Expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and its related extracellular matrix degrading enzymes in the endometrium during estrous cycle and early gestation in cattle

Background  

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) regulates several biological functions involving the modulation of cell behaviors via cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. According to its diverse functions, we hypothesized that EMMPRIN may play an important role in endometrial remodeling and establishment of pregnancy in cow.     

The development of peer-mate relationships in Japanese macaque infants

The play behavior of Japanese macaque infants was studied for 6 months at Arashiyama, Japan. Three types of play were identified. The first (solitary play) was observed in five to 12-week old infants. The second type of play (parallel play) was observed in infants from 12 to 21 weeks old. After the 12th week, the third type of play (associate play) was seen. At this point the infants seldom played without partners. It is in associate play that dominant and submissive behavior may be seen, and from which dominance relations may be assumed. It is said that the rank of a 12 week-old infant parallels that of its mother.     

Enzymic synthesis of carthamin in safflower

An enzyme which catalyses the formation of carthamin was obtained from the vegetative tissues of safflower at full blooming stage. The identity of the cell-free perpared carthamin was verified by comparing its chromatographic behavior with an authentic sample; data were gathered from spectroscopic analyses with or without chromogenic reagents. The activity of the enzyme was detected in all above ground parts of the plant examined, but no activity of the enzyme was found in roots. The enzyme activity was stronger in the ovary and in younger tubular flowers. Catalytic activity of the enzyme was labile especially when the preparation was left in the air. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by phosphate, but the inhibitory action was partially relieved by the addition of citrate.     

The Salmonella Type III Effector SspH2 Specifically Exploits the NLR Co-chaperone Activity of SGT1 to Subvert Immunity

To further its pathogenesis, S. Typhimurium delivers effector proteins into host cells, including the novel E3 ubiquitin ligase (NEL) effector SspH2. Using model systems in a cross-kingdom approach we gained further insight into the molecular function of this effector. Here, we show that SspH2 modulates innate immunity in both mammalian and plant cells. In mammalian cell culture, SspH2 significantly enhanced Nod1-mediated IL-8 secretion when transiently expressed or bacterially delivered. In addition, SspH2 also enhanced an Rx-dependent hypersensitive response in planta. In both of these nucleotide-binding leucine rich repeat receptor (NLR) model systems, SspH2-mediated phenotypes required its catalytic E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and interaction with the conserved host protein SGT1. SGT1 has an essential cell cycle function and an additional function as an NLR co-chaperone in animal and plant cells. Interaction between SspH2 and SGT1 was restricted to SGT1 proteins that have NLR co-chaperone function and accordingly, SspH2 did not affect SGT1 cell cycle functions. Mechanistic studies revealed that SspH2 interacted with, and ubiquitinated Nod1 and could induce Nod1 activity in an agonist-independent manner if catalytically active. Interestingly, SspH2 in vitro ubiquitination activity and protein stability were enhanced by SGT1. Overall, this work adds to our understanding of the sophisticated mechanisms used by bacterial effectors to co-opt host pathways by demonstrating that SspH2 can subvert immune responses by selectively exploiting the functions of a conserved host co-chaperone.