scholarly journals Bioinformatic and Functional Characterization of Hsp70s in Myxococcus xanthus

mSphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuo Pan ◽  
Zheng Zhang ◽  
Li Zhuo ◽  
Tian-yu Wan ◽  
Yue-zhong Li
Keyword(s):  
Myxococcus Xanthus ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
The Other ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oxidative Resistance ◽  
Multiple Copies

ABSTRACT Hsp70 proteins are among the most ubiquitous chaperones and play important roles in maintaining proteostasis and resisting environmental stress. Multiple copies of Hsp70s are widely present in eukaryotic cells with redundant and divergent functions, but they have been less well investigated in prokaryotes. Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 is annotated as having many hsp70 genes. In this study, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of Hsp70 proteins and investigated the functions of six hsp70 genes in DK1622, including two genes that encode proteins with the conserved PRK00290 domain (MXAN_3192 and MXAN_6671) and four genes that encode proteins with the cl35085 or cd10170 domain. We found that only MXAN_3192 is essential for cell survival and heat shock induction. MXAN_3192, compared with the other hsp70 genes, has a high transcriptional level, far exceeding that of any other hsp70 gene, which, however, is not the reason for its essentiality. Deletion of MXAN_6671 (sglK) led to multiple deficiencies in development, social motility, and oxidative resistance, while deletion of each of the other four hsp70 genes decreased sporulation and oxidative resistance. MXAN_3192 or sglK, but not the other genes, restored the growth deficiency of the E. coli dnaK mutant. Our results demonstrated that the PRK00290 proteins play a central role in the complex cellular functions of M. xanthus, while the other diverse Hsp70 superfamily homologues probably evolved as helpers with some unknown specific functions. IMPORTANCE Hsp70 proteins are highly conserved chaperones that occur in all kingdoms of life. Multiple copies of Hsp70s are often present in genome-sequenced prokaryotes, especially taxa with complex life cycles, such as myxobacteria. We investigated the functions of six hsp70 genes in Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 and demonstrated that the two Hsp70 proteins with the PRK00290 domain play a central role in complex cellular functions in M. xanthus, while other Hsp70 proteins probably evolved as helpers with some unknown specific functions.

scholarly journals Identification of Loci and Functional Characterization of Trichothecene Biosynthesis Genes in Filamentous Fungi of the Genus Trichoderma

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (14) ◽  
pp. 4867-4877 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Cardoza ◽  
M. G. Malmierca ◽  
M. R. Hermosa ◽  
N. J. Alexander ◽  
S. P. McCormick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Gene Rearrangement ◽  
Gene Loss ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
The Other ◽  
Regulatory Proteins ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cluster Organization

ABSTRACTTrichothecenes are mycotoxins produced byTrichoderma,Fusarium, and at least four other genera in the fungal orderHypocreales.Fusariumhas a trichothecene biosynthetic gene (TRI) cluster that encodes transport and regulatory proteins as well as most enzymes required for the formation of the mycotoxins. However, little is known about trichothecene biosynthesis in the other genera. Here, we identify and characterizeTRIgene orthologues (tri) inTrichoderma arundinaceumandTrichoderma brevicompactum. Our results indicate that bothTrichodermaspecies have atricluster that consists of orthologues of seven genes present in theFusariumTRIcluster. Organization of genes in the cluster is the same in the twoTrichodermaspecies but differs from the organization inFusarium. Sequence and functional analysis revealed that the gene (tri5) responsible for the first committed step in trichothecene biosynthesis is located outside the cluster in bothTrichodermaspecies rather than inside the cluster as it is inFusarium. Heterologous expression analysis revealed that twoT. arundinaceumcluster genes (tri4andtri11) differ in function from theirFusariumorthologues. TheTatri4-encoded enzyme catalyzes only three of the four oxygenation reactions catalyzed by the orthologous enzyme inFusarium. TheTatri11-encoded enzyme catalyzes a completely different reaction (trichothecene C-4 hydroxylation) than theFusariumorthologue (trichothecene C-15 hydroxylation). The results of this study indicate that although some characteristics of thetri/TRIcluster have been conserved during evolution ofTrichodermaandFusarium, the cluster has undergone marked changes, including gene loss and/or gain, gene rearrangement, and divergence of gene function.

scholarly journals Multiple Megaplasmids Confer Extremely High Levels of Metal Tolerance in Alteromonas Strains

2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen D. Cusick ◽  
Shawn W. Polson ◽  
Gabriel Duran ◽  
Russell T. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metal Tolerance ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Metal Resistance ◽  
Copper Resistance ◽  
The Other ◽  
Copper Tolerance ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Alteromonas is a widely distributed genus of marine Gammaproteobacteria, with representatives shown to be key players in diverse processes, including biogeochemical cycling and biofouling of marine substrata. While Alteromonas spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paints on marine vessels, their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. PacBio whole-genome sequencing of Alteromonas macleodii strains CUKW and KCC02, isolated from Cu/Ni alloy test coupons submerged in oligotrophic coastal waters, indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids (ca. 200 kb) in both. A pulsed-field gel electrophoresis method was developed and used to confirm the presence of multiple megaplasmids in these two strains; it was then used to screen additional Alteromonas strains for which little to no sequencing data exist. Plasmids were not detected in any of the other strains. Bioinformatic analysis of the CUKW and KCC02 plasmids identified numerous genes associated with metal resistance. Copper resistance orthologs from both the Escherichia coli Cue and Cus and Pseudomonas syringae Cop systems were present, at times as multiple copies. Metal growth assays in the presence of copper, cobalt, manganese, and zinc performed with 10 Alteromonas strains demonstrated the ability of CUKW and KCC02 to grow at metal concentrations inhibitory to all the other strains tested. This study reports multiple megaplasmids in Alteromonas strains. Bioinformatic analysis of the CUKW and KCC02 plasmids indicate that they harbor elements of the Tra system conjugation apparatus, although their type of mobility remains to be experimentally verified. IMPORTANCE Copper is commonly used as an antifouling agent on ship hulls. Alteromonas spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paint, but their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. Sequencing of A. macleodii strains isolated from copper test materials for marine ships indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids. Plasmids serve as key vectors in horizontal gene transfer and confer traits such as metal resistance, detoxification, ecological interaction, and antibiotic resistance. Bioinformatic analysis identified many metal resistance genes and genes associated with mobility. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and capacity for gene transfer within marine biofilms provides a platform for the development of novel antifouling solutions targeting genes involved in copper tolerance and biofilm formation.

Posterior approach for cervical intramedullary arteriovenous malformation with diffuse-type nidus

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Ohata ◽  
Toshihiro Takami ◽  
Alaa El-Naggar ◽  
Michiharu Morino ◽  
Akimasa Nishio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Posterior Approach ◽  
The Other ◽  
Anterior Spinal Artery ◽  
Neural Element ◽  
Feeding Artery ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The treatment of spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with a diffuse-type nidus that contains a neural element poses different challenges compared with a glomus-type nidus. The surgical elimination of such lesions involves the risk of spinal cord ischemia that results from coagulation of the feeding artery that, at the same time, supplies cord parenchyma. However, based on evaluation of the risks involved in performing embolization, together with the frequent occurrence of reperfusion, which necessitates frequent reembolization, the authors consider surgery to be a one-stage solution to a disease that otherwise has a very poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed diffuse-type intramedullary AVMs in the cervical spinal cords of three patients who subsequently underwent surgery via the posterior approach. The AVM was supplied by the anterior spinal artery in one case and by both the anterior and posterior spinal arteries in the other two cases. In all three cases, a posterior median myelotomy was performed up to the vicinity of the anterior median fissure that divided the spinal cord together with the nidus, and the feeding artery was coagulated and severed at its origin from the anterior spinal artery. In the two cases in which the posterior spinal artery fed the AVM, the feeding artery was coagulated on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord. Neurological outcome improved in one patient and deteriorated slightly to mildly in the other two patients. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete disappearance of the AVM in all cases. Because of the extremely poor prognosis of patients with spinal intramedullary AVMs, this surgical technique for the treatment of diffuse-type AVMs provides acceptable operative outcome. Surgical intervention should be considered when managing a patient with a diffuse-type intramedullary AVM in the cervical spinal cord.

State of Fashion: Searching for the New Luxury

APRIA Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
José Teunissen
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
The Other ◽  
Century Model ◽  
Cocktail Party ◽  
The Public ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The One

In the last few years, it has often been said that the current fashion system is outdated, still operating by a twentieth-century model that celebrates the individualism of the 'star designer'. In I- D, Sarah Mower recently stated that for the last twenty years, fashion has been at a cocktail party and has completely lost any connection with the public and daily life. On the one hand, designers and big brands experience the enormous pressure to produce new collections at an ever higher pace, leaving less room for reflection, contemplation, and innovation. On the other hand, there is the continuous race to produce at even lower costs and implement more rapid life cycles, resulting in disastrous consequences for society and the environment.

Islamic hedging for pilgrimage funds: case of Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-341
Author(s):  
Rifki Ismal ◽  
Nurul Izzati Septiana
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Exchange Rate Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Rate Risk ◽  
Risk Identify ◽  
Hajj Season ◽  
The Right ◽  
Very High

Purpose The demand for Saudi Arabian real (SAR) is very high in the pilgrimage (hajj) season while the authority, unfortunately, does not hedge the hajj funds. As such, the hajj funds are potentially exposed to exchange rate risk, which can impact the value of hajj funds and generate extra cost to the pilgrims. The purpose of this paper is to conduct simulations of Islamic hedging for pilgrimage funds to: mitigate and minimize exchange rate risk, identify and recommend the ideal time, amount and tenors of Islamic hedging for hajj funds, estimate cost saving by pursuing Islamic hedging and propose technical and general recommendations for the authority. Design/methodology/approach Forward transaction mechanism is adopted to compute Islamic forward between SAR and Rupiah (Indonesian currency) or IDR. Findings – based on simulations, the paper finds that: the longer the Islamic hedging tenors, the better is the result of Islamic hedging, the decreasing of IDR/USD is the right time to hedge the hajj funds and, on the other hand, the IDR/SAR appreciation is not the right time to hedge the hajj funds. Findings Based on simulations, the paper finds that: the longer the Islamic hedging tenors, the better is the result of Islamic hedging, the decreasing of IDR/USD is the right time to hedge the hajj funds and, on the other hand, the IDR/SAR appreciation is not the right time to hedge the hajj funds. Research limitations/implications The research suggests the authority to (and not to) hedge the hajj fund, depending on economic conditions and market indicators. Even though the assessment is for the Indonesian case, other countries maintaining hajj funds might also learn from this paper. Originality/value To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first paper in Indonesia that attempts to simulate the optimal hedging of hajj funds.

Relief of facial pain after combined removal of precentral and postcentral cortex

1971 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Lende ◽  
Wolff M. Kirsch ◽  
Ralph Druckman
Keyword(s):  
Facial Pain ◽  
The Other ◽  
Precentral Gyrus ◽  
Nerve Section ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Burning Pain ◽  
Cortical Localization ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Frontal Lobotomy

✓ Cortical removals which included precentral and postcentral facial representations resulted in relief of facial pain in two patients. Because of known failures following only postcentral (SmI) ablations, these operations were designed to eliminate also the cutaneous afferent projection to the precentral gyrus (MsI) and the second somatic sensory area (SmII). In one case burning pain developed after a stroke involving the brain stem and was not improved by total fifth nerve section; prompt relief followed corticectomy and lasted until death from heart disease 20 months later. In the other case persistent steady pain that developed after fifth rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia proved refractory to frontal lobotomy; relief after corticectomy was immediate and has lasted 14 months. Cortical localization was established by stimulation under local anesthesia. Each removal extended up to the border of the arm representation and down to the upper border of the insula. Such a resection necessarily included SmII, and in one case responses presumably from SmII were obtained before removal. The suggestions of Biemond (1956) and Poggio and Mountcastle (1960) that SmII might be concerned with pain sensibility may be pertinent in these cases.

The DEAH helicase DHX36 and its role in G-quadruplex-dependent processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Schult ◽  
Katrin Paeschke
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Nucleic Acid Structures ◽  
Dependent Processes

AbstractDHX36 is a member of the DExD/H box helicase family, which comprises a large number of proteins involved in various cellular functions. Recently, the function of DHX36 in the regulation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) was demonstrated. G4s are alternative nucleic acid structures, which influence many cellular pathways on a transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. In this review we provide an overview of the current knowledge about DHX36 structure, substrate specificity, and mechanism of action based on the available models and crystal structures. Moreover, we outline its multiple functions in cellular homeostasis, immunity, and disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions and provide potential directions for future research.

scholarly journals Teaching innovations in Asian higher education: perspectives of educators

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.M. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
The Other ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advanced Technologies ◽  
The Many

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the teaching innovations that have been implemented in higher education institutions in Asia and the perspectives of educators on them. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 educators who were affiliated with 23 higher education institutions in ten Asian countries/regions. The interviews covered information about the teaching innovations of the participants’ institutions, the characteristics of the innovative practices and the participants’ views on them. The relationships between the characteristics of institutions and their teaching innovations were also examined. Findings The results showed that the teaching innovations included two main categories, namely, those which involved the use of advanced technologies and those which did not. The innovations that involved the use of advanced technologies were mainly from larger institutions, while the other category was mainly from smaller ones and had been practised for less than 1.5 years. Differences were also identified between the two categories in terms of the aims and importance of innovations, innovative features, the evaluation of innovations and improvements needed for them. Originality/value The results highlighted that technology is only one of the many aspects of teaching innovations, which is different from the view prevailing in the literature. They also suggested that differences in the scale of institutions (in terms of number of students) possibly influences the kind of teaching innovations adopted.

Formation of contracts for the international sale of goods under Korean law and the CISG

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-223
Author(s):  
Byung Mun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Law ◽  
The Other ◽  
Basic Question ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Sale Of Goods ◽  
The Comparative Study ◽  
International Sales ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the rules on the formation of contracts under Korean law and the Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) in a comparative way and introduce the relevant proposed rules under the Amendment Draft of the Korean Civil Code (KCC). In addition, it attempts to compare and evaluate them in light of the discipline of comparative law. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve the purposes of the study, it executes a comparative study of the rules as to the formation of contracts of the CISG, Korean law and the Amendment Draft of the KCC. The basic question for this comparative study is placed on whether a solution from one jurisdiction is more logical than the others and to what extent each jurisdiction has responded to protect the reasonable expectations of the parties in the rules as to the formation of contracts. Findings The comparative study finds that most of the rules under the CISG are quite plausible and logical and they are more or less well reflected in the proposals advanced by the KCC amendment committee. On the other hand, the other rules under the CISG which have brought criticisms in terms of their complexity and inconsistent case law invite us their revision or consistent interpretation. The drawbacks of the CISG have also been well responded in the Amendment Draft of the KCC. Nevertheless, it is quite unfortunate that the Amendment Draft of the KCC still has a rule that regards any purported performance with non-material alteration of the terms of an offer as an acceptance. Originality/value This study may provide legal and practical advice to both the seller and the buyer when they enter into a contract for international sales of goods. In addition, it may render us an insight into newly developed or developing rules in this area and show us how they interact with each other. Furthermore, it may be particularly useful in Korea where there is an ongoing discussion for revision of the KCC.

Measuring the service gaps in the roles of quantity surveyors in the emerging market

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
AbdulLateef Olanrewaju
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
The Other ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

Purpose – The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their responsibilities and duties to the stakeholders. Each of the professionals now demands more specialised and sophisticated services from one another. The other players in the construction industry now require more emerging responsibilities and duties from the quantity surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles that “modern” quantity surveyors play by measuring the gaps that exist in the services that the quantity surveyors provide. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data are collected through survey questionnaires. In total, 23 roles played by modern quantity surveyors are identified and addressed to the respondents to rank the rate at which quantity surveyors provide these “emerging” services. The collected data were analysed statistically. Findings – The results of the findings led to the conclusion that the quantity surveyors were not meeting the expectations of other players. Therefore, for competitiveness, quantity surveyors need to better meet demand expectations. Research limitations/implications – This findings of this research are constrained to the services or functions that the quantity provide in the construction industry. Practical implications – This knowledge is valuable to academic institutions that offer quantity surveying programmes, to practicing quantity surveyors, governments, and other players in the construction industry. It will allow quantity surveyors to reconcile supply and demand expectations. Originality/value – There is no known conclusive empirical study on services offered by quantity surveyors in any emerging markets. Therefore, the findings offer a fresh understanding on the services of quantity surveyors not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. While some of the services are common, others are peculiar to emerging markets.

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