Allene oxide synthase: a major control point in Arabidopsis thaliana octadecanoid signalling

The analysis of allene oxide synthase (AOS) mRNA levels, of AOS polypeptide levels and specific enzymatic activities, as well as the quantitative determination of the levels of the octadecanoids cis-12-oxophytodienoic acid (cis-OPDA) and JA following a number of treatments, has shown that AOS is a regulatory site in octadecanoid biosynthesis in A. thaliana. AOS activity, mRNA and polypeptide levels are increased in wounded leaves locally and systemically. The methyl esters of OPDA or JA (OPDAME, JAME) and coronatine, are strong inducers of AOS mRNA, polypeptide and enzymatic activity. Ethephon also induces AOS activity. Salicylic acid (SA) was an inducer of AOS activity while abscisic acid (ABA) had no effect. At the level of the octadecanoids, the consequences of induction of AOS by the different inducers were distinctly different, depending on the nature of the inducer. Wounding led to a strong, bi-phasic accumulation of JA in wounded leaves and to a less pronounced increase in JA-levels in systemic leaves. Levels of OPDA changed very little in wounded leaves and remained constant or even declined in systemic leaves. Ethephon treatment resulted in a strong, transient increase in JA-levels kinetically coinciding with the second, more pronounced peak in wound-induced JA. In SA-treated leaves, the level of cis-OPDA increased throughout the experimental period while there was no effect on JA levels during the first 24 h following treatment and only a slight accumulation after 48 h. Clearly, mechanisms in addition to regulating substrate (LA) availability and the regulation of AOS accumulation control the output of the octadecanoid pathway.     

High‐throughput respiration screening of single mitochondrial substrates using permeabilized CHO cells highlights control of mitochondria metabolism

Respiration analysis using isolated mitochondria and electrochemical oxygen sensing has contributed significantly to the knowledge about mitochondrial metabolism, which is involved in energy generation but also in ageing and numerous diseases. Here, we present a high‐throughput respiration screening for functional in situ mitochondrial studies in permeabilized Chinese hamster ovary cells. The determination of oxygen uptake rates allowed a quantitative comparison between different conditions and a distinction of substrates into three groups providing an insight into tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle regulation. The mitochondrial metabolization of citrate, isocitrate, glutamine, and glutamate was highly stimulated by ADP supply. In contrast, the metabolization of α‐ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate, and malate was little controlled by the energy and redox state. Metabolization of pyruvate was very strictly regulated by several independent mechanisms: phosphorylation, feedback inhibition, but also by the availability of CoA. A moderate stimulation of pyruvate metabolization was accomplished by feeding both pyruvate and aspartate simultaneously. The presented high‐throughput respiration screening provides comprehensive information about the effect of single or mixed substrates on mitochondrial metabolic activities, including transport and TCA cycle regulation, and metabolic bottlenecks. This supports the design of efficient mammalian producer strains or feeding strategies, but also the investigation of pathological and toxicological effects related to mitochondrial metabolism.     

DNA Methylation Landscapes of Human Fetal Development

Remodelling the methylome is a hallmark of mammalian development and cell differentiation. However, current knowledge of DNA methylation dynamics in human tissue specification and organ development largely stems from the extrapolation of studies in vitro and animal models. Here, we report on the DNA methylation landscape using the 450k array of four human tissues (amnion, muscle, adrenal and pancreas) during the first and second trimester of gestation (9,18 and 22 weeks). We show that a tissue-specific signature, constituted by tissue-specific hypomethylated CpG sites, was already present at 9 weeks of gestation (W9). Furthermore, we report large-scale remodelling of DNA methylation from W9 to W22. Gain of DNA methylation preferentially occurred near genes involved in general developmental processes, whereas loss of DNA methylation mapped to genes with tissue-specific functions. Dynamic DNA methylation was associated with enhancers, but not promoters. Comparison of our data with external fetal adrenal, brain and liver revealed striking similarities in the trajectory of DNA methylation during fetal development. The analysis of gene expression data indicated that dynamic DNA methylation was associated with the progressive repression of developmental programs and the activation of genes involved in tissue-specific processes. The DNA methylation landscape of human fetal development provides insight into regulatory elements that guide tissue specification and lead to organ functionality.     

The Centrosomal Linker and Microtubules Provide Dual Levels of Spatial Coordination of Centrosomes

The centrosome is the principal microtubule organizing center in most animal cells. It consists of a pair of centrioles surrounded by pericentriolar material. The centrosome, like DNA, duplicates exactly once per cell cycle. During interphase duplicated centrosomes remain closely linked by a proteinaceous linker. This centrosomal linker is composed of rootletin filaments that are anchored to the centrioles via the protein C-Nap1. At the onset of mitosis the linker is dissolved by Nek2A kinase to support the formation of the bipolar mitotic spindle. The importance of the centrosomal linker for cell function during interphase awaits characterization. Here we assessed the phenotype of human RPE1 C-Nap1 knockout (KO) cells. The absence of the linker led to a modest increase in the average centrosome separation from 1 to 2.5 μm. This small impact on the degree of separation is indicative of a second level of spatial organization of centrosomes. Microtubule depolymerisation or stabilization in C-Nap1 KO cells dramatically increased the inter-centrosomal separation (> 8 μm). Thus, microtubules position centrosomes relatively close to one another in the absence of linker function. C-Nap1 KO cells had a Golgi organization defect with a two-fold expansion of the area occupied by the Golgi. When the centrosomes of C-Nap1 KO cells showed considerable separation, two spatially distinct Golgi stacks could be observed. Furthermore, migration of C-Nap1 KO cells was slower than their wild type RPE1 counterparts. These data show that the spatial organization of centrosomes is modulated by a combination of centrosomal cohesion and microtubule forces. Furthermore a modest increase in centrosome separation has major impact on Golgi organization and cell migration.     

Depression,Anxiety and Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors of Malignant Melanoma: A Register-Based Cohort Study

Aim

The purpose of the study was to determine anxiety and depression, quality of life, and their determinants in long-term survivors of malignant melanoma.

Methods

In a state cancer registry a cohort of survivors of malignant melanoma was contacted via the physician registered. Of 1302 contactable patients, 689 (52.2%) completed a questionnaire including the Patient Health Questionnaire with generalized anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9) and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ 30). Based on multiple regression analysis, predictors of quality of life and distress were identified. Comparison data were assessed in two waves of representative face-to-face household surveys of the adult German population.

Results

An average of 8.4 (5.7 to 12.2) years after diagnosis, distress was higher in women compared to men and in middle adulthood (vs. older patients). Symptoms were higher in women than in men, and there was a decline of functioning and increase of symptoms across the age range of both genders. Compared to the general population, there were slightly increased depression and anxiety (only women), but no impaired global quality of life. Yet, survivors evidenced functional decline and more physical symptoms. Distress and reduced quality of life were consistently predicted by lack of social support, fear of recurrence, pessimism and self-blame. Distress was increased by a family history of melanoma, and additional mental and somatic diseases.

Conclusion

Overall, long-term survivors have adjusted well achieving a global quality of life comparable to the general population. Yet, compromised functional dimensions, physical symptoms and distress indicate the need for integrating psychooncological screening into oncological follow-up, which might be guided by predictors such as family history or social support. Further prospective study is needed to determine the course of adaptation to the disease and corroborate the risk factors identified.     

Ecosystem Engineering by Plants on Wave-Exposed Intertidal Flats Is Governed by Relationships between Effect and Response Traits

In hydrodynamically stressful environments, some species—known as ecosystem engineers—are able to modify the environment for their own benefit. Little is known however, about the interaction between functional plant traits and ecosystem engineering. We studied the responses of Scirpus tabernaemontani and Scirpus maritimus to wave impact in full-scale flume experiments. Stem density and biomass were used to predict the ecosystem engineering effect of wave attenuation. Also the drag force on plants, their bending angle after wave impact and the stem biomechanical properties were quantified as both responses of stress experienced and effects on ecosystem engineering. We analyzed lignin, cellulose, and silica contents as traits likely effecting stress resistance (avoidance, tolerance). Stem density and biomass were strong predictors for wave attenuation, S. maritimus showing a higher effect than S. tabernaemontani. The drag force and drag force per wet frontal area both differed significantly between the species at shallow water depths (20 cm). At greater depths (35 cm), drag forces and bending angles were significantly higher for S. maritimus than for S. tabernaemontani. However, they do not differ in drag force per wet frontal area due to the larger plant surface of S. maritimus. Stem resistance to breaking and stem flexibility were significantly higher in S. tabernaemontani, having a higher cellulose concentration and a larger cross-section in its basal stem parts. S. maritimus had clearly more lignin and silica contents in the basal stem parts than S. tabernaemontani. We concluded that the effect of biomass seems more relevant for the engineering effect of emergent macrophytes with leaves than species morphology: S. tabernaemontani has avoiding traits with minor effects on wave attenuation; S. maritimus has tolerating traits with larger effects. This implies that ecosystem engineering effects are directly linked with traits affecting species stress resistance and responding to stress experienced.     

Resilience in the General Population: Standardization of the Resilience Scale (RS-11)

Background

The objectives of the study were to generate normative data for the RS-11 for different age groups for men and women and to further investigate the construct validity and factor structure in the general population.

Methods

Nationally representative face-to face household surveys were conducted in Germany in 2006 (n = 5,036).

Results

Normative data for the RS-11 were generated for men and women (53.7% female) and different age levels (mean age (SD) of 48.4 (18.0) years). Men had significantly higher mean scores compared with women (60.0 [SD = 10.2] vs. 59.3 [SD = 11.0]). Results of CFA supported a one-factor model of resilience. Self-esteem (standardized β = .50) and life satisfaction (standardized β =.20) were associated with resilience.

Conclusions

The normative data provide a framework for the interpretation and comparisons of resilience with other populations. Results demonstrate a special importance of self-esteem in the understanding of resilience.     

Eye Movement Deficits Are Consistent with a Staging Model of pTDP-43 Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background

The neuropathological process underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be traced as a four-stage progression scheme of sequential corticofugal axonal spread. The examination of eye movement control gains deep insights into brain network pathology and provides the opportunity to detect both disturbance of the brainstem oculomotor circuitry as well as executive deficits of oculomotor function associated with higher brain networks.

Objective

To study systematically oculomotor characteristics in ALS and its underlying network pathology in order to determine whether eye movement deterioration can be categorized within a staging system of oculomotor decline that corresponds to the neuropathological model.

Methods

Sixty-eight ALS patients and 31 controls underwent video-oculographic, clinical and neuropsychological assessments.

Results

Oculomotor examinations revealed increased anti- and delayed saccades’ errors, gaze-palsy and a cerebellary type of smooth pursuit disturbance. The oculomotor disturbances occurred in a sequential manner: Stage 1, only executive control of eye movements was affected. Stage 2 indicates disturbed executive control plus ‘genuine’ oculomotor dysfunctions such as gaze-paly. We found high correlations (p<0.001) between the oculomotor stages and both, the clinical presentation as assessed by the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) score, and cognitive scores from the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS).

Conclusions

Dysfunction of eye movement control in ALS can be characterized by a two-staged sequential pattern comprising executive deficits in Stage 1 and additional impaired infratentorial oculomotor control pathways in Stage 2. This pattern parallels the neuropathological staging of ALS and may serve as a technical marker of the neuropathological spreading.     

Automated solvent artifact removal and base plane correction of multidimensional NMR protein spectra by AUREMOL-SSA

Strong solvent signals lead to a disappearance of weak protein signals close to the solvent resonance frequency and to base plane variations all over the spectrum. AUREMOL-SSA provides an automated approach for solvent artifact removal from multidimensional NMR protein spectra. Its core algorithm is based on singular spectrum analysis (SSA) in the time domain and is combined with an automated base plane correction in the frequency domain. The performance of the method has been tested on synthetic and experimental spectra including two-dimensional NOESY and TOCSY spectra and a three-dimensional ¹H,¹³C-HCCH-TOCSY spectrum. It can also be applied to frequency domain spectra since an optional inverse Fourier transformation is included in the algorithm.     

Optical device for parallel online measurement of dissolved oxygen and pH in shake flask cultures

We describe a new device with parallel optical measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH in up to nine shake flasks applicable in any conventional shaking incubator. Measurement ranges are 0–500% of air saturation for oxygen and 5.5–8.5 for pH. It was used to characterize growth profiles of different l-lysine producing strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and of Escherichia coli. Cultures in unbaffled flasks were highly reproducible. Oxygen limitation was indicated online which is particularly important when cultivating fast growing cells as E. coli. C. glutamicum strains showed distinct characteristic patterns of DO and pH indicating biological events. During the cultivation of S. cerevisiae on glucose, fructose and galactose, oxygen uptake rate was determined using the predetermined value of k _L a. pH measurement was used to determine the minimum buffer requirement for a culture of C. glutamicum.