Relationship Of Proteins Research Articles

Immunoparalysis: Clinical and immunological associations in SIRS and severe sepsis patients

IntroductionThis study was designed to identify changes in the monocytic membrane marker HLA-DR and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in relation to T-regulatory cells (T-regs) and other immunological marker changes in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis/septic shock. MethodsHealthy volunteers, intensive care unit (ICU) patients with SIRS due to head injury and ICU patients with severe sepsis/septic shock were enrolled in the current study. Determination of CD14+/HLA-DR+ cells, intracellular heat-shock proteins and other immunological parameters were performed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR techniques as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate analysis examined associations of CD14/HLA-DR, HSPs, T-regs and suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins with SIRS, sepsis and outcome. ResultsFifty patients (37 with severe sepsis and 13 with SIRS) were enrolled, together with 20 healthy volunteers used as a control group. Compared to healthy individuals, patients with SIRS and severe sepsis showed progressive decline of their CD14/HLA-DR expression (0% to 7.7% to 50% within each study subpopulation, p<0.001). Mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) levels of HSP70 and HSP90 on monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells were significantly higher in SIRS patients compared to controls and fell significantly in severe sepsis/septic shock patients (p<0.05 for all comparisons). There was no statistically significant difference between subgroups for levels of T-regulatory cells or relative copies of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 3 (SOCS3) proteins. In univariate models percent of CD14/HLA-DR was associated with mortality (OR: 1.8 95%CI 1.02–3.2, p=0.05), while in multivariate models after adjusting for CD14/HLA-DR only younger age and lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were associated with increased chances of survival (beta −0.05, OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9–0.99, p=0.038 for age and beta −0.11, OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.8–0.99, p=0.037 for APACHE II score). ConclusionsSignificant associations with SIRS and sepsis were found for CD14/HLA-DR expression and monocyte and polymorphonuclear cell levels of HSP70 and 90. The role of these biomarkers in assessing the prognosis of sepsis needs to be further explored and validated in prospective studies.

Analysing the microenvironment of 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) in solvents and in different conformational states of proteins in relation to its fluorescence properties: a computational study.

Characterization of different conformational states of proteins is essential to understand their stability and activity. Biophysical techniques aid in analysing these conformational states and molecular fluorescence is one of the most reliable and quickly accessible methods. Apart from the intrinsic fluorescence of proteins, external fluorescence dyes such as TNS, ANS, nile red and thioflavin are also used to characterize partially unfolded, aggregated and fibrillar states of proteins, though their exact molecular-level interactions with proteins are yet to be completely unravelled. The present study attempts to investigate the binding of TNS molecules on different conformational states of proteins. Unconstrained molecular dynamics simulation of 50 molecules of TNS with the native state of BSA, native and two partially unfolded states of RNase A and α-lactalbumin in water was carried out. Dynamics simulation of TNS alone in different solvents such as water, ethanol, DMF and DMSO was also performed. Binding environments in all the proteins and the solvents were analysed in terms of H-bonding interactions, order of contacts, amino acid specificity and conformational changes of TNS, and correlated with experimentally observed fluorescence changes of the dye. The results suggest that TNS forms aggregates in water whereas in non-aqueous solvents the order of aggregates is lower which might result in an enhancement of its fluorescence intensity. Further, TNS preferably interacts with basic and aromatic amino acid residues of the proteins. In RNase A and α-lactalbumin, most of the TNS molecules tend to form aggregates even with the unfolded conformations of the proteins. However in BSA, the number of aggregated TNS molecules is less and TNS molecules in monomeric form are found in the hydrophobic crevices of the protein. This might result in an enhancement of the fluorescence in BSA compared to the other proteins. The distributions of angles and dihedrals of TNS in different environments suggest that the bending movement between the naphthyl and tolyl rings is constrained whereas significant planar rotations could be observed both in solvents and in protein-bound states.

REPEATABILITY OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN PEQUI FRUITS

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of populations and mother trees over some characteristics on pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) fruits as well as their repeatability coefficient. Data came from two populations with 15 mother trees each, covering three years. The following physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated: total fruit weight; external mesocarp weight; number of putamens per fruit; total weight of putamens; total and average pulp weight; and proportion of the weight of lipids and proteins in relation to pulp weight. Analysis of variance was performed using a nested design model. The effects of mother trees within populations were highly significant for all variables under study, while the effects of populations were not for any characteristic, showing that for populations and mother trees, efforts must be focused on the number of mother trees per population rather than on populations. The estimated repeatability coefficients showed high genetic control for total fruit weight; external mesocarp weight; average weight of putamens; average pulp weight; and proportion of the weight of lipids in relation to pulp weight. Therefore, the expression of these characteristics on descendants, by cloning selected mother trees, is likely to be effective.

Differences in the responses of three plasma selenium-containing proteins in relation to methylmercury-exposure through consumption of fish/whales

Putative protective effects of selenium (Se) against methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity have been examined but no conclusion has been reached. We recently reported the lack of serious neurological symptoms in a Japanese fish-eating population with high intakes of MeHg and suggested a potential protective role for Se. Here, relationships between levels of Hg and Se in the blood and plasma samples, with a quantitative evaluation of Se-containing proteins, obtained from this population were examined. While levels of the whole-blood Hg (WB-Hg) and plasma Se (P-Se) showed a positive correlation, stratified analysis revealed that they correlated only in samples with higher (greater than the median) levels of MeHg. A food frequency questionnaire showed that consumption of fish/whales correlated with WB-Hg, but not with P-Se, suggesting that the positive correlation between WB-Hg and P-Se might not be the result of co-intake of these elements from seafood. Speciation of plasma Se revealed the differences in the responses of two plasma selenoproteins, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and selenoprotein P (SePP), in relation to Hg exposure. In the high-Hg group, SePP showed a positive correlation with WB-Hg, but GPx did not. In the low-Hg group, neither SePP nor GPx showed any correlation with WB-Hg. These observations suggest that the increase in P-Se in the high-Hg group might be associated with an increase in SePP, which may, in turn, suggest an increased demand for one or more selenoproteins in various organs, for which SePP supplies the element.

Effect of foliar spray of elicitors on status of defense proteins in relation to mustard aphid infestation in crop Brassica cultivars

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt., is the key insect pest of crop Brassicas causing significant reduction in crop yield. In the present study, widely grown Brassica cultivars RLC-1 (Brassica juncea) and GSC-6 (Brassica napus) were treated with elicitors salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) at 0.5mM and 1mM concentration via foliar spray (given at 40 and 60 days after planting (DAP). Their effect was evaluated in terms of total soluble protein content and activities of defense proteins (peroxidase, protease inhibitor, polyphenol oxidase, amylase inhibitor and lectins) in relation to aphid infestation in leaf tissue. SA and JA application caused significant increase in activities of defense proteins as well as total soluble proteins. JA at 1mM concentration was most effective in both Brassica cultivars. The 2nd foliar spray gave a booster response. The aphid population/plant reduced significantly in both the cultivars with JA as well as SA. POD and PPO registered negative correlation with aphid population count. SA and JA foliar applications seemed effective against mustard aphid through positive modulation in activities of defense proteins.

Dietary protein and fat intake in relation to risk of colorectal adenoma in Korean.

Consumption of red meat and alcohol are known risk factors for colorectal cancer, but associations for dietary fat remain unclear. We investigated the associations of dietary fat, protein, and energy intake with prevalence of colorectal adenoma.We performed a prospective cross-sectional study on asymptomatic persons who underwent a screening colonoscopy at a single center during a routine health check-up from May to December 2011. Dietary data were obtained via a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), assisted by a registered dietician. We also obtained information on alcohol consumption and smoking status, and measured metabolic syndrome markers including abdominal circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, serum triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We calculated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the associations using the polytomous logistic regression models. As a secondary analysis, we also conducted a matched analysis, matched by age and sex (557 cases and 557 non-cases).The study sample included 557 cases (406 males and 151 females) with histopathologically confirmed colorectal adenoma, and 1157 controls (650 males and 507 females). The proportion of advanced adenoma was 28.1% of men and 18.5% of female, respectively. Although vegetable protein intake was inversely associated with the prevalence of colorectal adenoma, further adjustment for potential confounding factors attenuated the association, resulting in no significant associations. There were no significant associations between dietary fat intake and colorectal adenoma in energy-adjusted models. For vegetable protein in women, the OR for the comparison of those in the highest tertile with those in the lowest tertile was 0.47 (95% CI 0.25–0.91, P for trend = 0.07) after adjustment for total energy intake. However, after controlling for metabolic syndrome markers, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and family history of colorectal adenoma, which were all significantly high in the colorectal adenoma patients group, the association became attenuated (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.27–1.11, P for trend = 0.13).In conclusion, we did not observe the significant associations for intakes of total energy, total, animal and vegetable fats, and total, animal and vegetable proteins in relation to colorectal adenoma prevalence.

Gene-expression Analysis Identifies Specific Patterns of Dysregulated Molecular Pathways and Genetic Subgroups of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma comprises of a group of heterogeneous tumors of different etiologies. The multistep process of liver carcinogenesis involves various genetic and phenotypic alterations. The molecular pathways and driver mutations involved are still under investigation. DNA micorarray technology was used to identify differentially expressed genes between human hepatocarcinoma and non-tumorous liver tissues to establish a unique specific gene-expression profile independent of the underlying liver disease. The validity of this global gene-expression profile was tested for its robustness against biopsies from other liver entities (cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver) by diagnosing HCC in blinded samples. Most of the consistently and strongly overexpressed genes were related to cell-cycle regulation and DNA replication [27 genes, e.g. cyclin B1, karyopherin alpha 2 (KPNA2), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDC2)], G-protein depending signaling [e.g. Rac GTPase activating protein 1 (RACGAP1), Rab GTPase YPT1 homolog (RAB1), and ADP-ribosylation factor-like 2 (ARL2)] and extracellular matrix re-modelling or cytoskeleton structure [22 genes, e.g. serine proteinase inhibitor 1 kazal-type (SPINK1), osteopontin (OPN), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), collagen type 1 alpha2 (COL1A2), integrin alpha6 (ITGA6), and metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12)]. Furthermore, significantly differentially expressed genes (e.g. calcium-binding proteins, G-proteins, oncofetal proteins) in relation to tumor differentiation were detected using gene-expression analysis. It is suggested that these significantly dysregulated genes are highly specific and potentially utilizable as prognostic markers and may lead to a better understanding of human hepatocarcinogenesis.

Introducing a new method for absolute quantification of DNA repair proteins in relation to drug development: LC–MS/MS with isotope dilution

Introducing a new method for absolute quantification of DNA repair proteins in relation to drug development: LC–MS/MS with isotope dilution

Clinical Diagnostics of Adaptive Resources of the Broiler Chicks’ Organism

The article considers the issues of adaptive resources of broiler chicks under the industrial production conditions. A method of clinical diagnostics of adaptive resources of broiler chicks’ organism is proposed on the basis of the aggregate calculation and interpretation of LipoProtein Index (LPI) and Phospholipid Index (PI) when determining the intensity of the shunt metabolic processes and functional assistance of proteins and lipids in relation to body weight gain and viability in the technological environment. The use of LPI in determining the intensity of metabolism and assessment of body weight gain in broiler chicks will allow controlling the trend and rate of metabolism in chicks during the growing period for meat that can be used for timely adjustment of feed rations, informative clinical examination and increase, thereby, the profitability of the poultry farm. Phospholipid index, together with the lipoprotein index, allows characterizing the physiological condition of chicks during rearing for meat and produce timely adjustment of parameters of the applied feeding and maintenance technologies. Besides, these indices may also be used in the breeding work for the selection of chicks with a high metabolism, and respectively, accelerated growth of body weight and high viability. Thus, in the aggregate, lipoprotein index and phospholipid index allow diagnosing the adaptive resources of the broiler chicks’ organism under the technological environment conditions that is based on the physiological relationships of protein and lipid metabolites at the heart of functional systems of metabolism providing maintenance of homeostasis.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms are not associated with anti-PvDBP, anti-PvAMA-1 or anti-PvMSP-119 IgG antibody levels in a malaria-endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon.

BackgroundThe immune response against Plasmodium vivax immunogenic epitopes is regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that determine antibody levels and class switching. Cytokine gene polymorphisms may be responsible for changes in the humoral immune response against malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in the TNFA, IFNG and IL10 genes would alter the levels of anti-PvAMA1, PvDBP and -PvMSP-119 IgG antibodies in patients with vivax malaria.MethodsSamples from 90 vivax malaria-infected and 51 uninfected subjects from an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) to identify polymorphisms of the genes TNFA (−1031T > C, −308G > A, −238G > A), IFNG (+874T > A) and IL10 (−819C > T, −592C > A). The levels of total IgG against PvAMA1, PvDBP and PvMSP-119 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations between the polymorphisms and the antibody response were assessed by means of logistic regression models.ResultsNo significant differences were found in the levels of IgG antibodies against the PvAMA-1, PvDBP or PvMSP-119 proteins in relation to the studied polymorphisms.ConclusionsAlthough no associations were found among the evaluated genotypes and alleles and anti-merozoite IgG class P. vivax antibody levels, this study helps elucidate the immunogenic profile involved in the humoral immune response in malaria.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1414-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Excreted Cytoplasmic Proteins Contribute to Pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus.

Excretion of cytoplasmic proteins in pro- and eukaryotes, also referred to as "nonclassical protein export," is a well-known phenomenon. However, comparatively little is known about the role of the excreted proteins in relation to pathogenicity. Here, the impact of two excreted glycolytic enzymes, aldolase (FbaA) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), on pathogenicity was investigated in Staphylococcus aureus Both enzymes bound to certain host matrix proteins and enhanced adherence of the bacterial cells to host cells but caused a decrease in host cell invasion. FbaA and GAPDH also bound to the cell surfaces of staphylococcal cells by interaction with the major autolysin, Atl, that is involved in host cell internalization. Surprisingly, FbaA showed high cytotoxicity to both MonoMac 6 (MM6) and HaCaT cells, while GAPDH was cytotoxic only for MM6 cells. Finally, the contribution of external FbaA and GAPDH to S. aureus pathogenicity was confirmed in an insect infection model.

Proteomic analysis of plasma membrane proteins in wheat roots exposed to phenanthrene.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potentially carcinogenic and toxic to humans through ingestion of contaminated food crops. PAHs can enter crop roots through proton/PAH symporters; however, to date, the symporter remains unclear. Here we reveal, for the first time, the plasma membrane proteome of Triticum aestivum seedling roots in response to phenanthrene (a model PAH) exposure. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS and protein database search engines were employed to analyze and identify phenanthrene-responsive proteins. Over 192 protein spots are reproducibly detected in each gel, while 8 spots are differentially expressed under phenanthrene treatment. Phenanthrene induces five up-regulated proteins distinguished as 5-methyltetrahydropteroyltriglutamate-homocysteine methyltransferase 2, enolase, heat shock protein 80-2, probable mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 37e (heat shock 70-kDa protein 1), and lactoylglutathione lyase. Three proteins identified as adenosine kinase 2, 4-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-yl glucoside beta-D-glucosidase 1c, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 3 are down-regulated under exposure to phenanthrene. The up-regulated proteins are related to plant defense response, antioxidant system, and glycolysis. The down-regulated proteins involve the metabolism of high-energy compounds and plant growth. Magnesium, which is able to bind to enolase, can enhance the transport of phenanthrene into wheat roots. Therefore, it is concluded that phenanthrene can induce differential expression of proteins in relation to carbohydrate metabolism, self-defense, and plant growth on wheat root plasma membrane. This study not only provides novel insights into PAH uptake by plant roots and PAH stress responses, but is also a good starting point for further determination and analyses of their functions using genetic and other approaches.

Changes over lactation in breast milk serum proteins involved in the maturation of immune and digestive system of the infant

To objective of this study was to better understand the biological functions of breast milk proteins in relation to the growth and development of infants over the first six months of life. Breast milk samples from four individual women collected at seven time points in the first six months after delivery were analyzed by filter aided sample preparation and dimethyl labeling combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 247 and 200 milk serum proteins were identified and quantified, respectively. The milk serum proteome showed a high similarity (80% overlap) on the qualitative level between women and over lactation. The quantitative changes in milk serum proteins were mainly caused by three groups of proteins, enzymes, and transport and immunity proteins. Of these 21 significantly changed proteins, 30% were transport proteins, such as serum albumin and fatty acid binding protein, which are both involved in transporting nutrients to the infant. The decrease of the enzyme bile salt-activated lipase as well as the immunity proteins immunoglobulins and lactoferrin coincide with the gradual maturation of the digestive and immune system of infants. The human milk serum proteome didn't differ qualitatively but it did quantitatively, both between mothers and as lactation advanced. The changes of the breast milk serum proteome over lactation corresponded with the development of the digestive and immune system of infants. Biological significanceBreast milk proteins provide nutrition, but also contribute to healthy development of infants. Despite the previously reported large number of identified breast milk proteins and their changes over lactation, less is known on the changes of these proteins in individual mothers. This study is the first to determine the qualitative and quantitative changes of milk proteome over lactation between individual mothers. The results indicate that the differences in the milk proteome between individual mothers are more related to the quantitative level than qualitative level. The correlation between the changes of milk proteins and the gradual maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system in infants, contributes to a better understanding of the biological functions of human milk proteins for the growth and development of infants.

Charge distribution and hydrogen bonding of a collagen α2‐chain in vacuum, hydrated, neutral, and charged structural models

A challenging task in computational biophysics is to ascertain the solvent effect on the electronic structure and interatomic bonding at the atomistic level. Simulations must be carried out on reasonably large biomolecules for accurate calculations to yield valid results. We report the results of a calculation on collagen model in the form of a peptide under three different environments: vacuum, solvated and with neutral and charged sites. Quantitative results and analysis of the partial charge (PC) distribution on each amino acid are discussed. A significant charge transfer of more than 1 electron from protein to water molecules is found with similar results when the model contains charged sites. The main contributions to the interatomic bonding are from hydrogen bonds (HBs) between water‐water and water‐protein pairs. A connection between PC and HBs can be established since the nonpolar amino acids form no HBs and have the smallest PC and vice versa. The ab initio PC obtained are used in the NAMD simulation showing significant improvement over the default values as reflected in the root mean square deviation of atomic positions in the MD steps and the total free energy in energy minimization. These results could facilitate the interpretation of data on interaction of various ligands in charged proteins in relation to isoelectric points. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Elevated IL-5 and IL-13 responses to egg proteins predate the introduction of egg in solid foods in infants with eczema.

Egg allergy is a leading cause of food allergy in young infants; however, little is known about early allergen-specific T-cell responses which predate the presentation of egg allergy, and if these are altered by early egg exposure. To investigate the early T-cell responses to multiple egg proteins in relation to patterns of egg exposure and subsequent IgE-mediated egg allergy. Egg-specific T-cell cytokine responses (IL-5, IL-13, IL-10, IFNγ and TNFα) to ovomucoid (OM), ovalbumin (OVA), conalbumin (CON) and lysozyme (LYS) were measured in infants with eczema at 4months of age (n=40), before randomization to receive 'early egg' or a placebo as part of a randomized controlled trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number 12609000415202) and at 12months of age (n=58), when IgE-mediated egg allergy was assessed by skin prick test and food challenge. In 4-month-old infants, who had not directly ingested egg, those who subsequently developed egg allergy already had significantly higher Th2 cytokine responses to multiple egg allergens, particularly elevated IL-13 responses to OVA (P=0.004), OM (P=0.012) and LYS (P=0.003) and elevated IL-5 to the same antigens (P=0.031, 0.04 and 0.003, respectively). IL-13 responses (to OVA and LYS) and IL-5 responses (to LYS) at 4months significantly predicted egg allergy at 12months. All responses significantly declined with age in the egg-allergic infants, and this did not appear to be modified by 'early' introduction of egg. Elevated egg-specific Th2 cytokine responses were established prior to egg ingestion at 4months and were not significantly altered by introduction of egg. Th2 responses at 4months of age predicted egg allergy at 12months, suggesting that this could be used as a biomarker to select infants for early prevention and management strategies.

Comparative study of muscle proteins in relation to the development of yake in three tropical tuna species yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), big eye (Thunnus obesus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis)

Burnt tuna (BT), or yake-niku, is a quality flaw of the muscle characterised by a pale colour and grainy and exudative texture. Cathepsin-L, water soluble and total protein components from normal and BT muscles, from three tropical tuna species – yellowfin (YFT, Thunnus albacares), bigeye (BET, Thunnus obesus) and skipjack (SKJ, Katsuwonus pelamis) – were compared by electrophoretic and western blot analyses to identify biomarkers for BT. As expected, SDS–PAGE patterns were species-specific but differences, due to BT, were observed only between some low ionic strength extracts of BET and YFT. Protein oxidation and cell proliferation analysed by immunoblotting did not show differences between BT and normal muscles. Gelatine zymography revealed different gelatinase activity patterns that, although not linked to BT, may affect the final texture of the muscle. A 43kDa band, identified as creatine kinase by proteomic analysis, showed the potential to be a good indicator for BT in BET and YFT.

Characterization, prediction and evolution of plant peroxisomal targeting signals type 1 (PTS1s)

Our knowledge of the proteome of plant peroxisomes and their functional plasticity is far from being complete, primarily due to major technical challenges in experimental proteome research of the fragile cell organelle. Several unexpected novel plant peroxisome functions, for instance in biotin and phylloquinone biosynthesis, have been uncovered recently. Nevertheless, very few regulatory and membrane proteins of plant peroxisomes have been identified and functionally described up to now. To define the matrix proteome of plant peroxisomes, computational methods have emerged as important powerful tools. Novel prediction approaches of high sensitivity and specificity have been developed for peroxisome targeting signals type 1 (PTS1) and have been validated by in vivo subcellular targeting analyses and thermodynamic binding studies with the cytosolic receptor, PEX5. Accordingly, the algorithms allow the correct prediction of many novel peroxisome-targeted proteins from plant genome sequences and the discovery of additional organelle functions. In this review, we provide an overview of methodologies, capabilities and accuracies of available prediction algorithms for PTS1 carrying proteins. We also summarize and discuss recent quantitative, structural and mechanistic information of the interaction of PEX5 with PTS1 carrying proteins in relation to in vivo import efficiency. With this knowledge, we develop a model of how proteins likely evolved peroxisomal targeting signals in the past and still nowadays, in which order the two import pathways might have evolved in the ancient eukaryotic cell, and how the secondary loss of the PTS2 pathway probably happened in specific organismal groups. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Peroxisomes edited by Ralf Erdmann.

Abiotic stress responses in plants: roles of calmodulin-regulated proteins.

Intracellular changes in calcium ions (Ca2+) in response to different biotic and abiotic stimuli are detected by various sensor proteins in the plant cell. Calmodulin (CaM) is one of the most extensively studied Ca2+-sensing proteins and has been shown to be involved in transduction of Ca2+ signals. After interacting with Ca2+, CaM undergoes conformational change and influences the activities of a diverse range of CaM-binding proteins. A number of CaM-binding proteins have also been implicated in stress responses in plants, highlighting the central role played by CaM in adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. Stress adaptation in plants is a highly complex and multigenic response. Identification and characterization of CaM-modulated proteins in relation to different abiotic stresses could, therefore, prove to be essential for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Various studies have revealed involvement of CaM in regulation of metal ions uptake, generation of reactive oxygen species and modulation of transcription factors such as CAMTA3, GTL1, and WRKY39. Activities of several kinases and phosphatases have also been shown to be modulated by CaM, thus providing further versatility to stress-associated signal transduction pathways. The results obtained from contemporary studies are consistent with the proposed role of CaM as an integrator of different stress signaling pathways, which allows plants to maintain homeostasis between different cellular processes. In this review, we have attempted to present the current state of understanding of the role of CaM in modulating different stress-regulated proteins and its implications in augmenting abiotic stress tolerance in plants.

Maize MeJA-responsive proteins identified by high-resolution 2-DE PAGE.

Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is well-known to induce plant defense mechanisms effective against a wide variety of insect and microbial pests. High-resolution 2-DE gel electrophoresis was used to discover changes in the leaf proteome of maize exposed to MeJA. We sequenced 62 MeJA-responsive proteins by tandem mass spectroscopy, and deposited the mass spectra and identities in the EMBL-EBI PRIDE repository under reference number PXD001793. An analysis and discussion of the identified proteins in relation to maize defense against Asian corn borer is published by Zhang et al. (2015) [1].

Seasonal dynamics in capillary filtration of plasma proteins in eastern redfins of the genus Tribolodon (Cyprinidae)

A wide range of the osmotic gradient created by plasma and tissue fluid proteins in relation to the capillary wall in redfins of the genus Tribolodon during an annual cycle was revealed. The maximum gradient values are close to those in mammals. The plasma protein distribution between the intraand extravascular body fluids depends on the annual cycle period in the particular season (spawning and feeding completion) and the barrier properties of the capillary wall (peritoneum, brain, and white muscles). Among the osmotic reflection coefficient values characterizing the barrier properties of the capillary wall, those corresponding to its absolute impermeability were not found. This strategy can be explained by the fact that fish have to sustain the fluctuations in the intravascular fluid volume and its rapid recovery after hypovolemia, as well as by the features of protein metabolism in fish.