From protons to OXPHOS supercomplexes and Alzheimer's disease: Structure-dynamics-function relationships of energy-transducing membranes

By the elucidation of high-resolution structures the view of the bioenergetic processes has become more precise. But in the face of these fundamental advances, many problems are still unresolved. We have examined a variety of aspects of energy-transducing membranes from large protein complexes down to the level of protons and functional relevant picosecond protein dynamics. Based on the central role of the ATP synthase for supplying the biological fuel ATP, one main emphasis was put on this protein complex from both chloroplast and mitochondria. In particular the stoichiometry of protons required for the synthesis of one ATP molecule and the supramolecular organisation of ATP synthases were examined. Since formation of supercomplexes also concerns other complexes of the respiratory chain, our work was directed to unravel this kind of organisation, e.g. of the OXPHOS supercomplex I₁III₂IV₁, in terms of structure and function. Not only the large protein complexes or supercomplexes work as key players for biological energy conversion, but also small components as quinones which facilitate the transfer of electrons and protons. Therefore, their location in the membrane profile was determined by neutron diffraction. Physico-chemical features of the path of protons from the generators of the electrochemical gradient to the ATP synthase, as well as of their interaction with the membrane surface, could be elucidated by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in combination with optical pH indicators. Diseases such as Alzheimer's dementia (AD) are triggered by perturbation of membranes and bioenergetics as demonstrated by our neutron scattering studies.     

Microsatellite loci isolation in the endangered Gran Canarian blue chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki) and their utility in closely related taxa

The blue chaffinch, Fringilla teydea, is an endemic species of the Canary Islands. This species is formed by two subspecies: The Teneriffean blue chaffinch (F. t. teydea), and the endangered Gran Canarian blue chaffinch, (F. t. polatzeki). Here we report the isolation and characterization of nine tetranucleotide microsatellites (AAAG and AAAT) from the Gran Canarian subspecies, using an enrichment protocol. An average of 7.8 alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.773 were found (n = 28). The loci were tested for their ability to cross amplify in the Teneriffean subspecies and in the common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). These microsatellites will be used to manage a captive breeding programme for the endangered Gran Canarian subspecies.     

Assessment of blue-stain resistance according to the EN 152 and a reverse test method using visual and computer-aided techniques

A computer technique for assessing blue-stained coated wood has been implemented for evaluating the discoloration of coatings and analysing the interior wood staining of samples subjected to testing according to European Standard EN 152. The comparison of visual assessment and computer-evaluated percentages of blue staining is based on a combination of correlation measures, principal components and cluster analysis. It appears difficult to imitate human evaluation with image processing, since computer ratings represent exact percentages, while subjective evaluations do not. Additionally, more specific techniques for exploring fungal growth in coated wood have been described. As EN 152 was specifically developed for testing efficacy of wood preservatives, a modified test methodology was elaborated for testing the efficacy of wood coatings, called here as the EN 152-reverse method. Furthermore three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is validated as a tool for in-depth analysis of blue-stain disfigurement. This 3D visualisation indicates important differences in fungal infestation and proves its suitability for blue-stain resistance testing.     

Liver iron overloading in captive muriquis (Brachyteles spp.)

Background Iron accumulation was investigated qualitatively and quantitatively in the liver of 15 captive Brachyteles spp. Methods Hepatic hemosiderosis index (HHI) was determined as the area percentage of the liver parenchyma occupied by hemosiderin and ferritin deposits, through computerized histomorphometric analysis of Prussian blue–stained histologic sections. Results All studied animals presented liver hemosiderosis, and HHI ranged from 0.2% to 41.7%. There were no significant differences in HHI between muriqui species or genders, and no correlations were detected among HHI and age, time in captivity or body mass. Iron deposits were accompanied by other hepatic disorders. Conclusions This is the first study addressing the occurrence and consequences of iron overloading in the liver of muriquis. We propose that hemosiderosis may act as a contribute factor for the development of hepatic injuries. Further studies are advised to clarify the role of diet in the pathogenesis of hemosiderosis in these atelids.     

Variable expression of lineage regulators in differentiated stromal cells indicates distinct mechanisms of differentiation towards common cell fate

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess a multi-lineage differentiation capacity that makes them important players in the field of regenerative medicine. MSC populations derived from different tissues or donors have been shown to exhibit variable gene expression patterns. Further, it is widely acknowledged that MSC isolates are heterogeneous mixtures of cells at different developmental stages. However, the heterogeneity of expression of lineage regulators has not been linked to differentiation potential of different MSC populations towards mesenchymal lineages. Here, we analyzed variation of expression of differentiation markers across whole population and between single differentiating cells of multipotent stromal cell populations derived from adipose tissue (AdMSCs) and skin (FBs) of seven donors. The results of the analyses show that all cell populations exhibit similar differentiation potential towards adipocyte, osteoblast and chondrocyte lineages despite tissue type- and donor-specific variations of expression of differentiation-associated genes. Further, we detected variable expression of lineage regulators in individual differentiating cells. Together, our data indicate that single cells of stromal cell populations could use distinct molecular mechanisms to reach a common cell fate.     

Equilibrium folding of pro-HlyA from Escherichia coli reveals a stable calcium ion dependent folding intermediate

HlyA from Escherichia coli is a member of the repeats in toxin (RTX) protein family, produced by a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria and secreted by a dedicated Type 1 Secretion System (T1SS). RTX proteins are thought to be secreted in an unfolded conformation and to fold upon secretion by Ca^2 + binding. However, the exact mechanism of secretion, ion binding and folding to the correct native state remains largely unknown. In this study we provide an easy protocol for high-level pro-HlyA purification from E. coli. Equilibrium folding studies, using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, revealed the well-known fact that Ca^2 + is essential for stability as well as correct folding of the whole protein. In the absence of Ca^2 +, pro-HlyA adopts a non-native conformation. Such molecules could however be rescued by Ca^2 + addition, indicating that these are not dead-end species and that Ca^2 + drives pro-HlyA folding. More importantly, pro-HlyA unfolded via a two-state mechanism, whereas folding was a three-state process. The latter is indicative of the presence of a stable folding intermediate. Analysis of deletion and Trp mutants revealed that the first folding transition, at 6–7 M urea, relates to Ca^2 + dependent structural changes at the extreme C-terminus of pro-HlyA, sensed exclusively by Trp914. Since all Trp residues of HlyA are located outside the RTX domain, our results demonstrate that Ca^2 + induced folding is not restricted to the RTX domain. Taken together, Ca^2 + binding to the pro-HlyA RTX domain is required to drive the folding of the entire protein to its native conformation.     

高压静电场(HVEF)对柑桔青、绿霉病菌的抑制效果

用高压静电场(HVEF)对柑桔青霉菌 (P.italicum )和绿霉菌 (P.digitatum)分别进行了不同时间和方法的处理 ,以比较这些处理对病菌孢子在不同温度下萌发力和致病力的抑制效果。结果表明 ,HVEF处理后病菌孢子的萌发率、芽管长度和产孢量都显著地低于对照。而且处理时间越长 ,效果越明显。处理的孢子接种在柑桔果实上的感病率也显著低于对照 ,并能有效地抑制感病果实病斑的扩展。     

贺兰山岩羊（Pseudois nayaur）夏季取食和卧息生境选择

采用直接观察法和痕迹检验法对贺兰山岩羊夏季取食和卧息生境选择进行研究.结果表明,夏季岩羊偏好的取食地位于海拔高度1 600～2 000 m的山地疏林草原带,地形为平滑起伏的坡、明显断裂的坡和悬崖,以灰榆和山杨为优势乔木或无树,乔木矮小稀疏且距离远,接近低矮但密度较大的灌木,食物较多,位于<30°和>35°半阴半阳坡的下坡位,接近水源,人为干扰距离500～1 000 m,距裸岩2～5 m,隐蔽级25%～75%;夏季岩羊偏好的卧息地具有位于海拔高度1 600～2 000 m和>3 000 m的山地疏林草原带及亚高山灌丛和草甸带,地形为明显断裂的坡和悬崖,以灰榆和山杨为优势乔木或无树,乔木和灌木均矮小稀疏且距离较远,食物较少,位于>35°阴坡的上坡位,接近水源,人为干扰距离远,接近裸岩,隐蔽程度低.岩羊的取食和卧息生境在乔木高度和距水源距离上差异不显著(P > 0.05),而其余生态因子均有显著差异(P < 0.05).与取食生境相比,岩羊选择的卧息生境具有乔木稀疏且距离较远、灌木较少、低矮且距离较远、食物丰富度低、坡度大、远离人为干扰、接近裸岩和隐蔽程度低的特征.逐步判别分析表明,食物丰富度、灌木高度、距水源距离、隐蔽级、灌木密度、灌木距离、乔木高度和乔木距离8个生态因子可以区分取食样方与任意样方,正确判别率为85.8%;而区分卧息样方与任意样方时,距水源距离、灌木高度、距裸岩距离、人为干扰距离、食物丰富度、灌木密度和灌木距离共7个生态因子发挥作用,正确判别率为89.1%.