The effects of acetosyringone and pH on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation vary according to plant species

Summary Expiants of five plant species (Allium cepa, Antirrhinum majus, Brassica campestris. Glycine max, and Nicotiana tabacum) were co-cultivated with three Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains under different conditions to assess the effects of acetosyringone and medium pH on strain virulence. Tumours were incited on all dicotyledonous species by strains N2/73 and A281. The presence of acetosyringone during co-cultivation generally enhanced the virulence of these strains, most markedly N2/73 on A. majus and G. max, and A281 on G. max. Strain Ach5 was virulent only on N. tabacum in the absence of acetosyringone, which, when present, extended the host range to include A. majus. There was evidence to suggest that acetosyringone may suppress virulence in some strain/plant species interactions. Virulence was affected in some cases by medium pH, but there was no general effect across plant species.Abbreviations T-DNA DNA transferred to plant cells by Agrobacterium - BAP benzyl aminopurine - MS medium Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium     

Adeno-associated virus Rep proteins target DNA sequences to a unique locus in the human genome.

We have developed a system for site-specific DNA integration in human cells, mediated by the adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep proteins. In its normal lysogenic cycle, AAV integrates at a site on human chromosome 19 termed AAVS1. We describe a rapid PCR assay for the detection of integration events at AAVS1 in whole populations of cells. Using this assay, we determined that the AAV Rep proteins, delivered in cis or trans, are required for integration at AAVS1. Only the large forms of the Rep protein, Rep78 and Rep68, promoted site-specific integration. The AAV inverted terminal repeats, present in cis, were not essential for integration at AAVS1, but in cells containing Rep, they increased the efficiency of integration. In the presence of the Rep proteins, the integration of a plasmid containing AAV inverted terminal repeats occurred at high frequency, such that clones containing the plasmid could be isolated without selection. In two of the five clones analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, the plasmid DNA was integrated at AAVS1. In most of the clones, at least one copy of the entire plasmid was integrated in a tandem array. Detailed analysis of the integrated plasmid structure in one clone suggested a complex mechanism producing rearrangements of the flanking genomic DNA, similar to those observed with wild-type AAV.     

Dendritic cell targeting of survivin protein in a xenogeneic form elicits strong CD4+ T cell immunity to mouse survivin

To determine whether strong CD4+ T cell immunity could be induced to a nonmutated self protein that is important for tumorigenesis, we selectively targeted the xenogeneic form of survivin, a survival protein overexpressed in tumors, to maturing dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues. Dendritic cell targeting via the DEC205 receptor in the presence of anti-CD40 and poly(I:C) as maturation stimuli, induced strong human and mouse survivin-specific CD4+ T cell responses, as determined by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-2 production, as well as the development of lytic MHC class II-restricted T cells and memory. Immunity was enhanced further by depletion of CD25+foxp3+ cells before vaccination. anti-DEC205-human survivin was superior in inducing CD4+ T cell responses relative to other approaches involving survivin plasmid DNA or survivin peptides with adjuvants. However, we were unable to induce CD8+ T cell immunity to survivin by two doses of DEC205-targeted survivin or the other strategies. Therefore, significant CD4+ T cell immunity to a self protein that is overexpressed in most human cancers can be induced by DEC205 targeting of the Ag in its xenogeneic form to maturing DCs.     

QTL analysis of ergot resistance in sorghum

Sorghum ergot, caused predominantly by Claviceps africana Frederickson, Mantle, de Milliano, is a significant threat to the sorghum industry worldwide. The objectives of this study were firstly, to identify molecular markers linked to ergot resistance and to two pollen traits, pollen quantity (PQ) and pollen viability (PV), and secondly, to assess the relationship between the two pollen traits and ergot resistance in sorghum. A genetic linkage map of sorghum RIL population R931945-2-2 x IS 8525 (resistance source) was constructed using 303 markers including 36 SSR, 117 AFLPtrade mark, 148 DArTtrade mark and two morphological trait loci. Composite interval mapping identified nine, five, and four QTL linked to molecular markers for percentage ergot infection (PCERGOT), PQ and PV, respectively, at a LOD >2.0. Co-location/linkage of QTL were identified on four chromosomes while other QTL for the three traits mapped independently, indicating that both pollen and non pollen-based mechanisms of ergot resistance were operating in this sorghum population. Of the nine QTL identified for PCERGOT, five were identified using the overall data set while four were specific to the group data sets defined by temperature and humidity. QTL identified on SBI-02 and SBI-06 were further validated in additional populations. This is the first report of QTL associated with ergot resistance in sorghum. The markers reported herein could be used for marker-assisted selection for this important disease of sorghum.     

Sister chromatid exchange in immature haemopoietic cells,T-and B-lymphocytes

Summary Human lymphocytes from 18 healthy adults were cultured in minimal essential medium without folic acid. The addition of 4mM cytidine or 1 mM guanosine to cultures 24h prior to harvest produced a statistically significant increase in hot point 3p14 breaks. An excess of 3mM adenosine or thymidine had no such effect on the hot point. The mechanism of the effects of nucleosides on hot points was discussed.     

Plant regeneration from leaf-derived callus cultures of the tropical pasture legume Stylosanthes scabra Vog.

Callus cultures of 5 genotypes of S. scabra Vog. were optimally established from leaf tissue on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.5–2.0 mg l^-1 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) and 1.0–2.0 mg l^-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). On media containing 2, 4-D only, calli were soft, and rhizogenesis occurred on calli of 4 genotypes. Calli formed on media containing BAP only, but not with kinetin only. In the presence of 2, 4-D, BAP inhibited rhizogenesis and promoted better callus growth than kinetin. High frequency shoot induction was achieved for 3 genotypes on MS +2.0 mg l^-1 BAP. Roots formed on shoots when sub-cultured on half-strenght MS without growth regulators. The form of cytokinin used in the callus induction media appeared to affect subsequent shoot organogenesis. Genotypic differences were observed for shoot organogenesis. There was some morphological variation evident among regenerants.     

Rapid cytologic diagnosis of surgical specimens.

The application of a rapid cytologic procedure for examination of tissue submitted for immediate frozen section diagnosis is reported. Its use in various anatomical locations is described briefly. It is apparent that this technic has wide applicability in the cytologic diagnosis of lesions from all organs. It has been used by the author for the past twenty years and has been found applicable to all types of lesions from all organs.     

Interference reflection microscopic study of sites of association between gliding bacteria and glass substrata.

Sites of close contact between gliding Cytophaga sp. strain U67 cells and glass were examined by interference reflection microscopy. Site patterns changed during translocation and moved relative to the substratum, in contrast to previous interference reflection microscopy observations of fibroblast and amoeboid motility. Sinistral rotation around the long axis of the cell was coupled with gliding, except when curved cells traversed curvilinear pathways. Close contact was temporary, since cells flipped up off the substratum on one pole, pivoted, or were displaced laterally in collisions. Other members of the order Cytophagales and Myxococcus sp. demonstrated similar patterns of close association with substrata.