Research progress on role of envelope protein in morphogenesis of vaccinia virus / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#The vaccinia virus(VACV),which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, is utilized as a model virus in various studies and displays the usual traits of its kind.VACV has a genome of about 200 000 bp and contains a highly conserved central coding region sequence(CRS),which can encode key proteins in various stages of virus morphogenesis.Among them,the main envelope proteins related to morphogenesis include A13L,A17L,A27L,A28L and A36R,playing an important role in the morphogenesis of VACV.In this review,the research progress on the role of envelope proteins in the morphogenesis process of VACV membrane such as attachment and membrane fusion,virus particle assembly,intracellular movement of intracellular mature virus(IMV),and intercellular transmission of extracellular enveloped virus(EEV) is reviewed,so as to provide theoretical basis for further exploring the pathogenesis of VACV and other orthopoxviruses(such as monkeypox virus(MPXV),developing antiviral drugs and effectively preventing virus infection.

The regulatory role of the RUS family in plant growth and development / 生物工程学报

The chloroplast genome encodes many key proteins involved in photosynthesis and other metabolic processes, and metabolites synthesized in chloroplasts are essential for normal plant growth and development. Root-UVB (ultraviolet radiation B)-sensitive (RUS) family proteins composed of highly conserved DUF647 domain belong to chloroplast proteins. They play an important role in the regulation of various life activities such as plant morphogenesis, material transport and energy metabolism. This article summarizes the recent advances of the RUS family proteins in the growth and development of plants such as embryonic development, photomorphological construction, VB6 homeostasis, auxin transport and anther development, with the aim to facilitate further study of its molecular regulation mechanism in plant growth and development.

Evaluación preliminar de la callogénesis y organogénesis in vitro Leptochloa crinita (lag.) p. m. peterson & n. snow / Preliminary evaluation of in vitro callogenesis and organogenesis Leptochloa crinita (Lag.) P. M. Peterson & N. Snow

RESUMEN El cambio de uso de la tierra por diversos factores socio-económicos, climáticos, tecnológicos y culturales han tenido como consecuencia en la provincia de San Luis (Argentina) la pérdida de diversidad biológica, fragmentación y destrucción de hábitat, comprometiendo la existencia de la flora nativa, como es el caso de Leptochloa crinita (Lag.) P.M. Peterson & N. Snow, una especie con buena aptitud forrajera del monte chaqueño. Bajo este contexto, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo aplicar biotécnicas como alternativas para una propagación apropiada de este acervo genético. Se evaluó la organogénesis y callogénesis in vitro de diferentes explantos con distintos reguladores de crecimiento en un medio nutritivo Murashige y Skoog. El tratamiento con 6 mg l-1 de 2,4-D estimuló la callogénesis, mientras que los tratamientos combinados de auxinas y citocininas presentaron las mayores tasas de morfogénesis. El desarrollo de esta biotécnica permite disponer de metodologías adecuadas para iniciar ensayos de conservación in vitro, análisis de la variabilidad genética e inicio de programas de domesticación y mejoramiento genético.

ABSTRACT In San Luis (Argentina), land-use change due to a variety of socioeconomic, climatic, technological and cultural factors has caused the loss of biological diversity, fragmentation and habitat destruction, compromising the existence of native flora, such as in the case of Leptochloa crinita (Lag.) PM Peterson & N. Snow, a species with good forage aptitude from the Chaco forest. In this context, the present work aimed to apply biotechniques as an alternative for an appropriate propagation of this gene pool. In vitro organogenesis and callogenesis of several explants were evaluated with different growth regulators on a Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium. Treatment with 6 mg l-1 of 2,4-D stimulated callogenesis, while combined auxin and cytokinin treatments presented the highest rates of morphogenesis. The development of this biotechnique makes it possible to have adequate methodologies to initiate in vitro conservation trials, analysis of genetic variability and the initiation of domestication and breeding programs.

Morphological analysis of proximal tibial epiphyseal fusion site in normal adults / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To study the morphologic features of the fusion site of proximal tibial epiphysis in normal adults and analyze its potential clinical value based on Mimics three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction.Methods:CT images of knee joint of 68 patients without obvious abnormalities of lower limbs were retrospectively analyzed in electronic database of our hospital from June 2020 to June 2021, including 41 males and 27 females. The mean age of the patients was 38.7±8.4 years (range, 25-55 years), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.3±4.0 kg/m 2 (range, 18.75-41.8 kg/m 2). Mimics 3D reconstruction technique was used to reconstruct the 3D model of the proximal tibia and epiphyseal fusion site. The relationship between the surface area of epiphyseal fusion site and age and BMI was studied, and the changes of cortical thickness and density at epiphyseal fusion site were also explored. Results:The fusion site of adult epiphyseal reconstructed by Mimics 3D reconstruction is a complex wavy surface structure in 3D space. The surface area of the epiphyseal fusion site was 2,994.7±645.3 mm 2 (range, 1,704.0-4,650.0 mm 2) obtained by 3-Matic Research 12.0. The fusing area of male epiphysis was 3 269.3±533.9 mm 2 than that of female 2,577.6±578.7 mm 2, the difference was statistically significant ( t=5.06, P<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between the epiphyseal fusion site surface area and age ( R2=0.02, P=0.268) and BMI ( R2=0.04, P=0.125). Mimics software was used to obtain the CT values of bone cortex at the epiphysis line and the distal end of the epiphysis line at 10 mm and 20 mm levels as 451.059±74.953 Hu, 1,018.412±125.732 Hu and 1,414.162±107.848 Hu, respectively. The thickness of bone cortex was 1.814±0.090 mm, 2.511±0.089 mm and 3.189±0.185 mm at 10 mm and 20 mm layers of epiphysis line and distal epiphysis line, respectively. Conclusion:In this study, Mimics 3D reconstruction technique was used to visualize the fusion site of the proximal tibial epiphysis in normal adults. The epiphyseal fusion site of adult is a undulating plate-like structure, and the cortical bone density of epiphyseal fusion site is low and thin, theoretically, it is easy to fracture under indirect violence.

In vitro germination of Abricó-de-Macaco (Couroupita guianensis aubl.)zygotic embryos in different culture media and light spectra / Germinação in vitro de embriões zigóticos de Abricó-de-Macaco (Couroupita guianensis aubl.) em diferentes meios de cultivo e espectros de luz

ABSTRACT: Couroupita guianensis Aubl. is an Amazonian forest species with important medicinal and ornamental value. This study evaluated the effect of different culture media and light spectra on the in vitro germination and development of the zygotic embryos of C. guianensis. The culture media, MS and WPM, were evaluated without the addition of plant growth regulators and were associated with four LED light spectra: white (CW), 70% red + 30% blue (R2B), 100% red (R), and 100% blue (B). One hundred percent of the seeds successfully underwent in vitro germination, and the culture media did not interfere with embryo development. In addition to this, the different light spectra induced in vitro morphogenesis and R2B treatment significantly promoted the production of secondary roots. This effect may aid in the rooting and acclimatization of seedlings of this species.

RESUMO: Couropita guianensis Aubl. é uma espécie florestal de origem amazônica, de importância no uso medicinal e ornamental. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes meios de cultivo e espectros de luz na germinação e desenvolvimento in vitro de embriões zigóticos de Couropita guianensis. Os meios de cultura avaliados foram o MS e o WPM, sem adição de reguladores de crescimento, associados a quatro espectros de luz de LED branca (CW), 70% vermelha + 30% azul (R2B), 100% vermelha (R) e 100% azul (B). Ocorreu 100% de germinação in vitro e os meios de cultivo não interferiram no desenvolvimento dos embriões. Os diferentes espectros de luz induziram a morfogênese in vitro e o tratamento R2B promoveu a produção de raízes secundárias em número significativo. Este efeito poderá auxiliar no processo de enraizamento e aclimatização de mudas dessa espécie.

Actin filaments altered distribution in wheat (Triticum aestivum) "Bending Root" to respond to enhanced Ultraviolet-B radiation / Distribuição alterada dos filamentos de actina no trigo (Triticum aestivum) "Raiz dobrada" para responder à radiação ultravioleta B aprimorada

Abstract Plants adjust their shoot growth to acclimate to changing environmental factors, such as to enhanced Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. However, people have ignored that plant roots can also respond to UV-B light. Here, we find the morphology curled wheat roots under UV-B radiation, that we call, "bending roots." The curly region is the transition zone of the root after observed at the cellular level. After exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation for 2 d (10.08 KJ/m2/d), cell size decreased and actin filaments gathered in wheat roots. We also find that H2O2 production increased and that content of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) increased remarkably. The pharmacological experiment revealed that actin filaments gathered and polymerized into bundles in the wheat root cells after irrigated H2O2 and IAA. These results indicated that actin filaments changed their distribution and formed the "bending root," which was related to H2O2 production and increase in IAA. Overall, actin filaments in wheat root cells could be a subcellular target of UV-B radiation, and its disruption determines root morphology.

Resumo As plantas ajustam o crescimento da parte aérea para se adaptarem a fatores ambientais variáveis, como o aumento da radiação ultravioleta B (UVB). No entanto, as pessoas ignoram que as raízes das plantas também podem responder à luz UVB. Neste estudo, verificamos a morfologia das raízes enroladas de trigo sob radiação UVB, o que chamamos de "raízes dobradas". A região encaracolada é a zona de transição da raiz no nível celular. Depois de exposição à radiação UVB aprimorada por 2 dias (10,08 KJ/m2/d), o tamanho das células diminuiu, e os filamentos de actina se reuniram. Também constatamos que a produção de H2O2 aumentou e que o conteúdo do ácido indol-3-acético (IAA) aumentou notavelmente. O experimento farmacológico revelou que os filamentos de actina se reuniram e polimerizaram em feixes nas células da raiz de trigo após irrigação com H2O2 e IAA. Esses resultados indicam que os filamentos de actina alteraram sua distribuição e formaram a "raiz dobrada", relacionada à produção de H2O2 e ao aumento do IAA. No geral, os filamentos de actina nas células da raiz de trigo podem ser um alvo subcelular da radiação UVB, e sua interrupção determina a morfologia da raiz.

Efectos de la actividad locomotriz voluntaria gestacional sobre la morfología cardiaca en crías murinas / Effects of gestational voluntary locomotor activity on cardiac morphology in murine offspring

RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los efectos de la actividad locomotriz voluntaria gestacional, como un tipo de entrenamiento físico, sobre la morfología de la bomba cardíaca de la cría, en modelo murino de la cepa CF-1. 12 hembras gestantes fueron divididas aleatoriamente en un grupo control y un grupo que realizó actividad locomotriz voluntaria, accediendo a una rueda de actividad durante los primero 12 días de gestación. Se evaluó la morfología cardiaca mediante cortes transversales, midiendo espesor y área de las paredes del ventrículo derecho, ventrículo izquierdo y septum, tanto en valores absolutos como en valores relativos a la masa corporal del individuo. Se observó que la masa corporal de las crías control (GC) fue significativamente mayor que las del grupo cuyas hembras accedieron a la rueda de actividad (GE) (p<0.01). Solo hubo diferencias en los valores absolutos de espesores y áreas miocárdicas de ventrículo derecho, entre el grupo GE y GC (p<0.05), pero al evaluar los espesores y áreas relativos a la masa corporal se observó que las crías del grupo GE presentaron espesores y áreas significativamente mayores que las que grupo GC (p<0.01). En conclusión, la actividad física gestacional altera el desarrollo morfológico de la bomba cardíaca en ratones CF-1, aumentando significativamente el espesor y área de las paredes miocárdicas en relación a la masa corporal total de la cría.

SUMMARY: The objective of the present study is to analyze the effects of gestational voluntary locomotor activity, as a type of physical training, on the morphology of the offspring´s heart pump, in a murine model of the CF-1 strain. Twelve (12) pregnant females were randomly divided in a control group and a group performing voluntary locomotor activity, by accessing an activity wheel during the first 12 days of gestation. Cardiac morphology was evaluated using cross sections, measuring thickness and area of the walls of the right ventricle, left ventricle, and septum, both in absolute values and values relative to the individual's body mass. It was observed that the body mass of the control pups (CG) was significantly higher than those of the group whose females accessed the activity wheel (GE) (p <0.01). Differences were observed only in absolute values of thickness and myocardial areas of the right ventricle, between the GE and GC group (p <0.05). However, when evaluating the thickness and areas relative to body mass, it was observed that the offspring of the GE group presented thicknesses and areas significantly larger than those in the GC group (p <0.01). In conclusion, gestational physical activity alters the morphological development of the heart pump in CF-1 mice, significantly increasing the thickness and area of the myocardial walls in relation to offspring total body mass.

Morphology and morphogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells

BACKGROUND The coronaviruses (CoVs) called the attention of the world for causing outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), in Asia in 2002-03, and respiratory disease in the Middle East (MERS-CoV), in 2012. In December 2019, yet again a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in Wuhan, China, was associated with a severe respiratory infection, known today as COVID-19. This new virus quickly spread throughout China and 30 additional countries. As result, the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated the status of the COVID-19 outbreak from emergency of international concern to pandemic on March 11, 2020. The impact of COVID-19 on public health and economy fueled a worldwide race to approve therapeutic and prophylactic agents, but so far, there are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines available. In current scenario, the development of in vitro systems for viral mass production and for testing antiviral and vaccine candidates proves to be an urgent matter. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is study the biology of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells at the ultrastructural level. METHODS In this study, we documented, by transmission electron microscopy and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the infection of Vero-E6 cells with SARS-CoV-2 samples isolated from Brazilian patients. FINDINGS The infected cells presented cytopathic effects and SARS-CoV-2 particles were observed attached to the cell surface and inside cytoplasmic vesicles. The entry of the virus into cells occurred through the endocytic pathway or by fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane. Assembled nucleocapsids were verified inside rough endoplasmic reticulum cisterns (RER). Viral maturation seemed to occur by budding of viral particles from the RER into smooth membrane vesicles. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Therefore, the susceptibility of Vero-E6 cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the viral pathway inside the cells were demonstrated by ultrastructural analysis.

A Single-cell Transcriptome Atlas of Cashmere Goat Hair Follicle Morphogenesis / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Cashmere, also known as soft gold, is produced from the secondary hair follicles (SHFs) of cashmere goats. The number of SHFs determines the yield and quality of cashmere; therefore, it is of interest to investigate the transcriptional profiles present during cashmere goat hair follicle development. However, mechanisms underlying this development process remain largely unexplored, and studies regarding hair follicle development mostly use a murine research model. In this study, to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular heterogeneity and cell fate decisions, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on 19,705 single cells of the dorsal skin from cashmere goat fetuses at induction (embryonic day 60; E60), organogenesis (E90), and cytodifferentiation (E120) stages. For the first time, unsupervised clustering analysis identified 16 cell clusters, and their corresponding cell types were also characterized. Based on lineage inference, a detailed molecular landscape was revealed along the dermal and epidermal cell lineage developmental pathways. Notably, our current data also confirmed the heterogeneity of dermal papillae from different hair follicle types, which was further validated by immunofluorescence analysis. The current study identifies different biomarkers during cashmere goat hair follicle development and has implications for cashmere goat breeding in the future.

Molecular mechanisms of palate development / 解剖学报

The mammalian palate develops from the primary palate and the secondary palate. Development of the mammalian secondary palate involves highly dynamic morphogenetic processes, including the outgrowth of palatal shelves from the oral side of the embryonic maxillary prominences, the elevation of the initially vertically oriented palatal shelves to the horizontal position above the embryonic tongue, and the subsequent adhesion and fusion of the paired palatal shelves at the midline to separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. In addition to identifying a large number of genes required for palate development, recent studies have begun to unravel the extensive cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including sonic hedgehog (Shh), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β ), and Wnt signaling, during palatal shelf growth and patterning. Here we summarize major recent advances and integrate the genes and molecular pathways with the morphogenetic processes of palate development.

Cone-beam CT diagnosis and differential diagnosis of germinated mandibular second molar / 中国基层医药

Objective:To report a case of germinated teeth of the left mandibular second molar diagnosed by cone-beam CT (CBCT), and to investigate its differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and the application value of CBCT in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases.Methods:One case of germinated teeth of the left mandibular second molar diagnosed according to oral general examination ad CBCT findings in Zhenjiang Stomatological Hospital, China in March, 2019 was included in this study. The characteristics and differential points of supernumerary cusp, fused teeth, geminated teeth and concresence of teeth were analyzed based on literatures.Results:CBCT examination showed that the number of mandibular dentition teeth was normal, there was a large area of low-density transmission area around the root of the left mandibular second molar. Three-dimensional reconstruction results revealed that the suspected supernumerary teeth were fused with the root of the left mandibular second molar. Sagittal projections showed that the suspected supernumerary teeth were located in the buccal side of the left mandibular second molar. Axial projections showed three separate root canal orifices at the level of pulp chamber floor, and the dentin of the two was connected. The suspected supernumerary teeth had an independent pulp cavity and a clear root canal, and fused with the distal root canal of the left mandibular second molar in the middle of the root to form a root canal. A "Y"-shaped structure was displayed on the sagittal projections. CBCT showed that the left mandibular second molar was a fused root. Based on oral clinical examination, the left mandibular second molar was confirmed to be a germinated tooth.Conclusion:CBCT is one of the most important means of oral auxiliary examination. It has significant advantages in the diagnosis of tooth abnormalities. It can help clinicians to make correct diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment scheme. It has certain clinical significance and innovation.

Analysis on the characteristics of multi-slice spiral CT images in 27 cases of lung cancer with cystic lesions / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of multi-slice spiral CT images in lung cancer with cystic lesions and improve the accuracy of diagnosis.Methods:The clinical data of 27 cases of cystic lung cancer confirmed by pathological results of surgery or puncture who received treatment during 2012-2019 in Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, China were collected. The clinical stages, pathological results and the characteristics of multi-slice spiral CT images were analyzed.Results:All 27 cases were diagnosed with peripheral lung cancer. Type VI peripheral lung cancer occurred in 12 (44.44%) cases, and adenocarcinoma in 17 (62.96%) cases. Stage Ia lung cancer occurred in 18 (66.67%) patients. Above 70% of CT images showed irregular cystic structure [70.37% (19/27)], polycystic structure [74.07% (20/27)], and vessels passing through the cysts [70.37% (19/27). Over 90% of CT images displayed unsmooth inner wall of the cysts [92.59% (25/27)] and fuzzy margin of the cysts [96.30% (26/27)].Conclusion:It is very difficult to diagnose lung cancer with cystic lesions. This kind of atypical lung cancer should be considered when the imaging features of peripheral lung cancer appear including thickened cystic wall, fuzzy cystic margin, vascular bundle sign and pleural indentation sign.

Actin filaments mediated root growth inhibition by changing their distribution under UV-B and hydrogen peroxide exposure in Arabidopsis

BACKGROUND: UV-B signaling in plants is mediated by UVR8, which interacts with transcriptional factors to induce root morphogenesis. However, research on the downstream molecules of UVR8 signaling in roots is still scarce. As a wide range of functional cytoskeletons, how actin filaments respond to UV-B-induced root morphogenesis has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of actin filaments on root morphogenesis under UV-B and hydrogen peroxide exposure in Arabidopsis. RESULTS: A Lifeact-Venus fusion protein was used to stain actin filaments in Arabidopsis. The results showed that UV-B inhibited hypocotyl and root elongation and caused an increase in H2O2 content only in the root but not in the hypocotyl. Additionally, the actin filaments in hypocotyls diffused under UV-B exposure but were gathered in a bundle under the control conditions in either Lifeact-Venus or uvr8 plants. Exogenous H2O2 inhibited root elongation in a dose-dependent manner. The actin filaments changed their distribution from filamentous to punctate in the root tips and mature regions at a lower concentration of H2O2 but aggregated into thick bundles with an abnormal orientation at H2O2 concentrations up to 2 mM. In the root elongation zone, the actin filament arrangement changed from lateral to longitudinal after exposure to H2O2. Actin filaments in the root tip and elongation zone were depolymerized into puncta under UV-B exposure, which showed the same tendency as the low-concentration treatments. The actin filaments were hardly filamentous in the maturation zone. The dynamics of actin filaments in the uvr8 group under UV-B exposure were close to those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that UV-B inhibited Arabidopsis hypocotyl elongation by reorganizing actin filaments from bundles to a loose arrangement, which was not related to H2O2. UV-B disrupted the dynamics of actin filaments by changing the H2O2 level in Arabidopsis roots. All these results provide an experimental basis for investigating the interaction of UV-B signaling with the cytoskeleton.

The mechanism of plant gall induction by insects: revealing clues, facts, and consequences in a cross-kingdom complex interaction

Galls are defined as modifications of the normal developmental design of plants, produced by a specific reaction to the presence and activity of a foreign organism. Although different organisms have the ability to induce galls in plants, insect-induced galls are the most elaborate and diverse. Some hypotheses have been proposed to explain the induction mechanism of plant galls by insects. The most general hypothesis suggests that gall formation is triggered by the action of chemical substances secreted by the gall inducer, including plant growth regulators such as auxins, cytokinins, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and other types of compounds. However, the mode of action of these chemical substances and the general mechanism by which the insect could control and manipulate plant development and physiology is still not known. Moreover, resulting from the complexity of the induction process and development of insect galls, the chemical hypothesis is very unlikely a complete explanation of the mechanism of induction and morphogenesis of these structures. Previous and new highlights of insect gall systems with emphasis on the induction process were analyzed on the basis of the author's integrated point of view to propose a different perspective of gall induction, which is provided in this article. Due to the extraordinary diversity of shapes, colors, and complex structures present in insect galls, they are useful models for studying how form and structure are determined at the molecular level in plant systems. Furthermore, plant galls constitute an important source of material for the study and exploration of new chemical substances of interest to humans, due to their physiological and adaptive characteristics. Considering the finely tuned control of morphogenesis, structural complexity, and biochemical regulation of plant galls induced by insects, it is proposed that an induction mechanism mediated by the insertion of exogenous genetic elements into the genome of plant gall cells could be involved in the formation of this kind of structure through an endosymbiotic bacterium.

Las agallas se definen como modificaciones del diseño y desarrollo normal de las plantas debido a una reacción específica a la presencia y actividad de un organismo foráneo. Aunque diferentes grupos de organismos tienen la habilidad de inducir agallas en plantas, las agallas inducidas por insectos son las más elaboradas y diversas. Algunas hipótesis han sido propuestas para explicar el mecanismo de inducción de las agallas de insectos. La hipótesis más general sugiere que la formación de las agallas es disparada por la acción de sustancias químicas secretadas por el insecto inductor, incluyendo reguladores de plantas como auxinas, citoquininas, ácido-3-indolacético (AIA) o bien otros tipos de compuestos. No obstante, el modo de acción de estas sustancias químicas y el mecanismo general por medio del cual el insecto podría controlar y manipular el desarrollo y fisiología de la planta es aún desconocido. Más aún, como resultado de la complejidad del proceso de inducción y desarrollo de las agallas de plantas inducidas por insectos, la hipótesis química es una explicación insuficiente e incompleta en relación con el mecanismo de inducción y morfogénesis de estas estructuras. Previas y nuevas evidencias relacionadas con el sistema de agallas de insectos, con énfasis en el proceso de inducción, fueron analizadas desde un punto de vista integral del autor para proponer en este artículo una perspectiva diferente sobre la inducción de este tipo de estructuras. Debido a la extraordinaria diversidad de formas, colores y estructuras complejas presentes en las agallas de insectos, las mismas constituyen modelos útiles para estudiar cómo la forma y la estructura son determinadas a nivel molecular en los sistemas vegetales. Además, las agallas de plantas son un importante origen de material para el estudio y exploración de nuevas sustancias químicas de interés humano, debido a las características fisiológicas y adaptativas que presentan. Considerando el control fino del proceso de morfogénesis, regulación bioquímica y complejidad estructural de las agallas de insectos, se propone que un mecanismo de inducción mediado por la inserción de elementos genéticos exógenos dentro del genoma de las células de la planta que forman la agalla podría estar involucrado en la formación de este tipo de estructuras, vía una bacteria endosimbiótica.

Avances en el conocimiento de las bases moleculares y celulares de las cardiopatías congénitas. Parte 2 y última: Cardiopatías congénitas / Advances in the knowledge of the molecular and cellular bases of congenital heart diseases. Second of two parts: Congenital heart defects

RESUMEN Las cardiopatías congénitas son los defectos congénitos más frecuentes en los seres humanos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura médica con el objetivo de identificar los avances más recientes en el conocimiento de las bases moleculares y celulares de las cardiopatías congénitas. La información obtenida se dividió en dos partes: en la primera se dirigió la atención a los genes y a la morfogénesis cardíaca, y esta segunda parte la complementa, haciendo hincapié en las cardiopatías congénitas propiamente dichas.

ABSTRACT Congenital heart defect is the most common birth defect in humans. We conducted a review of the medical literature with the aim of identifying the most recent advances in the knowledge of its molecular and cellular bases. The information obtained was divided into two parts: the first one emphasized on genes and cardiac morphogenesis, and this second part complements the previous one, with special focus on congenital heart defects.

Avances en el conocimiento de las bases moleculares y celulares de las cardiopatías congénitas. Parte 1 de 2: Morfogénesis cardíaca / Advances in the knowledge of the molecular and cellular bases of congenital heart diseases. Part 1 of 2: Cardiac morphogenesis

RESUMEN Las cardiopatías congénitas son los defectos congénitos más frecuentes en humanos. Muchos estudios indican que el desarrollo cardíaco está estrechamente regulado por diferentes vías de señalización celular y eventos morfológicos, genéticamente controlados. La identificación de nuevos genes que intervienen en el proceso de cardiogénesis es de gran utilidad para conocer los mecanismos moleculares y celulares por el que se genera el amplio espectro fenotípico de las cardiopatías congénitas. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica, con el objetivo de identificar los avances más recientes en el conocimiento de las bases moleculares y celulares de las cardiopatías congénitas; lo que permite una clasificación más efectiva de estos defectos congénitos y una futura optimización del tratamiento individualizado para cada paciente, además de ofrecer posibles puntos específicos y susceptibles de intervención que posibilitarían la prevención de algunos de los defectos congénitos más frecuentes en los seres humanos.

ABSTARACT Congenital heart diseases are the most common congenital defect in humans. Many studies indicate that the cardiac development is tightly regulated by different cell signaling pathways and genetically controlled morphological events. The identification of new genes involved in the cardiogenesis process is very useful in order to know the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the broad phenotypic spectrum of congenital heart disease is generated. An updated bibliographic review was carried out, with the aim of identifying the most recent advances in the knowledge of the molecular and cellular bases of congenital heart disease. This knowledge allows a more effective classification of these congenital defects and a future optimization of the individualized treatment for each patient, in addition to offering possible specific and susceptible points of intervention that would allow the prevention of some of these more frequent congenital defects in humans.

De novo in vitro shoot morphogenesis from shoot tip-induced callus cultures of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm

BACKGROUND: Gymnema sylvestre is a medicinal woody perennial vine known for its sweetening properties and antidiabetic therapeutic uses in the modern and traditional medicines. Its over-exploitation for the therapeutic uses and to meet the demand of pharmaceutical industry in raw materials supply for the production of anti-diabetic drugs has led to considerable decline in its natural population. RESULTS: An efficient system of shoot bud sprouting from nodal segment explants and indirect plant regeneration from apical meristem-induced callus cultures of G. sylvestre have been developed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium amended with concentrations of cytokinins. Of the three growth regulators tested, N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) was the most efficient and 2.0 mg L-1 gave the best shoot formation efficiency. This was followed by thidiazuron (TDZ) and kinetin (Kin) but, most of the TDZ-induced micro shoots showed stunted growth. Multiple shoot formation was observed on medium amended with BAP or TDZ at higher concentrations. The produced micro shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium amended with auxins and rooted plantlets acclimatized with 87% survival of the regenerates. CONCLUSIONS: The developed regeneration system can be exploited for genetic transformation studies, particularly when aimed at producing its high yielding cell lines for the anti-diabetic phytochemicals. It also offers opportunities for exploring the expression of totipotency in the anti-diabetic perennial vine.

In Vitro Organogenesis from Root Explants of Passiflora miniata Mast, an Amazonian Species with Ornamental Potential

ABSTRACT The present study reports a shoot organogenesis-based system for in vitro regeneration of Passiflora miniata, an Amazonia passion fruit species. Root segments were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations (range 2-9 µM) of 6-benzyladenine (BA); thidiazuron (TDZ) or kinetin (KIN). Plant growth regulators were not added to the control treatment. Root explants have showed a high regenerative potential. After 30 days of in vitro culture, the root explants showed several shoots formed direct and indirectly. TDZ provided the best response in the differentiation adventitious shoots, mainly in the presence of 6.8 µM. The cytokinins BA and KIN responded producing a reduced number of shoots. After 120 days, rooted regenerated plants were transferred to a greenhouse for acclimatization. This regeneration system opens new perspectives for micropropagation and conservation of this wild Amazonic passion fruit species.

Systematic analysis of protein expression in Candida albicans exposed to farnesol / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The phenotypic switching of Candida spp. plays an important role in the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Farnesol, as a quorum-sensing molecule in Candida albicans, has the ability to prevent yeast-to-hyphal conversion in vitro. However, the mechanism underlying this ability is unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in protein levels to better understand how farnesol impacts processes contributing to VVC.@*Methods@#The isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation technique was used to detect protein expression in C. albicans strain SC5314 (ATCC MYA-2876) with or without farnesol exposure. Proteins with a threshold fold change greater than 1.5 were screened and considered differentially expressed proteins. All the altered proteins were analyzed using Gene Ontology annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation, and metabolic pathway annotation.@*Results@#Between the farnesol-exposed group and the farnesol-unexposd group, we detected 297 altered proteins among all 2047 tested proteins based on a threshold fold change of more than 1.5 (P < 0.05). Eighty-seven of the 297 altered proteins exhibited metabolic enzyme activity and participated in 85 metabolic pathways according to KEGG pathway analysis. Most of these metabolic pathways were associated with central carbon metabolism processes. In the sterol synthesis pathway, which involves the synthesis of farnesol, ERG25 (methylsterol monooxygenase) and ERG4 (delta 24(24(1))-sterol reductase) were both down-regulated in the farnesol-exposed group. All six altered proteases associated with the oxidative phosphorylation process were down-regulated in the farnesol-exposed group relative to the farnesol-unexposed group.@*Conclusions@#The mechanisms underlying farnesol-induced phenotype switching involves the adjustment of metabolic activities and epigenetic modification. Exogenous farnesol had an evident, but non-deterministic effect on the synthesis of ergosterol. The potential drug activity of farnesol warrants further investigation.

Ultrastructural aspects of sylvatic dengue virus infection in Vero cell

@#Introduction: Dengue virus (DENV), the causative agent of dengue disease exists in sylvatic and endemic ecotypes. The cell morphological changes and viral morphogenesis of two dengue ecotypes were examined at the ultrastructural level to identify potential similarities and differences in the surrogate model of enzootic host. Materials and Methods: Vero cells were inoculated with virus at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1. Cell cultures were harvested over a time course and processed for transmission electron microscopic imaging. Results: The filopodia protrusions on cell periphery preceded virus entry. Additionally, sylvatic DENV infection was found spreading slower than the endemic DENV. Morphogenesis of both dengue ecotypes was alike but at different level of efficiency in the permissive cells. Conclusions: This is the first ultrastructural study on sylvatic DENV and this comparative study revealed the similarities and differences of cellular responses and morphogenesis of two dengue ecotypes in vitro. The study revealed the weaker infectivity of sylvatic DENV in the surrogate model of enzootic host, which supposed to support better replication of enzootic DENV than endemic DENV.