Oxidase Gene Research Articles

GmJAZ3 interacts with GmRR18a and GmMYC2a to regulate seed traits in soybean.

Seed weight is usually associated with seed size and is one of the important agronomic traits that determine yield. Understanding of seed weight control is limited, especially in soybean plants. Here we show that Glycine max JASMONATE-ZIM DOMAIN 3 (GmJAZ3), a gene identified through gene co-expression network analysis, regulates seed-related traits in soybean. Overexpression of GmJAZ3 promotes seed size/weight and other organ sizes in stable transgenic soybean plants likely by increasing cell proliferation. GmJAZ3 interacted with both G. max RESPONSE REGULATOR 18a (GmRR18a) and GmMYC2a to inhibit their transcriptional activation of cytokinin oxidase gene G. max CYTOKININ OXIDASE 3-4 (GmCKX3-4), which usually affects seed traits. Meanwhile, the GmRR18a binds to the promoter of GmMYC2a and activates GmMYC2a gene expression. In GmJAZ3-overexpressing soybean seeds, the protein contents were increased while the fatty acid contents were reduced compared to those in the control seeds, indicating that the GmJAZ3 affects seed size/weight and compositions. Natural variation in JAZ3 promoter region was further analyzed and Hap3 promoter correlates with higher promoter activity, higher gene expression and higher seed weight. The Hap3 promoter may be selected and fixed during soybean domestication. JAZ3 orthologs from other plants/crops may also control seed size and weight. Taken together, our study reveals a novel molecular module GmJAZ3-GmRR18a/GmMYC2a-GmCKXs for seed size and weight control, providing promising targets during soybean molecular breeding for better seed traits.

Screening of the normal bacterial flora in the gut of Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Saudi Arabia

Aedes aegypti (Culicidae), the mosquito that causes yellow fever, is regarded as a significant vector for many disease agents. The current study sought to learn more about mosquito mid-gut bacteria and their impacts. Mosquito specimens were gathered in Jeddah city (Saudi Arabia), and their gut bacterial flora was then analyzed. The collected mosquitoes exhibit all the characteristic features of A. aegypti, according to a microscopic study. Utilizing the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene analysis, molecular testing established the identity of A. aegypti as a close relative of previously recognized Aedes species submitted in the GenBank, particularly those from Kenya. Unfortunately, based on the results of RT-PCR, none of the Aedes mosquitoes under study had dengue virus (DENV) present. On nutrient agar plates, the mid-gut bacteria were isolated. A total of 34 Gram-positive bacteria were isolated and identified at the molecular level using the 16S rRNA gene and were divided into the two genera Bacillus and Lysinibacillus within the family Bacillaceae. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the normal existence of bacterial flora in the gut of DENV-free mosquitos in Saudi Arabia. It is advised to conduct more research to determine how these bacteria affect the transmission of harmful pathogens carried by mosquitoes. Additionally, further research into the antibacterial and anticancer activities of metabolites extracted from the mid-gut bacteria may help in the development of unique drugs.

A multifaced approach sheds light on the molecular details underlaying the mechanism preventing enzymatic browning in ‘Majda’ apple cultivar (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Fruit flesh browning is a natural oxidative phenomenon occurring after cutting or processing. This event, manifesting dark-brown coloration, can seriously limit the production and marketability of fresh cut fruit products. Antioxidant compounds can partially prevent this phenomenon, but in turn they can affect the quality and the organoleptic properties of fresh products. In this work we have investigated, through a multidisciplinary approach, the regulation of a natural non-browning phenotype of a particular apple cultivar ‘Majda’ in comparison with the browning reference apple cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’. The results highlight that the non-browning phenotype of ‘Majda’ was controlled by multiple mechanisms, particularly distinguished by a different concentration of chlorogenic acid and the expression of the polyphenol oxidase (MdPPO) gene. The metabolite assessment and gene expression profiling also disclosed the involvement of organic acids and glutathione in the prevention of oxidative browning phenomenon. The peculiar non-browning behavior of ‘Majda’ was also verified by a DPPH• kinetic approach that demonstrated the higher antioxidant activity of this apple cultivar. The results presented in this work proposed ‘Majda’ as a potential parental candidate to be considered for breeding activity oriented to select novel non-browning accessions addressed to ameliorate the sustainability of pre-cut fresh products.

Mutations in the Second Alternative Oxidase Gene: A New Approach to Group Aspergillus niger Strains.

Alternative oxidase is a terminal oxidase in the branched mitochondrial electron transport chain of most fungi including Aspergillus niger (subgenus Circumdati, section Nigri). A second, paralogous aox gene (aoxB) is extant in some A. niger isolates but also present in two divergent species of the subgenus Nidulantes-A. calidoustus and A. implicatus-as well as in Penicillium swiecickii. Black aspergilli are cosmopolitan opportunistic fungi that can cause diverse mycoses and acute aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Amongst the approximately 75 genome-sequenced A. niger strains, aoxB features considerable sequence variation. Five mutations were identified that rationally affect transcription or function or terminally modify the gene product. One mutant allele that occurs in CBS 513.88 and A. niger neotype strain CBS 554.65 involves a chromosomal deletion that removes exon 1 and intron 1 from aoxB. Another aoxB allele results from retrotransposon integration. Three other alleles result from point mutations: a missense mutation of the start codon, a frameshift, and a nonsense mutation. A. niger strain ATCC 1015 has a full-length aoxB gene. The A. niger sensu stricto complex can thus be subdivided into six taxa according to extant aoxB allele, which may facilitate rapid and accurate identification of individual species.

Expression and secretion of glycosylated barley oxalate oxidase in Pichia pastoris.

Oxalate oxidase is an enzyme that degrades oxalate and is used in commercial urinary assays to measure oxalate levels. The objective of this study was to establish an enhanced expression system for secretion and purification of oxalate oxidase using Pichia pastoris. A codon optimized synthetic oxalate oxidase gene derived from Hordeum vulgare (barley) was generated and cloned into the pPICZα expression vector downstream of the N-terminal alpha factor secretion signal peptide sequence and used for expression in P. pastoris X-33 strain. A novel chimeric signal peptide consisting of the pre-OST1 sequence fused to pro-αpp8 containing several amino acid substitutions was also generated to enhance secretion. Active enzyme was purified to greater than 90% purity using Q-Sepharose anion exchange chromatography. The purified oxalate oxidase enzyme had an estimated Km value of 256μM, and activity was determined to be 10U/mg. We have developed an enhanced oxalate oxidase expression system and method for purification.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics provide insight into the anti-browning mechanism of selenium in freshly cut apples.

Enzymatic browning has a considerable negative impact on the acceptability and marketability of freshly cut apples. However, the molecular mechanism by which selenium (Se) positively affects freshly cut apples in this regard is not yet clear. In this study, 0.75 kg/plant of Se-enriched organic fertilizer was applied to "Fuji" apple trees during the young fruit stage (M5, May 25), the early fruit enlargement stage (M6, June 25), and the fruit enlargement stage (M7, July 25), respectively. The same amount of Se-free organic fertilizer was applied as a control. Herein, the regulatory mechanism by which exogenous Se exerts its anti-browning effect in freshly cut apples was investigated. The results showed that the M7 treatment applied in Se-reinforced apples could remarkably inhibit their browning at 1h after being freshly cut. Additionally, the expression of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) genes treated with exogenous Se was significantly reduced compared to controls. Moreover, the lipoxygenase (LOX) and phospholipase D (PLD) genes, which are involved in membrane lipid oxidation, were expressed at higher levels in the control. The gene expression levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were upregulated in the different exogenous Se treatment groups. Similarly, the main metabolites measured during the browning process were phenols and lipids; thus, it could be speculated that the mechanism by which exogenous Se produces its anti-browning effect may be by reducing phenolase activity, improving the antioxidant capacity of the fruits, and alleviating membrane lipid peroxidation. In summary, this study provides evidence regarding and insight into the response mechanism employed by exogenous Se to inhibit browning in freshly cut apples.

Transcriptomic analysis of the metabolic regulatory mechanism of Schizochytrium limacinum B4D1 using sodium acetate to produce DHA

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of acetate as a carbon source by examining the fermentation performance of Schizochytrium limacinum B4D1 and its effects on metabolism using physiology and transcriptomics studies. The results demonstrated that, while the metabolic rate of acetate in S. limacinum B4D1 was lower than glucose, it increased the content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the total fatty acids. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the use of acetate as a carbon source significantly upregulated the acetyl-CoA synthetase gene, which increased the source of acetyl-CoA for fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, the upregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid enzymes promoted the polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway of fatty acid synthesis, resulting in an increase in DHA content. Meanwhile, the upregulation of genes such as long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase enhanced the β-oxidation process of saturated fatty acids in mitochondria, while the downregulation of acyl-CoA oxidase and catalase genes resulted the β-oxidation process of polyunsaturated fatty acids in peroxisomes was inhibited, leading to an increased proportion of DHA in the total fatty acids. Thus, these changes in gene expression contributed to the increased proportion of DHA in the total fatty acids.

Degradation of polyethylene by Klebsiella pneumoniae Mk-1 isolated from soil

The massive accumulation of polyethylene (PE) in the natural environment has caused persecution to the ecological environment. At present, the mechanism of microbial degradation of PE remains unclear, and the related enzymes for degrading PE need to be further explored. In this study, a strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae Mk-1 which can effectively degrade PE was obtained from the soil. The degradation performance of the strains was evaluated by weight loss rate, SEM, ATR/FTIR, WCA, and GPC. The key gene of PE degradation in the strain was further searched, which may be the laccase-like multi-copper oxidase gene. Then, the laccase-like multi-copper oxidase gene (KpMco) was successfully expressed in E.coli and its laccase activity was verified, which reached 85.19 U/L. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme are 45 °C and 4.0, respectively; it shows good stability at 30–40 °C and pH 4.5–5.5; Mn2+ and Cu2+ can activate the enzyme effect. After the enzyme was applied to the degradation of PE film, it was found that the laccase-like multi-copper oxidase did have a certain degradation effect on PE film. This study provides new strain and enzyme gene resources for the biodegradation of PE, thereby promoting the process of PE biodegradation.

Anthra­cycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: the Role of Genetic Predictors

Aim To evaluate the predictive significance of gene polymorphism in endothelin-1 type 2A receptor, NADPH oxidase, p53 protein, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, caspase 8, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, superoxide dismutase-2, glutathione peroxidase-1, β1-adrenoceptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) genes in evaluating the risk of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in women without concurrent cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Material and methods This study included 176 women aged 45.0 [42.0; 50.0] years with breast cancer without concurrent CVD who were scheduled for polychemotherapy (PCT) with anthracycline antibiotics. Echocardiography was performed for all patients at baseline and at 12 months after the end of PCT course. Genetic polymorphism was determined with the polymerase chain reaction.Results At 12 months, all patients were in remission of the underlying disease. They were retrospectively included into 2 groups: 1st group, 52 patients with AIC and 2nd group, 124 women without AIC symptoms. The development of AIC was associated with the presence of the p53 protein gene Arg / Arg genotype (odds ratio (OR), 2.972; p=0.001), NOS3 gene T / T genotype (OR, 3.059; p=0.018), NADPH oxidase gene T / T genotype (OR, 2.753; p=0.008), GPX1 gene C / C genotype (OR, 2.345; p=0.007), MMP-3 gene 5A / 5A genotype (OR, 2.753; p=0.008), and ADRB1 gene G / G genotype (OR, 3.271; p=0.043).Conclusion Evaluation of genetic polymorphism in p53 protein (rs1042522), NOS3 (rs1799983), NADPH-oxidase (rs4673), GPX1 (rs1050450), ADRB1 (Arg389Gly, rs1801253), and MMP-3 (rs3025058) genes can be recommended for use prior to starting chemotherapy in women with breast cancer without CVD for assessing the risk of AIC. A maximum risk of cardiotoxicity is associated with the presence of the p53 protein gene Arg / Arg genotype and NOS3 gene T / T genotype.

Distribution and Identification of Invasive Whiteflies on Coconut Palms in Eastern India and Its Natural Enemies: A Biosecurity Perspective

Regular movements of planting materials between countries pave the way for the entry of exotic pests. Despite rigorous quarantine regulations, various insect pests have hitherto entered India and raised biosecurity concerns. The occurrence of rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and bondar’s nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi on coconut crop has drawn the attention of the scientific and farming community due to their unique damaging behavior and rapid progression. Understanding their invasion, a study was undertaken to explore their incidence pattern in West Bengal (India). The survey revealed the occurrence of these species in different regions and habitats. The species was confirmed by standard morphological characters and molecular techniques by amplifying the cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) of mDNA. The representative sequence of A. rugioperculatus and P. bondari has been deposited to the NCBI with accession numbers OP024192 and OP024193, respectively. At present, two species co-exist on coconut leaflets with a rare exception of Gause’s principle. The incidence and severity of these pests were found greater on coconut palms. The damage inflicted by siphoning of plant sap by A. rugioperculatus was more severe than P. bondari. A shift in the weather pattern and continuous dry spells favor their proliferation and spread. The extensive field survey identified potential natural enemies of these whiteflies in the Eastern region of the country. Coconut plays a significant role in the agrarian economy and this comprehensive work would be much useful as a diagnostic guide for farmers, researchers, extension workers and organizations.

Casein kinase 1 gamma regulates oxidative stress response via interacting with the NADPH dual oxidase complex.

Oxidative stress response is a fundamental biological process mediated by conserved mechanisms. The identities and functions of some key regulators remain unknown. Here, we report a novel role of C. elegans casein kinase 1 gamma CSNK-1 (also known as CK1γ or CSNK1G) in regulating oxidative stress response and ROS levels. csnk-1 interacted with the bli-3/tsp-15/doxa-1 NADPH dual oxidase genes via genetic nonallelic noncomplementation to affect C. elegans survival in oxidative stress. The genetic interaction was supported by specific biochemical interactions between DOXA-1 and CSNK-1 and potentially between their human orthologs DUOXA2 and CSNK1G2. Consistently, CSNK-1 was required for normal ROS levels in C. elegans. CSNK1G2 and DUOXA2 each can promote ROS levels in human cells, effects that were suppressed by a small molecule casein kinase 1 inhibitor. We also detected genetic interactions between csnk-1 and skn-1 Nrf2 in oxidative stress response. Together, we propose that CSNK-1 CSNK1G defines a novel conserved regulatory mechanism for ROS homeostasis.

Dissecting biodiversity: assessing the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic structure of an insect metacommunity in a river network using morphological and metabarcoding data

Most empirical metacommunity studies rely solely on morphological identification of taxa, precluding the species-level identification of several biotic groups, which can influence the characterization of metacommunities. DNA metabarcoding enables inference of species and even intraspecific diversity from community samples but has rarely been used to infer metacommunity structure. Here, we combined morphology and metabarcoding to improve the characterization of an insect metacommunity at different identification levels. We included measures of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic richness, and we evaluated drivers affecting metacommunity structure (i.e., environmental filtering and dispersal). Communities were sampled from an area that included nine perennial, two near-perennial and two intermittent sites in a river network characterized by high hydrological variability. We identified organisms to a mixed (family to species) taxonomic level using morphology, and to operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and haplotype levels using metabarcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene. Diptera and Ephemeroptera showed the greatest increases in taxonomic and phylogenetic richness but not biological trait richness with increasing taxonomic resolution. The joint effect of environmental filtering and dispersal was more important than their individual effects in shaping metacommunity structure at all identification levels. Mixed-level and OTU-level identification were more effective than family and haplotype in characterizing the drivers of metacommunity structure. We demonstrate that the greater taxonomic resolution enabled by metabarcoding could improve understanding of metacommunities within river networks, thus enhancing our capacity to predict ecological responses in ecosystems adapting to global change.

Arsenic (As) oxidation by core endosphere microbiome mediates As speciation in Pteris vittata roots

Pteris vittata is an arsenic(As)-hyperaccumulator that may be employed in phytoremediation of As-contaminated soils. P. vittata-associated microbiome are adapted to elevated As and may be important for host survival under stresses. Although P. vittata root endophytes could be critical for As biotransformation in planta, their compositions and metabolisms remain elusive. The current study aims to characterize the root endophytic community composition and As-metabolizing potentials in P. vittata. High As(III) oxidase gene abundances and rapid As(III) oxidation activity indicated that As(III) oxidation was the dominant microbial As-biotransformation processes compared to As reduction and methylization in P. vittata roots. Members of Rhizobiales were the core microbiome and the dominant As(III) oxidizers in P. vittata roots. Acquasition of As-metabolising genes, including both As(III) oxidase and As(V) detoxification reductase genes, through horizontal gene transfer was identified in a Saccharimonadaceae genomic assembly, which was another abundant population residing in P. vittata roots. Acquisition of these genes might improve the fitness of Saccharimonadaceae population to elevated As concentrations in P. vittata. Diverse plant growth promoting traits were encoded by the core root microbiome populations Rhizobiales. We propose that microbial As(III) oxidation and plant growth promotion are critical traits for P. vittata survival in hostile As-contaiminated sites.

Synthesis of active cytokinins mediated by LONELY GUY is associated with cell production during early fruit growth in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

Early fruit growth in peach is characterized by cell production. Cytokinins have established roles in regulating cell division and may regulate cell production during early fruit growth. However, the role of active cytokinins and regulation of their metabolism are not well characterized in the peach fruit. In this study, fruit growth parameters, concentrations of active cytokinin bases and a cytokinin riboside, and expression of three key cytokinin metabolism-related gene families were determined during early fruit growth. Early fruit growth was associated with intensive cell production until around 40 days after full bloom. During the early stages of this period, trans-zeatin (tZ), isopentenyladenine (iP), dihydrozeatin (DHZ) and tZ-riboside (tZR), displayed higher abundance which declined rapidly by 3.5- to 16-fold during the later stages. Changes in concentration of active cytokinin bases were consistent with roles for them in regulating cell production. Expression analyses of members of cytokinin biosynthesis-related gene families, ISOPENTENYL TRANSFERASE (IPT) and LONELY GUY (LOG), further indicated that mechanisms of synthesis of cytokinin metabolites and their activation are functional within the fruit pericarp. Changes in expression of multiple members of the LOG family paralleled changes in active cytokinin concentrations. Specifically, transcript abundance of LOG3 and LOG8 were correlated with concentrations of tZ, and iP and DHZ, respectively, suggesting that the direct activation pathway is an important route for active cytokinin base synthesis during early fruit development. Transcript abundance of two CYTOKININ OXIDASE (CKX) genes, CKX1 and CKX2, was consistent with roles in cytokinin catabolism during later stages of early fruit growth. Together, these data support a role for active cytokinins synthesized in the fruit pericarp in regulating early fruit growth in peach.

Molecular Cloning, Subcellular Localization, and Abiotic Stress Induction Analysis of a Polyamine Oxidase Gene from Oryza sativa

Abiotic stress is a major bottleneck for crop productivity. To counter abiotic stresses, plants have developed several strategies, and the accumulation of polyamine (PA) serving as an osmolyte is one of them. The cellular pool of PAs is primarily regulated by polyamine oxidases (PAOs) either by terminal catabolism or by back conversion (BC) of polyamines. The role of PAO in abiotic stress tolerance has also been reported. Polyamine oxidases are primarily localized in the cytosol, cell wall, and apoplastic regions; however, lately, their peroxisomal localization has also been demonstrated. In this study, we reported the detection of polyamine oxidase isoform 3 from Oryza sativa (OsPAO3) in peroxisome as early as 12 h post-transformation under in vitro conditions using fluorescent microscopy. The gene was also found to be significantly upregulated by salinity, dehydration, cold, and heat stress. We have also demonstrated that the expression of OsPAO3 gene was mediated by a second messenger, calcium. The upregulation of OsPAO3 by salinity, dehydration, cold, and heat stresses suggests that it could be a suitable candidate for providing tolerance to plants against abiotic stress combination or stress matrix, which is a common feature in agricultural field conditions. Furthermore, the data provided here would be valuable in understanding the abiotic stress-mediated signal transduction network of PAOs.

Polyphenol oxidases regulate pollen development through modulating flavonoids homeostasis in tobacco

Pollen development is critical in plant reproduction. Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) genes encode defense-related enzymes, but the role of PPOs in pollen development remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized NtPPO genes, and then investigated their function in pollen via creating NtPPO9/10 double knockout mutant (cas-1), overexpression 35S::NtPPO10 (cosp) line and RNAi lines against all NtPPOs in Nicotiana tabacum. NtPPOs were abundantly expressed in the anther and pollen (especially NtPPO9/10). The pollen germination, polarity ratio and fruit weights were significantly reduced in the NtPPO-RNAi and cosp lines, while they were normal in cas-1 likely due to compensation by other NtPPO isoforms. Comparisons of metabolites and transcripts between the pollen of WT and NtPPO-RNAi, or cosp showed that decreased enzymatic activity of NtPPOs led to hyper-accumulation of flavonoids. This accumulation might reduce the content of ROS. Ca2+ and actin levels also decreased in pollen of the transgenic lines.Thus, the NtPPOs regulate pollen germination through the flavonoid homeostasis and ROS signal pathway. This finding provides novel insights into the native physiological functions of PPOs in pollen during reproduction.

DNA Barcoding of Argyrops filamentosus (Perciformes: Sparidae) Based on Mitochondrial COI Gene and Histopathological Evaluation of Gills Infected by Monogeneans

Background: Sparidae is a fish family that belongs to the order Perciformes and is commonly known as sea breams and porgies. Many species are included in this family and divided into 71 genera that could be barcoded using mitochondrial DNA genes. These fish are vulnerable to different parasitic taxa that affect fish status. The present study is aimed to confirm the molecular status of Argyrops filamentosus fish via the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene and to study the pathological changes of gills infested by monogenean parasites. Methods: Thirty Argyrops filamentosus fish were collected from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and identified molecularly via the mtCOI gene. Also, gills were isolated and examined microscopically for presence of monogeneans. Histopathological impacts of monogeneans on fish gills were studied in comparison to the gills of non-infected fish. Result: The DNA of fish species was barcoded and showed highly stringent criteria with the previously Argyrops filamentosus sequence data. The obtained host DNA sequences were deposited in NCBI database under accession number OP975758.1. Examination of the investigated fish gills revealed the presence of three monogenean species Protolamellodiscus senilobatus Kritsky, Jiménez-Ruiz and Sey, 2000, Acleotrema maculatus Morsy, El-Fayoumi and Fahmy (2014) and Haliotrema susanae Soo, 2019. Monogenean parasites penetrated deeply with their haptor to the gill lamella and caused damage and degeneration of epithelial cells leading to the formation of a cup-shaped depression. Therefore, the mtDNA gene has the ability for host identification and heavy monogeneans infections lead to severe damage to fish gills.

The RhWRKY33a-RhPLATZ9 regulatory module delays petal senescence by suppressing rapid reactive oxygen species accumulation in rose flowers.

Redox homeostasis in plant cells is critical for maintaining normal growth and development because reactive oxygen species (ROS) can function as signaling molecules or toxic compounds. However, how plants fine-tune redox homeostasis during natural or stress-induced senescence remains unclear. Cut roses (Rosa hybrida), an economically important ornamental product worldwide, often undergo stress-induced precocious senescence at the post-harvest bud stage. Here, we identified RhPLATZ9, an age- and dehydration-induced PLATZ (plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding) protein, and determined that it functions as a transcriptional repressor in rose flowers during senescence. We also showed that RhWRKY33a regulates RhPLATZ9 expression during flower senescence. RhPLATZ9-silenced flowers and RhWRKY33a-silenced flowers showed accelerated senescence, with higher ROS contents than the control. By contrast, overexpression of RhWRKY33a or RhPLATZ9 delayed flower senescence, and overexpression in rose calli showed lower ROS accumulation than the control. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that apoplastic NADPH oxidase genes (RhRbohs) were enriched among the upregulated differentially expressed genes in RhPLATZ9-silenced flowers compared to wild-type flowers. Yeast one-hybrid assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, dual luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR confirmed that the RhRbohD gene is a direct target of RhPLATZ9. These findings suggest that the RhWRKY33a-RhPLATZ9-RhRbohD regulatory module acts as a brake to help maintain ROS homeostasis in petals and thus antagonize age- and stress-induced precocious senescence in rose flowers.

Isolation and characterization of an As(III) oxidizing bacterium, Acinetobacter sp. TMKU4 from paddy field for possible arsenic decontamination

During past few decades arsenic (As), a poisonous and carcinogenic water and soil contaminant, is perceived as a significant universal environmental snag. The exploration of As-resistant microorganisms for mitigation of As-contaminated environment has been proven to be both economical and ecologically favourable among the various techniques so far documented. Several As-resistant bacterial isolates were isolated from the soil sample of As affected area of Nadia, a district in West Bengal, India. On the basis of maximum As resistance ability, an arsenite [As(III)]-oxidizing bacterial strain, TMKU4, was selected, which could withstand 12.5 mM As(III) and 95 mM arsenate [As(V)]. The strain was noted to be closely linked to the genus Acinetobacter as per 16S rDNA sequence analysis and biochemical characterization. Within 14 h of incubation on minimal salts medium, this strain could convert ∼78% of As(III) to As(V). Kinetic evaluation of partially purified As(III) oxidase from the bacterial cells exhibited Km of 73.38 μM and Vmax of 0.3456 μM min−1 μg−1 protein. The existence of the As(III) oxidase gene was further confirmed through PCR with degenerate primers. TMKU4 exhibits potential plant growth-promoting attributes owing to which it could also be exploited as a promising As bioremediation strategy for sustainable agriculture.

DNA Barcoding of Commercial Cockroaches in Turkey

Accurate species identification has become a precondition for accomplished biodiversity administration and further genetic research. Species acquaintance technics require molecular tools such as DNA barcoding as well as morphological identification for accurate identification. Particularly, the application of subunit I of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene for DNA barcoding for insects has approved to be very useful in species acquaintance. The main aim of this study is to generate the first reference library of DNA barcode for cockroaches in Turkey using previously published data. As a result of the literature research, it has been observed that no study has been carried out on the DNA barcode of Turkish cockroaches. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the advantage of DNA barcoding applied to two cockroach samples from Turkey for the first time. Our working samples implicated 10 DNA barcodes grounded on sequences created from our present study and 109 other DNA barcodes from BOLD. Various molecular analyzes including genetic distance-origin assessment (NeighborJoining and Maximum Likelihood trees) has been applied to accurately identify and describe species. In addition, Blaptica dubia (B. dubia) (Serville, 1838) and Nauphoeta cinerea (N. cinerea) (Olivier, 1789) have been reported as the first country records. It has been observed that reference libraries like BOLD are not yet sufficiently populated with COI sequences of Turkish cockroach species. In order for Turkish cockroach bio-assessment and biodiversity studies to benefit from the advantages of DNA barcoding, it is of great importance that cockroach inventories and taxonomic studies include DNA barcodes.