GSH levels, as well as GST activity, were significantly decreased, while levels of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and NO were significantly increased compared with control. After 21 days of 2-ME administration, Bcl-2, IL-10, and GSH levels, as well as SOD and GST activities, were significantly decreased, while levels of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, caspase-3, p53, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and NO were significantly increased compared with control. Lastly, liver histopathology confirmed and corroborated the biochemical findings reported above. We therefore, advised that exposures to 2-ME should be strictly avoided as it could trigger hepatic damage through the disorganization of the antioxidant system, up-regulation of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oncogenic markers in rats.     

Prioritizing conservation areas and vulnerability analyses of the genus Pinus L. (Pinaceae) in Mexico

Mexico hosts the highest species richness of pines (Pinus, Pinaceae) worldwide; however, the priority areas for their conservation in the country are unknown. In this study, the ecological niche of the 50 native pine species was modeled. Then, through a multi-criteria analysis, the priority areas for the conservation of the genus Pinus were identified according to the spatial patterns of richness, geographic rareness, irreplaceability, the level of vulnerability of their habitat and the status of legal protection. The results revealed that the regions with high species richness differed from those with high endemism. Also, most pine species have undergone processes of habitat degradation, having been the endemic species the most affected. The priority areas covered regions with high species richness, high endemism, and highly degraded forests, located at mountainous portions of the Baja California Peninsula, the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and the Sierra Madre del Sur. A low proportion of priority areas overlapped with protected areas or terrestrial regions considered priorities for biological conservation. These results suggest that conservation efforts for this genus should be focused beyond regions with high species richness and current protected areas. Besides, the priority areas identified in this study can be the basis to create biological corridors and new protected areas, which could contribute significantly to the conservation of this genus in Mexico.     

Distinct roles in phagocytosis of the early and late increases of cell surface calreticulin induced by oxaliplatin

Calreticulin (CRT), a chaperone typically located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is known to translocate to the cell surface in response to anticancer drugs. Cell surface CRT (ecto-CRT) on apoptotic or pre-apoptotic cells serves as an “eat me” signal that can promote phagocytosis. In this study, we observed the biphasic (early transient and late sustained) increase of ecto-CRT on HT-29 cells after treatment with oxaliplatin (L-OHP). To investigate the role of ecto-CRT that accumulates in the early and late phases as “eat me” signals, we examined the phagocytosis of HT-29 cells by macrophage-like cells and dendritic cell (DC) -like cells prepared from THP-1 cells. The results indicated that the early ecto-CRT-expressed cells were phagocytosed by immature DC-like cells, and the late ecto-CRT-expressed cells were phagocytosed primarily by macrophage-like cells, while mature DC-like cells did not respond to the either class of ecto-CRT-expressed cells. Both types of phagocytotic events were inhibited by CRT Blocking Peptide, suggesting that such events depended on the ecto-CRT. Our results suggested that the early increase of ecto-CRT is related to phagocytosis as part of immunogenic cell death (ICD), while the late increase of ecto-CRT is related to the removal of apoptotic cells by macrophages.     

Morphological and molecular analyses of Leafhopper,Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) infesting eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Luzon Island,Philippines

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is the leading vegetable grown and consumed in the Philippines, and the eggplant leafhopper is one of its most important insect pests. Nine local populations of leafhopper infesting eggplants were collected from major eggplant growing areas in Luzon Island to determine if these populations are constituted singly or by different species and to assess the level of variability among them. Morphological analysis of the adult male abdominal and genital traits and partial mitochondrial COI gene sequence identified the eggplant leafhopper populations in Luzon Island as belonging to Amrasca (=Sundapteryx) biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera:Cicadelliae). Observed male specimens exhibited modifications in the pregenital abdominal tergites VII and VIII that were previously reported to not be found in other Amrasca species. Principal Component Analysis of four morphometric genital traits revealed high similarity among the leafhopper populations regardless of eggplant production areas. Partial COI sequence analysis idenfitied 11 sequence variants (haplotypes), with one predominant haplotype. Overall, the leafhopper populations from Luzon Island exhibited moderate haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity, indicating low genetic diversity. Topologies from a maximum likelihood tree indicate all eleven haplotypes cluster in a single clade with other A. biguttula infesting cotton and potato in India, but the Philippine population forms a separate subgroup although with weak bootstrap support. Further analysis with the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) method classified the different haplotypes into a single GMYC entity.