Mannose-6-Phosphate Reductase,a Key Enzyme in Photoassimilate Partitioning,Is Abundant and Located in the Cytosol of Photosynthetically Active Cells of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Source Leaves

Mannitol, a major photosynthetic product and transport carbohydrate in many plants, accounts for approximately 50% of the carbon fixed by celery (Apium graveolens L.) leaves. Previous subfractionation studies of celery leaves indicated that the enzymes for mannitol synthesis were located in the cytosol, but these data are inconsistent with that published for the sites of sugar alcohol synthesis in other families and taxa, including apple (Malus) and a brown alga (Fucus). Using antibodies to a key synthetic enzyme, NADPH-dependent mannose-6-phosphate reductase (M6PR), and immunocytochemical techniques, we have resolved both the inter-cellular and intracellular sites of mannitol synthesis. In leaves, M6PR was found only in cells containing ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. M6PR was almost exclusively cytosolic in these cells, with the nucleus being the only organelle to show labeling. The key step in transport carbohydrate biosynthesis that is catalyzed by M6PR displays no apparent preferential association with vascular tissues or with the bundle sheath. These results show that M6PR and, thus, mannitol synthesis are closely associated with the distribution of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in celery leaves. The principal role of M6PR is, therefore, in the assimilation of carbon being exported from the chloroplast, and it seems unlikely that this enzyme plays even an indirect role in phloem loading of mannitol.     

Widespread formation of intracellular calcium carbonates by the bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis

The formation of intracellular amorphous calcium carbonates (iACC) has been recently observed in a few cultured strains of Microcystis, a potentially toxic bloom-forming cyanobacterium found worldwide in freshwater ecosystems. If iACC-forming Microcystis are abundant within blooms, they may represent a significant amount of particulate Ca. Here, we investigate the significance of iACC biomineralization by Microcystis. First, the presence of iACC-forming Microcystis cells has been detected in several eutrophic lakes, indicating that this phenomenon occurs under environmental conditions. Second, some genotypic (presence/absence of ccyA, a marker gene of iACC biomineralization) and phenotypic (presence/absence of iACC) diversity have been detected within a collection of strains isolated from one single lake. This illustrates that this trait is frequent but also variable within Microcystis even at a single locality. Finally, one-third of publicly available genomes of Microcystis were shown to contain the ccyA gene, revealing a wide geographic and phylogenetic distribution within the genus. Overall, the present work shows that the formation of iACC by Microcystis is common under environmental conditions. While its biological function remains undetermined, this process should be further considered regarding the biology of Microcystis and implications on the Ca geochemical cycle in freshwater environments.     

Investigation into the hypogonadism of the obese mouse (genotype ob/ob)

Features of the reproductive axis in the genetically hypogonadal, obese mouse (genotype, ob/ob) were examined at 5-8 months of age and compared with those of wild-type litter mates. Hypothalamic concentrations of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine were normal. Those of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, noradrenaline and LH-RH were raised. LH-RH was biologically active. Pituitary concentration of LH was normal, but that of FSH was raised. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH, compared with those of wild-type animals, were normal and low, respectively. Gonad and accessory sex organs weights were reduced. These findings suggest that the release of FSH but not LH is defective in the ob/ob mouse. Preliminary in-vitro experiments indicated that the pituitary gland responded normally or even supernormally towards LH-RH in its release of LH. The defect in the reproductive axis of the obese mouse may be due to inadequate release of LH-RH although an insensitivity of the pituitary gland towards LH-RH in its release of FSH cannot be excluded.     

Salmonella in wildlife from Trinidad and Grenada, W.I.

Forty-four of 219 animals from Trinidad and Grenada, W.I., yielded 20 serotypes of Salmonella, 16 of which are known to have been associated with human infection in the United States in recent years. Toads (Bufo marinus) provided the greatest number of isolates. Other carriers were mammals, vultures, lizards, a tree-frog and a cave cockroach.     

Congruent population genetic structures and divergence histories in anther‐smut fungi and their host plants Silene italica and the Silene nutans species complex

Study of the congruence of population genetic structure between hosts and pathogens gives important insights into their shared phylogeographical and coevolutionary histories. We studied the population genetic structure of castrating anther‐smut fungi (genus Microbotryum) and of their host plants, the Silene nutans species complex, and the morphologically and genetically closely related Silene italica, which can be found in sympatry. Phylogeographical population genetic structure related to persistence in separate glacial refugia has been recently revealed in the S. nutans plant species complex across Western Europe, identifying several distinct lineages. We genotyped 171 associated plant–pathogen pairs of anther‐smut fungi and their host plant individuals using microsatellite markers and plant chloroplastic single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found clear differentiation between fungal populations parasitizing S. nutans and S. italica plants. The population genetic structure of fungal strains parasitizing the S. nutans plant species complex mirrored the host plant genetic structure, suggesting that the pathogen was isolated in glacial refugia together with its host and/or that it has specialized on the plant genetic lineages. Using random forest approximate Bayesian computation (ABC‐RF), we found that the divergence history of the fungal lineages on S. nutans was congruent with that previously inferred for the host plant and probably occurred with ancient but no recent gene flow. Genome sequences confirmed the genetic structure and the absence of recent gene flow between fungal genetic lineages. Our analyses of individual host–pathogen pairs contribute to a better understanding of co‐evolutionary histories between hosts and pathogens in natural ecosystems, in which such studies remain scarce.     

Bioecological Drivers of Rabies Virus Circulation in a Neotropical Bat Community

Introduction

In addition to the commonly accepted importance of the vampire bat in the maintenance and transmission of the rabies virus (RABV) in South America, RABV infection of other species is widely evidenced, challenging their role in the viral cycle.

Methodology / Principles findings

To identify the bioecological drivers of RABV circulation in neotropical bat communities, we conducted a molecular and serological survey on almost 1,000 bats from 30 species, and a 4-year longitudinal survey in two colonies of vampire bats in French Guiana. RABV was molecularly detected in a common vampire and in a frugivorous bat. The sequences corresponded to haematophagous bat-related strains and were close to viruses circulating in the Brazilian Amazon region. Species’ seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 20%, and the risk of seropositivity was higher in bats with a haematophagous diet, living in monospecific colonies and in dense forests. The longitudinal survey showed substantial temporal fluctuations, with individual waves of seroconversions and waning immunity. The high prevalences observed in bat communities, in most habitats and in species that do not share the same microhabitats and bioecological patterns, the temporal variations, and a rather short period of detectable antibodies as observed in recaptured vampires suggest (i) frequent exposure of animals, (ii) an ability of the infected host to control and eliminate the virus, (iii) more relaxed modes of exposure between bats than the commonly assumed infection via direct contact with saliva of infected animals, all of which should be further investigated.

Conclusions / significance

We hypothesize that RABV circulation in French Guiana is mainly maintained in the pristine forest habitats that may provide sufficient food resources to allow vampire bats, the main prevalent species, to survive and RABV to be propagated. However, on the forest edge and in disturbed areas, human activities may induce more insidious effects such as defaunation. One of the ecological consequences is the disappearance of resources for tertiary or secondary consumers. Populations of vampires may then shift to alternative resources such as cattle, domestic animals and humans. Therefore, a good forest status, allowing both a dilution effect in highly rich bat communities and the maintenance of large populations of medium-sized and large mammals used as prey by vampires, should prevent their migration to anthropized areas.     

Space Use and Movement Patterns in a Semi-Free-Ranging Herd of European Bison (Bison bonasus)

The successful reintroduction and restocking of the European Bison demands a reliable knowledge of the biology of this species. Yet little is known to date about the European bison, and empirical data remains insufficient to set up a reliable plan ensuring the reintroduction, maintenance and survival of populations in habitats that have been largely modified by human activity. Studies of the ecology, social behaviour and management of bison are therefore crucial to the conservation of this species and its cohabitation with humans. To meet these challenges, we focused on movement patterns and space use in a semi-free-ranging herd of European bison living in the Réserve Biologique des Monts-d’Azur (France). Bison spend over 80% of their time foraging and resting; foraging mainly occurs around the artificial feeding sites (i.e., hay racks) or in meadows. The time of day and the presence of snow have no influence on the time budget allocated to each activity. Animals, however, spend more time at the food racks in winter. Bison also spend most of their time in small groups of individuals, confirming the occurrence of both fission-fusion dynamics and sexual segregation in this species. Bison seem to follow a Lévy walk pattern of movement, which is probably related to the geographical distribution and size of food patches in the reserve. The conclusions of this study provide a better understanding of the sociality, life habits and habitat use of bison, and also describe how the provision of hay affects all these behaviours. These results could be useful in the development of tools to select the most suitable habitats for the reintroduction, management and conservation of bison populations.