Dickeya colocasiae sp. nov. isolated from wetland taro, Colocasia esculentum

Bacterial pathogens identified as Dickeya sp. have recently been associated with a corm rot of wetland taro on Oahu, Hawaii, but the species designation of these strains was unclear. A Gram-negative, pectinolytic bacterial strain PL65T isolated from an infected taro corm was subjected to polyphasic analysis to determine its genomic and phenotypic characteristics. Multi-locus sequence analyses (MLSA) based on five housekeeping genes (dnaA, gapA, gyrB, atpD, and purA) revealed that Dickeya zeae and D. oryzae, were the closest relatives. Phylogenetic analysis based on 463 core gene sequences clearly showed two potentially new species within Dickeya oryzae. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization value of strain PL65T with 12 Type strains of Dickeya species was <68%. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis revealed that PL65T was at the margin of the species delineation cut-off values with a 96% ANI value. The metabolic profile of strain PL65T using BIOLOG differentiated it from the type strains of all other known species of Dickeya. Based on the results of genome-to-genome comparisons and phenotypic data presented in this report, we propose establishment of a new species, Dickeya colocasiae sp. nov. with strain PL65T as the type strain (ICMP 24361T).

Phenotypic characteristics and Gene Frequency of the Banyo Gudali zebu (Bos indicus) variety in the high Guinean Savannah zone of Cameroon

This study is aimed at evaluating the phenptypic and genetic diversity of local cattle breeds in Cameroon. To this end, biometric data were collected randomly in six (6) localities of the Mayo-Banyo Division, on a sample of 321 adult Banyo Gudali zebu cattle (234 cows and 87 bulls) aged between 6 and 16 years and having a body condition score varying from 2 to 4. Results reveal a variability of the coat color i.e., 19,00% white coat and its derivatives (speckled, stoat, grey, truiture); 9.99% black coat and its derivatives (black list and black piebald); 18.06% piebald (4.67% black piebald and 13.39 red piebald); 52.94% red and its derivatives (red piebald and red list). The single-colored coats are less represented (38.94%)compared to double-colored coats (61.06%). The frequency of alleles S+, D, ED, Aa, E+, s, A+, e and P are respectively 0.315; 0.201; 0.140; 0.267; 0.859; 0.685; 0.733; 0.386 and 1.000. There is a predominance of white-black horns (50.2%) over grey horns (42.4%). This population is characterized by long hairs, straight-edged ears oriented laterally and with humps occupying a cervico-thoracic position. The facial and back profiles are straight. The neck has a horizontal curved profile, the rump with a low set tail. Crescent shaped horns predominate (73,5%) followed by the horns in low lyre (15,9%) with the other shapes (stump, lateral pointed tip, crown and asymmetrical deformed right or left) being the least represented. The raised horns (92.5%) are predominant. Erect and moderate humps (86.6%) are dominant over drooping ones (13.4%).

Functional Analysis of Genes GlaDFR1 and GlaDFR2 Encoding Dihydroflavonol 4-Reductase (DFR) in Gentiana lutea L. Var. Aurantiaca (M. Laínz) M. Laínz

Anthocyanins are important pigments for flower color, determining the ornamental and economic values of horticultural plants. As a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of anthocyanidins, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) catalyzes the reduction of dihydroflavonols to generate the precursors for anthocyanidins (i.e., leucoanthocyanidins) and anthocyanins. To investigate the functions of DFRs in plants, we cloned the GlaDFR1 and GlaDFR2 genes from the petals of Gentiana lutea var. aurantiaca and transformed both genes into Nicotiana tabacum by Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc method. We further investigated the molecular and phenotypic characteristics of T1 generation transgenic tobacco plants selected based on the hygromycin resistance and verified by both PCR and semiquantitative real-time PCR analyses. The phenotypic segregation was observed in the flower color of the transgenic tobacco plants, showing petals darker than those in the wild-type (WT) plants. Results of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that the contents of gentiocyanin derivatives were decreased in the petals of transgenic plants in comparison to those of WT plants. Ours results revealed the molecular functions of GlaDFR1 and GlaDFR2 in the formation of coloration, providing solid theoretical foundation and candidate genes for further genetic improvement in flower color of plants.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

The genomic causes and clinical manifestations of hereditary colorectal cancer (HCRC) might be stratified into 2 groups, namely, familial (FCRC) and a limited sense of HCRC, respectively. Otherwise, FCRC is canonically classified into 2 major categories; Lynch syndrome (LS) or associated spectra and inherited polyposis syndrome. By contrast, despite an increasing body of genotypic and phenotypic traits, some FCRC cannot be clearly differentiated as definitively single type, and the situation has become more complex as additional causative genes have been discovered. This review provides an overview of HCRC, including 6 LS or associated spectra and 8 inherited polyposis syndromes, according to molecular pathogenesis. Variants and newly-identified FCRC are particularly emphasized, including MUTYH (or MYH)-associated polyposis, Muir-Torre syndrome, constitutional mismatch repair deficiency, EPCAM-associated LS, polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis, RNF43- or NTHL1-associated serrated polyposis syndrome, PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, and hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome. We also comment on the clinical utility of multigene panel tests, focusing on comprehensive cancer panels that include HCRC. Finally, HCRC surveillance strategies are recommended, based on revised or notable concepts underpinned by competent validation and clinical implications, and favoring major guidelines. As hereditary syndromes are mainly attributable to genomic constitutions of distinctive ancestral groups, an integrative national HCRC registry and guideline is an urgent priority.

Comparative studies on Culex bitaeniorhynchus Giles (1901) and its tenax variant (Diptera: Culicidae) in Chandigarh, India

During present investigations the detailed morphotaxonomic studies of Culex bitaeniorhychus revealed that it exists in two forms i.e typical and tenax in and around Chandigarh. Various intraspecific variations in the morphology and male genitalia were observed in both these forms. The main aim of this study is to distinguish these two forms of Cx. bitaeniorhynchus and their separation from other closely related species. The intraspecific variants of these forms have been studied further with respect to phallosome regions of the male genitalia. For assessing the significant differences among their phenotypic characteristics one–way ANOVA was done along with pair-wise comparisons of samples means. Some of the earlier workers have considered tenax form, a synonym of Cx. infula which is another closely related species of Cx. bitaeniorhynchus. But, on the basis of remarkable differences observed between tenax and infula, it is suggested that these two are separate taxons and should not be synonymised.

A Novel GEMIN4 Variant in a Consanguineous Family Leads to Neurodevelopmental Impairment with Severe Microcephaly, Spastic Quadriplegia, Epilepsy, and Cataracts

Pathogenic variants in GEMIN4 contribute to a hereditary disorder characterized by neurodevelopmental features, microcephaly, cataracts, and renal abnormalities (known as NEDMCR). To date, only two homoallelic variations have been linked to the disease. Moreover, clinical features associated with the variants have not been fully elucidated yet. Here, we identified a novel variant in GEMIN4 (NM_015721:exon2:c.440A>G:p.His147Arg) in two siblings from a consanguineous Saudi family by using whole exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequence verification. We comprehensively investigated the patients’ clinical features, including brain imaging and electroencephalogram findings, and compared their phenotypic characteristics with those of previously reported cases. In silico prediction and structural modeling support that the p.His147Arg variant is pathogenic.

BCG Substrains Change Their Outermost Surface as a Function of Growth Media

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) efficacy as an immunotherapy tool can be influenced by the genetic background or immune status of the treated population and by the BCG substrain used. BCG comprises several substrains with genetic differences that elicit diverse phenotypic characteristics. Moreover, modifications of phenotypic characteristics can be influenced by culture conditions. However, several culture media formulations are used worldwide to produce BCG. To elucidate the influence of growth conditions on BCG characteristics, five different substrains were grown on two culture media, and the lipidic profile and physico-chemical properties were evaluated. Our results show that each BCG substrain displays a variety of lipidic profiles on the outermost surface depending on the growth conditions. These modifications lead to a breadth of hydrophobicity patterns and a different ability to reduce neutral red dye within the same BCG substrain, suggesting the influence of BCG growth conditions on the interaction between BCG cells and host cells.