Modulation Of Stress Response Research Articles

Differential Regulation of NAPDH Oxidases in Salt-Tolerant Eutrema salsugineum and Salt-Sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling is crucial in modulating stress responses in plants, and NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are an important component of signal transduction under salt stress. The goal of this research was to investigate whether the regulation of NOX-dependent signalling during mild and severe salinity differs between the halophyte Eutrema salsugineum and the glycophyte Arabidopsis thaliana. Gene expression analyses showed that salt-induced expression patterns of two NOX genes, RBOHD and RBOHF, varied between the halophyte and the glycophyte. Five days of salinity stimulated the expression of both genes in E. salsugineum leaves, while their expression in A. thaliana decreased. This was not accompanied by changes in the total NOX activity in E. salsugineum, while the activity in A. thaliana was reduced. The expression of the RBOHD and RBOHF genes in E. salsugineum leaves was induced by abscisic acid (ABA) and ethephon spraying. The in silico analyses of promoter sequences of RBOHD and RBOHF revealed multiple cis-acting elements related to hormone responses, and their distribution varied between E. salsugineum and A. thaliana. Our results indicate that, in the halophyte E. salsugineum, the maintenance of the basal activity of NOXs in leaves plays a role during acclimation responses to salt stress. The different expression patterns of the RBOHD and RBOHF genes under salinity in E. salsugineum and A. thaliana point to a modified regulation of these genes in the halophyte, possibly through ABA- and/or ethylene-dependent pathways.

Leaf size modulation by cytokinins in sesame plants

Phytohormones play important roles in controlling leaf size and in the modulation of various stress responses, including drought. In this study, hormone profiling analyses by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was performed in leaves collected at three stages of active leaf growth to unravel which phytohormones modulate leaf size in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) plants, an important oil-rich crop. Furthermore, endogenous contents of phytohormones were measured in parallel to various stress markers in sesame plants exposed to mild water deficit conditions by withholding water in potted plants for one week. Results revealed a major role of cytokinins and auxin in the modulation of leaf growth in sesame plants (which increased by 21.5 and 2.1-fold, respectively, with leaf growth), as well as a putative antagonistic response between jasmonic acid and salicylic acid during leaf development. Furthermore, growth arrest during water deficit stress appeared to be modulated by cytokinins, the endogenous contents of which decreased (by 48%) in parallel with ABA increases (by 59%). Reductions in the contents of the active cytokinin trans-zeatin occurred in parallel with increases in isopentenyladenine contents under drought, which suggests a partial metabolic limitation in cytokinin biosynthesis in leaves upon water deficit stress. These results provide useful information for the hormonal modulation of leaf size and the improvement of leaf growth and production in sesame plants through manipulation of the levels of key regulatory phytohormones.

Cytoskeletal Remodeling Mimics Endothelial Response to Microgravity.

Mechanical cues contribute to the maintenance of a healthy endothelium, which is essential for vascular integrity. Indeed endothelial cells are mechanosensors that integrate the forces in the form of biochemical signals. The cytoskeleton is fundamental in sensing mechanical stimuli and activating specific signaling pathways. Because the cytoskeleton is very rapidly remodeled in endothelial cells exposed to microgravity, we investigated whether the disruption of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D in 1g condition triggers and orchestrates responses similar to those occurring in micro- and macro-vascular endothelial cells upon gravitational unloading. We focused our attention on the effect of simulated microgravity on stress proteins and transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a cation channel that acts as a mechanosensor and modulates endothelial cell proliferation and stress response. Simulated microgravity downregulates TRPM7 in both cell types. However, 24 h of treatment with cytochalasin D decreases the amounts of TRPM7 only in macrovascular endothelial cells, suggesting that the regulation and the role of TRPM7 in microvascular cells are more complex than expected. The 24 h culture in the presence of cytochalasin D mimics the effect of simulated microgravity in modulating stress response in micro- and macro-vascular endothelial cells. We conclude that cytoskeletal disruption might mediate some effects of microgravity in endothelial cells.

Molecular Characterization of NDL1-AGB1 Mediated Salt Stress Signaling: Further Exploration of the Role of NDL1 Interacting Partners.

Salt stress is considered to be the most severe abiotic stress. High soil salinity leads to osmotic and ionic toxicity, resulting in reduced plant growth and crop production. The role of G-proteins during salt stresses is well established. AGB1, a G-protein subunit, not only plays an important role during regulation of Na+ fluxes in roots, but is also involved in the translocation of Na+ from roots to shoots. N-Myc Downregulated like 1 (NDL1) is an interacting partner of G protein βγ subunits and C-4 domain of RGS1 in Arabidopsis. Our recent in-planta expression analysis of NDL1 reported changes in patterns during salt stress. Based on these expression profiles, we have carried out functional characterization of the AGB1-NDL1 module during salinity stress. Using various available mutant and overexpression lines of NDL1 and AGB1, we found that NDL1 acts as a negative regulator during salt stress response at the seedling stage, an opposite response to that of AGB1. On the other hand, during the germination phase of the plant, this role is reversed, indicating developmental and tissue specific regulation. To elucidate the mechanism of the AGB1-NDL1 module, we investigated the possible role of the three NDL1 stress specific interactors, namely ANNAT1, SLT1, and IDH-V, using yeast as a model. The present study revealed that NDL1 acts as a modulator of salt stress response, wherein it can have both positive as well as negative functions during salinity stress. Our findings suggest that the NDL1 mediated stress response depends on its developmental stage-specific expression patterns as well as the differential presence and interaction of the stress-specific interactors.

Emersion and Relative Humidity Modulate Stress Response and Recovery Dynamics in Juvenile Mussels (Perna canaliculus).

The early stages of intertidal mussels, including the green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, face both direct and indirect environmental threats. Stressors may influence physiological status and, ultimately, survival. An understanding of the nature of stress experienced is critical to inform conservation and aquaculture efforts. Here, we investigated oxidative stress dynamics in juvenile P. canaliculus in relation to emersion duration (1–20 h) and relative humidity (RH, 29–98%) by quantifying oxidative damage (protein carbonyls, lipid hydroperoxides, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase). Mussels held in low RH during emersion experienced severe water loss (>70%), high mortality (>80%) and increased oxidative damage (35–45% increase compared to control conditions), while mussels held at high RH were not impacted, even after 20 h of air exposure. Following re-immersion, reoxygenation stress resulted in further increases in damage markers in mussels that had experienced dryer emersion conditions; protective action of antioxidants increased steadily during the 10 h re-immersion period, apparently supporting a reduction in damage markers after 1–5 h of immersion. Clearly, conditions during emersion, as well as duration, substantially influence physiological performance and recovery of juvenile mussels. Successful recruitment to intertidal beds or survival in commercial aquaculture operations may be mediated by the nature of emersion stress experienced by these vulnerable juveniles.

Combining proactive transcranial stimulation and cardiac biofeedback to substantially manage harmful stress effects

BackgroundPrevious studies have identified the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) as a core region in cognitive emotional regulation. Transcranial direct current stimulations of the dlPFC (tDCS) and heart-rate variability biofeedback (BFB) are known to regulate emotional processes. However, the effect of these interventions applied either alone or concomitantly during an anticipatory stress remains unexplored. ObjectiveThe study investigated the effect of anodal tDCS and BFB, alone or combined, on psychophysiological stress responses and cognitive functioning. MethodsFollowing a stress anticipation induction, 80 participants were randomized into four groups and subjected to a 15-min intervention: neutral video viewing (ctrl), left dlPFC anodal tDCS (tdcs), heart-rate variability biofeedback (bfb), or a combined treatment (bfb + tdcs). Participants were then immediately confronted with the stressor, which was followed by an assessment of executive functions. Psychophysiological stress responses were assessed throughout the experiment (heart rate, heart-rate variability, salivary cortisol). ResultsThe tdcs did not modulate stress responses. Compared with both ctrl and tdcs interventions, bfb reduced physiological stress and improved executive functions after the stressor. The main finding revealed that bfb + tdcs was the most effective intervention, yielding greater reduction in psychological and physiological stress responses than bfb. ConclusionsCombining preventive tDCS with BFB is a relevant interventional approach to reduce psychophysiological stress responses, hence offering a new and non-invasive treatment of stress-related disorders. Biofeedback may be particularly useful for preparing for an important stressful event when performance is decisive.

A novel plant-fungal association reveals fundamental sRNA and gene expression reprogramming at the onset of symbiosis

Abstract Background Beneficial associations between plants and microbes are widespread in nature and have been studied extensively in the microbial-dominant environment of the rhizosphere. Such associations are highly advantageous for the organisms involved, benefiting soil microbes by providing them access to plant metabolites, while plant growth and development are enhanced through the promotion of nutrient uptake and/or protection against (a)biotic stresses. While the establishment and maintenance of mutualistic associations have been shown to require genetic and epigenetic reprogramming, as well as an exchange of effector molecules between microbes and plants, whether short RNAs are able to effect such changes is currently unknown. Here, we established an interaction between the model grass species Brachypodium distachyon (Bd, Pooideae) and the beneficial fungal root endophyte Serendipita indica (Si, syn. Piriformospora indica, Sebacinales) to elucidate RNA interference-based regulatory changes in gene expression and small (s)RNA profiles that occurred during establishment of a Sebacinalean symbiosis. Results Colonization of Bd roots with Si resulted in higher grain yield, confirming the mutualistic character of this interaction. Resequencing of the Si genome using the Oxford Nanopore technique, followed by de novo assembly yielded in 57 contigs and 9441 predicted genes, including putative members of several families involved in sRNA production. Transcriptome analysis at an early stage of the mutualistic interaction identified 2963 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in Si and 317 in Bd line 21-3. The fungal DEGs were largely associated with carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall degradation, and nutrient uptake, while plant DEGs indicated modulation of (a)biotic stress responses and defense pathways. Additionally, 10% of the upregulated fungal DEGs encode candidate protein effectors, including six DELD proteins typical for Sebacinales. Analysis of the global changes in the sRNA profiles of both associated organisms revealed several putative endogenous plant sRNAs expressed during colonization belonging to known micro (mi)RNA families involved in growth and developmental regulation. Among Bd- and Si-generated sRNAs with putative functions in the interacting organism, we identified transcripts for proteins involved in circadian clock and flowering regulation as well as immunity as potential targets of fungal sRNAs, reflecting the beneficial activity of Si. Conclusions We detected beneficial effects of Si colonization on Bd growth and development, and established a novel plant-mutualist interaction model between these organisms. Together, the changes in gene expression and identification of interaction-induced sRNAs in both organisms support sRNA-based regulation of defense responses and plant development in Bd, as well as nutrient acquisition and cell growth in Si. Our data suggests that a Sebacinalean symbiosis involves reciprocal sRNA targeting of genes during the interaction.

Dual RNASeq Reveals NTHi-Macrophage Transcriptomic Changes During Intracellular Persistence.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a pathobiont which chronically colonises the airway of individuals with chronic respiratory disease and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. It is unclear how NTHi persists in the airway, however accumulating evidence suggests that NTHi can invade and persist within macrophages. To better understand the mechanisms of NTHi persistence within macrophages, we developed an in vitro model of NTHi intracellular persistence using human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Dual RNA Sequencing was used to assess MDM and NTHi transcriptomic regulation occurring simultaneously during NTHi persistence. Analysis of the macrophage response to NTHi identified temporally regulated transcriptomic profiles, with a specific ‘core’ profile displaying conserved expression of genes across time points. Gene list enrichment analysis identified enrichment of immune responses in the core gene set, with KEGG pathway analysis revealing specific enrichment of intracellular immune response pathways. NTHi persistence was facilitated by modulation of bacterial metabolic, stress response and ribosome pathways. Levels of NTHi genes bioC, mepM and dps were differentially expressed by intracellular NTHi compared to planktonic NTHi, indicating that the transcriptomic adaption was distinct between the two different NTHi lifestyles. Overall, this study provides crucial insights into the transcriptomic adaptations facilitating NTHi persistence within macrophages. Targeting these reported pathways with novel therapeutics to reduce NTHi burden in the airway could be an effective treatment strategy given the current antimicrobial resistance crisis and lack of NTHi vaccines.

The possible role of oxytocin in neuropsychiatric disorders

Oxytocin (OT) is a peptide hormone unique to mammals, typically involved in activities characteristic of this vertebrate class, such as labour and lactation. Evidence suggests a role of OT even in most complex activities, including child attachment, maternal care, couple bonding, emotional and social behaviors. Furthermore, it seems to contribute to the modulation of stress responses, learning, and memory processes, as well as to the connection of social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. For this reason, for years there has been a debate on the possible contribution of the OT system in the pathophysiology of different neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, addiction, and schizophrenia. In this article, we describe the most relevant findings on OT system abnormalities in the aforementioned disorders, with a focus on possible therapeutic implications.

Protective Effects of Probiotics on Cognitive and Motor Functions, Anxiety Level, Visceral Sensitivity, Oxidative Stress and Microbiota in Mice with Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis.

Accumulating clinical and preclinical data indicate a prominent role of gut microbiota in regulation of physiological functions. The gut-brain axis imbalance due to gut dysbiosis is associated with a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Probiotics were suggested not only to restore intestinal dysbiosis but also modulate stress response and improve mood and anxiety symptoms. In this study, we assessed the effects of probiotic lactobacilli on behavioral reactions, the level of oxidative stress and microbiota content in mice administered to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Our study demonstrates that antibiotic treatment of adolescent mice for two weeks resulted in higher mortality and lower weight gain and induced significant changes in behavior including lower locomotor and exploratory activity, reduced muscle strength, visceral hypersensitivity, higher level of anxiety and impaired cognitive functions compared to the control group. These changes were accompanied by decreased diversity and total amount of bacteria, abundance of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia phyla, and reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio in the gut microbiota. Moreover, a higher level of oxidative stress was found in brain and skeletal muscle tissues of mice treated with antibiotics. Oral administration of two Lactobacillus strains prevented the observed changes and improved not only microbiota content but also the behavioral alterations, suggesting a neuroprotective and antioxidant role of probiotics.

The coupling of RACK1 with the beta isoform of the glucocorticoid receptor promotes resilience to chronic stress exposure

Several intracellular pathways that contribute to the adaptation or maladaptation to environmental challenges mediate the vulnerability and resilience to chronic stress. The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is fundamental for the proper maintenance of brain processes, and it is related to the functionality of the isoform alfa and beta of the glucocorticoid receptor (Gr), the primary regulator of HPA axis. Among the downstream effectors of the axis, the scaffolding protein RACK1 covers an important role in regulating synaptic activity and mediates the transcription of the neurotrophin Bdnf. Hence, by employing the chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm, we studied the role of the Grβ-RACK1-Bdnf signaling in the different susceptibility to chronic stress exposure. We found that resilience to two weeks of CMS is paralleled by the activation of this pathway in the ventral hippocampus, the hippocampal subregion involved in the modulation of stress response. Moreover, the results we obtained in vitro by exposing SH-SY5Y cells to cortisol support the data we found in vivo. The results obtained add novel critical information about the link among Gr, RACK1 and Bdnf and the resilience to chronic stress, suggesting novel targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders, including depression.

Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Do They Have Anything in Common?

Post orgasmic illness syndrome is a rare, mysterious condition with an unknown pathomechanism and uncertain treatment. The symptoms of post orgasmic illness syndrome last about 2–7 days after an ejaculation. The current hypothesis proposes that the primary injury in post orgasmic illness syndrome is an acute compression proprioceptive axonopathy in the muscle spindle, as is suspected in delayed onset muscle soreness. The terminal arbor degeneration-like lesion of delayed onset muscle soreness is theorized to be an acute stress response energy-depleted dysfunctional mitochondria-induced impairment of Piezo2 channels and glutamate vesicular release. The recurring symptoms of post orgasmic illness syndrome after each ejaculation are suggested to be analogous to the repeated bout effect of delayed onset muscle soreness. However, there are differences in the pathomechanism, mostly attributed to the extent of secondary tissue damage and to the extent of spermidine depletion. The spermidine depletion-induced differences are as follows: modulation of the acute stress response, flu-like symptoms, opioid-like withdrawal and enhanced deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The longitudinal dimension of delayed onset muscle soreness, in the form of post orgasmic illness syndrome and the repeated bout effect, have cognitive and memory consequences, since the primary injury is learning and memory-related.

Elevated miR-34a expression and altered transcriptional profile are associated with adverse electromechanical remodeling in the heart of male rats exposed to social stress

This study investigated epigenetic risk factors that may contribute to stress-related cardiac disease in a rodent model. Experiment 1 was designed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a known modulator of both stress responses and cardiac pathophysiology, in the heart of male adult rats exposed to a single or repeated episodes of social defeat stress. Moreover, RNA sequencing was conducted to identify transcriptomic profile changes in the heart of repeatedly stressed rats. Experiment 2 was designed to assess cardiac electromechanical changes induced by repeated social defeat stress that may predispose rats to cardiac dysfunction. Results indicated a larger cardiac miR-34a expression after repeated social defeat stress compared to a control condition. This molecular modification was associated with increased vulnerability to pharmacologically induced arrhythmias and signs of systolic left ventricular dysfunction. Gene expression analysis identified clusters of differentially expressed genes in the heart of repeatedly stressed rats that are mainly associated with morphological and functional properties of the mitochondria and may be directly regulated by miR-34a. These results suggest the presence of an association between miR-34a overexpression and signs of adverse electromechanical remodeling in the heart of rats exposed to repeated social defeat stress, and point to compromised mitochondria efficiency as a potential mediator of this link. This rat model may provide a useful tool for investigating the causal relationship between miR-34a expression, mitochondrial (dys)function, and cardiac alterations under stressful conditions, which could have important implications in the context of stress-related cardiac disease.

Does dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate have a role in COVID-19 prognosis and treatment?

The pathophysiology of COVID comprises an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has a crucial role in various inflammatory conditions and modulated immunological response. Limited evidence is available regarding the incidence and the effect of HPA dysfunction in COVID-19. Although the cortisol levels have only been estimated in a few studies, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) release from the adrenal gland has not been explored yet. In this mini review, the authors discuss the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEAS in the acute stress response and immunological modulation. Various effects of DHEAS have been demonstrated in different diseases. The specific inhibitory effect of DHEA on interleukin 6 (IL-6) could be of paramount importance in COVID-19. Further, DHEA supplementation has already been proposed in inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. DHEAS levels in COVID-19 may help to understand the HPA axis dysfunction as well as the possibility of repurposing DHEA as a drug for mitigating the pro-inflammatory COVID-19.

LysM domain-containing proteins modulate stress response and signalling in Triticum aestivum L.

Lysin-motif (LysM) and LysM receptor-like kinase (LYK) proteins play a major role in defence-response. The allohexaploid genome of Triticum aestivum consisted of 42 TaLysM and 20 TaLYK genes. The occurrence of tandem duplication with retention of function suggested functional conservation of TaLYK proteins, but neo-functionalization and pseudo-functionalization in TaLysM revealed functional divergence. The TaLYK and TaLysM proteins were predicted to be localized in the plasma membrane and extracellular, respectively, which suggested their role in pathogen- or microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs) triggered immunity (PTI/MTI). Modulated expression of TaLYK and TaLysM genes during developmental stages suggested their involvement in growth and development. Differential expression during biotic and abiotic stresses and the occurrence of various stress-related cis-regulatory elements suggested their role in stress response. These genes were also found to be regulated by miRNAs. Coexpression and interaction analysis unveiled their interaction with chitin elicitors and various other genes involved in stress signalling that was used to predict putative signalling pathway and modus-operandi. The present study revealed various important features of these proteins that would help in developing future crop improvement strategies.

Is PTSD-Phenotype Associated with HPA-Axis Sensitivity?: The Endocannabinoid System in Modulating Stress Response in Rats.

Endocannabinoids play a role in adaptation to stress and regulate the release of glucocorticoids in stressed and unstressed conditions. We recently found that basal corticosterone pulsatility may significantly impact the vulnerability for developing post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may contribute to its development. To examine this, we exposed rats to predator scent stress (PSS). Behavioral reactions were recorded seven days post-PSS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from anesthetized rats shortly after PSS exposure to determine the levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA). To correlate between endocannabinoids and corticosterone levels, rats were placed in metabolic cages for urine collection. To assess the levels of endocannabinoids in specific brain regions, rats’ brains were harvested one day after behavioral analysis for staining and fluorescence quantification. Moreover, 2-AG was elevated in the CSF of PTSD-phenotype rats as compared with other groups and was inversely correlated with corticosterone urinary secretion. Eight days post-PSS exposure, hippocampal and hypothalamic 2-AG levels and hippocampal AEA levels were significantly more reduced in the PTSD-phenotype group compared to other groups. We posit that maladaptation to stress, which is propagated by an abnormal activation of endocannabinoids, mediates the subsequent stress-induced behavioral disruption, which, later, reduces neuronal the expression of endocannabinoids, contributing to PTSD symptomology.

Comparison of Esmolol and Dexmedetomidine Infusion in Attenuating Haemodynamic and Blood Glucose Response to Laryngoscopy and Intubation: A Single Blinded Study.

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the effect of infusions of two agents, dexmedetomidine and esmolol, with the control group in attenuating the haemodynamic stress response and neuroendocrine modulation surrogated by capillary blood glucose (BG) during the procedures.MethodsSixty patients aged 18–70 years old who underwent elective surgeries involving endotracheal intubation were randomised into three groups of equal size: i) control; ii) dexmedetomidine and iii) esmolol. Heart rate (HR) was measured at baseline (T0), after drug administration (T1), after induction of anaesthesia (T2), immediately after intubation (T3), and 3 min, 5 min and 10 min after intubation (T4, T5 and T6). BG was measured pre-operatively and 30 min post-intubation.ResultsTwo-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant time [within-group changes, F(3.2, 182.5) = 30.39, P < 0.001], treatment [between-group differences regardless of time, F(2, 57) = 50.24, P < 0.001] and interaction [between-group differences based on time, F(6.4, 182.5) = 37.65, P < 0.001] effects on HR. A significantly higher HR was observed in the control group compared to the dexmedetomidine and esmolol groups from T2 to T6. BG exhibited a significant time effect [F(1, 57) = 41.97, P < 0.001] with no significant treatment and interaction effects. All three groups showed a significant increase in BG from baseline.ConclusionBoth dexmedetomidine and esmolol are equally effective in attenuating haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. However, both do not significantly modulate neuroendocrine stress.

Small RNA, Transcriptome and Degradome Analysis of the Transgenerational Heat Stress Response Network in Durum Wheat.

Heat stress is a major limiting factor of grain yield and quality in crops. Abiotic stresses have a transgenerational impact and the mechanistic basis is associated with epigenetic regulation. The current study presents the first systematic analysis of the transgenerational effects of post-anthesis heat stress in tetraploid wheat. Leaf physiological traits, harvest components and grain quality traits were characterized under the impact of parental and progeny heat stress. The parental heat stress treatment had a positive influence on the offspring for traits including chlorophyll content, grain weight, grain number and grain total starch content. Integrated sequencing analysis of the small RNAome, mRNA transcriptome and degradome provided the first description of the molecular networks mediating heat stress adaptation under transgenerational influence. The expression profile of 1771 microRNAs (733 being novel) and 66,559 genes was provided, with differentially expressed microRNAs and genes characterized subject to the progeny treatment, parental treatment and tissue-type factors. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis of stress responsive microRNAs-mRNA modules provided further information on their functional roles in biological processes such as hormone homeostasis, signal transduction and protein stabilization. Our results provide new insights on the molecular basis of transgenerational heat stress adaptation, which can be used for improving thermo-tolerance in breeding.

High Reliability Organizing (HRO) is the Extension of Neonatology during Pandemic COVID-19

Neonatology began with the extension of care to smaller babies born earlier in gestation and now extending into the threat of COVID-1. Extending operations into a new environment places everyone in novel situations. Emerging from actual operations within dangerous contexts, HRO extends operations and the organization into uncertain, adverse, and hostile environments. The physical actions of care come from motor cognition, the influence of the cerebellum and motor cortex on cognition, and how we learn through physical action to understand events. Rather than study the myriad ways a system can fail or how it can reach the final common pathway of failing, we can study and respond to it as a liminal zone. It is common to all failures – an exigency of ambiguous information, impending proximal threat, uncertainty, and demand for action. Engagement in the liminal zone is the same as engagement for extension, drawing from four domains: categorization, methods of decision making, the significance of the affective processes, and modulation of stress and fear responses. Perhaps the purpose of safety, reliability, and resilience is not to safely work in a dangerous context but to support the extension of the organization into uncertainty, a new environment, unpredictable circumstances, or to penetrate threats. When a person believes in themselves, they will leave their place of safety and engage the unknown when they know they are supported. This is the extension of neonatology.

Characterization of a Plant Nuclear Matrix Constituent Protein in Liverwort.

The nuclear lamina (NL) is a complex network of nuclear lamins and lamina-associated nuclear membrane proteins, which scaffold the nucleus to maintain structural integrity. In animals, type V intermediate filaments are the main constituents of NL. Plant genomes do not encode any homologs of these intermediate filaments, yet plant nuclei contain lamina-like structures that are present in their nuclei. In Arabidopsis thaliana, CROWDED NUCLEI (CRWN), which are required for maintaining structural integrity of the nucleus and specific perinuclear chromatin anchoring, are strong candidates for plant lamin proteins. Recent studies revealed additional roles of Arabidopsis Nuclear Matrix Constituent Proteins (NMCPs) in modulating plants’ response to pathogen and abiotic stresses. However, detailed analyses of Arabidopsis NMCP activities are challenging due to the presence of multiple homologs and their functional redundancy. In this study, we investigated the sole NMCP gene in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (MpNMCP). We found that MpNMCP proteins preferentially were localized to the nuclear periphery. Using CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, we generated an MpNMCP loss-of-function mutant, which displayed reduced growth rate and curly thallus lobes. At an organelle level, MpNMCP mutants did not show any alteration in nuclear morphology. Transcriptome analyses indicated that MpNMCP was involved in regulating biotic and abiotic stress responses. Additionally, a highly repetitive genomic region on the male sex chromosome, which was preferentially tethered at the nuclear periphery in wild-type thalli, decondensed in the MpNMCP mutants and located in the nuclear interior. This perinuclear chromatin anchoring, however, was not directly controlled by MpNMCP. Altogether, our results unveiled that NMCP in plants have conserved functions in modulating stress responses.