Doubled haploid plants following colchicine treatment of microspore-derived embryos of oilseed rape (<Emphasis Type=Italic>Brassica napus L.</Emphasis>)

An efficient method for producing doubled haploid plants of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) was established using in vitro colchicine treatment of haploid embryos. Haploid embryos in the cotyledonary stage were treated with one of four colchicine concentrations (125, 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/L); for one of three treatment durations (12, 24 and 36 h) at one of the two temperatures (8 and 25°C) and were compared to control embryos (without colchicine treatment). The number of chromosomes, seed recovery, size and density of leaf stomata, and pollen grain size from regenerated plants were determined. No doubled haploid plants were regenerated from control embryos; however, the doubled haploid plants were regenerated from colchicine-treated embryos. A high doubling efficiency, 64.29 and 66.66% of regenerated plants, was obtained from 250 mg/L colchicine treatment for 24 h and 500 mg/L colchicine treatment for 36 h, respectively, at 8°C. Following 500 mg/L colchicine treatment for 36 h, a few plants regenerated (9 plants). At the higher colchicine concentration (1,000 mg/L), no plant regenerated. These results indicate that the colchicine treatment of embryos derived from microspores can induce efficient chromosome doubling for the production of doubled haploid lines of oilseed rape.     

PINK1 drives production of mtDNA-containing extracellular vesicles to promote invasiveness

The cystine-glutamate antiporter, xCT, supports a glutathione synthesis program enabling cancer cells to cope with metabolically stressful microenvironments. Up-regulated xCT, in combination with glutaminolysis, leads to increased extracellular glutamate, which promotes invasive behavior by activating metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3). Here we show that activation of mGluR3 in breast cancer cells activates Rab27-dependent release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can transfer invasive characteristics to “recipient” tumor cells. These EVs contain mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is packaged via a PINK1-dependent mechanism. We highlight mtDNA as a key EV cargo necessary and sufficient for intercellular transfer of invasive behavior by activating Toll-like receptor 9 in recipient cells, and this involves increased endosomal trafficking of pro-invasive receptors. We propose that an EV-mediated mechanism, through which altered cellular metabolism in one cell influences endosomal trafficking in other cells, is key to generation and dissemination of pro-invasive microenvironments during mammary carcinoma progression.     

A human health risk assessment of soil and crops contaminated by heavy metals in industrial regions,central Iran

In this study, the concentrations of heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Fe, and Ni) in contaminated soils adjacent to two steel mill companies and in three crops (i.e., wheat, rice, and onion) grown in these regions were compared with a non-industrial site in Isfahan province, central Iran. The results were manifold. The heavy metal concentrations of both the soil and crops within the two industrial regions turned out to be more significant than the nonindustrial counterpart. In addition, the soils surrounding the companies were demonstrated to be contaminated by Cd, Pb, and Ni according to the limits provided by the international standards (i.e., USEPA and European Union standards). As for the crops from the investigated contaminated sites, the mean concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb exceeded the maximum permissible levels for human consumption stipulated by FAO/WHO standards. Furthermore, the values gained from the target hazard quotient were above one, meaning that the crops are contaminated. Given the results gained from a comparison made between estimated daily intake and tolerable daily intake, it can be concluded that the inhabitants of the two investigated contaminated sites are at a potentially serious health risk caused by exposure to the crops contaminated with the heavy metal.     

Folate biofortification in food plants

Folate deficiency is a global health problem affecting many people in the developing and developed world. Current interventions (industrial food fortification and supplementation by folic acid pills) are effective if they can be used but might not be possible in less developed countries. Recent advances demonstrate that folate biofortification of food crops is now a feasible complementary strategy to fight folate deficiency worldwide. The genes and enzymes of folate synthesis are sufficiently understood to enable metabolic engineering of the pathway, and results from pilot engineering studies in plants (and bacteria) are encouraging. Here, we review the current status of investigations in the field of folate enhancement on the eve of a new era in food fortification.     

Molecular Expression of Some Oncogenes and Predisposing Behaviors Contributing to the Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer

Background:Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in Iran. It can be treated in the early stages of the disease; therefore, early diagnosis can be lifesaving. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular expression of some oncogenes and predisposing behaviors contributing to the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.Methods:In this case-control study, prostate cancer specimens were collected from both patients and healthy volunteers. Several factors such as age, family history, smoking, and stage of the disease, were investigated based on the criteria of this study. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of four oncogenes. Statistical analysis of our data was carried out using SPSS software version 22.Results:The X² test showed that there was a difference in the incidence of prostate cancer in different age groups (X²= 9.30; p= 0.026). Although data analysis by the X² test showed that family history had a significant effect on prostate cancer (X²= 14.43; p= 0.001), smoking did not show a significant effect on the incidence of this disorder (X²= 4.67; p= 0.097). The T2N1M0 stage is the most common form of prostate cancer in patients with family history of prostate cancer and the habit of smoking. Also, the expression of KRAS1P, GLB1L2, SChLAP1 and PACSIN3 oncogenes reduced in prostate cancer samples compared to the control group.Conclusion:Overall, functional interpretation of gene expression in the prostate tissue can affect tumor progression. Yet, further practical studies are required to reveal the accurate underlying mechanisms.Key Words: Age, Family History, Oncogenes, Prostate Cancer, Smoking     

Bacteroides fragilis Toxin Coordinates a Pro-carcinogenic Inflammatory Cascade via Targeting of Colonic Epithelial Cells

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