Protein Reserves Research Articles

Transcriptome analysis reveals biosynthesis and regulation of flavonoid in common bean seeds during grain filling

The Andean domesticated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are significant sources of phenolic compounds associated with health benefits. However, the regulation of biosynthesis of these compounds during bean seed development remains unclear. To elucidate the gene expression patterns involved in the regulation of the flavonoid pathway, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of two contrasting Chilean varieties, Negro Argel (black bean) and Coscorron (white bean), at three developmental stages associated with seed color change, as well as different flavonoid compound accumulations. Our study reveals that phenolic compound synthesis initiates during seed filling, although it exhibits desynchronization between both varieties. We identified 10,153 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) across all comparisons. The KEGG pathway ‘Flavonoid biosynthesis’ showed enrichment of induced DEGs in Negro Argel (PV172), consistent with the accumulation of delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin hexosides in their seeds, while catechin glucoside, procyanidin and kaempferol derivatives were predominantly detected in Coscorrón (PV24). Furthermore, while the flavonoid pathway was active in both varieties, our results suggest that enzymes involved in the final steps, such as ANS and UGT, were crucial, inducing anthocyanin formation in Negro Argel. Additionally, during active anthocyanin biosynthesis, the accumulation of reserve proteins or those related to seed protection and germination was induced. These findings provide valuable insights and serve as a guide for plant breeding aimed at enhancing the health and nutritional properties of common beans.

DELINEATING GENETIC DIVERSITY IN SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX L.) GENOTYPES: INSIGHTS FROM A-PAGE ANALYSIS OF GLOBULIN RESERVE PROTEINS

This study explores the genetic diversity of soybean (Glycine max) genotypes using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE) to analyze globulin reserve proteins. The research utilized 51 soybean genotypes from various origins, including Canada, Turkey, Uzbekistan and others. The A-PAGE method was employed to extract and analyze the globulin storage proteins in the grains of soybean samples. The proteins were categorized into ω, γ, β and α zones, revealing distinct electrophoretic patterns among the genotypes. A total of 22 spectra and 107 patterns were identified, demonstrating polymorphism based on the frequency of occurrence. The genetic diversity index, calculated using Nei’s formula, indicated varying levels of genetic diversity across the different zones.

Possible crosstalk between the Arabidopsis TSPO-related protein and the transcription factor WRINKLED1

This study uncovers a regulatory interplay between WRINKLED1 (WRI1), a master transcription factor for glycolysis and lipid biosynthesis, and Translocator Protein (TSPO) expression in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. We identified potential WRI1-responsive elements upstream of AtTSPO through bioinformatics, suggesting WRI1's involvement in regulating TSPO expression. Our analyses showed a significant reduction in AtTSPO levels in wri1 mutant seeds compared to wild type, establishing a functional link between WRI1 and TSPO. This connection extends to the coordination of seed development and lipid metabolism, with both WRI1 and AtTSPO levels decreasing post-imbibition, indicating their roles in seed physiology. Further investigations into TSPO's impact on fatty acid synthesis revealed that TSPO misexpression alters WRI1's post-translational modifications and significantly enhances seed oil content. Additionally, we noted a decrease in key reserve proteins, including 12 S globulin and oleosin 1, in seeds with TSPO misexpression, suggesting a novel energy storage strategy in these lines. Our findings reveal a sophisticated network involving WRI1 and AtTSPO, highlighting their crucial contributions to seed development, lipid metabolism, and the modulation of energy storage mechanisms in Arabidopsis.

Shoots and Turions of Aquatic Plants as a Source of Fatty Acids.

Fatty acids are essential for human health. Currently, there is a search for alternative sources of fatty acids that could supplement such sources as staple crops or fishes. Turions of aquatic plants accumulate a variety of substances such as starch, free sugars, amino acids, reserve proteins and lipids. Our aim is to see if turions can be a valuable source of fatty acids. Overwintering shoots and turions of aquatic carnivorous plants were collected. The plant material was extracted with hexane. The oils were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer. The dominant compound in all samples was linolenic acid. The oil content was different in turions and shoots. The oil content of the shoots was higher than that of the turions, but the proportion of fatty acids in the oils from the shoots was low in contrast to the oils from the turions. The turions of Utricularia species were shown to be composed of about 50% fatty acids. The turions of Utricularia species can be used to obtain oil with unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the high fatty acid content of turions may explain their ability to survive at low temperatures.

Mating disruption alters the rate of development in an aphidophagous ladybird Propylea dissecta (Mulsant)

Ladybird beetles like many other organisms show developmental rate polymorphism in response to various abiotic and biotic factors. Since mating disruption acts as a stressor, we decided to study its impact on the occurrence of developmental rate polymorphs in ladybird beetle, Propylea dissecta Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Ten-day-old females were subjected to mating disruptions at 120, 180 min, and complete mating (211 ± 8.1 min) and then provided with optimum diet of Aphis craccivora Koch. Larvae in each treatment were reared individually and newly emerged adults were assessed on the basis of their developmental durations. They were separated into two lines: slow and fast developers. Extended mating duration was found to be correlated to increased immature survival and reduced offspring development times. Also, in complete mating treatment, percentage of fast developers were more in numbers; thus, mating duration increased the availability of sperm for females and seminal fluid may have boosted maternal protein reserves, which can then be used to produce offspring of better quality. Mating disruption might be a factor reducing the chances of fertilization success and offspring development in P. dissecta.

Mass spectrometric analysis of plant protein concentrates

The work is devoted to the study of the composition of protein concentrates from amaranth grains (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.), Voronezh variety. Amaranth protein concentrates were obtained by the alkaline extraction of proteins, the neutralization of the solution, followed by ultrafiltration; by separating the starch fraction with amylolytic enzymes; alkaline extraction of proteins and their precipitation at pH 4.5. The conditions for protein extraction were selected, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis and their identification. It has been shown that proteins from amaranth grain were more efficiently extracted with a buffer containing urea at protein concentrations in solution of 1.7, 1.9, and 2.9 mg/cm3respectively, while the buffer with detergents was more effective for the extraction of low molecular weight proteins at protein concentrations in solution of 4.9, 2.9, and 9.0 mg/cm3 respectively. As a result of HPLC-MS/MS analysis followed by a search and identification in the UNIPROT database, it was established that the main protein of amaranth grain is 11S-globulin, which is a reserve protein of amaranth seeds. In amaranth concentrates, 14 unique proteins characteristic only for A.hipochondriacus L., as well as proteins that were not characteristic to this species, but were reliably identified. Based on the results of semi-quantitative analysis of the peptide profile of amaranth grain protein concentrates, a high frequency of occurrence of the main 11S-globulin proteins was established in all samples. The frequency of occurrence of other proteins in samples obtained by different methods differed significantly, which was associated with the peculiarities of protein isolation from amaranth grain. The obtained results can be used for the production of plant protein concentrates with a set protein composition.

The Effect Of Rye Translocation T1BL.1RS on economically valuable traits of winter common wheat varieties

There have been studied new promising winter common wheat varieties ‘Ambar’, ‘Premiera’ and ‘Ermak’, the leading variety according to the area occupied in the Rostov region. The variety ‘Don 107’ was used as a standard according to reserve protein loci to identify introgression of genetic material from rye, and there has been studied the effect of the translocation T1BL.1RS on the severity of grain quality traits. The samples were grown in a competitive variety testing conducted in the department of winter wheat breeding and seed production of the ARC “Donskoy” in 2017-2019. Estimations, records, and observations were carried out in accordance with the methodological instructions of the State Variety Testing of agricultural crops. In order to identify rye translocations, there has been used the method of electrophoresis of alcohol-soluble reserve proteins in an acidic medium in a starch gel. There has been determined that the mean productivity of the new promising variety ‘Ambar’ over the years of study exceeded the standard by 6%, and the variety ‘Ermak’ by 7%. The excess of maximum productivity was 5% and 23%, respectively, over the standard and the leading variety. The variety ‘Premiera’ has had mean productivity higher by 13 and 14% compared to the standard ‘Don 107’ and the variety ‘Ermak’, respectively. There has been established a maximum productivity excess to the standard and the leading variety by 3% and 9%. At the same time, their flour strength and SDS-sedimentation were 63% and 60%, 102% and 97%, respectively. According to protein and gluten percentage in grain, the varieties ‘Ambar’ and ‘Premiera’, like ‘Don 107’ and ‘Ermak’ have fallen into the same quality group of class 3, being characterized with valuable grain. An important advantage of the ‘varieties Ambar’ and ‘Premiera’ is resistance to brown rust, yellow rust, stem rust and powdery mildew, since the translocation contains resistance genes to these diseases.

Análise fisiológica e do sistema antioxidante de bastão-do-imperador pós-colheita

Abstract Sucrose pulsing solutions are employed for hydrating and maintaining the turgor of flower stems by influencing respiratory processes, supplementing natural sugars, and reducing transpiration. Additionally, sucrose pulsing can impact the physiology of flower stems, altering metabolism, postharvest quality, and durability. However, these effects are unknown for many tropical species. The objective was to elucidate the physiological and biochemical effects of pulsing torch ginger inflorescences with varying sucrose concentrations postharvest. To achieve this, floral stems of torch ginger were collected and immersed in sucrose solutions with concentrations of 15%, 20%, and 25% for 24 hours. Following this period, the stems were transferred to water, and every 3 days, assessments were made for visual quality, the percentage of true flowers, absorption rate, water content, fresh and dry mass, and colorimetric parameters. The activation of the antioxidant system and measurement of macromolecule content were also conducted. Pulsing with 20% and 25% sucrose accelerated the emergence of true flowers, in addition to increasing the absorption rate and fresh mass values of the stems. At these concentrations, an increase in lipid peroxidation was also observed. No SOD or CAT expression was noted, but pulsing led to increased reserves of proteins and sugars. Pulsing with 15% sucrose is recommended for torch ginger to maintain higher visual quality up to the 9th day after harvest.

Chronic Kidney Disease Interplay with Comorbidities and Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Review.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, engendering various physiological and metabolic shifts that significantly impact health and escalate the susceptibility to severe illnesses. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate complexities of CKD, scrutinizing its influence on cellular growth homeostasis, hormonal equilibrium, wasting, malnutrition, and its interconnectedness with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular diseases. Exploring the genetic, birth-related, and comorbidity factors associated with CKD, alongside considerations of metabolic disturbances, anemia, and malnutrition, the review elucidates how CKD orchestrates cellular growth control. A pivotal focus lies on the nexus between CKD and insulin resistance, where debates persist regarding its chronological relationship with impaired kidney function. The prevalence of insulin abnormalities in CKD is emphasized, contributing to glucose intolerance and raising questions about its role as a precursor or consequence. Moreover, the review sheds light on disruptions in the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor axis in CKD, underscoring the heightened vulnerability to illness and mortality in cases of severe growth retardation. Wasting, a prevalent concern affecting up to 75% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, is analyzed, elucidating the manifestations of cachexia and its impact on appetite, energy expenditure, and protein reserves. Taste disturbances in CKD, affecting sour, umami, and salty tastes, are explored for their implications on food palatability and nutritional status. Independent of age and gender, these taste alterations have the potential to sway dietary choices, further complicating the management of CKD. The intricate interplay between CKD, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular diseases is unraveled, emphasizing the profound repercussions on overall health. Additionally, the review extends its analysis to CKD's broader impact on cognitive function, emotional well-being, taste perception, and endothelial dysfunction. Concluding with an emphasis on dietary interventions as crucial components in CKD management, this comprehensive review navigates the multifaceted dimensions of CKD, providing a nuanced understanding essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Yield and grain quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties grown on typical chernozems

Purpose. To determine the yield potential and grain qua­lity of varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.) as a function of the nutritional and climatic conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory (grain quality determination) and statistical methods were used in the research. Results. Using different fertilization systems, seven oat varieties were studied, of which the most productive were ‘Ayvori’, ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’ and ‘Zakat’. The greatest increase in yield due to the use of fertilizers in 2022–2023 (1.24–2.73 t/ha with average increases of 0.32–2.83 t/ha) was observed for the cultivation of the ‘Ayvori’ variety. Additional increases due to the introduction of sulphur, compared to the options where only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were used, were observed for the varieties ‘Neptun’ – 0. 26–0.39 t/ha; ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’ – 0.47–0.49; ‘Svitanok’ – 0.23–0.66; ‘Zakat’ – 0.39–0.64; ‘Zubr’ – 0.41–0.54; ‘Albatros’ – 0.58–0.78; ‘Ayvori’ – 0.34–0.66 t/ha. The average yield of the control varieties in 2021–2023 was as follows 2.28 t/ha – ‘Neptun’; 2.64 – ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’; 2.50 – ‘Svitanok’; 2.70 – ‘Zakat’; 2.71 – ‘Zubr’; 2.60 – ‘Albatros’; 2.81 t/ha – ‘Ayvori’. Increasing the rate of nutrient application to the soil helped to improve grain quality. Thus, with the addition of N30P30K30 + N30 BBCH32, the protein content in the grain was within 10.2–10.8%; N60P60K60 + N30 ВВСН32 – 10.4–11.2; N90P90K90 + N30 ВВСН32 – 11.0–11.8; N120P120K120 + N30 BBCH32 – 11.4–12.4%. The addition of sulphur to the fertilization system resulted in a more efficient use of nitrogen and therefore an increase in the protein content of the grain of 1.3–1.8% compared to the options where the rate of macronutrients was the same for all varieties. The content of albumins and globulins was higher in the grain of the control variant (17.0–19.3 and 20.1–21.6% respectively) and did not vary significantly between varieties. The amount of reserve proteins – prolamins and glutelins – increased (from 28.4–30.2 to 34.8–36.2%) with an increase in fertilizer rate, especially with the introduction of N120P120K120S45 + N30. Conclusions. All investigated oat varieties are highly productive and give yields in the range of 3.33–5.54 t/ha, depending on the fertilizer rate. The variety ‘Neptun’ is slightly lower in yield than the others, but has grain with a significant content of biologically valuable protein fractions. The application of sulphur­containing fertilizers increases yield, improves grain quality and allows a more efficient use of nitrogen, which makes it possible to reduce the basic rate of addition of macronutrients to the soil.

Histogenesis and reserve dynamics during the maintenance of dormancy and germination in seeds of the basal palm Mauritiella armata.

The germination and post-seminal development of Arecaceae are notably complex due to the microscopic dimensions of the embryonic axis, the occurrence of dormancy, and the diversity of reserve compounds. In-depth information on this subject is still limited, especially in terms of the basal sub-family Calamoideae. Mauritiella armata is widely distributed in the Amazon region and is considered a key species in flooded ecosystems (veredas) in the Cerrado biome. We sought to describe histogenesis and reserve compound dynamics during the germination of M. armata, as well as the changes in incubated seeds over time. Seeds with their operculum removed (the structure that limits embryonic growth) were evaluated during germination using standard methods of histology, histochemistry, and electron microscopy. Evaluations were also performed on intact seeds incubated for 180 days. The embryos show characteristics associated with recalcitrant seeds of Arecaceae: a high water content (>80%), differentiated vessel elements, and reduced lipid reserves. Both the embryo and endosperm store abundant reserves of proteins, neutral carbohydrates, and pectins. The completion of germination involves cell divisions and expansions in specific regions of the embryo, in addition to the mobilization of embryonic and endospermic reserves through symplastic and apoplastic flows. Intact seeds show dormancy (not germinating for 180 days), but exhibit continuous development associated with cell growth, differentiation, and reserve mobilization. The anatomical and histochemical characters of M. armata seeds indicate an association between recalcitrance and dormancy related to the species' adaptation to flooded environments.

Weight and protozoa number but not bacteria diversity are associated with successful pair formation of dealates in the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus.

New colonies of Formosan subterranean termites are founded by monogamous pairs. During swarming season, alates (winged reproductives) leave their parental colony. After swarming, they drop to the ground, shed their wings, and male and female dealates find suitable nesting sites where they mate and become kings and queens of new colonies. The first generation of offspring is entirely dependent on the nutritional resources of the founder pair consisting of the fat and protein reserves of the dealates and their microbiota, which include the cellulose-digesting protozoa and diverse bacteria. Since termite kings and queens can live for decades, mate for life and colony success is linked to those initial resources, we hypothesized that gut microbiota of founders affect pair formation. To test this hypothesis, we collected pairs found in nest chambers and single male and female dealates from four swarm populations. The association of three factors (pairing status, sex of the dealates and population) with dealate weights, total protozoa, and protozoa Pseudotrichonympha grassii numbers in dealate hindguts was determined. In addition, Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the QIIME2 pipeline were used to determine the impact of those three factors on gut bacteria diversity of dealates. Here we report that pairing status was significantly affected by weight and total protozoa numbers, but not by P. grassii numbers and bacteria diversity. Weight and total protozoa numbers were higher in paired compared to single dealates. Males contained significantly higher P. grassii numbers and bacteria richness and marginally higher phylogenetic diversity despite having lower weights than females. In conclusion, this study showed that dealates with high body weight and protozoa numbers are more likely to pair and become colony founders, probably because of competitive advantage. The combined nutritional resources provided by body weight and protozoa symbionts of the parents are important for successful colony foundation and development.

Relationship of the egg’s nutritional properties with the functioning of the immune system: Review

The chicken egg contains health promoting and disease preventing substances, making it a functional food, in addition to being an important reserve of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the aim of this work was to discuss the relationship between the nutritional properties of eggs and the functioning of the immune system. Among the main nutrients present in the egg that can exert an immunomodulatory function and contribute to the activity of the immune system, specifically in preventing and combating diseases, we can mention: the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E; the microminerals copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) and fatty acids from the omega-3 family (ω-3 AGs). Based on the presence of these nutritional components, egg consumption will contribute to the formation, development and functioning of the immune system, as its nutritional composition can assist in the defense actions of the human body, and consequently in preventing and combating diseases. In this sense, the intake of functional nutrients present in eggs, a low-cost and easily acquired food, will provide better health for the population through greater biological activities, which can provide a stronger and more resistant body structure.

Assessment of nutritional status and clinical outcomes: A comprehensive retrospective analysis of critically ill patients.

Assessing nutritional status is vital for understanding and managing patients' clinical conditions. Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is one of the most frequently used scores that evaluate caloric status, protein reserve, and immunological response estimation. This study assesses the critically ill patients' nutritional status and its relationship with patient-related factors and mortality. Electronic medical records of 1687 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient files were reviewed from January 2019 to May 2023 retrospectively. Patient demographic information, clinical characteristics, and laboratory data were extracted and anonymized for analysis. The patients were divided according to the CONUT scores, and retrieved data were compared. The study population's demographic features and clinical outcomes were stratified by CONUT scores. The gender distribution was similar; however, there was a significant age difference between the Low-CONUT and High-CONUT groups (P < .001). High CONUT values are linked to an increased risk of death, intubation, age, APACHE-II scores, and the number of comorbidities. Malnutrition is prevalent in ICU patients with gastrointestinal illnesses and urogenital system disorders, including infections. Patients with a high CONUT score at admission had an increased risk of ICU death even after correcting for covariates. The CONUT score is a trustworthy and practical tool for assessing ICU patients' nutritional status, which is highly associated with ICU mortality. Patients admitted to the ICU with gastrointestinal, urogenital, or infectious disorders should have their nutritional condition assessed carefully. According to our study, the rate of intubated patients admitted to the intensive care unit is higher in malnourished patients. This suggests it should be reviewed in clinical settings, particularly in elderly, frail patients and those with numerous comorbidities.

Polyamines in Canadian barley grains: Determination of their content and relationship with protein level

Barley is one of the important crops with diverse end-use purposes. In every use of barley grains, the protein fraction plays an important function impacting the quality of final products. Polyamines, having multiple nitrogen atoms in their chemical structure (e.g., putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), may be linked to the levels of protein and nitrogen reserves. In this study, thirteen Canadian barley varieties were characterized for their total polyamines and protein content. The effects of extractants on the extractability of polyamines were considered, and HCl (1 M) was found to be more effective than trichloroacetic acid (5% w/v) in extracting free polyamines from whole barley flour. The total polyamines content of barley grains varied from 6.46 to 11.47 mg/100 g dry basis and spermidine was the most abundant. Polyamine represented 0.045–0.071% w/w grain protein. Significant and positive correlations were found between protein content and levels of total polyamines (r = 0.798), putrescine (r = 0.771), and spermine (r = 0.668). Principal Component Analysis and K-Means Cluster Analysis divided the barley samples into one cluster (hulless barley for food) differentiated from the other (hulled barley for malting and feed) by their superiority in polyamine and protein content.

Aprobation of common wheat molecular markers for the determination of the allelic composition of gliadins of Triticum spelta L.

Aim. The purpose of this work was to test and compare the methods of storage proteins electrophoresis in acid PAGE and PCR with wheat primers for spelt samples and to evaluate their using for the identification of allelic variants of gliadins. Methods. Research was conducted on samples of eight varieties of Tr. spelta using electrophoresis of storage proteins in acid PAAG and PCR with allele-specific primers designed to the Gli-B1 locus of common wheat. PCR products were separated by 7 % PAAG, gels were stained with argentum (II) nitrate. Results. The possibility of using molecular markers to identify allelic variants of spelt gliadins was shown. Using PCR using allele-specific primers for the Gli-B1 locus, five alleles were detected, two of which were also described for Tr. aestivum species. According to the results of electrophoresis and based on PCR results, six allelic variants of gliadins, divided into two groups, were identified. Conclusions. Approbation of the PCR for the species Tr. spelta using allele-specific primers developed for common wheat, showed the polymorphism and the possibility of using primers to identify allelic variants of gliadins for spelt wheat. Compared to the method of electrophoresis of reserve proteins in acidic PAAG, the PCR method is much easier to interpret the results, but it does not allow to detect all the polymorphism obtained on electrophoregrams of reserve proteins.

EFFECT OF SHORT STARVATION AND REFEEDING ON GROWTH, BODY COMPOSITION, AND DIGESTIVE ENZYMES ACTIVITIES IN YELLOW RASBORA (Rasbora lateristriata Blkr.)

Digestive enzyme activities of Yellow Rasbora (Rasbora lateristriata) had been reported, but only focused on a daily feeding strategy. The effect of starvation and refeeding on the growth, body composition, and digestive enzyme activities in Yellow Rasbora has never been reported. This study aimed to know the most efficient feeding strategy for growth, body composition, and digestive enzyme activities of Yellow Rasbora. The experiment was conducted in 20 aquariums using two months old fingerling. Four different feeding strategies were tested; twice feeding a day, one-day starvation and six days refeeding, two days starvation and five days refeeding, and four days starvation and ten days refeeding. The result showed that different feeding strategies had no significant effect on all growth parameters. The result proved that Yellow Rasbora could compensate for starvation through absolute growth, with the highest value achieved in two days of starvation and five refeeding. No significant value was also observed on crude protein, and lipid contents indicate that starvation does not affect the utilization of protein and lipid reserves. This result was consistent with fish condition factors which did not differ among treatments. The feeding strategy did not significantly affect total protease, trypsin, and amylase activities, but significantly affected chymotrypsin, lipase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. All parameter indicated that two days starvation and five days refed duration showed similar values to daily feeding. Therefore, it is concluded that two days starvation and five days refeeding method is the most efficient feeding strategy for Yellow Rasbora cultivation.

The interplay between autophagy and chloroplast vesiculation pathways under dark-induced senescence.

In cellular circumstances where carbohydrates are scarce, plants can use alternative substrates for cellular energetic maintenance. In plants, the main protein reserve is present in the chloroplast, which contains most of the total leaf proteins and represents a rich source of nitrogen and amino acids. Autophagy plays a key role in chloroplast breakdown, a well-recognised symptom of both natural and stress-induced plant senescence. Remarkably, an autophagic-independent route of chloroplast degradation associated with chloroplast vesiculation (CV) gene was previously demonstrated. During extended darkness, CV is highly induced in the absence of autophagy, contributing to the early senescence phenotype of atg mutants. To further investigate the role of CV under dark-induced senescence conditions, mutants with low expression of CV (amircv) and double mutants amircv1xatg5 were characterised. Following darkness treatment, no aberrant phenotypes were observed in amircv single mutants; however, amircv1xatg5 double mutants displayed early senescence and altered dismantling of chloroplast and membrane structures under these conditions. Metabolic characterisation revealed that the functional lack of both CV and autophagy leads to higher impairment of amino acid release and differential organic acid accumulation during starvation conditions. The data obtained are discussed in the context of the role of CV and autophagy, both in terms of cellular metabolism and the regulation of chloroplast degradation.

Integration of physiological and gene expression analyses to reveal biomarkers for protein dynamic mechanisms regulating higher growth and survival among larval oyster families (Crassostrea gigas)

The oyster Crassostrea gigas is a major, global aquaculture species. As with any domestically-farmed species, the characterization of breeding lines that yield desired phenotypes is of immense value. An understanding of the fundamental biological bases of such phenotypes is needed to enhance aquaculture production. The aim of our study was to investigate the mechanisms of protein metabolic dynamics and energy allocation in oyster larvae. A series of controlled crosses yielded full-sibling larval families that allowed for measurements of integrative physiological processes during development. Experimentally, phenotypic contrasts between larval families were assayed by measuring: (1) growth and survival, (2) utilization of energy reserves of lipid and protein, (3) rates of protein synthesis and turnover, (4) respiration rates, and (5) transcriptome gene expression. Initially, newly-formed 2-day-old veliger larvae from four different families had similar sizes and physiologies, as measured by respiration, protein synthesis, turnover and content, the amount of energy allocated to protein synthesis, and gene expression pattern. Upon feeding, notable phenotypic contrasts became evident in different families. The larval family with faster growth had higher rates of protein synthesis and allocated a higher percentage of available energy to that single process. Based on family-specific differences, a series of samples was selected for developmental time-course analysis of changes in RNA pools. Principal component analyses of family-specific differential gene expression, combined with measured biochemical and physiological processes, led to the identification of two ribosomal gene biomarkers for protein synthesis. Such biomarkers could be potentially valuable tools for assessing complex traits that regulate physiological state, leading to optimization of breeding programs for oyster aquaculture.

Prognostic impact of the controlling nutritional status score in Chinese patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Prognostic impact of the controlling nutritional status score in Chinese patients undergoing cardiac surgery