A downy mildew effector attenuates salicylic acid-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis by interacting with the host mediator complex

Correlating sugar transporter expression and activities to identify transporters for an orphan sugar substrate

Filamentous fungi like Neurospora crassa are able to take up and metabolize important sugars present, for example, in agricultural and human food wastes. However, only a fraction of all putative sugar transporters in filamentous fungi has been characterized to date, and for many sugar substrates, the corresponding transporters are unknown. In N. crassa, only 14 out of the 42 putative major facilitator superfamily (MFS)-type sugar transporters have been characterized so far. To uncover this hidden potential for biotechnology, it is therefore necessary to find new strategies. By correlation of the uptake profile of sugars of interest after different induction conditions with the expression profiles of all 44 genes encoding predicted sugar transporters in N. crassa, together with an exhaustive phylogenetic analysis using sequences of characterized fungal sugar transporters, we aimed to identify transporter candidates for the tested sugars. Following this approach, we found a high correlation of uptake rates and expression strengths for many sugars with dedicated transporters, like galacturonic acid and arabinose, while the correlation is loose for sugars that are transported by several transporters due to functional redundancy. Nevertheless, this combinatorial approach allowed us to elucidate the uptake system for the disaccharide lactose, a by-product of the dairy industry, which consists of the two main cellodextrin transporters CDT-1 and CDT-2 with a minor contribution of the related transporter NCU00809. Moreover, a non-MFS transporter involved in glycerol transport was also identified. Deorphanization of sugar transporters or identification of transporters for orphan sugar substrates by correlation of uptake kinetics with transporter expression and phylogenetic information can thus provide a way to optimize the reuse of food industry by-products and agricultural wastes by filamentous fungi in order to create economic value and reduce their environmental impact. KEY POINTS: • The Neurospora crassa genome contains 30 uncharacterized putative sugar transporter genes. • Correlation of transporter expression and sugar uptake profiles can help to identify transporters for orphan sugar substrates. • CDT-1, CDT-2, and NCU00809 are key players in the transport of the dairy by-product lactose in N. crassa.

Innovative solution or cause for concern? The use of continuous glucose monitors in people not living with diabetes: A narrative review

AIMS

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have expanded their scope beyond indicated uses for diabetes management and are gaining traction among people not living with diabetes (PNLD). CGMs track in time glucose levels and are proposed as tools for the early detection of abnormal glucose and a potential solution for its normalisation through behavioural change, particularly, diet personalisation and motivation of physical activity. This becomes relevance given the growing incidence of metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical guidelines, however, do not recommend CGMs in contexts outside type 1 diabetes (T1DM) or insulin-treated T2DM. Therefore, there is a visible disconnect between the indicated and real-world usage of these medical devices. While the commercial market for CGMs in PNLD is expanding rapidly, a comprehensive and evidence-based evaluation of the devices' utility in this population has not been done. Therefore, this review aims to formulate a working model for CGM utility in PNLD as proposed by the 'health and wellness' market that advertises and distributes it to these individuals.

METHODS

We aim to critically analyse the available research addressing components of the working model, that is (1) detection of abnormal glucose; (2) behavioural change, and (3) metabolic health improvement.

RESULTS

We find a lack of consistent and high-quality evidence to support the utility of CGMs for these purposes. We identify significantly under-reserved areas including clinical benchmarks and scoring procedures for CGM measures, device acceptability, and potential adverse effects of CGMs on eating habits in PNLD. We also raise concerns about the robustness of available CGM research.

CONCLUSION

In the face of these research gaps, we urge for the commercial claims suggesting the utility of the device in PNLD to be labelled as misleading. We argue that there is a regulatory inadequacy that fuels 'off-label' CGM distribution and calls for the strengthening of post-market clinical follow-up oversight for CGMs. We hope this will help to avert the continued misinformation risk to PNLD and 'off-label' exacerbation of health disparities.

Interconnected roles of fungal nuclear- and intron-encoded maturases: at the crossroads of mitochondrial intron splicing

Group I and II introns are large catalytic RNAs (ribozymes) that are frequently encountered in fungal mitochondrial genomes. The discovery of respiratory mutants linked to intron splicing defects demonstrated that for the efficient removal of organellar introns there appears to be a requirement of protein splicing factors. These splicing factors can be intron-encoded proteins with maturase activities that usually promote the splicing of the introns that encode them (cis-acting) and/or nuclear-encoded factors that can promote the splicing of a range of different introns (trans-acting). Compared to plants organellar introns, fungal mitochondrial intron splicing is still poorly explored, especially in terms of the synergy of nuclear factors with intron-encoded maturases that has direct impact on splicing through their association with intron RNA. In addition, nuclear-encoded accessory factors might drive the splicing impetus through translational activation, mitoribosome assembly, and phosphorylation-mediated RNA turnover. This review explores protein-assisted splicing of introns by nuclear and mitochondrial-encoded maturases as a means of mitonuclear interplay that could respond to environmental and developmental factors promoting phenotypic adaptation and potentially speciation. It also highlights key evolutionary events that have led to changes in structure and ATP-dependence to accommodate the dual functionality of nuclear and organellar splicing factors.

Effects of Prebiotic Therapy on Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Individuals with Different Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Prebiotics are substrates selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. The effects of prebiotics on the gut microbiome of individuals with inflammatory processes need further investigations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on the gastrointestinal microbiome of individuals with some types of inflammatory conditions. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of different prebiotics on the gut microbiome were included. A systematic review of the literature including searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was performed until 23 March 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's criteria. Qualitative data was tabulated to facilitate comparisons and represented in the form of descriptive statistics and summary tables. Thirty trials, ranging from 12 to 135 patients, were included. The most commonly used prebiotic type was inulin-type fructans, and the treatment duration ranged from 1 to 36 weeks. The majority of the trials investigated the gut microbiome using 16 s rRNA gene sequencing on the Illumina Miseq platform. In general, prebiotic therapy exerted positive effects on inflammatory conditions. An increase in Bifidobacterium genus was the most common shift in bacterial composition observed. Within the limits of this systematic review, it can be suggested that prebiotic therapy presents the potential to favorably modulate the gastrointestinal microbiome of individuals with different types of inflammatory conditions.

Association of senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins with ovarian reserve among middle-aged/older women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the association of circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins, secreted by senescent cells, with indicators of women's ovarian reserve.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of cross-sectional baseline survey data was undertaken by the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Cardiovascular Disease Association Study. A total of 223 women (aged 40-82 y), without any history of oophorectomy, hysterectomy, or other medical conditions that could lower the ovarian reserve, were enrolled in this analysis. Chronological age (years), menopausal status, and serum anti-müllerian hormone (ng/mL) level were used to assess the associations among biological aging, accelerated menopausal aging, and ovarian reserve.

RESULTS

Of the 223 women participants (53.4 ± 11.0 y), 147 (46.4 ± 3.9 y) and 76 (67.0 ± 6.9 y) were premenopausal and postmenopausal, respectively. Serum levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins were generally higher in postmenopausal, than in premenopausal, women. In the analyses adjusted for chronological age and body mass index, 17 senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins were associated with menopausal status. However, in premenopausal women, no association trends with the level of anti-müllerian hormone were detected for a total of 28 senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of middle-aged/older women, the level of circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins indicated chronological age and menopausal status. Yet, serum levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype protein potentially have limited predictive value for ascertaining ovarian reserve in premenopausal women.

Intergenerational and early life associations of the gut microbiome and stress-related symptomatology among Black American mothers and children

Recent evidence suggests that maternal childhood adversity may have an intergenerational impact, with children of adversity-exposed mothers exhibiting elevated symptoms of psychopathology. At the same time, many children demonstrate resilience to these intergenerational effects. Among the variety of factors that likely contribute to resilience, the composition of the gut microbiome may play a role in buffering the negative impacts of trauma and stress. The current prospective cohort study tested the novel hypothesis that offspring gut microbiome composition is a potential moderator in the relationship between maternal exposure to childhood adversity and offspring symptomatology (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, and posttraumatic stress symptoms). Maternal childhood adversity was self-reported during pregnancy via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey, and offspring symptomatology was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist/1.5-5 when offspring were 2-4 years old. Offspring fecal samples were collected between these timepoints (i.e., during 6- to 24-month follow-up visits) for microbiome sequencing. Results indicated that maternal ACEs and the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella were associated with offspring symptomatology. However, there was little evidence that microbial abundance moderated the association between maternal adversity and offspring symptoms. Overall, these findings further our understanding of how the gut microbiome associates with psychopathology, and informs future studies aimed at targeting modifiable factors that may buffer the intergenerational effects of childhood adversity.

Aesthetic value protection and tourism development of the world natural heritage sites: a literature review and implications for the world heritage karst sites

Recently, research on outstanding universal value (OUV) protection and tourism development at World Natural Heritage sites (WNHSs) has attracted scholarly attention. The aesthetic value of natural landscapes is a powerful driving force for tourism development. Using this approach as an entry point to study aesthetic value protection and tourism development will help to relieve the contradiction between protection and development and promote the sustainable utilization of heritage sites. However, no comprehensive literature review has examined research on aesthetic value protection and tourism development at WNHSs. To fill this gap, we used a systematic literature review framework, and bibliometric analyses of 194 journal articles were collected from the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. The results show the following: (1) the overall fluctuating upward trend in the number of publications indicates that the research in this field is gradually expanding, the regions studied in the literature are mainly focused on China, Italy and Australia, and the research institutions conducting the research are mainly Asian universities. (2) The landmark research achievements mainly focus on theoretical foundation, model construction, monitoring and evaluation, technical measures and other dimensions and the implications for World Heritage karst sites (WHKSs), where theoretical research is the main focus, and that research on monitoring and evaluation, technical measures and model construction is relatively limited. (3) On this basis, 7 key scientific and technological issues are summarized and provide insights into future research directions for the conservation of aesthetic values and tourism development at WHKSs, and future research should strengthen knowledge of natural heritage conservation based on aesthetic value identification and focus on the theoretical basis of the coordination between the conservation of aesthetic value and tourism development at WNHSs. Research should explore the science and technology and measures associated with the coordination between aesthetic value conservation and tourism development, and reveal the mechanisms and paths for coordination between WNHS conservation and tourism development in karst areas.

Assessing CB1 Expression in the Brain by Immunohistochemical Methods: Light, Confocal, and Electron Microscopy

Conventional techniques to reveal the neuroanatomical distribution of type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB₁) in the brain, at the cellular and subcellular level, are mainly represented by light, confocal, and electron microscopy. By using immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence methods, it is possible to reveal CB₁ distribution and localization in the brain and its changes under pathological conditions. Moreover, by using electron microscopy, we can define the ultrastructural localization at the level of subcellular structures and organelles. Here, we describe immunoperoxidase, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy protocols used to get information about CB₁ spatial distribution and localization in the brain. Preparation of reagents, resin embedding, preparation for an endogenous activity-blocking step, and background counterstaining and revelation of CB₁ by using specific labeled secondary antibodies will be presented. The methods here discussed are highly sensitive and specific multistep processes, where each step is critical to finally obtain an optimum signal.

Microbial metabolites: cause or consequence in gastrointestinal disease?

Systems biology studies have established that changes in gastrointestinal microbiome composition and function can adversely impact host physiology. Notable diseases synonymously associated with dysbiosis include inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, metabolic disorders, and opportunistic and recurrent pathogen infections. However, there is a scarcity of mechanistic data that advances our understanding of taxonomic correlations with pathophysiological host-microbiome interactions. Generally, to survive a hostile gut environment, microbes are highly metabolically active and produce trans-kingdom signaling molecules to interact with competing microorganisms and the host. These specialized metabolites likely play important homeostatic roles, and identifying disease-specific taxa and their effector pathways can provide better strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as the discovery of innovative therapeutics. The signaling role of microbial biotransformation products such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, polysaccharides, and dietary tryptophan is increasingly recognized, but little is known about the identity and function of metabolites that are synthesized by microbial biosynthetic gene clusters, including ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs), nonribosomal peptides (NRPs), polyketides (PKs), PK-NRP hybrids, and terpenes. Here we consider how bioactive natural products directly encoded by the human microbiome can contribute to the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal disease, cancer, autoimmune, antimicrobial-resistant bacterial and viral infections (including COVID-19). We also present strategies used to discover these compounds and the biological activities they exhibit, with consideration of therapeutic interventions that could emerge from understanding molecular causation in gut microbiome research.

Protein Aggregation as a Bacterial Strategy to Survive Antibiotic Treatment

While protein aggregation is predominantly associated with loss of function and toxicity, it is also known to increase survival of bacteria under stressful conditions. Indeed, protein aggregation not only helps bacteria to cope with proteotoxic stresses like heat shocks or oxidative stress, but a growing number of studies suggest that it also improves survival during antibiotic treatment by inducing dormancy. A well-known example of dormant cells are persisters, which are transiently refractory to the action of antibiotics. These persister cells can switch back to the susceptible state and resume growth in the absence of antibiotics, and are therefore considered an important cause of recurrence of infections. Mounting evidence now suggests that this antibiotic-tolerant persister state is tightly linked to-or perhaps even driven by-protein aggregation. Moreover, another dormant bacterial phenotype, the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, was also shown to be associated with aggregation. These results indicate that persisters and VBNC cells may constitute different stages of the same dormancy program induced by progressive protein aggregation. In this mini review, we discuss the relation between aggregation and bacterial dormancy, focusing on both persisters and VBNC cells. Understanding the link between protein aggregation and dormancy will not only provide insight into the fundamentals of bacterial survival, but could prove highly valuable in our future battle to fight them.

Overcoming Glucocorticoid Resistance in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Repurposed Drugs Can Improve the Protocol

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a central component of multi-drug treatment protocols against T and B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which are used intensively during the remission induction to rapidly eliminate the leukemic blasts. The primary response to GCs predicts the overall response to treatment and clinical outcome. In this review, we have critically analyzed the available data on the effects of GCs on sensitive and resistant leukemic cells, in order to reveal the mechanisms of GC resistance and how these mechanisms may determine a poor outcome in ALL. Apart of the GC resistance, associated with a decreased expression of receptors to GCs, there are several additional mechanisms, triggered by alterations of different signaling pathways, which cause the metabolic reprogramming, with an enhanced level of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis resistance, and multidrug resistance. Due to all this, the GC-resistant ALL show a poor sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic protocols. We propose pharmacological strategies that can trigger alternative intracellular pathways to revert or overcome GC resistance. Specifically, we focused our search on drugs, which are already approved for treatment of other diseases and demonstrated anti-ALL effects in experimental pre-clinical models. Among them are some “truly” re-purposed drugs, which have different targets in ALL as compared to other diseases: cannabidiol, which targets mitochondria and causes the mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis, tamoxifen, which induces autophagy and cell death, and reverts GC resistance through the mechanisms independent of nuclear estrogen receptors (“off-target effects”), antibiotic tigecycline, which inhibits mitochondrial respiration, causing energy crisis and cell death, and some anthelmintic drugs. Additionally, we have listed compounds that show a classical mechanism of action in ALL but are not used still in treatment protocols: the BH3 mimetic venetoclax, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine, which restores the expression of the pro-apoptotic BIM, and compounds targeting the PI3K-Akt-mTOR axis. Accordingly, these drugs may be considered for the inclusion into chemotherapeutic protocols for GC-resistant ALL treatments.

Complete genome sequencing of Bacillus sp. TK-2, analysis of its cold evolution adaptability

To date, a large number of Bacillus species from different sources have been identified. However, there are few investigations on genome information and evolutionary insights of Bacillus species from cold environments. Bacillus sp. TK-2, isolated from the soil of Changbai Mountain, is a gram-positive bacterium with cold adaptation characteristics. In this study, we present the annotated complete genome sequence of Bacillus sp. TK-2. The genome comprised 5,286,177 bp with a GC content of 35.88%, 5293 protein-encoding genes, 32 rRNA, and 77 tRNA. Numerous genes related to cold adaptation were detected in the genome of Bacillus sp. TK-2, mainly involving in energy supply, regulation of cell membrane fluidity, antioxidant, and molecular chaperones. In addition, the strain TK-2 classified in the Bacillus groups was distributed on a terminal branch with Bacillus cereus A1 by Blastn and phylogenetic analysis in NCBI database. Complete genome sequences of the strain TK-2 and Bacillus cereus A1 were compared by the online tool "Average Nucleotide Identity", showing that the average nucleotide identity of these two strains was 98.26%. In parallel, A comparative analysis of the genomes of both Bacillus sp. TK-2 and Bacillus cereus A1 was conducted. Through the analysis of core and specific genes with cd-hit, it was found that the two strains had 5691 pan gene, 4524 core gene, and 1167 specific gene clusters. Among the 624 specific gene clusters of Bacillus sp. TK-2, some cold tolerance genes were detected, which implied the unique adaptability of Bacillus sp. TK-2 in long-term low temperature environments. Importantly, enzyme-encoding genes related to the degradation of polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose were detected in the 477 CAZyme genes of this genome. This work on sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the complete sequence of Bacillus sp. TK-2 promote the application and in-depth research of low-temperature biotechnology.

A Differential Immune Modulating Role of Vitamin D in Urinary Tract Infection

Vitamin D is known as an important modulator of numerous immune functions. We aimed to investigate the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with several humoral mediators of the immune system in the patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). Serum levels of 25(OH)D, cytokines (interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor transforming growth factor (TNF)-α, and tumor growth factor (TGF)-β), immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgG, IgM, and IgM), complement proteins (C3 and C4) with hemolytic activities (CH50 and AP50), and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated in 65 patients, compared to 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. An insignificant decrease in 25(OH)D levels was observed in patients, compared to controls. In the patient group, elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A, and IL-10 had a significant association with the serum levels of 25(OH)D, while the levels of TGF-β, IL-6, and TNF-α showed an insignificant association. The levels of IgG, C3, and NO also displayed such a statistically significant association with serum 25(OH)D levels. The AP50 levels which had significant difference were found to be not associated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D might mediate a link between the innate and adaptive immune responses via the induction of Th1/Th17 polarization of cytokine responses and isotype regulation of antibody production, along with the maintenance of the capacity of the alternative complement pathway, in response to a UPEC infection. However, further studies are needed to validate the defined nature of the host immune response.

Detecting (Un)seen Change: The Neural Underpinnings of (Un)conscious Prediction Errors

Detecting changes in the environment is fundamental for our survival. According to predictive coding theory, detecting these irregularities relies both on incoming sensory information and our top-down prior expectations (or internal generative models) about the world. Prediction errors (PEs), detectable in event-related potentials (ERPs), occur when there is a mismatch between the sensory input and our internal model (i.e., a surprise event). Many changes occurring in our environment are irrelevant for survival and may remain unseen. Such changes, even if subtle, can nevertheless be detected by the brain without emerging into consciousness. What remains unclear is how these changes are processed in the brain at the network level. Here, we used a visual oddball paradigm in which participants engaged in a central letter task during electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings while presented with task-irrelevant high- or low-coherence background, random-dot motion. Critically, once in a while, the direction of the dots changed. After the EEG session, we confirmed that changes in motion direction at high- and low-coherence were visible and invisible, respectively, using psychophysical measurements. ERP analyses revealed that changes in motion direction elicited PE regardless of the visibility, but with distinct spatiotemporal patterns. To understand these responses, we applied dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to the EEG data. Bayesian Model Averaging showed visible PE relied on a release from adaptation (repetition suppression) within bilateral MT+, whereas invisible PE relied on adaptation at bilateral V1 (and left MT+). Furthermore, while feedforward upregulation was present for invisible PE, the visible change PE also included downregulation of feedback between right MT+ to V1. Our findings reveal a complex interplay of modulation in the generative network models underlying visible and invisible motion changes.

Do young rhesus macaques know what others see?: A comparative developmental perspective

Humans undergo robust ontogenetic shifts in the theory of mind capabilities. Are these developmental changes unique to human development or are they shared with other closely related non-human species? To explore this issue, we tested the development of the theory of mind capacities in a population of 236 infant and juvenile rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Using a looking-time method, we examined what developing monkeys know about others' perceptions. Specifically, we tested whether younger monkeys predict that a person will reach for an object where she last saw it. Overall, we found a significant interaction between a monkey's age and performance on this task (p = .014). Juvenile monkeys (between two and 5 years of age) show a nonsignificant trend towards human infant-like patterns of performance, looking longer during the unexpected condition as compared to the expected condition, though this difference is nonsignificant (p = .09). However, contrary to findings in human infants, infant rhesus macaques show a different trend. Infant monkeys on average look slightly longer on average during the expected condition than the unexpected condition, though this pattern was not significant (p = .06). Our developmental results in monkeys provide some hints about the development of the theory of mind capacities in non-humans. First, young rhesus macaques appear to show some interest in the perception of other agents. Second, young rhesus seems able to make predictions based on the visual perspective of another agent, though the developmental pattern of this ability is not as clear nor as robust as in humans. As such, though an understanding of others' perceptions is early-emerging in human infants, it may require more experience interacting with other social agents in our non-human relatives.

ADNP promotes neural differentiation by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

ADNP (Activity Dependent Neuroprotective Protein) is a neuroprotective protein whose aberrant expression has been frequently linked to neural developmental disorders, including the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome (also called the ADNP syndrome). However, its role in neural development and pathology remains unclear. Here, we show that ADNP is required for neural induction and differentiation by enhancing Wnt signaling. Mechanistically, ADNP functions to stabilize β-Catenin through binding to its armadillo domain which prevents its association with key components of the degradation complex: Axin and APC. Loss of ADNP promotes the formation of the degradation complex and β-Catenin degradation via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, resulting in down-regulation of key neuroectoderm developmental genes. In addition, adnp gene disruption in zebrafish leads to defective neurogenesis and reduced Wnt signaling. Our work provides important insights into the role of ADNP in neural development and the pathology of the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome caused by ADNP gene mutation.

ADNP has been connected to neural developmental disorders. Here, the authors uncover a role for ADNP in neural induction and differentiation via β-Catenin stabilization, with ADNP disruption in zebrafish leading to defective neurogenesis and decreased Wnt signaling.

Biomimicry of the Hawk Moth, Manduca sexta (L.), Produces an Improved Flapping-Wing Mechanism

Flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) that mimic the flight capabilities of insects have been sought for decades. Core to the vehicle’s flight capabilities is the mechanism that drives the wings to produce thrust and lift. This article describes a newly designed flapping-wing mechanism (FWM) inspired by the North American hawk moth, Manduca sexta. Moreover, the hardware, software, and experimental testing methods developed to measure the efficiency of insect-scale flapping-wing systems (i.e., the lift produced per unit of input power) are detailed. The new FWM weighs 1.2 grams without an actuator and wings attached, and its maximum dimensions are 21 × 24 × 11 mm. This FWM requires 402 mW of power to operate, amounting to a 48% power reduction when compared to a previous version. In addition, it generates 1.3 gram-force of lift at a flapping frequency of 21.6 Hz. Results show progress, but they have not yet met the power efficiency of the naturally occurring Manduca sexta. Plans to improve the technique for measuring efficiency are discussed as well as strategies to more closely mimic the efficiency of the Manduca sexta-inspired FWM.

Conformationally active integrin endocytosis and traffic: why, where, when and how?

Spatiotemporal control of integrin-mediated cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for physiological and pathological events in multicellular organisms, such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, platelet aggregation, leukocytes extravasation, and cancer cell metastatic dissemination. Regulation of integrin adhesive function and signaling relies on the modulation of both conformation and traffic. Indeed, integrins exist in a dynamic equilibrium between a bent/closed (inactive) and an extended/open (active) conformation, respectively endowed with low and high affinity for ECM ligands. Increasing evidence proves that, differently to what hypothesized in the past, detachment from the ECM and conformational inactivation are not mandatory for integrin to get endocytosed and trafficked. Specific transmembrane and cytosolic proteins involved in the control of ECM proteolytic fragment-bound active integrin internalization and recycling exist. In the complex masterplan that governs cell behavior, active integrin traffic is key to the turnover of ECM polymers and adhesion sites, the polarized secretion of endogenous ECM proteins and modifying enzymes, the propagation of motility and survival endosomal signals, and the control of cell metabolism.

Mining Data From Plasma Cell Differentiation Identified Novel Genes for Engineering of a Yeast Antibody Factory

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a common platform for production of therapeutic proteins, but it is not intrinsically suited for the manufacturing of antibodies. Antibodies are naturally produced by plasma cells (PCs) and studies conducted on PC differentiation provide a comprehensive blueprint for the cellular transformations needed to create an antibody factory. In this study we mined transcriptomics data from PC differentiation to improve antibody secretion by S. cerevisiae. Through data exploration, we identified several new target genes. We tested the effects of 14 genetic modifications belonging to different cellular processes on protein production. Four of the tested genes resulted in improved antibody expression. The ER stress sensor IRE1 increased the final titer by 1.8-fold and smaller effects were observed with PSA1, GOT1, and HUT1 increasing antibody titers by 1. 6-, 1. 4-, and 1.4-fold. When testing combinations of these genes, the highest increases were observed when co-expressing IRE1 with PSA1, or IRE1 with PSA1 and HUT1, resulting in 3.8- and 3.1-fold higher antibody titers. In contrast, strains expressing IRE1 alone or in combination with the other genes produced similar or lower levels of recombinantly expressed endogenous yeast acid phosphatase compared to the controls. Using a genetic UPR responsive GFP reporter construct, we show that IRE1 acts through constitutive activation of the unfolded protein response. Moreover, the positive effect of IRE1 expression was transferable to other antibody molecules. We demonstrate how data exploration from an evolutionary distant, but highly specialized cell type can pinpoint new genetic targets and provide a novel concept for rationalized cell engineering.

The relationship between host circadian rhythms and intestinal microbiota: A new cue to improve health by tea polyphenols

Under the control of the host circadian rhythms, intestinal microbiota undergoes dietary-dependent diurnal fluctuations in composition and function. In addition, microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining the host circadian rhythms and metabolic homeostasis. The interactions between host circadian rhythms and intestinal microbiota suggest that intervention with prebiotics or probiotic is a possible way to alleviate circadian rhythm misalignment and related metabolic diseases. This review discusses the circadian rhythm oscillations of gut flora, relationship between host circadian rhythms and microbiome and related effects on metabolism. The influence on circadian rhythms by the interactions between tea polyphenols (TP) and intestinal microbiota is highlighted.

Convergent extension in the amphibian, Xenopus laevis

This review is a comprehensive analysis of the cell biology and biomechanics of Convergent Extension in Xenopus.

Micromanaging Immunity in the Murine Host vs. the Mosquito Vector: Microbiota-Dependent Immune Responses to Intestinal Parasites

The digestive tract plays a central role in nutrient acquisition and harbors a vast and intricate community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, collectively known as the microbiota. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the complex and highly contextual involvement of this microbiota in the induction and education of host innate and adaptive immune responses under homeostasis, during infection and inflammation. The gut passage and colonization by unicellular and multicellular parasite species present an immense challenge to the host immune system and to the microbial communities that provide vital support for its proper functioning. In mammals, parasitic nematodes induce distinct shifts in the intestinal microbial composition. Vice versa, the commensal microbiota has been shown to serve as a molecular adjuvant and immunomodulator during intestinal parasite infections. Moreover, similar interactions occur within insect vectors of deadly human pathogens. The gut microbiota has emerged as a crucial factor affecting vector competence in Anopheles mosquitoes, where it modulates outcomes of infections with malaria parasites. In this review, we discuss currently known involvements of the host microbiota in the instruction, support or suppression of host immune responses to gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoan parasites in mice, as well as in the malaria mosquito vector. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying microbiota-dependent modulation of host and vector immunity against parasites in mammals and mosquitoes is key to a better understanding of the host-parasite relationships and the identification of more efficient approaches for intervention and treatment of parasite infections of both clinical and veterinary importance.

A Functional Approach towards Understanding the Role of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in an Endomycorrhizal Symbiosis

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial components of fertile soils, able to provide several ecosystem services for crop production. Current economic, social and legislative contexts should drive the so-called "second green revolution" by better exploiting these beneficial microorganisms. Many challenges still need to be overcome to better understand the mycorrhizal symbiosis, among which (i) the biotrophic nature of AMF, constraining their production, while (ii) phosphate acts as a limiting factor for the optimal mycorrhizal inoculum application and effectiveness. Organism fitness and adaptation to the changing environment can be driven by the modulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain, strongly connected to the phosphorus processing. Nevertheless, the role of the respiratory function in mycorrhiza remains largely unexplored. We hypothesized that the two mitochondrial respiratory chain components, alternative oxidase (AOX) and cytochrome oxidase (COX), are involved in specific mycorrhizal behavior. For this, a complex approach was developed. At the pre-symbiotic phase (axenic conditions), we studied phenotypic responses of Rhizoglomus irregulare spores with two AOX and COX inhibitors [respectively, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) and potassium cyanide (KCN)] and two growth regulators (abscisic acid - ABA and gibberellic acid - Ga3). At the symbiotic phase, we analyzed phenotypic and transcriptomic (genes involved in respiration, transport, and fermentation) responses in Solanum tuberosum/Rhizoglomus irregulare biosystem (glasshouse conditions): we monitored the effects driven by ABA, and explored the modulations induced by SHAM and KCN under five phosphorus concentrations. KCN and SHAM inhibited in vitro spore germination while ABA and Ga3 induced differential spore germination and hyphal patterns. ABA promoted mycorrhizal colonization, strong arbuscule intensity and positive mycorrhizal growth dependency (MGD). In ABA treated plants, R. irregulare induced down-regulation of StAOX gene isoforms and up-regulation of genes involved in plant COX pathway. In all phosphorus (P) concentrations, blocking AOX or COX induced opposite mycorrhizal patterns in planta: KCN induced higher Arum-type arbuscule density, positive MGD but lower root colonization compared to SHAM, which favored Paris-type formation and negative MGD. Following our results and current state-of-the-art knowledge, we discuss metabolic functions linked to respiration that may occur within mycorrhizal behavior. We highlight potential connections between AOX pathways and fermentation, and we propose new research and mycorrhizal application perspectives.

Importance of Mediator complex in the regulation and integration of diverse signaling pathways in plants

Basic transcriptional machinery in eukaryotes is assisted by a number of cofactors, which either increase or decrease the rate of transcription. Mediator complex is one such cofactor, and recently has drawn a lot of interest because of its integrative power to converge different signaling pathways before channeling the transcription instructions to the RNA polymerase II machinery. Like yeast and metazoans, plants do possess the Mediator complex across the kingdom, and its isolation and subunit analyses have been reported from the model plant, Arabidopsis. Genetic, and molecular analyses have unraveled important regulatory roles of Mediator subunits at every stage of plant life cycle starting from flowering to embryo and organ development, to even size determination. It also contributes immensely to the survival of plants against different environmental vagaries by the timely activation of its resistance mechanisms. Here, we have provided an overview of plant Mediator complex starting from its discovery to regulation of stoichiometry of its subunits. We have also reviewed involvement of different Mediator subunits in different processes and pathways including defense response pathways evoked by diverse biotic cues. Wherever possible, attempts have been made to provide mechanistic insight of Mediator's involvement in these processes.

The value and use of social media as communication tool in the plant sciences

Social media now complements many parts of our lives. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and many other social networking sites allow users to share and interact with online content and to connect with like-minded people. Its strengths - rapid dissemination and amplification of content and the ability to lead informal conversations - make it a powerful tool to use in a professional context. This commentary explains the overall concept of social media and offers suggestions on usage and possible types of scientific content. It advises researchers on the potential benefits and how to take a strategic approach towards building a social media presence. It also presents examples of effective social media use within the plant science community. Common reasons for scientists to not engage with social media include the fear of appearing unprofessional, posting something wrong or being misunderstood, or a lack of confidence in their computer skills. With the rapid changes in academic publishing, dissemination and science communication, as well as the rise of 'altmetrics' to track online engagement with scientific content, digital literacy will become an essential skill in a scientist's tool kit.