scholarly journals Nanotechnology Approaches for Chloroplast Biotechnology Advancements

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory M. Newkirk ◽  
Pedro de Allende ◽  
Robert E. Jinkerson ◽  
Juan Pablo Giraldo
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Field ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Diverse Plant

Photosynthetic organisms are sources of sustainable foods, renewable biofuels, novel biopharmaceuticals, and next-generation biomaterials essential for modern society. Efforts to improve the yield, variety, and sustainability of products dependent on chloroplasts are limited by the need for biotechnological approaches for high-throughput chloroplast transformation, monitoring chloroplast function, and engineering photosynthesis across diverse plant species. The use of nanotechnology has emerged as a novel approach to overcome some of these limitations. Nanotechnology is enabling advances in the targeted delivery of chemicals and genetic elements to chloroplasts, nanosensors for chloroplast biomolecules, and nanotherapeutics for enhancing chloroplast performance. Nanotechnology-mediated delivery of DNA to the chloroplast has the potential to revolutionize chloroplast synthetic biology by allowing transgenes, or even synthesized DNA libraries, to be delivered to a variety of photosynthetic species. Crop yield improvements could be enabled by nanomaterials that enhance photosynthesis, increase tolerance to stresses, and act as nanosensors for biomolecules associated with chloroplast function. Engineering isolated chloroplasts through nanotechnology and synthetic biology approaches are leading to a new generation of plant-based biomaterials able to self-repair using abundant CO2 and water sources and are powered by renewable sunlight energy. Current knowledge gaps of nanotechnology-enabled approaches for chloroplast biotechnology include precise mechanisms for entry into plant cells and organelles, limited understanding about nanoparticle-based chloroplast transformations, and the translation of lab-based nanotechnology tools to the agricultural field with crop plants. Future research in chloroplast biotechnology mediated by the merging of synthetic biology and nanotechnology approaches can yield tools for precise control and monitoring of chloroplast function in vivo and ex vivo across diverse plant species, allowing increased plant productivity and turning plants into widely available sustainable technologies.

scholarly journals Adenosine A2AReceptors in Substance Use Disorders: A Focus on Cocaine

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Wydra ◽  
Dawid Gawliński ◽  
Kinga Gawlińska ◽  
Małgorzata Frankowska ◽  
Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
D2 Receptors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Abused Drugs ◽  
The Brain

Several psychoactive drugs can evoke substance use disorders (SUD) in humans and animals, and these include psychostimulants, opioids, cannabinoids (CB), nicotine, and alcohol. The etiology, mechanistic processes, and the therapeutic options to deal with SUD are not well understood. The common feature of all abused drugs is that they increase dopamine (DA) neurotransmission within the mesocorticolimbic circuitry of the brain followed by the activation of DA receptors. D2 receptors were proposed as important molecular targets for SUD. The findings showed that D2 receptors formed heteromeric complexes with other GPCRs, which forced the addiction research area in new directions. In this review, we updated the view on the brain D2 receptor complexes with adenosine (A)2A receptors (A2AR) and discussed the role of A2AR in different aspects of addiction phenotypes in laboratory animal procedures that permit the highly complex syndrome of human drug addiction. We presented the current knowledge on the neurochemical in vivo and ex vivo mechanisms related to cocaine use disorder (CUD) and discussed future research directions for A2AR heteromeric complexes in SUD.

scholarly journals Plant Species of Sub-Family Valerianaceae—A Review on Its Effect on the Central Nervous System

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 846
Author(s):  
Gitishree Das ◽  
Han-Seung Shin ◽  
Rosa Tundis ◽  
Sandra Gonçalves ◽  
Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Food Species ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Valerianaceae, the sub-family of Caprifoliaceae, contains more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbs, worldwide distributed. Several species are used for their biological properties while some are used as food. Species from the genus Valeriana have been used for their antispasmodic, relaxing, and sedative properties, which have been mainly attributed to the presence of valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid. Among this genus, the most common and employed species is Valerianaofficinalis. Although valerian has been traditionally used as a mild sedative, research results are still controversial regarding the role of the different active compounds, the herbal preparations, and the dosage used. The present review is designed to summarize and critically describe the current knowledge on the different plant species belonging to Valerianaceae, their phytochemicals, their uses in the treatment of different diseases with particular emphasis on the effects on the central nervous system. The available information on this sub-family was collected from scientific databases up until year 2020. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, NCBI, and Google Scholar. The search terms used for this review included Valerianaceae, Valeriana, Centranthus, Fedia, Patrinia, Nardostachys, Plectritis, and Valerianella, phytochemical composition, in vivo studies, Central Nervous System, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anxiety, preclinical and clinical studies.

scholarly journals Effect of Processing on Fish Protein Antigenicity and Allergenicity

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 969
Author(s):  
Xingyi Jiang ◽  
Qinchun Rao
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Protein Denaturation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Protein Solubility ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food Protein ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Fish Allergy

Fish allergy is a life-long food allergy whose prevalence is affected by many demographic factors. Currently, there is no cure for fish allergy, which can only be managed by strict avoidance of fish in the diet. According to the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee, 12 fish proteins are recognized as allergens. Different processing (thermal and non-thermal) techniques are applied to fish and fishery products to reduce microorganisms, extend shelf life, and alter organoleptic/nutritional properties. In this concise review, the development of a consistent terminology for studying food protein immunogenicity, antigenicity, and allergenicity is proposed. It also summarizes that food processing may lead to a decrease, no change, or even increase in fish antigenicity and allergenicity due to the change of protein solubility, protein denaturation, and the modification of linear or conformational epitopes. Recent studies investigated the effect of processing on fish antigenicity/allergenicity and were mainly conducted on commonly consumed fish species and major fish allergens using in vitro methods. Future research areas such as novel fish species/allergens and ex vivo/in vivo evaluation methods would convey a comprehensive view of the relationship between processing and fish allergy.

scholarly journals Phytophthora Diversity in Pennsylvania Nurseries and Greenhouses Inferred from Clinical Samples Collected over Four Decades

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1056
Author(s):  
Cody Molnar ◽  
Ekaterina Nikolaeva ◽  
Seonghwan Kim ◽  
Tracey Olson ◽  
Devin Bily ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Phytophthora Species ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Distinct Subgroup ◽  
Exotic Pathogens ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Diverse Plant

The increasing movement of exotic pathogens calls for systematic surveillance so that newly introduced pathogens can be recognized and dealt with early. A resource crucial for recognizing such pathogens is knowledge about the spatial and temporal diversity of endemic pathogens. Here, we report an effort to build this resource for Pennsylvania (PA) by characterizing the identity and distribution of Phytophthora species isolated from diverse plant species in PA nurseries and greenhouses. We identified 1137 Phytophthora isolates cultured from clinical samples of >150 plant species submitted to the PA Department of Agriculture for diagnosis from 1975 to 2019 using sequences of one or more loci and morphological characteristics. The three most commonly received plants were Abies, Rhododendron, and Pseudotsuga. Thirty-six Phytophthora species identified represent all clades, except 3 and 10, and included a distinct subgroup of a known species and a prospective new species. Prominent pathogenic species such as P. cactorum, P. cinnamomi, P. nicotianae, P. drechsleri, P. pini, P. plurivora, and P. sp. kelmania have been found consistently since 1975. One isolate cultured from Juniperus horizontalis roots did not correspond to any known species, and several other isolates also show considerable genetic variation from any authentic species or isolate. Some species were isolated from never-before-documented plants, suggesting that their host range is larger than previously thought. This survey only provides a coarse picture of historical patterns of Phytophthora encounters in PA nurseries and greenhouses because the isolation of Phytophthora was not designed for a systematic survey. However, its extensive temporal and plant coverage offers a unique insight into the association of Phytophthora with diverse plants in nurseries and greenhouses.

scholarly journals The Occurrence and Biological Activity of Tormentic Acid—A Review

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3797
Author(s):  
Marta Olech ◽  
Wojciech Ziemichód ◽  
Natalia Nowacka-Jechalke
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Biochemical Mechanisms ◽  
Tormentic Acid

This review focuses on the natural sources and pharmacological activity of tormentic acid (TA; 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxyurs-2-en-28-oic acid). The current knowledge of its occurrence in various plant species and families is summarized. Biological activity (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-osteoarthritic, antinociceptive, antioxidative, anti-melanogenic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic) confirmed in in vitro and in vivo studies is compiled and described. Biochemical mechanisms affected by TA are indicated. Moreover, issues related to the biotechnological methods of production, effective eluents, and TA derivatives are presented.

scholarly journals First Report of Tomato chlorotic spot virus in Hoya wayetii and Schlumbergera truncata

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlye A. Baker ◽  
Scott Adkins
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Spot Virus ◽  
First Report ◽  
Chlorotic Spot ◽  
Production Space ◽  
Related Plant ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Diverse Plant

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of TCSV infection of H. wayetii and S. truncata from any location, although other tospoviruses are known to infect these and related plant species. The identification of these two diverse plant species as the first reported natural ornamental hosts of TCSV has implications for TCSV epidemiology and management in ornamental and vegetable crops, which frequently share production space. Accepted by publication 15 January 2015. Published 25 February 2015.

scholarly journals Encapsulated cyclosporine does not change the composition of the human microbiota when assessed ex vivo and in vivo

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-863
Author(s):  
Catherine O'Reilly ◽  
Órla O’Sullivan ◽  
Paul D. Cotter ◽  
Paula M. O’Connor ◽  
Fergus Shanahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Faecal Samples

Introduction. Management of steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis has predominantly involved treatment with systemic cyclosporine A (CyA) and infliximab. Aim. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of using a colon-targeted delivery system CyA formulation on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota. Methodology. Ex vivo faecal fermentations from six healthy control subjects were treated with coated minispheres (SmPill) with (+) or without (−) CyA and compared with a non-treated control in a model colon system. In addition, the in vivo effect of the SmPill+CyA formulation was investigated by analysing the gut microbiota in faecal samples collected before the administration of SmPill+CyA and after 7 consecutive days of administration from eight healthy subjects who participated in a pilot study. Results. Analysis of faecal samples by 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated little variation in the diversity or relative abundance of the microbiota composition before or after treatment with SmPill minispheres with or without CyA ex vivo or with CyA in vivo. Short-chain fatty acid profiles were evaluated using gas chromatography, showing an increase in the concentration of n-butyrate (P=0.02) and acetate (P=0.32) in the faecal fermented samples incubated in the presence of SmPill minispheres with or without CyA. This indicated that increased acetate and butyrate production was attributed to a component of the coated minispheres rather than an effect of CyA on the microbiota. Butyrate and acetate levels also increased significantly (P=0.05 for both) in the faecal samples of healthy individuals following 7 days’ treatment with SmPill+CyA in the pilot study. Conclusion. SmPill minispheres with or without CyA at the clinically relevant doses tested here have negligible direct effects on the gut microbiota composition. Butyrate and acetate production increased, however, in the presence of the beads in an ex vivo model system as well as in vivo in healthy subjects. Importantly, this study also demonstrates the relevance and value of using ex vivo colon models to predict the in vivo impact of colon-targeted drugs directly on the gut microbiota.

scholarly journals HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: The presence and role of hypoxia in the endometrium

Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F17
Author(s):  
Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽  
Lucy E Kershaw ◽  
Jane J Reavey ◽  
Hilary O D Critchley ◽  
Jacqueline A Maybin
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hypoxic Episode ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Review Current

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.

Aptamers against mouse and human tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells as reagents for targeted chemotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (548) ◽  
pp. eaav9760
Author(s):  
Adriana De La Fuente ◽  
Serena Zilio ◽  
Jimmy Caroli ◽  
Dimitri Van Simaeys ◽  
Emilia M. C. Mazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Tumor Regression ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Myeloid Cells ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
Rna Aptamers ◽  
Targeted Chemotherapy

Local delivery of anticancer agents has the potential to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize the acute and long-term systemic toxicities. Here, we used unsupervised systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment to identify four RNA aptamers that specifically recognized mouse and human myeloid cells infiltrating tumors but not their peripheral or circulating counterparts in multiple mouse models and from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The use of these aptamers conjugated to doxorubicin enhanced the accumulation and bystander release of the chemotherapeutic drug in both primary and metastatic tumor sites in breast and fibrosarcoma mouse models. In the 4T1 mammary carcinoma model, these doxorubicin-conjugated aptamers outperformed Doxil, the first clinically approved highly optimized nanoparticle for targeted chemotherapy, promoting tumor regression after just three administrations with no detected changes in weight loss or blood chemistry. These RNA aptamers recognized tumor infiltrating myeloid cells in a variety of mouse tumors in vivo and from human HNSCC ex vivo. This work suggests the use of RNA aptamers for the detection of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in humans and for a targeted delivery of chemotherapy to the tumor microenvironment in multiple malignancies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document