Type Zinc Research Articles

In-silico analysis of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genome for WRKY transcription factors and cis-acting elements

WRKY genes, comprises one among a large clan of transcription factor (TFs) genes in the plant kingdom, playing a fundamental role in the vegetative and reproductive growth, development and stress responses of a plant. In spite of several studies on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), WRKY genes and their interaction with stress response is limited. The present study, on the whole genome of cucumber was analyzed for WRKY genes which recognized 62 CsWRKY genes associated with the proteins obtained from lineages of supplementary plants. The physicochemical properties reveal the CsWRKY gene is ser-rich TF (6.70–18.40 %). The chromosomal distribution showed that all putative CsWRKY genes were distributed in seven chromosomes, enriched on chromosome 3 and 6 and least on chromosome 5. Based on phylogenetic analysis, along with motif determination and gene structure analysis, CsWRKYs are categorized as a Group I, II and III. The Group II further subdivided as Groups IIa-e. In the present study, it was observed that Group II WRKY-TFs was the largest group containing 43 WRKY genes containing a single WD (WRKY domain - WRKYGQK/WRKYGKK) and C2H2 type zinc finger structure (C-X4-5-C-X23-H-X1-H). The data also revealed that chromosome 3 and 5 contained all the three major groups and chromosome 6 contained I and II WRKY genes with uneven distribution. STRING analysis of selected CsWRKY proteins expressed in response to abiotic stress interacts with the CsMAPK proteins. Analysis of cis-acting elements and results suggest that CSWRKY genes play important role in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Response also predicted the candidate gene expression in cucumber during its development under different cellular condition.

The status of zinc in type 2 diabetic patients and its association with glycemic control.

BACKGROUND:Zinc (Zn) is a trace element that carries antioxidant properties. Deficiency of Zn increases oxidative stress, especially in diabetes. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the level of Zn and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Medicine at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from March 2018 to September 2018. A total of 440 participants were included in the study; 252 of these had type 2 diabetes and 188 were controls. All participants had laboratory investigations including fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid profile and Zn levels. These two groups (diabetics and controls) were further divided into Zn deficient group and normal Zn group according to their Zn levels. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software.RESULTS:The mean Zn level was 11.7 + 1.5 in the control group, whereas it was significantly low (9.3 + 1.6) in the diabetic group (P < 0.001). Zn deficiency in the control group was only 6.4%, while in the diabetic group, it was 67.9%, (P ≤ 0.001). The mean ages for the low Zn group and normal Zn group were 40.9 + 12.5 and 37.5 + 10.1, respectively, and the Zn deficient group was higher in age (P = 0.003). There was no significant statistical difference between genders regarding Zn deficiency. Obesity was associated with significantly low Zn levels (P = 0.016). The serum Zn level was significantly negatively associated with FBS and glycated hemoglobin in diabetic participants (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Diabetic patients have Zn deficiency compared to normal individuals and poor glycemic control is associated with low Zn levels.

The regulation of ZCT1, a transcriptional repressor of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthetic genes in Catharanthus roseus.

Cys2/His2‐type (C2H2) zinc finger proteins, such as ZCT1, are an important class of transcription factors involved in growth, development, and stress responses in plants. In the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus, the zinc finger Catharanthus transcription factor (ZCT) family represses monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) biosynthetic gene expression. Here, we report the analysis of the ZCT1 promoter, which contains several hormone‐responsive elements. ZCT1 is responsive to not only jasmonate, as was previously known, but is also induced by the synthetic auxin, 1‐naphthalene acetic acid (1‐NAA). Through promoter deletion analysis, we show that an activation sequence‐1‐like (as‐1‐like)‐motif and other motifs contribute significantly to ZCT1 expression in seedlings. We also show that the activator ORCA3 does not transactivate the expression of ZCT1 in seedlings, but ZCT1 represses its own promoter, suggesting a feedback mechanism by which the expression of ZCT1 can be limited.

Arabidopsis ZINC FINGER PROTEIN1 Acts Downstream of GL2 to Repress Root Hair Initiation and Elongation by Directly Suppressing bHLH Genes.

Cys2His2-like fold group (C2H2)-type zinc finger proteins promote root hair growth and development by regulating their target genes. However, little is known about their potential negative roles in root hair initiation and elongation. Here, we show that the C2H2-type zinc finger protein named ZINC FINGER PROTEIN1 (AtZP1), which contains an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif, negatively regulates Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root hair initiation and elongation. Our results demonstrate that AtZP1 is highly expressed in root hairs and that AtZP1 inhibits transcriptional activity during root hair development. Plants overexpressing AtZP1 lacked root hairs, while loss-of-function mutants had longer and more numerous root hairs than the wild type. Transcriptome analysis indicated that AtZP1 downregulates genes encoding basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors associated with root hair cell differentiation and elongation. Mutation or deletion of the EAR motif substantially reduced the inhibitory activity of AtZP1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, AtZP1:glucocorticoid receptor (GR) induction experiments, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that AtZP1 directly targets the promoters of bHLH transcription factor genes, including the key root hair initiation gene ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE6 (RHD6) and root hair elongation genes ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6-LIKE 2 (RSL2) and RSL4, and suppresses root hair development. Our findings suggest that AtZP1 functions downstream of GL2 and negatively regulates root hair initiation and elongation, by suppressing RHD6, RSL4, and RSL2 transcription via the GL2/ZP1/RSL pathway.

Porphyrin sensitizers involving a fluorine-substituted benzothiadiazole as auxiliary acceptor and thiophene as π bridge for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Three ‘donor–acceptor–π bridge–acceptor’ (D–A–π–A) type zinc porphyrin sensitizers TH-0F, TH-1F and TH-2F with a benzothiadiazole (BTD) unit bearing no fluorine, one fluorine and two fluorine atoms, respectively, as the auxiliary acceptor and thiophene as the π bridge were designed and synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The influence of fluorine atom and thiophene unit on the photophysical and photochemical properties of the sensitizers was investigated. It was shown that the photon to current conversion efficiencies (PCE) of three sensitizer-based devices increased in the order of TH-2F > TH-1F > TH-0F, with the highest PCE of 6.98% achieved for the TH-2F-based device. To further understand the molecular structure of the TH series of dyes, a density functional (DFT) calculation was performed. The result suggests that the strong electron-withdrawing ability of the fluorine atom, along with the intramolecular interaction between the auxiliary acceptor and thiophene, optimized the electronic configuration, thereby facilitating the intramolecular charge transfer efficiency and ultimately improving the performance of the corresponding device.

The MaCreA Gene Regulates Normal Conidiation and Microcycle Conidiation in Metarhizium acridum.

As a C2H2 type zinc finger transcription factor, CreA is the key in Carbon Catabolism Repression (CCR) pathway, which negatively regulates the genes in carbon sources utilization. As conidiation in filamentous fungi is affected by nutritional conditions, CreA may contribute to fungal conidiation, which has been well studied in filamentous fungi, especially Aspergillus spp., but researches on entomopathogenic fungi are not enough. In this study, we found a homologous gene MaCreA in Metarhizium acridum, and the MaCreA deletion strain showed delayed conidiation, significant decrease in conidial yield, and 96.88% lower conidial production, when compared with the wild-type strain, and the normal conidiation and microcycle conidiation pattern shift was blocked. RT-qPCR showed that the transcription levels of the genes FlbD and LaeA (related to asexual development) were significantly altered, and those of most of the conidiation-related genes were higher in ΔMaCreA strain. The results of RNA-Seq revealed that MaCreA regulated the two conidiation patterns by mediating genes related to cell cycle, cell division, cell wall, and cell polarity. In conclusion, CreA, as a core regulatory gene in conidiation, provides new insight into the mechanism of conidiation in entomopathogenic fungi.

Zinc, copper, and oxysterol levels in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The present study has the objective to assess the zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and oxysterols plasma levels in type 1 (DM1) (n=26) and type 2 (DM2) (n=80) diabetes patients, as compared to healthy controls (n=71), in order to testify whether metal levels may have a significant impact on the association between oxysterols and diabetes. Plasma trace elements and plasma oxysterols were assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Lifestyle, smoking status, alcohol intake, and drug usage, as well as microvascular complications, were also monitored and reported. The obtained data demonstrated that both DM1 and DM2 patients were characterized by significantly elevated HbA1c, FBG, TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and TG levels as compared to controls. Plasma Zn levels and Zn/Cu ratio in DM1 and DM2 patients were about 3- and 2-fold lower than controls. No significant differences in plasma Cu levels were reported. The 7-ketocholesterol (7-kchol) levels in DM1 and DM2 patients exceeded these values in healthy individuals by 2.5 and 5-fold, respectively. Similarly, cholestan-3β, 5α, 6β-triol (chol-triol) levels were more than 3- and 6-fold higher when compared to the respective values in non-diabetic controls. In regression models decreased plasma Zn and elevated oxysterol levels were significantly associated with HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels, after adjustment for anthropometric and clinical variables, as well as routine biochemical markers. Plasma Zn concentration is inversely associated with both 7-kchol and chol-triol levels. Assessment of Zn and oxysterol levels may be used both for risk assessment and as targets for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy is achieved using a combination of sulforaphane and zinc in type 1 diabetic OVE26 mice.

Sulforaphane (SFN) can effectively induce nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), and zinc (Zn) can effectively induce metallothionein (MT), both of which have been shown to protect against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, it is unclear whether combined treatment with SFN and Zn offers better cardiac protection than either one alone. Here, we treated 5‐week‐old OVE mice that spontaneously develop type 1 diabetes with SFN and/or Zn for 18 weeks. Cardiac dysfunction, by echocardiography, and pathological alterations and remodelling, shown by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative damage, examined by histopathology, Western blotting and real‐time PCR, were observed in OVE mice. All these dysfunction and pathological abnormalities seen in OVE mice were attenuated in OVE mice with treatment of either SFN, Zn or SFN/Zn, and the combined treatment with SFN/Zn was better than single treatments at ameliorating DCM. In addition, combined SFN and Zn treatment increased Nrf2 function and MT expression in the heart of OVE mice to a greater extent than SFN or Zn alone. This indicates that the dual activation of Nrf2 and MT by combined treatment with SFN and Zn may be more effective than monotherapy at preventing the development of DCM via complementary, additive mechanisms.

Geochemical investigations of the Woodford–Chattanooga and Fayetteville Shales: Implications for genesis of the Mississippi Valley–type zinc–lead ores in the southern Ozark Region and hydrocarbon exploration

The relationship between base metal deposits, especially Mississippi Valley–type (MVT) Pb–Zn deposits, and hydrocarbons is not well constrained. This is despite the fact that hydrocarbons generally occur in MVT deposits; the ores are emplaced in the same temperature range as hydrocarbon maturation and migration, and the deposits commonly occur in proximity to metal-rich black shales. Better understanding should lead to better exploration models for both hydrocarbons and MVT deposits. This connection is better understood with the help of Pb isotope patterns. Sphalerite Pb isotope compositions from the northern Arkansas and Tri-State mining districts and Woodford–Chattanooga and Fayetteville Shales were determined to assess the potential of shales as source rocks for the ore metals. The ores in both districts have a broad range of Pb isotope ratios and define linear trends, suggesting mixing of Pb from two distinct end members. Current results and previous depositional environment studies indicate the following: (1) shales deposited mainly under nonsulfidic anoxic conditions represent the less radiogenic end member, or (2) shales are the only source of ore metals. Given the array of organic molecules, each with their own thermochemical range, and the ways metals can be associated with them, the release of metals may cover varying ranges. Thus, the compositions of the released fluids would change through time and not have a single static composition, closely approximating the isotopic composition of the released metals at various times. Mineralization derived from a dynamically evolving fluid may show apparent end members, without the need to call on mixing of fluids from separate sources.

Characterization of Dof family in Pyrus bretschneideri and role of PbDof9.2 in flowering time regulation

DNA binding with One Finger (Dof) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors with highly conserved Dof domain, including C2-C2 type zinc finger motifs. In this study, we identified 45 PbDofs in pear (Pyrusbretschneideri). PbDofs were classified into eight subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis. Conserved motifs of PbDof proteins were analyzed by MEME. PbDofs in subfamily D1 werehomologous to CDFs in Arabidopsis. In this study, we showed that PbDof9.2 was regulated by both the circadian clock and photoperiod. PbDof9.2-GFP proteinwas localized in the nucleus. Overexpression of PbDof9.2 in Arabidopsis caused delayed flowering time. PbDof9.2 suppressed the flowering time regulator FT and could repress flowering time by promoting activity of PbTFL1a and PbTFL1b promoter. These results suggest that Doftranscription factors have conserved functions in plant development.

PHD type zinc finger protein PFP represses flowering by modulating FLC expression in Arabidopsis thaliana

FLC is an integrative regulator of flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of FLC gene is regulated by epigenetic control via histone modification. Plant homeodomain (PHD) finger is a sequence-specific histone binding motif evolutionary conserved in eukaryotes. It has been known that PHD finger proteins play a significant role as a regulator of epigenetic gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role of an Arabidopsis PHD finger protein homolog, named PFP (PHD finger domain containing protein). Phenotypic analysis using a loss-of-function line of PFP (SALK_034619) showed early flowering as compared with the control (Col-0) under long-day condition that promotes flowering, suggesting that PFP is essential in the flowering repression of Arabidopsis. The analyses of major flowering regulatory gene expressions (FLC, FT, CO, FCA, FLK, FLV, EBS, TFL2) indicated that the expression of floral repressor FLC was decreased, while the one of floral inducer FT was increased in the SALK_034619. On the contrary, in the transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing PFP, the flowering time was delayed and the expression pattern of flowering regulatory genes was reversed in which FLC was upregulated and FT was downregulated, suggesting that PFP is sufficient to regulate flowering regulatory genes. Based on these results, we conclude that PFP controls flowering time by suppressing the upstream of major flowering regulatory genes via FLC expression in Arabidopsis.

Zinc Deficiency is Associated with Poor Glycemic Control.

To assess the level of zinc in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relation to glycemic control. Descriptive cross-sectional study. Department of Medicine, Dallah Hospital, Riyadh, KSA, from May 2014 to June 2015. This study employed 200 diabetic and 192 control subjects. The demographic data was taken from all 392 subjects; and laboratory investigations like, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and serum zinc level were done. The groups were divided into diabetic and control, normal zinc group (>70 mcg/dL) and low zinc group (<70 mcg/dL) levels. The mean age for low zinc group was 51.99 +10.51 years and for normal zinc group 52.87 +10.29 years (p=0.408). The male to female ratio was 0.93:1 in low zinc group and 1.3:1 in normal zinc group (p=0.082). The mean serum zinc was significantly lower in diabetic patients (66.54 +11.328 mcg/dL) than in healthy subjects (82.63 +12.194 mcg/dL, p<0.001). The mean FBS was 139.84 +30.68 mg/dL in low zinc level group in contrast to 104.88 +26.12 mg/dL in normal zinc level group (p<0.001). The mean HbA1c was 8.91 +2.16% in low zinc level group in contrast to 5.696 +2.3 in normal zinc level group (p<0.001). The serum zinc level was negatively associated with FBS and HbA1c. This study concluded that low zinc level was associated with Type 2 DM, and serum zinc level was negatively associated with poor glycemic control.

In vitro retention efficiency of temporary type zinc oxide cement for orthodontic forced eruption

To assess the retention efficiency of three types of temporary zinc oxide cement trademarks on forced eruption using intracranal wire device. An in vitro evaluation included intracanal wire device displacement and detachment at 50g load force for 120 days and then the retention resistance at maximum load force. All groups of temporary zinc oxide cements were efficient to support 50g load forces after 120 days. None statistical differences were found between groups. Zinc oxide cements supported a maximum retention load force, which exceeded in more than 84 times the lowest value obtained in controls (420g). Zinc oxide cements are efficient to retain intracanal wire devices on forced eruption processes in vitro and allows removal of both when necessary (wire device and cement, respectively).

Fine mapping of the major QTL for seed coat color in Brassica rapa var. Yellow Sarson by use of NIL populations and transcriptome sequencing for identification of the candidate genes.

Yellow seed is a desirable trait in Brassica oilseed crops. The B. rapa var. Yellow Sarson carry unique yellow seed color genes which are not only important for the development of yellow-seeded oilseed B. rapa cultivars but this variant can also be used to develop yellow-seeded B. napus. In this study, we developed near-isogenic lines (NILs) of Yellow Sarson for the major seed coat color QTL SCA9-2 of the chromosome A9 and used the NILs to fine map this QTL region and to identify the candidate genes through linkage mapping and transcriptome sequencing of the developing seeds. From the 18.4 to 22.79 Mb region of SCA9-2, six SSR markers showing 0.63 to 5.65% recombination were developed through linkage analysis and physical mapping. A total of 55 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the SCA9-2 region through transcriptome analysis; these included three transcription factors, Bra028039 (NAC), Bra023223 (C2H2 type zinc finger), Bra032362 (TIFY), and several other genes which encode unknown or nucleic acid binding protein; these genes might be the candidates and involved in the regulation of seed coat color in the materials used in this study. Several biosynthetic pathways, including the flavonoid, phenylpropanoid and suberin biosynthetic pathways were significantly enriched through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the DEGs. This is the first comprehensive study to understand the yellow seed trait of Yellow Sarson through employing linkage mapping and global transcriptome analysis approaches.

Structural versatility of the quasi-aromatic Möbius type zinc(ii)-pseudohalide complexes - experimental and theoretical investigations.

In this contribution we report for the first time fabrication, isolation, structural and theoretical characterization of the quasi-aromatic Möbius complexes [Zn(NCS)2LI] (1), [Zn2(μ1,1-N3)2(LI)2][ZnCl3(MeOH)]2·6MeOH (2) and [Zn(NCS)LII]2[Zn(NCS)4]·MeOH (3), constructed from 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-bis((phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazono)ethane (LI) or benzilbis(acetylpyridin-2-yl)methylidenehydrazone (LII), respectively, and ZnCl2 mixed with NH4NCS or NaN3. Structures 1–3 are dictated by both the bulkiness of the organic ligand and the nature of the inorganic counter ion. As evidenced from single crystal X-ray diffraction data species 1 has a neutral discrete heteroleptic mononuclear structure, whereas, complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a salt-like structure. Each structure contains a ZnII atom chelated by one tetradentate twisted ligand LI creating the unusual Möbius type topology. Theoretical investigations based on the EDDB method allowed us to determine that it constitutes the quasi-aromatic Möbius motif where a metal only induces the π-delocalization solely within the ligand part: 2.44|e| in 3, 3.14|e| in 2 and 3.44|e| in 1. It is found, that the degree of quasi-aromatic π-delocalization in the case of zinc species is significantly weaker (by ∼50%) than the corresponding estimations for cadmium systems – it is associated with the Zn–N bonds being more polar than the related Cd–N connections. The ETS-NOCV showed, that the monomers in 1 are bonded primarily through London dispersion forces, whereas long-range electrostatic stabilization is crucial in 2 and 3. A number of non-covalent interactions are additionally identified in the lattices of 1–3.

Vegetation community composition along disturbance gradients of four typical open‐pit mines in Yunnan Province of southwest China

AbstractOpen‐pit mining causes severe land degradation in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Vegetation restoration on the degraded land with open‐pit mining is challenging due to great physical and chemical condition changes of the post‐mined landscape. In this study, we compared the vegetation community composition and environmental factors along three disturbance gradients (mining area, restoration area, and control area) in four typical open‐pit mine types (phosphate, zinc, tin, and iron sites). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that there are significant differences in the vegetation communities along three gradients for these mine sites. Quality species were selected by indicator species analysis for vegetation restoration as follows: Chloris virgata Sw. and Artemisia princeps Pamp at the phosphate site; Coriaria nepalensis Wall., Artemisia princeps Pamp, and Picris hieracioides L. at the zinc site; Artemisia princeps Pamp at the tin site; and Panicum brevifolium L. at the iron site. Canonical Correspondence Analysis ordination and Monte Carlo permutation tests were further used to determine the effects of environmental factors on vegetation diversity. The results showed that Cd, As, Zn, Pb, TC, and altitude all had significant effects on vegetation diversity (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, we found that the integrated effects of these variables on vegetation were greater in the mining area than in the other two gradients based on the model with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion. These results suggest that any plans for vegetation restoration in open‐pit mining areas should take disturbance intensity, mine types, and critical environmental variables into account.

CmZNF384-like gene in hypoxia-tolerant Indian catfish, Clarias magur (Hamilton 1822) in hypometabolic states associated with acute hypoxia and summer aestivation

In the present study, a novel gene designated as CmZNF384L, of which partial transcript (GenBank accession number JK487591) was identified previously to encode a zinc finger 384-like protein in suppression subtractive hybridization studies, was examined for its genetic feature and gene expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions in Clarias magur. The largest ORF of assembled contig contains 1365 nucleotide residues and encodes a protein of 454 amino acids with eight Kru¨ppel-type zinc finger C2H2 domains, which is considered as a member of beta-beta-alpha zinc finger superfamily. Bioinformatic analysis of protein-protein interactions by STRING 10.0 yielded the highest score or confidence on its interaction with COL1A1. Gene expression analyses revealed constitutive transcript expression under normoxia in the six tissues examined, while the transcript levels were significantly higher, after both short-term (experimental) and long-term (natural) hypoxia in head kidney and heart tissues, after short-term hypoxia in spleen, and after long-term hypoxia in liver. No significant difference of transcript levels was observed in muscle and brain tissues between normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The pattern, especially increased transcript level in heart to hypoxia, may indicate critical role of CmZNF384L in the molecular mechanism of highly complex hypoxia tolerance in the species.

Golgi-specific DHHC type zinc finger protein is decreased in neurons of intractable epilepsy patients and pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats.

Golgi-specific DHHC type zinc finger protein (GODZ) is a member of the DHHC protein family, and its enzymatic activity is regulated by fibroblast growth factor or Src kinase-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation. In cultured neurons, GODZ affects the numbers of calcium ions channels, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors, N-methy-D-aspartate receptors, and γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors on postsynaptic membrane by palmitoylation, thus modulating synaptic plasticity. As the change in synaptic plasticity plays a role in epilepsy, GODZ may play roles in epilepsy. However, the expression of GODZ has never been investigated in brain tissues in vivo, and its change during epilepsy is still unclear. In this study, the cellular distribution of GODZ in brain tissues of both patients and rats was determined using double-labeled immunofluorescence and the levels of GODZ protein and mRNA among intractable epilepsy patients, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled rats, and controls were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. GODZ expression was identified on cytomembranes and in the cytoplasm of neurons in the temporal neocortex of intractable epilepsy patients and in the hippocampus and the adjacent temporal cortex of PTZ-kindled rats, but not in astrocytes. Decreased GODZ protein and mRNA were identified in brain tissues of intractable epilepsy patients and PTZ-kindled rats compared with the controls. In conclusion, GODZ is expressed in neurons, but not astrocytes, and epilepsy may reduce the protein and mRNA levels of GODZ, indicating a possible role of GODZ in the pathogenesis or the pathophysiology of epilepsy.

GhSTOP1, a C2H2 type zinc finger transcription factor is essential for aluminum and proton stress tolerance and lateral root initiation in cotton.

Aluminum (Al) and proton (H+ ) ions are major acid soil stress factors deleteriously affecting plant root growth and crop yield. In our preliminary studies, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings displayed very sensitive phenotypes to Al and H+ rhizotoxicities. Based on previous Arabidopsis results, we aimed to characterise the Al stress responsive Sensitive to Proton rhizotoxicity 1 (GhSTOP1) transcription system in cotton using RNAi-mediated down-regulation. With the help of seed embryo apex explants, we developed transgenic cotton plants overexpressing a GhSTOP1-RNAi cassette with NPTII selection. Kanamycin-tolerant T1 seedlings were further considered for Al and H+ stress tolerance studies. Down-regulation of the GhSTOP1 increased sensitivity to Al and proton rhizotoxicities, and root growth was significantly reduced in RNAi lines. The expression profile of GhALMT1 (Aluminum-activated Malate Transporter 1), GhMATE (Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion), GhALS3 (Aluminium Sensitive 3) and key genes involved in the GABA shunt were down-regulated in the transgenic RNAi lines. Additionally, the lateral root initiation process was delayed and expression of GhNAC1, which is involved in lateral roots, was also suppressed in transgenic lines. Besides, overexpression of GhSTOP1 in Arabidopsis accelerated root growth and AtMATE and AtALMT1 expression under Al stress conditions. These analyses indicate that GhSTOP1 is essential for the expression of several genes which are necessary for acid soil tolerance mechanisms and lateral root initiation.

Crystal structure of a soluble fragment of poliovirus 2CATPase.

Poliovirus (PV) 2CATPase is the most studied 2C protein in the Picornaviridae family. It is involved in RNA replication, encapsidation and uncoating and many inhibitors have been found that target PV 2CATPase. Despite numerous investigations to characterize its functions, a high-resolution structure of PV 2C has not yet been determined. We report here the crystal structure of a soluble fragment of PV 2CATPase to 2.55Å, containing an ATPase domain, a zinc finger and a C-terminal helical domain but missing the N-terminal domain. The ATPase domain shares the common structural features with EV71 2C and other Superfamily 3 helicases. The C-terminal cysteine-rich motif folds into a CCCC type zinc finger in which four cysteine ligands and several auxiliary residues assist in zinc binding. By comparing with the known zinc finger fold groups, we found the zinc finger of 2C proteins belong to a new fold group, which we denote the “Enterovirus 2C-like” group. The C-terminus of PV 2CATPase forms an amphipathic helix that occupies a hydrophobic pocket located on an adjacent PV 2CATPase in the crystal lattice. The C-terminus mediated PV 2C-2C interaction promotes self-oligomerization, most likely hexamerization, which is fundamental to the ATPase activity of 2C. The zinc finger is the most structurally diverse feature in 2C proteins. Available structural and virological data suggest that the zinc finger of 2C might confer the specificity of interaction with other proteins. We built a hexameric ring model of PV 2CATPase and visualized the previously identified functional motifs and drug-resistant sites, thus providing a structure framework for antiviral drug development.