The NPR1 family of transcription cofactors in papaya: insights into its structure, phylogeny and expression

Santy Peraza-Echeverria,Jorge M. Santamaría,Gabriela Fuentes,Mariana de los Ángeles Menéndez-Cerón,Miguel Ángel Vallejo-Reyna,Virginia Aurora Herrera-Valencia 한국유전학회 2012 Genes & Genomics Vol.34 No.4

The NPR1 (non-expressor of pathogenesis related gene 1) gene was initially identified in Arabidopsis as a master regulator of the systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Five additional NPR1 homologues have been identified in Arabidopsis whose function range from regulators of SAR to plant development. In the present study, we characterized the structure, phylogeny and expression of the NPR1 family in papaya (Carica papaya L.), one of the most important tropical fruit crops. We identified four NPR1 homologues in the papaya genome sequence (CpNPR1 to CpNPR4). Overall, the four papaya predicted NPR1 proteins showed the characteristic BTB/POZ and ankyrin domains of the Arabidopsis NPR1 family. Twelve additional open reading frames showing homology to retrotransposon elements or genes involved in different physiological processes were found in close proximity to the papaya NPR1homologues. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the papaya NPR1 sequences resolved in three clades, each clade containing two Arabidopsis NPR1 homologues involved either in the positive regulation of SAR (clade I), negative regulation of SAR (clade II) or plant development (clade III), suggesting a similar function for the corresponding papaya NPR1homologues. Furthermore, the expression of the four papaya NPR1 homologues was detected in both vegetative and reproductive tissues. The present study has provided the first comparative analysis of the NPR1 family in a tropical fruit crop and expanded our knowledge on this type of genes in dicotyledoneous plants. The identification of the full set of papaya NPR1 homologues will pave the way for their systematic functional analysis and new opportunities for engineering disease resistance in this crop.

The phytohormone abscisic acid increases triacylglycerol content in the green microalga Chlorella saccharophila (Chlorophyta)

Patricia Yolanda Contreras-Pool,Santy Peraza-Echeverria,Ángela Francisca Ku-González,Virginia Aurora Herrera-Valencia 한국조류학회I 2016 ALGAE Vol.31 No.3

Microalgae are currently a very promising source of biomass and triacylglycerol (TAG) for biofuels. In a previous study, we identified Chlorella saccharophila as a suitable source of oil for biodiesel production because it showed high biomass and lipid content with an appropriate fatty acid methyl esters profile. To improve the TAG accumulation in C. saccharophila, in this study we evaluated the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) addition on cell concentration, lipid content and TAG production in this microalga. First, we evaluated the effects of four ABA concentrations (1, 4, 10, and 20 μM) added at the beginning of a single-stage cultivation strategy, and found that all concentrations tested significantly increased cell concentration and TAG content in C. saccharophila. We then evaluated the addition of 1 μM ABA during the second stage of a two-stage cultivation strategy and compared it with a nitrogen deficiency treatment (ND) and a combination of ND and ABA (ND + ABA). Although ABA alone significantly increased lipid and TAG contents compared with the control, ND showed significantly higher TAG content, and ND + ABA showed the highest TAG content. When comparing the results of both strategies, we found a superior response in terms of TAG accumulation with the addition of 1 μM ABA at the beginning of a single-stage cultivation system. This strategy is a simple and effective way to improve the TAG content in C. saccharophila and probably other microalgae as a feedstock for biodiesel production.

The phytohormone abscisic acid increases triacylglycerol content in the green microalga Chlorella saccharophila (Chlorophyta)

Contreras-Pool, Patricia Yolanda,Peraza-Echeverria, Santy,Ku-Gonzalez, Angela Francisca,Herrera-Valencia, Virginia Aurora The Korean Society of Phycology 2016 ALGAE Vol.31 No.3

Microalgae are currently a very promising source of biomass and triacylglycerol (TAG) for biofuels. In a previous study, we identified Chlorella saccharophila as a suitable source of oil for biodiesel production because it showed high biomass and lipid content with an appropriate fatty acid methyl esters profile. To improve the TAG accumulation in C. saccharophila, in this study we evaluated the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) addition on cell concentration, lipid content and TAG production in this microalga. First, we evaluated the effects of four ABA concentrations (1, 4, 10, and 20 μM) added at the beginning of a single-stage cultivation strategy, and found that all concentrations tested significantly increased cell concentration and TAG content in C. saccharophila. We then evaluated the addition of 1 μM ABA during the second stage of a two-stage cultivation strategy and compared it with a nitrogen deficiency treatment (ND) and a combination of ND and ABA (ND + ABA). Although ABA alone significantly increased lipid and TAG contents compared with the control, ND showed significantly higher TAG content, and ND + ABA showed the highest TAG content. When comparing the results of both strategies, we found a superior response in terms of TAG accumulation with the addition of 1 μM ABA at the beginning of a single-stage cultivation system. This strategy is a simple and effective way to improve the TAG content in C. saccharophila and probably other microalgae as a feedstock for biodiesel production.

Molecular cloning of two novel NPR1 homologue genes in coconut palm and analysis of their expression in response to the plant defense hormone salicylic acid

Germán Nic‑Matos,María Narváez,Santy Peraza‑Echeverría,Luis Sáenz,Carlos Oropeza 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.9

Nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1 (NPR1) codes for a transcription cofactor involved in the activation of systemic acquired resistance, a salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defense response. This work reports the cloning and characterization of two new genes, CnNPR1 and CnNPR3 from coconut, homologous to AtNPR1 of Arabidopsis thaliana. The cDNA deduced amino acid sequence contains the protein–protein interaction domains the BTB/POZ and ANKYRIN repeat domains, and a nuclear localization site (NLS). Phylogenetic analysis grouped CnNPR1 in a clade with AtNPR1 and CnNPR3 in a clade with AtNPR3, both reported genes of A. thaliana. Exogenous application of SA to coconut plantlets induced changes in the expression of CnNPR1 and CnNPR3 in leaf, stem and root tissues, providing evidence of their possible role in the signaling cascade leading to SAR in coconut palm. This is the first report on the cloning of putative key genes in the SAR-type defense mechanism in coconut palm.

영혼의 목소리

Santi,趙鏞範 한국외국어대학 학도호국단 1978 외대 Vol.13 No.1

A Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 Gene Variant is Associated with Clinical Symptomatology in Patients with First-Episode Psychosis

Javier Vázquez-Bourgon,Ignacio Mata,Roberto Roiz-Santiáñez,Rosa Ayesa-Arriola,Paula Suárez Pinilla,Diana Tordesillas-Gutiérrez,José Luis Vázquez-Barquero,Benedicto Crespo-Facorro 대한신경정신의학회 2014 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.11 No.2

Objective DISC1 gene is one of the main candidate genes for schizophrenia since it has been associated to the illness in several populations. Moreover, variations in several DISC1 polymorphisms, and in particular Ser704Cys SNP, have been associated in schizophrenic patients to structural and functional modifications in two brain areas (pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus) that play a central role in the genesis of psychotic symptoms. This study tested the association between Ser704Cys DISC1 polymorphism and the clinical onset of psychosis. Methods Two hundred and thirteen Caucasian drug-naïve patients experiencing a first episode of non-affective psychosis were genotyped for rs821616 (Ser704Cys) SNP of the DISC1 gene. The clinical severity of the illness was assessed using SAPS and SANS scales. Other clinical and socio-demographic variables were recorded to rule out possible confounding effects. Results Patients homozygous for the Ser allele of the Ser704Cys DISC1 SNP had significantly (p<0.05) higher rates at the positive symptoms dimension (SAPS-SANS scales) and hallucinations item, compared to Cys carriers. Conclusion DISC1 gene variations may modulate the clinical severity of the psychosis at the onset of the disorder.

The Relative humidity control

Santi Wangnipparnto,Tianchai Suksri 제어로봇시스템학회 2009 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2009 No.8

This research studied on the relative humidity controller by fuzzy logic method. The system consists of the evaporating coils laid inside the duct which has square shape cross section area and the relative humidity at the duct output is considered. The relative humidity set point changing and the air flow rate are parameters of this study. The relative humidity process variable is detected by the relative humidity sensor and it need to be processing by the personal computer, Visual Basic 6.0 language is use for build the command of fuzzy logic control and will be operated under the window 98 system. The results show that the relative humidity controller can be controlled the relative humidity in the process satisfaction. It has the steady state error about ± 3 %RH and has the rise time to the set point within 3 minutes at the relative humidity rang of 60-80 %RH and the air flow rate 5.43-8.5 m/s.

Anterior cutaneous nerve block for analgesia in anterior chest trauma: is the parasternal approach necessary?

Santi Di Pietro,Benedetta Mascia,Giuliano Lo Bianco,Stefano Perlini,Giorgio Antonio Iotti 대한응급의학회 2020 Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine Vol.7 No.1

In recent years, several techniques of regional anesthesia have been proposed to provide analgesia to the anterior thoracic cage; notably, most of these techniques require a parasternal approach. However, in this context, the potential role of a more common and well-established technique, namely the modified pectoral nerve block (known as PECS II block), has been poorly investigated. Here, we describe a case involving a patient with bilateral anterolateral multiple rib fractures associated with sternum fracture, who was successfully treated using bilateral PECS II blocks. Our experience indicates that the PECS II block can provide excellent analgesia in cases involving anterior rib and sternum fractures. Because it is easier to perform and may be safer than other parasternal techniques, the PECS II block should be considered when providing analgesia for traumatic injuries of the anterior thorax.

Phenolic Compounds in Antimicrobial Therapy

Santi M. Mandal,Renata O. Dias,Octavio L. Franco 한국식품영양과학회 2017 Journal of medicinal food Vol.20 No.10

Long-term treatment with several conventional antibiotics can cause harmful side effects that can be alleviated by antioxidant therapy. Phenolic compounds (PCs) are the best source of antioxidants, and to identify the most suitable polyphenols for use as a supportive supplement during antibiotic therapy, this study screened a series of PCs to establish their antibacterial potential, including their biofilm and β-lactamase inhibition activity. Several PCs were tested for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among them, tannic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, rutin, and eugenol showed the highest antibacterial activity. Epigallocatechin gallate, tannic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin inhibited a significant level of β-lactamase activity. Tannic acid and epigallocatechin gallate presented the highest β-lactamase inhibition potential in both in vitro and in silico analysis. In the present work, these two PCs were the most active agents, presenting both antibacterial activity and β-lactamase and biofilm inhibition ability.

Earthquake activities in the Philippines Islands and the adjacent areas

Santi Pailoplee,Natchana Boonchaluay 한국지질과학협의회 2016 Geosciences Journal Vol.20 No.6

This study focused on the seismic activities in the Philippines Islands and the adjacent areas where the inter- and intra-plate seismic sources are prevalent. To access this, the frequency-magnitude distribution model was employed with the completeness seismicity data. Then, the possible maximum magnitude, return period and probability of earthquake occurrence, including the prospective areas of upcoming earthquakes, were evaluated. The results indicated that eastern Taiwan is among the most seismic-prone areas. The most probable largest magnitude of earthquakes was estimated to be up to 8.0 Mw in a time period of 50 years, giving return periods of <1, 2–4, 5–20 and 20–40 years for earthquakes with a Mw of 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0, respectively. Meanwhile, in the areas of Davao and eastern Manado, where the group of Halmahera, Philippines and Sangihe Double Subduction Zones are delineated (HSZ, PSZ and SSZ, respectively), maximum earthquakes of 6.8–7.1 Mw are possible in a 5–10 year period. For the northern Minahassa and eastern Sulu Trenches (MST and SLT), which were defined as medium hazard areas, the return periods were calculated at ~100–200 years for an earthquake magnitude of 7.0–8.0 Mw. According to the limits of the recorded earthquake events, the Palawan, Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Trenches (PWT, SAT and SLT, respectively) are classified as aseismic source zones. For earthquake forecasting, six locations along the Manila Trench (MLT), HSZ, PSZ and SAT are proposed as the areas that have a high probability of generating a major earthquake in the near future. Geographically, the most prospective areas are located near major cities, such as Taipei, Manila, Davao and Manado. Thus, there is a compelling need to develop effective mitigation strategies for both tsunami and earthquake hazards.