scholarly journals Barley’s Second Spring as a Model Organism for Chloroplast Research

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 803
Author(s):  
Lisa Rotasperti ◽  
Francesca Sansoni ◽  
Chiara Mizzotti ◽  
Luca Tadini ◽  
Paolo Pesaresi
Keyword(s):  
Large Fraction ◽  
Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Developmental Gradient ◽  
Photosynthesis Efficiency ◽  
Genomics Tools ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Communication Pathway

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) has been widely used as a model crop for studying molecular and physiological processes such as chloroplast development and photosynthesis. During the second half of the 20th century, mutants such as albostrians led to the discovery of the nuclear-encoded, plastid-localized RNA polymerase and the retrograde (chloroplast-to-nucleus) signalling communication pathway, while chlorina-f2 and xantha mutants helped to shed light on the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway, on the light-harvesting proteins and on the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus. However, during the last 30 years, a large fraction of chloroplast research has switched to the more “user-friendly” model species Arabidopsis thaliana, the first plant species whose genome was sequenced and published at the end of 2000. Despite its many advantages, Arabidopsis has some important limitations compared to barley, including the lack of a real canopy and the absence of the proplastid-to-chloroplast developmental gradient across the leaf blade. These features, together with the availability of large collections of natural genetic diversity and mutant populations for barley, a complete genome assembly and protocols for genetic transformation and gene editing, have relaunched barley as an ideal model species for chloroplast research. In this review, we provide an update on the genomics tools now available for barley, and review the biotechnological strategies reported to increase photosynthesis efficiency in model species, which deserve to be validated in barley.

scholarly journals Accumulation and Phytotoxicity of Two Commercial Biocides in the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp.

Stresses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-77
Author(s):  
Andrea Vannini ◽  
Giulia Canali ◽  
Sergio Enrico Favero-Longo ◽  
Stefano Loppi
Keyword(s):  
Benzalkonium Chloride ◽  
Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Evernia Prunastri ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Severe Impairment ◽  
Over Time

This study investigated the accumulation and phytotoxicity of two commercial biocides widely used for the removal of biological colonization from monuments, namely Biotin T® (3%) and Preventol RI80® (2%), on lichen and moss model species, specifically, Evernia prunastri and Brachythecium sp. The active compounds, benzalkonium chloride (BAC) for Preventol RI80 and isothiazolinone (OIT) for Biotin T, were accumulated in similar amounts in both species without significant changes for up to 21 days. Both compounds caused a severe impairment of the photosynthetic apparatus of these species, without any recovery over time, although Biotin T showed a faster and stronger action, and the moss was more sensitive than the lichen. By shedding light on the accumulation of BAC and OIT in lichens and mosses and quantifying their effectiveness to photosynthetically devitalize these organisms, the obtained results are a useful comparison for the implementation of green alternative products for the control of biodeteriogens.

scholarly journals The Multiple Functions of Rho GTPases in Fission Yeasts

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1422
Author(s):  
Jero Vicente-Soler ◽  
Teresa Soto ◽  
Alejandro Franco ◽  
José Cansado ◽  
Marisa Madrid
Keyword(s):  
Fission Yeast ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factors ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Evolutionary Changes ◽  
Rho Family

The Rho family of GTPases represents highly conserved molecular switches involved in a plethora of physiological processes. Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has become a fundamental model organism to study the functions of Rho GTPases over the past few decades. In recent years, another fission yeast species, Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, has come into focus offering insight into evolutionary changes within the genus. Both fission yeasts contain only six Rho-type GTPases that are spatiotemporally controlled by multiple guanine–nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), and whose intricate regulation in response to external cues is starting to be uncovered. In the present review, we will outline and discuss the current knowledge and recent advances on how the fission yeasts Rho family GTPases regulate essential physiological processes such as morphogenesis and polarity, cellular integrity, cytokinesis and cellular differentiation.

scholarly journals Improvement of the photosynthetic activity of Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) through foliar application of a nitrophenolate–based biostimulant

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 01009
Author(s):  
Sławomir Kocira ◽  
Agnieszka Sujak ◽  
Tomasz Oniszczuk ◽  
Agnieszka Szparaga ◽  
Mariusz Szymanek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll Content ◽  
Photosynthetic Activity ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Abiotic Stress Tolerance ◽  
Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Reported Study

Application of biostimulants instigates many physiological processes that enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and quality traits of crops, regardless of their nutrient content. One of such preparations is Atonik which contains nitrophenol compounds naturally occurring in plant cells. Several studies have confirmed its beneficial effect on the growth, development, and improved metabolic activity of plants. Therefore, it seems advisable to investigate the effect of Atonik preparation on the photosynthetic activity of Moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.). The reported study was carried out in 2014 in Perespa, Poland. Over the growing season, Atonik was foliar-applied at a dose of 0.3 L/ha (0.1%) and 0.6 L/ha (0.2%) by single and double spraying of plants. Chlorophyll content and nitrogen status (N) were estimated by a Chlorophyll Meter SPAD-502 Plus. The foliar application of Atonik was found to improve the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus and chlorophyll content in the leaves of Dracocephalum moldavica plants, but the results were dependent on biostimulant concentration and number of its applications, and on the date of measurement. To conclude, Atonik is an environmental-friendly preparation which has a positive impact on the metabolic processes of plants.

Detectability vs. time and costs in pooled DNA extraction of cutaneous swabs: a study on the amphibian chytrid fungi

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Sabino-Pinto ◽  
E. Tobias Krause ◽  
Molly C. Bletz ◽  
An Martel ◽  
Frank Pasmans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Pathogen Detection ◽  
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Work Load ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Pooled Dna ◽  
Reaction Volumes ◽  
User Friendly

Abstract Epidemiology relies on understanding the distribution of pathogens which often can be detected through DNA-based techniques, such as quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Typically, the DNA of each individual sample is separately extracted and undergoes qPCR analysis. However, when performing field surveys and long-term monitoring, a large fraction of the samples is generally expected to be negative, especially in geographical areas still considered free of the pathogen. If pathogen detection within a population – rather than determining its individual prevalence – is the focus, work load and monetary costs can be reduced by pooling samples for DNA extraction. We test and refine a user-friendly technique where skin swabs can be pooled during DNA extraction to detect the amphibian chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal). We extracted pools with different numbers of samples (from one to four swabs), without increasing reaction volumes, and each pool had one sample inoculated with a predetermined zoospore amount. Pool size did not reduce the ability to detect the two fungi, except if inoculated with extremely low zoospore amounts (one zoospore). We confirm that pooled DNA extraction of cutaneous swabs can substantially reduce processing time and costs without minimizing detection sensitivity. This is of relevance especially for the new emerging pathogen Bsal, for which pooled DNA extraction had so far not been tested and massive monitoring efforts in putatively unaffected regions are underway.

scholarly journals In Vitro and in Vivo Imaging of Nitroxyl with Copper Fluorescent Probe in Living Cells and Zebrafish

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sathyadevi Palanisamy ◽  
Yu-Liang Wang ◽  
Yu-Jen Chen ◽  
Chiao-Yun Chen ◽  
Fu-Te Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Biological Species ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Collective Data ◽  
Angeli's Salt

Nitroxyl (HNO) plays a critical role in many physiological processes which includes vasorelaxation in heart failure, neuroregulation, and myocardial contractility. Powerful imaging tools are required to obtain information for understanding the mechanisms involved in these in vivo processes. In order to develop a rapid and high sensitive probe for HNO detection in living cells and the zebrafish model organism, 2-((2-(benzothiazole-2yl)benzylidene) amino)benzoic acid (AbTCA) as a ligand, and its corresponding copper(II) complex Cu(II)-AbTCA were synthesized. The reaction results of Cu(II)-AbTCA with Angeli’s salt showed that Cu(II)-AbTCA could detect HNO quantitatively in a range of 40–360 µM with a detection limit of 9.05 µM. Furthermore, Cu(II)-AbTCA is more selective towards HNO over other biological species including thiols, reactive nitrogen, and reactive oxygen species. Importantly, Cu(II)-AbTCA was successfully applied to detect HNO in living cells and zebrafish. The collective data reveals that Cu(II)-AbTCA could be used as a potential probe for HNO detection in living systems.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF LIGHT AND HEAVY LANTHANIDES ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES OF Taraxacum hybernum

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (Spl-2-AABAS) ◽  
pp. S298-S302
Author(s):  
Vladimir Nikolaevich Vorob’ev ◽  
◽  
Sergei Fedorovich Kotov ◽  
Vera Vladimirovna Nikolenko ◽  
Denis Vladimirovich Tishin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Efficiency ◽  
Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽  
Reaction Centers ◽  
Efficiency Change ◽  
Ps Ii ◽  
Antenna Complex ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Light Lanthanide ◽  
Heavy Lanthanides ◽  
High Concentrations

The current study was carried out to study the influence of light and heavy lanthanides on the physiological process of Crimean-Sagyz/ Krim-saghyz (dandelion - Taraxacum hybernum). Lanthanide belongs to the group of light or heavy; infiltration of dandelion (Crimean saghyz) seeds with light and heavy lanthanides solutions increased the germination energy by 26%. The differences in the influence of light (cerium) and heavy (lutetium) were manifested in the quantum efficiency change of the photosystem 2 (PS II). Treatment of leaves with high concentrations (100 µM) led to a decrease of Y (II), moreover, under the influence of light lanthanide, the decrease was greater by 21%. It is assumed that the effect of the used lanthanides on the dandelion photosynthetic apparatus is multidirectional. Cerium influenced the PS II antenna complex, and lutetium influenced the reaction centers. A 10-fold decrease in the concentration did not change the nature of cerium action, except that Y (II) was restored already on the second day after treatment. The effect of lutetium became noticeable only by the 8th day after treatment when Y (II) became higher than that of untreated plants. Thus, the results of the study suggested that in dandelion leaves, lanthanides with a concentration of 10 µM increased the quantum efficiency of PS II in contrast to cerium.

scholarly journals Aerosol measurement methods to quantify spore emissions from fungi and cryptogamic covers in the Amazon

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Löbs ◽  
Cybelli G. G. Barbosa ◽  
Sebastian Brill ◽  
David Walter ◽  
Florian Ditas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Spore Release

Abstract. Bioaerosols are considered to play a relevant role in atmospheric processes, but their sources, properties, and spatiotemporal distribution in the atmosphere are not yet well characterized. In the Amazon Basin, primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) account for a large fraction of coarse particulate matter, and fungal spores are among the most abundant PBAPs in this area as well as in other vegetated continental regions. Furthermore, PBAPs could also be important ice nuclei in Amazonia. Measurement data on the release of fungal spores under natural conditions, however, are sparse. Here we present an experimental approach to analyze and quantify the spore release from fungi and other spore-producing organisms under natural and laboratory conditions. For measurements under natural conditions, the samples were kept in their natural environment and a setup was developed to estimate the spore release numbers and sizes as well as the microclimatic factors temperature and air humidity in parallel to the mesoclimatic parameters net radiation, rain, and fog occurrence. For experiments in the laboratory, we developed a cuvette to assess the particle size and number of newly released fungal spores under controlled conditions, simultaneously measuring temperature and relative humidity inside the cuvette. Both approaches were combined with bioaerosol sampling techniques to characterize the released particles using microscopic methods. For fruiting bodies of the basidiomycetous species, Rigidoporus microporus, the model species for which these techniques were tested, the highest frequency of spore release occurred in the range from 62 % to 96 % relative humidity. The results obtained for this model species reveal characteristic spore release patterns linked to environmental or experimental conditions, indicating that the moisture status of the sample may be a regulating factor, whereas temperature and light seem to play a minor role for this species. The presented approach enables systematic studies aimed at the quantification and validation of spore emission rates and inventories, which can be applied to a regional mapping of cryptogamic organisms under given environmental conditions.

scholarly journals Glucocorticoid receptor activities in the zebrafish model: a review

2020 ◽  
Vol 247 (3) ◽  
pp. R63-R82
Author(s):  
Alberto Dinarello ◽  
Giorgio Licciardello ◽  
Camilla Maria Fontana ◽  
Natascia Tiso ◽  
Francesco Argenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Function ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Evolutionary Conservation ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Zebrafish Model ◽  
Cognate Receptor ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Reliable Model ◽  
The Common ◽  
Mutant Lines

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that contribute to the regulation of many physiological processes, such as inflammation, metabolism and stress response, mainly through binding to their cognate receptor, GR, which works as a ligand-activated transcription factor. Due to their pleiotropy and the common medical use of these steroids to treat patients affected by different pathologies, the investigation of their mechanisms of action is extremely important in biology and clinical research. The evolutionary conservation of GC physiological function, biosynthesis pathways, as well as the sequence and structure of the GC nuclear receptors has stimulated, in the last 20 years, the use of zebrafish (a teleost of Cyprinidae family) as a reliable model organism to investigate this topic. In this review, we wanted to collect many of the most significant findings obtained by the the scientific community using zebrafish to study GCs and their receptors. The paper begins by describing the experiments with transient knockdown of zebrafish gr to gain insights, mainly during development, and continues with the discoveries provided by the generation of transgenic reporter lines. Finally, we discuss how the generation of mutant lines for either gr or the enzymes involved in GC synthesis has significantly advanced our knowledge on GC biology.

scholarly journals JaponicusDB: Rapid deployment of a model organism database for an emerging model species

Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M Rutherford ◽  
Midori A Harris ◽  
Snezhana Oliferenko ◽  
Valerie Wood
Keyword(s):  
Fission Yeast ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Model Organism Database ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Central Resource ◽  
Ready Access ◽  
Rapid Deployment

Abstract The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus has recently emerged as a powerful system for studying the evolution of essential cellular processes, drawing on similarities as well as key differences between S. japonicus and the related, well-established model Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We have deployed the open-source, modular code and tools originally developed for PomBase, the S. pombe model organism database (MOD), to create JaponicusDB (www.japonicusdb.org), a new MOD dedicated to S. japonicus. By providing a central resource with ready access to a growing body of experimental data, ontology-based curation, seamless browsing and querying, and the ability to integrate new data with existing knowledge, JaponicusDB supports fission yeast biologists to a far greater extent than any other source of S. japonicus data. JaponicusDB thus enables S. japonicus researchers to realise the full potential of studying a newly emerging model species, and illustrates the widely applicable power and utility of harnessing reusable PomBase code to build a comprehensive, community-maintainable repository of species-relevant knowledge.

scholarly journals Hybrid genome assembly and annotation of Danionella translucida, a transparent fish with the smallest known vertebrate brain

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mykola Kadobianskyi ◽  
Lisanne Schulze ◽  
Markus Schuelke ◽  
Benjamin Judkewitz
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Vertebrate Brain ◽  
Hybrid Genome ◽  
Long Read ◽  
Optical Turbidity ◽  
Low Coverage

Studying the activity of distributed neuronal circuits at a cellular resolution in vertebrates is very challenging due to the size and optical turbidity of their brains. We recently presented Danionella translucida, a close relative of zebrafish, as a model organism suited for studying large-scale neural network interactions in adult individuals. Danionella remains transparent throughout its life, has the smallest known vertebrate brain and possesses a rich repertoire of complex behaviours. Here we sequenced, assembled and annotated the Danionella translucida genome employing a hybrid Illumina/Nanopore read library as well as RNA-seq of embryonic, larval and adult mRNA. We achieved high assembly continuity using low-coverage long-read data and annotated a large fraction of the transcriptome. This dataset will pave the way for molecular research and targeted genetic manipulation of the smallest known vertebrate brain.

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