Phytochrome-Dependent Temperature Perception Modulates Isoprenoid Metabolism.

Changes in environmental temperature influence many aspects of plant metabolism; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In addition to their role in light perception, phytochromes (PHYs) have been recently recognized as temperature sensors affecting plant growth. In particular, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), high temperature reversibly inactivates PHYB, reducing photomorphogenesis-dependent responses. Here, we show the role of phytochrome-dependent temperature perception in modulating the accumulation of isoprenoid-derived compounds in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves and fruits. The growth of tomato plants under contrasting temperature regimes revealed that high temperatures resulted in coordinated up-regulation of chlorophyll catabolic genes, impairment of chloroplast biogenesis, and reduction of carotenoid synthesis in leaves in a PHYB1B2-dependent manner. Furthermore, by assessing a triple phyAB1B2 mutant and fruit-specific PHYA- or PHYB2-silenced plants, we demonstrated that biosynthesis of the major tomato fruit carotenoid, lycopene, is sensitive to fruit-localized PHY-dependent temperature perception. The collected data provide compelling evidence concerning the impact of PHY-mediated temperature perception on plastid metabolism in both leaves and fruit, specifically on the accumulation of isoprenoid-derived compounds.

The conserved brassinosteroid-related transcription factor BIM1a negatively regulates fruit growth in tomato.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroid hormones that play key roles in plant development and defense. Our goal is to harness the extensive knowledge of the Arabidopsis BR signaling network to improve productivity in crop species. This first requires identifying components of the conserved network and their function in the target species. Here, we investigated the function of SlBIM1a, the closest tomato homolog of AtBIM1, which is highly expressed in fruit. SlBIM1a-overexpressing lines displayed severe plant and fruit dwarfism, and histological characterization of different transgenic lines revealed that SlBIM1a expression negatively correlated with fruit pericarp cell size, resulting in fruit size modifications. These growth phenotypes were in contrast to those found in Arabidopsis, and this was confirmed by the reciprocal ectopic expression of SlBIM1a/b in Arabidopsis and of AtBIM1 in tomato. These results determined that BIM1 function depends more on the recipient species than on its primary sequence. Yeast two-hybrid interaction studies and transcriptomic analyses of SlBIM1a-overexpressing fruit further suggested that SlBIM1a acts through its interaction with SlBZH1 to govern the transcriptional regulation of growth-related BR target genes. Together, these results suggest that SlBIM1a is a negative regulator of pericarp cell expansion, possibly at the crossroads with auxin and light signaling.

The cytosolic invertase NI6 affects vegetative growth, flowering, fruit set, and yield in tomato.

Sucrose metabolism is important for most plants, both as the main source of carbon and via signaling mechanisms that have been proposed for this molecule. A cleaving enzyme, invertase (INV) channels sucrose into sink metabolism. Although acid soluble and insoluble invertases have been largely investigated, studies on the role of neutral invertases (A/N-INV) have lagged behind. Here, we identified a tomato A/N-INV encoding gene (NI6) co-localizing with a previously reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) largely affecting primary carbon metabolism in tomato. Of the eight A/N-INV genes identified in the tomato genome, NI6 mRNA is present in all organs, but its expression was higher in sink tissues (mainly roots and fruits). A NI6-GFP fusion protein localized to the cytosol of mesophyll cells. Tomato NI6-silenced plants showed impaired growth phenotype, delayed flowering and a dramatic reduction in fruit set. Global gene expression and metabolite profile analyses of these plants revealed that NI6 is not only essential for sugar metabolism, but also plays a signaling role in stress adaptation. We also identified major hubs, whose expression patterns were greatly affected by NI6 silencing; these hubs were within the signaling cascade that coordinates carbohydrate metabolism with growth and development in tomato.

Identification and characterization of metabolite quantitative trait loci in tomato leaves and comparison with those reported for fruits and seeds.

INTRODUCTION: To date, most studies of natural variation and metabolite quantitative trait loci (mQTL) in tomato have focused on fruit metabolism, leaving aside the identification of genomic regions involved in the regulation of leaf metabolism. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify leaf mQTL in tomato and to assess the association of leaf metabolites and physiological traits with the metabolite levels from other tissues. METHODS: The analysis of components of leaf metabolism was performed by phenotypying 76 tomato ILs with chromosome segments of the wild species Solanum pennellii in the genetic background of a cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum) variety M82. The plants were cultivated in two different environments in independent years and samples were harvested from mature leaves of non-flowering plants at the middle of the light period. The non-targeted metabolite profiling was obtained by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). With the data set obtained in this study and already published metabolomics data from seed and fruit, we performed QTL mapping, heritability and correlation analyses. RESULTS: Changes in metabolite contents were evident in the ILs that are potentially important with respect to stress responses and plant physiology. By analyzing the obtained data, we identified 42 positive and 76 negative mQTL involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings allowed the identification of S. lycopersicum genome regions involved in the regulation of leaf primary carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as the association of leaf metabolites with metabolites from seeds and fruits.

The genetic architecture of photosynthesis and plant growth-related traits in tomato.

To identify genomic regions involved in the regulation of fundamental physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, a population of Solanum pennellii introgression lines was analyzed. We determined phenotypes for physiological, metabolic, and growth related traits, including gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Data analysis allowed the identification of 208 physiological and metabolic quantitative trait loci with 33 of these being associated to smaller intervals of the genomic regions, termed BINs. Eight BINs were identified that were associated with higher assimilation rates than the recurrent parent M82. Two and 10 genomic regions were related to shoot and root dry matter accumulation, respectively. Nine genomic regions were associated with starch levels, whereas 12 BINs were associated with the levels of other metabolites. Additionally, a comprehensive and detailed annotation of the genomic regions spanning these quantitative trait loci allowed us to identify 87 candidate genes that putatively control the investigated traits. We confirmed 8 of these at the level of variance in gene expression. Taken together, our results allowed the identification of candidate genes that most likely regulate photosynthesis, primary metabolism, and plant growth and as such provide new avenues for crop improvement.

Chromosomal loci important for cotyledon opening under UV-B in Arabidopsis thaliana.

BACKGROUND: Understanding of the genetic architecture of plant UV-B responses allows extensive targeted testing of candidate genes or regions, along with combinations of those genes, for placement in metabolic or signal transduction pathways. RESULTS: Composite interval mapping and single-marker analysis methods were used to identify significant loci for cotyledon opening under UV-B in four sets of recombinant inbred lines. In addition, loci important for canalization (stability) of cotyledon opening were detected in two mapping populations. One candidate locus contained the gene HY5. Mutant analysis demonstrated that HY5 was required for UV-B-specific cotyledon opening. CONCLUSIONS: Structured mapping populations provide key information on the degree of complexity in the genetic control of UV-B-induced cotyledon opening in Arabidopsis. The loci identified using quantitative trait analysis methods are useful for follow-up testing of candidate genes.

miSolRNA: A tomato micro RNA relational database.

BACKGROUND: The economic importance of Solanaceae plant species is well documented and tomato has become a model for functional genomics studies. In plants, important processes are regulated by microRNAs (miRNA). DESCRIPTION: We describe here a data base integrating genetic map positions of miRNA-targeted genes, their expression profiles and their relations with quantitative fruit metabolic loci and yield associated traits. miSolRNA provides a metadata source to facilitate the construction of hypothesis aimed at defining physiological modes of action of regulatory process underlying the metabolism of the tomato fruit. CONCLUSIONS: The MiSolRNA database allows the simple extraction of metadata for the proposal of new hypothesis concerning possible roles of miRNAs in the regulation of tomato fruit metabolism. It permits i) to map miRNAs and their predicted target sites both on expressed (SGN-UNIGENES) and newly annotated sequences (BAC sequences released), ii) to co-locate any predicted miRNA-target interaction with metabolic QTL found in tomato fruits, iii) to retrieve expression data of target genes in tomato fruit along their developmental period and iv) to design further experiments for unresolved questions in complex trait biology based on the use of genetic materials that have been proven to be a useful tools for map-based cloning experiments in Solanaceae plant species.

Ações de prevenção primária e secundária relacionadas aos fatores de risco para osteoporose / Primary and secondary prevention actions related to risk factors for osteoporosis / Acciones de prevención primaria y secundaria relacionadas con los factores de riesgo para osteoporosis

Objetivo: Analisar a efetividade do teste da International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) para as prevenções primária e secundária relacionadas aos fatores de risco para a osteoporose. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado no interior de São Paulo, Brasil, durante a Campanha de Prevenção à Osteoporose realizada em outubro de 2016. Participaram 400 pessoas, selecionadas aleatoriamente, entrevistadas de acordo com o teste de um minuto para risco de osteoporose da IOF. A análise estatística utilizou o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson, o Mann-Whitney e a análise multivariada para fatores de risco associados à osteoporose pelo modelo de regressão logística binária. Os resultados foram apresentados em odds ratio, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 260 mulheres e 140 homens, com mediana de 57 anos, e 95% indicaram possuir algum fator de risco. As questões com maior índice de positividade indicaram que ambos os sexos estão expostos à baixa exposição ao sol, à baixa ingesta de alimentos ricos em vitamina D (p=0,140) e ao hábito de atividades físicas por tempo inferior a 30 min (p=0,657). O índice de massa corporal (IMC) menor que 19kg/m2 (p=0,336) indicou menor positividade. A regressão logística mostrou associação entre quatro fatores de risco (densitometria óssea, queda por fraqueza, mudança de altura após os 40 anos e sexo) e a população em estudo acima de 60 anos. Conclusão: O teste da IOF se mostrou uma ferramenta funcional na promoção da saúde e atenção primária, podendo trazer benefícios socioeconômicos.

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) test for primary and secondary prevention related to risk factors for osteoporosis. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil, during the Osteoporosis Prevention Campaign carried out in October 2016. 400 people, selected at random, interviewed according to the IOF one-minute osteoporosis risk test, participated. Statistical analysis used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson's chi-square test, Mann-Whitney, and multivariate analysis for risk factors associated with osteoporosis using the binary logistic regression model. The results were presented in odds ratios, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The sample consisted of 260 women and 140 men, with a median of 57 years, and 95% indicated having some risk factor. The questions with the highest positivity index indicated that both sexes are exposed to low exposure to the sun, low intake of foods rich in vitamin D (p=0.140), and the habit of physical activities for less than 30 min (p=0.657 ). The body mass index (BMI) less than 19 kg/m2 (p=0.336) indicated less positivity. Logistic regression showed an association between four risk factors (bone densitometry, fall due to weakness, change in height after 40 years and sex) and the study population over 60 years. Conclusion: The IOF test proved to be a functional tool in promoting health and primary care, and can bring socioeconomic benefits.

Objetivo: Analizar la efectividad de la prueba de la International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) para las prevenciones primaria y secundaria relacionadas con los factores de riesgo para osteoporosis. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en una ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil, durante la Campaña de Prevención de Osteoporosis realizada en octubre de 2016. Participaron 400 personas que han sido elegidas de modo aleatorio y entrevistadas según la prueba de un minuto para riesgo de osteoporosis de la IOF. El análisis estadístico utilizó la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, la prueba de Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, la de Mann-Whitney y el análisis multivariado para los factores de riesgo asociados con la osteoporosis por el modelo de regresión logística binaria. Se ha presentado los resultados en odds ratio con intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: La muestra fue de 260 mujeres y 140 hombres con mediana de la edad de 57 años y el 95% indicaron tener algún factor de riesgo. Las preguntas con mayor índice de positividad han indicado que ambos sexos tienen baja exposición solar, baja ingesta de alimentos con vitamina D (p=0,140) y la costumbre de actividades físicas de tiempo menor que 30 min (p=0,657). El índice de masa corporal (IMC) de menos de 19kg/m2 (p=0,336) ha indicado menor positividad. La regresión logística ha mostrado asociación entre cuatro factores de riesgo (densitometría ósea, caída causada por debilidad muscular, cambio de altura después de los 40 años y sexo) y la población del estudio con más de 60 años. Conclusión: La prueba de la IOF se presentó como una herramienta funcional para la promoción de la salud y atención primaria lo que puede llevar a beneficios socioeconómicos.

The genome of the stress-tolerant wild tomato species Solanum pennellii.

Solanum pennellii is a wild tomato species endemic to Andean regions in South America, where it has evolved to thrive in arid habitats. Because of its extreme stress tolerance and unusual morphology, it is an important donor of germplasm for the cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum. Introgression lines (ILs) in which large genomic regions of S. lycopersicum are replaced with the corresponding segments from S. pennellii can show remarkably superior agronomic performance. Here we describe a high-quality genome assembly of the parents of the IL population. By anchoring the S. pennellii genome to the genetic map, we define candidate genes for stress tolerance and provide evidence that transposable elements had a role in the evolution of these traits. Our work paves a path toward further tomato improvement and for deciphering the mechanisms underlying the myriad other agronomic traits that can be improved with S. pennellii germplasm.

Artrite Reumatoide de apresentação incomum: desafio diagnóstico / Unusual clinical presentation of rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic challenge

A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença de natureza autoimune, inflamatória, sistêmica e crônica, cuja característica clínica principal é a inflamação das articulações. Na sua apresentação habitual, o acometimento visceral ocorre após a instalação do quadro articular. O envolvimento pulmonar pode aparecer como derrame pleural, sendo este um evento incomum quando se apresenta como primeira manifestação da doença. Neste relato de caso, apresentamos um paciente do sexo masculino, de 52 anos diagnosticado posteriormente com Artrite Reumatoide, cuja manifestacão inicial foi o derrame pleural, demonstrando um desafio diagnóstico. (AU)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease whose main clinical characteristic is persistent joint inflammation. In its usual presentation, the visceral involvement occurs after the articular one. Pulmonary involvement may appear as a pleural effusion, which is an unusual event as the first manifestation of the disease. In this case report, we present a 52-year-old male patient diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, whose initial manifestation was pleural effusion, demonstrating a diagnostic challenge. (AU)

Fibromialgia: atividade física, depressão e qualidade de vida / Fibromyalgia: physical activity, depression and quality of life

A fibromialgia (FM), doença caracterizada por dor musculoesquelética difusa acompanhada de outros sintomas não relacionados ao aparelho locomotor, apresenta prevalência no Brasil de 2,5%. Objetivo: avaliar a prática de atividade física, os sintomas de depressão e a qualidade de vida em pacientes com FM. Tipo de estudo: Estudo observacional retrospectivo. Método: Participaram do estudo 50 pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de FM de acordo com os critérios de classificação do American College of Rheumatology (ACR), sendo excluídos os que apresentaram comorbidades. Após aprovação do projeto pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, pacientes que compareceram à consulta de rotina em consultório privado de reumatologia e atenderam aos critérios de inclusão foram convidados a participar do estudo. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio dos testes Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Valores de P<0,05 foram considerados significantes. Resultados: Houve predominância do sexo feminino, idade média de 47 anos, etnia branca, estado civil casado e com filhos. O resultado da EVA variou entre 0 (n=9) a 8 (n=6). O FIQ variou entre 0 e 86,7 e o BDI total entre 0 e 26. A BDI-13 variou entre 0 e 22. Houve correlação positiva do escore do BDI-13 com o FIQ-total e do BDI-13 com o escore EVA. Conclusão: Os dados não sugerem impacto significativo da atividade física na melhora dos sintomas de dor, qualidade de vida e depressão em pacientes com fibromia (AU)

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain that can be accompanied by several other symptoms not related to the musculoskeletal system and its predominance in Brazil is of 2,5%. Objective: Evaluate the performance in physical activity, symptoms of depression and life quality in patients with FM. Type of study: Retrospective observational study. Method: fifty adult patients that were diagnosed with FM according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients who presented comorbidities were excluded of the study. After the project being approved by the research ethics committee, patients with fibromyalgia that attended a routine doctor's visit in a private rheumatologic office and met the inclusion criteria were invited to take part in the study. The data analysis was done with the Kruskal­Wallis test, Mann-Whitney e coefficient and correlation Person test. Values of P< 0,05 were considered significant. Results: Female predominance, white ethnicity, average age of 47 (±13) years old, married, and with children. Physical activity (56% of participants), physical activity measured by IPAQ short version showed that 24% of participants presented low level, 42% moderate and 24% high. VAS varied score between 0 (n=9) and 8 (n=6). Significant statistic (p=0,44) was not observed when compared with VAS and IPAQ. The FIQ score varied between 0 and 86,7. The total BDI score varied between 0 and 26. The Affective-cognitive subscale (BDI-13) varied between 0 and 22. Statistic difference was not observed when compared with BDI total and BDI-13 with IPAQ. There was positive correlation of BDI-13 score with the total FIQ and the BDI13 with VAS score. Conclusion: Benefit of physical activity was not demonstrated in the symptoms of pain relief, neither life quality nor depression in patients with fibromyalgia. This result might be related to the inaccuracy of the IPAQ method used to quantify the intensity of physical activity self-reported by the patients. (AU)