Transplantation of Mesenchymal Cells Improves Peripheral Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Rats

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) are a prominent cellular source for regenerative medicine. We tested whether transplantation of ADSCs into the ischemic muscular tissue of diabetic animals would attenuate impaired cell metabolism and microcirculatory function. We induced unilateral hind limb ischemia in male streptozotocin-treated rats and nondiabetic controls. One day after femoral artery ligation, six rats per group were intramuscularly injected allogeneic ADSCs (10⁶–10⁷–10⁸ cells/mL); or conditioned media from ADSC cultures (CM); or saline; or allogeneic fibroblasts (10⁷ cells/mL); or nonconditioned medium. Rats underwent magnetic resonance angiography; short time inversion recovery (STIR) edema-weighed imaging; proton MR spectroscopy (¹H-MRS); immunoblotting and immunofluorescence on both hind limbs for 4 weeks. T₁-weighted and STIR images showed tissue swelling and signal hyperintensity, respectively, in the ischemic tissue. The mean total ratio of creatine/water for the occluded limbs was significantly lower than for the nonoccluded limbs in both nondiabetic and diabetic rats. ADSC and CM groups had greater recovery of tCr/water in ischemic limbs in both diabetic and nondiabetic rats, with increased expression of α-sarcomeric actinin, vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, as well as increased vessel density. ADSCs improve ischemic muscle metabolism and increase neovasculogenesis in diabetic rats.     

The Plant Membrane-Associated REMORIN1.3 Accumulates in Discrete Perihaustorial Domains and Enhances Susceptibility to Phytophthora infestans

Filamentous pathogens such as the oomycete Phytophthora infestans infect plants by developing specialized structures termed haustoria inside the host cells. Haustoria are thought to enable the secretion of effector proteins into the plant cells. Haustorium biogenesis, therefore, is critical for pathogen accommodation in the host tissue. Haustoria are enveloped by a specialized host-derived membrane, the extrahaustorial membrane (EHM), which is distinct from the plant plasma membrane. The mechanisms underlying the biogenesis of the EHM are unknown. Remarkably, several plasma membrane-localized proteins are excluded from the EHM, but the remorin REM1.3 accumulates around P. infestans haustoria. Here, we used overexpression, colocalization with reporter proteins, and superresolution microscopy in cells infected by P. infestans to reveal discrete EHM domains labeled by REM1.3 and the P. infestans effector AVRblb2. Moreover, SYNAPTOTAGMIN1, another previously identified perihaustorial protein, localized to subdomains that are mainly not labeled by REM1.3 and AVRblb2. Functional characterization of REM1.3 revealed that it is a susceptibility factor that promotes infection by P. infestans. This activity, and REM1.3 recruitment to the EHM, require the REM1.3 membrane-binding domain. Our results implicate REM1.3 membrane microdomains in plant susceptibility to an oomycete pathogen.Filamentous plant pathogens, including oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora, downy mildews and white rusts, as well as powdery mildews and rust fungi, are among the most devastating plant pathogens. These biotrophic parasites associate closely with plant cells through specialized infection structures called haustoria. Haustoria are specialized pathogen hyphal structures formed within host cells and enveloped by a perimicrobial membrane called the extrahaustorial membrane (EHM), a key interface between plant pathogens and the host cell. Haustoria are critical for successful parasitic infection by many filamentous plant pathogens and are a signature of the biotrophic lifestyle. In fungi, haustoria function as feeding structures (Voegele et al., 2001). In addition, haustoria are thought to enable the delivery of host-translocated virulence proteins, known as effectors, by both fungal and oomycete pathogens (Catanzariti et al., 2006; Whisson et al., 2007). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and function of haustoria and EHM (Kemen and Jones, 2012; Lu et al., 2012).The EHM is thought to be continuous with the host plasma membrane (PM), yet it is a highly specialized membrane compartment that develops only in plant cells that accommodate haustoria (haustoriated cells; Coffey and Wilson, 1983). On the plant side, all eight PM proteins tested by Koh et al. (2005) were excluded from the EHM in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cells infected with the powdery mildew fungus Golovinomyces cichoracearum. Conversely, the atypical Arabidopsis resistance protein Resistance to Powdery Mildew8.2 (RPW8.2) exclusively localizes to the EHM in this interaction (Wang et al., 2009). Ultrastructure analyses of the Golovinomyces orontii powdery mildew pathosystem revealed that the EHM is asymmetric, thicker and more electron opaque than the PM, and can be highly convoluted around mature haustoria (Micali et al., 2011). More recently, a survey of Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana plants infected by the oomycete pathogens Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis and Phytophthora infestans, respectively, revealed that several integral host PM proteins are excluded from the EHM (Lu et al., 2012). Nevertheless, the remorin REM1.3 and the SYNAPTOTAGMIN1 (SYT1) peripheral membrane proteins localized to undetermined subcellular compartments around haustoria in P. infestans-plant interactions (Lu et al., 2012). Whether the differential accumulation of membrane proteins at the EHM is due to interference with the lateral diffusion of proteins from the PM or targeted secretion of specialized vesicles remains unclear (Lu et al., 2012).The subcellular distribution of effectors inside plant cells provides valuable clues about the host cell compartments they modify to promote disease, and effectors have emerged as useful molecular probes for plant cell biology (Whisson et al., 2007; Bozkurt et al., 2012). Heterologous expression of fluorescently tagged effectors in plant cells has been used to determine their subcellular localization in uninfected and infected tissue. This approach has been successful with the RXLR and CRINKLER (CRN) effectors, the two major classes of cytoplasmic (host-translocated) oomycete effectors (Bozkurt et al., 2012). The 49 H. arabidopsidis RXLR effectors studied by Caillaud et al. (2012) localized to the nucleus, the cytoplasm, or various plant membrane compartments. In contrast, CRN effectors from several oomycete species exclusively accumulate in the plant cell nucleus (Schornack et al., 2010; Stam et al., 2013). The P. infestans effectors AVRblb2 and AVR2 accumulate around haustoria when expressed in infected N. benthamiana cells, highlighting the PM and the EHM as important sites for effector activity (Bozkurt et al., 2011; Saunders et al., 2012). These effectors, therefore, can serve as useful probes for plant cell biology to dissect vesicular trafficking and focal immunity, processes that have proved difficult to study using standard genetic approaches (Bozkurt et al., 2011; Win et al., 2012).REM1.3 is one of two plant membrane-associated proteins detected around haustoria during the interaction between P. infestans and the model plant N. benthamiana (Lu et al., 2012). Therefore, we hypothesized that studying REM1.3 should prove useful for understanding the mechanisms governing the function and formation of perihaustorial membranes. REM1.3 belongs to a diverse family of plant-specific proteins containing a Remorin_C domain (PF03763) and has known orthologs in potato (Solanum tuberosum; StREM1.3), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum; SlREM1.2), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum; NtREM1.2), and Arabidopsis (AtREM1.1–AtREM1.4; Raffaele et al., 2007). Several proteins from the remorin family, including REM1.3, are preferentially associated with membrane rafts, nanometric sterol- and sphingolipid-rich domains in PMs (Pike, 2006; Simons and Gerl, 2010). Indeed, StREM1.3 and NtREM1.2 are highly enriched in detergent-insoluble membranes (DIMs) and form sterol-dependent domains of approximately 75 nm in purified PMs (Mongrand et al., 2004; Shahollari et al., 2004; Raffaele et al., 2009). StREM1.3 directly binds to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the PM through a C-terminal anchor domain (RemCA) that folds into a hairpin of aliphatic α-helices in polar environments (Raffaele et al., 2009; Perraki et al., 2012). StREM1.3 is differentially phosphorylated upon the perception of polygalacturonic acid (Reymond et al., 1996). AtREM1.3 is differentially recruited to DIMs and differentially phosphorylated upon flg22 (for flagellin) peptide perception (Benschop et al., 2007; Keinath et al., 2010; Marín et al., 2012), suggesting a role in plant defense signaling. StREM1.3 and SlREM1.2 prevent Potato virus X spreading by interacting with the Triple Gene Block protein1 (TGBp1) viral movement protein, presumably in plasmodesmata or at the PM (Raffaele et al., 2009; Perraki et al., 2012). AtREM1.2 belongs to protein complexes formed by a negative regulator of immune responses, Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola1 (RPM1)-INTERACTING PROTEIN4, at the PM (Liu et al., 2009). Furthermore, Medicago truncatula MtSYMREM1 is enriched in root cell DIMs (Lefebvre et al., 2007) and localizes to patches at the peribacteroid membrane during symbiosis with Sinorhizobium meliloti (Lefebvre et al., 2010). MtSYMREM1 is important for nodule formation and interacts with the Lysin motif domain–containing receptor-like kinase3 (LYK3) symbiotic receptor (Lefebvre et al., 2010). Multiple lines of evidence, therefore, implicate several remorins in cell surface signaling and the accommodation of microbes during plant-microbe interactions (Raffaele et al., 2007; Jarsch and Ott, 2011; Urbanus and Ott, 2012). Nevertheless, little is known about REM1.3’s molecular function, and its role in immunity against filamentous plant pathogens has not been reported to date.In this study, we analyzed in detail the localization and function of REM1.3 during host colonization by P. infestans. We found that REM1.3 localizes exclusively to the vicinity of the PM and the EHM around noncallosic haustoria. Furthermore, our results suggest that the EHM is likely formed by multiple microdomains. REM1.3 silencing and overexpression experiments demonstrated that it promotes susceptibility to P. infestans in N. benthamiana and tomato. We also show that the REM1.3 membrane anchor domain is required for its localization at the EHM and for the promotion of susceptibility to P. infestans. This work demonstrates the importance of the dynamic reorganization of the PM in response to haustoria-forming pathogens. Our study also revealed that the effector AVRblb2 localizes to remorin-containing host membrane domains at the host-pathogen interface, possibly as a pathogen strategy to facilitate the accommodation of infection structures inside plant cells.     

Lengths and nucleotide sequences of the internal spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA in gymnosperms and pteridophytes

The nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were analyzed in species belonging to gymnosperms and pteridophytes. The lengths of the ITSs of sixteen species of gymnosperms and seven species of pteridophytes were estimated. The gymnosperms have ITS1 regions larger than those observed in the pteridophytes and angiosperms (ca. 610–3100 bp versus 159–360 bp). On the other hand, the ITS2 regions appear to be of a conserved length (182–370 bp). We have determined the complete nucleotide sequences of ITS regions from four gymnosperm species and five pteridophyte species by cloning the PCR products. Sequence analysis showed the presence of three short tandem arranged subrepeats of about 70 bp in the 1112 bp ITS1 ofEphedra fragilis. Pyrimidine rich (about 90%) DNA segments of 40–50 bp were observed in the ITS1 ofGinkgo biloba. A highly conserved 16 bp long sequence known to be present in the ITS1 of the angiosperm species has been also found in the ITS1 ofCycas revoluta, Taxus baccata andEphedra fragilis. Dedicated to Prof.Emilio Battaglia.     

Diversity–invasibility relationships across multiple scales in disturbed forest understoreys

Non-native plant species richness may be either negatively or positively correlated with native species due to differences in resource availability, propagule pressure or the scale of vegetation sampling. We investigated the relationships between these factors and both native and non-native plant species at 12 mainland and island forested sites in southeastern Ontario, Canada. In general, the presence of non-native species was limited: <20% of all species at a site were non-native and non-native species cover was <4% m⁻² at 11 of the 12 sites. Non-native species were always positively correlated with native species, regardless of spatial scale and whether islands were sampled. Additionally, islands had a greater abundance of non-native species. Non-native species richness across mainland sites was significantly negatively correlated with mean shape index, a measure of the ratio of forest edge to area, and positively correlated with the mean distance to the nearest forest patch. Other factors associated with disturbance and propagule pressure in northeastern North America forests, including human land use, white-tailed deer populations, understorey light, and soil nitrogen, did not explain non-native richness nor cover better than the null models. Our results suggest that management strategies for controlling non-native plant invasions should aim to reduce the propagule pressure associated with human activities, and maximize the connectivity of forest habitats to benefit more poorly dispersed native species.     

Association between IGF‐1 levels ranges and all‐cause mortality: A meta‐analysis

The association between IGF‐1 levels and mortality in humans is complex with low levels being associated with both low and high mortality. The present meta‐analysis investigates this complex relationship between IGF‐1 and all‐cause mortality in prospective cohort studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to September 2019. Published studies were eligible for the meta‐analysis if they had a prospective cohort design, a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for two or more categories of IGF‐1 and were conducted among adults. A random‐effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood heterogeneity variance estimator was used to find combined HRs for all‐cause mortality. Nineteen studies involving 30,876 participants were included. Meta‐analysis of the 19 eligible studies showed that with respect to the low IGF‐1 category, higher IGF‐1 was not associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.68–1.05). Dose–response analysis revealed a U‐shaped relation between IGF‐1 and mortality HR. Pooled results comparing low vs. middle IGF‐1 showed a significant increase of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.14–1.57), as well as comparing high vs. middle IGF‐1 categories (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06–1.44). Finally, we provide data on the association between IGF‐1 levels and the intake of proteins, carbohydrates, certain vitamins/minerals, and specific foods. Both high and low levels of IGF‐1 increase mortality risk, with a specific 120–160 ng/ml range being associated with the lowest mortality. These findings can explain the apparent controversy related to the association between IGF‐1 levels and mortality.     

How can we possibly resolve the planet's nitrogen dilemma?

Nitrogen is the most crucial element in the production of nutritious feeds and foods. The production of reactive nitrogen by means of fossil fuel has thus far been able to guarantee the protein supply for the world population. Yet, the production and massive use of fertilizer nitrogen constitute a major threat in terms of environmental health and sustainability. It is crucial to promote consumer acceptance and awareness towards proteins produced by highly effective microorganisms, and their potential to replace proteins obtained with poor nitrogen efficiencies from plants and animals. The fact that reactive fertilizer nitrogen, produced by the Haber Bosch process, consumes a significant amount of fossil fuel worldwide is of concern. Moreover, recently, the prices of fossil fuels have increased the cost of reactive nitrogen by a factor of 3 to 5 times, while international policies are fostering the transition towards a more sustainable agro-ecology by reducing mineral fertilizers inputs and increasing organic farming. The combination of these pressures and challenges opens opportunities to use the reactive nitrogen nutrient more carefully. Time has come to effectively recover used nitrogen from secondary resources and to upgrade it to a legal status of fertilizer. Organic nitrogen is a slow-release fertilizer, it has a factor of 2.5 or higher economic value per unit nitrogen as fertilizer and thus adequate technologies to produce it, for instance by implementing photobiological processes, are promising. Finally, it appears wise to start the integration in our overall feed and food supply chains of the exceptional potential of biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen produced by the nitrogenase enzyme, either in the soil or in novel biotechnology reactor systems, deserves to have a ‘renaissance’ in the context of planetary governance in general and the increasing number of people who desire to be fed in a sustainable way in particular.     

Current distribution and potential expansion of the harmful benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. siamensis towards the warming waters of the Bay of Biscay,North-East Atlantic

In a future scenario of increasing temperatures in North-Atlantic waters, the risk associated with the expansion of the harmful, benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. siamensis has to be evaluated and monitored. Microscopy observations and spatio-temporal surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) were associated with Lagrangian particle dispersal simulations to: (i) establish the current colonization of the species in the Bay of Biscay, (ii) assess the spatial connectivity among sampling zones that explain this distribution, and (iii) identify the sentinel zones to monitor future expansion. Throughout a sampling campaign carried out in August to September 2018, microscope analysis showed that the species develops in the south-east of the bay where optimal temperatures foster blooms. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed its presence across almost the whole bay to the western English Channel. An eDNA time-series collected on plastic samplers showed that the species occurs in the bay from April to September. Due to the water circulation, colonization of the whole bay from the southern blooming zones is explained by inter-site connectivity. Key areas in the middle of the bay permit continuous dispersal connectivity towards the north. These key areas are proposed as sentinel zones to monitor O. cf. siamensis invasions towards the presumably warming water of the North-East Atlantic.     

Indole-3-acetic acid is a physiological inhibitor of TORC1 in yeast

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the most common, naturally occurring phytohormone that regulates cell division, differentiation, and senescence in plants. The capacity to synthesize IAA is also widespread among plant-associated bacterial and fungal species, which may use IAA as an effector molecule to define their relationships with plants or to coordinate their physiological behavior through cell-cell communication. Fungi, including many species that do not entertain a plant-associated life style, are also able to synthesize IAA, but the physiological role of IAA in these fungi has largely remained enigmatic. Interestingly, in this context, growth of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is sensitive to extracellular IAA. Here, we use a combination of various genetic approaches including chemical-genetic profiling, SAturated Transposon Analysis in Yeast (SATAY), and genetic epistasis analyses to identify the mode-of-action by which IAA inhibits growth in yeast. Surprisingly, these analyses pinpointed the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1), a central regulator of eukaryotic cell growth, as the major growth-limiting target of IAA. Our biochemical analyses further demonstrate that IAA inhibits TORC1 both in vivo and in vitro. Intriguingly, we also show that yeast cells are able to synthesize IAA and specifically accumulate IAA upon entry into stationary phase. Our data therefore suggest that IAA contributes to proper entry of yeast cells into a quiescent state by acting as a metabolic inhibitor of TORC1.     

Mesenchymal stem cells in neurodegenerative diseases: Opinion review on ethical dilemmas

The treatment of neurodegenerative diseases presents a growing need for innovation in relation to recent evidence in the field of reconstructive therapy using stem cells. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders, and the advent of methods able to induce neuronal stem cell differentiation allowed to develop innovative therapeutic approaches offering the prospect of healthy and perfectly functional cell transplants, able to replace the sick ones. Hence the importance of deepening the state of the art regarding the clinical applications of advanced cell therapy products for the regeneration of nerve tissue. Besides representing a promising area of tissue transplant surgery and a great achievement in the field of neurodegenerative disease, stem cell research presents certain critical issues that need to be carefully examined from the ethical perspective. In fact, a subject so complex and not entirely explored requires a detailed scientific and ethical evaluation aimed at avoiding improper and ineffective use, rather than incorrect indications, technical inadequacies, and incongruous expectations. In fact, the clinical usefulness of stem cells will only be certain if able to provide the patient with safe, long-term and substantially more effective strategies than any other treatment available.The present paper provides an ethical assessment of tissue regeneration through mesenchymal stem cells in neurodegenerative diseases with the aim to rule out the fundamental issues related to research and clinical translation.