Source-to-sink partitioning is altered by changes in the expression of the transcription factor AtHB5 in Arabidopsis.

Carbohydrates are transported from source to sink tissues. The efficiency of this transport determines plant growth and development. The process is finely regulated and transcription factors are crucial in its modulation. AtHB5 is a homeodomain-leucine zipper I transcription factor that is repressed during stem maturation. However, its function in this developmental event is unknown. Here, we investigated the expression pattern and role of AtHB5. AtHB5 was expressed in roots, hypocotyls, stems, petioles, pedicels, and central leaf veins. athb5 mutant plants exhibited wider and more lignified stems than controls, whereas AtHB5 overexpressors showed the opposite phenotype. Cross sections of athb5 mutant stems showed enlarged vascular bundle, xylem, phloem, and petiole areas, whereas AtHB5 overexpressors had callose deposits. Several genes involved in starch biosynthesis and degradation had altered transcript levels in athb5 mutants and AtHB5 overexpressors. Rosette and stem biomass was enhanced in athb5 mutants, positively impacting seed yield, protein, and lipid content. Moreover, these effects were more evident in debranched plants. Finally, transport to roots was significantly slowed in AtHB5 overexpressors. Altogether, the results indicated that AtHB5 is a negative modulator of carbon partitioning and sucrose transport from source to sink tissues, and its overexpression diminished plant biomass and seed yield.

Theoretical and Experimental Study of Molecular Interactions of Fluralaner with Lipid Membranes.

Fluralaner is a relatively new insecticide belonging to the isoxazoline group, whose action mechanism involves the blocking of GABAA-receptors in the insect nervous system. Because of its high hydrophobicity, fluralaner could bioaccumulate and reach toxic local concentrations. Since there are no data available about the penetration and persistence of isoxazolines in biological membranes, we intend to evaluate fluralaner permanence as a pollutant by using model membranes. We used experimental and in silico models to characterize the incorporation of fluralaner into the lipid phase at different packing states. We determined its impact in the membrane structure and organization. Our results confirm that fluralaner is capable of penetrating, holding, and accumulating in the lipid membrane and provide details on its precise location and orientation. These properties would allow fluralaner to reach high local concentrations in different membranes and organs, which could be dangerous for vertebrate organisms if its handling is not properly controlled.

MutS recognition of mismatches within primed DNA replication intermediates.

MutS initiates mismatch repair by recognizing mismatches in newly replicated DNA. Specific interactions between MutS and mismatches within double-stranded DNA promote ADP-ATP exchange and a conformational change into a sliding clamp. Here, we demonstrated that MutS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa associates with primed DNA replication intermediates. The predicted structure of this MutS-DNA complex revealed a new DNA binding site, in which Asn 279 and Arg 272 appeared to directly interact with the 3'-OH terminus of primed DNA. Mutation of these residues resulted in a noticeable defect in the interaction of MutS with primed DNA substrates. Remarkably, MutS interaction with a mismatch within primed DNA induced a compaction of the protein structure and impaired the formation of an ATP-bound sliding clamp. Our findings reveal a novel DNA binding mode, conformational change and intramolecular signaling for MutS recognition of mismatches within primed DNA structures.

Insect RDL Receptor Models for Virtual Screening: Impact of the Template Conformational State in Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels.

The RDL receptor is one of the most relevant protein targets for insecticide molecules. It belongs to the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) family. Given that the experimental structures of pLGICs are difficult to obtain, homology modeling has been extensively used for these proteins, particularly for the RDL receptor. However, no detailed assessments of the usefulness of homology models for virtual screening (VS) have been carried out for pLGICs. The aim of this study was to evaluate which are the determinant factors for a good VS performance using RDL homology models, specially analyzing the impact of the template conformational state. Fifteen RDL homology models were obtained based on different pLGIC templates representing the closed, open, and desensitized states. A retrospective VS process was performed on each model, and their performance in the prioritization of active ligands was assessed. In addition, the three best-performing models among each of the conformations were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) in complex with a representative active ligand. The models showed variations in their VS performance parameters that were related to the structural properties of the binding site. VS performance tended to improve in more constricted binding cavities. The best performance was obtained with a model based on a template in the closed conformation. MDS confirmed that the closed model was the one that best represented the interactions with an active ligand. These results imply that different templates should be evaluated and the structural variations between their channel conformational states should be specially examined, providing guidelines for the application of homology modeling for VS in other proteins of the pLGIC family.

Key role of the motor protein Kinesin 13B in the activity of homeodomain-leucine zipper I transcription factors.

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) homeodomain-leucine zipper I transcription factor HaHB11 conferred differential phenotypic features when it was expressed in Arabidopsis, alfalfa, and maize plants. Such differences were increased biomass, seed yield, and tolerance to flooding. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to such traits and identify HaHB11-interacting proteins, a yeast two-hybrid screening of an Arabidopsis cDNA library was carried out using HaHB11 as bait. The sole protein identified with high confidence as interacting with HaHB11 was Kinesin 13B. The interaction was confirmed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and by yeast two-hybrid assay. Kinesin 13B also interacted with AtHB7, the Arabidopsis closest ortholog of HaHB11. Histochemical analyses revealed an overlap between the expression patterns of the three genes in hypocotyls, apical meristems, young leaves, vascular tissue, axillary buds, cauline leaves, and cauline leaf nodes at different developmental stages. AtKinesin 13B mutants did not exhibit a differential phenotype when compared with controls; however, both HaHB11 and AtHB7 overexpressor plants lost, partially or totally, their differential phenotypic characteristics when crossed with such mutants. Altogether, the results indicated that Kinesin 13B is essential for the homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factors I to exert their functions, probably via regulation of the intracellular distribution of these transcription factors by the motor protein.

The AtHB1 Transcription Factor Controls the miR164-CUC2 Regulatory Node to Modulate Leaf Development.

The presence of small tooth-like indentations, or serrations, characterizes leaf margins of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The NAC family member CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 (CUC2), which undergoes post-transcriptional gene silencing by three micro-RNA genes (MIR164A, B and C), controls the extension of leaf serration. Here, we analyzed the role of AtHB1, a transcription factor (TF) belonging to the homeodomain-leucine zipper subfamily I, in shaping leaf margins. Using mutants with an impaired silencing pathway as background, we obtained transgenic plants expressing AtHB1 over 100 times compared to controls. These plants presented an atypical developmental phenotype characterized by leaves with deep serration. Transcript measurements revealed that CUC2 expression was induced in plants overexpressing AtHB1 and repressed in athb1 mutants, indicating a positive regulation exerted by this TF. Moreover, molecular analyses of AtHB1 overexpressing and mutant plants revealed that AtHB1 represses MIR164 transcription. We found that overexpression of MIR164B was able to reverse the serration phenotype of plants overexpressing AtHB1. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that AtHB1 was able to bind in vivo the promoter regions of all three MIR164 encoding loci. Altogether, our results indicate that AtHB1 directly represses MIR164 expression to enhance leaf serration by increasing CUC2 levels.

Effects of gabergic phenols on the dynamic and structure of lipid bilayers: A molecular dynamic simulation approach.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate and invertebrate nervous system. GABAA receptors are activated by GABA and their agonists, and modulated by a wide variety of recognized drugs, including barbiturates, anesthetics, and benzodiazepines. The phenols propofol, thymol, chlorothymol, carvacrol and eugenol act as positive allosteric modulators on GABAA-R receptor. These GABAergic phenols interact with the lipid membrane, therefore, their anesthetic activity could be the combined result of their specific activity (with receptor proteins) as well as nonspecific interactions (with surrounding lipid molecules) modulating the supramolecular organization of the receptor environment. Therefore, we aimed to contribute to a description of the molecular events that occur at the membrane level as part of the mechanism of general anesthesia, using a molecular dynamic simulation approach. Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the presence of GABAergic phenols in a DPPC bilayer orders lipid acyl chains for carbons near the interface and their effect is not significant at the bilayer center. Phenols interacts with the polar interface of phospholipid bilayer, particularly forming hydrogen bonds with the glycerol and phosphate group. Also, potential of mean force calculations using umbrella sampling show that propofol partition is mainly enthalpic driven at the polar region and entropic driven at the hydrocarbon chains. Finally, potential of mean force indicates that propofol partition into a gel DPPC phase is not favorable. Our in silico results were positively contrasted with previous experimental data.

Interaction of gabaergic ketones with model membranes: A molecular dynamics and experimental approach.

γ-Aminobutyric-acid receptor (GABAA-R), a membrane intrinsic protein, is activated by GABA and modulated by a wide variety of recognized drugs. GABAA-R is also target for several insecticides which act by recognition of a non-competitive blocking site. Mentha oil is rich in several ketones with established activity against various insects/pests. Considering that mint ketones are highly lipophilic, their action mechanism could involve, at least in part, a non-specific receptor modulation by interacting with the surrounding lipids. In the present work, we studied in detail the effect on membranes of five cyclic ketones present in mint plants, with demonstrated insecticide and gabaergic activity. Particularly, we have explored their effect on the organization and dynamics of the membrane, by using Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation studies in a bilayer model of DPPC. We performed free diffusion MD and obtained spatially resolved free energy profiles of ketones partition into bilayers based on umbrella sampling. The most favored location of ketones in the membrane corresponded to the lower region of the carbonyl groups. Both hydrocarbon chains were slightly affected by the presence of ketones, presenting an ordering effect for the methylene groups closer to the carbonyl. MD simulations results were also contrasted with experimental data from fluorescence anisotropy studies which evaluate changes in membrane fluidity. In agreement, these assays indicated that the presence of ketones between lipid molecules induced an enhancement of the intermolecular interaction, increasing the molecular order throughout the bilayer thickness.

Membrane effects of dihydropyrimidine analogues with larvicidal activity.

Two recently synthesized dihydropyrimidines (DHPMs) analogues have demonstrated larvicide and repellent activity against Anopheles arabiensis. DHPMs high lipophilicity suggests that these compounds may interact directly with the membrane and modify their biophysical properties. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the interaction of both compounds with artificial membranes. Changes on the properties of DPPC films were studied using Langmuir monolayers. The presence of DHPMs in the subphase modified the interfacial characteristics of DPPC compression isotherms, causing the expansion of the monolayer, inducing the disappearance of DPPC phase transition and increasing the molecular packing of the film. Moreover, both compounds showed ability to penetrate into the lipid monolayers at molecular pressures comparable to those in biological membranes. The effects of both DHPMs on the molecular organization of DPPC liposomes were measured by fluorescence anisotropy. The results indicate that their presence between lipid molecules would induce an increasing intermolecular interaction, diminishing the bilayer fluidity mainly at the polar region. Finally, we performed free diffusion MD simulations and obtained spatially resolved free energy profiles of DHPMs partition into a DPPC bilayer through Potential of Mean Force (PMF) calculations. In agreement with the experimental assays, PMF profiles and MD simulations showed that DHPMs are able to partition into DPPC bilayers, penetrating into the membrane and stablishing hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl moiety. Our results suggest that DHPMs bioactivity could involve their interaction with the lipid molecules that modulate the supramolecular organization of the biological membranes and consequently the membrane proteins functionality.

A matter of quantity: Common features in the drought response of transgenic plants overexpressing HD-Zip I transcription factors.

Plant responses to water deficit involve complex molecular mechanisms in which transcription factors have key roles. Previous reports ectopically overexpressed a few members of the homeodomain-leucine zipper I (HD-Zip I) family of transcription factors from different species, and the obtained transgenic plants exhibited drought tolerance which extent depended on the level of overexpression, triggering diverse molecular and physiological pathways. Here we show that most HD-Zip I genes are regulated by drought in the vegetative and/or reproductive stages. Moreover, uncharacterized members of this family were expressed as transgenes both in Col-0 and rdr6-12 backgrounds and were able to enhance drought tolerance in host plants. The extent of such tolerance depended on the expression level of the transgene and was significantly higher in transgenic rdr6-12 than in Col-0. Comparative transcriptome analyses of Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing HD-Zip I proteins indicated that many members have common targets. Moreover, the water deficit tolerance exhibited by these plants is likely due to the induction and repression of certain of these common HD-Zip I-regulated genes. However, each HD-Zip I member regulates other pathways, which, in some cases, generate differential and potentially undesirable traits in addition to drought tolerance. In conclusion, only a few members of this family could become valuable tools to improve drought-tolerance.

Improved prediction of bilayer and monolayer properties using a refined BMW-MARTINI force field.

Coarse-grained (CG) models allow enlarging the size and time scales that are reachable by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. A CG force field (FF) for lipids and amino acids that possesses a polarizable water model has been developed following the MARTINI parametrization strategy, the BMW-MARTINI [1]. We tested the BMW-MARTINI FF capability to describe some structural and thermodynamical properties of lipid monolayers and bilayers. We found that, since the surface tension values of oil/water interfaces calculated with the model are not correct, compression isotherms of lipid monolayers present artifacts. Also, this FF predicts DPPC and DAPC bilayers to remain in the Lα phase at temperatures as low as 283K, contrary to the expected from their experimental Tm values. Finally, simulations at constant temperature of bilayers of saturated lipids belonging to PC homologous, showed an increase in the mean molecular area (Mma) upon increasing the chain length, inversely to the experimental observation. We refined BMW-MARTINI FF by modifying as few parameters as possible in order to bring simulated and experimental measurements closer. We have also modified structural parameters of the lipid geometry that do not have direct influence in global properties of the bilayer membranes or monolayers, but serve to approach the obtained CG geometry to atomistic reference values. The refined FF is able to better reproduce phase transition temperatures and Mma for saturated PC bilayers than BMW-MARTINI and MARTINI FF. Finally, the simulated surface pressure-Mma isotherms of PC monolayers resemble the experimental ones and eliminate serious artifacts of previous models.

Molecular view of the interaction of S-methyl methanethiosulfonate with DPPC bilayer.

We present molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of the interaction of a chemo preventive and protective agent, S-methyl methanethiosulfonate (MMTS), with a model bilayer of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC). We analyzed and compared its diffusion mechanisms with the related molecule dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). We obtained spatially resolved free energy profiles of MMTS partition into a DPPC bilayer in the liquid-crystalline phase through potential of mean force (PMF) calculations using an umbrella sampling technique. These profiles showed a minimum for MMTS close to the carbonyl region of DPPC. The location of MMTS molecules in the DPPC bilayer observed in the MD was confirmed by previous SERS studies. We decomposed PMF profiles into entropic and enthalpic contributions. These results showed that the driving force for the partitioning of MMTS into the upper region of DPPC is driven by a favorable entropy change while partitioning into the acyl chains is driven by enthalpy. On the other hand, the partition of DMSO into the membrane is not favored, and is driven by entropy instead of enthalpy. Free diffusion MD simulations using all atom and coarse grained (CG) models of DPPC in presence of MMTS were used to analyze the effect of DPPC-MMTS interaction. Density profiles showed that MMTS locates preferentially in the carbonyl region, as expected according to the PMF profile and the experimental evidence. MMTS presented two differential effects over the packing of DPPC hydrocarbonate chains at low or at high molar ratios. An ordering effect was observed when a CG MMTS model was used. Finally, free diffusion MD and PMF decomposition for DMSO were used for comparison.

Analysis of the interaction interfaces of the N-terminal domain from Pseudomonas aeruginosa MutL.

Mismatch Repair System corrects mutations arising from DNA replication that escape from DNA polymerase proofreading activity. This system consists of three main proteins, MutS-L-H, responsible for lesion recognition and repair. MutL is a member of GHKL ATPase family and its ATPase cycle has been proposed to modulate MutL activity during the repair process. Pseudomonas aeruginosa MutL (PaMutL) contains an N-terminal (NTD) ATPase domain connected by a linker to a C-terminal (CTD) dimerization domain that possesses metal ion-dependent endonuclease activity. With the aim to identify characteristics that allow the PaMutL NTD allosteric control of CTD endonuclease activity, we used an in silico and experimental approach to determine the interaction surfaces of P. aeruginosa NTD (PaNTD), and compared it with the well characterized Escherichia coli MutL NTD (EcNTD). Molecular dynamics simulations of PaNTD and EcNTD bound to or free of adenosine nucleotides showed that a significant difference exists between the behavior of the EcNTD and PaNTD dimerization interface, particularly in the ATP lid. Structure based simulations of MutL homologues with endonuclease activity were performed that allowed an insight of the dimerization interface behavior in this family of proteins. Our experimental results show that, unlike EcNTD, PaNTD is dimeric in presence of ADP. Simulations in mixed solvent allowed us to identify the PaNTD putative DNA binding patch and a putative interaction patch located opposite to the dimerization face. Structure based simulations of PaNTD dimer in presence of ADP or ATP suggest that nucleotide binding could differentially modulate PaNTD protein-protein interactions. Far western assays performed in presence of ADP or ATP are in agreement with our in silico analysis.

nfxB as a novel target for analysis of mutation spectra in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

nfxB encodes a negative regulator of the mexCD-oprJ genes for drug efflux in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Inactivating mutations in this transcriptional regulator constitute one of the main mechanisms of resistance to ciprofloxacin (Cip(r)). In this work, we evaluated the use of nfxB/Cip(r) as a new test system to study mutation spectra in P. aeruginosa. The analysis of 240 mutations in nfxB occurring spontaneously in the wild-type and mutator backgrounds or induced by mutagens showed that nfxB/Cip(r) offers several advantages compared with other mutation detection systems. Identification of nfxB mutations was easy since the entire open reading frame and its promoter region were sequenced from the chromosome using a single primer. Mutations detected in nfxB included all transitions and transversions, 1-bp deletions and insertions, >1-bp deletions and duplications. The broad mutation spectrum observed in nfxB relies on the selection of loss-of-function changes, as we confirmed by generating a structural model of the NfxB repressor and evaluating the significance of each detected mutation. The mutation spectra characterized in the mutS, mutT, mutY and mutM mutator backgrounds or induced by the mutagenic agents 2-aminopurine, cisplatin and hydrogen peroxide were in agreement with their predicted mutational specificities. Additionally, this system allowed the analysis of sequence context effects since point mutations occurred at 85 different sites distributed over the entire nfxB. Significant hotspots and preferred sequence contexts were observed for spontaneous and mutagen-induced mutation spectra. Finally, we demonstrated the utility of a luminescence-based reporter for identification of nfxB mutants previous to sequencing analysis. Thus, the nfxB/Cip(r) system in combination with the luminescent reporter may be a valuable tool for studying mutational processes in Pseudomonas spp. wherein the genes encoding the NfxB repressor and the associated efflux pump are conserved.

Functional analysis of the interaction between the mismatch repair protein MutS and the replication processivity factor ß clamp in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Interaction between MutS and the replication factor ß clamp has been extensively studied in a Mismatch Repair context; however, its functional consequences are not well understood. We have analyzed the role of the MutS-ß clamp interaction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by characterizing a ß clamp binding motif mutant, denominated MutSß, which does not interact with the replication factor. A detailed characterization of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 harboring a chromosomal mutSß allele demonstrated that this mutant strain exhibited mutation rates to rifampicin and ciprofloxacin resistance comparable to that of the parental strain. mutSß PAO1 was as proficient as the parental strain for DNA repair under highly mutagenic conditions imposed by the adenine base analog 2-aminopurine. In addition, using a tetracycline resistance reversion assay to assess the repair of a frameshift mutation, we determined that the parental and mutSß strains exhibited similar reversion rates. Our results clearly indicate that the MutS-ß clamp interaction does not have a central role in the methylation-independent Mismatch Repair of P. aeruginosa.

Dietary Intake, Anthropometric and Body Composition Assessment of Adolescents Enrolled in a Basic Health Unit in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil / Ingestão dietética, avaliação antropométrica e composição corporal de adolescentes atendidos em um Centro de Atenção Primária à Saúde em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil

Objectives: This study aimed to describe and compare the nutritional profile of three groups of adolescents of the same age and gender, diagnosed as overweight, obese and eutrophic as determined by the Body Mass Index (BMI). Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, comparative, and descriptive study in which adolescents were evaluated using anthropometric measurements suchas skinfolds, waist circumference, BMI and body composition assessed by bioelectric impedance. Asemi-quantitative questionnaire about eating frequency was applied to evaluate food intake. The sample was determined by convenience. A total of 517 adolescents were attended at the CMSCVL between October 2005 and December 2006. Of these, 141 (27.3%) agreed to participate and satisfied the inclusion criteria...

Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e comparar o perfil nutricional de três grupos de adolescentes da mesma idade e sexo, com diagnóstico de sobrepeso, obesidade e eutrofia, determinado pelo Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal, observacional, comparativo, descritivo, no qual os adolescentes foram avaliados utilizando medidas antropométricas, tais como dobras cutâneas, circunferência da cintura, IMC e composição corporal avaliada pela impedância bioelétrica. Um questionário semi-quantitativo sobre a freqüência alimentar foi aplicado para avaliar a ingestão de alimentos. A amostra foi determinada por conveniência. Foram atendidos no CMSCVL, no período entre outubro de 2005 e dezembro de 2006, 517 adolescentes. Desse total, 141 (27,3%) concordaram em participar e estavam dentro dos critérios de inclusão...

The role of MutS oligomers on Pseudomonas aeruginosa mismatch repair system activity.

The Escherichia coli DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) protein MutS exist as dimers and tetramers in solution, and the identification of its functional oligomeric state has been matter of extensive study. In the present work, we have analyzed the oligomerization state of MutS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa a bacterial species devoid of Dam methylation and MutH homologue. By analyzing native MutS and different mutated versions of the protein, we determined that P. aeruginosa MutS is mainly tetrameric in solution and that its oligomerization capacity is conducted as in E. coli, by the C-terminal region of the protein. The analysis of mismatch oligonucleotide binding activity showed that wild-type MutS binds to DNA as tetramer. The DNA binding activity decreased when the C-terminal region was deleted (MutSDelta798) or when a full-length MutS with tetramerization defects (MutSR842E) was tested. The ATPase activity of MutSDelta798 was similar to MutSR842E and diminished respect to the wild-type protein. Experiments carried out on a P. aeruginosa mutS strain to test the proficiency of different oligomeric versions of MutS to function in vivo showed that MutSDelta798 is not functional and that full-length dimeric version MutSR842E, is not capable of completely restoring the MMR activity of the mutant strain. Additional experiments carried out in conditions of high mutation rate induced by the base analogue 2-AP confirm that the dimeric version of MutS is not as efficient as the tetrameric wild-type protein to prevent mutations. Therefore, it is concluded that although dimeric MutS is sufficient for MMR activity, optimal activity is obtained with the tetrameric version of the protein and therefore it should be considered as the active form of MutS in P. aeruginosa.

The C-terminal region of Escherichia coli MutS and protein oligomerization.

Escherichia coli MutS, an 853 amino acids oligomeric protein, is involved in the postreplicative DNA mismatch repair and avoidance of homeologous recombination. By constructing MutS mutated versions of the C-terminal region, we determined that deletion of the last 7 C-terminal amino acids is enough to abolish tetramer formation and that the K850A substitution destabilize the tetramer structure. It is proposed that the C-terminal extreme alpha helix (residues 839-850) of the protein may play an important role in protein oligomerization. We also show that the C-terminal region or the C-terminal plus the HTH domain of MutS, fused to the monomeric Maltose Binding Protein promote oligomerization of the chimeric protein. However, chemical cross-linking experiments indicate that the HTH domain improves the oligomerization properties of the fused protein. Escherichia coli cells expressing the fused proteins become hypermutator suggesting that the C-terminal region of MutS plays an important role in vivo.