Gibberellin-regulated Protein Research Articles

Screening of IgE-Binding Epitopes of Peach Allergenic Protein Pru p 7 Based on an Immune Microarray Assay.

Pru p 7 (also named Peamaclein) is a member of the gibberellin-regulated protein family, which is the latest foodborne allergenic protein identified in peach. In this paper, the prokaryotic expression and identification of Pru p 7 were performed, and the protein properties, structure, and homology were analyzed. In addition, a preliminary screening of B-cell linear epitopes of Pru p 7 was performed by the bioinformatics software prediction method, and three epitopes were identified using slot-blot immune microarray assay combined with an immune score matrix (P-1, AA16-21, AGYQER; P-2, AA40-46, TYGNKDE; P-3, AA52-59, DLKNSKGN). Moreover, the electrostatic potential of these epitopes was analyzed, and the stability after ultrahigh pressure treatment was also verified. Finally, the amino acids that play key immune roles in the epitopes were obtained by amino acid mutations. These results may contribute to the further understanding of Pru p 7 and the prevention of peach allergy.

Genome-wide analysis of wheat xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) gene family revealed TaXTH17 involved in abiotic stress responses

BackgroundEnvironmental stresses, including high salinity and drought, severely diminish wheat yield and quality globally. The xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family represents a class of cell wall-modifying enzymes and plays important roles in plants growth, development and stress adaptation. However, systematic analyses of XTH family genes and their functions under salt and drought stresses have not been undertaken in wheat.ResultsIn this study, we identified a total of 135 XTH genes in wheat, which were clustered into three evolutionary groups. These TaXTHs were unevenly distributed on 21 chromosomes of wheat with a majority of TaXTHs located on homelogous groups 2, 3 and 7. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental and tandem duplication were the main reasons for the expansion of XTH family in wheat. Interaction network predictions indicated that TaXTHs could interact with multiple proteins, including three kinases, one methyltransferase and one gibberellin-regulated protein. The promoters of the TaXTH genes harbored various cis-acting elements related to stress and hormone responses. RNA-seq data analyses showed that some TaXTH genes were induced by salt and drought stresses. Furthermore, we verified that TaXTH17 was induced by abiotic stresses and phytohormone treatments, and demonstrated that TaXTH17 was localized in the secretory pathway and cell wall. Functional analyses conducted in heterologous expression systems and in wheat established that TaXTH17 plays a negative role in plant resistance to salt and drought.ConclusionsWe identified 135 XTH genes in wheat and conducted comprehensive analyses of their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, gene duplication events, chromosome locations, interaction networks, cis-acting elements and gene expression patterns. Furthermore, we provided solid evidence supporting the notion that TaXTH17 plays a negative role in plant resistance to salt and drought stresses. Collectively, our results provide valuable insights into understanding wheat XTHs, particularly their involvement in plant stress responses, and establish a foundation for further functional and mechanistic studies of TaXTHs.

Impact of gibberellin-regulated protein allergy on quality of life

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible allergens that cause gibberellin-regulated protein allergy. For this purpose, a thorough search of relevant information in the databases Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, presented for 2018-2023, was carried out. The study showed that about 4% of the world’s population suffers from food allergies. The main manifestations of allergic reactions and the degree of resistance to allergens depend on the age group of patients. The study identified the following food allergens in gibberellin-regulated protein allergy: Pru p7 (peach), Pru m7 (Japanese apricot), Cit s7 (orange), Pun g7 (pomegranate), Pru av7 (sweet cherry), Cap a7 (bell pepper), Fra a3 (strawberry), Cup s7 (cypress pollen). Gibberellin-regulated protein allergy is characterised by a predominantly adolescent and young adult population. The symptoms of this allergy usually manifest themselves in the form of oral syndrome, facial swelling (including eyelids), anaphylactic reactions and are aggravated by the action of cofactors. Such manifestations substantially impair the quality of life of patients, causing a social, psychological, and economic burden.

TWO SCHOOL-AGED CASES OF FRUIT GIBBERELLIN-REGULATED PROTEIN ALLERGY WHICH NEED INDIVIDUAL REMOVAL STRATEGY IN SCHOOL LUNCH

Gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) is a newly discovered allergen in systemic fruit allergies. The kind of fruits which cause allergy is extensive as GRP is universally included in plants. Two children with GRP allergy were reported. Case 1: A 6-year-old boy experienced anaphylaxis while running after school lunch, which included canned peaches. A skin prick test (SPT) and blood examination suggested that he had peach GRP allergy. Six months and three years later, he experienced a similar episode after eating apple and citrus flesh, respectively. Case 2: An 11-year-old boy experienced anaphylaxis while running after consuming canned peaches during school lunch. A SPT implied that he had peach GRP allergy. However, a similar episode occurred after eating strawberry flesh 18 months later.Patients with GRP allergy often have one or more allergies to fruits other than peaches, as in these cases, and relevant fruits differ depending on the case. Particularly, clinicians should recognize that apple and citrus fruits are frequently included in school lunches as fruit flesh and as flavoring or seasoning in ready-made sauces or dressings. Therefore, an appropriate removal strategy should be considered in school lunches depending on each case of GRP allergy.

Clinical relevance of gibberellin-regulated protein

Since 2013, a total of nine allergenic sources of gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) have been described in the literature. The first gibberellin-regulated protein considered to be an allergen was extracted from peach (Prunus persica) and was named Pru p 7. This article aims to provide an overview of the GRP’s characteristics, to emphasize their importance and relevance in clinical practice, and to bring to attention the methods of diagnosis and treatment proposed in the literature published to date. After certain fruit consumption in patients sensitized to GRP, it has been described the occurrence of allergic reactions of various degrees (oral allergy syndrome, up to severe anaphylactic reactions). This fact raises a series of questions regarding the clinical expression of this sensitization, but also confers a change of perspective in relation to fruit allergy. At this moment, it is not clear if the sensitization to food GRP is always a primary sensitization or if the sensitization to food GRP appears subsequent to sensitization to Cupresaceae pollen’s GRP. Pru p 7 is considered to be a potential marker of severity in case of sensitization to peach allergens. Furthermore, the presence of cofactors in GRP sensitized patients may induce systemic allergic reactions. The diagnosis of this type of allergy might be difficult, and the personalized treatment is not yet available.

Optimization of the diagnosis and characterization of gibberellin-regulated protein sensitization: An Italian cohort study

BackgroundPru p 7 was the first gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) to be identified as a food allergen as the basis of a pollen food allergy syndrome. ObjectiveTo clinically and biologically characterize a group of patients with suspected allergy to Pru p 7 to optimize the diagnostic workup of GRP sensitization. MethodsAllergy to Pru p 7 was suspected in the presence of a systemic allergic reaction to plant food, positive skin prick test results for cypress pollen and lipid-transfer protein–enriched peach extract, and absence of Pru p 3-specific immunoglobulin E. Controls were patients with food allergies, patients sensitized to Pru p 3, and patients with cypress allergy without food allergy. Diagnostic workup included skin tests, basophil activation test, Western blot, and single and multiplex assays. ResultsIn total, 23 patients and 14 controls were enrolled. The most implicated food was peach (91.3%). Approximately 70% of patients reacted to multiple foods. Mueller 4 reactions were 8.7%. In 26.1% of cases, a cofactor triggered the reaction. The basophil activation test results were positive for rPru p 7 in 87% of the patients. Specific immunoglobulin E to Pru p 7 was detected in 95.7% by singleplex and in 73.9% by multiplex assays in patients with suspected allergies; 73.9% of them also reacted to cypress pollen GRP (Cup s 7) in Western blot analysis. ConclusionPatients with Pru p 7-Cup s 7 allergy in our cohort confirm a mild-to-severe clinical syndrome characterized by pollen and food allergy. The diagnosis may benefit from the proposed selection criteria that can be used as preliminary steps to further characterize the cross-reactive GRP sensitization.

Food allergies in adulthood: gibberellin-regulated protein allergies and poly-γ-glutamic acid allergy

ジベレリン制御タンパク（GRP）は，重症の果物アレルギーのアレルゲンとして知られ，現在，モモPru p 7，梅Pru m7，オレンジCit s 7など5種が国際登録されている．GRPは熱や消化酵素に安定であり，運動などの二次的要因の関与より食物依存性運動誘発アナフィラキシーの臨床型もとる．顔面，特に眼瞼浮腫や喉頭閉塞感の発現頻度が高く，アレルゲンソース単位の特異的IgE抗体測定の偽陰性に注意が必要である．近年，スギやヒノキの花粉由来GRPが同定され，それらとの交差反応により花粉―食物アレルギー症候群が生じるのではないかとの意見がある．納豆アレルギーは，摂取後約半日経って発症する，遅発性アナフィラキシーの臨床像をとることが多く，全身性蕁麻疹，呼吸困難，さらには，ショックに至ることも稀ではない．主要アレルゲンは，納豆の粘稠成分であるポリガンマグルタミン酸（PGA）である．PGAの感作経路は，クラゲ刺傷時のクラゲPGAの経皮曝露によると推察されている．納豆アレルギー患者の多く（約90％）がマリンスポーツ歴を有することもその根拠の1つである．

A Comparative Analysis of Metabolome Reveals the Regulation of the Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Branch in Potatoes

A comparative metabolomic analysis was performed using purple potato tubers and derived red mutant tubers to investigate the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. The metabolome analysis revealed 19 key differential metabolites including 10 flavonoids and 4 nucleotides. As a differential metabolite, pelargonidin was responsible for the mutant, and other metabolites had a correlation with it. To further analyse the regulatory mechanism of the differential metabolites, correlation analyses of metabolome and transcriptome were done. Among the differential metabolites, seven flavonoids and F3′5′H were in the flavonoid metabolic pathway. F3′5′H is responsible for the anthocyanin biosynthesis branch in potato tubers. To further analyse the regulatory mechanism of F3′5′H, the transcriptome analysis identified 63 differentially expressed genes, which highly correlated with F3'5'H. Furthermore, correlations among the key differential metabolites and the differentially expressed genes indicated that 11 differential genes and 10 differential metabolites presented 76 significant correlations. These 11 genes mainly encoded serine/threonine protein kinase, UMP-CMP kinase, MADS-box transcription factor, and WD repeat-containing protein. The 10 differential metabolites were involved in pelargonidin, luteolin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, and uridine monophosphate. Through yeast one-hybrid experiments, the proteins interacting with the promoter of F3'5'H were screened: ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF011, gibberellin-regulated protein 9-like, and serine-threonine protein kinase, transcription factor LHW bHLH. These results will provide valuable insights into the regulation mechanism of the anthocyanin biosynthesis branch in potatoes.

Gibberellin-regulated proteins: Emergent allergens.

About 10 years ago, a protein family was shown for the first time to contain allergenic members, gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP). The first reported member was from peach, Pru p 7. One can hypothesize that it was not detected before because its physicochemical characteristics overlap with those of lipid transfer protein (LTP), a well-known allergen, or because the exposure to GRP increased due to an increase in the gibberellin phythormone level in plant food, either exogenous or endogenous. Like LTPs, GRPs are small cationic proteins with disulfide bridges, are resistant to heat and proteolytic cleavage, and are involved in the defense of the plant. Besides peach, GRP allergens have been described in Japanese apricot (Pru m 7), sweet cherry (Pru av 7), orange (Cit s 7), pomegranate (Pun g 7), bell pepper (Cap a 7), strawberry (Fra a GRP), and also in pollen with a restriction to Cupressaceae tree family (Cup s 7, Cry j 7, and Jun a 7). IgE cross-reactivities were described between GRPs, and the reported peach/cypress and citrus/cypress syndromes may therefore be explained because of these GRP cross-reactivities. GRPs are clinically relevant, and severe adverse reactions may sometimes occur in association with cofactors. More than 60% and up to 95% sequence identities are calculated between various allergenic GRPs, and three-dimensional models show a cleft in the molecule and predict at least three epitopic regions. The structure of the protein and its properties and the matrix effect in the original allergenic source should be unraveled to understand why, despite the ubiquity of the protein family in plants, only a few members are able to sensitize patients.

Endophytic bacterium Bacillus aryabhattai induces novel transcriptomic changes to stimulate plant growth.

In nature, plants interact with a wide range of microorganisms, and most of these microorganisms could induce growth through the activation of important molecular pathways. The current study evaluated whether the endophytic bacterium Bacillus aryabhattai encourages plant growth and the transcriptional changes that might be implicated in this effect. The endophytic bacterium promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. The transcriptional changes in Arabidopsis plants treated with the bacterium were also identified, and the results showed that various genes, such as cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, apyrase, thioredoxin H8, benzaldehyde dehydrogenase, indoleacetaldoxime dehydratase, berberine bridge enzyme-like and gibberellin-regulated protein, were highly expressed. Also, endophytic bacterial genes, such as arginine decarboxylase, D-hydantoinase, ATP synthase gamma chain and 2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienoate hydratase, were activated during the interaction. These findings demonstrate that the expression of novel plant growth-related genes is induced by interaction with the endophytic bacterium B. aryabhattai and that these changes may promote plant growth in sustainable agriculture.

Expression analysis of gibberellin-regulated protein in peach by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR.

Gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) is a fruit severe allergen. The amounts of GRP expression normalized against actin in peach were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results were consistent with those determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The GRP expression was more evident in flesh than peel and increased rapidly in the maturing period. This approach is applicable to estimate the amount of GRP in other plants.

Determination of Severe Peach Allergens, Gibberellin-Regulated Protein, and Lipid Transfer Protein, Using Monoclonal Antibodies.

In this study, monoclonal antibodies against two major fruit allergens-gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) and lipid transfer protein (LTP)-were established. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the quantification of peach GRP and LTP were constructed using these antibodies. Both ELISAs reacted with the respective antigens when heated at 100ºC for 20 min, but not when reduced with sodium sulfite, indicating that GRP and LTP are heat-stable, while disulfide bonds play an important role in their native steric structures. GRP and LTP in peaches and peach-containing foods were quantified by these ELISAs. In both cases, there were few differences among peach cultivars normally available on the market; however, concentrations were higher when the peach was ripe. GRP was localized in the pulp of the peach, while LTP was present in the peel. They could be quantified in peach-containing beverages, as well as in dried and canned peaches. GRP in Japanese apricots could also be determined using this ELISA, as its amino acid sequence is the same as that of peach GRP. Then, high concentrations of GRP were detected in umeboshi, a traditional Japanese pickled apricot. Peach leaves were found to have a high LTP content, accordingly, LTP was also observed in lotions containing peach leaf extract. The ability to quantitatively detect GRP and LTP in this study will, therefore, contribute to the improvement of component-resolved diagnoses and quality of life in patients allergic to peaches.

Generalized allergic reaction in response to exercise due to strawberry gibberellin-regulated protein: a case report

BackgroundThe Rosaceae family includes fruits, such as peach, apple, Japanese apricot, cherry (Prunoideae subfamily), and strawberry (Rosoideae subfamily). The allergens responsible for Rosaceae fruit allergies have been reported to include Bet v 1 and profilin, which mainly cause oral symptoms, and lipid transfer protein (LTP). Recently, gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) has been identified as an allergen that induces generalized symptoms in peach-, orange-, and plum-related allergies. Most patients with food allergies induced by GRP show allergic symptoms accompanied by cofactors, such as exercise or drugs. To date, there are very few reports of generalized symptoms induced by strawberry.Case presentationWe evaluated the reactivity of strawberry GRP in a 15-year-old boy who was confirmed to have generalized symptoms induced by strawberry with exercise using an oral food challenge test (OFCT). The patient’s serum exhibited a strong positive reaction to strawberry GRP but not to peach GRP or peach LTP. The patient’s basophils reacted to strawberry and peach GRP but not to peach LTP.ConclusionsStrawberry GRP may be a causative component for strawberry with exercise-induced generalized symptoms in this patient. This is the first study to investigate the role of GRP in strawberry with cofactor-induced allergic symptoms. Further epidemiological and clinical researches are necessary to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with strawberry allergy.

L’acérola, un fruit exotique riche en vitamine C contient une LTP allergénique

Aim of the studyAcerola is a tropical fruit 20 to 30 times richer in vitamin C than oranges. Acerola is found in tablets or powders commercially available for their richness in vitamin C and also in the form of juice or as additives in compotes and fruit juices. Besides a previous report on the existence of an IgE cross-reactivity of an unidentified acerola protein with Hev b 6 from latex no studies on acerola allergens have been performed. Patients and methodsAcerola proteins were extracted from fresh fruit, commercial juice and a vitamin C-enriched powder. Allergens were studied by an allergomics analysis, including IgE immunoblots, using sera from documented patients followed by protein identification using mass spectrometry. ResultsIgE Immunoblots performed with patients sensitized to LTPs, showed IgE reactivities in low molecular mass corresponding to LTPs. In contrast, no allergenic gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP), PR10 and profilin were revealed. The presence of LTP was confirmed by the use of specific anti-Pru p 3 antibodies and their identification in fresh fruit and commercial juice extracts by mass spectrometry that further unravelled several putative allergens. LTP was also detected in vitamin C-enriched powder. ConclusionAcerola fruit and juice as well as derived products containing acerola carries a risk for LTP sensitized patients.

Investigation of the sensitization rate for gibberellin-regulated protein in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) usually manifests as an itching sensation in the mouth and throat immediately after eating fresh fruits and vegetables. However, some patients with PFAS experience systemic symptoms including anaphylaxis. In Europe, cypress gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) has been noted to cause allergenicity and exhibit cross-reactivity with peach GRP. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), classified in the cypress family, is the primary causative substance among all environmental allergens in Japan. However, studies on the prevalence of GRP sensitization in patients with cedar pollinosis are lacking. This study examined the prevalence of GRP sensitization in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis. We enrolled 52 patients who had requested sublingual immunotherapy treatment with mild-to-severe rhinitis during spring, and had a JCP-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels of >0.7 UA/mL. Peach GRP was purified using affinity chromatography with a monoclonal antibody column. Specific IgE levels to peach GRP were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Samples exhibiting absorbance at 450 nm of over mean plus three standard deviations of the negative control value were defined as positive. Sera from three patients with severe peach allergy were used as positive controls. Eleven sera from 52 patients with JCP-induced allergic rhinitis were positive for peach GRP. Twenty percent of patients with cedar pollinosis were sensitized to peach GRP. Well-powered studies are needed to clarify whether these patients are at an increased risk for systemic symptoms or whether they primarily demonstrate only localized symptoms.

Sensitization to Gibberellin-Regulated Protein(Peamaclein) Among Italian CypressPollen-Sensitized Patients.

Peach gibberellin-regulated protein (peamaclein) has recently emerged as a relevant food allergen in cypress pollen-hypersensitive patients. Objective: We investigated monosensitization to peamaclein among Italian cypress pollen-allergic patients. A total of 835 cypress pollen-hypersensitive patients from 28 Italian allergy centers underwent a thorough work-up to determine food-allergic reactions and performed skin prick testing with a commercial peach extract containing peamaclein. IgE to rPrup3 was measured in peach reactors, and those with negative results were enrolled as potentially monosensitized to peamaclein. IgE reactivity to rPrup7 was evaluated using immunoblot and an experimental ImmunoCAP with rPrup7. Skin prick tests were positive to peach in 163 patients (19.5%); however, 127 (77.9%) were excluded because they reacted to Prup3. Twenty-four patients (14.7%) corresponding to 2.8% of the entire study population) were considered potentially monosensitized to peamaclein. No geographic preference was observed. Seventeen of the 24 patients (70.8%) had a history of food allergy, mainly to peach (n=15). Additional offending foods included other Rosaceae, citrus fruits, fig, melon, tree nuts, and kiwi. On peach immunoblot, only 3 of 18 putative peamaclein-allergic patients reacted to a band at about 7 kDa; an additional 4 patients reacted at about 50-60kDa. Ten of 18 patients (56%) had a positive result for Pru p 7 on ImmunoCAP. Allergy and sensitization to peamaclein seem rare in Italy. Most patients react to peach, although other Rosaceae fruits and several citrus fruits may also be offending foods. Peach and cypress pollen probably also share cross-reacting allergens other than peamaclein.

Capsicum Allergy: Involvement of Cap a 7, a New Clinically Relevant Gibberellin-Regulated Protein Cross-Reactive With Cry j 7, the Gibberellin-Regulated Protein From Japanese Cedar Pollen.

The Capsicum genus belongs to the Solanaceae family. Bell or chili peppers are consumed worldwide, but allergy to Capsicum is rare. It is involved in the celery-birch-mugwort-spice syndrome and cross-reactivities were reported with latex. Several allergens have been described, but only 2 are referenced in the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies allergen data bank, a thaumatin-like protein and a profilin. A patient allergic to bell/chili pepper, peach, orange and Japanese cedar pollen was clinically and biologically analyzed including direct and competitive immunoblots and basophil activation tests (BATs) with allergenic source extracts and recombinant gibberellin-regulated proteins (GRPs). The patient was shown to be sensitized to Cap a 7, the GRP of Capsicum annuum newly described herein. Cross-reactivities were demonstrated between various GRPs from bell/chili pepper, peach, orange and Japanese cedar pollen either in native form in the different extracts or as recombinant allergens. A similar immunoglobulin E reactivity was found also in Capsicum chinense and against snakin-1, the GRP from potato. The patient showed a positive BAT with recombinant Cry j 7, Pru p 7 and Cap a 7, but not with recombinant snakin-1. Despite the ubiquitous nature of GRPs in plants and the immunochemical cross-reactivity observed between different GRPs, clinically relevant sensitization to this protein family seems restricted to some allergenic sources, often associated with Cupressaceae pollen allergy, and to some patients, therefore reflecting very specific and peculiar mechanisms of conditional sensitization.

Transcriptome Analysis and Differential Gene Screening of Male Flower Buds in Three Age Stages of <i>Ginkgo biloba</i>

In this paper, the key genes of flowering regulation among three age stages was screened and the molecular mechanism of the flowering pathway was revealed in  Ginkgo biloba . It can provide scientific basis for promoting early flowering, molecular breeding and spreading planting of  Ginkgo biloba . High throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools were used to sequence the transcriptome of male flower buds of  Ginkgo biloba  in three age stages. By analyzed the sequencing data, we screened out the key differential expression genes of age pathway. A total of 57.45 Gb of raw data was generated by transcriptome sequencing. The total number of Unigenes was 35 058 and annotated in the 8 functional databases (GO, COG, KEGG, KOG, NR, Pfam, Swiss-Prot, and eggNOG). The Unigenes were classified into 55 GO categories and 126 metabolic pathways. Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that 37 genes were up-regulated and 75 genes were down-regulated during the flower bud undifferentiated stage vs. initial stage of flower bud differentiation. A total of 592 genes were up-regulated and 871 genes were down-regulated during the initial stage of flower bud differentiation vs. flower bud differentiation stage. The flower bud undifferentiated stage vs. flower bud differentiation stage，961 genes were up-regulated and 1 203 genes were down-regulated. A large number of flowering related genes were discovered and finally screened out 11 key genes of flowering regulation in age pathway. including  SPL (gene.Gb_23724, gene.Gb_03922),  AP2 (gene.Gb_00766),  MADS-box (gene.Gb_01886, gene.Gb_15398, gene.Gb_28337, Gingko_newGene_2213), Gibberellin-regulated protein(gene.Gb_34467, gene.Gb_28606, gene.Gb_33214)and DELLAs protein(gene.Gb_34644).

When the Frequencies of Sensitization and Elicitation of Allergic Reaction Do Not Correlate-The Case of Apple Gibberellin-Regulated Protein Tested in an Italian Population.

Background: The literature reports describing allergic symptoms against apples in the patients sensitized to the gibberellin-regulated proteins (GRPs) suggested the presence of an allergenic GRP in this fruit.Objective: This study aimed to assess the presence of a GRP protein in apples and investigate its allergenicity.Methods: The protein was isolated and identified by the classical biochemical methods. The bioinformatics tools were used for similar searches and molecular modeling. The immunological features were investigated using the multiplex FABER test. Clinical data were collected by the allergy specialists.Results: A GRP was detected in the apple peel and pulp and it was named applemaclein. This protein displays 94% of sequence identity with peamaclein, Pru p 7, representing the prototype of this allergen family. The applemaclein molecular model shows a very irregular surface with grooves/clefts that may potentially accommodate small molecular ligands. In a population of 4,721 patients in Italy, 187 (4.0%) were sensitized to any allergenic GPR. Of those, 115 (61.5%), 61 (32.6%), 30 (16.0%), and 99 (52.9%) had immunoglobulin E (IgE) to apple, peach, pomegranate, and cypress GRP, respectively. However, in a cohort of the patients in Italy, most individuals IgE positive to the apple GRP did not report allergic reactions against this fruit.Conclusion: Compared with the peach Pru p 7, applemaclein shows some different structural features and higher sensitization frequency, which is often not associated with allergic reactions against apple. Further studies are needed to understand a possible correlation between the applemaclein structural properties, the interaction with still unknown molecules, and immunological behavior.

Construction of Consensus Genetic Map With Applications in Gene Mapping of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Using 90K SNP Array.

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide. A consensus map combines genetic information from multiple populations, providing an effective alternative to improve the genome coverage and marker density. In this study, we constructed a consensus map from three populations of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of wheat using a 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Phenotypic data on plant height (PH), spike length (SL), and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) was collected in six, four, and four environments in the three populations, and then used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. The mapping results obtained using the constructed consensus map were compared with previous results obtained using individual maps and previous studies on other populations. A simulation experiment was also conducted to assess the performance of QTL mapping with the consensus map. The constructed consensus map from the three populations spanned 4558.55 cM in length, with 25,667 SNPs, having high collinearity with physical map and individual maps. Based on the consensus map, 21, 27, and 19 stable QTLs were identified for PH, SL, and TKW, much more than those detected with individual maps. Four PH QTLs and six SL QTLs were likely to be novel. A putative gene called TraesCS4D02G076400 encoding gibberellin-regulated protein was identified to be the candidate gene for one major PH QTL located on 4DS, which may enrich genetic resources in wheat semi-dwarfing breeding. The simulation results indicated that the length of the confidence interval and standard errors of the QTLs detected using the consensus map were much smaller than those detected using individual maps. The consensus map constructed in this study provides the underlying genetic information for systematic mapping, comparison, and clustering of QTL, and gene discovery in wheat genetic study. The QTLs detected in this study had stable effects across environments and can be used to improve the wide adaptation of wheat cultivars through marker-assisted breeding.