scholarly journals Isolating an active and inactive CACTA transposon from lettuce color mutants and characterizing their family

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Csanad Gurdon ◽  
Alexander Kozik ◽  
Rong Tao ◽  
Alexander Poulev ◽  
Isabel Armas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anthocyanin Biosynthesis ◽  
Mobile Element ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Relative Expression Level ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Natural Derivative ◽  
Dark Green ◽  
Transposon Insertions

Abstract Dietary flavonoids play an important role in human nutrition and health. Flavonoid biosynthesis genes have recently been identified in lettuce (Lactuca sativa); however, few mutants have been characterized. We now report the causative mutations in Green Super Lettuce (GSL), a natural light green mutant derived from red cultivar NAR; and GSL-Dark Green (GSL-DG), an olive-green natural derivative of GSL. GSL harbors CACTA 1 (LsC1), a 3.9-kb active nonautonomous CACTA superfamily transposon inserted in the 5′ untranslated region of anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), a gene coding for a key enzyme in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Both terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of this transposon were intact, enabling somatic excision of the mobile element, which led to the restoration of ANS expression and the accumulation of red anthocyanins in sectors on otherwise green leaves. GSL-DG harbors CACTA 2 (LsC2), a 1.1-kb truncated copy of LsC1 that lacks one of the TIRs, rendering the transposon inactive. RNA-sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative PCR of NAR, GSL, and GSL-DG indicated the relative expression level of ANS was strongly influenced by the transposon insertions. Analysis of flavonoid content indicated leaf cyanidin levels correlated positively with ANS expression. Bioinformatic analysis of the cv Salinas lettuce reference genome led to the discovery and characterization of an LsC1 transposon family with a putative transposon copy number greater than 1,700. Homologs of tnpA and tnpD, the genes encoding two proteins necessary for activation of transposition of CACTA elements, were also identified in the lettuce genome.

scholarly journals Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Radio-Responsiveness in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 500
Author(s):  
Jeeyong Lee ◽  
Junhye Kwon ◽  
DaYeon Kim ◽  
Misun Park ◽  
KwangSeok Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Cell Cycle Control ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Gene Expression Profiles ◽  
Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽  
Genes Encoding

LARC patients were sorted according to their radio-responsiveness and patient-derived organoids were established from the respective cancer tissues. Expression profiles for each group were obtained using RNA-seq. Biological and bioinformatic analysis approaches were used in deciphering genes and pathways that participate in the radio-resistance of LARC. Thirty candidate genes encoding proteins involved in radio-responsiveness–related pathways, including the immune system, DNA repair and cell-cycle control, were identified. Interestingly, one of the candidate genes, cathepsin E (CTSE), exhibited differential methylation at the promoter region that was inversely correlated with the radio-resistance of patient-derived organoids, suggesting that methylation status could contribute to radio-responsiveness. On the basis of these results, we plan to pursue development of a gene chip for diagnosing the radio-responsiveness of LARC patients, with the hope that our efforts will ultimately improve the prognosis of LARC patients.

scholarly journals Ribose 5-phosphate isomerase type B from Trypanosoma cruzi: kinetic properties and site-directed mutagenesis reveal information about the reaction mechanism

2006 ◽  
Vol 401 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana L. Stern ◽  
Emmanuel Burgos ◽  
Laurent Salmon ◽  
Juan J. Cazzulo
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Kinetic Properties ◽  
Type B ◽  
Nucleotide Synthesis ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Genes Encoding

Trypanosoma cruzi, the human parasite that causes Chagas disease, contains a functional pentose phosphate pathway, probably essential for protection against oxidative stress and also for R5P (ribose 5-phosphate) production for nucleotide synthesis. The haploid genome of the CL Brener clone of the parasite contains one gene coding for a Type B Rpi (ribose 5-phosphate isomerase), but genes encoding Type A Rpis, most frequent in eukaryotes, seem to be absent. The RpiB enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli as a poly-His tagged active dimeric protein, which catalyses the reversible isomerization of R5P to Ru5P (ribulose 5-phos-phate) with Km values of 4 mM (R5P) and 1.4 mM (Ru5P).4-Phospho-D-erythronohydroxamic acid, an analogue to the reaction intermediate when the Rpi acts via a mechanism involving the formation of a 1,2-cis-enediol, inhibited the enzyme competi-tively, with an IC50 value of 0.7 mM and a Ki of 1.2 mM. Site-directed mutagenesis allowed the demonstration of a role for His102, but not for His138, in the opening of the ribose furanosic ring. A major role in catalysis was confirmed for Cys69, since the C69A mutant was inactive in both forward and reverse directions of the reaction. The present paper contributes to the know-ledge of the mechanism of the Rpi reaction; in addition, the absence of RpiBs in the genomes of higher animals makes this enzyme a possible target for chemotherapy of Chagas disease.

scholarly journals Evidence that a Linear Megaplasmid Encodes Enzymes of Aliphatic Alkene and Epoxide Metabolism and Coenzyme M (2-Mercaptoethanesulfonate) Biosynthesis in XanthobacterStrain Py2

2001 ◽  
Vol 183 (7) ◽  
pp. 2172-2177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan G. Krum ◽  
Scott A. Ensign
Keyword(s):  
Ring Opening ◽  
Methanogenic Archaea ◽  
Hypothetical Protein ◽  
Epoxide Ring ◽  
Coenzyme M ◽  
Epoxide Ring Opening ◽  
Propylene Oxidation ◽  
Key Enzymes ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Enzyme

ABSTRACT The bacterial metabolism of propylene proceeds by epoxidation to epoxypropane followed by a sequence of three reactions resulting in epoxide ring opening and carboxylation to form acetoacetate. Coenzyme M (2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid) (CoM) plays a central role in epoxide carboxylation by serving as the nucleophile for epoxide ring opening and the carrier of the C3 unit that is ultimately carboxylated to acetoacetate, releasing CoM. In the present work, a 320-kb linear megaplasmid has been identified in the gram-negative bacterium Xanthobacter strain Py2, which contains the genes encoding the key enzymes of propylene oxidation and epoxide carboxylation. Repeated subculturing of Xanthobacter strain Py2 under nonselective conditions, i.e., with glucose or acetate as the carbon source in the absence of propylene, resulted in the loss of the propylene-positive phenotype. The propylene-negative phenotype correlated with the loss of the 320-kb linear megaplasmid, loss of induction and expression of alkene monooxgenase and epoxide carboxylation enzyme activities, and the loss of CoM biosynthetic capability. Sequence analysis of a hypothetical protein (XecG), encoded by a gene located downstream of the genes for the four enzymes of epoxide carboxylation, revealed a high degree of sequence identity with proteins of as-yet unassigned functions in the methanogenic archaeaMethanobacterium thermoautotrophicum andMethanococcus jannaschii and in Bacillus subtilis. The M. jannaschii homolog of XecG, MJ0255, is located next to a gene, MJ0256, that has been shown to encode a key enzyme of CoM biosynthesis (M. Graupner, H. Xu, and R. H. White, J. Bacteriol. 182: 4862–4867, 2000). We propose that the propylene-positive phenotype of Xanthobacter strain Py2 is dependent on the selective maintenance of a linear megaplasmid containing the genes for the key enzymes of alkene oxidation, epoxide carboxylation, and CoM biosynthesis.

scholarly journals Highly Efficient Biosynthesis of Indole-3-acetic acid by Enterobacter xiangfangensis BHW6

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bi-Xian Zhang ◽  
Ying-Ying Wang ◽  
Xiaomei Hu
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Pyruvate Decarboxylase ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
H Nmr ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Indole 3 Acetic Acid ◽  
Iaa Biosynthesis

Abstract Background: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) plays an important role in the growth and development of plants. Various bacteria in the rhizosphere are capable to produce IAA that acts as a signaling molecule for the communication between plants and microbes to promote the plant growth. Due to the low IAA content and various interfering analogs, it is difficult to detect and isolate IAA from microbial secondary metabolites. Results: A predominant strain with a remarkable capability to secrete IAA was identified as Enterobacter xiangfangensis BHW6 based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, the determination of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DDH (dDDH). The maximum IAA content (134-1129 μg/mL) was found with the addition of 0.2-15 g/L of L-tryptophan at pH 5 for 6 days, which was 4-40 fold higher than that in the absence of L-tryptophan. The highest yield of IAA was obtained at the stationary phase of bacterial growth. An acidic culture medium was preferred for the IAA biosynthesis of the strain. The strain was tolerant and stable to produce IAA in the presence 2.5%-5% (w/v) of NaCl. IAA was then isolated through column chromatography with a mobile phase of hexane/ethyl acetate (1/2, v/v) and characterized by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR). Conclusions: A remarkable IAA production was obtained from E. xiangfangensis BHW6 that was tryptophan–dependent. According to genomic analysis, the ipdC gene coding for the key enzyme (indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase) was identified indicating that IAA biosynthesis was mainly through the indole-3-pyruvia acid (IPyA) pathway, which was further confirmed by intermediate assay. E. xiangfangensis BHW6 with an important economic value has great prospect in agricultural and industrial application.

scholarly journals Characterization of a novel 3-O-α-D-galactosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase for the assimilation of gum arabic AGP in Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Sasaki ◽  
Ayako Horigome ◽  
Toshitaka Odamaki ◽  
Jin-Zhong Xiao ◽  
Akihiro Ishiwata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Bifidobacterium Longum ◽  
Gum Arabic ◽  
Glycoside Hydrolase Family ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Cooperative Action ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Degradative Enzymes

Gum arabic arabinogalactan (AG) protein (AGP) is a unique dietary fiber that is degraded and assimilated by only specific strains of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum. Here, we identified a novel 3-O-α-d-galactosyl-α-l-arabinofuranosidase (GAfase) from B. longum JCM7052, and classified it into the glycoside hydrolase family 39 (GH39). GAfase released α-d-Galp-(1→3)-l-Ara and β-l-Arap-(1→3)-l-Ara from gum arabic AGP and β-l-Arap-(1→3)-l-Ara from larch AGP, and the α-d-Galp-(1→3)-l-Ara release activity was found to be 594-fold higher than that of β-l-Arap-(1→3)-l-Ara. The GAfase gene was part of a gene cluster that included genes encoding a GH36 α-galactosidase candidate and ABC transporters for the assimilation of the released α-d-Galp-(1→3)-l-Ara in B. longum. Notably, when α-d-Galp-(1→3)-l-Ara was removed from gum arabic AGP, it was assimilated by both B. longum JCM7052 and the non-assimilative B. longum JCM1217, suggesting that the removal of α-d-Galp-(1→3)-l-Ara from gum arabic AGP by GAfase permitted the cooperative action with type-II AG degradative enzymes in B. longum. The present study provides new insight into the mechanism of gum arabic AGP degradation in B. longum. IMPORTANCE Bifidobacteria harbor numerous carbohydrate-active enzymes that degrade several dietary fibers in the gastrointestinal tract. B. longum JCM7052 is known to exhibit the ability to assimilate gum arabic AGP, but the key enzyme involved in the degradation of gum arabic AGP remains unidentified. Here, we cloned and characterized a GH39 3-O-α-d-galactosyl-α-l-arabinofuranosidase (GAfase) from B. longum JCM7052. The enzyme was responsible for the release of α-d-Galp-(1→3)-l-Ara and β-l-Arap-(1→3)-l-Ara from gum arabic AGP. The presence of a gene cluster including the GAfase gene is specifically observed in gum arabic AGP assimilative strains. However, GAfase-carrier strains may affect GAfase-noncarrier strains that express other type-II AG degradative enzymes. These findings provide insights into the bifidogenic effect of gum arabic AGP.

scholarly journals Crosstalk among Indoleamines, Neuropeptides and JH/20E in Regulation of Reproduction in the American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. M. Kamruzzaman ◽  
Azam Mikani ◽  
Amr A. Mohamed ◽  
Azza M. Elgendy ◽  
Makio Takeda
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Biosynthetic Pathway ◽  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
American Cockroach ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
Vitellogenin Receptor ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Indoleamine Metabolism

Although the regulation of vitellogenesis in insects has been mainly discussed in terms of ‘classical’ lipid hormones, juvenile hormone (JH), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), recent data support the notion that this process must be adjusted in harmony with a nutritional input/reservoir and involvement of certain indoleamines and neuropeptides in regulation of such process. This study focuses on crosstalks among these axes, lipid hormones, monoamines, and neuropeptides in regulation of vitellogenesis in the American cockroach Periplaneta americana with novel aspects in the roles of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT), a key enzyme in indoleamine metabolism, and the enteroendocrine peptides; crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) and short neuropeptide F (sNPF). Double-stranded RNA against aaNAT (dsRNAaaNAT) was injected into designated-aged females and the effects were monitored including the expressions of aaNAT itself, vitellogenin 1 and 2 (Vg1 and Vg2) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) mRNAs, oocyte maturation and changes in the hemolymph peptide concentrations. Effects of peptides application and 20E were also investigated. Injection of dsRNAaaNAT strongly suppressed oocyte maturation, transcription of Vg1, Vg2, VgR, and genes encoding JH acid- and farnesoate O-methyltransferases (JHAMT and FAMeT, respectively) acting in the JH biosynthetic pathway. However, it did not affect hemolymph concentrations of CCAP and sNPF. Injection of CCAP stimulated, while sNPF suppressed oocyte maturation and Vgs/VgR transcription, i.e., acting as allatomedins. Injection of CCAP promoted, while sNPF repressed ecdysteroid (20E) synthesis, particularly at the second step of Vg uptake. 20E also affected the JH biosynthetic pathway and Vg/VgR synthesis. The results revealed that on the course of vitellogenesis, JH- and 20E-mediated regulation occurs downstream to indoleamines- and peptides-mediated regulations. Intricate mutual interactions of these regulatory routes must orchestrate reproduction in this species at the highest potency.

scholarly journals Chalcone Isomerase a Key Enzyme for Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Ophiorrhiza japonica

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Sun ◽  
Huan Shen ◽  
Hui Xu ◽  
Xiaoxin Tang ◽  
Ming Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anthocyanin Biosynthesis ◽  
Chalcone Isomerase ◽  
Key Enzyme

scholarly journals Deep-sea sponge grounds as nutrient sinks: denitrification is common in boreo-Arctic sponges

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1231-1245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Rooks ◽  
James Kar-Hei Fang ◽  
Pål Tore Mørkved ◽  
Rui Zhao ◽  
Hans Tore Rapp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Sponge Species ◽  
Lag Phase ◽  
Sponge Tissue ◽  
Ammonium Oxidation ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Nutrient Sinks

Abstract. Sponges are commonly known as general nutrient providers for the marine ecosystem, recycling organic matter into various forms of bioavailable nutrients such as ammonium and nitrate. In this study we challenge this view. We show that nutrient removal through microbial denitrification is a common feature in six cold-water sponge species from boreal and Arctic sponge grounds. Denitrification rates were quantified by incubating sponge tissue sections with 15NO3--amended oxygen-saturated seawater, mimicking conditions in pumping sponges, and de-oxygenated seawater, mimicking non-pumping sponges. It was not possible to detect any rates of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) using incubations with 15NH4+. Denitrification rates of the different sponge species ranged from below detection to 97 nmol N cm−3 sponge d−1 under oxic conditions, and from 24 to 279 nmol N cm−3 sponge d−1 under anoxic conditions. A positive relationship between the highest potential rates of denitrification (in the absence of oxygen) and the species-specific abundances of nirS and nirK genes encoding nitrite reductase, a key enzyme for denitrification, suggests that the denitrifying community in these sponge species is active and prepared for denitrification. The lack of a lag phase in the linear accumulation of the 15N-labelled N2 gas in any of our tissue incubations is another indicator for an active community of denitrifiers in the investigated sponge species. Low rates for coupled nitrification–denitrification indicate that also under oxic conditions, the nitrate used to fuel denitrification rates was derived rather from the ambient seawater than from sponge nitrification. The lack of nifH genes encoding nitrogenase, the key enzyme for nitrogen fixation, shows that the nitrogen cycle is not closed in the sponge grounds. The denitrified nitrogen, no matter its origin, is then no longer available as a nutrient for the marine ecosystem. These results suggest a high potential denitrification capacity of deep-sea sponge grounds based on typical sponge biomass on boreal and Arctic sponge grounds, with areal denitrification rates of 0.6 mmol N m−2 d−1 assuming non-pumping sponges and still 0.3 mmol N m−2 d−1 assuming pumping sponges. This is well within the range of denitrification rates of continental shelf sediments. Anthropogenic impact and global change processes affecting the sponge redox state may thus lead to deep-sea sponge grounds changing their role in marine ecosystem from being mainly nutrient sources to becoming mainly nutrient sinks.

scholarly journals Occurrence of bla genes encoding carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii from Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary care hospital

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 208-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanthi Siva Subramaniyan ◽  
Jeya Meenakshi Sundaram
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Diagnostic Purpose ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Acinetobacter Species ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
Genes Encoding

Abstract CONTEXT: ICU shows increasing incidence of infection associated with the use of invasive procedures for the diagnostic purpose as well as the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species are "very successful" pathogen and the emergence of the Metallo-β-Lactamases (MBL) is becoming a therapeutic challenge. AIMS: To isolate the Nonfermenting Gram negative bacilli from the ICU samples. To identify the metallo betalactamase producers and to detect the bla gene presence among the Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The Nonfermenting Gram negative bacilli isolates from the ICU samples were taken over for 5 years (2009-2014) in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The isolates of Pseudomonas species and Acinetobacter species were confirmed by API analyser and processed according to standard procedures. Detection of the MBL producers were done by E strip method and subjected for bla gene detection by PCR method. RESULTS: In our study a total of 195 isolates of NFGNB were obtained from various ICU. Of these MBL producers, 26 % were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 25 % were Acinetobacter baumannii. The subtypes of bla VIMMBL producing P.aeruginosa were 26%.The predominant gene coding for MBL activity in A.baumannii were found to be bla OXA gene 11.9%. The gene accession numbers were KF975367, KF975372. CONCLUSIONS: We have to control the development and dissemination of these superbugs among the ICU's.

scholarly journals PCR Detection of Genes Encoding Nitrite Reductase in Denitrifying Bacteria

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 1652-1657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Hallin ◽  
Per-Eric Lindgren
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nitrite Reductase ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Paracoccus Denitrificans ◽  
Pcr Primers ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Key Enzyme ◽  
Sequence Relationships

ABSTRACT Using consensus regions in gene sequences encoding the two forms of nitrite reductase (Nir), a key enzyme in the denitrification pathway, we designed two sets of PCR primers to amplifycd 1- and Cu-nir. The primers were evaluated by screening defined denitrifying strains, denitrifying isolates from wastewater treatment plants, and extracts from activated sludge. Sequence relationships ofnir genes were also established. Thecd 1 primers were designed to amplify a 778 to 799-bp region of cd1-nir in the six published sequences. Likewise, the Cu primers amplified a 473-bp region in seven of the eight published Cu-nir sequences. Together, the two sets of PCR primers amplified nir genes in nine species within four genera, as well as in four of the seven sludge isolates. The primers did not amplify genes of nondenitrifying strains. The Cu primers amplified the expected fragment in all 13 sludge samples, but cd1-nir fragments were only obtained in five samples. PCR products of the expected sizes were verified as nir genes after hybridization to DNA probes, except in one case. The sequenced nir fragments were related to other nir sequences, demonstrating that the primers amplified the correct gene. The selected primer sites for Cu-nir were conserved, while broad-range primers targeting conserved regions of cd1-nir seem to be difficult to find. We also report on the existence of Cu-nir in Paracoccus denitrificans Pd1222.

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