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Biosynthesis of Rhizobium meliloti lipooligosaccharide Nod factors: NodA is required for an N-acyltransferase activity.

Rhizobium bacteria synthesize N-acylated beta-1,4-N-acetylglucosamine lipooligosaccharides, called Nod factors, which act as morphogenic signal molecules to legume roots during development of nitrogen-fixing nodules. The biosynthesis of Nod factors is genetically dependent upon the nodulation (nod) genes, including the common nod genes nodABC. We used the Rhizobium meliloti NodH sulfotransferase to prepare 35S-labeled oligosaccharides which served as metabolic tracers for Nod enzyme activities. This approach provides a general method for following chitooligosaccharide modifications. We found nodAB-dependent conversion of N-acetylchitotetraose (chitotetraose) monosulfate into hydrophobic compounds which by chromatographic and chemical tests were equivalent to acylated Nod factors. Sequential incubation of labeled intermediates with Escherichia coli containing either NodA or NodB showed that NodB was required before NodA during Nod factor biosynthesis. The acylation activity was sensitive to oligosaccharide chain length, with chitotetraose serving as a better substrate than chitobiose or chitotriose. We constructed a putative Nod factor intermediate, GlcN-beta 1,4-(GlcNAc)3, by enzymatic synthesis and labeled it by NodH-mediated sulfation to create a specific metabolic probe. Acylation of this oligosaccharide required only NodA. These results confirm previous reports that NodB is an N-deacetylase and suggest that NodA is an N-acyltransferase.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Deletion of dentin matrix protein-1 leads to a partial failure of maturation of predentin into dentin, hypomineralization, and expanded cavities of pulp and root canal during postnatal tooth development.

The dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) gene is identified in odontoblasts during both embryonic and postnatal development. In vitro study suggests that this noncollagen acidic phosphoprotein plays a role in mineralization. However, deletion of the Dmp-1 gene has little effect on tooth development during embryogenesis. To address the role of DMP-1 in tooth during postnatal development, we analyzed changes of dentinogenesis in Dmp-1 null mice from 3 days after birth to 1 year. Here we show that Dmp-1 null mice postnatally develop a profound tooth phenotype characterized by a partial failure of maturation of predentin into dentin, enlarged pulp chambers, increased width of predentin zone with reduced dentin wall, and hypomineralization. The tooth phenotype of these mice is strikingly similar to that in dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) null mice and shares some features of the human disease dentinogenesis imperfecta III. We have also demonstrated that DSPP levels are reduced in Dmp-1 null mice, suggesting that DSPP is probably regulated by DMP-1 during dentinogenesis. Finally, we show the absence or delayed development of the third molar in Dmp-1 null mice, which is probably secondary to defects in Dmp-1 null bone. Taken together, these studies suggest that DMP-1 is essential for later dentinogenesis during postnatal development.

Animals↗

Multiple metaphor environments: designing for diversity.

This paper advances a proposition for the engineering of interactive computer-based environments capable of exhibiting alternative interactive embodiments to cope with diversity in users, interaction platforms and usage contexts. Such systems are referred to as Multiple Metaphor Environments (MME). The theoretical underpinnings of an MME rely on a conception of HCI design as mapping functions in a machine-oriented language (target domain) to symbols in a user-oriented language (source domain), and vice versa. Such a conception, which is rooted in developments in communication theory and the philosophy of language, constitutes the baseline for formulating a proposal for the design of MME. The proposal comprises a set of engineering principles, process-oriented guidelines and design techniques intended to facilitate a detailed account of how interactive systems could be designed to cope with diversity. To aid the articulation of the various properties of MME, we refer to concrete case studies that provide exemplars of novel insights and promising design practices towards the specification of MME.

Artificial Intelligence↗

New nerve root holders during spinal decompression.

New nerve root holders have been developed to protect nerve roots and dural sac during spinal bony decompression, especially if it takes place in the region of the lateral recess by means of a high speed air drill. Their design derives from the adaptation of common brain spatulas to the anatomy of the lumbar nerve roots. Their use, together with the contralateral approach (the operative microscopical visualization of the lesion from the side of the patient opposite to it), represents an available method to protect nervous structures from operative injuries without superfluous retraction of them. The contralateral approach permits the visualization of the deepest angles of the lateral recess without withdrawal of lateral parts of the articular facets, important for vertebral stability. In order to achieve satisfactory results without vertebral instrumental stabilization, the holder assists in the drilling procedure to enlarge the periradicular space covering the nerve root and helps avoid undue dural tearing or radicular damage.

Decompression, Surgical↗

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, vasculitis and critical aortic dilatation.

UNLABELLED: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare X-linked disorder, comprising the triad eczema, thrombocytopenia and progressive immunodeficiency. The prognosis has been poor in the past but is now improving with therapeutic options including splenectomy and bone marrow transplantation. We report the case of a 21-year-old male with an established diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, who developed aortic root dilatation with severe aortic regurgitation requiring aortic valve and root replacement. Histology confirmed a destructive, full-thickness, chronic aortitis. CONCLUSION: As treatment and prognosis improve, large vessel vasculitis may become an increasingly recognized late complication of this syndrome, which now extends into adult practice.

Adult↗

cGMP-mediated signaling via cGKIalpha is required for the guidance and connectivity of sensory axons.

Previous in vitro studies using cGMP or cAMP revealed a cross-talk between signaling mechanisms activated by axonal guidance receptors. However, the molecular elements modulated by cyclic nucleotides in growth cones are not well understood. cGMP is a second messenger with several distinct targets including cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI). Our studies indicated that the alpha isoform of cGKI is predominantly expressed by sensory axons during developmental stages, whereas most spinal cord neurons are negative for cGKI. Analysis of the trajectories of axons within the spinal cord showed a longitudinal guidance defect of sensory axons within the developing dorsal root entry zone in the absence of cGKI. Consequently, in cGKI-deficient mice, fewer axons grow within the dorsal funiculus of the spinal cord, and lamina-specific innervation, especially by nociceptive sensory neurons, is strongly reduced as deduced from anti-trkA staining. These axon guidance defects in cGKI-deficient mice lead to a substantial impairment in nociceptive flexion reflexes, shown using electrophysiology. In vitro studies revealed that activation of cGKI in embryonic dorsal root ganglia counteracts semaphorin 3A-induced growth cone collapse. Our studies therefore reveal that cGMP signaling is important for axonal growth in vivo and in vitro.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Analysis of a 1600-kilobase Rhizobium meliloti megaplasmid using defined deletions generated in vivo.

A series of 120-600 kilobase deletions with defined endpoints were made in the 1600-kilobase Rhizobium meliloti megaplasmid pRmeSU47b, by homologous recombination between the IS50 elements of transposon insertions. Utilizing IS 50-mediated homologous recombination we also made defined reductions in deletion size and combined adjacent deletions. Deletion structure was confirmed by phage transduction and Southern hybridization analysis. Collectively these deletions span 1400 kilobases of pRmeSU47b, indicating that the majority of the plasmid is not essential for cell viability. This was further confirmed by the construction of a strain SU47 derivative which carries only 450 kilobases of the pRmeSU47b megaplasmid. Examination of the deletion mutants for phenotype revealed novel loci required for dulcitol, melibiose, raffinose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, protocatechuate and quinate utilization. Previously unidentified loci required for effective root nodule development and exopolysaccharide synthesis were also found. Various deletion mutants were deficient in dicarboxylate transport, lactose utilization, and thiamine and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, as predicted from earlier studies of this megaplasmid.

Blotting, Southern↗

Two tropinone reductases, that catalyze opposite stereospecific reductions in tropane alkaloid biosynthesis, are localized in plant root with different cell-specific patterns.

In the plant species that produce tropane alkaloids, two tropinone reductases (TRs) catalyze the stereospecific reductions of the 3-carbonyl group of tropinone. This reduction is a key branch point that determines the metabolite flow into the separate alkaloid groups, each with different stereospecific configurations. In this study, a specific antibody was prepared for each of the TRs by immunizing mice with recombinant TR protein and subsequent immuno-affinity purification of the antiserum. Immunoblot analyses revealed that accumulation of both TRs was highest in the lateral roots of Hyoscyamus niger throughout its development. In cultured roots, TR proteins were accumulated in a basal region but not in root apex. These patterns were similar to that of hyoscyamine 6 beta-hydroxylase (H6H), an enzyme that catalyzes a downstream step in the same biosynthetic pathway. However, an immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the two TRs and H6H were accumulated with different cell-specific patterns in the cultured root, suggesting transportation of the alkaloid intermediate(s) across the different cell layers.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

An RNA-binding protein, AtRBP1, is expressed in actively proliferative regions in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A cDNA clone, named XF41, that encodes an RNA-binding protein was isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana. The deduced protein, named AtRBP1, contains two conserved consensus sequence-type RNA-binding domains (CS-RBDs) in the N-terminal half, a putative PY motif (a target of a WW domain) in the center, and uncharacterized C-terminal domain. A binding assay demonstrated that the AtRBP1 can bind to single-stranded nucleic acids in vitro. Analysis of localization of the GUS activity of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants that have the chimeric gene containing the upstream sequence of the AtRBP1 gene and GUS gene demonstrated that the AtRBP1 gene is expressed in meristematic tissues such as the vegetative shoot apex and root tips, developing organs such as floral buds and pistils of young flowers, abscission layers of immature siliques and junctions of pedicels. Considering the specificity of the expression, AtRBP1 may be required in the progress of cell proliferation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a Sed5-like SNARE gene LjSYP32-1 that contributes to nodule tissue formation of Lotus japonicus.

We identified a Sed5-like clone LjSYP32-1 which contributes to nodule tissue formation and plant growth in Lotus japonicus. In the L. japonicus expressed sequence tag (EST) clone databases of Kazusa DNA Research Institute, another syntaxin-related clone (LjSYP32-2) was also detected, and the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these two clone are very similar to each other. Real-time PCR and promoter analysis indicated that expression of LjSYP32-1 was dominant compared with LjSYP32-2 in the various plant organs. Promoter analysis and in situ hybridization revealed that LjSYP32-1 was expressed significantly in the inner cortex cell layer surrounding the infected zone of young nodules and in the meristem area of developing lateral root. To explore the function and physiological role of LjSYP32-1 in nodules and other plant organs, stable transformation lines of L. japonicus expressing either sense or antisense LjSYP32-1 were prepared. The antisense plants showed a significantly retarded plant growth phenotype, suggesting a role for LjSYP32-1 in supporting plant growth. In the same transgenic lines, the plants were capable of forming nodules, but the acetylene reduction activity was reduced by around 50% per plant. The nodules were much smaller and some nodules were fused to each other by sharing the inner cortex. The rate of occurrence of such irregular nodules was twice that observed in wild-type plants. The data suggest that LjSYP32-1 contributes to the support of plant growth and normal nodule tissue differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Winter embolism, mechanisms of xylem hydraulic conductivity recovery and springtime growth patterns in walnut and peach trees.

Xylem vessels of Prunus persica Batsch (peach) and Juglans regia L. (walnut) are vulnerable to frost-induced embolism. In peach, xylem embolism increased progressively over the winter, reaching a maximum of 85% loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) in early March. Over winter, PLC in walnut approached 100%, but the degree of xylem embolism varied during the winter, reflecting the ability of walnut to generate positive xylem pressures in winter and spring. In contrast, positive xylem pressures were not observed in peach. Controlled freeze-thaw experiments showed that frost alone is insufficient to increase embolism in peach; evaporative conditions during thawing are also required. However, when both species were protected from frost, PLC was zero. At bud break, there was complete recovery from embolism in walnut, whereas PLC remained high in peach. Three mechanisms responsible for the restoration of branch hydraulic conductivity were identified in walnut: the development of stem pressure, the development of root pressure and the formation of a new ring of functional xylem, whereas only one mechanism was observed in peach (new functional ring). The climatic conditions necessary for the manifestation of these mechanisms were investigated.

Juglans↗

Seasonal changes in nodular nitrogenase activity of Alnus glutinosa and Elaeagnus angustifolia.

Root nodule development, and seasonal patterns of nodular nitrogenase and hydrogenase activities were determined for 5- to 8-year old black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) interplanted with black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) on bottomland and upland sites in central Illinois, USA. Black alder produced nodules at both sites, but Russian olive did so only at the bottomland site. Nodular nitrogenase activity was detectable in both species over a 220-day period. Maximum, midday rates of nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) of 15 to 20 micromoles C(2)H(4) per g dry nodule per hour were maintained by black alder for approximately 150 days at both the upland and bottomland sites. Near maximum rates of nodular nitrogenase activity were maintained for a similar period by Russian olive at the lowland site, although specific nitrogenase activity was approximately 25% lower than in black alder owing to a larger proportion of necrotic nodular tissue in Russian olive. In both species, nitrogenase activity increased exponentially with temperature between 10 degrees C and 20 to 25 degrees C. No net hydrogen evolution by nodules of either species was detected at any time during the assay period, indicating efficient hydrogenase systems were operating under the conditions of the field assay. Height of black walnut interplanted with nodulated black alder and Russian olive was greater than that of black walnut grown in pure stands.

Journal Article↗

The Rhizobium etli amtB gene coding for an NH4+ transporter is down-regulated early during bacteroid differentiation.

During development of root nodules, Rhizobium bacteria differentiate inside the invaded plant cells into N2-fixing bacteroids. Terminally differentiated bacteroids are unable to grow using the ammonia (NH3) produced therein by the nitrogenase complex. Therefore, the nitrogen assimilation activities of bacteroids, including the ammonium (NH4+) uptake activity, are expected to be repressed during symbiosis. By sequence homology the R. etli amtB (ammonium transport) gene was cloned and sequenced. As previously shown for its counterpart in other organisms, the R. etli amtB gene product mediates the transport of NH4+. The amtB gene is cotranscribed with the glnK gene (coding for a PII-like protein) from a nitrogen-regulated sigma 54-dependent promoter, which requires the transcriptional activator NtrC. Expression of the glnKamtB operon was found to be activated under nitrogen-limiting, free-living conditions, but down-regulated just when bacteria are released from the infection threads and before transcription of the nitrogenase genes. Our data suggest that the uncoupling between N2-fixation and NH3 assimilation observed in symbiosomes is generated by a transcriptional regulatory mechanism(s) beginning with the inactivation of NtrC in younger bacteroids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vivo study on the biocompatibility of newly developed calcium phosphate-based root canal sealers.

This study compared the biocompatibility of two new calcium phosphate-based root canal sealers (CAPSEAL I, CAPSEAL II) with another type of commercially available calcium phosphate sealer (Apatite Root Sealer type I, Apatite Root Sealer type II) and a zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer (Pulp Canal Sealer EWT) after implanting them in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. After 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks, the tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. The tissue reactions were graded as being mild or 1, moderate or 2, and severe or 3 after a histopathological examination. The results were analyzed statistically with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The biocompatibility of the materials was interpreted according to the Federation Dentaire Internationale criteria (1980). The inflammatory reactions decreased with time. The new sealers showed a lower tissue response than any of the other sealers in all the experimental periods. All the tested sealers showed an acceptable biocompatibility.

Animals↗

Focal and generalized peripheral nerve dysfunction in spinal cord-injured patients.

SUMMARY: The present study was undertaken to quantitate the incidence and clinical patterns of peripheral nerve dysfunction distal to the level of injury in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Through retrospective analysis, SCI patients were identified after referral for neurophysiologic investigation of new neuropathic symptoms. In total, peripheral nerve or nerve root lesions developed in 34 SCI patients, most commonly within the first year after SCI. Carpal tunnel syndrome was the most common upper-limb neuropathy (34%); sciatic neuropathy was the most common lower-limb abnormality (8.5%). A significant proportion of SCI patients had neurophysiological evidence of generalized peripheral nerve dysfunction, specifically axonal neuropathy (18%). Tetraplegic patients developed more frequent peripheral nerve lesions than paraplegics. Although most SCI patients presented within 4 years of their original injury, in a more chronic population of SCI patients that developed neuropathy 5 years after injury, 60% had evidence of coexistent syrinx formation. Maintenance of peripheral nerve function is a critical issue in all acute SCI and rehabilitation units, particularly in the context of spinal cord neuronal regeneration projects.

Action Potentials↗

atSRp30, one of two SF2/ASF-like proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana, regulates splicing of specific plant genes.

SR proteins are nuclear phosphoproteins with a characteristic Ser/Arg-rich domain and one or two RNA recognition motifs. They are highly conserved in animals and plants and play important roles in spliceosome assembly and alternative splicing regulation. We have now isolated and partially sequenced a plant protein, which crossreacts with antibodies to human SR proteins. The sequence of the corresponding cDNA and genomic clones from Arabidopsis revealed a protein, atSRp30, with strong similarity to the human SR protein SF2/ASF and to atSRp34/SR1, a previously identified SR protein, indicating that plants possess two SF2/ASF-like proteins. atSRp30 expresses alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms that are expressed differentially in various organs and during development. Overexpression of atSRp30 via a strong constitutive promoter resulted in changes in alternative splicing of several endogenous plant genes, including atSRp30 itself. Interestingly, atSRp30 overexpression resulted in a pronounced down-regulation of endogenous mRNA encoding full-length atSRp34/SR1 protein. Transgenic plants overexpressing atSRp30 showed morphological and developmental changes affecting mostly developmental phase transitions. atSRp30- and atSRp34/SR1-promoter-GUS constructs exhibited complementary expression patterns during early seedling development and root formation, with overlapping expression in floral tissues. The results of the structural and expression analyses of both genes suggest that atSRp34/SR1 acts as a general splicing factor, whereas atSRp30 functions as a specific splicing modulator.

Alternative Splicing↗

Use of the fluorescent timer DsRED-E5 as reporter to monitor dynamics of gene activity in plants.

Fluorescent proteins, such as green fluorescent protein and red fluorescent protein (DsRED), have become frequently used reporters in plant biology. However, their potential to monitor dynamic gene regulation is limited by their high stability. The recently made DsRED-E5 variant overcame this problem. DsRED-E5 changes its emission spectrum over time from green to red in a concentration independent manner. Therefore, the green to red fluorescence ratio indicates the age of the protein and can be used as a fluorescent timer to monitor dynamics of gene expression. Here, we analyzed the potential of DsRED-E5 as reporter in plant cells. We showed that in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) mesophyll protoplasts, DsRED-E5 changes its fluorescence in a way similar to animal cells. Moreover, the timing of this shift is suitable to study developmental processes in plants. To test whether DsRed-E5 can be used to monitor gene regulation in plant organs, we placed DsRED-E5 under the control of promoters that are either up- or down-regulated (MtACT4 and LeEXT1 promoters) or constitutively expressed (MtACT2 promoter) during root hair development in Medicago truncatula. Analysis of the fluorescence ratios clearly provided more accurate insight into the timing of promoter activity.

DNA Primers↗

A biophysical analysis of stem and root diameter variations in woody plants.

A comprehensive model of stem and root diameter variation was developed. The stem (or root) was represented using two coaxial cylinders corresponding with the mature xylem and the extensible tissues. The extensible tissues were assumed to behave as a single cell separated from the mature xylem by a virtual membrane. The mature xylem and the extensible tissues are able to dilate with temperature and grow. Moreover, the extensible tissues are able to shrink and swell according to water flow intensity. The model is mainly based on the calculation of water volume flows in the "single cell" that are described using the principles of irreversible thermodynamics. The elastic response to storage volume and plastic extension accompanying growth are described. The model simulates diameter variation due to temperature, solute accumulation, and xylem, water potential. The model was applied to the peach (Prunus persica) stem and to the plum (Prunus domestica x Prunus spinosa) root. The simulation outputs corresponded well with the diameter variation observed. The model predicts that variations of turgor pressure and osmotic potential are smaller than the variations of xylem water potential. It also demonstrates correlations between the xylem water potential, the turgor pressure, the elastic modulus, and the osmotic potential. The relationship between the diameter and the xylem water potential exhibits a substantial hysteresis, as observed in field data. A sensitivity analysis using the model parameters showed that growth and shrinkage were highly sensitive to the initial values of the turgor pressure and to the reflection coefficient of solutes. Shrinkage and growth were sensitive to elastic modulus and wall-yielding threshold pressure, respectively. The model was not sensitive to changes in temperature.

Biophysical Phenomena↗