Uncovering transcriptional reprogramming during callus development in soybean: insights and implications.

Callus, a valuable tool in plant genetic engineering, originates from dedifferentiated cells. While transcriptional reprogramming during callus formation has been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, our knowledge of this process in other species, such as Glycine max, remains limited. To bridge this gap, our study focused on conducting a time-series transcriptome analysis of soybean callus cultured for various durations (0, 1, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days) on a callus induction medium following wounding with the attempt of identifying genes that play key roles during callus formation. As the result, we detected a total of 27,639 alterations in gene expression during callus formation, which could be categorized into eight distinct clusters. Gene ontology analysis revealed that genes associated with hormones, cell wall modification, and cell cycle underwent transcriptional reprogramming throughout callus formation. Furthermore, by scrutinizing the expression patterns of genes related to hormones, cell cycle, cell wall, and transcription factors, we discovered that auxin, cytokinin, and brassinosteroid signaling pathways activate genes involved in both root and shoot meristem development during callus formation. In summary, our transcriptome analysis provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms governing callus formation in soybean. The information obtained from this study contributes to a deeper understanding of this intricate process and paves the way for further investigation in the field.

Cross-sectional analysis of the seropositivity and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among veterinarians, in relation to their public professional activities.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic pathogen that can infect most warm-blooded animals and humans. Although numerous epidemiological studies of T. gondii have been published, very limited data exist on the prevalence of T. gondii infection among veterinarians. In this study, a survey was used to analyze the seropositivity of and risk factors for T. gondii infection among public veterinarians (PV) and veterinarians in veterinary service laboratories (VVSL). Blood samples were collected from individuals in both groups and examined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A questionnaire survey on work activities and personal dietary habits was also conducted. The positive rate for specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 8% overall, comprising 13.4% in the PV group and 5.5% in the VVSL group. The seropositivity of T. gondii infection in the PV group was significantly related to involvement with the enforced destruction and contact with animals that were infected with zoonotic pathogens. Consumption of raw pork and drinking unboiled groundwater were also critical dietary risk factors for seropositivity for T. gondii infection. This is the first study of the factors that contribute to T. gondii infection among veterinarians with public professional activities in Korea. Further preventive educational programs for veterinarians with public professional activities are necessary to prevent exposure to T. gondii infection in this population.

Induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression via heme oxygenase-1-dependant pathway during murine dendritic cell maturation.

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is expressed in a variety of conditions involved in the regulation of immune responses. In this study, we examined the role of HO-1 in dendritic cell (DC) maturation and expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a key enzyme that catalyzes the initial, rate-limiting step in tryptophan degradation. IDO deficiency led to diminished phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs in vitro and in vivo. IDO expression and DC maturation was abrogated by the HO inhibitor zinc protoporphrin, but increased by hemin, a potent inducer of HO-1. Moreover, LPS-induced HO-1 expression was mediated by an NF-kappaB-dependent pathway. Our findings provide additional insight into the immunological functions of IDO and HO-1, and suggest possible therapeutic adjuvants for the treatment of DC-related acute and chronic diseases.