Diversity of extracellular proteases among Aeromonas determined by zymogram analysis.

AIMS: The current research was aimed at comparing extracellular proteolytic activities and zymogram profiles among Aeromonas spp. METHODS AND RESULTS: Extracellular proteases of 47 strains of Aeromonas were analyzed by substrate (casein and gelatin) co-polymerized SDS-PAGE, and caseinolytic activity was determined using azocasein. Large variation on caseinolytic activity was evidenced. In general, the caseinolytic activity of Aeromonas hydrophila strains was significantly higher than that of other Aeromonas species. Several caseinolytic and gelatinolytic profiles were detected in Aeromonas. Cluster analysis allowed separating Aeromonas strains in four and three groups, based on their caseinolytic and gelatinolytic profiles, respectively. Although not specific patterns were evident, most Aer. hydrophila strains were clustered together and differed from Aeromonas caviae strains. The main caseinases of Aer. hydrophila were a serine protease with an apparent molecular weight (AMW) of 56 kDa and a metalloprotease with AMW of 22 kDa. Gelatinase profiles were characterized by the presence of high molecular weight metalloproteases (84 and 93 kDa), although the most active enzyme was a serine protease with AMW of 56 kDa. Other new caseinases and gelatinases were detected in specific Aeromonas strains. CONCLUSIONS: Aeromonas strains exhibited several extracellular proteolytic profiles, with a larger inter than intraspecific variation. Moreover, zymogram analyses allowed identifying new caseinases and gelatinases in Aeromonas. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report on the intra- and interspecific variation of proteolytic profiles in Aeromonas determined by zymogram analysis, including the detection of new caseinases and gelatinases in this genus.

Genetic variation among South Brazilian accessions of Lippia alba Mill. (Verbenaceae) detected by ISSR and RAPD markers.

Twenty-seven accessions of Lippia alba Mill. collected in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, were analysed by ISSR and RAPD markers to evaluate their genetic variability and relationships. Six ISSR primers and four RAPD primers generated 120 amplified fragments, most of which were polymorphics. The overall genetic variability among accessions was very high when compared with other plant species. The hierarchical analysis of molecular data (UPGMA) showed low relationship between accessions, and no grouping between accessions of the same chemotype. Canonical functions allowed identifying some variables related with the chemical characteristics of the essential oils. Both ISSR and RAPD markers were efficient to address the genetic diversity of L. alba, and may contribute to the conservation and breeding of this increasingly important aromatic and medicinal species.

Genetic variation among South Brazilian accessions of Lippia alba Mill. (Verbenaceae) detected by ISSR and RAPD markers / Variabilidade genética entre acessos sul-brasileiros de Lippia alba Mill. (Verbenaceae) detectada por ISSR e RAPD

Twenty-seven accessions of Lippia alba Mill. collected in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, were analysed by ISSR and RAPD markers to evaluate their genetic variability and relationships. Six ISSR primers and four RAPD primers generated 120 amplified fragments, most of which were polymorphics. The overall genetic variability among accessions was very high when compared with other plant species. The hierarchical analysis of molecular data (UPGMA) showed low relationship between accessions, and no grouping between accessions of the same chemotype. Canonical functions allowed identifying some variables related with the chemical characteristics of the essential oils. Both ISSR and RAPD markers were efficient to address the genetic diversity of L. alba, and may contribute to the conservation and breeding of this increasingly important aromatic and medicinal species.

Vinte e sete acessos de Lippia alba Mill. coletados no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram analisados por marcadores ISSR e RAPD visando avaliar a variabilidade genética e as relações entre acessos. Seis sequencias iniciadoras de ISSR e quatro de RAPD geraram 120 fragmentos amplificados, a maior parte dos quais apresentaram algum grau de polimorfismo. A variabilidade genética geral entre acessos foi muito elevada quando comparada com outras espécies vegetais. A análise hierárquica dos dados moleculares (UPGMA) mostrou baixa relação entre acessos, e não houve formação de agrupamentos entre acessos pertencentes ao mesmo quimiotipo. Análise de funções canônicas permitiu identificar algumas variáveis relacionadas com as características químicas dos óleos essenciais. Tanto os marcadores ISSR como RAPD foram eficientes para avaliar a diversidade genética em L. alba e devem contribuir para a conservação e melhoramento desta importante espécie aromática e medicinal.