Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is required for TGF-ß1 induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition and influences cytoskeletal reorganization.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a programed course of developmental changes resulting in the acquisition of invasiveness and mobility in cells. In cancer, this course is used by epithelial cells to attain movability. Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) has been extensively characterized following the observation on tumor reversion ensuing its depletion. However, the role of TCTP in cancer progression is still elusive. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that TCTP is a target of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), a key regulator of EMT in A549 cells. We here present changes in expression patterns of intermediate filament markers (vimentin and cytokeratin 18a) of EMT following TCTP knockdown or over expression. The TCTP over-expression in cancer cells is associated with mesenchymal characters, while downregulation promotes the epithelial markers in the cells. Interaction of TCTP with ß-catenin seems to stabilize ß-catenin, preparative to its nuclear localization highlighting a role for ß-catenin signaling in EMT. Moreover, the induction of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) following ectopic expression of TCTP leads to destabilization of ECM. The cells knocked down for TCTP show diminished invasiveness and migration under TGF-ß1 treatment. The present results for the first time demonstrate that TGF-ß1 dependent TCTP expression is required for EMT in cells.

Emergence of plant and rhizospheric microbiota as stable interactomes.

The growing human population and depletion of resources have necessitated development of sustainable agriculture. Beneficial plant-microbe associations have been known for quite some time now. To maintain sustainability, one could show better reliance upon beneficial attributes of the rhizosphere microbiome. To harness the best agronomic traits, understanding the entire process of recruitment, establishment, and maintenance of microbiota as stable interactome within the rhizosphere is important. In this article, we highlight the process of recruitment and establishment of microbiota within rhizosphere. Further, we have discussed the interlinkages and the ability of multiple (microbial and plant) partners to interact with one another forming a stable plant holobiont system. Lastly, we address the possibility of exploring the knowledge gained from the holobiont system to tailor the rhizosphere microbiome for better productivity and maintenance of agroecosystems. The article provide new insights into the broad principles of stable plant-microbe interactions which could be useful for sustaining agriculture and food security.