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Biomedical subjects

J D Jones

Publications and source records attributed to J D Jones.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Resistance gene-dependent activation of a calcium-dependent protein kinase in the plant defense response.

In the Cf-9/Avr9 gene-for-gene interaction, the Cf-9 resistance gene from tomato confers resistance to the fungal pathogen Cladosporium fulvum, which expresses the corresponding pathogen-derived avirulence product Avr9. To understand R gene function and dissect the signaling mechanisms involved in the induction of plant defenses, we studied Cf-9/Avr9-dependent activation of protein kinases in transgenic Cf9 tobacco cell cultures. Using a modified in-gel kinase assay with histone as substrate, we identified a membrane-bound, calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) that showed a shift in electrophoretic mobility from 68 to 70 kD within 5 min after Avr9 elicitor was added. This transition from the nonelicited to the elicited CDPK form was caused by a phosphorylation event and was verified when antibodies to CDPK were used for protein gel blot analysis. In addition, the interconversion of the corresponding CDPK forms could be induced in vitro in both directions by treatment with either phosphatase or ATP. In vitro protein kinase activity toward syntide-2 or histone with membrane extracts or gel-purified enzyme was dependent on Ca(2)+ content and was compromised by the calmodulin antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) but not by its inactive isoform N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide. In these assays, the CDPK activity in elicited samples, reflecting predominantly the phosphorylated 70-kD CDPK form, was greater than in nonelicited samples. Thus, Avr9/Cf-9-dependent phosphorylation and subsequent transition from the nonelicited to the elicited form correlate with the activation of a CDPK isoform after in vivo stimulation. Because that transition was not inhibited by W-7, the in vivo CDPK activation probably is not the result of autophosphorylation. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors indicated that the identified CDPK is independent of or is located upstream from a signaling pathway that is required for the Avr9-induced active oxygen species.

Enzyme Activation↗

cDNA-AFLP reveals a striking overlap in race-specific resistance and wound response gene expression profiles.

The tomato Cf-9 gene confers resistance to races of the fungal pathogen Cladosporium fulvum expressing the Avr9 gene. cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to display transcripts whose expression is rapidly altered during the Avr9- and Cf-9-mediated defense response in tobacco cell cultures. Diphenyleneiodonium was used to abolish the production of active oxygen species during gene induction. Of 30,000 fragments inspected, 290 showed altered abundance, of which 263 were induced independently of active oxygen species. cDNA clones were obtained for 13 ACRE (for Avr9/Cf-9 rapidly elicited) genes. ACRE gene induction occurred in the presence of cycloheximide. Avr9 induced ACRE gene expression in leaves. Surprisingly, ACRE genes were also rapidly but transiently induced in leaves in response to other stresses. The amino acid sequences of some ACRE proteins are homologous to sequences of known proteins such as ethylene response element binding protein transcription factors, the N resistance protein, a calcium binding protein, 13-lipoxygenase, and a RING-H2 zinc finger protein. Rapid induction of ACRE genes suggests that they play a pivotal role during plant defense responses.

Ascomycota↗

Recombination between diverged clusters of the tomato Cf-9 plant disease resistance gene family.

The tomato Cf-4 and Cf-9 genes are the founder members of a large gene family of homologues of Cladosporium fulvum resistance gene Cf-9 (Hcr9 genes), several of which confer resistance against C. fulvum through recognition of different pathogen-encoded avirulence determinants. Three loci of tandemly repeated Hcr9 genes-Southern Cross (SC), Milky Way (MW), and Northern Lights (NL)-are located on the short arm of tomato chromosome 1. Comparisons between 2 SC-Hcr9s, 11 from MW, and 5 from NL implicated sequence exchange between gene family members in their evolution. The extent to which novel variants can be generated by recombination depends on the degree of sequence polymorphism available within the gene family. Here we show that physical separation of Hcr9 genes can be associated with elevated sequence divergence. Two diverged subclasses of Hcr9s could be defined. These are physically separated from each other, with members of one class exclusively residing at Northern Lights. One exceptional Hcr9 at Northern Lights carried sequence features specific for Hcr9s at other loci, suggesting a recent transfer of this gene by an interlocus recombination event. As members of diverged subclasses are brought into physical vicinity within a tandem repeat, a larger spectrum of sequence variants can potentially be generated by subsequent interhomologue sequence exchange.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

EDS1, an essential component of R gene-mediated disease resistance in Arabidopsis has homology to eukaryotic lipases.

A major class of plant disease resistance (R) genes encodes leucine-rich-repeat proteins that possess a nucleotide binding site and amino-terminal similarity to the cytoplasmic domains of the Drosophila Toll and human IL-1 receptors. In Arabidopsis thaliana, EDS1 is indispensable for the function of these R genes. The EDS1 gene was cloned by targeted transposon tagging and found to encode a protein that has similarity in its amino-terminal portion to the catalytic site of eukaryotic lipases. Thus, hydrolase activity, possibly on a lipid-based substrate, is anticipated to be central to EDS1 function. The predicted EDS1 carboxyl terminus has no significant sequence homologies, although analysis of eight defective eds1 alleles reveals it to be essential for EDS1 function. Two plant defense pathways have been defined previously that depend on salicylic acid, a phenolic compound, or jasmonic acid, a lipid-derived molecule. We examined the expression of EDS1 mRNA and marker mRNAs (PR1 and PDF1.2, respectively) for these two pathways in wild-type and eds1 mutant plants after different challenges. The results suggest that EDS1 functions upstream of salicylic acid-dependent PR1 mRNA accumulation and is not required for jasmonic acid-induced PDF1.2 mRNA expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The tomato DWARF enzyme catalyses C-6 oxidation in brassinosteroid biosynthesis.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal plant hormones essential for normal plant growth and development. Mutants in the biosynthesis or perception of BRs are usually dwarf. The tomato Dwarf gene (D), which was predicted to encode a cytochrome P450 enzyme (P450) with homology to other P450s involved in BR biosynthesis, was cloned previously. Here, we show that DWARF catalyses the C-6 oxidation of 6-deoxocastasterone (6-deoxoCS) to castasterone (CS), the immediate precursor of brassinolide. To do this, we first confirmed that the D cDNA complemented the mutant light- and dark-grown phenotypes of the extreme dwarf (dx) allele of tomato. To identify a substrate for the DWARF enzyme, exogenous application of BR intermediates to dx plants was carried out. C-6 oxoBR intermediates enhanced hypocotyl elongation whereas the C-6 deoxoBR, 6-deoxoCS, had little effect. Quantitative analysis of endogenous BR levels in tomato showed mainly the presence of 6-deoxoBRs. Furthermore, dx plants were found to lack CS and had a high level of 6-deoxoCS in comparison to D plants that had CS and a lower level of 6-deoxoCS. Confirmation that DWARF catalyzed the C-6 oxidation of 6-deoxoCS to CS was obtained by functional expression of DWARF in yeast. In these experiments, the intermediate 6alpha-hydroxycastasterone was identified, indicating that DWARF catalyzes two steps in BR biosynthesis. These data show that DWARF is involved in the C-6 oxidation in BR biosynthesis.

Journal Article↗

Provisionalization for a single cementable dental implant restoration.

This article presents a procedure for refining margins of provisional implant crowns. This procedure uses an analog of the implant and abutment. This procedure allows functional and esthetic considerations such as emergence profiles, symmetry, diastemas, embrasures, size, contours, position, angulation, and relation to other teeth to be evaluated.

Cementation↗

The glyoxylate cycle: does it function in the dormant or active bear?

The presence of or induction of an active glyoxylate cycle (GC) in the dormant black bear whose sole source of energy is body fat is an attractive concept which would allow lipid (acetate) to be directed from oxidation via the tricarboxylic acid cycle to many biosynthetic pathways. However, in spite of earlier claims, the present report establishes that isocitrate lyase and malate synthetase, GC marker enzymes, could not be detected in liver or kidney of active or dormant bears; liver peroxisome numbers were similar. The absence of brown fat (by light microscopy) and of the GC enzymes in the dormant bear raises questions about the prior report.

Animals↗

A 5-year comparison of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium plasma-sprayed and titanium plasma-sprayed cylinder dental implants.

OBJECTIVE: A preliminary report from this study showed that hydroxyapatite-coated (HA) titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) cylinder implants had fewer failures than TPS cylinder implants before prosthetic loading. The purpose of this article is to report the long-term success associated with the 2 systems. In addition, local and systemic factors that may influence the success or failure of the implants were analyzed. STUDY DESIGN: Each of 65 subjects was randomized to either HA-coated TPS or TPS cylinder implants. Loss of an implant was considered a failure. Failures were analyzed in terms of the coating of the implant, age and gender of the patient, location and length of the implant, opposing dentition, and smoking status. Data were statistically analyzed through use of chi-square tests. RESULTS: Of 351 implants that were placed, 13 were lost before prosthetic loading and 17 were lost after prosthetic loading. The overall success rate was 92.8%. Three hundred thirty-eight implants were prosthetically loaded. The implant success rate after prosthetic loading was 95.3%. There was an overall nonsignificant higher failure rate for the TPS implants (8.0%). Patient age and patient gender were nonsignificant variables. Ten-mm implants had a significantly higher failure rate (17.4%; chi-square, 1.00; P = .39). Before prosthetic loading, more implants failed in the posterior mandible; after prosthetic loading, more implants failed in the anterior maxilla (chi-square, 8.97; P = .03). More implants failed when they were opposed by natural dentition or hybrids (chi-square, 7.36; P = .007). Smoking history was a significant factor (chi-square, 5.2; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Statistically, there is little difference between the 2 systems. Local and systemic factors appear to play a greater role in implant failure than does the surface of the implant.

Adult↗

K+ channels of Cf-9 transgenic tobacco guard cells as targets for Cladosporium fulvum Avr9 elicitor-dependent signal transduction.

The Cf-9 gene encodes an extracytosolic leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein that is membrane anchored near its C-terminus. The protein confers resistance in tomato to races of the fungus Cladosporium fulvum expressing the corresponding avirulence gene Avr9. In Nicotiana tabacum the Cf-9 transgene confers sensitivity to the Avr9 elicitor, and leads on elicitation to a subset of defence responses qualitatively similar to those normally seen in the tomato host. One of the earliest responses, both in the native and transgenic hosts, results in K+ salt loss from the infected tissues. However, the mechanism(s) underlying this solute flux and its control is poorly understood. We have explored the actions of Avr9 on Cf-9 transgenic Nicotiana using guard cells as a model. Much detail of guard cell ion channels and their regulation is already known. Measurements were carried out on intact guard cells in epidermal peels, and the currents carried by inward- (IK,in) and outward-rectifying (IK,out) K+ channels were characterized under voltage clamp. Exposures to Avr9-containing extracts resulted in a 2.5- to 3-fold stimulation of IK,out and almost complete suppression of IK,in within 3-5 min. The K+ channel responses were irreversible. They were specific for the Avr9 elicitor, were not observed in guard cells of Nicotiana lacking the Cf-9 transgene and, from kinetic analyses, could be ascribed to changes in channel gating. Both K+ channel responses were found to be saturable functions of Avr9 concentration and were completely blocked in the presence of 0.5 microM staurosporine and 100 microM H7, both broad-range protein kinase antagonists. These results demonstrate the ability of the Cf-9 transgene to couple Avr9 elicitation specifically to a concerted action on two discrete K+ channels and they indicate a role for protein phosphorylation in Avr9/Cf-9 signal transduction leading to transport control.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Homologues of the Cf-9 disease resistance gene (Hcr9s) are present at multiple loci on the short arm of tomato chromosome 1.

The tomato Cf-4 and Cf-9 genes map at a genetically complex locus on the short arm of chromosome 1 and confer resistance against Cladosporium fulvum through recognition of different pathogen-encoded avirulence determinants. Cf-4 and Cf-9 are members of a large gene family (Hcr9s, Homologues of Cladosporium fulvum resistance gene Cf-9), some of which encode additional distinct recognition specificities. A genetic analysis of the majority of Hcr9s suggests that their distribution is spatially restricted to the short arm of chromosome 1. Two loci of clustered Hcr9 genes have been analyzed physically that mapped distal (Northern Lights) and proximal (Southern Cross) to the Cf-4/9 locus (Milky Way). Sequence homologies between intergenic regions at Southern Cross and Milky Way indicate local Hcr9 duplication preceded cluster multiplication. The multiplication of clusters involved DNA flanking Hcr9 sequences as indicated by conserved lipoxygenase sequences at Southern Cross and Milky Way. The similar spatial distribution of Hcr9 clusters in different Lycopersicon spp. suggests Hcr9 cluster multiplication preceded speciation.

Base Sequence↗

A chromodomain protein encoded by the arabidopsis CAO gene is a plant-specific component of the chloroplast signal recognition particle pathway that is involved in LHCP targeting.

A recessive mutation in Arabidopsis, named chaos (for chlorophyll a/b binding protein harvesting-organelle specific; designated gene symbol CAO), was isolated by using transposon tagging. Characterization of the phenotype of the chaos mutant revealed a specific reduction of pigment binding antenna proteins in the thylakoid membrane. These nuclear-encoded proteins utilize a chloroplast signal recognition particle (cpSRP) system to reach the thylakoid membrane. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes possess a cytoplasmic SRP containing a 54-kD protein (SRP54) and an RNA. In chloroplasts, the homolog of SRP54 was found to bind a 43-kD protein (cpSRP43) rather than to an RNA. We cloned the CAO gene, which encodes a protein identified as Arabidopsis cpSRP43. The product of the CAO gene does not resemble any protein in the databases, although it contains motifs that are known to mediate protein-protein interactions. These motifs include ankyrin repeats and chromodomains. Therefore, CAO encodes an SRP component that is unique to plants. Surprisingly, the phenotype of the cpSRP43 mutant (i.e., chaos) differs from that of the Arabidopsis cpSRP54 mutant, suggesting that the functions of the two proteins do not strictly overlap. This difference also suggests that the function of cpSRP43 is most likely restricted to protein targeting into the thylakoid membrane, whereas cpSRP54 may be involved in an additional process(es), such as chloroplast biogenesis, perhaps through chloroplast-ribosomal association with chloroplast ribosomes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Multiple independent defective suppressor-mutator transposon insertions in Arabidopsis: a tool for functional genomics.

A new system for insertional mutagenesis based on the maize Enhancer/Suppressor-mutator (En/Spm) element was introduced into Arabidopsis. A single T-DNA construct carried a nonautonomous defective Spm (dSpm) element with a phosphinothricin herbicide resistance (BAR) gene, a transposase expression cassette, and a counterselectable gene. This construct was used to select for stable dSpm transpositions. Treatments for both positive (BAR) and negative selection markers were applicable to soil-grown plants, allowing the recovery of new transpositions on a large scale. To date, a total of 48,000 lines in pools of 50 have been recovered, of which approximately 80% result from independent insertion events. DNA extracted from these pools was used in reverse genetic screens, either by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers from the transposon and the targeted gene or by the display of insertions whereby inverse PCR products of insertions from the DNA pools are spotted on a membrane that is then hybridized with the probe of interest. By sequencing PCR-amplified fragments adjacent to insertion sites, we established a sequenced insertion-site database of 1200 sequences. This database permitted a comparison of the chromosomal distribution of transpositions from various T-DNA locations.

Arabidopsis↗

Rapid Avr9- and Cf-9 -dependent activation of MAP kinases in tobacco cell cultures and leaves: convergence of resistance gene, elicitor, wound, and salicylate responses.

The Cf-9 resistance (R) gene from tomato confers resistance to the fungal pathogen Cladosporium fulvum expressing the corresponding, pathogen-derived avirulence gene product Avr9. To understand how an initial R/Avr recognition event is transmitted and triggers the induction of plant defenses, we investigated early Avr9/Cf-9-dependent activation of protein kinases in transgenic tobacco expressing the Cf-9 gene. We identified two protein kinases of 46 and 48 kD, using myelin basic protein as substrate, that became rapidly activated in a strictly gene-for-gene manner within 2 to 5 min after Avr9 elicitation in both Cf9 tobacco plants and derived cell cultures. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors and effectors revealed that Ca2+ influx and a phosphorylation event(s) are required for kinase activation, but neither enzyme is involved in the Avr9-dependent synthesis of active oxygen species. The activation of both kinases is achieved via post-translational mechanisms, and the activation but not inactivation step includes tyrosine phosphorylation. Using specific antibodies, we found that the 46- and 48-kD kinases were similiar to WIPK (for wound-induced protein kinase) and SIPK (for salicylic acid-induced protein kinase), two previously characterized mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases from tobacco. In addition, Cf9 tobacco plants and cell cultures showed an Avr9-dependent accumulation of the WIPK transcript. Cf9 tobacco suspension cultures are thus a unique system in which to analyze the earliest events in R gene function. These data indicate that (1) the R/Avr-mediated induction of plant defense is accomplished via several parallel signaling mechanisms, and (2) R/Avr-dependent signal transduction pathways are interlinked at MAP kinases with responses of plants not only to non-race-specific elicitors but also to abiotic stimuli, such as wounding and mechanical stress.

Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

Pronounced intraspecific haplotype divergence at the RPP5 complex disease resistance locus of Arabidopsis.

In Arabidopsis ecotype Landsberg erecta (Ler), RPP5 confers resistance to the pathogen Peronospora parasitica. RPP5 is part of a clustered multigene family encoding nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins. We compared 95 kb of DNA sequence carrying the Ler RPP5 haplotype with the corresponding 90 kb of Arabidopsis ecotype Columbia (Col-0). Relative to the remainder of the genome, the Ler and Col-0 RPP5 haplotypes exhibit remarkable intraspecific polymorphism. The RPP5 gene family probably evolved by extensive recombination between LRRs from an RPP5-like progenitor that carried only eight LRRs. Most members have variable LRR configurations and encode different numbers of LRRs. Although many members carry retroelement insertions or frameshift mutations, codon usage analysis suggests that regions of the genes have been subject to purifying or diversifying selection, indicating that these genes were, or are, functional. The RPP5 haplotypes thus carry dynamic gene clusters with the potential to adapt rapidly to novel pathogen variants by gene duplication and modification of recognition capacity. We propose that the extremely high level of polymorphism at this complex resistance locus is maintained by frequency-dependent selection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic and molecular analysis of tomato Cf genes for resistance to Cladosporium fulvum.

In many plant-pathogen interactions resistance to disease is controlled by the interaction of plant-encoded resistance (R) genes and pathogen-encoded avirulence (Avr) genes. The interaction between tomato and the leaf mould pathogen Cladosporium fulvum is an ideal system to study the molecular basis of pathogen perception by plants. A total of four tomato genes for resistance to C. fulvum (Cf-2, Cf-4, Cf-5 and Cf-9) have been isolated from two genetically complex chromosomal loci. Their gene products recognize specific C. fulvum-encoded avirulence gene products (Avr2, Avr4, Avr5 and Avr9) by an unknown molecular mechanism. Cf genes encode extracellular membrane-anchored glycoproteins comprised predominantly of 24 amino acid leucine-rich repeats (LRRs). Cf genes from the same locus encode proteins which are more than 90% identical. Most of the amino-acid sequence differences correspond to the solvent-exposed residues within a beta-strand/beta-turn structural motif which is highly conserved in LRR proteins. Sequence variability within this motif is predicted to affect the specificity of ligand binding. Our analysis of Cf gene loci at the molecular level has shown they comprise tandemly duplicated homologous genes, and suggests a molecular mechanism for the generation of sequence diversity at these loci. Our analysis provides further insight into the molecular basis of pathogen perception by plants and the organization and evolution of R gene loci.

Amino Acid Sequence↗