2-D DIGE analysis of UV-C radiation-responsive proteins in globe artichoke leaves

Plants respond to ultraviolet stress inducing a self-defence through the regulation of specific gene family members. The UV acclimation is the result of biochemical and physiological processes, such as enhancement of the antioxidant enzymatic system and accumulation of UV-absorbing phenolic compounds (e.g. flavonoids). Globe artichoke is an attractive species for studying the protein network involved in UV stress response, being characterized by remarkable levels of inducible antioxidants. Proteomic tools can assist the evaluation of the expression patterns of UV-responsive proteins and we applied the difference in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) technology for monitoring the globe artichoke proteome variation at four time points following an acute UV-C exposure. A total of 145 UV-C-modulated proteins were observed and 119 were identified by LC-MS/MS using a ～144,000 customized Compositae protein database, which included about 19,000 globe artichoke unigenes. Proteins were Gene Ontology (GO) categorized, visualized on their pathways and their behaviour was discussed. A predicted protein interaction network was produced and highly connected hub-like proteins were highlighted. Most of the proteins differentially modulated were chloroplast located, involved in photosynthesis, sugar metabolisms, protein folding and abiotic stress. The identification of UV-C-responsive proteins may contribute to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to UV stress.     

Congenital immunodeficiency with a regulatory defect in MHC class II gene expression lacks a specific HLA-DR promoter binding protein, RF-X

The expression of MHC class II genes is tightly regulated. One form of congenital severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is characterized by a regulatory defect that precludes expression of HLA class II genes. B lymphocyte cell lines from such SCID patients provide a tool for identifying putative regulatory proteins that bind to class II gene promoters. We have identified three proteins binding to specific segments of the HLA-DRA promoter, two of which interact to form the predominant DNA-protein complex observed. One of these proteins, defined as an X box binding protein (RF-X), is specifically missing in cells from class II deficient SCID patients. We propose that the molecular defect in this congenital HLA class II regulatory deficiency is a lack of RF-X and that this factor plays an important role in the normal regulation of MHC class II gene expression.     

Effect of the hydraulic retention time on the anaerobic biofilm reactor efficiency applied to screened cattle waste treatment

Summary It was found that the increase of the hydraulic retention time improved the organic matter removal and the conversion of organic to ammonia nitrogen. Methane concentration in the biogas was not affected by the hydraulic retention time.The reactor in operation during one year was not clogged.     

Cadmium‐induced toxicity increases prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) expression in the rat testis

During the differentiation of the male gamete, there is a massive remodeling in the shape and architecture of all the cells of the seminiferous epithelium. The cytoskeleton, as well as many associated proteins with it, plays a pivotal role in this process. The testis is particularly susceptible to environmental pollutant, which can lead to injury and impairment of normal spermatozoa production. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major chemical environmental toxicants in economically developed countries. Food and cigarettes are the main sources of exposure to this element. Here, the protective role of zinc (Zn) to prevent the testicular toxicity in male adult rats after prenatal and during lactation exposure to Cd has been assessed. Altered testicular histology at the interstitial and germinal levels was found, whereas Zn supply completely corrected Cd toxicity. Moreover, the effects of these metals on the testicular expression and localization of the protease prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) were evaluated. Interestingly, the results showed an increase of PREP messenger RNA and protein. Data were corroborated by immunofluorescence. This study raises the possibility of using PREP as a new fertility marker.     

Warming counteracts defoliation‐induced mismatch by increasing herbivore‐plant phenological synchrony

Climate change is altering phenology; however, the magnitude of this change varies among taxa. Compared with phenological mismatch between plants and herbivores, synchronization due to climate has been less explored, despite its potential implications for trophic interactions. The earlier budburst induced by defoliation is a phenological strategy for plants against herbivores. Here, we tested whether warming can counteract defoliation‐induced mismatch by increasing herbivore‐plant phenological synchrony. We compared the larval phenology of spruce budworm and budburst in balsam fir, black spruce, and white spruce saplings subjected to defoliation in a controlled environment at temperatures of 12, 17, and 22°C. Budburst in defoliated saplings occurred 6–24 days earlier than in the controls, thus mismatching needle development from larval feeding. This mismatch decreased to only 3–7 days, however, when temperatures warmed by 5 and 10°C, leading to a resynchronization of the host with spruce budworm larvae. The increasing synchrony under warming counteracts the defoliation‐induced mismatch, disrupting trophic interactions and energy flow between forest ecosystem and insect populations. Our results suggest that the predicted warming may improve food quality and provide better growth conditions for larval development, thus promoting longer or more intense insect outbreaks in the future.     

VCAM-1 as a predictor biomarker in cardiovascular disease

The vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a protein that canonically participates in the adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes to the interstitium during inflammation. VCAM-1 expression, together with soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) induced by the shedding of VCAM-1 by metalloproteinases, have been proposed as biomarkers in immunological diseases, cancer, autoimmune myocarditis, and as predictors of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), endothelial injury in patients with coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. This revision aims to discuss the role of sVCAM-1 as a biomarker to predict the occurrence, development, and preservation of cardiovascular disease.     

First record of a potential neonate tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) at a remote oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) play an important ecological role as top predators, yet knowledge of their reproductive ecology is scarce. Here, the authors report the first observation of a potential neonate G. cuvier at Cocos Island, a predator-dominated oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). The individual was detected using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). The cameras also detected female individuals potentially pregnant, suggesting that parturition may take place at or near the island. Nonetheless, it is still unclear if the presence of a single neonate is an isolated event or evidence that the species is using the island for reproduction.     

Dammarane triterpenes targeting α-synuclein: biological activity and evaluation of binding sites by molecular docking

Parkinson''s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects adult people whose treatment is palliative. Thus, we decided to test three dammarane triterpenes 1, 1a, 1b, and we determined that 1 and 1a inhibit β-aggregation through thioflavine T rather than 1b. Since compound 1 was most active, we determined the interaction between α-synuclein and 1 at 50 µM (Kd) through microscale thermophoresis. Also, we observed differences in height and diameter of aggregates, and α-synuclein remains unfolded in the presence of 1. Also, aggregates treated with 1 do not provoke neurites'' retraction in N2a cells previously induced by retinoic acid. Finally, we studied the potential sites of interaction between 1 with α-synuclein fibrils using molecular modelling. Docking experiments suggest that 1 preferably interact with the site 2 of α-synuclein through hydrogen bonds with residues Y39 and T44.