Treatment of women with vaginal laxity: systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far.

AIM

In this study, we sought to summarize the best available evidence about the efficacy and safety of interventions for treating VL, whether conservative or surgical.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for reports of clinical trials published from database inception to September 2022. Studies selected for inclusion were in the English language and were performed to investigate any type of treatment for VL, with or without a comparator, whether nonrandomized studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Case reports and studies without a clear definition of VL were excluded.

OUTCOMES

The outcomes were interventions (laser, radiofrequency, surgery, and topical treatment), adverse effects, sexual function, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and improvement of VL by the VL questionnaire (VLQ).

RESULTS

From 816 records, 38 studies remained in the final analysis. Laser and radiofrequency (RF) were the energy-based treatment devices most frequently studied. Pooled data from eight observational studies have shown improved sexual function assessed by a Female Sexual Function Index score mean difference (MD) of 6.51 (95% CI, 5.61-7.42; i2 = 85%, P < .01) before and after intervention, whether by RF (MD, 6.00; 95% CI, 4.26-7.73; i2 = 80%; P < .001) or laser (MD, 6.83; 95% CI, 5.01-8.65; i2 = 92%; P < .01). However, this finding was not shown when only 3 RCTs were included, even when separated by type of intervention (RF or laser). When RF treatment was compared to sham controls, VLQ scores did not improve (MD, 1.01; 95% CI, -0.38 to 2.40; i2 = 94%; P < .001). Patient PFM strength improved after interventions were performed (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.02-7.42; i2 = 77%; P < .001). The ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) tool classified all non-RCTs at serious risk of bias, except for 1 study, and the risk of bias-1 analysis found a low and unclear risk of bias for all RCTs. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of the evidence was moderate for sexual function and the VLQ questionnaire and low for PFM strength.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Sexual function in women with VL who underwent RF and laser treatment improved in observational studies but not in RCTs. Improvement in PFM strength was observed in women with VL after the intervention.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Crucial issues were raised for the understanding of VL, such as lack of standardization of the definition and for the development of future prospective studies. A limitation of the study was that the heterogeneity of the interventions and different follow-up periods did not make it possible to pool all available data.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal tightening did not improve sensation in women with VL after intervention, whereas RF and laser improved sexual function in women with VL according to data from observational studies, but not from RCTs. PFM strength was improved after intervention in women with VL.

Associated factors of vaginal laxity and female sexual function: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD), including vaginal laxity (VL), can lead to a decrease in quality of life and affect partner relationships.

AIM

We aimed to investigate the associated factors of VL and FSD and their relationship with other pelvic floor disorders in a female population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital from July to December 2022. All women referred to clinical care at the urogynecology clinic were included. Participants were assessed according to sociodemographic and clinical aspects, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, sexual function, VL, sexual attitudes, sexual distress, sexual quality of life, vaginal symptoms, and pelvic floor disorders. Unadjusted and adjusted associated factors of VL and FSD were analyzed.

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome was the identification of the associated factors of VL and FSD in a female population, and secondary outcomes included the association between VL and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with the questionnaire scores.

RESULTS

Among participants (N = 300), vaginal delivery, multiparity, perineal laceration, menopause, and gel hormone were significantly more frequent in those reporting VL (all P < .05). When compared with nulliparity, primiparity and multiparity increased the odds of VL by approximately 4 and 12 times, respectively (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.26 [95% CI, 2.05-8.85]; OR, 12.77 [95% CI, 6.53-24.96]). Menopause and perineal laceration increased the odds of VL by 4 and 6 times (unadjusted OR, 4.65 [95% CI, 2.73-7.93]; OR, 6.13 [95% CI, 3.58-10.49]). In multivariate analysis, menopause, primiparity, multiparity, and POP remained associated with VL.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Parity, as an obstetric factor, and menopause and staging of POP, as clinical factors, were associated with VL.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The investigation of associated factors for VL will contribute to the understanding of its pathophysiology. The study design makes it impossible to carry out causal inference.

CONCLUSION

Menopause, primiparity, multiparity, and POP were highly associated with VL complaints in multivariate analysis.

Recombinant inbred lines derived from wide crosses in Pisum

Genomic resources are becoming available for Pisum but to link these to phenotypic diversity requires well marked populations segregating for relevant traits. Here we describe two such resources. Two recombinant inbred populations, derived from wide crosses in Pisum are described. One high resolution mapping population involves cv Caméor, for which the first pea whole genome assembly was obtained, crossed to JI0281, a basally divergent P. sativum sativum landrace from Ethiopia. The other is an inter sub-specific cross between P. s. sativum and the independently domesticated P. s. abyssinicum. The corresponding genetic maps provide information on chromosome level sequence assemblies and identify structural differences between the genomes of these two Pisum subspecies. In order to visualise chromosomal translocations that distinguish the mapping parents, we created a simplified version of Threadmapper to optimise it for interactive 3-dimensional display of multiple linkage groups. The genetic mapping of traits affecting seed coat roughness and colour, plant height, axil ring pigmentation, leaflet number and leaflet indentation enabled the definition of their corresponding genomic regions. The consequence of structural rearrangement for trait analysis is illustrated by leaf serration. These analyses pave the way for identification of the underlying genes and illustrate the utility of these publicly available resources. Segregating inbred populations derived from wide crosses in Pisum, together with the associated marker data, are made publicly available for trait dissection. Genetic analysis of these populations is informative about chromosome scale assemblies, structural diversity in the pea genome and has been useful for the fine mapping of several discrete and quantitative traits.

Symptoms, attitudes and treatment perceptions of vulvo-vaginal atrophy in UK postmenopausal women: Results from the REVIVE-EU study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the attitudes and perceptions of postmenopausal women from the United Kingdom regarding menopause, vulvo-vaginal atrophy and its therapeutic management.

STUDY DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of the United Kingdom population from the REVIVE-EU Study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The survey contained questions about women's knowledge of menopause and vulvo-vaginal atrophy symptoms, impact on their life and sexual activities, communication with healthcare professionals and treatments.

RESULTS

The most frequent symptom of menopause was hot flushes (75%). Vulvo-vaginal atrophy symptoms had a significant impact on participants' ability to enjoy sexual intercourse (66%), spontaneity (62%) and ability to be intimate (61%); however, only 68% of women had been to their healthcare professional for advice. Half of the sample expected that doctors would initiate a discussion of menopausal symptoms and sexual health, but was in fact rare (5%). Only 27% were under current treatment without a clear therapy pattern, of which 43% used vaginal over-the-counter treatments, 28% prescription (Rx), and 13% both. Efficacy was the main limitation for over-the-counter treatments, while for Rx products were side effects and safety. Women highlighted the restoring of the natural condition of the vagina as the main goal for a treatment (35%). Many United Kingdom women did not feel the need to see any healthcare professional for their gynaecological symptoms. Overall satisfaction with treatment was only 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

Vulvo-vaginal atrophy remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in United Kingdom. There is a lack of coherent discussion about vulvo-vaginal atrophy symptoms with clinicians. Many United Kingdom healthcare professionals could improve proactive communication with patients about vulvo-vaginal atrophy.

Improving pulse crops as a source of protein, starch and micronutrients

Pulse crops have been known for a long time to have beneficial nutritional profiles for human diets but have been neglected in terms of cultivation, consumption and scientific research in many parts of the world. Broad dietary shifts will be required if anthropogenic climate change is to be mitigated in the future, and pulse crops should be an important component of this change by providing an environmentally sustainable source of protein, resistant starch and micronutrients. Further enhancement of the nutritional composition of pulse crops could benefit human health, helping to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and reduce risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This paper reviews current knowledge regarding the nutritional content of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.), two major UK pulse crops, and discusses the potential for their genetic improvement.

Severe group A streptococcal infections in mothers and their newborns in London and the South East, 2010-2016: assessment of risk and audit of public health management

OBJECTIVE

We describe cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in mothers or neonates and assess management according to national guidelines, which recommend administering antibiotics to both mother and neonate if either develops iGAS infection within 28 days of birth and investigation of clusters in maternity units.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional retrospective study.

SETTING AND POPULATION

Notified confirmed iGAS cases in either mothers or neonates with onset within 28 days of birth in London and the South East of England between 2010 and 2016 METHOD: Review of public health records of notified cases.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence and onset time of iGAS in postpartum mothers and babies, proportion given prophylaxis, maternity unit clusters within 6 months.

RESULTS

We identified 134 maternal and 21 neonatal confirmed iGAS infections. The incidence (in 100 000 person years) of iGAS in women within 28 days postpartum was 109 (95% CI 90-127) compared with 1.3 in other females aged 15-44. For neonates the incidence was 1.5 (95% CI 9-23). The median onset time was 2 days postpartum [interquartile range (IQR) 0-5 days] for mothers and 12 days (IQR 7-15 days) for neonates. All eligible mothers and most (109, 89%) eligible neonates received chemoprophylaxis. Of 20 clusters (59 cases of GAS and iGAS) in maternity units, two clusters involved possible transmission. However, in 6 of 15 clusters, GAS isolates were not saved for comparison even after relevant guidance was issued.

CONCLUSIONS

iGAS infection remains a potential postpartum risk. Prophylaxis among neonates and storage of isolates from maternity cases can be improved.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Are public health guidelines being followed in the management of mothers and their newborns to reduce the risk of iGAS infection?

Treatment of Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal or vulvovaginal atrophy is a widespread but poorly recognized condition of peri- and post-menopausal women. It causes urogenital symptoms of dryness, reduced lubrication, itching, burning, irritable bladder symptoms and painful intercourse. This impacts quality of life and sexual health, but increases with time rather than reduces, as with most other menopausal symptoms. With early identification, treatments can improve these symptoms and reverse the physical changes. However, when embedded, bladder and sexual changes have occurred and these may be more difficult to remedy. Therefore, it is important to educate both healthcare professionals and women about these symptoms and advise on the range of interventions available.

Streamlining outpatient urogynaecology: a novel approach

With population ageing, service expansion in urogynaecology is a necessity. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a nurse specialist-led triage clinic as a novel way of outpatient care provision. Review of the patient pathway through the service over a 15-month period demonstrated effective patient management with timely order of investigations and treatment initiation, improved continuity of care, a reduction in the volume of medical consultations and high patient satisfaction. In conclusion, specialist nurse clinics provide a sustainable method of service expansion, while simultaneously facilitating service transfer to the community in line with current healthcare policy.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of progestelle progesterone cream on postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect on climacteric symptoms and quality of life, and the safety of four doses of progestelle progesterone cream administered for 24 weeks to postmenopausal women complaining of moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Design Single-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Population Two hundred and twenty-three healthy postmenopausal women, aged between 40 and 60 years and complaining of severe menopausal symptoms were recruited through newspaper advertisements.

METHODS

Women were randomly allocated to progestelle progesterone cream 60, 40, 20, 5 mg or placebo, to be applied daily for six months. Main outcome measures The primary efficacy variable was the psychological, somatic and vasomotor components of the Greene Climacteric Scale after six months. Secondary endpoints were incidence of hot flushes and night sweats, the nine subscales of the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36), serum progesterone, endometrial thickness and histology after six months. Adverse events were sought and recorded and followed up to resolution.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between any of the treatment groups and placebo for any of the components of the Greene Score. A statistically significant difference between the 20 mg group and placebo was found for the physical functioning (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-12.3; P=0.01) and social functioning (95% CI 1.9-16.7; P=0.01) scales of SF-36 after six months. No other statistically significant differences were found between any treatment group and placebo for any of the other secondary efficacy variables. There appeared to be a higher incidence of headache in the groups treated with progesterone cream.

CONCLUSIONS

Progesterone cream was no more effective than placebo for relief of menopausal symptoms.

Biological significance of polymorphism in legume protease inhibitors from the Bowman-Birk family

Naturally occurring protease inhibitors (PI) of the Bowman-Birk type constitute a major PI family in cereal and legume seeds. The family name is derived from the names of the two investigators who characterised the first inhibitor of this type, the Bowman-Birk inhibitor from soybean (BBI). These proteins have the capacity to inhibit one or more of a range of serine proteases, including the digestive enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin. PI from this family interact with the active sites of serine proteases in a 'canonical', i.e. substrate-like, manner via exposed reactive site loops of conserved conformation within the inhibitor. Multiple BBI variants can be found within and among species. A limited number of amino acids located within the inhibitory domain is responsible for the primary functional and biological activities of BBI-like proteins. However, sequence variation in binding loops, post-translational modifications at the amino- and carboxy-terminal ends, as well as differences in the multimeric nature of the inhibitors may act in combination to influence the functional properties and the physiological role of BBI-like proteins. Recently, BBI and proteins homologous to BBI (BBI-like proteins) have emerged as highly promising cancer chemopreventive agents. BBI has been shown to be capable of preventing or suppressing carcinogenic processes in a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo animal model systems. The potential exploitation of BBI-like proteins in human health-promotion programmes will depend on elucidating in detail the molecular basis for the variation in biological activities among the many variant forms. New knowledge, derived both from the use of synthetic cyclic peptides that mimic the inhibitory loops of BBI-like proteins, and from genomic data pertaining to the structure of BBI gene classes, together facilitate the manipulation, screening and selection of appropriate variants through biotechnology.

Continuation of hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES

To assess long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usage in women after hysterectomy and to assess the relationship between age and long-term use of HRT in these women. Problems and comments of those women responding to a questionnaire were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A postal semistructured questionnaire survey was performed in a single gynecological practice. A total of 545 consecutive women who had undergone a hysterectomy for benign conditions between January 1986 and September 1997 were studied, the main outcome measure being continuing use of HRT.

RESULTS

There was a response rate of 83.1% to the questionnaire; 83% of all responders were taking HRT at the time of the survey. A continuation rate of 95.7% was found among women who had had a hysterectomy after 1994, and of 84.7% among those operated on in 1989 or before. Implants were used by 68%, transdermal patches by 17%, oral preparations by 11% and estradiol gel by 4%. Ten per cent of those not taking HRT at present indicated that they were likely to start again in the near future. No correlation was found between age and likelihood of HRT continuation. Fifty per cent of women responding to the questionnaire made further comments: 17.6% of these made specific positive comments regarding HRT, 16.7% reported weight gain, 9.7% suffered breast symptoms and 13.2% admitted concerns regarding breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

A high HRT continuation rate of between 95.7% (women having had their hysterectomy less than 5 years ago) and 84.7% (women 10 or more years from their operation) can be achieved in the long term. Considering the high proportion having implant therapy, the use of testosterone as well as estradiol replacement may be a major factor in the greater adherence to HRT of this group.

Combinatorial variation in coding and promoter sequences of genes at the Tri locus in Pisum sativum accounts for variation in trypsin inhibitor activity in seeds

Cultivars of Pisum sativum that differ with respect to the quantitative expression of trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibitor proteins in seeds have been examined in terms of the structure of the corresponding genes. The patterns of divergence in the promoter and coding sequences are described, and the divergence among these exploited for the development of facile DNA-based assays to distinguish genotypes. Quantitative effects on gene expression may be attributed to the overall gene complement and to particular promoter/coding sequence combinations, as well as to the existence of distinct active-site variants that ultimately influence protein activity. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00438-002-0667-4.

Expression of legumin and vicilin genes in pea mutants and the production of legumin in transgenic plants

Pea seeds contain two major storage proteins, legumin and vicilin, in proportions that are genetically and environmentally determined. They are synthesized from at least 40 genes and at least 10 different genetic loci. Mutant alleles at loci involved in starch synthesis, which result in perturbations in starch accumulation, also affect the expression of legumin genes, thereby influencing the legumin: vicilin ratio within the total seed protein. Examples of such alleles include r (starch-branching enzyme) and rb (ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase), both of which result in a reduction in legumin synthesis; double mutants (rrb) show a particularly severe reduction in the amount of legumin. The effects of such mutations are specific to legumins. The amounts of vicilin are unaffected by mutations at r or rb. One of the consequences of the production of legumin from many genes is structural heterogeneity that is believed to preclude the purification of homogeneous legumin for crystallization and 3D-structure determination. Expression of cloned legumin cDNA in E. coli can result in sequence homogeneity, but E. coli is unable to carry out the normal proteolytic processing of legumin precursors and consequently such material is different from that produced in pea seeds. This paper describes the high-level synthesis, processing and assembly of pea legumin in transgenic wheat seeds, leading to the spontaneous in vitro formation of paracrystalline arrays of legumin, which may be attributed to the fact that the legumin consists of a single type of subunit. Such material might be used as a source of single-sequence, processed and assembled pea legumin for structural investigation.

Temporal and spatial activity of a promoter from a pea enzyme inhibitor gene and its exploitation for seed quality improvement

The promoter from one of the two seed-expressed genes encoding trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibitors (TI) has been isolated and characterised in transgenic pea lines, following its re-introduction by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, as a TI promoter-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene fusion. The promoter from this gene (TI1) directed expression of GUS enzyme at late stages of embryogenesis, comparable to those determined for activity of the homologous native TI genes. GUS expression was detected in roots of plants subjected to drought stress conditions, indicating that the TI1 gene, normally seed-specific in its expression, can be induced under these conditions. A second gene construct utilised the TI1 gene promoter to direct expression of an antisense TI gene. Seed TI activities in some lines transformed with this construct were reduced significantly. A limitation of the pea transformation methodology for antisense manipulations, in particular, is the observed frequency of non-transmission of transgenes from primary transformants (up to 80%).

Plasma leptin concentrations are increased in women with premenstrual syndrome

Leptin is a metabolic regulator of the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis, and plays an important role in human reproduction. Its neuro-endocrine effects are mediated by interactions with receptors in the hypothalamus, where emotional drive is also controlled. We postulated that circulating leptin concentrations are increased in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and that this may be associated with the psychological symptoms of the disease. We obtained fasting venous samples from 32 women with PMS and 28 women with asymptomatic menstrual cycles, matched for age, body mass index and menstrual cycle length. Leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Leptin concentrations increased significantly during the luteal phases of the menstrual cycles of the control and PMS groups as compared with the follicular phase, having excluded the 11 women with PMS and six controls found to be anovulatory on the basis of mid-luteal plasma progesterone concentrations from the analysis. A greater increase was observed in women with PMS than the controls (P: = 0.00006 and 0.003 respectively). Although leptin concentrations in the follicular and luteal phases were higher in PMS than the controls, the difference was only statistically significant between the follicular phases (P: = 0.001). There was no clear relationship between leptin and oestradiol or progesterone in this study. These findings suggest that leptin may play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease, and requires further evaluation.

Molecular analysis of a null mutant for pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed lipoxygenase-2

A mutant line of Pisum fulvum was identified that lacked seed lipoxygenase-2 (LOX-2). The mutant phenotype was introgressed into a standard Pisum sativum cv. Birte to provide near-isogenic lines with or without seed LOX-2. Genetic analyses showed the mutation to behave as a single, recessive Mendelian gene. Northern and dot-blot analyses showed a large reduction in LOX-2 mRNA from developing seeds of the LOX-2-null mutant. A restriction fragment length polymorphism associated with the 5' end of the LOX-2 gene(s) co-segregated with the null phenotype, indicating that the reduction of LOX-2 mRNA was neither a consequence of deletion of the LOX genes nor a consequence of the action of a genetically distant regulatory gene. Analysis of the 5'-flanking sequences of LOX-2 genes from Birte and the near-isogenic LOX-2-null mutant revealed a number of insertions, deletions and substitutions within the promoter from the LOX-2-null mutant that could be responsible for the null phenotype. Incubation of crude seed LOX preparations from Birte and the LOX-2-null mutant showed that the latter generated relatively less 13-hydroperoxides and also produced relatively more hydroxy- and ketoacid compounds that have implications for the fresh-frozen pea industry.

Multiple isoforms of Pisum trypsin inhibitors result from modification of two primary gene products

Characterization of Pisum (pea) seed trypsin inhibitors (TI) and their corresponding cDNAs indicates that the pea TI gene family contains two genes. The existence of multiple TI isoforms can be attributed to post-translational modifications of primary gene products. Post-translational processing at the C-terminus during the desiccation stage of seed development results in the appearance of TI isoforms with increased affinity for the target enzyme, trypsin.

Structure of the Pisum sativum seed lipoxygenase gene lox1:Ps:3

We have isolated the Pisum sativum (pea) lox1:Ps:3 gene which encodes a lipoxygenase that is 84% identical in coding sequence to the LOX-3 gene from Glycine max (soybean). The 10028 bp sequence includes 5895 bp 5' to the transcription start site and 707 bp 3' to the stop codon. The coding region of lox1:Ps:3 contains eight introns, at positions equivalent to those in the soybean LOX-3 and L-4, the Phaseolus vulgaris (Frenchbean) LOX1, and the Pisum sativum lox1:Ps:2 genes. The first intron is unusually small. The 5'-flanking sequence contains two regions that have the potential to form hairpin structures, but few motifs known to interact with transcription factors. Despite their similarity in terms of expression, the lox1:Ps:3 and lox1:Ps:2 genes have little similarity within their 5'-flanking regions.

Inheritance of qualitative and quantitative trypsin inhibitor variants in Pisum

A trypsin inhibitor locus (Tri) has been mapped close to Vc-2 on Pisum (pea) linkage group 5 using recombinant inbred lines derived from crosses of genotypes showing qualitative variation in seed trypsin inhibitors. F2 seed populations derived from crosses between lines showing qualitative variation in trypsin inhibitors as well as quantitative variation in inhibitor activity showed an association between the segregation of the structural variation and relative activity levels. Clones complementary to Pisum trypsin inhibitor mRNA were used in hybridization analyses which showed that the segregation of protein polymorphisms reflected directly the segregation of polymorphisms associated with the structural genes.

Linkage maps in pea

We have analyzed segregation patterns of markers among the late generation progeny of several crosses of pea. From the patterns of association of these markers we have deduced linkage orders. Salient features of these linkages are discussed, as is the relationship between the data presented here and previously published genetic and cytogenetic data.

Pisum lipoxygenase genes

The copy number, genomic arrangement and linkage relationships of two classes of lipoxygenase gene have been investigated in Pisum(pea) lines. Each of the two classes contained two to three members in P. sativum lines. RFLPs associated with genomic fragments containing the 5' sequences of one gene class permitted its correlation in genetical analyses with a lipoxygenase locus on linkage group 4, which was previously identified through polypeptide variation. Genetical analyses of RFLPs associated with other fragments identified by low- and medium-stringency hybridization to lipoxygenase cDNAs indicate the existence of other unlinked lipoxygenase gene loci.

A developmentally regulated early-embryogenesis protein in pea (Pisum sativum L.) is related to the heat-shock protein (HSP70) gene family

A cDNA clone, pCD7, was shown to hybrid-select from developing seeds of Pisum sativum L. an mRNA that translated into a polypeptide of apparent Mr 90 000. The translation product was observed only in the earliest stages of embryogenesis and was detected at a developmental stage when virtually all the cotyledon cells are mitotic. Sequence analysis of pCD7 showed it to correspond to a member of the 70 000-Mr heat-shock protein (HSP70) gene family. Transcripts corresponding to pCD7 were detected in different P. sativum organs, with roots apparently showing lower levels of pCD7-homologous RNA than other organs. Hybridizations to P. sativum DNA identified polymorphisms in the genomic DNA corresponding to pCD7 and the segregation of these in selected crosses indicated the existence of at least two genetic loci, one of which mapped to an existing linkage group.

Another class of vicilin gene in Pisum

We describe a novel class of vicilin gene in Pisum corresponding to a precursor polypeptide of Mr 68000. The mRNA corresponding to this polypeptide accumulates during seed development in a pattern similar to that of convicilin. Hybridization and sequence analyses show that this vicilin gene class is less homologous to other Pisum vicilin gene classes than these last are to each other. Gene-copy-number estimates and decreased stringency hybridizations of the gene class described here show that the Pisum vicilin gene family is bigger and more complex than hitherto reported.

Lipoxygenase heterogeneity in Pisum sativum

Antibodies raised against two pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Birte) seed lipoxygenases have been used to analyze lipoxygenase heterogeneity in seeds and in other organs. At least seven different polypeptides were identified in vivo; five of these were identified as precursors synthesized in vitro. The developmental appearance of the seed polypeptides has been analyzed and 'early' and 'late' forms were identified. Limited N-terminal sequence data indicated further heterogeneity when compared with sequences predicted from cDNAs.

Purification and partial characterisation of two abscisic-acid-responsive proteins induced in cultured embryos ofPisum sativum L

When pea (Pisum sativum L.) embryos were cultured on low osmotica, with or without added abscisic acid (ABA), there was very little change in the total mRNA translation products resolved by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The only marked alteration was an increase in production of two low-molecular-weight proteins. The purification and partial characterisation of these two ABA-responsive seed proteins (ABR17 and ABR18) is described. Both proteins were purified to homoeneity, as judged by SDS-PAGE, from embryos cultured in the presence of ABA. Antisera were raised against both proteins. Each serum cross-reacted with the other protein, indicating that the proteins are closely related. Their apparent molecular masses (Mrs) were estimated to be 17200 (ABR17) and 18100 (ABR18) by SDS-PAGE, and 26000 by gel filtration. Both proteins were heterogeneous on isoelectric focusing. Neither protein was detected (by immunoblotting or immunoprecipitation of cell-free translation products) in embryos grown in vivo at early to mid-development stages but both were present in embryos late in development. These proteins appear to be produced late in seed development but are capable of being induced early in development by culturing embryos in vitro and are markedly enhanced by ABA.

Inheritance and mapping of seed lipoxygenase polypeptides in Pisum

Analysis of crosses of Pisum lines showing variation in the apparent molecular weight of seed lipoxygenase polypeptides indicates that the genes encoding the two major pea seed lipoxygenase polypeptides are closely linked. The lipoxygenase locus, designated Lox, maps to a position on linkage group 4 between Np and le.

Legumin heterogeneity in Pisum

Analyses of heterogeneity in legumin subunit patterns, legumin precursor polypeptides, and restriction fragments containing legumin genes have shown that Pisum (pea) genotypes vary in the extent of gene and polypeptide divergence but not in the degree of gene reiteration. Genotypes containing single and multiple alpha M subunits had the same numbers of legumin genes. The potential value of this heterogeneity in genetical analyses is outlined.

Changes in legumin messenger RNAs throughout seed development in Pisum sativum L

The patterns of accumulation of three classes of legumin mRNA from Pisum sativum have been followed through seed development by cell-free translation and hybridization to complementary DNAs. Maximum amounts of mRNA were found at 19 days after flowering (DAF) for two classes and at 24 DAF for the third class. The proportions of the three classes varied through development: the RNA species which was 40% of the total legumin mRNA at 14 DAF represented 15-20% of the total at 25-27 DAF, whereas a second mRNA species represented approx. 30% and 70% at the same stages, respectively. Based on these results, some deductions about the possible contribution of individual genes within classes are made.

The complete deduced amino acid sequences of legumin β-polypeptides from different genetic loci inPisum

The deduced amino acid sequences of the β-polypeptides ofPisum legumin from two loci on chromosome 1 were compared with one from a locus on chromosome 7. The chromosome 1-derived sequences were ∼80% identical, but each was only ∼50% homologous to the chromosome 7-derived sequence. Comparison of these sequences with those of homologous polypeptides from two other species of the Leguminoseae showed that the chromosome 1-derivedPisum sequences were more similar to legumin B than to legumin A fromVicia faba and were more closely related to group II than to group I glycinins fromGlycine max. The converse was true for the chromosome 7-derivedPisum sequences. This suggests that divergence of legumin-like sequences predated speciation in these three members of the Leguminosease.Among the threePisum sequence classes, a highly variable region was identified within the α-polypeptide, just to the amino-terminal side of the αβ processing site. This region varied considerably in length within the three classes ofPisum α-polypeptide sequence, a variation which far exceeded that which has previously been described for other legumins and glycinins. The chromosome 7-derived, and one of the chromosome 1-derived α-polypeptide sequences contained different tandem repeats in this region.

Convicilin mRNA from pea (Pisum sativum L.) has sequence homology with other legume 7S storage protein mRNA species

Nucleotide-sequence analysis of a complementary-DNA clone for convicilin, one of the storage proteins from pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds, shows it to be homologous with the 7S legume seed storage proteins vicilin, conglycinin and phaseolin. Convicilin is more similar to vicilin than to phaseolin or to conglycinin. Significant areas of sequence difference are discussed.

Measurement of gene number for seed storage proteins in Pisum

We have measured the numbers of genes coding for the three seed storage proteins, vicilin, convicilin and legumin, in a number of Pisum genotypes of variant protein composition. No difference in gene number existed among P. sativum genotypes for any of the proteins. There were differences in the number of genes coding for individual proteins with approximately 11 genes (per haploid genome) for vicilin, 8 genes for legumin and 1 gene for convicilin.

Storage protein precursor polypeptides in cotyledons of Pisum sativum L. Identification of, and isolation of a cDNA clone for, an 80000-Mr legumin-related polypeptide

An 80 000-Mr polypeptide, which bound to anti-legumin IgG, was detected among labelled polypeptides from cotyledons at late stages of development. When poly(A)-containing RNA from similar cotyledons was translated in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system, an 80 000-Mr polypeptide was also detected. Immunoprecipitation of translation products with anti-legumin IgG showed that, in addition to the major legumin precursor polypeptides of Mr approximately 60 000, the 80 000-Mr polypeptide was specifically immunoprecipitated. A cDNA clone, pCD32, was found to select an RNA coding for an 80 000-Mr polypeptide in hybrid-selection experiments. Additional minor polypeptides of Mr 63 000 and 65 000 were present in translation products of RNA selected by pCD32; all three polypeptides were immunoprecipitated by anti-legumin IgG. Thermal elution of RNAs bound to pCD32 showed that the affinity of pCD32 to the RNA coding for the 80 000-Mr polypeptide was greater than to the RNAs coding for the 63 000-Mr and 65 000-Mr polypeptides. In similar hybrid-selection experiments, another cDNA clone, pCD40, selected RNAs coding predominantly for polypeptides of Mr 63 000 and 65 000. A minor polypeptide of Mr 80 000 was also detected among these products; again all three polypeptides were immunoprecipitated by anti-legumin IgG. Peptide mapping revealed close similarities between the 80000-Mr polypeptide and the 63 000-Mr/65 000-Mr polypeptides obtained by translation of RNAs selected by pCD32. There were similarities also between maps obtained from translation products of RNA selected by pCD32 and those obtained from anti-legumin IgG immunoprecipitates of total translation products of poly(A)-containing RNA.

Cloning and characterization of complementary DNA for convicilin, a major seed storage protein in Pisum sativum L

A complementary DNA (cDNA) clone for convicilin, a major storage protein, has been isolated from a cDNA library prepared in the plasmid vector pAT 153, using poly(A)(+)RNA from developing seeds of Pisum sativum L. The clone was identified by hybrid-selection with poly(A)(+) RNA, translation of selected RNAs and immunoprecipitation of the translation products by antibody raised against purified convicilin subunits. The size of the mRNA coding for convicilin polypeptides has been established using this convicilin cDNA clone and has been found to be appreciably longer than the mRNAs coding for the polypeptides of vicilin, a related but separate storage protein. The insert from this convicilin cDNA clone has been compared with the insert from a vicilin cDNA clone by restriction enzyme analysis.

The initiation of legumin synthesis in immature embryos of Pisum sativum L. grown in vivo and in vitro

A highly sensitive immunoassay has been used for the detection of a major storage protein, legumin, in embryos of Pisum sativum L.; with this technique nanogram quantities could be measured. In the two varieties tested, legumin could be detected in embryos in vivo, when they had attained a fresh weight of 2·10(-3) g and 3·10(-3) g, respectively. Contrary to earlier claims, embryos cultured in vitro were shown to be capable of initiating legumin synthesis. This capacity to initiate legumin synthesis was confirmed by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing-electrophoresis and fluorography; embryos harvested before initiation of legumin synthesis and cultured in radioactive medium were shown to have synthesized legumin subunits. The amounts of legumin and total protein synthesized per unit fresh weight were consistently greater in vitro than in equivalent embryos grown in vivo.