Corrigendum to "Structural and functional characterization of Tomato SUMO1 gene" [Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 27(1) (2020) 352-357].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.10.004.].

Structural and functional characterization of Tomato SUMO1 gene.

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) genes regulate various functions of target proteins through post-translational modification. The SUMO proteins have a similar 3-dimensional structure as that of ubiquitin proteins and occur through a cascade of enzymatic reactions. In the present study we have cloned a new SUMO gene from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), cv Saudi-1, named SlS-SUMO1 gene by PCR using specific primers. This gene has SUMO member's features such as C-terminal diglycine (GG) motif as processing site by ULP (ubiquitin-like SUMO protease) and has SUMO consensus ΨKXE/D sequence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SlS-SUMO1 gene is highly conserved and homologous to Potatoes Ca-SUMO1 and Ca-SUMO2 genes based on sequence similarity. Expression protein of SlS-SUMO1 gene found to be localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nuclear envelop or nuclear pore complex. SUMO conjugating enzyme SCE1a with SlS-SUMO1 protein co-expressed and co-localized in nucleus and formed nuclear subdomains. This study reported that the SlS-SUMO1 gene is a member of SUMO family and its SUMO protein processing using GG motif and activate and transport to nucleus through Sumoylation system in the plant cell.

Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of Brucella species in naturally infected cattle and sheep.

Brucellosis is one of the most economically significant infectious diseases in Egypt. The study aimed to assess the seroprevalence by indirect ELISA by examining serum samples from 720 cattle and 320 sheep and detection and characterization of Brucella spp. from 24 clinical samples (placenta) by bacterial culture (BC) and PCR targeting bcsp31 gene. The seroprevalence was 16.7% and 16.25% in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between the seroprevalence of brucellosis and sex at the level of cattle and age at the sheep level, where seroprevalence was 18.7% in female cattle and 22% in sheep > 2 years. Likewise, seroprevalence was significantly (P < 0.05) different among locations for cattle. Of the 24 clinical samples tested by BC, B. abortus was isolated and identified in 100% of clinical samples. Using PCR, all Brucella strains were positive (100%) regarding bcsp31gene. Nucleotide analyses of seven bcsp31 sequences of the identified strains revealed 99.3-100% identity, with one nucleotide divergence. These results provide an insight into the brucellosis, particularly with the detection of B. abortus from sheep, therefore, further wide epidemiological studies are needed to develop appropriate prevention and control strategies.

Increased CD5+ B-cells are associated with autoimmune phenomena in lepromatous leprosy patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Leprosy is a chronic slowly progressive infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Lepromatous leprosy is characterized by absence of T-cell responses to M. leprae and advanced clinical disease. It is frequently associated with the presence of autoantibodies, which might be related to CD19+CD5+ and CD19+CD5- B lymphocyte percentages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the percentages of CD19+CD5+ and CD19+CD5- B cell subsets as well as the total B cells in lepromatous leprosy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty lepromatous leprosy patients and ten healthy subjects served as control were included in this study. Venous blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the B cell subsets and total B cell percentages. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, the percentages of CD19+CD5+ B cell subset and total B cells were found to be significantly higher in the patient group. While, the percentage of CD19+CD5- B cell subset was found to be higher in the patient group than the control without any significantly difference. Regarding the eye affection, the percentage of total B cells was observed to be significantly higher in affected patients compared to the non-affected group. CONCLUSION: The observed significant increases in CD19+CD5+ and total B cell percentages in patients with lepromatous leprosy suggests a possible role of these cells in the disorganized protective immune response as well as the development of eye complications in these patients.