Neutrophil β-defensin gene expression of postpartum dairy cows is altered by prepartum dietary cation-anion difference

This research communication describes the profile of gene expression related to the synthesis of yak milk as determined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Significant up-regulation during lactation were observed in genes related to fatty acid (FA) uptake from blood (LPL, CD36), intracellular FA transport (FABP3), intracellular FA activation of long- and short-chain FAs (ACSS1, ACSS2, ACSL1), de novo synthesis (ACACA), desaturation (SCD), triacyglycerol (TAG) synthesis (AGPAT6, GPAM, LPIN1), lipid droplet formation (PLIN2, BTN1A1, XDH), ketone body utilisation (BDH1, OXCT1), and transcription regulation (THRSP, PPARGC1A). In particular, intracellular de novo FA synthesis (ACSS2, ACACA, and FABP3) and TAG synthesis (GPAM, AGPAT6, and LPIN1), whose regulation might be orchestrated as part of the gene network under the control of SERBF1 in the milk fat synthesis process, were more activated compared to levels in dairy cows. However, the genes involved in lipid droplet formation (PLIN2, XDH, and BTN1A1) were expressed at lower levels compared to those in dairy cows, where these genes are mainly controlled by the PPARG regulator.

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Phlebotomus papatasi Antimicrobial Peptides in Larvae and Females and a Gut-Specific Defensin Upregulated by Leishmania major Infection

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9112307 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 2307

Author(s):

Barbora Kykalová ◽

Lucie Tichá ◽

Petr Volf ◽

Erich Loza Telleria

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Antimicrobial Peptides ◽

Leishmania Major ◽

Larval Instar ◽

Gut Bacteria ◽

Sand Fly ◽

Control Group ◽

Phlebotomus Papatasi ◽

Major Infection ◽

Defensin Gene

Phlebotomus papatasi is the vector of Leishmania major, causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. We investigated whether P. papatasi immunity genes were expressed toward L. major, commensal gut microbes, or a combination of both. We focused on sand fly transcription factors dorsal and relish and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attacin and defensin and assessed their relative gene expression by qPCR. Sand fly larvae were fed food with different bacterial loads. Relish and AMPs gene expressions were higher in L3 and early L4 larval instars, while bacteria 16S rRNA increased in late L4 larval instar, all fed rich-microbe food compared to the control group fed autoclaved food. Sand fly females were treated with an antibiotic cocktail to deplete gut bacteria and were experimentally infected by Leishmania. Compared to non-infected females, dorsal and defensin were upregulated at early and late infection stages, respectively. An earlier increase of defensin was observed in infected females when bacteria recolonized the gut after the removal of antibiotics. Interestingly, this defensin gene expression occurred specifically in midguts but not in other tissues of females and larvae. A gut-specific defensin gene upregulated by L. major infection, in combination with gut-bacteria, is a promising molecular target for parasite control strategies.

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