Effect of a 12-Week Walking Program Monitored by Global Physical Capacity Score (GPCS) on Circulating Cell-Free mtDNA and DNase Activity in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) involves low-grade mucosal inflammation. Among the various approaches capable of managing the symptoms, physical activity is still under investigation. Despite its benefits, it promotes oxidative stress and inflammation. Mitochondria impacts gut disorders by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns, such as cell-free mtDNA (cf-mtDNA), which support inflammation. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week walking program on the cf-mtDNA and DNase in 26 IBS and 17 non-IBS subjects. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by ELISA. Digital droplet PCR was used to quantify cf-mtDNA; DNase activity was assessed using a single radial enzyme diffusion assay. PCR-RFLP was used to genotype DNASE1 rs1053874 SNP. Significantly lower IL-10 levels were found in IBS than in non-IBS individuals. Exercise reduced cf-mtDNA in non-IBS subjects but not in IBS patients. DNase activity did not correlate with the cf-mtDNA levels in IBS patients post-exercise, indicating imbalanced cf-mtDNA clearance. Different rs1053874 SNP frequencies were not found between groups. The study confirms the positive effects of regular moderate-intensity physical activity in healthy subjects and its role in cf-mtDNA release and clearance. Walking alone might not sufficiently reduce subclinical inflammation in IBS, based on imbalanced pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Prolonged programs are necessary to investigate their effects on inflammatory markers in IBS.

Reproductive Maturation of Meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) Reared in Floating Cages.

The meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) is a promising aquaculture species that shows reproductive dysfunctions when reared in tanks. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of meagre, reared in cages under routine farming conditions, to mature gonads and reproduce spontaneously. Meagre adults, reared in a fish farm located in the Gulf of Taranto (Italy), were sampled from March to July 2021. The gonadosomatic index and sex steroid plasma concentrations increased from March-April to June, and then decreased in July. In March-April, most of the females showed perinucleolar or cortical alveoli oocytes as the most advanced stages in the ovaries, and most of the males had testes at early spermatogenesis stage. In June, most of the sampled females had oocytes at late vitellogenesis or early post-vitellogenesis stages, and males had seminiferous tubules filled with spermatozoa. In July, most of the females had signs of previous spawning, and males showed scarce amounts of luminal spermatozoa. The present study demonstrated the capacity of meagre, reared in sea cages under commercial conditions, to carry out gametogenesis and spontaneously release gametes. Meagre reproduction, under routine farming conditions, may represent an opportunity for the expansion of meagre aquaculture production.

Dysregulation of testis mRNA expression levels in hatchery-produced vs wild greater amberjack Seriola dumerili.

Reproductive dysfunctions have been recently documented in male greater amberjack Seriola dumerili caught from the wild and reared in captivity. In the present study, we compared testis transcriptome in wild fish (WILD), hatchery-produced fish with apparently normal spermatogenesis (Normal Farmed; NormalF) and hatchery-produced fish with evident reproductive dysfunction (Dysfunctional Farmed; DysF). Gene expression analysis identified 2157, 1985 and 74 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DysF vs WILD, NormalF vs DysF and NormalF vs WILD comparisons, respectively. In DysF, a dysregulation of several interconnected biological processes, including cell assembly, steroidogenesis and apoptosis was found. Gene enrichment of progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oocyte meiosis and cell cycle pathways were identified in the DysF vs NormalF comparison. Most of the DEGs involved in the enriched pathways were downregulated in DysF. The comparison of NormalF vs WILD showed that most of the DEGs were downregulated in NormalF, including a gene that encodes for a regulatory protein with a protective role in apoptosis regulation (ptpn6), indicating that spermatogenesis was dysfunctional also in the apparently "normal" hatchery-produced fish. Hence, rearing of male greater amberjack in captivity, from eggs produced by captive breeders, did not prevent the appearance of reproductive dysfunctions, and these dysfunctions involved several biological processes and metabolic pathways.

Dermanyssus gallinae: the long journey of the poultry red mite to become a vector.

The possibility that Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, could act as a vector of infectious disease-causing pathogens has always intrigued researchers and worried commercial chicken farmers, as has its ubiquitous distribution. For decades, studies have been carried out which suggest that there is an association between a wide range of pathogens and D. gallinae, with the transmission of some of these pathogens mediated by D. gallinae as vector. The latter include the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Gallinarum and influenza virus. Several approaches have been adopted to investigate the relationship between D. gallinae and pathogens. In this comprehensive review, we critically describe available strategies and methods currently available for conducting trials, as well as outcomes, analyzing their possible strengths and weaknesses, with the aim to provide researchers with useful tools for correctly approach the study of the vectorial role of D. gallinae.

Comparative Genomics Suggests a Taxonomic Revision of the Staphylococcus cohnii Species Complex.

Staphylococcus cohnii (SC), a coagulase-negative bacterium, was first isolated in 1975 from human skin. Early phenotypic analyses led to the delineation of two subspecies (subsp.), Staphylococcus cohnii subsp. cohnii (SCC) and Staphylococcus cohnii subsp. urealyticus (SCU). SCC was considered to be specific to humans, whereas SCU apparently demonstrated a wider host range, from lower primates to humans. The type strains ATCC 29974 and ATCC 49330 have been designated for SCC and SCU, respectively. Comparative analysis of 66 complete genome sequences-including a novel SC isolate-revealed unexpected patterns within the SC complex, both in terms of genomic sequence identity and gene content, highlighting the presence of 3 phylogenetically distinct groups. Based on our observations, and on the current guidelines for taxonomic classification for bacterial species, we propose a revision of the SC species complex. We suggest that SCC and SCU should be regarded as two distinct species: SC and SU (Staphylococcus urealyticus), and that two distinct subspecies, SCC and SCB (SC subsp. barensis, represented by the novel strain isolated in Bari) should be recognized within SC. Furthermore, since large-scale comparative genomics studies recurrently suggest inconsistencies or conflicts in taxonomic assignments of bacterial species, we believe that the approach proposed here might be considered for more general application.

Staphylococcus arlettae Genomics: Novel Insights on Candidate Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Genes in an Emerging Opportunistic Pathogen.

Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are becoming increasingly recognized as an important cause of human and animal infections. Notwithstanding their clinical relevance, annotation of genes potentially involved in pathogenicity and/or antibiotic resistance in the CoNS species Staphylococcus arlettae (SAR) is currently very limited. In the current work we describe the genome of a novel methicillin resistant isolate of SAR, which we named Bari, and present a comprehensive analysis of predicted antibiotic resistance profiles and virulence determinants for all the 22 currently available SAR genomes. By comparing predicted antibiotic resistance and virulence-associated genes with those obtained from a manual selection of 148 bacterial strains belonging to 14 different species of staphylococci and to two "outgroup" species, Bacillus subtilis (BS) and Macrococcus caseoliticus (MC), we derived some interesting observations concerning the types and number of antibiotic resistance-related and virulence-like genes in SAR. Interestingly, almost 50% of the putative antibiotic resistance determinants identified in this work, which include the clinically relevant mec, van, and cls genes, were shared among all the SAR strains herein considered (Bari included). Moreover, comparison of predicted antibiotic resistance profiles suggest that SAR is closely related to well-known pathogenic Staphylococcus species, such as Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE). A similar analysis of predicted virulence factors, revealed that several genes associated with pathogenesis (including, for example, ica, nuc, and ssp), which are commonly found in the genomes of pathogenic staphylococci such as Staphylococcus haemolyticus (SH) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (SS), are observed also in the SAR strains for which a genomic sequence is available. All in all, we believe that the analyses presented in the current study, by providing a consistent and comprehensive annotation of virulence and antibiotic resistance-related genes in SAR, can constitute a valuable resource for the study of molecular mechanisms of opportunistic pathogenicity in this species.

Vitellogenin receptor and fatty acid profiles of individual lipid classes of oocytes from wild and captive-reared greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) during the reproductive cycle.

The greater amberjack Seriola dumerili (Risso, 1810) is a large migratory pelagic fish occurring in tropical and temperate waters with a great potential for the world aquaculture industry. Previous studies showed that wild-caught female greater amberjack reared in sea cages and handled during the reproductive season, underwent extensive ovarian atresia. This atresia, however, was not related to an insufficient liver transcription or oocyte uptake of vitellogenin (Vtg). In the present study, the structure of two greater amberjack vitellogenin receptors, namely Vtgr (Lr8-) and Lrp13, was characterized. Moreover, vtgr and lrp13 gene expression and the fatty acid profiles of specific phospholipids and neutral lipids were compared in the ovaries of wild and captive-reared greater amberjack during different phases of the reproductive cycle (i.e. early gametogenesis, advanced gametogenesis and spawning). Ovarian vtgr and lrp13 transcription was more active during early gametogenesis, suggesting that vitellogenin receptor transcripts were synthesized by previtellogenic oocytes and remained in the cellular mRNA pool until oocytes resumed meiosis and entered into secondary growth (i.e. vitellogenesis). Rearing of wild-caught greater amberjack in captivity together with handling during the reproductive season was associated with a reduced vtgr and lrp13 transcription and with a diminished capacity of oocytes in the early phase of gametogenesis (primary oocyte growth) to enter into vitellogenesis. During early gametogenesis, remarkable differences in the fatty acid composition were observed between wild and captive-reared individuals: all phospholipids of captive fish displayed dramatic increases of saturates (16:0 and 18:0) and decreases of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The present study confirms the susceptibility of greater amberjack reproductive function to handling stress and suggests that the consequent extensive atresia of vitellogenic follicles originated during the primary oocytes growth when the capacity of oocytes to synthesize vitellogenin receptors was reduced. The study also suggests that this reduced capacity was associated with an altered oocyte phospholipid fatty acid composition during early gametogenesis.

The smaller isoform of the mitochondrial transcription factor A has a role in the mitochondrial transcription.

The mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) is a mitochondrial protein encoded in the nucleus. The gene for Tfam spans about 10 kb and consists of seven exons and six introns. In human and rat, exon 5 can splite alternatively resulting in two Tfam isoforms. In order to investigate the role of the delta 5Tfam isoform in human cells, we studied its stability in vitro, then we carried out overexpression experiments in H1299 human cell line in order to clarify the in vivo effect of this shorter isoform of Tfam. The data obtained by Real time-PCR demonstrate that the overexpression of delta 5Tfam causes an increase of mitochondrial transcription, so also this isoform as a role in the mitochondrial process.

Association of functional genetic variation in PP2A with prefrontal working memory processing.

Variation in prefrontal dopaminergic signaling mediated by D2 receptor has been implicated in cognitive phenotypes of schizophrenia, including working memory. Molecular cascades downstream of D2 receptor include a cAMP-dependent- and a cAMP-independent-pathway. Protein-Phosphatase-2A (PP2A) is a key partner of D2 receptor in cAMP-independent signaling. This enzyme comprises a regulatory subunit that is coded by PPP2R2B gene. Given the molecular relationship between PP2A and D2 signaling, we hypothesized genetic variation in PPP2R2B affecting mRNA expression of this gene in prefrontal cortex to be associated with prefrontal processing during working memory. In order to probe such a hypothesis we investigated SNPs associated with PPP2R2B expression in two independent samples of human postmortem prefrontal cortex. Then, we tested SNPs for which association was replicated as predictors of prefrontal activity during WM as probed by functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) in a sample of healthy humans. We found that a SNP associated with PPP2R2B expression (rs959627) predicted prefrontal activity during the N-Back working memory task. In particular, individuals carrying rs959627T allele, a condition associated with lower PPP2R2B expression in postmortem prefrontal cortex, showed greater activity in right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) during N-Back compared to CC subjects. Furthermore, such an activity was negatively correlated with behavioral performance at the task. Consistently with previous studies, these findings suggest reduced right IFG efficiency during working memory processing in rs959627 T-carriers, as indexed by their greater need to activate this brain region in order to achieve similar levels of behavioral proficiency as compared to CC individuals.

Transcriptional reprogramming and phenotypic switching associated with the adaptation of Lactobacillus plantarum C2 to plant niches.

Lactobacillus plantarum has been isolated from a large variety of ecological niches, thus highlighting its remarkable environmental adaptability as a generalist. Plant fermentation conditions markedly affect the functional features of L. plantarum strains. We investigated the plant niche-specific traits of L. plantarum through whole-transcriptome and phenotypic microarray profiles. Carrot (CJ) and pineapple (PJ) juices were chosen as model systems, and MRS broth was used as a control. A set of 3,122 genes was expressed, and 21 to 31% of genes were differentially expressed depending on the plant niche and cell physiological state. L. plantarum C2 seemed to specifically respond to plant media conditions. When L. plantarum was cultured in CJ, useful pathways were activated, which were aimed to sense the environment, save energy and adopt alternative routes for NAD(+) regeneration. In PJ the acidic environment caused a transcriptional switching, which was network-linked to an acid tolerance response involving carbohydrate flow, amino acid and protein metabolism, pH homeostasis and membrane fluidity. The most prominent phenotypic dissimilarities observed in cells grown in CJ and PJ were related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism, respectively. Summarising, a snapshot of a carrot and pineapple sensing and adaptive regulation model for L. plantarum C2 was proposed.

History of the Tfam gene in primates.

Tfam is a single copy nuclear gene mapping on chromosome 10 in human and mouse, 20 in rat and 12 in Presbytis cristata. It encodes for an HMG (high-mobility-group) protein showing a high affinity with the two transcriptional promoters and other mitochondrial DNA regions. It is an activator of mitochondrial transcription acting in the presence of mitochondrial RNA polymerase and of transcription factor B. Other interesting features of Tfam gene in human and rat are reported such as the existence of a smaller isoform, originated by an alternative splicing mechanism of the exon 5 (delta5 isoform) and the presence of different processed pseudogenes in addition to the active copy of the gene. In order to widen knowledge about Tfam gene and the appearance of some of its properties in the evolutionary history of primates, we have studied some aspects of this gene in different species. In particular we have determined its chromosomal localization, suggesting that its locus is highly conserved; we have searched for the presence of the delta5 isoform, demonstrating that it is present only in hominids; we have provided evidence of Tfam processed pseudogenes in the majority of the analysed genomes. Sequence data from this article have been deposited in the EMBL nucleotide database.

Tissue-specific mtDNA abundance from exome data and its correlation with mitochondrial transcription, mass and respiratory activity.

Eukaryotic cells contain a population of mitochondria, variable in number and shape, which in turn contain multiple copies of a tiny compact genome (mtDNA) whose expression and function is strictly coordinated with the nuclear one. mtDNA copy number varies between different cell or tissues types, both in response to overall metabolic and bioenergetics demands and as a consequence or cause of specific pathological conditions. Here we present a novel and reliable methodology to assess the effective mtDNA copy number per diploid genome by investigating off-target reads obtained by whole-exome sequencing (WES) experiments. We also investigate whether and how mtDNA copy number correlates with mitochondrial mass, respiratory activity and expression levels. Analyzing six different tissues from three age- and sex-matched human individuals, we found a highly significant linear correlation between mtDNA copy number estimated by qPCR and the frequency of mtDNA off target WES reads. Furthermore, mtDNA copy number showed highly significant correlation with mitochondrial gene expression levels as measured by RNA-Seq as well as with mitochondrial mass and respiratory activity. Our methodology makes thus feasible, at a large scale, the investigation of mtDNA copy number in diverse cell-types, tissues and pathological conditions or in response to specific treatments.

Converging evidence for the association of functional genetic variation in the serotonin receptor 2a gene with prefrontal function and olanzapine treatment.

IMPORTANCE: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor 2a (5-HT2AR) signaling is important for modulation of corticostriatal pathways and prefrontal activity during cognition. Furthermore, newer antipsychotic drugs target 5-HT2AR. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the 5-HT2AR gene (HTR2A rs6314, C>T; OMIM 182135) has been weakly associated with differential 5-HT2AR signaling and with physiologic as well as behavioral effects. OBJECTIVE: To use a hierarchical approach to determine the functional effects of this single-nucleotide polymorphism on 5-HT2AR messenger RNA and protein expression, on prefrontal phenotypes linked with genetic risk for schizophrenia, and on treatment with olanzapine. DESIGN: In silico predictions, in vitro, and case-control investigations. SETTING: Academic and clinical facilities. PARTICIPANTS: The postmortem study included 112 brains from healthy individuals; the in vivo investigation included a total sample of 371 healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia. EXPOSURES Patients received olanzapine monotherapy for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: In silico predictions, messenger RNA, and protein expression in postmortem human prefrontal cortex and HeLa cells, functional magnetic resonance imaging prefrontal activity and behavior during working memory and attention in healthy individuals, and response to an 8-week trial of olanzapine treatment in patients with schizophrenia. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis predicted that rs6314 alters patterns of splicing, with possible effects on HTR2A expression. Moreover, the T allele was associated with reduced prefrontal messenger RNA expression in postmortem prefrontal cortex, with reduced protein expression in vitro, inefficient prefrontal blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging response during working memory and attentional control processing, and impaired working memory and attention behavior, as well as with attenuated improvement in negative symptoms after olanzapine treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that HTR2A rs6314 affects 5-HT2AR expression and functionally contributes to genetic modulation of known endophenotypes of schizophrenia-like higher-level cognitive behaviors and related prefrontal activity, as well as response to treatment with olanzapine.

New isoforms of human mitochondrial transcription factor A detected in normal and tumoral cells.

Novel alternatively spliced variants of the human mitochondrial transcription factor A predicted by the computational tool ASPic were experimentally validated in different normal and tumoral human tissues by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. The comparison between the 5'UTR length and the distribution of the different transcripts showed that the transcripts with the shortest 5'UTR are present in all the investigated tissues, while the longest 5'UTR seems to be related to tissue-specificity. Studies about the localization and function of the most widely diffuse alternative isoform Tr6 were carried out.