The dual origin of Toxoplasma gondii N-glycans

N-Linked glycosylation is the most frequent modification of secreted proteins in eukaryotic cells that plays a crucial role in protein folding and trafficking. Mature N-glycans are sequentially processed in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus through a pathway highly conserved in most eukaryotic organisms. Here, we demonstrate that the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii independently transfers endogenous truncated as well as host-derived N-glycans onto its own proteins.Therefore, we propose that the apicomplexan parasite scavenges N-glycosylation intermediates from the host cells to compensate for the rapid evolution of its biosynthetic pathway, which is primarily devoted to modification of proteins with glycosylphosphatidylinositols rather than N-glycans.     

Changes in reproductive investment with altitude in an alpine plant

Aims In perennial species, the allocation of resources to reproduction results in a reduction of allocation to vegetative growth and, therefore, impacts future reproductive success. As a consequence, variation in this trade-off is among the most important driving forces in the life-history evolution of perennial plants and can lead to locally adapted genotypes. In addition to genetic variation, phenotypic plasticity might also contribute to local adaptation of plants to local conditions by mediating changes in reproductive allocation. Knowledge on the importance of genetic and environmental effects on the trade-off between reproduction and vegetative growth is therefore essential to understand how plants may respond to environmental changes.Methods We conducted a transplant experiment along an altitudinal gradient from 425 to 1?921 m in the front range of the Western Alps of Switzerland to assess the influence of both altitudinal origin of populations and altitude of growing site on growth, reproductive investment and local adaptation in Poa alpina .Important findings In our study, the investment in reproduction increased with plant size. Plant growth and the relative importance of reproductive investment decreased in populations originating from higher altitudes compared to populations originating from lower altitudes. The changes in reproductive investment were mainly explained by differences in plant size. In contrast to genetic effects, phenotypic plasticity of all traits measured was low and not related to altitude. As a result, the population from the lowest altitude of origin performed best at all sites. Our results indicate that in P. alpina genetic differences in growth and reproductive investment are related to local conditions affecting growth, i.e. interspecific competition and soil moisture content.     

Metabolism, protein content, and in vitro embryonic development of goat cumulus-oocyte complexes matured with physiological concentrations of glucose and L-lactate

No information is available concerning how the maturation environment controls the metabolism of goat oocytes. The objectives of this experiment were to: (1) Determine the concentrations of glucose, lactate, and pyruvate in caprine follicular fluid; and (2) Investigate the effects of physiological concentrations of glucose and lactate in the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium on the metabolism (glycolysis and pyruvate oxidation), protein content, and developmental competence of caprine oocytes and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Abattoir-derived COCs were matured for 18-20 hr in a defined, SOF-based medium containing 0.75, 1.5 (follicular fluid = 1.4 mM), or 3.0 mM glucose, and 3.0, 6.0 (follicular fluid = 7.1 mM), or 12.0 mM L-lactate. The protein content of oocytes and COCs was not affected (P > 0.05) by the concentration of glucose and lactate in the maturation medium. Increasing glucose and lactate decreased (P < or = 0.05) glycolytic activity of oocytes, without affecting (P > 0.05) pyruvate oxidation. In COCs, increasing glucose concentrations tended (P = 0.07) to decrease glycolysis. When metabolic activity was corrected for protein content (pmol/microg protein/3 hr), increasing glucose or lactate concentrations in the medium decreased (P < or = 0.05) pyruvate oxidation in oocytes, but increased (P < or = 0.05) pyruvate oxidation in COCs. Embryonic development (cleavage and blastocyst development, hatching, and cell number) was not affected (P > 0.05) by the glucose and lactate concentrations tested. These results indicate that concentrations of glucose and lactate in the medium have cell type-specific effects on metabolism of oocytes and COCs, but do not affect developmental competence within the range of concentrations tested.     

A novel dendritic cell subset involved in tumor immunosurveillance

The interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced TRAIL effector mechanism is a vital component of cancer immunosurveillance by natural killer (NK) cells in mice. Here we show that the main source of IFN-gamma is not the conventional NK cell but a subset of B220(+)Ly6C(-) dendritic cells, which are atypical insofar as they express NK cell-surface molecules. Upon contact with a variety of tumor cells that are poorly recognized by NK cells, B220(+)NK1.1(+) dendritic cells secrete high levels of IFN-gamma and mediate TRAIL-dependent lysis of tumor cells. Adoptive transfer of these IFN-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) into tumor-bearing Rag2(-/-)Il2rg(-/-) mice prevented tumor outgrowth, whereas transfer of conventional NK cells did not. In conclusion, we identified IKDCs as pivotal sensors and effectors of the innate antitumor immune response.     

Topography and ultrastructure of the tegument of Bucephalus anguillae (Digenea: Bucephalidae), a parasite of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Osteichthyen: Anguillidae)

The tegumental ultrastructure of the intestinal fluke Bucephalus anguillae was studied with the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The surface of the tegument is covered by transverse ridges from which protrude numerous closely packed, digitated, and claw-shaped spines. Cobblestone-like units of the tegument were observed on the crescent-shaped formation of the rhynchus and at the posterior part of the body. Three types of sensory structures were examined, i.e., 2 uniciliated receptors and 1 without cilia. As anterior-posterior differences were observed, particular attention was given to spines and sensory receptors. Spine insertion zones and average cilia length are variable between anterior and posterior tegument areas. Ultrastructural study revealed that the tegument of B. anguillae has a typical syncytial organization with a distal cytoplasm lying over a basal matrix and cytons below. Cytoplasmic bridges allowed transit of secretory vesicles and granules. Diagrams of spines and sensory receptors were made to help in understanding the nature of these structures.     

Freezing before mating severely affects the fitness of a capital breeder

Abstract While benefits that explain the success of early breeders in many species have been identified and measured, the costs associated with these strategies, such as those linked to adverse climatic conditions, have often been neglected. In this study, we investigate the influence of a short freezing event on reproductive output in the common toad Bufo bufo, an early-breeding anuran. We then (i) compared male mating behavior between previously frozen and control males and (ii) quantified gamete sensitiveness through egg fertilization success between frozen and control toads. The effect of body mass over all these parameters was determined. Previously frozen males exhibited a reduced competitiveness for females, as the number of attacks made against the amplexus decreased by 62% to 65% (for small males and large males, respectively) compared with the control ones. Furthermore, gamete viability of both males and females was reduced by the freezing events. Indeed, the effect ranged from a 25% to a 56% reduction in small and large males previously frozen, respectively, suggesting that small toads were less affected than large ones in terms of fitness. The same tendency was found for small and large females (29% and 43%, respectively). This study shows how a short and moderate freeze may compromise the fitness of capital breeders in temperate regions and also raises the question of survival as an effective indicator of freezing tolerance.