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1.
Differences in resistance to nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies explain male-biased populations of poplar in nutrient-deficient habitats.
Song, H, Lei, Y, Zhang, S
Journal of proteomics. 2018;:123-127
Abstract
UNLABELLED In most forest soils, the availability of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients is low and unable to meet the requirement of tree growth. In the past decades, sex-based differences in poplar have been investigated in morphology and physiology. Proteomic techniques provide new insights into sex-specific differences at the molecular level. This review gives a comparative overview of the effects of N and P deficiencies on poplar physiological and proteomic characteristics. Male poplars are more efficient at photosynthesis and nutrient usage than females. Proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism, defence responses and transcription and translation processes are changed to adapt diversely in males and females. These results provide evidence that male poplar have better resistance to nutrient-limiting conditions than females, which may be reasonable for the male-biased sex ratio in nutrient-deficient habitats. Furthermore, this review also discusses the potential growth-defence trade-offs in male and female poplar coping with nutrient limitations. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE In the past decades, the physiological and molecular responses of individual trees exposed to nutrient deficiency have been well studied. An important model woody plant, Populus, is dioecious and shows a male-biased sex ratio in nutrient-deficient habitats. Individually, different responses to nutrient limitation between the sexes determine the bias of population sex ratios. Proteomic techniques provide new insights into sex-based differences in the molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient deficiency. This review gives a comparative overview of the identification of nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency effects on physiological and proteomic characteristics. Male poplars are more resistant and have a smaller range of protein changes than females in response to N and P deficiency, which explains the observed male-biased sex ratios to a certain extent. Furthermore, this review also discusses the possible growth-defense trade-offs in male and female poplars coping with nutrient deficiency.
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2.
Review: Potential biotechnological assets related to plant immunity modulation applicable in engineering disease-resistant crops.
Silva, MS, Arraes, FBM, Campos, MA, Grossi-de-Sa, M, Fernandez, D, Cândido, ES, Cardoso, MH, Franco, OL, Grossi-de-Sa, MF
Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology. 2018;:72-84
Abstract
This review emphasizes the biotechnological potential of molecules implicated in the different layers of plant immunity, including, pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered susceptibility (ETS), and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) that can be applied in the development of disease-resistant genetically modified (GM) plants. These biomolecules are produced by pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes) or plants during their mutual interactions. Biomolecules involved in the first layers of plant immunity, PTI and ETS, include inhibitors of pathogen cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and susceptibility (S) proteins, while the ETI-related biomolecules include plant resistance (R) proteins. The biomolecules involved in plant defense PTI/ETI responses described herein also include antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and ribosome-inhibiting proteins (RIPs), as well as enzymes involved in plant defensive secondary metabolite biosynthesis (phytoanticipins and phytoalexins). Moreover, the regulation of immunity by RNA interference (RNAi) in GM disease-resistant plants is also considered. Therefore, the present review does not cover all the classes of biomolecules involved in plant innate immunity that may be applied in the development of disease-resistant GM crops but instead highlights the most common strategies in the literature, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
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3.
Phosphorus concentration coordinates a respiratory bypass, synthesis and exudation of citrate, and the expression of high-affinity phosphorus transporters in Solanum lycopersicum.
Del-Saz, NF, Romero-Munar, A, Cawthray, GR, Palma, F, Aroca, R, Baraza, E, Florez-Sarasa, I, Lambers, H, Ribas-Carbó, M
Plant, cell & environment. 2018;(4):865-875
Abstract
Plants exhibit respiratory bypasses (e.g., the alternative oxidase [AOX]) and increase the synthesis of carboxylates in their organs (leaves and roots) in response to phosphorus (P) deficiency, which increases P uptake capacity. They also show differential expression of high-affinity inorganic phosphorus (Pi) transporters, thus avoiding P toxicity at a high P availability. The association between AOX and carboxylate synthesis was tested in Solanum lycopersicum plants grown at different soil P availability, by using plants grown under P-sufficient and P-limiting conditions and by applying a short-term (24 hr) P-sufficient pulse to plants grown under P limitation. Tests were also performed with plants colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which increased plant P concentration under reduced P availability. The in vivo activities of AOX and cytochrome oxidase were measured together with the concentration of carboxylates and the P concentration in plant organs. Gene transcription of Pi transporters (LePT1 and LePT2) was also studied. A coordinated response between plant P concentration with these traits was observed, indicating that a sufficient P availability in soil led to a suppression of both AOX activity and synthesis of citrate and a downregulation of the transcription of genes encoding high-affinity Pi transporters, presumably to avoid P toxicity.
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4.
Insights from Proteomic Studies into Plant Somatic Embryogenesis.
Heringer, AS, Santa-Catarina, C, Silveira, V
Proteomics. 2018;(5-6):e1700265
Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis is a biotechnological approach mainly used for the clonal propagation of different plants worldwide. In somatic embryogenesis, embryos arise from somatic cells under appropriate culture conditions. This plasticity in plants is a demonstration of true cellular totipotency and is the best approach among the genetic transformation protocols used for plant regeneration. Despite the importance of somatic embryogenesis, knowledge regarding the control of the somatic embryogenesis process is limited. Therefore, the elucidation of both the biochemical and molecular processes is important for understanding the mechanisms by which a single somatic cell becomes a whole plant. Modern proteomic techniques rely on an alternative method for the identification and quantification of proteins with different abundances in embryogenic cell cultures or somatic embryos and enable the identification of specific proteins related to somatic embryogenesis development. This review focuses on somatic embryogenesis studies that use gel-free shotgun proteomic analyses to categorize proteins that could enhance our understanding of particular aspects of the somatic embryogenesis process and identify possible targets for future studies.
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5.
microRNA-mediated R gene regulation: molecular scabbards for double-edged swords.
Deng, Y, Liu, M, Li, X, Li, F
Science China. Life sciences. 2018;(2):138-147
Abstract
Plant resistance (R) proteins are immune receptors that recognize pathogen effectors and trigger rapid defense responses, namely effector-triggered immunity. R protein-mediated pathogen resistance is usually race specific. During plant-pathogen coevolution, plant genomes accumulated large numbers of R genes. Even though plant R genes provide important natural resources for breeding disease-resistant crops, their presence in the plant genome comes at a cost. Misregulation of R genes leads to developmental defects, such as stunted growth and reduced fertility. In the past decade, many microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to target various R genes in plant genomes. miRNAs reduce R gene levels under normal conditions and allow induction of R gene expression under various stresses. For these reasons, we consider R genes to be double-edged "swords" and miRNAs as molecular "scabbards". In the present review, we summarize the contributions and potential problems of these "swords" and discuss the features and production of the "scabbards", as well as the mechanisms used to pull the "sword" from the "scabbard" when needed.
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6.
Influence of rice, pea and oat proteins in attenuating glycemic response of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Tan, SY, Siow, PC, Peh, E, Henry, CJ
European journal of nutrition. 2018;(8):2795-2803
Abstract
PURPOSE Liquids have higher ingestion and gastric-emptying rates, resulting in rapid glycemic response. They are also less satiating than solid foods. This study examined if the addition of plant proteins alter postprandial glucose, insulin, triglycerides, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glycogen-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and appetitive responses to a sugar-sweetened beverage. METHODS This was a randomized, crossover acute feeding study consisting of four treatments: chocolate beverage alone (50 g carbohydrate), or added with 24 g oat, pea or rice proteins. Twenty Chinese males (mean ± SD age 26 ± 5 years; body mass index 21.5 ± 1.7 kg/m2) ingested the test drink after an overnight fast. Venous blood samples and subjective appetite ratings were collected before test beverage and at fixed intervals for 180 min. Blood biochemical data and appetite ratings were compared using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS Significant interaction effects were found in postprandial glucose excursions (time × protein effects, p = 0.003). Glucose iAUC was lower in pea and rice proteins, although not significantly (p > 0.385). Insulin iAUC was significantly higher in the oat (p = 0.035) and pea (p = 0.036) protein beverages. GIP and GLP-1 release in a sub-sample (n = 10) followed a comparable order as insulin release (p = 0.397 and 0.454, respectively). Significant interaction effects were found in fullness ratings (p = 0.024), and a trend of greater suppression of hunger and desire-to-eat was also documented (p = 0.088 and 0.080, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Plant proteins altered the glycemic and appetitive responses of Asian males to a sugar-sweetened beverage. Food-based interventions are useful in promoting glycemic control. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02933424.
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7.
Nitrogen balance after a single oral consumption of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volúbilis L.) protein compared to soy protein: a randomized study in humans.
Gonzales, GF, Tello, J, Zevallos-Concha, A, Baquerizo, L, Caballero, L
Toxicology mechanisms and methods. 2018;(2):140-147
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Abstract
Sacha inchi is a seed produced in the Peruvian Amazonian and its oil is recognized by the lowering lipids effect in humans. The remaining material transformed to flour has a higher amount of protein, but, the nitrogen balance once ingested orally has not been studied. The present study was designed to evaluate the nitrogen balance after single consumption of 30 g of sacha inchi flour and compared with that obtained after consumption of 30 g soybean flour in adult men and women. This was a double-blind cohort study in 15 men and 15 women between 18 and 55 years old. Fifteen subjects received soy meal and 15 subjects received sacha inchi meal. Group receiving sacha inchi flour has comparable initial parameters as those receiving soybean flour (p > 0.05). Blood samples at different times were obtained. Urine for 24 h was collected to calculate nitrogen balance, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Plasma insulin levels increased post-prandial with a peak at 30 min. Thereafter, a reduction occurred. The magnitude of changes in insulin levels was similar in sacha inchi and soybean groups (p < 0.05). Lipid profile and inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL6) was not different at 0 or 24 h after sacha inchi or soy flour administration. The nitrogen balance was negative in the study but similar between both groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, protein consumption of sacha inchi flour has the same nitrogen balance as soybean flour, shows acceptability for a single consumption and does not present serious adverse effects.
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IL-33/s-ST2 ratio, systemic symptoms, and basophil activation in Pru p 3-sensitized allergic patients.
Uasuf, CG, Sano, CD, Gangemi, S, Albeggiani, G, Cigna, D, Dino, P, Brusca, I, Gjomarkaj, M, Pace, E
Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.]. 2018;(8):671-679
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although IL-33/ST2 axis is involved in the development of allergic diseases, its contribution in food allergy is still unknown. METHODS In this study, we assessed the serum levels of IL-33 and its s-ST2 receptor in 53 control patients (without allergic diseases), 47 peach (Pru p 3)-sensitized allergic patients (SAP), and in 68 non-Pru p 3-SAP. Basophil activation test (BAT) was used to assess the basophil activation due to allergen exposure before and after the addition of s-ST2 to the blood samples from 5 Pru p 3-SAP. RESULTS IL-33 levels in Pru p 3-SAP were higher than in non-Pru p 3-SAP and in normal controls. Lower s-ST2 levels were found in Pru p 3-SAP than in non-Pru p 3-SAP. IL-33/s-ST2 ratio was higher in Pru p 3-SAP than in both non-Pru p 3-SAP and controls. Higher IL-33/s-ST2 ratio was observed in Pru p 3-SAP with severe than in those with mild systemic symptoms. BAT analysis in Pru p 3-SAP showed a decrease in basophil activation due to Pru p 3 exposure after the addition of s-ST2 to the blood samples. CONCLUSIONS An imbalance in the baseline levels of IL-33/ST2 pathway is present in Pru p 3-SAP. The measurement of this pathway might be helpful to detect patients at a higher risk of developing severe systemic symptoms.
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Ethylene receptors and related proteins in climacteric and non-climacteric fruits.
Chen, Y, Grimplet, J, David, K, Castellarin, SD, Terol, J, Wong, DCJ, Luo, Z, Schaffer, R, Celton, JM, Talon, M, et al
Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology. 2018;:63-72
Abstract
Fruits have been traditionally classified into two categories based on their capacity to produce and respond to ethylene during ripening. Fruits whose ripening is associated to a peak of ethylene production and a respiration burst are referred to as climacteric, while those that are not are referred to as non-climacteric. However, an increasing body of literature supports an important role for ethylene in the ripening of both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. Genome and transcriptomic data have become available across a variety of fruits and we leverage these data to compare the structure and transcriptional regulation of the ethylene receptors and related proteins. Through the analysis of four economically important fruits, two climacteric (tomato and apple), and two non-climacteric (grape and citrus), this review compares the structure and transcriptional regulation of the ethylene receptors and related proteins in both types of fruit, establishing a basis for the annotation of ethylene-related genes. This analysis reveals two interesting differences between climacteric and non-climacteric fruit: i) a higher number of ETR genes are found in climacteric fruits, and ii) non-climacteric fruits are characterized by an earlier ETR expression peak relative to sugar accumulation.
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The S-Type Anion Channel ZmSLAC1 Plays Essential Roles in Stomatal Closure by Mediating Nitrate Efflux in Maize.
Qi, GN, Yao, FY, Ren, HM, Sun, SJ, Tan, YQ, Zhang, ZC, Qiu, BS, Wang, YF
Plant & cell physiology. 2018;(3):614-623
Abstract
Diverse stimuli induce stomatal closure by triggering the efflux of osmotic anions, which is mainly mediated by the main anion channel SLAC1 in plants, and the anion permeability and selectivity of SLAC1 channels from several plant species have been reported to be variable. However, the genetic identity as well as the anion permeability and selectivity of the main S-type anion channel ZmSLAC1 in maize are still unknown. In this study, we identified GRMZM2G106921 as the gene encoding ZmSLAC1 in maize, and the maize mutants zmslac1-1 and zmslac1-2 harboring a mutator (Mu) transposon in ZmSLAC1 exhibited strong insensitive phenotypes of stomatal closure in response to diverse stimuli. We further found that ZmSLAC1 functions as a nitrate-selective anion channel without obvious permeability to chloride, sulfate and malate, clearly different from SLAC1 channels of Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis and Solanum lycopersicum L. Further experimental data show that the expression of ZmSLAC1 successfully rescued the stomatal movement phenotypes of the Arabidopsis double mutant atslac1-3atslah3-2 by mainly restoring nitrate-carried anion channel currents of guard cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that ZmSLAC1 is involved in stomatal closure mainly by mediating the efflux of nitrate in maize.