Binding Protein Gene Research Articles

Cortisol regulates insulin-like growth-factor binding protein (igfbp) gene expression in Atlantic salmon parr

The growth hormone (Gh)/insulin-like growth-factor (Igf)/Igf binding protein (Igfbp) system regulates growth and osmoregulation in salmonid fishes, but how this system interacts with other endocrine systems is largely unknown. Given the well-documented consequences of mounting a glucocorticoid stress response on growth, we hypothesized that cortisol inhibits anabolic processes by modulating the expression of hepatic igfbp mRNAs. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr were implanted intraperitoneally with cortisol implants (0, 10, and 40 μg g−1 body weight) and sampled after 3 or 14 days. Cortisol elicited a dose-dependent reduction in specific growth rate (SGR) after 14 days. While plasma Gh and Igf1 levels were unchanged, hepatic igf1 mRNA was diminished and hepatic igfbp1b1 and -1b2 were stimulated by the high cortisol dose. Plasma Igf1 was positively correlated with SGR at 14 days. Hepatic gh receptor (ghr), igfbp1a, -2a, -2b1, and -2b2 levels were not impacted by cortisol. Muscle igf2, but not igf1 or ghr, levels were stimulated at 3 days by the high cortisol dose. As both cortisol and the Gh/Igf axis promote seawater (SW) tolerance, and particular igfbps respond to SW exposure, we also assessed whether cortisol coordinates the expression of branchial igfbps and genes associated with ion transport. Cortisol stimulated branchial igfbp5b2 levels in parallel with Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity and nka-α1b, Na+/K+/2Cl--cotransporter 1 (nkcc1), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator 1 (cftr1) mRNA levels. The collective results indicate that cortisol modulates the growth of juvenile salmon via the regulation of hepatic igfbp1s whereas no clear links between cortisol and branchial igfbps previously shown to be salinity-responsive could be established.

Differential Expression of IGF1, IGFBP5, MSTN, and MYH1 Across Different Age Classes in American Quarter Horses

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of age on expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP5), myostatin (MSTN), and myosin (MYH1) genes which are related to growth and muscle development in the American Quarter Horse. Thus, horses (n = 10) from weanling, yearling, 2-, 3-, and 10-year-old age classes were sampled and gene expression was assessed by RT-qPCR. ΔCT was calculated using the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene as an internal normalizer. The generalized linear model was used to determine differentially expressed genes, by pairwise comparison between ages. Among technical replicates, the coefficient of variation ranged from 1.0 to 5.2% and was lower than the variation observed between biological replicates (2.1–12.9%). IGF1 demonstrated significantly lower expression in the 3-year-old age class than in weanlings and yearlings, but the 10-year-old age class displayed a significantly higher level than 2- and 3-year-old age classes. Expression of IGFBP5 was highest in weanlings compared with all other age classes. Expression of MSTN was significantly higher in weanlings than in other age classes, whereas 10-year-old horses had an intermediate level of expression, but significantly different from yearlings, 2- and 3-year-old fillies. Finally, expression of MYH1 was lower in 2- and 10-year-old horses than in weanlings and yearlings, whereas 3-year-old fillies demonstrated an intermediate level of expression. Differential expression patterns observed in this preliminary study provide insight into the physiological changes occurring throughout the life span of horses. These patterns could also help explain the variation in performance and endurance between individuals at different developmental stages.

First report of garlic virus E in Australia

Garlic virus E (GarVE) is reported for the first time in Australia, from four accessions in a garlic germplasm collection planted at Gatton in South East Queensland. The presence of the virus was confirmed by reverse transcriptase PCR using GarVE-specific primers, followed by direct sequencing of the PCR product. The isolates had 99.1–99.7% nucleotide identity to each other, and 97.9–98.5% nucleotide sequence identity to the exemplar isolate for the species within the amplified region covering parts of the coat protein and nucleic acid binding protein genes. The distribution and economic impact of the virus in commercial plantings needs to be determined.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals a Novel Association Between MYBPC3 Gene Polymorphism, Endurance Athlete Status, Aerobic Capacity and Steroid Metabolism.

BackgroundThe genetic predisposition to elite athletic performance has been a controversial subject due to the underpowered studies and the small effect size of identified genetic variants. The aims of this study were to investigate the association of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with endurance athlete status in a large cohort of elite European athletes using GWAS approach, followed by replication studies in Russian and Japanese elite athletes and functional validation using metabolomics analysis.ResultsThe association of 476,728 SNPs of Illumina DrugCore Gene chip and endurance athlete status was investigated in 796 European international-level athletes (645 males, 151 females) by comparing allelic frequencies between athletes specialized in sports with high (n = 662) and low/moderate (n = 134) aerobic component. Replication of results was performed by comparing the frequencies of the most significant SNPs between 242 and 168 elite Russian high and low/moderate aerobic athletes, respectively, and between 60 elite Japanese endurance athletes and 406 controls. A meta-analysis has identified rs1052373 (GG homozygotes) in Myosin Binding Protein (MYBPC3; implicated in cardiac hypertrophic myopathy) gene to be associated with endurance athlete status (P = 1.43 × 10−8, odd ratio 2.2). Homozygotes carriers of rs1052373 G allele in Russian athletes had significantly greater VO2max than carriers of the AA + AG (P = 0.005). Subsequent metabolomics analysis revealed several amino acids and lipids associated with rs1052373 G allele (1.82 × 10–05) including the testosterone precursor androstenediol (3beta,17beta) disulfate.ConclusionsThis is the first report of genome-wide significant SNP and related metabolites associated with elite athlete status. Further investigations of the functional relevance of the identified SNPs and metabolites in relation to enhanced athletic performance are warranted.

Polymorphism of L-FABP (SNP g. 1593 C>T) Gene and Its Association with Fatty Acid Composition, Carcass, and Meat Quality in Cihateup Duck

Fatty acid composition, carcass, and meat quality are quantitative traits which are controlled by several genes or polygenic. One of the genes that plays important role in the fatty acid in meat quality and fatty acid composition is liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP). The aims of this study were to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) gene and its association with fatty acid, carcass, and meat quality traits in cihateup duck. Cihateup ducks were originated from Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. The study used a total of 98 ducks aged of 12 weeks old with the average body size of 1.4±0.12 kg for PCR-RFLP analyses and 76 ducks for the association analyses. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to identify SNP g. 1593 (C>T) of L-FABP gene. The associations of L-FABP genotypes with fatty acid, carcass, and meat quality traits were performed using T-test procedures. The result showed that the SNP of L-FABP gene was polymorphic with three genotypes (CC, CT, and TT). The Chi-square test revealed that the locus of L-FABP (g. 1593 C>T) was in Hardy - Weinberg equilibrium. L-FABP gene was significantly associated (p T) of L-FABP gene may be a useful marker for selecting and producing duck meat having desirable fatty acids and carcass and meat quality.

Supplemental Wheat Germ Activates the STAT3-Reg3 Pathway in the Gut and Attenuates the Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein Gene in the Adipose Tissue of Mice Fed a Western Diet

Abstract Objectives This study investigated the effects of wheat germ (WG) on gut antimicrobial peptides (AMPs, i.e., regenerating islet-derived protein [Reg] 3 g and Reg3b) in the jejunum and its potential to inhibit nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) activation and immune cell infiltration in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of mice fed a control or a western diet (i.e., high fat and high sucrose, HFS). Methods Six-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12/group), and fed a control (C, 10% kcal fat, 10% kcal sucrose) or HFS (45% kcal fat, 26% kcal sucrose) diet with or without 10% WG (wt/wt) for 12 wks. Metabolic parameters were quantified in the serum. Phosphorylation of STAT3 in the jejunum and NF-kB activation in the VAT were assessed by immunoblotting. Gut antimicrobial peptide genes, and macrophage and inflammatory markers were measured by qPCR. Results After 12 wks of dietary treatment, WG significantly improved hyperglycemia, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) by at least 17% (P ≤ 0.0034) in HFS-fed mice. Protein expression of the pore-forming claudin-2 was elevated in the jejunum of HFS-fed mice (≥101%; P = 0.0016). Supplemental WG upregulated Il-10 and Il-22 genes in the jejunum (≥116%; P ≤ 0.035). The HFS + WG group had a 15-fold increase (P = 0.0012) in pSTAT3 compared to the HFS group in the jejunum. Consequently, the mRNA expression of Reg3b and Reg3g were significantly upregulated in the jejunum by WG supplementation (≥42%; P ≤ 0.043). In the VAT, the HFS group had greater NF-kBp65 phosphorylation compared to C, while HFS + WG group suppressed this to the level of C (–38%; P = 0.014). In addition, VAT Il-6 and Lbp genes were downregulated in the HFS + WG group compared to HFS (P ≤ 0.0032). Macrophage-related genes, F4/80, Cd11c, and iNos, were repressed (≥−28%; P ≤ 0.048) in the VAT of WG-supplemented mice. Conclusions The stimulatory effects of WG on signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) and AMPs in the gut may be vital to reduce the burden of antigen translocation that could initiate adipose tissue inflammation and contribute to obesity-induced IR. Funding Sources This study was funded by Oklahoma Agriculture Experiment Station (project # OKL02993) and by the Oklahoma State University College of Human Sciences.

Evaluation of Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) gene polymorphism in Vitamin D deficient patients attending a tertiary care hospital–a pilot study

Polymorphism in Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) has been implicated as one of the causes for Vitamin D deficiency. However there is paucity of data regarding the effect of genetic polymorphism in DBP in Vitamin D deficient patients in our population. This pilot study was undertaken to analyze the common genetic polymorphism in vitamin DBP in these population and its effect on vitamin D supplementation. 80 vitamin D deficient subjects were selected by convenient sampling. Genetic analysis for DBP (GC) gene polymorphism (rs7041 + rs4588) was carried out in all these individuals after informed consent and correlated with the vitamin D levels post supplementation. Six combinations of genotype were obtained (rs7041 + rs4588): TT+CA, TG+CC, TT+CA, TT+CC, TT+AA, GG+CC. A third of all individuals (33%) were found to have the TG+CA genotype, followed by about 26 % of individuals having the GG+CC genotype. TT+CA group was found to have 13% individuals and a tenth of all individuals belonged to each of the groups with TG+CC and TT+AA genotypes. Least proportion of individuals was found to have the TT+CA genotype (6%). There was no significant difference in the vitamin D levels with individual polymorphism (p value <0.01). However the combined genotype had an effect, with homozygotes for both such as TT-CC, TT-AA showing least response and heterozygotes such TG-CA and CG-CC showing better response: In this study, the individual SNP (rs7041 and rs4588) did not seem to significantly influence the response to vitamin D supplementation. However the combined genotype seem ed to influence the proportion of patients showing improvement after supplementation. The homozygotes for both such as TT-CC, TT-AA showing least response and heterozygotes such TG-CA and CG-CC showing better response.

Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3 Activation is Associated with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Healthy Adults.

Cardiovascular events are associated with low circulating vitamin D concentrations, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigated associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, platelet function, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes influencing vitamin D biology in the 500 Functional Genomics (500FG) cohort. In this observational study, platelet activation and function were measured by flow cytometry by binding of fibrinogen to the activated fibrinogen receptor integrin αIIbβ3 and expression of P-selectin, markers of platelet aggregation and degranulation, respectively. These parameters were correlated to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and genotyping was performed to investigate SNPs in genes important for vitamin D biology. Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations correlated inversely with baseline platelet binding of fibrinogen to integrin αIIbβ3 (Pearson's r= -0.172, p = 0.002) and platelet responses to platelet agonist cross-linked collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL) (Pearson's r= -0.196,p = 0.002). This effect was due to circulating vitamin D levels ≤50nmol/L, since no differences in platelet fibrinogen binding were observed between subjects with normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (>75nmol/L) and a 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency (50-75 nmol/L). No correlations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and platelet P-selectin expression were found. Several SNPs in the GC region of the vitamin D binding proteingene were associated with platelet responses to CRP-XL. Low circulating vitamin D concentrations are associated with increased platelet fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbβ3 in unstimulated samples and after stimulation with CRP-XL. These findings may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events in vitamin D deficient adults and its seasonal variation. Further studies are needed to investigate causality.

Identification of Leg Chemosensory Genes and Sensilla in the Apolygus lucorum.

Apolygus lucorum (Hemiptera: Miridae), one of the main insect pests, causes severe damage in cotton and many other economic crops. As is well-known, legs play important roles in the chemoreception of insects. In this study, the putative chemosensory proteins in legs of A. lucorum involved in close or contact chemical communication of adult bugs were investigated using RNA transcriptome sequencing and qPCR methods. Transcriptome data of forelegs, middle legs and hind legs of adult bugs demonstrated that 20 odorant binding protein (OBP) genes, eight chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, one odorant receptor (OR) gene, one ionotropic receptor (IR) gene and one sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) gene were identified in legs of A. lucorum. Compared to the previous antennae transcriptome data, five CSPs, IR21a and SNMP2a were newly identified in legs. Results of qPCR analysis indicated that all these putative chemosensory genes were ubiquitously expressed in forelegs, middle legs and hind legs of bugs. Furthermore, four types of sensilla on legs of A. lucorum including sensilla trichodea (subtypes: long straight sensilla trichodea, Str1; long curved sensilla trichodea, Str2), sensilla chaetica (subtypes: sensilla chaetica 1, Sch1; sensilla chaetica 2, Sch2; and sensilla chaetica 3, Sch3), sensilla basiconca (subtypes: medium-long sensilla basiconca, Sba1; short sensilla basiconca, Sba2) and Böhm bristles (BB) were found using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the largest number of sensilla was observed on hind legs, while the forelegs had the smallest number of sensilla. Our data provide valuable insights into understanding the chemoreception of legs in A. lucorum.

Rett Syndrome without MECP2 Mutation in a Pakistani Girl


 
 
 Rett syndrome is a rare inherited neurodegenerative disease which mostly affects females but has a lethal impact on males. Rett syndrome is mostly caused by mutations of Methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene located on chromosome Xq28. A 7-year girl from a consanguineous Pakistani family presented with history of abnormal social behavior, tonic colonic seizures, limb'sataxia, intellectual disability, growth retardation and speech abnormalities. Physical and neurological examinations established likely clinical features of Rett syndrome with abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG). Genetic testing of MECP2 gene did not identify any functional nucleotide variation indicating the involvement of another gene mutation in this patient.A consanguineous case of Rett syndrome did not carry the mutation of MECP2 gene. Due to heterogeneity of the phenotype, it is proposed that there might be involvement of another locus for this disease. In future, targeted next generation sequence can be helpful to identify the causative mutation in this patient.
 
 

Gene expression of fatty acid binding protein genes and its relationship with fat deposition of Thai native crossbreed chickens.

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the mRNA expression of adipocyte type fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) and heart type FABP (H-FABP) in Thai native chicken crossbreeds and evaluate the level of exotic inclusion in native chicken that will improve growth while maintaining its relatively low carcass fat.MethodsThe fat deposition traits and mRNA expression of A-FABP and H-FABP were evaluated at 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age in 4 chicken breeds (n = 8/breed/wk) (100% Chee breed [CH] [100% Thai native chicken background], CH male and broiler female [Kaimook e-san1; KM1] [50% CH background], broiler male and KM1 female [Kaimook e-san2; KM2] [25% CH background], and broiler [BR]) using abdominal fat (ABF) and muscular tissues.ResultsThe BR breed was only evaluated at 6 weeks of age. At week 6, the CH breed had a significantly lower A-FABP expression in ABF and intramuscular fat (IF) compared with the other breeds. At 8 to 12 weeks, the KM2 groups showed significant upregulation (p<0.05) of A-FABP in both ABF and IF compared to the CH and KM1 groups. The expression of H-FABP did not follow any consistent pattern in both ABF and IF across the different ages.ConclusionSome level of crossbreeding CH chickens can be done to improve growth rate while maintaining their low ABF and IF. The expression level of A-FABP correlate with most fat traits. There was no consistency of H-FABP expression across breed. A-FABPs is involved in fat deposition, genetic markers in these genes could be used in marker assisted studies to select against excessive fat accumulation.

Defective proteasome biogenesis into skin fibroblasts isolated from Rett syndrome subjects with MeCP2 non-sense mutations

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder which affects about 1: 10000 live births. In >95% of subjects RTT is caused by a mutation in Methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes for a transcription regulator with pleiotropic genetic/epigenetic activities.The molecular mechanisms underscoring the phenotypic alteration of RTT are largely unknown and this has impaired the development of therapeutic approaches to alleviate signs and symptoms during disease progression.A defective proteasome biogenesis into two skin primary fibroblasts isolated from RTT subjects harbouring non-sense (early-truncating) MeCP2 mutations (i.e., R190fs and R255X) is herewith reported. Proteasome is the proteolytic machinery of Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS), a pathway of overwhelming relevance for post-mitotic cells metabolism. Molecular, transcription and proteomic analyses indicate that MeCP2 mutations down-regulate the expression of one proteasome subunit, α7, and of two chaperones, PAC1 and PAC2, which bind each other in the earliest step of proteasome biogenesis.Furthermore, this molecular alteration recapitulates in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells upon silencing of MeCP2 expression, envisaging a general significance of this transcription regulator in proteasome biogenesis.

Two insulin receptors coordinate oogenesis and oviposition via two pathways in the green lacewing, Chrysopa pallens

Insulin signalling in insects, as in mammals, regulates various physiological functions, such as reproduction. However, the molecular mechanism by which insulin signals orchestrate ovarian stem cell proliferation, vitellogenesis, and oviposition remains elusive. Here, we investigate the functions of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-serine/threonine kinase (Akt) pathway, GTPase Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and their downstream messengers in a natural predator, Chrysopa pallens, by the RNAi method. When C. pallens vitellogenin gene 1 (CpVg1) expression was knocked down, the follicle maturation was arrested and total fecundity was reduced. Silencing C. pallens insulin receptor 1 (CpInR1) suppressed Vg transcription and reduced egg mass and hatching rate. Depletion of C. pallens insulin receptor 2 (CpInR2) transcripts lowered Vg transcript level, hampered ovarian development and decreased reproductive output. Knockdown of C. pallens Akt (CpAkt) and C. pallens extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (Cperk) caused phenotypes similar to those caused by knockdown of CpInR2. Disruption of C. pallens transcription factor forkhead box O (CpFoxO) expression caused no significant effects on ovarian development, but sharply impaired total fecundity. Interference with the expression of C. pallens target of rapamycin (CpTor) gene and C. pallens cAMP-response element binding protein (CpCreb) gene led to a down-regulation of Vg transcription, blocking of ovariole growth, and decrease in egg quality. These results suggested the two CpInRs orchestrate oogenesis and oviposition via two signalling pathways to guarantee natural reproduction in the green lacewing, C. pallens.

Cloning and characterization of two chlorophyll A/B binding protein genes and analysis of their gene family in Camellia sinensis

In this study, two chlorophyll A/B binding protein (CAB) genes (CsCP1 and CsCP2) in tea plant were cloned. The proteins encoded by these genes belong to the external or internal antenna proteins of PS II, respectively. They may be the targets of physiological regulation for tea leaf cell PS II because they all contain multiple functional domains and modifiable sites. The CAB gene family in the tea genome consists of 25 homologous genes. We measured the expression patterns of ten genes in the CsCP1 and CsCP2 subfamily under six different stresses. CsCP1 expression was inhibited in response to 6 kinds of stress; CsCP2 expression was slightly upregulated only after cold stress and ABA treatment. However, the expression levels of CSA016997 and CSA030476 were upregulated significantly in the six stresses. The results suggested that the 10 CAB genes may have different functions in tea leaves. Moreover, changes in the expression of the 10 genes under stress appear to be related to ABA- and MeJA-dependent signalling pathways, and their responses to MeJA treatment is faster than those to ABA. In addition, we introduced our experiences for cloning the genes in the context of complex genomes.

Expressions of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 in different brain regions in tyrosine kinase binding protein gene knockout mice

Objective To compare the expression of myeloid cell trigger receptor expressed on myoid cell 2 (TREM2) in different brain regions of tyrosine kinase binding protein(TYROBP) knockout mice and wild-type mice at different months of age, and to explore the relationship between TREM2, TYROBP and early onset Alzheimer's disease(EOAD). Methods Healthy TYROBP gene knockout mice were divided into three groups according to the results of gene sequencing: the homozygous (TYROBP-/-) group, the heterozygous (TYROBP-/+ ) group, and the wild type (WT) group.Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of TREM2 in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of 2, 4 and 6 month old mice in the three groups and with 10 in each group at each time point. Results (1) In the prefrontal cortex: Western blot and RT-qPCR results showed that compared with WT mice (2-month-old: (0.993±0.048), (1.654±0.033); 4-month-old: (0.503±0.019), (2.169±0.023); 6-month-old: (0.600±0.036), (1.468±0.057)), the levels of TREM2 protein and mRNA in 2-month-old TYROBP-/+ group ((0.746±0.062), (1.137±0.067)) and TYROBP-/- group ((0.661±0.028), (0.644±0.012)) were decreased.While in 4-month-old and 6-month-old TYROBP-/+ group (4-month-old: (1.140±0.006), (5.483±0.088); 6-month-old: (0.827±0.043), (3.020±0.082)) and TYROBP-/- group (4-month-old: (1.071±0.010), (3.012±0.150); 6-month-old: (0.627±0.026), (1.633±0.027)) were increased, especially in 4-month-old mice and the differences were statistically significant (F=12.946, 134.445; 725.318, 289.202; 12.172, 202.791; all P<0.05). (2) In the hippocampus: Western blot results showed that compared with WT mice (2-month-old: (1.268±0.036); 4-month-old: (0.813±0.010); 6-month-old: (0.312±0.021)), the level of TREM2 protein in 2-month-old TYROBP-/+ group ((0.804±0.034)) and TYROBP-/- group ((0.534±0.020)) were decreased.While in 4-month-old and 6-month-old TYROBP-/+ group ((0.932±0.011); (0.769±0.031)) and TYROBP-/- group ((0.910±0.014); (0.609±0.018)) were increased, especially in 4-month-old mice and the differences were statistically significant (F=142.807; 27.884; 94.067; all P<0.05). Conclusion The expression level of TREM2 decreases in 2-month-old TYROBP gene knockout mice while increases in 4-month-old and 6-month-old TYROBP gene knockout mice.It is presumed that TREM2/TYROBP signal pathway participates in the pathological process of EOAD and plays different roles in different pathological stages of EOAD. Key words: Tyrosine kinase binding protein; Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2; Alzheimer's disease; Mice

Transcription Factor CaSBP12 Negatively Regulates Salt Stress Tolerance in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

SBP-box (Squamosa-promoter binding protein) genes are a type of plant-specific transcription factor and play important roles in plant growth, signal transduction, and stress response. However, little is known about the role of pepper SBP-box transcription factor genes in response to abiotic stress. Here, one of the pepper SBP-box gene, CaSBP12, was selected and isolated from pepper genome database in our previous study. The CaSBP12 gene was induced under salt stress. Silencing the CaSBP12 gene enhanced pepper plant tolerance to salt stress. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of the detached leaves of CaSBP12-silenced plants was significantly lower than that of control plants. Besides, the Na+, malondialdehyde content, and conductivity were significantly increased in control plants than that in the CaSBP12-silenced plants. In addition, the CaSBP12 over-expressed Nicotiana benthamiana plants were more susceptible to salt stress with higher damage severity index percentage and accumulation of ROS as compared to the wild-type. These results indicated that CaSBP12 negatively regulates salt stress tolerance in pepper may relate to ROS signaling cascades.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and common variants of Vitamin D binding protein gene among Mexican Mestizo and indigenous postmenopausal women.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and polymorphisms in the group-specific component (GC) gene are known to be associated in different populations. However, the effects of such genetic variants may vary across different populations. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the association between Vitamin D-Binding Protein (VDBP) haplotypes and VDD in mestizo postmenopausal women and Mexican Amerindian ethnic groups. This was a cross-sectional study of 726 postmenopausal Mexican women from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) and 166 postmenopausal women from the Metabolic Analysis in an Indigenous Sample (MAIS) cohort in Mexico. GC polymorphisms (rs7045 and rs4588) were analyzed by TaqMan probes. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured by Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay. The prevalence of VDD serum 25(OH)D < 20ng/mL was 43.7% in mestizo women and 44.6% in indigenous women. In HWCS, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7041 and rs4588 were associated with VDD. In addition, women from the HWCS, carrying the haplotypes GC2/2 and GC1f/2 had higher odds of VDD (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.14, 7.02; and OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.40, 3.78, respectively) compared to women with haplotype 1f/1s. These associations were not statistically significant in the MAIS cohort. Our results show genetic association of the analyzed SNPs and related haplotypes, on the GC gene, with VDD in mestizo Mexican postmenopausal women. Moreover, a high prevalence of VDD with high genetic variability within the country was observed. Our results support the need for national policies for preventing VDD.

Vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms in ulcerative colitis among those of Han Chinese ancestry: Pathogenetic, diagnostic and management implications.

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in patients with ulcerative colitis, and polymorphism in the gene encoding the vitamin D binding protein can affect the characteristics of vitamin D binding protein, thus affecting the level and function of vitamin D in vivo. Previous studies have rarely reported on the potential relationship between vitamin D binding protein polymorphisms and ulcerative colitis. The objective of this study is to investigate the associations between genetic variants in vitamin D binding protein genes and ulcerative colitis susceptibility in the Han Chinese population. In this casecontrol study, the genotyping of vitamin D binding protein rs4588 and rs7041 polymorphisms was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reactions, genotypes were detected by polymerase chain reactionligase fragment length polymorphism. We also measured inflammatory factors, oxidation and antioxidant indicators. There was no significant difference in the distribution of two loci genotypes, alleles and haplotypes between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the differences in the distribution of serum MDA in different haplotypes in the case group were statistically significant (p=0.014): CG>, CT>AT. Our results suggest that polymorphism of these two sites (rs4588 and rs7401) in the vitamin D binding protein gene may have no correlation with susceptibility to ulcerative colitis in the Han Chinese population. But, interestingly, haplotype GC may affect the level of oxidative stress in ulcerative colitis patients, especially the level of malondialdehyde.

Sex-specific molecular specialization and activity rhythm-dependent gene expression in honey bee antennae.

We performed an RNA-seq-based comparison of gene expression levels in the antennae of honey bee drones and time-trained foragers (workers) collected at different times of the day and different activity states. Interestingly, olfaction-related genes [i.e. odorant receptor (Or) genes, odorant binding protein (Obp) genes, carboxyl esterase (CEst) genes, etc.] showed stable gene expression differences between drone and worker antennae. Drone antennae showed higher expression of 24 Or genes, of which 21 belong to the clade X which comprises the receptor for the major queen pheromone compound 9-ODA. This high number of drone-biased Or genes suggests that more than previously thought play a role in sex-pheromone communication. In addition, we found higher expression levels for many non-olfaction-related genes including nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and the potassium channel Shaw In contrast, workers showed higher expression of 67 Or genes, which belong to different Or clades that are involved in pheromone communication as well as the perception of cuticular hydrocarbons and floral scents. Further, drone antennae showed higher expression of genes involved in energy metabolism, whereas worker antennae showed higher expression of genes involved in neuronal communication, consistent with earlier reports on peripheral olfactory plasticity. Finally, drones that perform mating flight in the afternoon (innate) and foragers that are trained to forage in the afternoon (adapted) showed similar daily changes in the expression of two major clock genes, period and cryptochrome2 Most of the other genes showing changes with time or onset of daily flight activity were specific to drones and foragers.

Population structure-guided profiling of antibiotic resistance patterns in clinical Listeria monocytogenes isolates from Germany identifies pbpB3 alleles associated with low levels of cephalosporin resistance

ABSTRACT Numbers of listeriosis illnesses have been increasing in Germany and the European Union during the last decade. In addition, reports on the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in Listeria monocytogenes in clinical and environmental isolates are accumulating. The susceptibility towards 14 antibiotics was tested in a selection of clinical L. monocytogenes isolates to get a more precise picture of the development and manifestation of antibiotic resistance in the L. monocytogenes population. Based on the population structure determined by core genome multi locus sequence typing (cgMLST) 544 out of 1220 sequenced strains collected in Germany between 2009 and 2019 were selected to cover the phylogenetic diversity observed in the clinical L. monocytogenes population. All isolates tested were susceptible towards ampicillin, penicillin and co-trimoxazole – the most relevant antibiotics in the treatment of listeriosis. Resistance to daptomycin and ciprofloxacin was observed in 493 (91%) and in 71 (13%) of 544 isolates, respectively. While all tested strains showed resistance towards ceftriaxone, their resistance levels varied widely between 4 mg/L and >128 mg/L. An allelic variation of the penicillin binding protein gene pbpB3 was identified as the cause of this difference in ceftriaxone resistance levels. This study is the first population structure-guided analysis of antimicrobial resistance in recent clinical isolates and confirms the importance of penicillin binding protein B3 (PBP B3) for the high level of intrinsic cephalosporin resistance of L. monocytogenes on a population-wide scale.