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Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Canuti L, Altamura MM, Canini A. Ultrastructure and development of the floral nectary from Borago officinalis L. and phytochemical changes in its secretion. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 345:112135. [PMID: 38797382 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Although Boraginaceae have been classified as good sources of nectar for many insects, little is still known about their nectar and nectaries. Thus, in the present contribution, we investigated the nectar production dynamics and chemistry in Borago officinalis L. (borage or starflower), together with its potential interaction capacity with pollinators. A peak of nectar secretion (∼5.1 µL per flower) was recorded at anthesis, to decrease linearly during the following 9 days. In addition, TEM and SEM analyses were performed to understand ultrastructure and morphological changes occurring in borage nectary before and after anthesis, but also after its secretory phase. Evidence suggested that nectar was transported by the apoplastic route (mainly from parenchyma to epidermis) and then released essentially by exocytotic processes, that is a granulocrine secretion. This theory was corroborated by monitoring the signal of complex polysaccharides and calcium, respectively, via Thiéry staining and ESI/EELS technique. After the secretory phase, nectary underwent degeneration, probably through autophagic events and/or senescence induction. Furthermore, nectar (Nec) and other flower structures (i.e., sepals, gynoecia with nectaries, and petals) from borage were characterized by spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, in terms of plant secondary metabolites, both at early (E-) and late (L-) phase from anthesis. The content of phytochemicals was quantified and discussed for all samples, highlighting potential biological roles of these compounds in the borage flower (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, staining effects). Surprisingly, a high significant accumulation of flavonoids was registered in L-Nec, with respect to E-Nec, indicating that this phenomenon might be functional and able to hide molecular (e.g., defence against pathogens) and/or ecological (e.g., last call for pollinators) purposes. Indeed, it is known that these plant metabolites influence nectar palatability, encouraging the approach of specialist pollinators, deterring nectar robbers, and altering the behaviour of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Gismondi
- Dept. of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Dept. of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Dept. of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Canini
- Dept. of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy.
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Structural Basis for the IgE-Binding Cross-Reacting Epitopic Peptides of Cup s 3, a PR-5 Thaumatin-like Protein Allergen from Common Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) Pollen. ALLERGIES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/allergies3010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The present work was aimed at identifying the IgE-binding epitopic regions on the surface of the Cup s 3 allergen from the common cypress Cupressus sempervirens, that are possibly involved in the IgE-binding cross-reactivity reported between Cupressaceae species. Three main IgE-binding epitopic regions were mapped on the molecular surface of Cup s 3, the PR-5 thaumatin-like allergen of common cypress Cupressus sempervirens. They correspond to exposed areas containing either electropositive (R, K) or electronegative (D, E) residues. A coalescence occurs between epitopes #1 and #2, that creates an extended IgE-binding regions on the surface of the allergen. Epitope #3 contains a putative N-glycosylation site which is actually glycosylated and could therefore comprise a glycotope. However, most of the allergenic potency of Cup s 3 depends on non-glycosylated epitopic peptides. The corresponding regions of thaumatin-like allergens from other closely related Cupressaceae (Cryptomeria, Juniperus, Thuja) exhibit a very similar conformation that should account for the IgE-binding cross-reactivity observed among the Cupressaceae allergens.
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Identification of Potential IgE-Binding Epitopes Contributing to the Cross-Reactivity of the Major Cupressaceae Pectate-Lyase Pollen Allergens (Group 1). ALLERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/allergies2030010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pectate-lyase allergens, the group 1 of allergens from Cupressaceae pollen, consist of glycoproteins exhibiting an extremely well-conserved three-dimensional structure and sequential IgE-binding epitopes. Up to 10 IgE-binding epitopic regions were identified on the molecular surface, which essentially cluster at both extremities of the long, curved β-prism-shaped allergens. Most of these IgE-binding epitopes possess very similar conformations that provide insight into the IgE-binding cross-reactivity and cross-allergenicity commonly observed among Cupressaceae pollen allergens. Some of these epitopic regions coincide with putative N-glycosylation sites that most probably consist of glycotopes or cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, recognized by the corresponding IgE antibodies from allergic patients. Pectate-lyase allergens of Cupressaceae pollen offer a nice example of structurally conserved allergens that are widely distributed in closely-related plants (Chamæcyparis, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Hesperocyparis, Juniperus, Thuja) and responsible for frequent cross-allergenicity.
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Ščevková J, Vašková Z, Sepšiová R, Kováč J. Seasonal variation in the allergenic potency of airborne grass pollen in Bratislava (Slovakia) urban environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:62583-62592. [PMID: 34212332 PMCID: PMC8248954 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Phl p 5 allergen of the plant species Phleum pratense is considered one of the most crucial grass pollen allergenic molecules inducing respiratory allergies. In this study, we evaluated seasonal variation in the concentration of both grass pollen and Phl p 5 allergens as well as the ratio allergen/pollen (pollen potency) in the air of Bratislava during two consecutive years, 2019-2020. These 2 years differed in terms of air pollution, as COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020 considerably improved air quality in the study area. Air samples were collected using a Hirst-type sampler for pollen detection and the cyclone sampler for aeroallergen detection. In 2020, we observed 80.3% higher seasonal pollen integral, probably associated with the longer pollen season duration, however, 43.6% lower mean daily pollen potency than in 2019. The mean daily pollen value was 37.5% higher in 2020 than in the previous year, while the mean daily allergen value was 14.9% lower in 2020. To evaluate the relationship between the amount of pollen or allergen in the air and selected meteorological factors and air pollution parameters, we used multiple regression analysis. Regarding weather factors, precipitation and relative humidity were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen concentration, though these associations were negative. Atmospheric pollutants, especially CO, NO2 and O3 were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen levels. The associations with CO and O3 were positive, while the association with NO2 was negative. Our results indicate that for grasses, an air pollutant that has a significant positive relationship to the ratio of allergen/pollen is nitrogen dioxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ščevková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Vašková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Regina Sepšiová
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Genetics, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Kováč
- Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Di Marco G, Gismondi A, Canuti L, Scimeca M, Volpe A, Canini A. Tetracycline accumulates in Iberis sempervirens L. through apoplastic transport inducing oxidative stress and growth inhibition. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2014; 16:792-800. [PMID: 24118651 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental antibiotic contamination is due mainly to improper and illegal disposal of these molecules that, yet pharmacologically active, are excreted by humans and animals. These compounds contaminate soil, water and plants. Many studies have reported the bioaccumulation of antibiotics in plants and their negative effects on photosynthesis, cell growth and oxidative balance. Therefore, the principal objective of this paper was the study of antibiotic accumulation sites in plants and its uptake modality. Iberis sempervirens L., grown in soil and in agar in the presence or absence of tetracycline, were used as a model system. Using confocal and transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrated that tetracycline was absorbed and propagated in plants through apoplastic transport and also accumulated in intercellular spaces. Tetracycline was rarely detected inside cells (in cytoplasm and mitochondria where, coherent to its pharmacological activity, it probably affected ribosomes), except in stomata. Moreover, we verified and clarified further the phytotoxic effects of tetracycline on plants. We observed that the antibiotic induced a large reduction in plant growth and development and inhibition of photosynthetic activity. As tetracycline may lead to oxidative stress in plants, plant cells tried to balance this disequilibrium by increasing the amount and activity of some endogenous enzyme antioxidant agents (superoxide dismutase 1 and catalase) and levels of antiradical secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
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Rivera-Mariani FE, Nazario-Jiménez S, López-Malpica F, Bolaños-Rosero B. Sensitization to airborne ascospores, basidiospores, and fungal fragments in allergic rhinitis and asthmatic subjects in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011; 155:322-34. [PMID: 21346362 DOI: 10.1159/000321610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal spores are the predominant biological particulate in the atmosphere of Puerto Rico, yet their potential as allergens has not been studied in subjects with respiratory allergies. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of sensitization of subjects with respiratory allergies to these particles. METHODS Serum samples were drawn from 33 subjects with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or nonallergic rhinitis and 2 controls with different skin prick test reactivity. An MK-3 sampler was used to collect air samples and the reactivity of the sera to fungal particles was detected with a halogen immunoassay. RESULTS All subjects reacted to at least 1 fungal particle. Thirty-one subjects reacted to ascospores, 29 to basidiospores, 19 to hyphae/fungal fragments, and 12 to mitospores. The median percentage of haloes in allergic rhinitis subjects was 4.82% while asthma or nonallergic rhinitis subjects had values of 1.09 and 0.39%, respectively. Subjects with skin prick tests positive to 3, 2, 1, or no extract had 5.24, 1.09, 1.61, and, 0.57% of haloed particles, respectively. If skin prick tests were positive to basidiomycetes, pollen, animals, or deuteromycetes, the percentages of haloes were 4.72, 4.15, 3.63, and 3.31%, respectively. Of all haloed particles, 46% were unidentified, 25% ascospores, 20% basidiospores, 7% hyphae/fungal fragments, and 2% mitospores. IgE levels and the number of positive skin prick test extracts correlated with the percentage of haloes. CONCLUSION In tropical environments, sensitization to airborne basidiomycetes, ascomycetes, and fungal fragments seems to be more prevalent than sensitization to mitospores in subjects with active allergies, suggesting a possible role in exacerbations of respiratory allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix E Rivera-Mariani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Weber RW. Cross-reactivity of pollen allergens: impact on allergen immunotherapy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2007; 99:203-11; quiz 212-3, 231. [PMID: 17910323 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide guidelines for the rational formulation of allergen immunotherapy extracts based on knowledge of pollen allergen and epitope cross-reactivity. DATA SOURCES A PubMed search was performed for articles published from 1966 to 2007 using the keywords pollen, allergen, and cross-reactivity. Older literature was found through cross-referencing of older articles and older reviews on pollen cross-reactivity. STUDY SELECTION Articles that dealt with crude pollen extracts and characterized allergens that addressed cross-reactivity were selected for inclusion in this review. RESULTS In addition to unique allergens, several families of botanic proteins have similarities that allow them to act as pan-allergens. Although frequently these are minor allergens, in some circumstances they may also be major allergens. Recent studies have investigated nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, calcium-binding proteins, pathogenesis-related protein families, and profilins. Calcium-binding proteins and nonspecific lipid transfer proteins are responsible for pollen-fruit interactions and pollen cross-reactivity. Clarification of pollen allergen enzymatic activity helps explain the ubiquitous nature of these proteins. CONCLUSION Characterization of specific pollen allergens and their protein families has provided insight into cross-reactivity. Clarification of these relationships allows for consolidation or substitution in formulation of inhalant extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Weber
- National Jewish Medical & Research Center, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.
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Weber RW. Cross-reactivity of pollen allergens: recommendations for immunotherapy vaccines. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2006; 5:563-9. [PMID: 16264339 DOI: 10.1097/01.all.0000191240.28255.ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will summarize recent research on pollen allergen and epitope cross-reactivity. Knowledge of these relationships aids in the rational formulation of allergen immunotherapy vaccines. RECENT FINDINGS There has been further clarification of panallergens and their roles as both major and minor allergens. Recent studies have targeted non-specific lipid transfer proteins and calcium-binding proteins (polcalcins), as well as pathogenesis-related protein families and profilins. Polcalcins and non-specific lipid transfer proteins are responsible for pollen-fruit interactions as well as pollen cross-reactivity, in some cases, but not all, accounting for major allergenicity. Delineation of the enzymatic activity of certain allergens explains the ubiquitous nature of these pollen proteins. SUMMARY Characterization of specific pollen allergens and their protein families has provided insight into the grounds for cross-reactivity. Continuing clarification of these relationships will allow the substitution and consolidation of inhalant extracts as described in the conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Weber
- National Jewish Medical and Research Center, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.
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Kao SH, Su SN, Huang SW, Tsai JJ, Chow LP. Sub-proteome analysis of novel IgE-binding proteins from Bermuda grass pollen. Proteomics 2005; 5:3805-13. [PMID: 16121337 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200401229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) pollen (BGP) is one of the most common causes of airway allergic disease, and has been shown to contain over 12 allergenic proteins on 1-D immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblots. However, only a few allergens have been identified and characterized. Cyn d 1 is a major allergen and the most abundant protein in BGP, representing 15% of the whole-pollen extract. To investigate variability in the IgE-reactive patterns of BGP-sensitized patients and to identify other prevalent allergens, a BGP extract was passed through an affinity column to remove Cyn d 1, and the non-bound material was collected and analyzed by 2-DE. IgE-reactive proteins were subsequently characterized by immunoblotting using serum samples from ten BGP-allergic patients. The prevalent IgE-reactive proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF MS, N-terminal sequence similarity, and LC-MS/MS. Here, we present a sub-proteome approach for allergen investigation and its use for determining BGP 2-DE profiles and identifying six novel allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hsuan Kao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
Pollen cross-allergenicity has practical implications on the management of inhalant allergy, in both evaluation and therapy, especially with allergen vaccine immunotherapy. The study of cross-reactivity among pollen allergens has expanded beyond investigation of crude extracts to the characterization and cloning of numerous pollen proteins. In this review, the interrelationships between these pollen allergens in the context of botanical systematics are examined, to provide a framework for cross-reactivity understanding. Recommendations for choices in evaluation and therapy are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Weber
- National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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