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Environmental Microbiology Reports Jun 2024Microbial symbionts play crucial roles in insect biology, yet their diversity, distribution, and temporal dynamics across host populations remain poorly understood. In...
Microbial symbionts play crucial roles in insect biology, yet their diversity, distribution, and temporal dynamics across host populations remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of bacterial symbionts within the widely distributed and economically significant leafhopper genus Macrosteles, with a focus on Macrosteles laevis. Using host and symbiont marker gene amplicon sequencing, we explored the intricate relationships between these insects and their microbial partners. Our analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene data revealed several intriguing findings. First, there was no strong genetic differentiation across M. laevis populations, suggesting gene flow among them. Second, we observed significant levels of heteroplasmy, indicating the presence of multiple mitochondrial haplotypes within individuals. Third, parasitoid infections were prevalent, highlighting the complex ecological interactions involving leafhoppers. The 16S rRNA data confirmed the universal presence of ancient nutritional endosymbionts-Sulcia and Nasuia-in M. laevis. Additionally, we found a high prevalence of Arsenophonus, another common symbiont. Interestingly, unlike most previously studied species, M. laevis exhibited only occasional cases of infection with known facultative endosymbionts and other bacteria. Notably, there was no significant variation in symbiont prevalence across different populations or among sampling years within the same population. Comparatively, facultative endosymbionts such as Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Cardinium and Lariskella were more common in other Macrosteles species. These findings underscore the importance of considering both host and symbiont dynamics when studying microbial associations. By simultaneously characterizing host and symbiont marker gene amplicons in large insect collections, we gain valuable insights into the intricate interplay between insects and their microbial partners. Understanding these dynamics contributes to our broader comprehension of host-microbe interactions in natural ecosystems.
Topics: Animals; Hemiptera; Symbiosis; Microbiota; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Phylogeny; Electron Transport Complex IV
PubMed: 38855918
DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13279 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Water eutrophication has emerged as a pressing concern for massive algal blooms, and these harmful blooms can potentially generate harmful toxins, which can...
Water eutrophication has emerged as a pressing concern for massive algal blooms, and these harmful blooms can potentially generate harmful toxins, which can detrimentally impact the aquatic environment and human health. Consequently, it is imperative to identify a safe and efficient approach to combat algal blooms to safeguard the ecological safety of water. This study aimed to investigate the procedure for extracting total flavonoids from Z. bungeanum residue and assess its antioxidant properties. The most favorable parameters for extracting total flavonoids from Z. bungeanum residue were a liquid-solid ratio (LSR) of 20 mL/g, a solvent concentration of 60%, an extraction period of 55 min, and an ultrasonic temperature of 80 °C. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic inhibitory mechanism of Z. bungeanum residue extracts against M. aeruginosa was assessed with a particular focus on the concentration-dependent toxicity effect. Z. bungeanum residue extracts damaged the oxygen-evolving complex structure, influenced energy capture and distribution, and inhibited the electron transport of PSII in M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, the enhanced capacity for ROS detoxification enables treated cells to sustain their photosynthetic activity. The findings of this study hold considerable relevance for the ecological management community and offer potential avenues for the practical utilization of resources in controlling algal blooms.
Topics: Microcystis; Flavonoids; Photosynthesis; Zanthoxylum; Plant Extracts; Antioxidants; Allelopathy; Harmful Algal Bloom; Reactive Oxygen Species; Photosystem II Protein Complex
PubMed: 38851826
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64129-x -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024The phosphorylation of the Light-Harvesting Complex of photosystem II (LHCII) driven by STATE TRANSITION 7 (STN7) kinase is a part of one of the crucial regulatory...
BACKGROUND
The phosphorylation of the Light-Harvesting Complex of photosystem II (LHCII) driven by STATE TRANSITION 7 (STN7) kinase is a part of one of the crucial regulatory mechanisms of photosynthetic light reactions operating in fluctuating environmental conditions, light in particular. There are evidenced that STN7 can also be activated without light as well as in dark-chilling conditions. However, the biochemical mechanism standing behind this complex metabolic pathway has not been deciphered yet.
RESULTS
In this work, we showed that dark-chilling induces light-independent LHCII phosphorylation in runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.). In dark-chilling conditions, we registered an increased reduction of the PQ pool which led to activation of STN7 kinase, subsequent LHCII phosphorylation, and possible LHCII relocation inside the thylakoid membrane. We also presented the formation of a complex composed of phosphorylated LHCII and photosystem I typically formed upon light-induced phosphorylation. Moreover, we indicated that the observed steps were preceded by the activation of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) enzymes and starch accumulation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest a direct connection between photosynthetic complexes reorganization and dark-chilling-induced activation of the thioredoxin system. The proposed possible pathway starts from the activation of OPPP enzymes and further NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC) activation. In the next steps, NTRC simultaneously activates ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and thylakoid membrane-located NAD(P)H dehydrogenase-like complex. These results in starch synthesis and electron transfer to the plastoquinone (PQ) pool, respectively. Reduced PQ pool activates STN7 kinase which phosphorylates LHCII. In this work, we present a new perspective on the mechanisms involving photosynthetic complexes while efficiently operating in the darkness. Although we describe the studied pathway in detail, taking into account also the time course of the following steps, the biological significance of this phenomenon remains puzzling.
Topics: Phaseolus; Phosphorylation; Light; Thylakoids; Photosystem I Protein Complex; Cold Temperature; Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Plant Proteins; Starch; Pentose Phosphate Pathway; Enzyme Activation; Photosynthesis; Stress, Physiological; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 38849759
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05169-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Physella acuta is a freshwater snail native to North America. Understanding the phylogeography and genetic structure of P. acuta will help elucidate its evolution. In...
Physella acuta is a freshwater snail native to North America. Understanding the phylogeography and genetic structure of P. acuta will help elucidate its evolution. In this study, we used mitochondrial (COI and 16S rDNA) and nuclear (ITS1) markers to identify the species and examine its genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of P. acuta in Thailand. Phylogenetic and network analyses of P. acuta in Thailand pertained to clade A, which exhibits a global distribution. Analysis of the genetic structure of the population revealed that the majority of pairwise comparisons showed no genetic dissimilarity. An isolation-by-distance test indicates no significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances among P. acuta populations, suggesting that gene flow is not restricted by distance. Demographic history and haplotype network analyses suggest a population expansion of P. acuta, as evidenced by the star-like structure detected in the median-joining network. Based on these results, we concluded that P. acuta in Thailand showed gene flow and recent population expansion. Our findings provide fundamental insights into the genetic variation of P. acuta in Thailand.
Topics: Animals; Thailand; Genetic Variation; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Phylogeography; Gastropoda; Gene Flow; Electron Transport Complex IV; Haplotypes; Genetic Markers; Genetics, Population; DNA, Mitochondrial; DNA, Ribosomal; Snails; Genes, Mitochondrial
PubMed: 38849440
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64184-4 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Multiple species of the genera Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon can infect wild felines, but the diversity of these and other apicomplexan parasites in Eurasian lynx is...
BACKGROUND
Multiple species of the genera Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon can infect wild felines, but the diversity of these and other apicomplexan parasites in Eurasian lynx is scarcely known. The aim of this study was to detect Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon species with molecular methods in Eurasian lynxes and their ticks in northwestern China.
METHODS
DNA was extracted from the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney samples of three Eurasian lynxes as well as from their five ixodid ticks. These DNA samples were screened with polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for Cytauxzoon with the partial cytochrome b gene (CytB), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI), and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA), and Hepatozoon with three different fragments of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA). PCR products were sequenced, aligned, and phylogenetically analyzed.
RESULTS
One adult female of Eurasian lynx (#1, adult female) was co-infected with Cytauxzoon manul and Hepatozoon felis genotype I, while an adult male lynx (#2) was infected with C. manul. Interestingly, H. felis genotype I was both detected in a male cub (#3) and two out of five infesting Hyalomma asiaticum ticks.
CONCLUSIONS
For the first time, Cytauxzoon manul is reported here from Eurasian lynx. In addition, H. felis has not been known to occur in this host species in China and Central Asia. Thus, the findings of this study extend our knowledge on the geographical distribution and host range of these haemoprotozoan parasites. Moreover, this is also the first evidence of C. manul and H. felis co-infection in Eurasian lynx.
Topics: Animals; Lynx; China; Female; Male; Phylogeny; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Piroplasmida; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; DNA, Protozoan; Coccidiosis; Ixodidae; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Electron Transport Complex IV
PubMed: 38845044
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06326-1 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The proteasome-associated deubiquitinase USP14 is a potential drug target. Using an inducible USP14 knockout system in colon cancer cells, we found that USP14 depletion...
The proteasome-associated deubiquitinase USP14 is a potential drug target. Using an inducible USP14 knockout system in colon cancer cells, we found that USP14 depletion impedes cellular proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest, and leads to a senescence-like phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis revealed altered gene expression related to cell division and cellular differentiation. USP14 knockout cells also exhibited changes in morphology, actin distribution, and expression of actin cytoskeletal components. Increased ubiquitin turnover was observed, offset by upregulation of polyubiquitin genes UBB and UBC. Pharmacological inhibition of USP14 with IU1 increased ubiquitin turnover but did not affect cellular growth or morphology. BioGRID data identified USP14 interactors linked to actin cytoskeleton remodeling, DNA damage repair, mRNA splicing, and translation. In conclusion, USP14 loss in colon cancer cells induces a transient quiescent cancer phenotype not replicated by pharmacologic inhibition of its deubiquitinating activity.
Topics: Humans; Cellular Senescence; Colorectal Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase; Cell Line, Tumor; Phenotype; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Ubiquitin
PubMed: 38844605
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63791-5 -
Journal of Biotechnology Aug 2024We investigated suitable culture conditions for the production of the blue pigment phycocyanin (PC) from the unique filamentous cyanobacteria Pseudanabaena sp. ABRG5-3...
We investigated suitable culture conditions for the production of the blue pigment phycocyanin (PC) from the unique filamentous cyanobacteria Pseudanabaena sp. ABRG5-3 and Limnothrix sp. SK1-2-1. White, green, or red LED irradiation at 30 μmol photons/m/s was effective for phycocyanin production when compared with Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) sp. NIES-39, which is generally grown under high light irradiation. To investigate the safety of the cyanobacteria, ABRG5-3 cells were subjected to Ames (reverse mutation) tests and single oral-dose rat studies, which revealed non-mutagenic and non-toxic properties. When three purified phycocyanins (abPC, skPC, and spPC) were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis, they showed different mobility, indicating that each phycocyanin has unique properties. abPC exhibited strong antiglycation activities as novel function.
Topics: Phycocyanin; Cyanobacteria; Animals; Rats; Glycosylation; Male; Mutagenicity Tests
PubMed: 38844247
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.06.003 -
Planta Medica Jun 2024(garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers....
(garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from , and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects and , and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of , isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Tropaeolum; Plant Leaves; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase 1; Plant Extracts; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Humans; Chlorophyll; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 38843802
DOI: 10.1055/a-2225-8314 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Some of the most metabolically diverse species of bacteria (e.g., Actinobacteria) have higher GC content in their DNA, differ substantially in codon usage, and have...
Some of the most metabolically diverse species of bacteria (e.g., Actinobacteria) have higher GC content in their DNA, differ substantially in codon usage, and have distinct protein folding environments compared to tractable expression hosts like Escherichia coli. Consequentially, expressing biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from these bacteria in E. coli often results in a myriad of unpredictable issues with regard to protein expression and folding, delaying the biochemical characterization of new natural products. Current strategies to achieve soluble, active expression of these enzymes in tractable hosts can be a lengthy trial-and-error process. Cell-free expression (CFE) has emerged as a valuable expression platform as a testbed for rapid prototyping expression parameters. Here, we use a type III polyketide synthase from Streptomyces griseus, RppA, which catalyzes the formation of the red pigment flaviolin, as a reporter to investigate BGC refactoring techniques. We applied a library of constructs with different combinations of promoters and rppA coding sequences to investigate the synergies between promoter and codon usage. Subsequently, we assess the utility of cell-free systems for prototyping these refactoring tactics prior to their implementation in cells. Overall, codon harmonization improves natural product synthesis more than traditional codon optimization across cell-free and cellular environments. More importantly, the choice of coding sequences and promoters impact protein expression synergistically, which should be considered for future efforts to use CFE for high-yield protein expression. The promoter strategy when applied to RppA was not completely correlated with that observed with GFP, indicating that different promoter strategies should be applied for different proteins. In vivo experiments suggest that there is correlation, but not complete alignment between expressing in cell free and in vivo. Refactoring promoters and/or coding sequences via CFE can be a valuable strategy to rapidly screen for catalytically functional production of enzymes from BCGs, which advances CFE as a tool for natural product research.
Topics: Cell-Free System; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Streptomyces griseus; Escherichia coli; Multigene Family; Bacterial Proteins; Polyketide Synthases; Codon; Acyltransferases
PubMed: 38839808
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61376-w -
Food Microbiology Sep 2024Penicillium spp. produce a great variety of secondary metabolites, including several mycotoxins, on food substrates. Chestnuts represent a favorable substrate for...
Penicillium spp. produce a great variety of secondary metabolites, including several mycotoxins, on food substrates. Chestnuts represent a favorable substrate for Penicillium spp. development. In this study, the genomes of ten Penicillium species, virulent on chestnuts, were sequenced and annotated: P. bialowiezense. P. pancosmium, P. manginii, P. discolor, P. crustosum, P. palitans, P. viridicatum, P. glandicola, P. taurinense and P. terrarumae. Assembly size ranges from 27.5 to 36.8 Mb and the number of encoded genes ranges from 9,867 to 12,520. The total number of predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in the ten species is 551. The most represented families of BGCs are non ribosomal peptide synthase (191) and polyketide synthase (175), followed by terpene synthases (87). Genome-wide collections of gene phylogenies (phylomes) were reconstructed for each of the newly sequenced Penicillium species allowing for the prediction of orthologous relationships among our species, as well as other 20 annotated Penicillium species available in the public domain. We investigated in silico the presence of BGCs for 10 secondary metabolites, including 5 mycotoxins, whose production was validated in vivo through chemical analyses. Among the clusters present in this set of species we found andrastin A and its related cluster atlantinone A, mycophenolic acid, patulin, penitrem A and the cluster responsible for the synthesis of roquefortine C/glandicoline A/glandicoline B/meleagrin. We confirmed the presence of these clusters in several of the Penicillium species conforming our dataset and verified their capacity to synthesize them in a chestnut-based medium with chemical analysis. Interestingly, we identified mycotoxin clusters in some species for the first time, such as the andrastin A cluster in P. flavigenum and P. taurinense, and the roquefortine C cluster in P. nalgiovense and P. taurinense. Chestnuts proved to be an optimal substrate for species of Penicillium with different mycotoxigenic potential, opening the door to risks related to the occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in the same food matrix.
Topics: Penicillium; Mycotoxins; Multigene Family; Secondary Metabolism; Genome, Fungal; Phylogeny; Food Contamination; Patulin; Fungal Proteins; Nuts; Polyketide Synthases; Food Microbiology; Corylus; Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings; Indoles; Piperazines
PubMed: 38839238
DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104532