Alkaloids of the leaves of Voacanga grandifolia

Besides vobtusine and vobtusine-lactone, deoxyvobtusine was isolated from the leaves of Voacanga grandifolia (Miq. Rolfe. Spectral and chemical evi     

Role of Melanin in Release of Extracellular Enzymes and Selection of Aggressive Isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana in Barley

Eighteen barley isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana belonging to wild and clonal type of black, mixed and white subpopulations were quantitatively assayed for their melanin content and aggressiveness with respect to production of some of the extracellular enzymes such as cellulase, pectinase, amylase and protease. Cellulase and pectinase constituted major portion of the enzymes recovered from the black, mixed and white isolates. Enzyme production and aggressiveness were relatively higher in melanin devoid or low melanin isolates. The melanin deficient isolates were also differentiated from black and mixed isolates on the basis of variation in internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA. Higher enzyme productions positively correlated with area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and lesion development. Melanin content was negatively correlated with extracellular enzymes and aggressiveness of the isolates. Based on melanin content, lesion size, AUDPC and extracellular enzymes, the isolates were grouped in two major clusters (I and II) with further division of cluster II into two sub-clusters (II-A and II-B). The results appears to indicate a possible role of melanin in release of extracellular enzymes and hence in evolution and selection of aggressive isolates of B. sorokiniana in barley.     

Microbial reduction of ethyl acetoacetate using Sclerotium rolfsii

Summary A method for the quantitative enantioselective bioreduction of ethyl acetoacetate [1] to optically pure (+)-S-ethyl-3 hydroxybutyrate [II] usingSclerotium rolfsii mycelium is described. In a synthetic medium 1 g mycelium (dry weight) could convert 1 g of I to II within 2–3 days of fermentation (pH 5.8, 30°C). This is the first report demonstrating use ofS. rolfsii biomass for asymmetric reduction to get chiral building blocks.     

Litter and soil biodiversity jointly drive ecosystem functions

The decomposition of litter and the supply of nutrients into and from the soil are two fundamental processes through which the above- and belowground world interact. Microbial biodiversity, and especially that of decomposers, plays a key role in these processes by helping litter decomposition. Yet the relative contribution of litter diversity and soil biodiversity in supporting multiple ecosystem services remains virtually unknown. Here we conducted a mesocosm experiment where leaf litter and soil biodiversity were manipulated to investigate their influence on plant productivity, litter decomposition, soil respiration, and enzymatic activity in the littersphere. We showed that both leaf litter diversity and soil microbial diversity (richness and community composition) independently contributed to explain multiple ecosystem functions. Fungal saprobes community composition was especially important for supporting ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), plant production, litter decomposition, and activity of soil phosphatase when compared with bacteria or other fungal functional groups and litter species richness. Moreover, leaf litter diversity and soil microbial diversity exerted previously undescribed and significantly interactive effects on EMF and multiple individual ecosystem functions, such as litter decomposition and plant production. Together, our work provides experimental evidence supporting the independent and interactive roles of litter and belowground soil biodiversity to maintain ecosystem functions and multiple services.     

Metabolic burden as reflected by maintenance coefficient of recombinant Escherichia coli overexpressing target gene

Metabolic burden as a consequence of overexpression of target gene in a recombinant strain of E. coli 1727 has been analyzed with respect to maintenance energy coefficient (m). The values of m for the host, uninduced recombinant and IPTG induced recombinant were determined to be 0.12, 0.17 and 0.32 g.g^-1.h^-1 respectively. Transient plasmid instability and nearly 33% fall in maximum specific growth rate were observed under conditions of enhanced requirements for maintenance energy.     

Effect of continuous light and darkness on the testicular histology of toad (Bufo melanostictus)

Continuous darkness decreases spermatogenesis as well as Leydig cell function whereas continuous illumination suppresses spermatogenesis along with increased Leydig cell activity.     

Endogenous ocular lipids as potential modulators of intraocular pressure

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor in glaucoma, a group of irreversible blinding diseases. Endogenous lipids may be involved in regulation of IOP homeostasis. We present comparative fold analysis of phospholipids and sphingolipids of aqueous humour and trabecular meshwork from human control vs primary open-angle glaucoma and mouse control (normotensive) vs ocular hypertensive state. The fold analysis in control vs disease state was based on ratiometric mass spectrometric data for above classes of lipids. We standardized in vitro assays for rapid characterization of lipids undergoing significant diminishment in disease state. Evaluation of lipids using in vitro assays helped select a finite number of lipids that may potentially expand cellular interstitial space embedded in an artificial matrix or increase fluid flow across a layer of cells. These assays reduced a number of lipids for initial evaluation using a mouse model, DBA/2J with spontaneous IOP elevation. These lipids were then used in other mouse models for confirmation of IOP lowering potential of a few lipids that were found promising in previous assessments. Our results provide selected lipid molecules that can be pursued for further evaluation and studies that may provide insight into their function.     

Cytoskeleton stiffness regulates cellular senescence and innate immune response in Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is caused by the accumulation of mutant prelamin A (progerin) in the nuclear lamina, resulting in increased nuclear stiffness and abnormal nuclear architecture. Nuclear mechanics are tightly coupled to cytoskeletal mechanics via lamin A/C. However, the role of cytoskeletal/nuclear mechanical properties in mediating cellular senescence and the relationship between cytoskeletal stiffness, nuclear abnormalities, and senescent phenotypes remain largely unknown. Here, using muscle‐derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from the Zmpste24^?/? (Z24^?/?) mouse (a model for HGPS) and human HGPS fibroblasts, we investigated the mechanical mechanism of progerin‐induced cellular senescence, involving the role and interaction of mechanical sensors RhoA and Sun1/2 in regulating F‐actin cytoskeleton stiffness, nuclear blebbing, micronuclei formation, and the innate immune response. We observed that increased cytoskeletal stiffness and RhoA activation in progeria cells were directly coupled with increased nuclear blebbing, Sun2 expression, and micronuclei‐induced cGAS‐Sting activation, part of the innate immune response. Expression of constitutively active RhoA promoted, while the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK reduced cytoskeletal stiffness, Sun2 expression, the innate immune response, and cellular senescence. Silencing of Sun2 expression by siRNA also repressed RhoA activation, cytoskeletal stiffness and cellular senescence. Treatment of Zmpste24^?/? mice with a RhoA inhibitor repressed cellular senescence and improved muscle regeneration. These results reveal novel mechanical roles and correlation of cytoskeletal/nuclear stiffness, RhoA, Sun2, and the innate immune response in promoting aging and cellular senescence in HGPS progeria.