Intrinsically Unstructured Sequences in the mRNA 3ʹ UTR Reduce the Ability of Poly(A) Tail to Enhance Translation

The 5? cap and 3? poly(A) tail of mRNA are known to synergistically stimulate translation initiation via the formation of the cap?eIF4E?eIF4G?PABP?poly(A) complex. Most mRNA sequences have an intrinsic propensity to fold into extensive intramolecular secondary structures that result in short end-to-end distances. The inherent compactness of mRNAs might stabilize the cap?eIF4E?eIF4G?PABP?poly(A) complex and enhance cap-poly(A) translational synergy. Here, we test this hypothesis by introducing intrinsically unstructured sequences into the 5? or 3? UTRs of model mRNAs. We found that the introduction of unstructured sequences into the 3? UTR, but not the 5? UTR, decreases mRNA translation in cell-free wheat germ and yeast extracts without affecting mRNA stability. The observed reduction in protein synthesis results from the diminished ability of the poly(A) tail to stimulate translation. These results suggest that base pair formation by the 3? UTR enhances the cap-poly(A) synergy in translation initiation.     

Temperature influences the expression of fimbriae and flagella in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hafnia alvei</Emphasis> strains: an immunofluorescence study

Hafnia alvei, a Gram negative bacillus related to the Enterobacteriaceae family, is considered an opportunistic pathogen of several animal species and humans. In this communication, we describe fimbrial-like structures from different strains of H. alvei that cannot be easily ascribed to any of the previously reported fimbrial types in this species (type I or type III). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence assays were carried out to study fimbriae and flagella in H. alvei strains isolated from different sources. No correlation between the results obtained by PCR and those obtained by phenotypic methods were found, and the antibodies used gave cross or different recognition patterns of the surface structures present in these strains. We report as well that strain and growth temperature influence fimbriation and expression of flagella in human and animal isolates of H. alvei. This study also indicates that the absence of fimbriae have a significant positive influence on the initial adhesion of H. alvei to human epithelial cells.     

Impact of the Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on the weight of Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) rhizomes in Languedoc southern France and Mediterranean Spain

Arundo donax L. (Poaceae) is native to Mediterranean Europe and invasive in the Rio Grande Basin of North America. Rhizomes from nine sites in France and Spain infested with a candidate control agent, the armoured scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) weighed 50% less than those from nine sites without scale.     

Focal contacts of spreading platelets with the substratum

Contacts with glass substratum formed by the spreading rabbit platelets were examined by an antibody-exclusion method; monoclonal antibodies against 80 kD bovine serum protein were used. It was found that platelets form focal contacts in the course of spreading. The size of the largest focal contacts formed by platelets is smaller than that of the contacts formed by fibroblasts. The antibody-exclusion method revealed focal contacts of platelets much more clearly than interference reflection microscopy (IRM). The similarity of reactions involved in spreading platelets and of large nucleus-containing tissue cells is discussed.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of glucose conjugated phthalocyanine as a second-generation photosensitizer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment method using light and photosensitizers (PSs), which is categorized as a non-invasive surgery treatment for cancers. When the tumor is exposed to a specific light, the PSs become active and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly singlet oxygen which kills nearby cancer cells. PDT is becoming more widely recognized as a valuable treatment option for localized cancers and pre-cancers of skin as it has no long-term effects on the patient. But, due to the limited penetration rate of light into the skin and other organs, PDT can’t be used to treat large cancer cells or cancer cells that have grown deeply into the skin or other organs. Hence, in this study, our focus centers on synthesizing glucose-conjugated phthalocyanine (Pc) compatible with near-infrared (NIR) irradiation as second-generation photosensitizer, so that PDT can be used in a wider range to treat cancers without obstacles.     

BMP signaling in vascular biology and dysfunction

The vascular system is critical for developmental growth, tissue homeostasis and repair but also for tumor development. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has recently emerged as a fundamental pathway of the endothelium by regulating cardiovascular and lymphatic development and by being causative for several vascular dysfunctions. Two vascular disorders have been directly linked to impaired BMP signaling: pulmonary arterial hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Endothelial BMP signaling critically depends on the cellular context, which includes among others vascular heterogeneity, exposure to flow, and the intertwining with other signaling cascades (Notch, WNT, Hippo and hypoxia). The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent findings illustrating the clear need for reconsidering the role of BMPs in vascular biology.     

Spectral composition of shade light in coastal-zone oak forests in SE Bulgaria,and relationships with leaf area index: a first overview

Major knowledge gaps exist with respect to light-quality regimes in the coastal-zone Strandzha Quercus frainetto (Q.f.) forest region adjoining the southern Bulgarian Black Sea. This paper presents preliminary results that help narrow these gaps. In conjunction with leaf area index (LAI) field campaigns we undertook measurements with an array of 7 broad-band (ca 40 nm) sensors covering the range 0.40–0.94 μm, plus 1 sensor for UVB (0.297 μm peak) and 1 for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Measurements focused on inside-forest shade conditions at sites 0 to ca 15 km from the Black Sea and at altitudes up to ca 120 m above sea level. Some of the sites were also studied using a high-resolution spectroradiometer. A sequential measuring strategy was necessary. This involves potentially large uncertainties, here addressed through estimations of the variability around the sinusoidal course of daylight. Light-quality regimes were found to be in general support of earlier studies of deciduous forests. Our data from the broad-band sensors and from the spectroradiometer are mutually supportive. They indicate a stronger red-shift below Q.f. canopies than below canopies in enclaves dominated by Fagus orientalis and Pinus sylvestris. Transmission in the range 0.50–0.55 μm increases beneath the three types of canopies, most pronounced in the Q.f. case. Analysis of relationships between the inside-forest to open-field irradiance ratio and LAI supports the use of Beer’s Law. We found a fairly strong relationship between the red (0.66 μm) to far-red (0.73 μm) irradiance ratios (R/FR) and LAI for the Q.f. forest. In quantitative terms, the result is new for this Q.f. region, and suggests further research to explore whether a two-sensor approach (0.66 and 0.73 μm) might offer possibilities for further low-cost mapping of the spatio-temporal patterns of R/FR and LAI in Strandzha. Such mapping would assist in further studies of the region’s forest biogeochemistry and vitality.     

溶血磷脂酸在皮肤损伤疾病中的作用及其分子机制

皮肤作为人体最大器官覆盖于全身,能阻挡有害物质的侵入,保护人体内环境稳态,参与人体代谢过程。皮肤损伤、炎症和纤维化等,都会导致皮肤屏障功能的减退,影响正常的生命活动。溶血磷脂酸(lysophosphatidic acid,LPA)是十分活跃的磷脂信号分子,参与多种生理和病理生理过程。LPA是维持体内平衡所必需的生物活性脂质介质,在皮肤中通过不同的信号通路发挥多功能磷脂信使作用。本文综述了皮肤中溶血磷脂酸受体(lysophosphatidic acid receptor,LPA1-6)及其细胞信号通路的作用及机制,综述了LPA在皮肤创面愈合、皮肤瘢痕、皮肤黑色素瘤、硬皮病、皮肤瘙痒、过敏性皮炎、皮肤屏障、皮肤疼痛,皮肤毛发生长中的作用及分子机制,有助于了解LPA在皮肤中的生理和病理生理作用。深入研究LPA的作用机制将有助于挖掘其在皮肤治疗中的作用,开发以LPA为靶点的药物。     

Does re-creation of extensive pasture-forest mosaics provide an economically sustainable way of nature conservation in Sweden''s forest dominated regions?

There is a major risk that many of the remaining semi-natural pastures in Swedish forest dominated regions will lose their grazing in the near future with lost biodiversity as a result. The reason is the high costs of grazing small pastures with cattle from generally small herds. The approaching decoupling of the present EU income support per head of cattle will increase the risk. Calculations based on economies of scale in beef production and opportunity cost of forest and arable land suggest that re-creating extensive pasture-forest mosaics consisting of existing semi-natural pastures and adjacent arable fields and forests can secure economically sustainable grazing. The risk of local extinction of grassland species due to habitat isolation is also lower in large mosaics than in small, scattered pastures.