Genetic and immunological characterization of the microsporidianSeptata intestinalisCali, Kotler and Orenstein, 1993: reclassification toEncephalitozoon intestinalis

Parasitology ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Hartskeerl ◽  
T. Van Gool ◽  
A. R. J. Schuitema ◽  
E. S. Didier ◽  
W. J. Terpstra

SUMMARYTh relationships between theEncephalitozoon-likeSeptata intestinalisand other microsporidia that occur in humans, notablyEncephalitozoon cuniculiandEncephalitozoon hellem, is insufficiently documented using morphological descriptions alone. To assess mutual relationships, we have examined other phenotypic as well as genetic aspects ofS. intestinalis, obtained both from tissue culture and clinical specimens, in comparison with a number of other microsporidia. Phenotypic characterization was performed by analysis of the protein composition and antigenic structure of various microsporidian spores by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The genetic characterization consisted of the determination of the sequence of theS. intestinalis rrsgene encoding the small subunit ribosomal RNA (srRNA), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of amplifiedrrsgenes and establishment of the degree of sequence identity betweenrrsgenes of various microsporidian species. The unique sequence ofrrsofS. intestinalisas well as the distinct RFLP and SDS-PAGE profiles indicate thatS. intestinalisis clearly different from other human microsporidian species. However, itsrrsgene shared about 90% sequence identity withrrsof bothEncephalitozoonspp.,E. cuniculiandE. hellem. This is remarkably higher than the about 70% identity observed betweenrrsof microsporidian species which belong to different genera and thus suggests that S.intestinalisshould be regarded as a species of the genusEncephalitozoon. Western blots revealed a marked cross-reactivity betweenS. intestinalisand both species ofEncephalitozoonwhich also stresses the close relationship between these organisms. It is concluded thatS. intestinalisis so closely related toE. cuniculi, the type species ofEncephalitozoon, that it should be reclassified asEncephalitozoon intestinalis.

1993 ◽  
Vol 291 (3) ◽  
pp. 765-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
P R Williamson ◽  
M A Huber ◽  
J E Bennett

Two isoenzymes of maltase (EC 3.2.1.20) were purified to homogeneity from Candida albicans. Isoenzymes I and II were found to have apparent molecular masses of 63 and 66 kDa on SDS/PAGE with isoelectric points of 5.0 and 4.6 respectively. Both isoenzymes resembled each other in similar N-terminal sequence, specificity for the alpha(1-−>4) glycosidic linkage and immune cross-reactivity on Western blots using a maltase II antigen-purified rabbit antibody. Maltase was induced by growth on sucrose whereas beta-fructofuranosidase activity could not be detected under similar conditions. Maltase I and II were shown to be unglycosylated enzymes by neutral sugar assay, and more than 90% of alpha-glucosidase activity was recoverable from spheroplasts. These data, in combination with other results from this laboratory [Geber, Williamson, Rex, Sweeney and Bennett (1992) J. Bacteriol. 174, 6992-6996] showing lack of a plausible leader sequence in genomic or mRNA transcripts, suggest an intracellular localization of the enzyme. To establish further the mechanism of sucrose assimilation by maltase, the existence of a sucrose-inducible H+/sucrose syn-transporter was demonstrated by (1) the kinetics of sucrose-induced [14C]sucrose uptake, (2) recovery of intact [14C]sucrose from ground cells by t.l.c. and (3) transport of 0.83 mol of H+/mol of [14C]sucrose. In total, the above is consistent with a mechanism whereby sucrose is transported into C. albicans to be hydrolysed by an intracellular maltase.


Blood ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Wolf ◽  
C Boyer ◽  
A Tripodi ◽  
D Meyer ◽  
MJ Larrieu ◽  
...  

Abstract A qualitative defect of antithrombin III (AT III) has been demonstrated over three generations in eight members of an Italian family by the discrepancy between a normal amount of antigen and decreased antithrombin and anti-Xa activity in the presence or in the absence of heparin. By two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis in the absence of heparin, two peaks of AT III were present in all patients' plasma. AT III was purified from normal and propositus plasma by sulfate dextran precipitation followed by heparin affinity chromatography. The elution profile of the patient's AT III was abnormal and allowed the separation of two populations of AT III, normal and abnormal. The first fraction (normal AT III) contained AT III activity, migrated as a single peak by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis and by sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), demonstrated a single band with a molecular weight (mol wt) identical to that of normal AT III (60,000). Conversely, the last fraction, devoid of AT III activity, migrated as a single abnormal peak by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis in the absence of heparin. By SDS-PAGE, two bands were observed: one with a mol wt of 60,000 and a second one with a mol wt of 120,000. Western blots clearly demonstrated cross-reactivity of the 120,000 and 60,000 mol wt bands with monospecific antisera to human AT III. Reduction of the 120,000 mol wt band converted it to a single 60,000 mol wt band, suggesting the presence of an abnormal dimeric form of AT III. The name AT III Milano is proposed for this new variant.


2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (12) ◽  
pp. 1329-1339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret L. Ellis ◽  
David R. Cruz Jimenez ◽  
Leonor F. Leandro ◽  
Gary P. Munkvold

Isolates in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) from soybean range from nonpathogenic to aggressive pathogens causing seedling damping-off, wilt, and root rot. The objective of this research was to characterize the genotype and phenotype of isolates within the FOSC recovered predominantly from soybean roots and seedlings. Sequence analyses of the translation elongation factor (tef1α) gene and the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the intergenic spacer (IGS) region, and identification of the mating type loci were conducted for 170 isolates. Vegetative compatibility (VC) tests were conducted for 114 isolates. Isolate aggressiveness was tested using a rolled towel assay for 159 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the tef1α and mtSSU and PCR-RFLP analysis of the IGS region separated the FOSC isolates into five clades, including F. commune. Both mating type loci, MAT1-1 or MAT1-2, were present in isolates from all clades. The VC tests were not informative, because most VC groups consisted of a single isolate. Isolate aggressiveness varied within and among clades; isolates in clade 2 were significantly less aggressive (P < 0.0001) when compared with isolates from the other clades and F. commune. The results from this study demonstrate the high levels of genotypic and phenotypic diversity within the FOSC from soybean but further work is needed to identify characteristics associated with pathogenic capabilities.


1993 ◽  
Vol 293 (3) ◽  
pp. 867-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Fang ◽  
M Mantle ◽  
H Ceri

The S-type lectins have been shown to be components of mucosal scrapings, and in avian systems these lectins have been localized immunohistochemically to the mucosal surface and goblet cells of the intestine. The interaction of lectin specifically with purified mucin has not, however, been established. Quail intestinal mucin was purified by two subsequent isopycnic density-gradient centrifugations in CsCl and chromatography on Sepharose Cl-2B. Purified mucin, obtained from the void volume of the Sepharose column, was characterized by SDS/PAGE, amino acid and carbohydrate analyses, sensitivity to thiol reduction, and cross-reactivity with antibody preparations to rat and human intestinal mucins on Western blots. Antibody raised against purified quail mucin partially cross-reacts with purified rat, rabbit and human intestinal mucins, and specifically labels the mucosal surface and goblet cells of quail intestine by the immunoperoxidase technique. Protein eluted by lactose from an affinity matrix composed of quail intestinal mucin possessed the same molecular mass on SDS/PAGE as intestinal lectin and reacted on Western blots with a lectin-specific antibody. The data clearly demonstrate the co-localization of lectin and mucin in the quail intestine and also the ability of the lectin to specifically interact with the purified mucin, raising the question of the role of endogenous lectins in secretions.


Blood ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-500
Author(s):  
M Wolf ◽  
C Boyer ◽  
A Tripodi ◽  
D Meyer ◽  
MJ Larrieu ◽  
...  

A qualitative defect of antithrombin III (AT III) has been demonstrated over three generations in eight members of an Italian family by the discrepancy between a normal amount of antigen and decreased antithrombin and anti-Xa activity in the presence or in the absence of heparin. By two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis in the absence of heparin, two peaks of AT III were present in all patients' plasma. AT III was purified from normal and propositus plasma by sulfate dextran precipitation followed by heparin affinity chromatography. The elution profile of the patient's AT III was abnormal and allowed the separation of two populations of AT III, normal and abnormal. The first fraction (normal AT III) contained AT III activity, migrated as a single peak by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis and by sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), demonstrated a single band with a molecular weight (mol wt) identical to that of normal AT III (60,000). Conversely, the last fraction, devoid of AT III activity, migrated as a single abnormal peak by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis in the absence of heparin. By SDS-PAGE, two bands were observed: one with a mol wt of 60,000 and a second one with a mol wt of 120,000. Western blots clearly demonstrated cross-reactivity of the 120,000 and 60,000 mol wt bands with monospecific antisera to human AT III. Reduction of the 120,000 mol wt band converted it to a single 60,000 mol wt band, suggesting the presence of an abnormal dimeric form of AT III. The name AT III Milano is proposed for this new variant.


Parasitology ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. LEIRO ◽  
M. I. G. SISO ◽  
A. PARAMA ◽  
F. M. UBEIRA ◽  
M. L. SANMARTIN

The phylogenetic relationships of the microsporidian species Microgemma caulleryi, Pleistophora finisterrensis and Tetramicra brevifilum were investigated on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of PCR-amplified small-subunit rDNA (SSUrDNA). Using PCR primers specific for microsporidian SSUrDNA, a single product was obtained from each species, and heteroduplex analysis indicated a high degree of sequence homology among the 3 products. In RFLP analysis of the PCR-amplified SSUrDNA, the enzymes AluI and DdeI gave restriction patterns that differed among all 3 species. Phylogenetic analysis using restriction patterns as differential characters indicated that Microgemma caulleryi and Tetramicra brevifilum are more closely related to each other than to Pleistophora finisterrensis.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Michele Andrea De Santis ◽  
Michele Rinaldi ◽  
Valeria Menga ◽  
Pasquale Codianni ◽  
Luigia Giuzio ◽  
...  

Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation to agronomic and quality traits, a two-year field trial was carried out with eight chickpea genotypes under an organic and conventional cropping system. Protein composition was assessed by SDS-PAGE in relation to the main fractions (vicilin, convicilin, legumin, lectin, 2s-albumin). Crop response was highly influenced by year and presumably also by management, with a −50% decrease in grain yield under organic farming, mainly due to a reduction in seed number per m2. No effect of crop management was observed on protein content, despite significant differences in terms of protein composition. The ratio between the major globulins, 7s vicilin and 11s legumin, showed a negative relationship with grain yield and was found to be higher under organic farming. Among genotypes, black-seed Nero Senise was characterized by the highest productivity and water-holding capacity, associated with low lectin content. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of chickpea genotypes for cultivation under organic farming in relation to both agronomic performance and technological and health quality.


Author(s):  
Alina NASALEAN ◽  
Laurentiu OGNEAN ◽  
Sergiu MUNTEAN ◽  
Stefana BALICI ◽  
Horea MATEI

The milk’s proteins provide nutritional and biologically active values, essential in human and animal nutrition. In the case of goat milk, the proteins’ concentration and quality represent basic indices for the evaluation of the nutritional and biologically active values. The proposal is to comparatively analyse the protein profile of milk. The milk was collected from two different breeds: French Alpine and Romanian Carpathian. During March and April 2016 there were collected samples of raw milk in hygienic and sanitation conditions. There were two lots: first lot has 10 Carpathian goats and the second lot has 10 Alpine goats. The protein composition of goat milk was established with SDS-PAGE, after the evaluation of the total proteins’ concentration with the Bradford method. The quantitative and percentage data obtained with electrophoresis revealed few differences between those 8 identified protein fractions. Between those two lots, regarding the levels of β-CN, k-CN and β-lactoglobulines there were significant differences. The other protein fractions have values almost identical. Statistical analysis of obtained data shaped the differences in the protein profile at those two breeds. Based on those differences it is to note the superior potential of the Alpine breed regarding the content in biologically active milk proteins. Regarding the obtained data, this study brings new contributions for the evaluation and analysis of protein profile as a nutritive and biologically active component of goat milk, confirming its character as a functional aliment.


2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1405-1411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Radaelli ◽  
Thor Vinícius Martins Fajardo ◽  
Osmar Nickel ◽  
Marcelo Eiras ◽  
Gilvan Pio-Ribeiro

The objective of this work was to produce and characterize specific antisera against Brazilian isolates of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (GLRaV-2) and Grapevine virus B (GVB), developed from expressed coat proteins (CPs) in Escherichia coli, and to test their possible use for the detection of these two viruses in diseased grapevines. The coat protein (CP) genes were RT-PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The CP genes were subsequently subcloned, and the recombinant plasmids were used to transform E. coli cells and express the coat proteins. The recombinant coat proteins were purified, and their identities were confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot and used for rabbit immunizations. Antisera raised against these proteins were able to recognize the corresponding recombinant proteins in Western blots and to detect GLRaV-2 and GVB in infected grapevine tissues, by indirect ELISA, discriminating healthy and infected grapevines with absorbances (A405) of 0.08/1.15 and 0.12/1.30, respectively. Expressing CP genes can yield high amount of viral protein with high antigenicity, and GLRaV-2 and GVB antisera obtained in this study can allow reliable virus disease diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Snatashree Mohanty ◽  
M. Makesh ◽  
K. V. Rajendran ◽  
P. P. Suresh Babu ◽  
Deepika Anand ◽  
...  

Serum immunoglobulins (Ig) of mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton 1822) immunised with bovine serum albumin (BSA), were purified by affinity chromatography using BSA-CL agarose column. The purified mrigal Ig (m-Ig) was characterised under reducing condition by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) which revealed two bands of 85 and 26 kDa corresponding to heavy and light chain, respectively. Following fusion of splenocytes from Balb/c mice immunised with purified m-Ig with myeloma cells, three hybridomas showing reactivity with m-Ig were cloned by limiting dilution. The monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) generated by these clones were designated as 3B2-E12, 3B2-F9 and 4C3-B2 and characterised by western blotting and isotyping. Western blot analysis of the supernatant from the three clones with purified m-Ig indicated that, all the three MAbs were specific to heavy chain. Isotyping revealed that 3B2-E12 MAb was of IgG1 isotype whereas the other two MAbs were of IgG2a isotype. Cross reactivity of anti-mrigal Ig MAb (3B2-E12) was observed with serum Ig of Catla catla and Labeo rohita indicating semi-conserved nature of Ig in Indian major carps.


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