RpoS-independent and growth phase-dependent expression of dcuSR operon of Escherichia coli.

The dcuSR operon of Escherichia coli encodes a two-component sensor/kinase-response/regulator system. This system regulates gene expression in response to external C 4 -dicarboxylates. During entry into stationary phase Gram-negative bacteria express genes that impart cellular resistance to environmental stresses. In E. coli , 50 or more genes are triggered by sigma factor ( sigma s ) during entry into stationary phase. Multi-copy dcuS-lacZ and chromosomally integrated dcuS-lacZ fusions analysis showed that the expression of dcuSR is positively regulated during growth phase. Many genes that are required for stationary-phase adaptation are controlled by RpoS, a conserved alternative sigma factor, whose expression is, in turn, controlled by many factors. To understand whether the dcuSR is dependent upon RpoS, a RpoS- dcuS-lacZ strain was generated. beta -Galactosidase assay and Western blot analysis reported that the generated RpoS- dcuS-lacZ strain and the wild type showed the same expression during stationary phase. Surprisingly, the growth phase-dependence of the expression of dcuSR is still present in RpoS- dcuS-lacZ strain suggesting that other growth-phase-dependent regulatory mechanisms (might be the DcuSR system or cAMP/CRP), in addition to RpoS, may control post-exponential dcuSR expression.

Fungal Control of Pathogenic Fungi Isolated From Some Wild Plants in Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Twenty two plants were collected from Taif Governorate and identified as: Aerva lanata, Arnebia hispidissima, Artemisia judaica, Artemisia monosperma, Asphodelus aestives, Avena barbata, Capparis dcidua, Eucalyptus globulus, Euphorbia glomerifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Forsskaolea tenacissima, Juniperus procera, Launaea mucronata, Launaea sonchoides, Medicago sativa, Opuntia ficus, Phagnalon sinaicum, Prunus persica, Pulicaria crispa, Punica granatum, Rumex dentatus and Trichodesma calathiforme. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from some of these plants and identified as Alternaria alternata, Cephalosporium madurae, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium oxysporum, Humicola grisea, Penicillium chrysogenum and Ulocladium botrytis. Four antagonistic isolates were tested, 2 from Gliocladium fungus and 2 from Trichoderma fungus. We found that all the four antagonistic isolates (G. deliquescens, G. virens, T. viride and T.hamatum) significantly inhibited the radial growth of the pathogenic fungi tested, with different ratios. The results indicated that the antibiotics produced by the antagonists were more effective than the fungus itself and differ with different fungi. Coating plant stems with antagonists or with antagonist extracts reduce the severity of the disease but not prevent it in all tested pathogens.

Fungal control of pathogenic fungi isolated from wild plants in Taif Governorate, Saudia Arabia.

Twenty two plants were collected from Taif Governorate and identified as: Euphorbia glomerifera, Juniperus procera, Launaea mucronata, Capparis dcidua, Punica granatum, Opuntia ficus, Prunus persica, Eucalyptus globulus, Medicago sativa, Artemisia monosperma, Trichodesma calathiforme, Artemisia judaica, Foeniculum vulgare, Phagnalon sinaicum, Rumex dentatus, Asphodelus aestives, Pulicaria crispa, Launae sonchoides, Forsskaolea tenacissima, Arnebia hispidissima, Avena spp and Aerva lanata. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from some of these plants and identified as Alternaria alternate, Ulocladium botrytis, Cladosporium spp, Cephalosporium spp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium oxysporum and Humicola grisea. Four antagonistic isolates were tested, 2 from Gliocladium fungus and 2 from Trichoderma fungus. We found that all the four antagonistic isolates (G. deliquescens, G. virens, T. viride and T. hamatum) significantly inhibited the radial growth of the pathogenic fungi tested, with different ratios. The results indicated that the antibiotics produced by the antagonists were more effective than the fungus itself and differ with different fungi. Coating plant stems with antagonists or with antagonist extracts reduce the severity of the disease but not prevent it in all tested pathogens.

Localization of zearalenone detoxification gene(s) in pZEA-1 plasmid of Pseudomonas putida sp. strain ZEA-1 and expressed in Escherichia coli

The gene(s) encoding enzyme(s) involved in the initial reaction during degradation of zearalenone was characterized from the zearalenone utilizer Pseudomonas putida strain ZEA-1, in which ZEA transformed into product with less or not toxic. A 5.5 kilobase-pair (kpb) Pst1-Kpn1 fragment containing gene(s) coding for zearalenone degradation was cloned. The cloned gene(s) activity was expressed in Escherichia coli, and ZEA degradation by recombinant E. coli was relatively rapid and effective, leaving no detectable ZEA after 72 h. In further experiments, cell-free extract of E.coli have been used in the same way, both to confirm these observations and the enzymatic nature of the degradation activity.