The reduced genome of a heritable symbiont from an ectoparasitic feather feeding louse

Abstract Background Feather feeding lice are abundant and diverse ectoparasites that complete their entire life cycle on an avian host. The principal or sole source of nutrition for these lice is feathers. Feathers appear to lack four amino acids that the lice would require to complete development and reproduce. Several insect groups have acquired heritable and intracellular bacteria that can synthesize metabolites absent in an insect’s diet, allowing insects to feed exclusively on nutrient-poor resources. Multiple species of feather feeding lice have been shown to harbor heritable and intracellular bacteria. We expected that these bacteria augment the louse’s diet with amino acids and facilitated the evolution of these diverse and specialized parasites. Heritable symbionts of insects often have small genomes that contain a minimal set of genes needed to maintain essential cell functions and synthesize metabolites absent in the host insect’s diet. Therefore, we expected the genome of a bacterial endosymbiont in feather lice would be small, but encode pathways for biosynthesis of amino acids. Results We sequenced the genome of a bacterial symbiont from a feather feeding louse (Columbicola wolffhuegeli) that parasitizes the Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) and used its genome to predict metabolism of amino acids based on the presence or absence of genes. We found that this bacterial symbiont has a small genome, similar to the genomes of heritable symbionts described in other insect groups. However, we failed to identify many of the genes that we expected would support metabolism of amino acids in the symbiont genome. We also evaluated other gene pathways and features of the highly reduced genome of this symbiotic bacterium. Conclusions Based on the data collected in this study, it does not appear that this bacterial symbiont can synthesize amino acids needed to complement the diet of a feather feeding louse. Our results raise additional questions about the biology of feather chewing lice and the roles of symbiotic bacteria in evolution of diverse avian parasites.

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170 Energy values and digestibility of amino acids in dried yeast and soybean meal fed to pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa054.109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 61-61

Author(s):

Chan Sol Park ◽

Ayodeji S Aderibigbe ◽

Gary Hayen ◽

Olayiwola Adeola

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Soybean Meal ◽

Block Design ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Sole Source ◽

Metabolizable Energy ◽

Canola Meal ◽

Ileal Digestibility ◽

Randomized Complete Block Design ◽

Blocking Factors

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in dried yeast (DY) and soybean meal (SBM) fed to pigs. In Exp. 1, 30 barrows with an initial body weight (BW) of 20.7 ± 1.01 were assigned to 5 diets in a randomized complete block design with period and BW as blocking factors. A basal diet was prepared to contain corn, canola meal, and soybean oil as energy-contributing ingredients. Four additional diets were prepared by adding 5 or 10 g/kg DY or SBM at the expense of energy-contributing ingredients in the basal diet to estimate the DE and ME in test ingredients by regression analysis. On a dry matter basis, estimated DE and ME in DY were 4,022 and 3,352 kcal/kg, respectively, and those in SBM were 3,876 and 3,601kcal/kg, respectively. There was no difference in estimated DE or ME between DY and SBM. In Exp. 2, 21 barrows (initial BW = 20.0 ± 1.31 kg) surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were assigned to 3 diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. Two diets were prepared to contain DY or SBM as the sole source of nitrogen, and a nitrogen-free diet was prepared to determine the basal ileal endogenous losses of AA. The SID of AA, except for Gly and Pro, in SBM were greater (P < 0.05) than in DY. The SID of indispensable AA in DY ranged from 64.7% for Thr to 86.1% for Arg, whereas those in SBM ranged from 84.8% for Thr to 92.3% for Arg. In conclusion, energy values in DY was comparable with SBM, but the SID of most AA in DY were less than in SBM.

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DIGESTION OF NUTRIENTS IN THE SMALL INTESTINE OF PIGS FED DIETS CONTAINING RAW AND AUTOCLAVED FABA BEANS

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas76-056 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. 451-456 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

M. IVAN ◽

J. P. BOWLAND

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Small Intestine ◽

Beneficial Effect ◽

Dietary Protein ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

Sole Source ◽

Intestinal Uptake ◽

Gross Energy ◽

Faba Beans

Four castrated pigs, each fitted with a re-entrant cannula in the terminal ileum, were used to study digestion in the small intestine. A nitrogen-free diet was used for the estimation of metabolic nitrogen and amino acids. Faba beans, as the sole source of dietary protein, were used raw or after autoclaving for 30 or 60 min. The four diets were fed to the pigs in a 4 × 4 latin square experiment. The pigs were fed each diet for 6 days prior to a 24-hr collection of total ileal contents. Autoclaving of faba beans had no significant effect on digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, nitrogen and individual amino acids except arginine, which was significantly increased. The intestinal uptake of arginine was the highest and of cystine the lowest in all faba bean diets. It was concluded that autoclaving faba beans had no beneficial effect on the digestion of nutrients in the small intestine of the pig.

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PSVI-13 Amino Acid Supplementation During the Adaptation Period Did Not Affect the Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Corn and Soybean Meal Fed to Pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab054.327 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 200-201

Author(s):

Hyunjun Choi ◽

Sun Jong You ◽

Beob Gyun G Kim

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Soybean Meal ◽

Latin Square ◽

Sole Source ◽

Adaptation Period ◽

Amino Acid Supplementation ◽

Ileal Digestibility ◽

Indispensable Amino Acids ◽

Dietary Treatments

Abstract The objective was to determine the influence of amino acid (AA) supplementation during the adaptation period on the ileal digestibility of crude protein and AA in corn and soybean meal (SBM). Six barrows with an initial body weight of 30.9 ± 2.6 kg fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 dietary treatments and 6 periods. Two experimental diets contained corn or SBM as the sole source of AA and an N-free diet was additionally prepared. For AA supplementation groups, an AA mixture consisted of Gly, Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Ile, Val, His, and Phe was added to the corn diet and the N-free diet at the expense of cornstarch, and an AA mixture of Lys, Met, and Thr was added to the SBM diet. All diets contained 0.5% of chromic oxide. The 6 experimental diets were fed to the pigs for 4 and half days, and the 3 diets containing AA mixture were switched to the respective diets without AA mixture during the following 2 and half days. Ileal digesta were collected during the last 2 days. The addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period caused increased apparent ileal digestibility of Arg and Trp in corn (P < 0.05), but did not affect that in SBM. The addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period caused increased apparent ileal digestibility of Pro and Gly regardless of feed ingredient (P < 0.05), but did not affect that of other AA. All AA except Pro in corn and SBM were unaffected by the addition of AA mixture during the adaptation period. In conclusion, the addition of amino acid during the adaptation period does not affect the standardized ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids in feed ingredients.

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Receptor and Molecular Mechanism of AGGF1 Signaling in Endothelial Cell Functions and Angiogenesis

Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology ◽

10.1161/atvbaha.121.316867 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jingjing Wang ◽

Huixin Peng ◽

Ayse Anil Timur ◽

Vinay Pasupuleti ◽

Yufeng Yao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Endothelial Cell ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Capillary Tube ◽

Therapeutic Angiogenesis ◽

Angiogenic Factor ◽

Single Amino Acid ◽

Binding Motif ◽

Cell Functions

Objective: Angiogenic factor AGGF1 (angiogenic factor and G-patch and FHA [Forkhead-associated] domain 1) promotes angiogenesis as potently as VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) and regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, specification of multipotent hemangioblasts and venous ECs, hematopoiesis, and vascular development and causes vascular disease Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome when mutated. However, the receptor for AGGF1 and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be defined. Approach and Results: Using functional blocking studies with neutralizing antibodies, we identified α5β1 as the receptor for AGGF1 on ECs. AGGF1 interacts with α5β1 and activates FAK (focal adhesion kinase), Src, and AKT. Functional analysis of 12 serial N-terminal deletions and 13 C-terminal deletions by every 50 amino acids mapped the angiogenic domain of AGGF1 to a domain between amino acids 604-613 (FQRDDAPAS). The angiogenic domain is required for EC adhesion and migration, capillary tube formation, and AKT activation. The deletion of the angiogenic domain eliminated the effects of AGGF1 on therapeutic angiogenesis and increased blood flow in a mouse model for peripheral artery disease. A 40-mer or 15-mer peptide containing the angiogenic domain blocks AGGF1 function, however, a 15-mer peptide containing a single amino acid mutation from −RDD- to −RGD- (a classical RGD integrin-binding motif) failed to block AGGF1 function. Conclusions: We have identified integrin α5β1 as an EC receptor for AGGF1 and a novel AGGF1-mediated signaling pathway of α5β1-FAK-Src-AKT for angiogenesis. Our results identify an FQRDDAPAS angiogenic domain of AGGF1 crucial for its interaction with α5β1 and signaling.

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Amino Acid-Mediated Induction of the Basic Amino Acid-Specific Outer Membrane Porin OprD from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Journal of Bacteriology ◽

10.1128/jb.181.17.5426-5432.1999 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 181 (17) ◽

pp. 5426-5432 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Martina M. Ochs ◽

Chung-Dar Lu ◽

Robert E. W. Hancock ◽

Ahmed T. Abdelal

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Regulatory Protein ◽

Basic Amino Acid ◽

Sole Source ◽

Activation Mechanism ◽

Beta Lactam ◽

Mobility Shift ◽

Carbon And Nitrogen

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa can utilize arginine and other amino acids as both carbon and nitrogen sources. Earlier studies have shown that the specific porin OprD facilitates the diffusion of basic amino acids as well as the structurally analogous beta-lactam antibiotic imipenem. The studies reported here showed that the expression of OprD was strongly induced when arginine, histidine, glutamate, or alanine served as the sole source of carbon. The addition of succinate exerted a negative effect on induction ofoprD, likely due to catabolite repression. The arginine-mediated induction was dependent on the regulatory protein ArgR, and binding of purified ArgR to its operator upstream of theoprD gene was demonstrated by gel mobility shift and DNase assays. The expression of OprD induced by glutamate as the carbon source, however, was independent of ArgR, indicating the presence of more than a single activation mechanism. In addition, it was observed that the levels of OprD responded strongly to glutamate and alanine as the sole sources of nitrogen. Thus, that the expression ofoprD is linked to both carbon and nitrogen metabolism ofPseudomonas aeruginosa.

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Quality-Protein Maize as the Sole Source of Dietary Protein and Fat for Rapidly Growing Young Children

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.85.1.85 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 85 (1) ◽

pp. 85-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

George G. Graham ◽

Jorge Lembcke ◽

Enrique Morales

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Linear Growth ◽

Nitrogen Retention ◽

Essential Amino Acids ◽

Sole Source ◽

Quality Protein Maize ◽

Milk Formula ◽

Energy Costs ◽

Developed Country ◽

Malnourished Children

Earlier studies demonstrated that quality protein maize (QPM), with increased lysine and tryptophan and decreased leucine contents, was more digestible and supported 45% greater nitrogen retention than common maize. Ten recovering malnourished children (ages 13 to 29 months, height-ages 5 to 15 months, weight-ages 3 to 11 months) have now received 90% of their diet energy and 100% of protein and fat from QPM. Energy intake was adjusted to allow them to reach the 50th centile of weight-for-length (according to the National Center for Health Statistics) in 90 days (two completed 60 days only). Growth was compared with that of 10 children receiving modified cow's milk formula (CMF). Energy intakes (QPM 110 ± 15, CMF 106 ± 12, corrected for absorption to 94 and 97 kcal/kg.d), crude energy costs of gain (43 ± 9 and 40 ± 10, corrected to 37 and 37 kcal/g), linear growth (1.23 ± 0.24 and 1.33 ± 0.26 cm/mo), gains in height-age (3.1 ± 0.7 and 3.3 ± 1.2 mo), weight gain (2.6 ± 0.6 and 2.6 ± 0.8 g/kg.d), and final sums of fat folds (24.3 ± 3.5 and 27.2 ± 2.9 mm) were not different. Gains in weight-age were greater (7.5 ± 2.3 vs 5.4 ± 1.6 months, P < .05) and serum albumin decreased (4.10 ± 0.24 to 3.77 ± 0.31 g/dL, P < .01) during QPM feeding. Plasma-free total essential amino acids and ratio of these to total essential amino acids were less after QPM than after CMF diets. Equal growth rates with QPM and CMF diets offer great potential for developing- and developed-country children.

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Interacting T Cell Functions Elicited by Facultative Intracellular Bacteria

The Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections - Bayer-Symposium ◽

10.1007/978-3-642-70351-5_14 ◽

1985 ◽

pp. 158-166

Author(s):

H. Hahn ◽

H. Näher

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Intracellular Bacteria ◽

Cell Functions

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Genome analyses of a placozoan rickettsial endosymbiont show a combination of mutualistic and parasitic traits

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-54037-w ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kai Kamm ◽

Hans-Jürgen Osigus ◽

Peter F. Stadler ◽

Rob DeSalle ◽

Bernd Schierwater

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Environmental Conditions ◽

Metabolic Pathways ◽

Essential Amino Acids ◽

Intracellular Bacteria ◽

The Novel ◽

Symbiotic Relationships ◽

Genome Analyses ◽

Growth And Reproduction

AbstractSymbiotic relationships between eukaryotic hosts and bacteria range from parasitism to mutualism and may deeply influence both partners’ fitness. The presence of intracellular bacteria in the metazoan phylum Placozoa has been reported several times, but without any knowledge about the nature of this relationship and possible implications for the placozoan holobiont. This information may be of crucial significance since little is known about placozoan ecology and how different species adapt to different environmental conditions, despite being almost invariable at the morphological level. We here report on the novel genome of the rickettsial endosymbiont of Trichoplax sp. H2 (strain “Panama”). The combination of eliminated and retained metabolic pathways of the bacterium indicates a potential for a mutualistic as well as for a parasitic relationship, whose outcome could depend on the environmental context. In particular we show that the endosymbiont is dependent on the host for growth and reproduction and that the latter could benefit from a supply with essential amino acids and important cofactors. These findings call for further studies to clarify the actual benefit for the placozoan host and to investigate a possible role of the endosymbiont for ecological separation between placozoan species.

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PSVII-21 Determination of apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in various hatchery by-products for broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.705 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 354-354

Author(s):

Geun Hyeon Park ◽

Hyeon Seok Choi ◽

Jong Hyuk Kim ◽

Gi Ppeum Han ◽

Sang Yun Ji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Sole Source ◽

Low Grade ◽

Limited Information ◽

Nutritional Values ◽

Ileal Digestibility ◽

Dietary Treatments ◽

By Products

Abstract The Korean poultry industry produces more than 4,000 tons of hatchery by-products (HBPs) every year. There is an increasing interest in the use of HBPs as a feed ingredient in The Korean feed industry. However, limited information regarding nutritional values for HBPs has been available. Thus, we conducted an experiment to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs) in 4 different HBPs for broiler chickens. Four HBPs included infertile eggs (IFE), unhatched eggs (UHE), low grade and dead chicks (LDC), and mixture (MIX) containing 55% IFE, 10% UHE, 10% LDC, and 25% hatched eggshells. A total of three-hundred-thirty-six 21-d-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 7 replicates per treatment. Each diet contained individual HBP as a sole source of AAs. Additional 125 birds were used to estimate ileal endogenous losses of AAs. Results indicated that the AID and SID of 5 essential AAs (Arg, Met, Trp, His, and Val) for LDC were greatest (P < 0.05), but those (Arg, Met, and Trp) for MIX were the least (P < 0.05) among 4 HBPs. The AID and SID of most AAs in IFE were comparable to those in UHE. However, the AID and SID of 3 essential AAs (Lys, Leu, and Phe) were not different among 4 HBPs. The average AID and SID of both essential and nonessential AAs (18 AAs) for LDC were greatest (P < 0.05), but those for MIX were the least (P < 0.05) among 4 HBPs. In conclusion, HBPs used in this experiment contain high amounts of digestible AAs, which are comparable to other animal by-products. Generally, AAs in LDC are more digestible than AAs in other 3 HBPs (UHE, IFE, and MIX).

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