<Superscript>1</Superscript>H, <Superscript>13</Superscript>C and <Superscript>15</Superscript>N chemical shift assignment of lissencephaly-1 homology (LisH) domain homodimer of human two-hybrid-associated protein 1 with RanBPM (Twa1)

The CTLH complex is a large, highly conserved eukaryotic complex composed of eight proteins that has been associated to several cellular functions, more often described as an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex involved in protein degradation through ubiquitination but also via vacuole-dependent degradation. A common feature observed in several components of this complex is the presence of the domains lissencephaly-1 homology (LisH) and C-terminal to LisH (CTLH). The LisH domain is found in several proteins involved in chromosome segregation, microtubule dynamics, and cell migration. Also, this domain participates in protein dimerization, besides affecting protein half-life, and influencing in specific cellular localization. Among the proteins found in the CTLH complex, Twa1 (Two-hybrid-associated protein 1 with RanBPM), also known as Gid8 (glucose-induced degradation protein 8 homolog) is the smallest, being a good model for structural studies by NMR. In this work we report the chemical shift assignments of the homodimeric LisH domain of Twa1, as a first step to determine its solution structure.     

Evaluation of seven viral isolates as potential biocontrol agents against Pseudoplusia includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) caterpillars

The caterpillar Pseudoplusia includens (Walker, 1857) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), known as soybean looper, is a pest that has recently assumed greater importance in soybean in Brazil. Isolates of nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) of this pest have been identified from cotton in Guatemala and soybean farms in Brazil, providing an interesting perspective of potential use of viral insecticide against the insect in lieu to chemical insecticides. With the objective to contribute to the characterization studies of this virus, morphological and molecular analyses and biological activity were carried out with seven P. includens viral isolates (I-A to I-G). Electron microscopy of viral samples, purified from macerated infected larvae, showed particles with typical morphology of the Baculoviridae family, genus Alphabaculovirus (Nucleopolyhedrovirus - NPV) presenting virions with only a single nucleocapsid per envelope (SNPV) occluded in a protein matrix, forming occlusion bodies (OB). This virus was then classified as P. includens single nucleopolyhedrovirus (PsinSNPV). OB particles analyzed in SDS-polyacrylamide gel showed an intense band corresponding in size to NPV polyhedrin protein. DNA restriction profiles of the PsinSNPV isolates showed differences in the fragment size and number suggesting the existence of genotypic variants, except between I-E and I-F profiles that were similar. Among the isolates tested for infectivity against P. includens, I-A, I-E and I-F were the most virulent. Survival times (ST₅₀) varied according to viral concentration, with significant differences among isolates for the three higher concentrations.     

Climate change and the ecophysiology of Bertholletia excelsa seedlings

Plant Growth Regulation - The Bertholletia excelsa a species native to the Amazon region of great national and international interest, mainly for the nutritional benefits of its seeds. However,...     

Presence,localization and morphology of TELOCYTES in developmental gonads of fishes

Telocytes are a new defined type of interstitial cells, considered as a stem cell, with very long and thin cytoplasmic extensions. They are present in the vertebrates, and may participate in tissue remodeling. In fish, during gonadal development, the events that culminate with the germinal epithelium formation are well known. However, the interstitial compartment remains poorly explored, although it may have a great contribution to the morpho-functional changes that occur in the gonad. As in other organisms, in fish, the interstitium consists especially of connective tissue elements. However, until now, there are no reports of the presence and the action of the telocytes in the connective tissue of gonads of fish. Thus, this study aimed to detect the presence, localization and morphology of telocytes during the gonadal development of several species of fish. The gonads were analyzed by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for localization of CD34, Vimentin, and metalloproteinases. The presence of two proteins characteristics of mesenchymal cell was detected in cells of the gonads of all species. In addition, they presented a typical morphology of telocytes, showing cellular extensions. Gonadal telocytes also presented positive response to metalloproteinases. In mammals, telocytes can undergo de-differentiation contributing to the reorganization of the extracellular matrix. This role may be performed by the metalloproteinases detected here. The detection of Vimentin and CD34 in the same cellular type, associated with its morphological characteristics, allows us to conclude that some interstitial cells in Teleostei are considered telocytes, identical to the ones already described in mammals and other vertebrates.     

Efficient isolation and proliferation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in xeno-free conditions

Molecular Biology Reports - Classical methods used for culture of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) use xenobiotic components, which may present a potential risk for biological...     

Activity of the ovarian germinal epithelium in the freshwater catfish,Pimelodus maculatus (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Siluriformes): Germline cysts,follicle formation and oocyte development

Distinct types of oogonia are found in the germinal epithelium that borders the ovarian lamellae of Pimelodus maculatus: A‐undifferentiated, A‐differentiated and B‐oogonia. This is similar to the situation observed for spermatogonia in the vertebrate testis. The single A‐undifferentiated oogonia divide by mitosis giving rise to A‐groups of single differentiated oogonia, each enclosed by epithelial cells that are prefollicle cells. Subsequently, the single A‐differentiated oogonia proliferate to generate B‐oogonia that are interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges, hence, forming germline cysts. The prefollicle cells associated with them also divide. Within the germline cysts, B‐oogonia enter meiosis becoming oocytes. Meiotic prophase and early folliculogenesis occur within the germline cysts. During folliculogenesis, prefollicle cells grow between the oocytes, encompassing and individualizing each of them. The intercellular bridges disappear, and the germline cysts are broken down. Next, a basement membrane begins to form around the nascent follicle, separating an oocyte and its associated prefollicle cells from the cell nest. Folliculogenesis is completed when the oocyte and the now follicle cells are totally encompassed by a basement membrane. Cells derived from the ovarian stroma encompass the newly‐formed ovarian follicle, and become the theca, thereby completing the formation of the follicle complex. Follicle complexes remain attached to the germinal epithelium as they share a portion of basement membrane. This attachment site is where the oocyte is released during ovulation. The postovulatory follicle complex is continuous with the germinal epithelium as both are supported by a continuous basement membrane. The findings in P. maculatus reinforce the hypothesis that ovarian follicle formation represents a conserved process throughout vertebrate evolution. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Fungal Bloodstream Co-infection by Trichosporon asahii in a COVID-19 Critical Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

Mycopathologia - Opportunistic infections are serious complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients, especially co-infections with bacterial and fungal agents. Here we report a rare case of...