Growth Axis Research Articles

Evaluation of family seed sources and clones of Casuarina junghuhniana and C. cunninghamiana, for growth and wood traits at two contrasting sites in southern India

The growth and wood traits of four taxa (a) 42 Casuarina junghuhniana (Cj) families from four natural provenances, (b) 9 second generation (2G) Cj families, (c) 43 Cj clones and (d) 14 C. cunninghamiana families, were evaluated at two contrasting sites in southern India. Survival was high (>90%) at the dry coastal Ongole site at 48 months for both the seedlings and clones. Overall, growth was better at the higher rainfall, irrigated inland location West Godavari (WG), but the clones had 16% lower mean survival than Cj seed sources. C. cunninghamiana had significantly lower survival at both sites at 72 months. The clones had comparable growth (height and diameter at breast height) and better stem form and axis persistence than natural provenances and 2G seedlots of C. junghuhniana. Provenance variation was significant for growth traits, while narrow and broad-sense heritability estimates were low to moderate in C. junghuhniana, suggesting that both recurrent selection and breeding among appropriate provenances and deployment of clones are likely to result in genetic gain. Genotype-by-environment interaction was low for growth traits. Wood (density and pulp yield), fibre, and vessel traits were evaluated from core samples in 9–10 families/clones of each taxon at 48 months. Fibre length was significantly higher in 2G seedlots and clones than natural Cj provenances, while C. cunninghamiana had the longest fibres at the irrigated inland site. C. cunninghamiana had significantly lower wood density and Runkel ratio due to lower fibre wall thickness and wider cell lumen (fibre and vessel). All taxa had higher wood density at the dry coastal site due to higher fibre wall thickness, but vessel wall thickness was higher at the irrigated WG site. Narrow-sense heritability estimates for wood traits were moderate for fibre length and width, but low and imprecisely estimated for pulp yield and other traits. However, the broad-sense heritability (clonal repeatability) estimate was moderate for pulp yield, with low clone-by-site interaction, suggesting deployment of suitable, stable clones would be an appropriate deployment strategy.

Silencing long non-coding RNA DLX6-AS1 or restoring microRNA-193b-3p enhances thyroid carcinoma cell autophagy and apoptosis via depressing HOXA1.

Long non‐coding RNA DLX6 antisense RNA 1 (DLX6‐AS1) lists a critical position in thyroid carcinoma (TC) development. However, the overall comprehension about DLX6‐AS1, microRNA (miR)‐193b‐3p and homeobox A1 (HOXA1) in TC is not thoroughly enough. Concerning to this, this work is pivoted on DLX6‐AS1/miR‐193b‐3p/HOXA1 axis in TC cell growth and autophagy. TC tissues and adjacent normal thyroid tissues were collected, in which expression of DLX6‐AS1, miR‐193b‐3p and HOXA1 was tested, together with their interactions. TC cells were transfected with DLX6‐AS1/miR‐193b‐3p‐related oligonucleotides or plasmids to test cell growth and autophagy. Tumorigenesis in nude mice was observed. DLX6‐AS1 and HOXA1 were up‐regulated, and miR‐193b‐3p was down‐regulated in TC. Depleted DLX6‐AS1 or restored miR‐193b‐3p disturbed cell growth and promoted autophagy. DLX6‐AS1 targeted miR‐193b‐3p and positively regulated HOXA1. miR‐193b‐3p inhibition mitigated the impaired tumorigenesis induced by down‐regulated DLX6‐AS1. Tumorigenesis in nude mice was consistent with that in cells. It is clear that DLX6‐AS1 depletion hinders TC cell growth and promotes autophagy via up‐regulating miR‐193b‐3p and down‐regulating HOXA1.

Microscale δ34S heterogeneities in cold seep barite record variable methane flux off the Lofoten-Vesterålen Continental Margin, Norway

Authigenic carbonate and barite crusts were analyzed from recently discovered cold seeps on the Lofoten-Vesterålen (LV) continental slope, northern Norway. Carbonate phases in these crusts are methane-derived Mg-calcite and aragonite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to petrographically characterize cold seep crusts, and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to measure the microscale sulfur isotope composition (δ34S values) of authigenic barite. The mean δ34SBaSO4 value from SIMS spot analyses is 70‰ (n = 303), significantly elevated with respect to seawater sulfate (∼21‰). The δ34S values can vary more than 40‰ within individual barite aggregates (< 250 μm) and more than 50‰ within cm-scale samples. δ34SBaSO4 values in layered barite aggregates are most variable parallel to growth axes, with minimal variability in the perpendicular direction; fluctuations in δ34SBaSO4 values along growth axes are inferred to record temporal changes in sulfate distillation during barite precipitation. In layered barite aggregates, δ34SBaSO4 values frequently approach ∼90‰, but at these high δ34S values, barite dissolution features become increasingly prevalent and may reflect an upper limit for porewater 34SSO4 enrichment while maintaining barite saturation in this system. We suggest the primary forcing affecting sulfate distillation is varying activity of anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled to sulfate reduction (AOM-SR) due to temporal changes in cold seep methane flux. These findings provide the first semi-continuous geologic proxy for paleo-methane flux on the Lofoten-Vesterålen continental margin and suggest methane advection rates varied considerably over the course of carbonate-barite crust formation. In addition to systematic microscale changes in δ34SBaSO4 values, periodic intra-aggregate dissolution features indicate a dynamic seepage environment with two or more periods of enhanced methane flux in recent geological history.

Knockdown of MIR9‑3HG inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by miR‑498 via EP300

Cervical cancer is a serious gynecological cancer and one of the primary causes of mortality in female patients with cancer. Despite advances in cancer research, the molecular mechanism underlying cancer remains poorly understood. High levels of MIR9-3 host gene (HG) are associated with the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. However, the specific role of MIR9-3HG during the development of cervical cancer is unclear. In the present study, the expression of MIR9-3HG was silenced in C33A and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines. Proliferation and apoptosis were measured in these cells using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, targeting microRNAs (miRs) of MIR9-3HG and mRNAs of miR-498 were predicted using public databases. The predicted interactions between these molecules were validated using RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. Lastly, C33A cells transfected with short hairpin MIR-3HG alone or in combination with miR-498 inhibitor or PC-EP300 were subcutaneously injected into mice. The levels of miR-498, EP300 and Ki67 in tumor tissue were measured via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR or western blotting. MIR9-3HG knockdown inhibited the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, whilst promoting apoptosis. MIR9-3HG sponged miR-498 and inhibited its expression. Additionally, miR-498 interacted with EP300 and inhibited its expression. Transfection with miR-498 inhibitor significantly decreased apoptosis levels; this effect was abolished following EP300 silencing in vitro. In vivo, both miR-498 inhibition and EP300 overexpression reversed the inhibition of tumor growth mediated by MIR-3HG knockdown. MIR9-3HG promoted the proliferation cervical cancer cells via EP300 and miR-498. These in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate the regulatory role of the MIR9-3HG/miR-498/EP300 axis in cervical cancer cell growth. Thus, the present study identified novel molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer and provided new insight into the pathogenesis of cervical cancer.

Contribution of Ghrelin to the Pathogenesis of Growth Hormone Deficiency.

In this review we described the interactions between ghrelin and the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis in children and adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). A possible involvement of these interactions in the pathogenesis of unexplained cases of GHD was suggested. Current research provides more and more details to the knowledge on the circadian rhythm of ghrelin. We gathered reports on the decreasing effect of Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis on the number of ghrelin immunopositive cells and the consequent decrease in ghrelin serum concentration. The gastrointestinal tract microflora modification of the ghrelin action, by the mechanism of molecular mimicry, was also stressed. Moreover, the mutual relationships between ghrelin and the TSH-FT4/FT3 axis in growth and metabolic processes are described. It is to be recalled that FT4 and FT3 exert a permissive impact on IGF-1 action and, in turn, GH, in reaction mediated by IGF-1, enhances the monodeiodination of FT4 to FT3. Finally, we discussed the latest attempts to use the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) analogues for possible diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Apical pollen tube wall curvature correlates with growth and indicates localized changes in the yielding of the cell wall.

The shape of the apical region of lily pollen tube changes rhythmically as the growth rate of the tube oscillates becoming alternately more prolate then back to oblate. We quantified shape change by calculating the curvature of the cross-sectional edge of the pollen tube tip and cross-correlating curvature changes with growth rate. The apical region takes the form of a partial elliptical spheroid, with variation in the length and location of the minor axis. During oscillation curvature profiles show a sharp increase in curvature at the "shoulders" of the apex when oblate, 4-7μm from the flatter central zone. As the tip becomes more prolate, the "shoulders" decrease rapidly in curvature and move towards the growth axis as curvature at the tip increases. We understand curvature changes to represent differential changes in local wall expansion rates, driven by uniform turgor pressure and mediated by changes in wall polysaccharides. To become more oblate, the tip region must become less extensible than the "shoulder" region. And, as the tip becomes more prolate, the increased curvature must be due to increased local expansion. We found that changes in the growth velocity of the "shoulders" of the cell measured as the progress of the cell edge along the growth axis are cyclically out of phase with growth velocity at the tip such that the shoulder regions lag for part of the oscillation cycle, then "catch up" as the growth rate at the tip reaches a maximum and begins to decline. In this way the cell becomes oblate. Cell shape and growth rate oscillate in concert and are functionally related. Spatial change in edge growth rate points to important cellular locations for further investigation of vesicle movement and exocytosis, calcium gradients, and actin dynamics in lily pollen tubes.

MiR-135a Suppresses Granulosa Cell Growth by Targeting Tgfbr1 and Ccnd2 during Folliculogenesis in Mice.

The success of female reproduction relies on high quality oocytes, which is determined by well-organized cooperation between granulosa cells (GCs) and oocytes during folliculogenesis. GC growth plays a crucial role in maintaining follicle development. Herein, miR-135a was identified as a differentially expressed microRNA in pre-ovulatory ovarian follicles between Large White and Chinese Taihu sows detected by Solexa deep sequencing. We found that miR-135a could significantly facilitate the accumulation of cells arrested at the G1/S phase boundary and increase apoptosis. Mechanically, miR-135a suppressed transforming growth factor, beta receptor I (Tgfbr1) and cyclin D2 (Ccnd2) expression by targeting their 3′UTR in GCs. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis and a chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative real-time PCR (ChIP-qPCR) assay demonstrated that the TGFBR1-SMAD3 pathway could enhance Ccnd2 promoter activity and thus upregulate Ccnd2 expression. Finally, estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) functioned as a transcription factor by directly binding to the miR-135a promoter region and decreasing the transcriptional activity of miR-135a. Taken together, our study reveals a pro-survival mechanism of ESR2/miR-135a/Tgfbr1/Ccnd2 axis for GC growth, and also provides a novel target for the improvement of female fertility.

Melatonin Application Modifies Antioxidant Defense and Induces Endoreplication in Maize Seeds Exposed to Chilling Stress.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the biostimulating effect of exogenous melatonin (MEL) applied to seeds via hydroconditioning. It was indicated that only well-chosen application technique and MEL dose guarantees success concerning seed germination and young seedlings growth under stress conditions. For maize seed, 50 μM of MEL appeared to be the optimal dose. It improved seed germination and embryonic axes growth especially during chilling stress (5 °C/14 days) and during regeneration after its subsided. Unfortunately, MEL overdosing lowered IAA level in dry seeds and could disrupt the ROS-dependent signal transduction pathways. Very effective antioxidant MEL action was confirmed by low level of protein oxidative damage and smaller quantity of lipid oxidation products in embryonic axes isolated from seeds pre-treated with MEL and then exposed to cold. The stimulatory effects of MEL on antioxidant enzymes: SOD, APX and GSH-PX and on GST-a detoxifying enzyme, was also demonstrated. It was indicated for the first time, that MEL induced defence strategies against stress at the cytological level, as appearing endoreplication in embryonic axes cells even in the seeds germinating under optimal conditions (preventive action), but very intensively in those germinating under chilling stress conditions (intervention action), and after stress removal, to improve regeneration.

Toll-like receptor 4 is a master regulator for colorectal cancer growth under high-fat diet by programming cancer metabolism

Although high-fat diet (HFD) has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), the critical signaling molecule that mediates the cancer growth is not well-defined. Identifying the master regulator that controls CRC growth under HFD can facilitate the development of effective therapeutics for the cancer treatment. In this study, the global lipidomics and RNA sequencing data show that, in the tumor tissues of CRC-bearing mouse models, HFD not only increases tumor weight, but also the palmitic acid level and TLR4 expression, which are reduced when HFD is replaced by control diet. These concomitant changes suggest the roles of palmitic acid and TLR4 in CRC growth. Subsequent studies show that palmitic acid regulates TLR4 expression in PU.1-dependent manner. Knockdown of PU.1 or mutations of PU.1-binding site on TLR4 promoter abolish the palmitic acid-increased TLR4 expression. The role of palmitic acid/PU.1/TLR4 axis in CRC growth is further examined in cell model and animal models that are fed either HFD or palmitic acid-rich diet. More importantly, iTRAQ proteomics data show that knockdown of TLR4 changes the metabolic enzyme profiles in the tumor tissues, which completely abolish the HFD-enhanced ATP production and cancer growth. Our data clearly demonstrate that TLR4 is a master regulator for CRC growth under HFD by programming cancer metabolism.

Knockdown of miR-125b-5p inhibits the proliferation and invasion of gastric carcinoma cells by targeting RYBP.

Gastric carcinoma, one of the most aggressive and lethal human malignancies, is associated with poor prognosis despite progress in therapeutic strategies. This study examined the potential function and mechanism of action of microRNA-125b-5p (miR-125b-5p) in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma. We recognized that miR-125b-5p was elevated in gastric carcinoma, and its decreased expression was associated with a better prognosis. Loss-of-function assays showed that miR-125b-5p suppression inhibited the proliferative and invasive abilities of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, RING1 and YY1-binding protein (RYBP) was found to be target gene for miR-125b-5p action; miR-125b-5p negatively regulates RYBP expression. According to the results of rescue experiments, RYBP downregulation partially counteracted the miR-125b-5p silence-mediated inhibitory function in gastric cancer progression. Collectively, these data elucidated the molecular mechanisms of the miR-125b-5p/RYBP axis in gastric cancer invasion and growth.

Thermoelectric properties and phase transition of doped single crystals and polycrystals of Bi2Te3

AbstractThe temperature dependences of the electrical conductivity , Seebeck coefficient , and heat capacity Cp(T) of polycrystalline samples of Bi2Te3, Bi2Te3+1%CuI, and Bi2Te3+1%(CuI+1/2Pb) are investigated in the temperature range below room temperature. Based on the temperature dependences of all investigated physical properties, it is discovered that phase transition occurs at 120–200 K. Investigation of single crystals shows that anomalies in the electrical resistivity occur only across the crystal growth axis (across the well‐conducting Bi–Te plane). Investigation of the low‐temperature dependence of electrical conductivity shows that all polycrystalline samples exhibit quasi‐two‐dimensional electron transport. Additionally, quasi‐two‐dimensional transport is detected in single crystals based on anisotropy analysis (where is the resistivity along the crystal growth axis, and is resistivity across the crystal growth axis) and temperature dependence below 50 K. The Fermi energy is estimated using the temperature dependence of . It is discovered that an increase in at T &gt; 200 K is associated with the phase transition. For single‐crystal samples, the maximum thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, as observed along the crystal growth axis, increases with doping. A maximum ZT value of ∼1.1 is observed for the Bi2Te3+1%(CuI+1/2Pb) sample at room temperature ().

Optical manifestation of magnetic polarons bound to excitons and resident holes in a (Cd,Mn)Te quantum well

Photoluminescence and multiple ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ spin-flip Raman scattering (SFRS) are studied in the (Cd,Mn)Te/(Cd,Mg)Te quantum well with excess resident hole concentration under resonance continuous-wave photoexcitation in the localized states of excitons and trions at $T=1.5$ K. A magnetic polaron shift of both exciton and trion photoluminescence is observed to be increasing with an increase in the magnetic field up to 6 T applied perpendicularly to the sample growth axis (Voigt geometry). Exciton magnetic polaron shift in magnetic field is attributed to the adiabatic energy transfer from the exchange reservoir to the Zeeman reservoir during the precession of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ ions in the summary field of external magnetic and exchange hole fields. A mechanism of the magnetic polaron shift of trion photoluminescence is suggested. It is related to direct photoexcitation of the triplet trion state, which is stable in the conditions which are provided by the resident hole magnetic polarons. In these conditions, the ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ magnetic moment experiences additional magnetization in the double exchange field provided by two holes in the triplet trion state. It is observed that the maximum efficiency of multiple ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ spin-flip Raman scattering falls into the energy range corresponding to the states of localized excitons where the exciton magnetic polaron shift is observed. From this we conclude that the magnetic polaron state could be an intermediate state of the multiple ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ SFRS process.

Exciton recombination and spin relaxation in strong magnetic fields in ultrathin (In,Al)As/AlAs quantum wells with indirect band gap and type-I band alignment

The exciton recombination and spin dynamics are studied in monolayer-thick (In,Al)As/AlAs quantum wells characterized by an indirect band gap and a type-I band alignment. The exciton recombination time and the photoluminescence intensity are strongly dependent on strength and orientation of an applied magnetic field. In contrast to no effect of an in-plane field, at a temperature of 1.8 K a magnetic field applied parallel to the growth axis drastically slows down the recombination and reduces the intensity of photoluminescence. The magnetic-field-induced circular polarization of photoluminescence is studied as a function of the magnetic field strength and direction, as well as sample temperature. The observed nonmonotonic behavior of these functions is provided by the interplay of bright and dark exciton states contributing to the emission. Taking into account the magnetic-field-induced redistribution of the indirect excitons between their bright and dark states, we evaluate the heavy-hole longitudinal $g$ factor of 3.6, the radiative recombination time for the bright excitons of 0.13 ms, and the nonradiative recombination time of the bright and dark excitons of 0.43 ms, as well as the spin relaxation times of electron of $25\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ and heavy hole of $16\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$, bound in the exciton.

Abstract 2469: Elucidating the structure-function relationships in the interactions of the androgen receptor, ELK1 and the platform antagonist KCI807 in prostate cancer

Abstract Prostate cancer (PC) is generally dependent on the androgen signaling axis for growth. Advanced PC is managed by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, the tumors frequently progress by restoring AR signaling that is androgen-independent or hypersensitive to it, leading to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC is also supported by hormone-independent actions of AR splice variants which lack the ligand binding domain. Additionally, ADT has many undesirable side effects on a variety of normal tissues that depend on androgen for non-growth related functions, including effects on the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, bone and muscle. Therefore, a more strategic therapy approach would be to disrupt a functional arm of AR-signaling that is critical for PC/CRPC growth but not for the essential physiological roles of AR in normal tissues. Previous studies in this laboratory have identified ELK1 as an AR tethering protein essential for activation of a critical set of androgen/AR growth genes in various PC model cell line models, both in vitro and in vivo, including those resistant to castration and enzalutamide. It was also established that the N-terminal A/B domain of AR binds to ELK1 by co-opting the two ERK docking sites on ELK1 to constitutively activate genes enriched for cell growth functions in PC cells. A lead candidate drug molecule (KCI807) was discovered that bound to AR, blocking its association with ELK1 and inhibiting PC/CRPC tumor growth. KCI807 binds to the A/B domain in AR or its splice variants and has a limited target gene set (a subset of AR target genes) that is primarily and highly enriched for functions in cell cycle progression and mitosis. To further our drug development efforts, we must identify and characterize the ELK1 docking site recognition sites in the AR A/B domain and the binding site of KCI807. We applied a mammalian two-hybrid assay to map the ELK1 interacting motifs in the A/B domain of AR using a series of deletion constructs. Overlapping deletion constructs were made systematically to cover the entire A/B domain. For each of these constructs additional double fusion constructs were used as controls. Expression of fusion proteins was monitored by western blot. Our results excluded a role for the amino-terminal half of the A/B domain in ELK1 interactions but did identify repressor motifs within this region. We identified two docking site recognition sites in the AR A/B domain for the two docking sites in ELK1 in a parallel configuration. The KCI807 binding site was located in the downstream site of AR. Further structural and functional studies of the mapped motifs in AR will reveal more about the biology of the AR-ELK1 interaction and directly aid in the design of next generation antagonists to selectively target ELK1-dependent growth signaling by AR in PC/CRPC tumors. Citation Format: Claire L. Soave, Rayna Rosati, Yanfang Huang, Manohar Ratnam. Elucidating the structure-function relationships in the interactions of the androgen receptor, ELK1 and the platform antagonist KCI807 in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2469.

Relationship between peripapillary choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer in young people with myopia.

AimTo study the characteristics and relationship between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness in young people with myopia.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 92 cases (52 myopia, 40 emmetropia) regarding age, sex, refractive power, axial length (AL), and intraocular pressure. Peripapillary RNFL and choroidal thicknesses were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in six sectors. Differences in thicknesses between the two groups were compared by single-factor analysis.ResultsRNFL was thickest in the inferotemporal sector (157.3 ± 19.66 µm) and thinnest in the nasal sector (58.78 ± 18.41 µm). Peripapillary choroid was thickest in the superonasal sector (176.37 ± 33.92 µm) and thinnest in the inferotemporal sector (131.79 ± 25.22 µm). The RNFL was thinner in the myopia group (99.04 ± 8.23 µm) vs the emmetropia group (103.25 ± 8.32 µm); significantly different in the superotemporal and inferonasal sectors. Peripapillary choroid thickness in the myopia group (148.65 ± 26.64 µm) was lower vs the emmetropia group (160.88 ± 29.06 µm); significantly different in the nasal, inferonasal, and inferotemporal sectors. RNFL thickness was negatively correlated with choroidal thickness in the nasal sector (r = −0.288).ConclusionPeripapillary RNFL and choroidal thicknesses showed regional distributions. RNFL was negatively correlated with PCT in the nasal sector, possibly related to eye axis growth and choroidal compensation.

Responses of a root system structure to soil compaction stress among maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

AbstractEffects of soil compaction stress were investigated in maize hybrids subjected to low (L‐1.10), medium (M‐1.30) and high (H‐1.60 g/cm3) soil compaction. The hybrids selected for the study differed in their susceptibility to growth under soil compaction stress conditions. We used appropriate methods of non‐destructive cleaning and analysis of all intact compartments of the root system. Petrolatum–wax test, proved as an effective screening technique for selecting resistant and sensitive maize hybrids, was also employed. The seedlings were grown in custom‐made ‘root‐box’ and ‘root‐basket’ containers. The penetration resistance (PR) strength of 0.52 and 1.07 MPa was satisfactory for estimating root penetration index (RPA) among maize hybrids. The soil compaction stress affected root system structure (RSS) in maize hybrids. The resistant hybrids showed a lower decrease in root dry matter (DM) in M and H treatments at 0.0–15 cm soil depth, and an increase in the number of roots growing at an angle of 0°–30° in relation to the main growth axis, comparing to sensitive hybrids. The soil compaction stress lowered root number (RN) and length (RL), shoot and root DM, and increased shoot to root ratio (S/R). The changes were greater in sensitive than in resistant hybrids. In addition, a regression coefficient (R2) between stress susceptibility index (SSI) and relative trace change (RTC) marked for changes in dry matter of shoot (S), roots (R), shoot to root (S/R) ratio and root length (RL) and number RN was statistically significant. Seedlings of maize single‐cross hybrids demonstrated differences in their responses to soil compaction stress, which caused changes in shoot and root dry matter and the distribution of roots in the soil profile.

The Nutrient-Responsive Molecular Chaperone Hsp90 Supports Growth and Development in Drosophila.

Animals can sense internal nutrients, such as amino acids/proteins, and are able to modify their developmental programs in accordance with their nutrient status. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, amino acid/protein is sensed by the fat body, an insect adipose tissue, through a nutrient sensor, target of rapamycin (TOR) complex 1 (TORC1). TORC1 promotes the secretion of various peptide hormones from the fat body in an amino acid/protein-dependent manner. Fat-body-derived peptide hormones stimulate the release of insulin-like peptides, which are essential growth-promoting anabolic hormones, from neuroendocrine cells called insulin-producing cells (IPCs). Although the importance of TORC1 and the fat body-IPC axis has been elucidated, the mechanism by which TORC1 regulates the expression of insulinotropic signal peptides remains unclear. Here, we show that an evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperone, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), promotes the expression of insulinotropic signal peptides. Fat-body-selective Hsp90 knockdown caused the transcriptional downregulation of insulinotropic signal peptides. IPC activity and systemic growth were also impaired in fat-body-selective Hsp90 knockdown animals. Furthermore, Hsp90 expression depended on protein/amino acid availability and TORC1 signaling. These results strongly suggest that Hsp90 serves as a nutrient-responsive gene that upregulates the fat body-IPC axis and systemic growth. We propose that Hsp90 is induced in a nutrient-dependent manner to support anabolic metabolism during the juvenile growth period.

Circ0093740 Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Sponging miR-136/145 and Upregulating DNMT3A in Wilms Tumor.

As a research hotspot, circular RNAs (circRNAs) is one type of non-coding RNAs which have many different functions in biological processes. However, there is lack of study investigating the underlying molecular mechanism and the potential roles of circRNAs in Wilms tumor. We conducted a high-throughput microarray sequencing to screen differentially expressed circRNAs in Wilms tumor. A novel circRNA (circ0093740) was identified as a frequently upregulated circRNA in Wilms tumor cells and tissues. Suppression of circ0093740 remarkably inhibited the proliferation and migration ability in Wilms tumor, validated by several experiments. The molecular mechanism of circ0093740 was investigated by luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The results revealed that circ0093740 promotes the growth and migration ability by sponging miR-136/145 and upregulating DNMT3A. In conclusion, our study discovered the biological role of the circ0093740-miR-136/145-DNMT3A axis in Wilms tumor growth and metastasis which is important for developing new treatment strategy.

Lateral Root Initiation and the Analysis of Gene Function Using Genome Editing with CRISPR in Arabidopsis

Lateral root initiation is a post-embryonic process that requires the specification of a subset of pericycle cells adjacent to the xylem pole in the primary root into lateral root founder cells. The first visible event of lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis is the simultaneous migration of nuclei in neighbouring founder cells. Coinciding cell cycle activation is essential for founder cells in the pericycle to undergo formative divisions, resulting in the development of a lateral root primordium (LRP). The plant signalling molecule, auxin, is a major regulator of lateral root development; the understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling lateral root initiation has progressed tremendously by the use of the Arabidopsis model and a continual improvement of molecular methodologies. Here, we provide an overview of the visible events, cell cycle regulators, and auxin signalling cascades related to the initiation of a new LRP. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of genome editing technology to analyse gene function in lateral root initiation, which provides an excellent model to answer fundamental developmental questions such as coordinated cell division, growth axis establishment as well as the specification of cell fate and cell polarity.

The Effectiveness of the Concept of CRM Application for SMEs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the business sector that has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. With this pandemic, all business lines that became the axis of economic growth in Indonesia experienced a significant decline. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the use of the concept of customer relationship management (CRM) to increase the sales of an SME engaged in food supply services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The result of this research is the formation of a website that can help SMEs in promoting products online in order to increase sales.