Unraveling the key step in the aroma puzzle: Insights into alcohol acyltransferases in strawberries.

Alcohol acyltransferases (AATs) play a crucial role in catalyzing the transfer of acyl groups, contributing to the diverse aroma of fruits, including strawberries. In this research we identified nine AAT genes in strawberries through a comprehensive analysis involving phylogenetics, gene structure, conserved motifs, and structural protein model examinations. The study used the 'Camarosa' strawberry genome database, and experiments were conducted with fruits harvested at different developmental and ripening stages. The transcriptional analysis revealed differential expression patterns among the AAT genes during fruit ripening, with only four genes (SAAT, FaAAT2, FaAAT7, and FaAAT9) showing increased transcript accumulation correlated with total AAT enzyme activity. Additionally, the study employed in silico methods, including sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, and structural modeling, to gain insights into the AAT protein model structures with increase expression pattern during fruit ripening. The four modeled AAT proteins exhibited structural similarities, including conserved catalytic sites and solvent channels. Furthermore, the research investigated the interaction of AAT proteins with different substrates, highlighting the enzymes' promiscuity in substrate preferences. The study contributes with valuable information to unveil AAT gene family members in strawberries, providing scientific background for further exploration of their biological characteristics and their role in aroma biosynthesis during fruit ripening.

The endophytic fungus Serendipita indica affects auxin distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana roots through alteration of auxin transport and conjugation to promote plant growth.

Plants share their habitats with a multitude of different microbes. This close vicinity promoted the evolution of interorganismic interactions between plants and many different microorganisms that provide mutual growth benefits both to the plant and the microbial partner. The symbiosis of Arabidopsis thaliana with the beneficial root colonizing endophyte Serendipita indica represents a well-studied system. Colonization of Arabidopsis roots with S. indica promotes plant growth and stress tolerance of the host plant. However, until now, the molecular mechanism by which S. indica reprograms plant growth remains largely unknown. This study used comprehensive transcriptomics, metabolomics, reverse genetics, and life cell imaging to reveal the intricacies of auxin-related processes that affect root growth in the symbiosis between A. thaliana and S. indica. Our experiments revealed the sustained stimulation of auxin signalling in fungus infected Arabidopsis roots and disclosed the essential role of tightly controlled auxin conjugation in the plant-fungus interaction. It particularly highlighted the importance of two GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) genes, GH3.5 and GH3.17, for the fungus infection-triggered stimulation of biomass production, thus broadening our knowledge about the function of GH3s in plants. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the transcriptional alteration of the PIN2 auxin transporter gene in roots of Arabidopsis seedlings infected with S. indica and demonstrate that this transcriptional adjustment affects auxin signalling in roots, which results in increased plant growth.

Transcriptional and structural analysis of non-specific lipid transfer proteins modulated by fungal endophytes in Antarctic plants under drought.

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) play crucial roles in various biological processes in plants, such as pollen tube adhesion, phospholipid transfer, cuticle synthesis, and response to abiotic stress. While a few members of the non-specific LTPs (nsLTPs) have been identified, their structural characteristics remain largely unexplored. Given the observed improvement in the performance of Antarctic plants facing water deficit when associated with fungal endophytes, this study aimed to assess the role of these symbiotic organisms in the transcriptional modulation of putative nsLTPs. The study focused on identifying and characterizing two nsLTP in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis that exhibit responsiveness to drought stress. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of Antarctic endophytic fungi on the expression profiles of these nsLTPs, as these fungi have been known to enhance plant physiological and biochemical performance under water deficit conditions. Through 3D modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations with different substrates, the conducted structural and ligand-protein interaction analyses showed that differentially expressed nsLTPs displayed the ability to interact with various ligands, with a higher affinity towards palmitoyl-CoA. Overall, our findings suggest a regulatory mechanism for the expression of these two nsLTPs in Colobanthus quitensis under drought stress, further modulated by the presence of endophytic fungi.

Structural and transcriptional characterization of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) gene family during strawberry fruit ripening process.

Strawberry is one of the most popular fruits in the world, because their high fruit quality, especially with respect to the combination of aroma, flavor, color, and nutritional compounds. Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) is the first of two enzymes specifically required for ethanolic fermentation and catalyzes the decarboxylation of pyruvate to yield acetaldehyde and CO2. The ethanol, an important alcohol which acts as a precursor for the ester and other alcohols formation in strawberry, is produced by the PDC. The objective was found all different PDCs genes present in the strawberry genome and investigate PDC gene expression and ligand-protein interactions in strawberry fruit. Volatile organic compounds were evaluated during the development of the fruit. After this, eight FaPDC were identified with four genes that increase the relative expression during fruit ripening process. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the behavior of Pyr and TPP ligands within the catalytic and regulatory sites of the PDC proteins. Results indicated that energy-restrained simulations exhibited minor fluctuations in ligand-protein interactions, while unrestrained simulations revealed crucial insights into ligand affinity. TPP consistently displayed strong interactions with the catalytic site, emphasizing its pivotal role in enzymatic activity. However, FaPDC6 and FaPDC9 exhibited decreased pyruvate affinity initially, suggesting unique binding characteristics requiring further investigation. Finally, the present study contributes significantly to understanding PDC gene expression and the intricate molecular dynamics underlying strawberry fruit ripening, shedding light on potential targets for further research in this critical biological pathway.

Floral Development on Vitis vinifera Is Associated with MADS-Box Transcription Factors through the Transcriptional Regulation of VviZIP3.

Several grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars show a tendency to develop parthenocarpic seedless grapes, affecting fruit yield and quality. This reproductive disorder originates in defective ovule fertilization due to a failure in pollen tube growth. Zinc (Zn) is a crucial trace element, playing a vital role in various physiological and metabolic processes. It is particularly essential for the healthy growth of flowers and fruits. Insufficient zinc has been suggested as a potential reason for issues in this development process. This microelement is taken up through a mechanism that involves transporters, including the ZRT-IRT-like protein (ZIP) gene family, associated with the influx of Zn into the cell. In grapevines, 20 genes for ZIP-type transporters have been described. In this study, we analyzed the expression pattern of VviZIP3 during flower development and employ transgenic methods to assess its transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, through computational examination of the promoter region, we identified two CArG boxes, recognized as responsive elements to MADS transcription factors. These factors play a key role in shaping various components of a flower, such as pollen. Our investigation of the VviZIP3 promoter confirms the functionality of these CArG boxes. Overall, our results suggest that the increased expression of VviZIP3 during flowering is likely under the influence of MADS transcription factors.

Early Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculum and Fertilizer on Morphological and Physiological Variables of Nursery-Grown Nothofagus alessandrii Plants.

Nothofagus alessandrii (ruil) is an endangered relict species, endemic to the Mediterranean area of Chile, and one of the most threatened trees in the country. Its natural distribution area has been greatly reduced by the effect of human activities; the remaining fragments are mostly intervened and highly deteriorated as a habitat and refuge for the associated biodiversity. In order to produce healthy and resistant nursery plants for recovery and restoration of N. alessandrii forests, this study evaluates the early effects of mycorrhizal fungal inoculum (MFI) combined with fertilization on the cultivation of seedlings. The experiment was established under a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of the mycorrhizal factors (M0 = without mycorrhizal, M1 = Thelephora sp. and M2 = Hebeloma sp.) and fertilization (F1 = standard fertilization and F2 = intensive fertilization), with three replicates of each combination, for each type of plant (P1 = plants from one season and P2 = plants from two seasons). Each experimental unit corresponded to a group of 20 plants, with 720 plants in the test. The results indicate that application of fertilizer and MFI significantly affects some growth and photosynthesis parameters of ruil plants in one and two seasons. The morphological parameters obtained in the study show shoot height values ranging between 67 and 91 cm for P1 and between 96 and 111 cm for P2; while, for shoot diameter, values ranged between 7.91 and 8.24 mm for P1 and between 10.91 and 11.49 mm for P2. Although formation of fully developed mycorrhizal roots was not observed during the assay period, we conclude that inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi combined with fertilization could be an efficient strategy to produce a quality plant, in addition to maintaining a high photosynthetic capacity and, therefore, a higher percentage of survival in the field.

Do fungal-endosymbionts improve crop nutritional quality and tolerance to stress by boosting flavonoid-mediated responses?

Climate change is threatening human activities, but the combination of water scarcity and heat waves are particularly challenging agriculture. Accumulating literature shows that beneficial fungal endophytes improve plant performance, a condition that seems to be magnified in presence of stress. Because evidence points out to an endophytic mediation of antioxidant activity in plants, we here focused on flavonoids for two main reasons: (i) they are involved in plant tolerance to abiotic stress, and (ii) they are known to be healthy for human consumption. With these two premises as guidance, we explored the literature trying to link mechanistically the relationship between endophytes and plant responses to stress as well as identifying patterns and knowledge gaps. Overall, fungal endophytes improve plant growth and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, evidence for endophytes boosting flavonoid mediated responses in plants is relatively scarce. Reports showing endophytes promoting flavonoid contents in grains and fresh fruits are rather limited which may be related to (long) length of the required experiments for testing it. The use of endophytes isolated from extreme environments (e.g., dry and cold deserts, acid lakes, etc.) is proposed to be better in conferring tolerance to plants under very stressful conditions. However, the real challenge is to test the capacity of these endophytes to established and maintain persistent and functional symbiosis under productive conditions. In summary, there is a clear potential for symbiotically modifying crop plants as a strategy to develop more tolerant varieties to face the stress and eventually increase the quality of the agricultural products.

Improvement in the physiological and biochemical performance of strawberries under drought stress through symbiosis with Antarctic fungal endophytes.

Strawberry is one of the most widely consumed fruit, but this crop is highly susceptible to drought, a condition strongly associated with climate change, causing economic losses due to the lower product quality. In this context, plant root-associated fungi emerge as a new and novel strategy to improve crop performance under water-deficiency stress. This study aimed to investigate the supplementation of two Antarctic vascular plant-associated fungal endophytes, Penicillium brevicompactum and Penicillium chrysogenum, in strawberry plants to develop an efficient, effective, and ecologically sustainable approach for the improvement of plant performance under drought stress. The symbiotic association of fungal endophytes with strawberry roots resulted in a greater shoot and root biomass production, higher fruit number, and an enhanced plant survival rate under water-limiting conditions. Inoculation with fungal endophytes provokes higher photosynthetic efficiency, lower lipid peroxidation, a modulation in antioxidant enzymatic activity, and increased proline content in strawberry plants under drought stress. In conclusion, promoting beneficial symbiosis between plants and endophytes can be an eco-friendly strategy to cope with drought and help to mitigate the impact of diverse negative effects of climate change on crop production.

The calcium sensor CBL7 is required for Serendipita indica-induced growth stimulation in Arabidopsis thaliana, controlling defense against the endophyte and K+ homoeostasis in the symbiosis.

Calcium is an important second messenger in plants. The activation of Ca2+ signalling cascades is critical in the activation of adaptive processes in response to environmental stimuli. Root colonization by the growth promoting endophyte Serendipita indica involves the increase of cytosolic Ca2+ levels in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we investigated transcriptional changes in Arabidopsis roots during symbiosis with S. indica. RNA-seq profiling disclosed the induction of Calcineurin B-like 7 (CBL7) during early and later phases of the interaction. Consistently, reverse genetic evidence highlighted the functional relevance of CBL7 and tested the involvement of a CBL7-CBL-interacting protein kinase 13 signalling pathway. The loss-of-function of CBL7 abolished the growth promoting effect and affected root colonization. The transcriptomics analysis of cbl7 revealed the involvement of this Ca2+ sensor in activating plant defense responses. Furthermore, we report on the contribution of CBL7 to potassium transport in Arabidopsis. We analysed K+ contents in wild-type and cbl7 plants and observed a significant increase of K+ in roots of cbl7 plants, while shoot tissues demonstrated K+ depletion. Taken together, our work associates CBL7 with an important role in the mutual interaction between Arabidopsis and S. indica and links CBL7 to K+ transport.

Characterization of the Cell Wall Component through Thermogravimetric Analysis and Its Relationship with an Expansin-like Protein in Deschampsia antarctica.

Deschampsia antarctica Desv. (Poaceae) is one of the two vascular plants that have colonized the Antarctic Peninsula, which is usually exposed to extreme environmental conditions. To support these conditions, the plant carries out modifications in its morphology and metabolism, such as modifications to the cell wall. Thus, we performed a comparative study of the changes in the physiological properties of the cell-wall-associated polysaccharide contents of aerial and root tissues of the D. antarctica via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) combined with a computational approach. The result showed that the thermal stability was lower in aerial tissues with respect to the root samples, while the DTG curve describes four maximum peaks of degradation, which occurred between 282 and 358 °C. The carbohydrate polymers present in the cell wall have been depolymerized showing mainly cellulose and hemicellulose fragments. Additionally, a differentially expressed sequence encoding for an expansin-like (DaEXLA2), which is characterized by possessing cell wall remodeling function, was found in D. antarctica. To gain deep insight into a probable mechanism of action of the expansin protein identified, a comparative model of the structure was carried out. DaEXLA2 protein model displayed two domains with an open groove in the center. Finally, using a cell wall polymer component as a ligand, the protein-ligand interaction was evaluated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The MD simulations showed that DaEXLA2 could interact with cellulose and XXXGXXXG polymers. Finally, the cell wall component description provides the basis for a model for understanding the changes in the cell wall polymers in response to extreme environmental conditions.

A Talk between Flavonoids and Hormones to Reorient the Growth of Gymnosperms.

Plants reorient the growth of affected organs in response to the loss of gravity vector. In trees, this phenomenon has received special attention due to its importance for the forestry industry of conifer species. Sustainable management is a key factor in improving wood quality. It is of paramount importance to understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying wood formation, together with the hormonal and environmental factors that affect wood formation and quality. Hormones are related to the modulation of vertical growth rectification. Many studies have resulted in a model that proposes differential growth in the stem due to unequal auxin and jasmonate allocation. Furthermore, many studies have suggested that in auxin distribution, flavonoids act as molecular controllers. It is well known that flavonoids affect auxin flux, and this is a new area of study to understand the intracellular concentrations and how these compounds can control the gravitropic response. In this review, we focused on different molecular aspects related to the hormonal role in flavonoid homeostasis and what has been done in conifer trees to identify molecular players that could take part during the gravitropic response and reduce low-quality wood formation.

Molecular and structural characterization of expansins modulated by fungal endophytes in the Antarctic Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. Exposed to drought stress.

Expansins are proteins involved in cell wall metabolism that play an important role in plant growth, development, fruit ripening and abiotic stress tolerance. In the present study, we analyzed putative expansins that respond to drought stress. Five expansin genes were identified in cDNA libraries isolated from Colobanthus quitensis gown either with or without endophytic fungi under hydric stress. A differential transcript abundance was observed by qPCR analysis upon drought stress. To compare these expansin genes, and to suggest a possible mechanism of action at the molecular level, the structural model of the deduced proteins was obtained by comparative modeling methodology. The structures showed two domains and an open groove on the surface of the proteins was observed in the five structural models. The proteins were evaluated in terms of their protein-ligand interactions using four different ligands. The results suggested differences in their mode of protein-ligand interaction, in particular concerning the residues involved in the protein-ligand interaction. The presented evidence supports the participation of some members of the expansin multiprotein family in the response to drought stress in C. quitensis and suggest that the response is modulated by endophytic fungi.

Role of Glycoproteins during Fruit Ripening and Seed Development.

Approximately thirty percent of the proteins synthesized in animal or plant cells travel through the secretory pathway. Seventy to eighty percent of those proteins are glycosylated. Thus, glycosylation is an important protein modification that is related to many cellular processes, such as differentiation, recognition, development, signal transduction, and immune response. Additionally, glycosylation affects protein folding, solubility, stability, biogenesis, and activity. Specifically, in plants, glycosylation has recently been related to the fruit ripening process. This review aims to provide valuable information and discuss the available literature focused on three principal topics: (I) glycosylations as a key posttranslational modification in development in plants, (II) experimental and bioinformatics tools to analyze glycosylations, and (III) a literature review related to glycosylations in fruit ripening. Based on these three topics, we propose that it is necessary to increase the number of studies related to posttranslational modifications, specifically protein glycosylation because the specific role of glycosylation in the posttranslational process and how this process affects normal fruit development and ripening remain unclear to date.

Molecular survey and genetic characterization of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae' in llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from Southern Chile.

This study aimed to perform a molecular survey and identification of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in domestic South American Camelids from Southern Chile. Conventional PCR (cPCR) for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. based on 16S rRNA gene (620bp fragment) was performed in 87 EDTA-blood samples taken from 48 llamas (Lama glama) and 39 and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from to Temuco, La Araucanía region and Valdivia, Los Rios region, Southern Chile. 16S rRNA hemotropic Mycoplasma PCR-positive were sequenced for species identification, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses, and further tested by cPCR targeting a fragment (160-210 bp) of the RNaseP (rnpB) gene. Based upon 16S rRNA cPCR results, the overall hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. occurrence in Southern camelids was 9.2% (8/87 [95% CI (4.0-17.3%)]), with five positive alpacas (12.8%; 5/39 [95% CI (4.3-27.4%)]) and three llamas (6.3%; 3/48 [95% CI (1.7-17.2%)]). All 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples were negative for the rnpB gene. Obtained 16S sequences presented high identity (99-100%) by BLASTn analysis to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae' from an alpaca in the United Kingdom. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of the 16s rRNA gene showed high similarity among 'Candidatus M. haemolamae' sequences of this study and the ones from North America, Europe, and Asia evidencing a low diversity of Chilean samples, with only one haplotype detected (#1). Haplotype #1 from South American Camelids in Chile was worldwide distributed and observed in North America, Europe, and Asia. 'Candidatus M. haemolamae' detected for the first time in South American camelids in Southern Chile had low diversity and was worldwide spread.

Ugni molinae Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Good Quality Traits.

Since the intake of fruits and vegetables displays important effects on the incidence of several chronic diseases in humans, consumers' attention worldwide is focused on the identification of functional foods. In this sense, Ugni molinae (murtilla or murta fruit) is an important source of molecules with a strong antioxidant capacity that is widely used as a medicinal plant in Southern Argentina-Chile. Research on murtilla berries showed that this fruit and its leaves can be an excellent source of polyphenols and bioactive compounds with antibacterial and antioxidant capacity. This review is aimed at providing valuable information and discussing the available literature focused on four principal points: (i) fruit quality and plant physiology, (ii) compound content with bioactive properties, (iii) health properties for consumers of the fruit and leaves, and (iv) challenges for future research. Based on these four points, we propose that murtilla fruit can be a potential ingredient for new functional food products.

Getting ready for the ozone battle: Vertically transmitted fungal endophytes have transgenerational positive effects in plants.

Ground-level ozone is a global air pollutant with high toxicity and represents a threat to plants and microorganisms. Although beneficial microorganisms can improve host performance, their role in connecting environmentally induced maternal plant phenotypes to progeny (transgenerational effects [TGE]) is unknown. We evaluated fungal endophyte-mediated consequences of maternal plant exposure to ozone on performance of the progeny under contrasting scenarios of the same factor (high and low) at two stages: seedling and young plant. With no variation in biomass, maternal ozone-induced oxidative damage in the progeny that was lower in endophyte-symbiotic plants. This correlated with an endophyte-mediated higher concentration of proline, a defence compound associated with stress control. Interestingly, ozone-induced TGE was not associated with reductions in plant survival. On the contrary, there was an overall positive effect on seedling survival in the presence of endophytes. The positive effect of maternal ozone increasing young plant survival was irrespective of symbiosis and only expressed under high ozone condition. Our study shows that hereditary microorganisms can modulate the capacity of plants to transgenerationally adjust progeny phenotype to atmospheric change.

Molecular and structural insights into FaEXPA5, an alpha-expansin protein related with cell wall disassembly during ripening of strawberry fruit.

Cell wall modification is one of the main factors that produce the tissue softening during ripening of many fruit including strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Expansins have been studied for over 20 years as a class of the important cell growth regulators, and in the last years these have been related with the fruit softening. In strawberry, five partial sequences of the expansins genes were described in the past, this analysis showed that FaEXP5 partial gene was present throughout fruit development, but was more strongly expressed during ripening. Now, we reported the full length of this α-expansin (FaEXPA5), whose had been related with fruit softening, and the protein structural was described by homology model. Their transcript accumulation during softening was confirmed by qRT-PCR, displaying a high accumulation rate during fruit ripening. In silico analysis of promoter sequence showed four ABA and two auxin cis-regulatory elements, potentially responsible for the expression patterns observed in response to the hormone treatments. Additionally, 3D protein model displayed two domains and one open groove characteristic of expansin structures. The protein-ligand interactions were evaluated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation using three different long structure ligands (a cellulose fiber, a xyloglucan fiber (XXXG type), and a pectin fiber as control). Favorable interactions were observed with xyloglucan and cellulose, being cellulose the best ligand with lower RMSD value. Additionally, MD simulations showed that FaEXPA5 can interact with the ligands through residues present in the open groove along the two domains.

Implante intramedular expandible SpineJack® para el tratamiento de fracturas vertebrales por compresión / Spinejack® Expandable Intramedullary Implant for Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures

RESUMEN Introducción: Las fracturas vertebrales por compresión han sido tratadas usando cemento óseo en su interior, con técnicas como la cifoplastia y vertebroplastia. Sin embargo, son conocidos los potenciales efectos adversos, principalmente la fuga del cemento a los tejidos aledaños y, en la mayoría de los casos, la consiguiente afección a la altura vertebral. Es importante lograr una adecuada reducción de la fractura, ya que la esta influye directamente en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo: Describir la aplicación, por primera vez, del implante intramedular expandible SpineJack® como método para el tratamiento de fracturas vertebrales por compresión. Presentación del caso: Se presenta una paciente de 65 años que sufrió un traumatismo en su columna lumbar a nivel de L1, con fractura tipo burst, a la que, en junio de 2016, se le realizó un acceso transpedicular percutáneo con guía fluoroscópica con el propósito de insertar el dispositivo SpineJack® en el cuerpo vertebral. Se utilizaron expansores del implante especialmente diseñados para este dispositivo, los cuales abrieron los extremos y desplegaron el componente central de titanio; esto facilitó la inyección de polimetilmetacrilato, el cual finalmente envolvió a los implantes, lo que garantizó la estabilización de la fractura. Resultados: La tomografía de control permitió observar una adecuada reducción del declive central de la vértebra L1 de la paciente y una recuperación de la altura del cuerpo vertebral con valores similares a los reportados por otros investigadores que han trabajado con este método en otros países. Conclusiones: La capacidad anátomo-funcional de la vértebra fracturada, así como la mejoría clínica de la paciente. y su calidad de vida fueron notables. No se observaron complicaciones. El seguimiento del empleo de este dispositivo en otros pacientes en Ecuador, permitirá profundizar en su evaluación(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vertebral compression fractures have been treated using internal bone cement, using techniques such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. However, the potential adverse effects are known, mainly the leakage of cement to the surrounding tissues and, in most cases, the consequent affection at the vertebral level. Achieving adequate reduction of the fracture is important since it directly influence on the quality of life of patients. Objective: To describe the application, for the first time, of SpineJack® expandable intramedullary implant as a method for treating vertebral compression fractures. Case report: We report a 65-year-old female patient who suffered trauma to her lumbar spine at L1 level, a burst-type fracture, who, in June 2016, underwent percutaneous transpedicular access with fluoroscopic guidance with the purpose of inserting SpineJack® device into her vertebral body. Specially designed implant expanders were used for this device, which opened the ends and deployed the central titanium component. This facilitated the injection of polymethylmethacrylate that eventually enveloped the implants, ensuring stabilization of the fracture. Results: The control tomography allowed to observe adequate reduction of the central decline of the L1 vertebra of this patient and the recovery of the vertebral body height with values similar to those reported by other researchers who have worked with this method in other countries. Conclusions: The anatomy-functional capacity of the fractured vertebra, as well as the clinical improvement of this patient, and her quality of life were remarkable. No complications were observed. Following up the use of this device in other patients in Ecuador will allow to deepen its evaluation(AU)

Fungal Endophytes Exert Positive Effects on Colobanthus quitensis Under Water Stress but Neutral Under a Projected Climate Change Scenario in Antarctica.

Functional symbiosis is considered one of the successful mechanisms by which plants that inhabit extreme environment improve their ability to tolerate different types of stress. One of the most conspicuous type of symbiosis is the endophyticism. This interaction has been noted to play a role in the adaptation of the native vascular plant Colobanthus quitensis to the stressful environments of Antarctica, characterized by low temperatures and extreme aridity. Projections of climate change for this ecosystem indicate that abiotic conditions will be less limiting due to an increase in temperature and water availability in the soil. Due to this decrease in stress induced by the climate change, it has been suggested that the positive role of fungal endophytes on performance of C. quitensis plants would decrease. In this study, we evaluated the role of endophytic fungi on osmoprotective molecules (sugar production, proline, oxidative stress) and gene expression (CqNCED1, CqABCG25, and CqRD22) as well as physiological traits (stomatal opening, net photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance) in individuals of C. quitensis. Individual plants of C. quitensis with (E+) and without (E-) endophytic fungi were exposed to simulated conditions of increased water availability (W+), having the current limiting water condition (W-) in Antarctica as control. The results reveal an endophyte-mediated lower oxidative stress, higher production of sugars and proline in plants. In addition, E+ plants showed differential expressions in genes related with drought stress response, which was more evident in W- than in W+. These parameters corresponded with increased physiological mechanisms such as higher net photosynthesis, stomatal opening and conductance under presence of endophytes (E+) as well as the projected water condition (W+) for Antarctica. These results suggest that the presence of fungal endophytes plays a positive role in favoring tolerance to drought in C. quitensis. However, this positive role would be diminished if the stress factor is relaxed, suggesting that the role of endophytes could be less important under a future scenario of climate change in Antarctica with higher soil water availability.