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Rodríguez-Fernández A, Aloisi I, Blanco-Alegre C, Vega-Maray AM, Valencia-Barrera RM, Suanno C, Calvo AI, Fraile R, Fernández-González D. Identifying key environmental factors to model Alt a 1 airborne allergen presence and variation. Sci Total Environ 2024; 917:170597. [PMID: 38307265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Fungal spores, commonly found in the atmosphere, can trigger important respiratory disorders. The glycoprotein Alt a 1 is the major allergen present in conidia of the genus Alternaria and has a high clinical relevance for people sensitized to fungi. Exposure to this allergen has been traditionally assessed by aerobiological spore counts, although this does not always offer an accurate estimate of airborne allergen load. This study aims to pinpoint the key factors that explain the presence and variation of Alt a 1 concentration in the atmosphere in order to establish exposure risk periods and improve forecasting models. Alternaria spores were sampled using a Hirst-type volumetric sampler over a five-year period. The allergenic fraction from the bioaerosol was collected using a low-volume cyclone sampler and Alt a 1 quantified by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. A cluster analysis was executed in order to group days with similar environmental features and then analyze days with the presence of the allergen in each of them. Subsequently, a quadratic discriminant analysis was performed to evaluate if the selected variables can predict days with high Alt a 1 load. The results indicate that higher temperatures and absolute humidity favor the presence of Alt a 1 in the atmosphere, while time of precipitation is related to days without allergen. Moreover, using the selected parameters, the quadratic discriminant analysis to predict days with allergen showed an accuracy rate between 67 % and 85 %. The mismatch between daily airborne concentration of Alternaria spores and allergen load can be explained by the greater contribution of medium-to-long distance transport of the allergen from the major emission sources as compared with spores. Results highlight the importance of conducting aeroallergen quantification studies together with spore counts to improve the forecasting models of allergy risk, especially for fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Ana María Vega-Maray
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management (Botany), University of León, León, Spain
| | | | - Chiara Suanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Delia Fernández-González
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management (Botany), University of León, León, Spain; Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate-CNR, Bologna, Italy
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2
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Aloisi I, Yacoubi I, Gadaleta A, Schwember AR, Marcotuli I. Editorial: Exploiting wheat biodiversity and agricultural practices for tackling the effects of climate change. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1257502. [PMID: 37662182 PMCID: PMC10471954 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1257502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ines Yacoubi
- Biotechnology and Plant Improvement Laboratory, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Agata Gadaleta
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrés Ricardo Schwember
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ilaria Marcotuli
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Suanno C, Tonoli E, Fornari E, Savoca MP, Aloisi I, Parrotta L, Faleri C, Cai G, Coveney C, Boocock DJ, Verderio EAM, Del Duca S. Small extracellular vesicles released from germinated kiwi pollen (pollensomes) present characteristics similar to mammalian exosomes and carry a plant homolog of ALIX. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1090026. [PMID: 36760648 PMCID: PMC9905850 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1090026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last decade, it has been discovered that allergen-bearing extracellular nanovesicles, termed "pollensomes", are released by pollen during germination. These extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play an important role in pollen-pistil interaction during fertilization, stabilizing the secreted bioactive molecules and allowing long-distance signaling. However, the molecular composition and the biological role of these EVs are still unclear. The present study had two main aims: (I) to clarify whether pollen germination is needed to release pollensomes, or if they can be secreted also in high humidity conditions; and (II) to investigate the molecular features of pollensomes following the most recent guidelines for EVs isolation and identification. METHODS To do so, pollensomes were isolated from hydrated and germinated kiwi (Actinidia chinensis Planch.) pollen, and characterized using imaging techniques, immunoblotting, and proteomics. RESULTS These analyses revealed that only germinated kiwi pollen released detectable concentrations of nanoparticles compatible with small EVs for shape and protein content. Moreover, a plant homolog of ALIX, which is a well-recognized and accepted marker of small EVs and exosomes in mammals, was found in pollensomes. DISCUSSION The presence of this protein, along with other proteins involved in endocytosis, is consistent with the hypothesis that pollensomes could comprehend a prominent subpopulation of plant exosome-like vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Suanno
- University of Bologna, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Tonoli
- Nottingham Trent University, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Enzo Fornari
- Chrysalis Health & Beauty Creation House, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Maria P. Savoca
- Nottingham Trent University, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Iris Aloisi
- University of Bologna, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- University of Bologna, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Bologna, Italy
- University of Bologna, Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, Cesena, Italy
| | - Claudia Faleri
- University of Siena, Department of Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- University of Siena, Department of Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Clare Coveney
- Nottingham Trent University, Department of Biosciences, Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Trent University, John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Boocock
- Nottingham Trent University, Department of Biosciences, Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Trent University, John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabetta A. M. Verderio
- University of Bologna, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Bologna, Italy
- Nottingham Trent University, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- University of Bologna, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Bologna, Italy
- University of Bologna, Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, Cesena, Italy
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Poggi GM, Corneti S, Aloisi I, Ventura F. Environment-oriented selection criteria to overcome controversies in breeding for drought resistance in wheat. J Plant Physiol 2023; 280:153895. [PMID: 36529076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2022.153895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops, representing a fundamental source of calories and protein for the global human population. Drought stress (DS) is a widespread phenomenon, already affecting large wheat-growing areas worldwide, and a major threat for cereal productivity, resulting in consistent losses in average grain yield (GY). Climate change is projected to exacerbate DS incidence and severity by increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Estimating that wheat production has to substantially increase to guarantee food security to a demographically expanding human population, the need for breeding programs focused on improving wheat drought resistance is manifest. Drought occurrence, in terms of time of appearance, duration, frequency, and severity, along the plant's life cycle varies significantly among different environments and different agricultural years, making it difficult to identify reliable phenological, morphological, and functional traits to be used as effective breeding tools. The situation is further complicated by the presence of confounding factors, e.g., other concomitant abiotic stresses, in an open-field context. Consequently, the relationship between morpho-functional traits and GY under water deficit is often contradictory; moreover, controversies have emerged not only on which traits are to be preferred, but also on how one specific trait should be desired. In this review, we attempt to identify the possible causes of these disputes and propose the most suitable selection criteria in different target environments and, thus, the best trait combinations for breeders in different drought contexts. In fact, an environment-oriented approach could be a valuable solution to overcome controversies in identifying the proper selection criteria for improving wheat drought resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Maria Poggi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Corneti
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ventura
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Poggi GM, Aloisi I, Corneti S, Esposito E, Naldi M, Fiori J, Piana S, Ventura F. Climate change effects on bread wheat phenology and grain quality: A case study in the north of Italy. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:936991. [PMID: 36017264 PMCID: PMC9396297 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.936991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing temperatures, heat waves, and reduction of annual precipitation are all the expressions of climate change (CC), strongly affecting bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield in Southern Europe. Being temperature the major driving force of plants' phenological development, these variations also have effects on wheat phenology, with possible consequences on grain quality, and gluten protein accumulation. Here, through a case study in the Bolognese Plain (North of Italy), we assessed the effects of CC in the area, the impacts on bread wheat phenological development, and the consequences on grain gluten quality. The increasing trend in mean annual air temperature in the area since 1952 was significant, with a breakpoint identified in 1989, rising from 12.7 to 14.1°C, accompanied by the signals of increasing aridity, i.e., increase in water table depth. Bread wheat phenological development was compared in two 15-year periods before and after the breakpoint, i.e., 1952-1966 (past period), and 2006-2020 (present period), the latest characterized by aridity and increased temperatures. A significant shortening of the chronological time necessary to reach the main phenological phases was observed for the present period compared to the past period, finally shortening the whole life cycle. This reduction, as well as the higher temperature regime, affected gluten accumulation during the grain-filling process, as emerged analyzing gluten composition in grain samples of the same variety harvested in the area both before and after the breakpoint in temperature. In particular, the proportion of gluten polymers (i.e., gliadins, high and low molecular weight glutenins, and their ratio) showed a strong and significant correlation with cumulative growing degree days (CGDDs) accumulated during the grain filling. Higher CGDD values during the period, typical of CC in Southern Europe, accounting for higher temperature and faster grain filling, correlated with gliadins, high molecular weight glutenins, and their proportion with low molecular weight glutenins. In summary, herein reported, data might contribute to assessing the effects of CC on wheat phenology and quality, representing a tool for both predictive purposes and decision supporting systems for farmers, as well as can guide future breeding choices for varietal innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Maria Poggi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Corneti
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erika Esposito
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna (ISNB), Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Fiori
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Piana
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ventura
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Parrotta L, Tanwar UK, Aloisi I, Sobieszczuk-Nowicka E, Arasimowicz-Jelonek M, Del Duca S. Plant Transglutaminases: New Insights in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Physiology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091529. [PMID: 35563835 PMCID: PMC9105555 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminases (TGases) are calcium-dependent enzymes that catalyse an acyl-transfer reaction between primary amino groups and protein-bound Gln residues. They are widely distributed in nature, being found in vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms, and plants. TGases and their functionality have been less studied in plants than humans and animals. TGases are distributed in all plant organs, such as leaves, tubers, roots, flowers, buds, pollen, and various cell compartments, including chloroplasts, the cytoplasm, and the cell wall. Recent molecular, physiological, and biochemical evidence pointing to the role of TGases in plant biology and the mechanisms in which they are involved allows us to consider their role in processes such as photosynthesis, plant fertilisation, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and leaf senescence. In the present paper, an in-depth description of the biochemical characteristics and a bioinformatics comparison of plant TGases is provided. We also present the phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, and sequence alignment of TGase proteins in various plant species, not described elsewhere. Currently, our knowledge of these proteins in plants is still insufficient. Further research with the aim of identifying and describing the regulatory components of these enzymes and the processes regulated by them is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.A.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Via Quinto Bucci 336, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Umesh Kumar Tanwar
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; (U.K.T.); (E.S.-N.)
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.A.)
| | - Ewa Sobieszczuk-Nowicka
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; (U.K.T.); (E.S.-N.)
| | - Magdalena Arasimowicz-Jelonek
- Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.A.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Via Quinto Bucci 336, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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7
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Parrotta L, Faleri C, Del Casino C, Mareri L, Aloisi I, Guerriero G, Hausman JF, Del Duca S, Cai G. Biochemical and cytological interactions between callose synthase and microtubules in the tobacco pollen tube. Plant Cell Rep 2022; 41:1301-1318. [PMID: 35303156 PMCID: PMC9110548 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02860-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE The article concerns the association between callose synthase and cytoskeleton by biochemical and ultrastructural analyses in the pollen tube. Results confirmed this association and immunogold labeling showed a colocalization. Callose is a cell wall polysaccharide involved in fundamental biological processes, from plant development to the response to abiotic and biotic stress. To gain insight into the deposition pattern of callose, it is important to know how the enzyme callose synthase is regulated through the interaction with the vesicle-cytoskeletal system. Actin filaments likely determine the long-range distribution of callose synthase through transport vesicles but the spatial/biochemical relationships between callose synthase and microtubules are poorly understood, although experimental evidence supports the association between callose synthase and tubulin. In this manuscript, we further investigated the association between callose synthase and microtubules through biochemical and ultrastructural analyses in the pollen tube model system, where callose is an essential component of the cell wall. Results by native 2-D electrophoresis, isolation of callose synthase complex and far-western blot confirmed that callose synthase is associated with tubulin and can therefore interface with cortical microtubules. In contrast, actin and sucrose synthase were not permanently associated with callose synthase. Immunogold labeling showed colocalization between the enzyme and microtubules, occasionally mediated by vesicles. Overall, the data indicate that pollen tube callose synthase exerts its activity in cooperation with the microtubular cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Via Quinto Bucci 336, 47521, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Del Casino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Lavinia Mareri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gea Guerriero
- Research and Innovation Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, 4362, Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jean-Francois Hausman
- Research and Innovation Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, 4362, Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Via Quinto Bucci 336, 47521, Cesena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Serafini-Fracassini D, Della Mea M, Parrotta L, Faleri C, Cai G, Del Duca S, Aloisi I. AtPng1 knockout mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana shows a juvenile phenotype, morpho-functional changes, altered stress response and cell wall modifications. Plant Physiol Biochem 2021; 167:11-21. [PMID: 34325356 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to ascertain the role of plant transglutaminases (TGase) in growth and abiotic stress response, the AtPng1 knock out (KO) line of A. thaliana has been analyzed during plant development and under heat and wound stress. Comparing wild type (WT) and KO lines a 58-kDa band was immunodetected by anti-AtPng1p antibody in the cell wall and chloroplasts only in the WT line. A residual TGase activity, not showing correlation with development nor stress response, was still present in the KO line. The KO line was less developed, with a juvenile phenotype characterized by fewer, smaller and less differentiated cells. Chloroplast TGase activity was insensitive to mutation. Data on stressed plants showed that (i) KO plants under heat stress were more juvenile compared to WT, (ii) different responses between WT and KO lines after wounding took place. TGase activity was not completely absent in the KO line, presenting high activity in the plastidial fraction. In general, the mutation affected A. thaliana growth and development, causing less differentiated cytological and anatomical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Serafini-Fracassini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Bologna, Via Irnerio, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - M Della Mea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Bologna, Via Irnerio, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - L Parrotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Bologna, Via Irnerio, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - C Faleri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - G Cai
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - S Del Duca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Bologna, Via Irnerio, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - I Aloisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Bologna, Via Irnerio, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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Conti V, Romi M, Parri S, Aloisi I, Marino G, Cai G, Cantini C. Morpho-Physiological Classification of Italian Tomato Cultivars ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) According to Drought Tolerance during Vegetative and Reproductive Growth. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:1826. [PMID: 34579359 PMCID: PMC8468351 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Irrigation is fundamental for agriculture but, as climate change becomes more persistent, there is a need to conserve water and use it more efficiently. It is therefore crucial to identify cultivars that can tolerate drought. For economically relevant crops, such as tomatoes, this purpose takes on an even more incisive role and local agrobiodiversity is a large genetic reservoir of promising cultivars. In this study, nine local Italian cultivars of tomatoes plus four widely used commercial cultivars were considered. These experienced about 20 d of drought, either at vegetative or reproductive phase. Various physio-morphological parameters were monitored, such as stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthesis (A), water use efficiency (WUE), growth (GI) and soil water content (SWC). The different responses and behaviors allowed to divide the cultivars into three groups: tolerant, susceptible, and intermediate. The classification was also confirmed by a principal component analysis (PCA). The study, in addition to deepening the knowledge of local Italian tomato cultivars, reveals how some cultivars perform better under stress condition than commercial ones. Moreover, the different behavior depends on the genotype and on the growth phase of plants. In fact, the Perina cultivar is the most tolerant during vegetative growth while the Quarantino cultivar is mostly tolerant at reproductive stage. The results suggest that selection of cultivars could lead to a more sustainable agriculture and less wasteful irrigation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Conti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.R.); (S.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Marco Romi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.R.); (S.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Parri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.R.); (S.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Marino
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.R.); (S.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Claudio Cantini
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Bioeconomy (CNR-IBE), 58022 Follonica, Italy;
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Suanno C, Aloisi I, Parrotta L, Fernández-González D, Del Duca S. Allergenic risk assessment of urban parks: Towards a standard index. Environ Res 2021; 200:111436. [PMID: 34087192 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Allergenicity indices are a powerful tool to assess the health hazard posed by urban parks to pollen allergic subjects. Nonetheless, only few indices have been developed and applied to urban vegetation in the last decade, and they were never compared nor standardised over the same dataset. To address this issue, in this paper the two best-known allergenicity indices, the Urban Green Zones Allergenicity Index (IUGZA) and the Specific Allergenicity Index (SAI), have been calculated for the same park (the Botanical Garden of Bologna), collecting vegetation data through both systematic sampling and arboreal census. The results obtained with the two data collection methods were comparable for both indices, indicating systematic sampling as a reliable approximation of the total census. Besides, the allergenic risk resulted moderate to high according to SAI, and very low according to IUGZA. Since SAI does not consider the total volume of the vegetation, it was deemed less reliable than IUGZA in evaluating the allergenicity of an enclosed green space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Suanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Delia Fernández-González
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy; Department Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, 24071, Callejón Campus Vegazana, s/n, 24007 León, Spain
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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11
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Suanno C, Aloisi I, Fernández-González D, Del Duca S. Pollen forecasting and its relevance in pollen allergen avoidance. Environ Res 2021; 200:111150. [PMID: 33894233 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollinosis and allergic asthma are respiratory diseases of global relevance, heavily affecting the quality of life of allergic subjects. Since there is not a decisive cure yet, pollen allergic subjects need to avoid exposure to high pollen allergens concentrations. For this purpose, pollen forecasting is an essential tool that needs to be reliable and easily accessible. While forecasting methods are rapidly evolving towards more complex statistical and physical models, the use of simple and traditional methods is still preferred in routine predictions. In this review, we summarise and explain the main parameters considered when forecasting pollen, and classify the different forecasting methods in two groups: observation-based and process-based. Finally, we compare these approaches based on their usefulness to allergic patients, and discuss possible future developments of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Suanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Delia Fernández-González
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy; Department Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, 24071, Campus Vegazana, S/n, 24007, León, Spain
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Mareri L, Faleri C, Aloisi I, Parrotta L, Del Duca S, Cai G. Insights into the Mechanisms of Heat Priming and Thermotolerance in Tobacco Pollen. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8535. [PMID: 34445241 PMCID: PMC8395212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Global warming leads to a progressive rise in environmental temperature. Plants, as sessile organisms, are threatened by these changes; the male gametophyte is extremely sensitive to high temperature and its ability to preserve its physiological status under heat stress is known as acquired thermotolerance. This latter can be achieved by exposing plant to a sub-lethal temperature (priming) or to a progressive increase in temperature. The present research aims to investigate the effects of heat priming on the functioning of tobacco pollen grains. In addition to evaluating basic physiological parameters (e.g., pollen viability, germination and pollen tube length), several aspects related to a correct pollen functioning were considered. Calcium (Ca2+) level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and related antioxidant systems were investigated, also to the organization of actin filaments and cytoskeletal protein such as tubulin (including tyrosinated and acetylated isoforms) and actin. We also focused on sucrose synthase (Sus), a key metabolic enzyme and on the content of main soluble sugars, including UDP-glucose. Results here obtained showed that a pre-exposure to sub-lethal temperatures can positively enhance pollen performance by altering its metabolism. This can have a considerable impact, especially from the point of view of breeding strategies aimed at improving crop species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Mareri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.M.); (C.F.); (G.C.)
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.M.); (C.F.); (G.C.)
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (I.A.); (S.D.D.)
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (I.A.); (S.D.D.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Via Quinto Bucci 336, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (I.A.); (S.D.D.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Agri-Food Industrial Research, University of Bologna, Via Quinto Bucci 336, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.M.); (C.F.); (G.C.)
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13
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Suanno C, Aloisi I, Fernández-González D, Del Duca S. Monitoring techniques for pollen allergy risk assessment. Environ Res 2021; 197:111109. [PMID: 33848553 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding airborne pollen allergens trends is of great importance for the high prevalence and the socio-economic impact that pollen-related respiratory diseases have on a global scale. Pursuing this aim, aeropalynology evolved as a broad and complex field, that requires multidisciplinary knowledge covering the molecular identity of pollen allergens, the nature of allergen-bearing particles (pollen grains, pollen sub-particles, and small airborne particles), and the distribution of their sources. To estimate the health hazard that urban vegetation and atmospheric pollen concentrations pose to allergic subjects, it is pivotal to develop efficient and rapid monitoring systems and reliable allergic risk indices. Here, we review different pollen allergens monitoring approaches, classifying them into I) vegetation-based, II) pollen-based, and III) allergen-based, and underlining their advantages and limits. Finally, we discuss the outstanding issues and directions for future research that will further clarify our understanding of pollen aeroallergens dynamics and allergen avoidance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Suanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Delia Fernández-González
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, ISAC-CNR, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy; Department Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, 24071, Callejón Campus Vegazana, S/n, 24007, León, Spain
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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14
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Parrotta L, Aloisi I, Faleri C, Romi M, Del Duca S, Cai G. Chronic heat stress affects the photosynthetic apparatus of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Micro-Tom. Plant Physiol Biochem 2020; 154:463-475. [PMID: 32912485 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world. Tomato is a plant model and the relationship between yield and biotic/abiotic stress has attracted increasing scientific interest. Tomato cultivation under sub-optimal conditions usually negatively impacts growth and development; in particular, heat stress affects several cellular and metabolic processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis. In this work, we studied the effects of chronic heat stress on various cytological and biochemical aspects using the Micro-Tom cultivar as a model. Photosynthetic efficiency decreased during heat stress while levels of post-photosynthetic sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose and glucose 6-phosphate) oscillated during stress. Similarly, photosynthetic pigments (lutein, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and β-carotene) showed an oscillating downward trend with partial recovery during the stress-free phase. The energetic capacity of leaves (e.g. ATP and ADP) was altered, as well as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) profile; the latter increased during stress. Important effects were also found on the accumulation of Rubisco isoforms, which decreased in number. Heat stress also resulted in a decreased accumulation of lipids (oleic and linoleic acid). Photosynthetically alterations were accompanied by cytological changes in leaf structure, particularly in the number of lipid bodies and starch granules. Prolonged heat stress progressively compromised the photosynthetic efficiency of tomato leaves. The present study reports multi-approach information on metabolic and photosynthetic injuries and responses of tomato plants to chronic heat stress, highlighting the plant's ability to adapt to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Parrotta
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Romi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - S Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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15
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Aloisi I, Distefano G, Antognoni F, Potente G, Parrotta L, Faleri C, Gentile A, Bennici S, Mareri L, Cai G, Del Duca S. Temperature-Dependent Compatible and Incompatible Pollen-Style Interactions in Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan. Show Different Transglutaminase Features and Polyamine Pattern. Front Plant Sci 2020; 11:1018. [PMID: 32733518 PMCID: PMC7360793 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In clementine, failure of fertilization can result in parthenocarpic fruit development, which has several advantages, such as seedless fruit, longer shelf-life, and greater consumer appeal. Recently, S-RNases have been identified in Citrus grandis, thus revealing that the self-incompatibility (SI) reaction relies on the S-RNase gametophytic mechanism. The fundamental role of environmental factors, mostly temperature, in determining the numbers of pollen tubes reaching the ovary is also well established in Citrus. In the present work, temperature-dependent pollen-pistil interactions in C. clementina were analyzed, focusing on several morphological aspects, as well as on polyamine (PA) content and the activity and distribution of transglutaminase (TGase), both reported to be involved in the SI response in pear and in pummelo. Results clearly indicate that temperature contributed to a different activation of the SI response, which occurs at optimal temperature of 25°C but was by-passed at 15°C. TGase activity was stimulated during the SI response, and it localized differently in the compatible and incompatible interaction: in compatible pollinated styles, TGase localized inside the style canal, while it was detected all around it in incompatible crosses. TGase localization and activity were congruent with the levels of soluble and insoluble conjugated PAs and with morphological evidences, which highlighted cell wall modification occurring as a result of SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaetano Distefano
- Department of Agricultural and Food Production Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabiana Antognoni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Giulia Potente
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Department of Agricultural and Food Production Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Bennici
- Department of Agricultural and Food Production Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lavinia Mareri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Parrotta L, Aloisi I, Suanno C, Faleri C, Kiełbowicz-Matuk A, Bini L, Cai G, Del Duca S. A low molecular-weight cyclophilin localizes in different cell compartments of Pyrus communis pollen and is released in vitro under Ca 2+ depletion. Plant Physiol Biochem 2019; 144:197-206. [PMID: 31585398 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophilins (CyPs) are ubiquitous proteins involved in a wide variety of processes including protein maturation and trafficking, receptor complex stabilization, apoptosis, receptor signaling, RNA processing, and spliceosome assembly. The ubiquitous presence is justified by their peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity, catalyzing the rotation of X-Pro peptide bonds from a cis to a trans conformation, a critical rate-limiting step in protein folding, as over 90% of proteins contain trans prolyl imide bonds. In Arabidopsis 35 CyPs involved in plant development have been reported, showing different subcellular localizations and tissue- and stage-specific expression. In the present work, we focused on the localization of CyPs in pear (Pyrus communis) pollen, a model system for studies on pollen tube elongation and on pollen-pistil self-incompatibility response. Fluorescent, confocal and immuno-electron microscopy showed that this protein is present in the cytoplasm, organelles and cell wall, as confirmed by protein fractionation. Moreover, an 18-kDa CyP isoform was specifically released extracellularly when pear pollen was incubated with the Ca2+ chelator EGTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Suanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Luca Bini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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17
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Mandrone M, Antognoni F, Aloisi I, Potente G, Poli F, Cai G, Faleri C, Parrotta L, Del Duca S. Compatible and Incompatible Pollen-Styles Interaction in Pyrus communis L. Show Different Transglutaminase Features, Polyamine Pattern and Metabolomics Profiles. Front Plant Sci 2019; 10:741. [PMID: 31249577 PMCID: PMC6584118 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Pollen-stigma interaction is a highly selective process, which leads to compatible or incompatible pollination, in the latter case, affecting quantitative and qualitative aspects of productivity in species of agronomic interest. While the genes and the corresponding protein partners involved in this highly specific pollen-stigma recognition have been studied, providing important insights into pollen-stigma recognition in self-incompatible (SI), many other factors involved in the SI response are not understood yet. This work concerns the study of transglutaminase (TGase), polyamines (PAs) pattern and metabolomic profiles following the pollination of Pyrus communis L. pistils with compatible and SI pollen in order to deepen their possible involvement in the reproduction of plants. Immunolocalization, abundance and activity of TGase as well as the content of free, soluble-conjugated and insoluble-bound PAs have been investigated. 1H NMR-profiling coupled with multivariate data treatment (PCA and PLS-DA) allowed to compare, for the first time, the metabolic patterns of not-pollinated and pollinated styles. Results clearly indicate that during the SI response TGase activity increases, resulting in the accumulation of PAs conjugated to hydroxycinnamic acids and other small molecules. Metabolomic analysis showed a remarkable differences between pollinated and not-pollinated styles, where, except for glucose, all the other metabolites where less concentrated. Moreover, styles pollinated with compatible pollen showed the highest amount of sucrose than SI pollinated ones, which, in turn, contained highest amount of all the other metabolites, including aromatic compounds, such as flavonoids and a cynnamoil derivative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Mandrone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiana Antognoni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Potente
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Del Duca S, Aloisi I, Parrotta L, Cai G. Cytoskeleton, Transglutaminase and Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility in the Malinae (Rosaceae). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20010209. [PMID: 30626063 PMCID: PMC6337636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-incompatibility (SI) is a complex process, one out of several mechanisms that prevent plants from self-fertilizing to maintain and increase the genetic variability. This process leads to the rejection of the male gametophyte and requires the co-participation of numerous molecules. Plants have evolved two distinct SI systems, the sporophytic (SSI) and the gametophytic (GSI) systems. The two SI systems are markedly characterized by different genes and proteins and each single system can also be divided into distinct subgroups; whatever the mechanism, the purpose is the same, i.e., to prevent self-fertilization. In Malinae, a subtribe in the Rosaceae family, i.e., Pyrus communis and Malus domestica, the GSI requires the production of female determinants, known as S-RNases, which penetrate the pollen tube to interact with the male determinants. Beyond this, the penetration of S-RNase into the pollen tube triggers a series of responses involving membrane proteins, such as phospholipases, intracellular variations of cytoplasmic Ca2+, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered enzymatic activities, such as that of transglutaminase (TGase). TGases are widespread enzymes that catalyze the post-translational conjugation of polyamines (PAs) to different protein targets and/or the cross-linking of substrate proteins leading to the formation of cross-linked products with high molecular mass. When actin and tubulin are the substrates, this destabilizes the cytoskeleton and inhibits the pollen-tube's growth process. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the relationship between S-RNase penetration, TGase activity and cytoskeleton function during GSI in the Malinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Del Duca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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19
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Wolf M, Twaroch TE, Huber S, Reithofer M, Steiner M, Aglas L, Hauser M, Aloisi I, Asam C, Hofer H, Parigiani MA, Ebner C, Bohle B, Briza P, Neubauer A, Stolz F, Jahn-Schmid B, Wallner M, Ferreira F. Amb a 1 isoforms: Unequal siblings with distinct immunological features. Allergy 2017; 72:1874-1882. [PMID: 28464293 PMCID: PMC5700413 DOI: 10.1111/all.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Ragweed pollen represents a major allergy risk factor. Ragweed extracts contain five different isoforms of the major allergen Amb a 1. However, the immunological characteristics of Amb a 1 isoforms are not fully investigated. Here, we compared the physicochemical and immunological properties of three most important Amb a 1 isoforms. Methods After purification, the isoforms were physicochemically characterized, tested for antibody binding and induction of human T‐cell proliferative responses. Their immunological properties were further evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model. Results Amb a 1 isoforms exhibited distinct patterns of IgE binding and immunogenicity. Compared to Amb a 1.02 or 03 isoforms, Amb a 1.01 showed higher IgE‐binding activity. Isoforms 01 and 03 were the most potent stimulators of patients’ T cells. In a mouse model of immunization, Amb a 1.01 induced higher levels of IgG and IgE antibodies when compared to isoforms 02 and 03. Interestingly, ragweed‐sensitized patients also displayed an IgG response to Amb a 1 isoforms. However, unlike therapy‐induced antibodies, sensitization‐induced IgG did not show IgE‐blocking activity. Conclusion The present study showed that naturally occurring isoforms of Amb a 1 possess different immunogenic and sensitizing properties. These findings should be considered when selecting sequences for molecule‐based diagnosis and therapy for ragweed allergy. Due to its high IgE‐binding activity, isoform Amb a 1.01 should be included in diagnostic tests. In contrast, due to their limited B‐ and T‐cell cross‐reactivity patterns, a combination of different isoforms might be a more attractive strategy for ragweed immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Wolf
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | | | - S. Huber
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - M. Reithofer
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - M. Steiner
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
- Laboratory for Immunological and
Molecular Cancer Research; Paracelsus Medical University; Salzburg Austria
| | - L. Aglas
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - M. Hauser
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - I. Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - C. Asam
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - H. Hofer
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - M. A. Parigiani
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - C. Ebner
- Allergy Clinic Reumannplatz; Vienna Austria
| | - B. Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - P. Briza
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - A. Neubauer
- Biomay AG; Vienna Competence Center; Vienna Austria
| | - F. Stolz
- Biomay AG; Vienna Competence Center; Vienna Austria
| | - B. Jahn-Schmid
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - M. Wallner
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - F. Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
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Paris R, Pagliarani G, Savazzini F, Aloisi I, Iorio RA, Tartarini S, Ricci G, Del Duca S. Comparative analysis of allergen genes and pro-inflammatory factors in pollen and fruit of apple varieties. Plant Sci 2017; 264:57-68. [PMID: 28969803 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Allergy to freshly consumed apple fruits is often associated to pollinosis and manifested as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The allergenic properties of apple varieties differ greatly, spanning from low allergenic to high allergenic varieties. The knowledge of the genetic determinants for allergenicity has been of great interest in scientific community for several years, but the molecular mechanisms involved are still little understood. Here, factors putatively involved in allergenicity were investigated at biochemical and molecular level in pollen and in fruits of apple varieties differing in their allergenic potential. Among putative sensitizing factors, transglutaminase (TGase) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were considered together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and known apple allergen genes, with particular attention devoted to the Mal d 1 gene family, the most important one in sensitization. We found that the expression of some allergen genes and the activities of TGase, PLA2 and ROS producing enzyme are lower in the hypo-allergenic variety 'Durello di Forlì' in comparison with the high-allergenic genotypes 'Gala' and 'Florina'. These results highlight correlations among allergen expressions, enzymatic activities and apple cultivars; these data underline the possibility that some of them could be used in the future as markers for allergenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Paris
- CREA - Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Via di Corticella, 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Pagliarani
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Savazzini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rosa Anna Iorio
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Tartarini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Ricci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Aloisi I, Cai G, Faleri C, Navazio L, Serafini-Fracassini D, Del Duca S. Spermine Regulates Pollen Tube Growth by Modulating Ca 2+-Dependent Actin Organization and Cell Wall Structure. Front Plant Sci 2017; 8:1701. [PMID: 29033970 PMCID: PMC5627395 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Proper growth of the pollen tube depends on an elaborate mechanism that integrates several molecular and cytological sub-processes and ensures a cell shape adapted to the transport of gametes. This growth mechanism is controlled by several molecules among which cytoplasmic and apoplastic polyamines. Spermine (Spm) has been correlated with various physiological processes in pollen, including structuring of the cell wall and modulation of protein (mainly cytoskeletal) assembly. In this work, the effects of Spm on the growth of pear pollen tubes were analyzed. When exogenous Spm (100 μM) was supplied to germinating pollen, it temporarily blocked tube growth, followed by the induction of apical swelling. This reshaping of the pollen tube was maintained also after growth recovery, leading to a 30-40% increase of tube diameter. Apical swelling was also accompanied by a transient increase in cytosolic calcium concentration and alteration of pH values, which were the likely cause for major reorganization of actin filaments and cytoplasmic organelle movement. Morphological alterations of the apical and subapical region also involved changes in the deposition of pectin, cellulose, and callose in the cell wall. Thus, results point to the involvement of Spm in cell wall construction as well as cytoskeleton organization during pear pollen tube growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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22
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Scarnato L, Montanari C, Serrazanetti DI, Aloisi I, Balestra F, Del Duca S, Lanciotti R. New bread formulation with improved rheological properties and longer shelf-life by the combined use of transglutaminase and sourdough. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2017.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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Aloisi I, Parrotta L, Ruiz KB, Landi C, Bini L, Cai G, Biondi S, Del Duca S. New Insight into Quinoa Seed Quality under Salinity: Changes in Proteomic and Amino Acid Profiles, Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Protein Extracts. Front Plant Sci 2016; 7:656. [PMID: 27242857 PMCID: PMC4870233 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is an ancient Andean seed-producing crop well known for its exceptional nutritional properties and resistance to adverse environmental conditions, such as salinity and drought. Seed storage proteins, amino acid composition, and bioactive compounds play a crucial role in determining the nutritional value of quinoa. Seeds harvested from three Chilean landraces of quinoa, one belonging to the salares ecotype (R49) and two to the coastal-lowlands ecotype, VI-1 and Villarrica (VR), exposed to two levels of salinity (100 and 300 mM NaCl) were used to conduct a sequential extraction of storage proteins in order to obtain fractions enriched in albumins/globulins, 11S globulin and in prolamin-like proteins. The composition of the resulting protein fractions was analyzed by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results confirmed a high polymorphism in seed storage proteins; the two most representative genotype-specific bands of the albumin/globulin fraction were the 30- and 32-kDa bands, while the 11S globulin showed genotype-specific polymorphism for the 40- and 42-kDa bands. Spot analysis by mass spectrometry followed by in silico analyses were conducted to identify the proteins whose expression changed most significantly in response to salinity in VR. Proteins belonging to several functional categories (i.e., stress protein, metabolism, and storage) were affected by salinity. Other nutritional and functional properties, namely amino acid profiles, total polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, and antioxidant activity (AA) of protein extracts were also analyzed. With the exception of Ala and Met in R49, all amino acids derived from protein hydrolysis were diminished in seeds from salt-treated plants, especially in landrace VI-1. By contrast, several free amino acids were unchanged or increased by salinity in R49 as compared with VR and VI-1, suggesting a greater tolerance in the salares landrace. VR had the highest TPC and AA under non-saline conditions. Salinity increased TPC in all three landraces, with the strongest increase occurring in R49, and enhanced radical scavenging capacity in R49 and VR. Overall, results show that salinity deeply altered the seed proteome and amino acid profiles and, in general, increased the concentration of bioactive molecules and AA of protein extracts in a genotype-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Parrotta
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Karina B. Ruiz
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Landi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of SienaSiena, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of SienaSiena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of SienaSiena, Italy
| | - Stefania Biondi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
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Aloisi I, Cai G, Serafini-Fracassini D, Del Duca S. Transglutaminase as polyamine mediator in plant growth and differentiation. Amino Acids 2016; 48:2467-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2235-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Ruiz KB, Aloisi I, Del Duca S, Canelo V, Torrigiani P, Silva H, Biondi S. Salares versus coastal ecotypes of quinoa: Salinity responses in Chilean landraces from contrasting habitats. Plant Physiol Biochem 2016; 101:1-13. [PMID: 26841266 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly salt-tolerant species subdivided into five ecotypes and exhibiting broad intra-specific differences in tolerance levels. In a greenhouse study, Chilean landraces belonging either to the salares (R49) or coastal lowlands (VI-1, Villarrica) ecotype with contrasting agro-ecological origins were investigated for their responses to high salinity. The effects of two levels of salinity, 100 (T1) and 300 (T2) mM NaCl, on plant growth and on some physiological parameters were measured. Leaf and root Na(+) accumulation differed among landraces. T2 reduced growth and seed yield in all landraces with maximum inhibition relative to controls in R49. Salinity negatively affected chlorophyll and total polyphenol content (TPC) in VI-1 and Villarrica but not R49. Germination on saline or control media of seeds harvested from plants treated or not with NaCl was sometimes different; the best performing landrace was R49 insofar as 45-65% of seeds germinated on 500 mM NaCl-containing medium. In all landraces, average seedling root length declined strongly with increasing NaCl concentration, but roots of R49 were significantly longer than those of VI-1 and Villarrica up to 300 mM NaCl. Salt caused increases in seed TPC relative to controls, but radical scavenging capacity was higher only in seeds from T2 plants of R49. Total SDS-extractable seed proteins were resolved into distinct bands (10-70 kDa) with some evident differences between landraces. Salt-induced changes in protein patterns were landrace-specific. The responses to salinity of the salares landrace are discussed in relation to its better adaptation to an extreme environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina B Ruiz
- Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Departamento de Producción Agrícola, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, 8820808 La Pintana, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Canelo
- Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Departamento de Producción Agrícola, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, 8820808 La Pintana, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patrizia Torrigiani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DiSTA), Viale Fanin 46, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Herman Silva
- Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Departamento de Producción Agrícola, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, 8820808 La Pintana, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile
| | - Stefania Biondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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26
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Marinello J, Bertoncini S, Aloisi I, Cristini A, Malagoli Tagliazucchi G, Forcato M, Sordet O, Capranico G. Dynamic Effects of Topoisomerase I Inhibition on R-Loops and Short Transcripts at Active Promoters. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147053. [PMID: 26784695 PMCID: PMC4718701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Topoisomerase I-DNA-cleavage complexes (Top1cc) stabilized by camptothecin (CPT) have specific effects at transcriptional levels. We recently reported that Top1cc increase antisense transcript (aRNAs) levels at divergent CpG-island promoters and, transiently, DNA/RNA hybrids (R-loop) in nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of colon cancer HCT116 cells. However, the relationship between R-loops and aRNAs was not established. Here, we show that aRNAs can form R-loops in N-TERA-2 cells under physiological conditions, and that promoter-associated R-loops are somewhat increased and extended in length immediately upon cell exposure to CPT. In contrast, persistent Top1ccs reduce the majority of R-loops suggesting that CPT-accumulated aRNAs are not commonly involved in R-loops. The enhancement of aRNAs by Top1ccs is present both in human colon cancer HCT116 cells and WI38 fibroblasts suggesting a common response of cancer and normal cells. Although Top1ccs lead to DSB and DDR kinases activation, we do not detect a dependence of aRNA accumulation on ATM or DNA-PK activation. However, we showed that the cell response to persistent Top1ccs can involve an impairment of aRNA turnover rather than a higher synthesis rate. Finally, a genome-wide analysis shows that persistent Top1ccs also determine an accumulation of sense transcripts at 5’-end gene regions suggesting an increased occurrence of truncated transcripts. Taken together, the results indicate that Top1 may regulate transcription initiation by modulating RNA polymerase-generated negative supercoils, which can in turn favor R-loop formation at promoters, and that transcript accumulation at TSS is a response to persistent transcriptional stress by Top1 poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Marinello
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Bertoncini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Agnese Cristini
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Mattia Forcato
- Center for Genome Research, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Olivier Sordet
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM UMR1037, Toulouse, France
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Aloisi I, Cai G, Serafini-Fracassini D, Del Duca S. Polyamines in Pollen: From Microsporogenesis to Fertilization. Front Plant Sci 2016; 7:155. [PMID: 26925074 PMCID: PMC4757701 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The entire pollen life span is driven by polyamine (PA) homeostasis, achieved through fine regulation of their biosynthesis, oxidation, conjugation, compartmentalization, uptake, and release. The critical role of PAs, from microsporogenesis to pollen-pistil interaction during fertilization, is suggested by high and dynamic transcript levels of PA biosynthetic genes, as well as by the activities of the corresponding enzymes. Moreover, exogenous supply of PAs strongly affects pollen maturation and pollen tube elongation. A reduction of endogenous free PAs impacts pollen viability both in the early stages of pollen development and during fertilization. A number of studies have demonstrated that PAs largely function by modulating transcription, by structuring pollen cell wall, by modulating protein (mainly cytoskeletal) assembly as well as by modulating the level of reactive oxygen species. Both free low-molecular weight aliphatic PAs, and PAs conjugated to proteins and hydroxyl-cinnamic acids take part in these complex processes. Here, we review both historical and recent evidence regarding molecular events underlying the role of PAs during pollen development. In the concluding remarks, the outstanding issues and directions for future research that will further clarify our understanding of PA involvement during pollen life are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Aloisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di BolognaBologna, Italia
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di SienaSiena, Italia
| | | | - Stefano Del Duca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di BolognaBologna, Italia
- *Correspondence: Stefano Del Duca,
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Cai G, Della Mea M, Faleri C, Fattorini L, Aloisi I, Serafini-Fracassini D, Del Duca S. Spermine either delays or promotes cell death in Nicotiana tabacum L. corolla depending on the floral developmental stage and affects the distribution of transglutaminase. Plant Sci 2015; 241:11-22. [PMID: 26706054 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2015.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The role of spermine (SM) was studied to verify if SM supplied to Nicotiana tabacum flower can modulate programmed cell death (PCD) of the corolla. SM has strong effects on the development and senescence of excised flowers despite its low physiological levels. The timing and duration of SM treatment is a key factor; SM counteracts PCD (verified by morphological observations, pigment contents and DNA laddering) only in the narrow developmental window of corolla expansion. Before and after, SM promotes PCD. SM exerts its pro-survival role by delaying fresh weight loss, by inhibiting reduction of pigments and finally by preventing DNA degradation. Moreover, SM deeply alters the distribution of the PA-conjugating enzyme transglutaminase (TGase). TGase is present in the epidermis during development, but it sprays also in the cell walls of inner parenchyma at senescence. After SM treatment, parenchyma cells accumulate TGase, increase in size and their cell walls do not undergo stiffening contrarily to control cells. The subcellular localization of TGase has been validated by biolistic-transformation of onion epidermal cells. Results indicated that SM is a critical factor in the senescence of N. tabacum corolla by controlling biochemical and morphological parameters; the lasts are probably interconnected with the action of TGase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Cai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Della Mea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | - Claudia Faleri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Laura Fattorini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Sapienza Università di Roma, I-00185, Italy.
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | - Donatella Serafini-Fracassini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy.
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Aloisi I, Cai G, Tumiatti V, Minarini A, Del Duca S. Natural polyamines and synthetic analogs modify the growth and the morphology of Pyrus communis pollen tubes affecting ROS levels and causing cell death. Plant Sci 2015; 239:92-105. [PMID: 26398794 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Polyamines (PAs) are small molecules necessary for pollen maturation and tube growth. Their role is often controversial, since they may act as pro-survival factors as well as factors promoting Programmed Cell Death (PCD). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of exogenous PAs on the apical growth of pear (Pyrus communis) pollen tube and to understand if PAs and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are interconnected in the process of tip-growth. In the present study besides natural PAs, also aryl-substituted spermine and methoctramine (Met 6-8-6) analogs were tested. Among the natural PAs, Spm showed strongest effects on tube growth. Spm entered through the pollen tube tip, then diffused in the sub-apical region that underwent drastic morphological changes, showing enlarged tip. Analogs were mostly less efficient than natural PAs but BD23, an asymmetric synthetic PAs bearing a pyridine ring, showed similar effects. These effects were related to the ability of PAs to cause the decrease of ROS level in the apical zone, leading to cell death, counteracted by the caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO (DEVD). In conclusions, ROS are essential for pollen germination and a strict correlation between ROS regulation and PA concentration is reported. Moreover, an imbalance between ROS and PAs can be detrimental thereby driving pollen toward cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Aloisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tumiatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 25, Rimini, Italy
| | - Anna Minarini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Duca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, Bologna, Italy.
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