RESUMO
Cry proteins, commonly found in Gram-positive soil bacteria, are used worldwide as aerial sprays or in transgenic plants for controlling crop pest populations and insect vectors. Via PCR analysis, a spore producing soil isolate (BV5) was speculated to encode a Cry gene. Partial nucleotide sequence of the amplified PCR fragment showed homology with the Cry8 genes present in GenBank. A full-length Cry gene was cloned, and the predicted protein sequence grouped the newly isolated Cry protein with other Cry8A present in GenBank with a high possibility of it being a new Cry8. SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the expression of a single 135 KDa protein matching uniquely to the putative protein sequence of the BV5 Cry gene. However, bioassay against the coleopteran Anthonomus grandis (Coleopterans are a known Cry8A target), showed no activity. Phylogenetic analysis and homology modelling was performed to characterize the protein structure and function. These analyses suggest a series of mutations in one of the variable loops on the surface of the protein.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Bactérias , Endotoxinas , Filogenia , Microbiologia do Solo , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/química , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Endotoxinas/genética , Endotoxinas/metabolismo , Endotoxinas/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos/genética , Animais , Modelos Moleculares , Toxinas de Bacillus thuringiensis/genética , Toxinas de Bacillus thuringiensis/metabolismo , Proteínas Hemolisinas/genética , Proteínas Hemolisinas/química , Proteínas Hemolisinas/metabolismo , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Besouros/genética , Besouros/microbiologia , Clonagem Molecular , Esporos Bacterianos/genética , Esporos Bacterianos/metabolismo , Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por MatrizRESUMO
In this work, we cloned and functionally expressed two novel GABAA receptor subunits from Procambarus clarkii crayfish. These two new subunits, PcGABAA-α and PcGABAA-ß2, revealed significant sequence homology with the PcGABAA-ß subunit, previously identified in our laboratory. In addition, PcGABAA-α subunit also shared a significant degree of identity with the Drosophila melanogaster genes DmGRD (GABA and glycine-like receptor subunits of Drosophila) as well as PcGABAA-ß2 subunit with DmLCCH3 (ligand-gated chloride channel homolog 3). Electrophysiological recordings showed that the expression in HEK cells of the novel subunits, either alone or in combination, failed to form functional homo- or heteromeric receptors. However, the co-expression of PcGABAA-α with PcGABAA-ß evoked sodium- or chloride-dependent currents that accurately reproduced the time course of the GABA-evoked currents in the X-organ neurons from crayfish, suggesting that these GABA subunits combine to form two types of GABA receptors, one with cationic selectivity filter and the other preferentially permeates anions. On the other hand, PcGABAA-ß2 and PcGABAA-ß co-expression generated a chloride current that does not show desensitization. Muscimol reproduced the time course of GABA-evoked currents in all functional receptors, and picrotoxin blocked these currents; bicuculline did not block any of the recorded currents. Reverse transcription polymerae chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplifications and FISH revealed that PcGABAA-α and PcGABAA-ß2 are predominantly expressed in the crayfish nervous system. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence of a neural GABA-gated cationic channel in the crayfish, increasing our understanding of the role of these new GABAA receptor subunits in native heteromeric receptors.
Assuntos
Astacoidea , Clonagem Molecular , Receptores de GABA-A , Animais , Astacoidea/genética , Receptores de GABA-A/genética , Receptores de GABA-A/metabolismo , Clonagem Molecular/métodos , Humanos , Subunidades Proteicas/genética , Subunidades Proteicas/metabolismo , Células HEK293 , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Neurônios/metabolismoRESUMO
Lichenan, 1,3-1,4-ß-Glucan, a linear polysaccharide exists in the cell walls of various cereals, has garnered attention for its industrial applications due to its enzymatic breakdown by lichenase enzymes. In this study, Bacillus licheniformis strain RB16, isolated from cattle faeces, was identified as a robust lichenase producer. The lichenase gene, licA, was successfully cloned and characterized. The cloned RB16 lichenase (LicA) demonstrated its highest activity level at pH 7.5. It also retained over 50% of its activity within the pH range of 6.0-8.5 but experienced a decline to 40% at pH 9.0. LicA was active at temperatures ranging from 25 to 65 °C with an optimum at 45 °C. LicA exhibited more than 60% of its activity at the temperature range of 35-55 °C. Zymogram analysis confirmed LicA's lichenan-degrading ability and structural analysis revealed a stable enzyme structure primarily composed of random coils and extended strands. Although LicA exhibited low thermostability, consistent with its relatively low α-helix content, it demonstrated promising industrial potential. Evolutionary analysis placed LicA within a cluster of closely related Bacillus lichenases, particularly B. halotolerans, B. atrophaeus, and B. spizizenii. These findings expand our understanding of lichenases of Bacillus and underscore its potential for various industrial applications.
Assuntos
Bacillus licheniformis , Clonagem Molecular , Fezes , Glicosídeo Hidrolases , Animais , Bovinos , Fezes/microbiologia , Bacillus licheniformis/enzimologia , Bacillus licheniformis/genética , Glicosídeo Hidrolases/genética , Glicosídeo Hidrolases/química , Glicosídeo Hidrolases/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Temperatura , Estabilidade Enzimática , Filogenia , GlucanosRESUMO
Acetylxylan esterases (AXEs) are essential enzymes that break down the acetyl groups in acetylated xylan found in plant cell walls polysaccharides. They work synergistically with backbone-depolymerizing xylanolytic enzymes to accelerate the degradation of complex polysaccharides. In this study, we cloned the gene axeA, which encodes the acetylxylan esterase from Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 (AxeAN), into the pEXPYR expression vector and introduced it into the high protein-producing strain A. nidulans A773. The purified AxeAN, with a molecular weight of 33.5 kDa as confirmed by SDS-PAGE, was found to be active on ρ-nitrophenyl acetate (ρNPA), exhibiting a remarkably high specific activity (170 U mg-1) at pH 7.0 and 55 °C. AxeAN demonstrated stability over a wide pH range (5.5-9.0), retaining >80% of its initial activity after 24 h. The KM and Vmax were 0.098 mmol L-1 and 320 U mg-1, respectively, using ρNPA as a substrate. We also evaluated the synergistic effect of AxeAN with an endo-1,4-ß-xylanase from Malbranchea pulchella (MpXyn10) in the hydrolysis of four different xylans (Birchwood, Beechwood, Oat spelt, and Arabinoxylan) to produce xylooligosaccharides (XOS). The best results were obtained using Birchwood xylan as substrate and MpXyn10-AxeAN as biocatalysts after 24 h of reaction (50 °C), with a XOS-yield of 91%, value 41% higher when compared to MpXyn10 (XOS-yield of 63%). These findings showed the potential of the application of AxeAN, together with other xylanases, to produce xylooligosaccharides with high purity and other products with high added value in the field of lignocellulosic biorefinery.
Assuntos
Acetilesterase , Aspergillus nidulans , Proteínas Recombinantes , Xilanos , Aspergillus nidulans/enzimologia , Aspergillus nidulans/genética , Acetilesterase/genética , Acetilesterase/metabolismo , Acetilesterase/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Xilanos/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Especificidade por Substrato , Clonagem Molecular , Expressão Gênica , Temperatura , Cinética , Estabilidade Enzimática , Peso MolecularRESUMO
Random mutagenesis, such as error-prone PCR (epPCR), is a technique capable of generating a wide variety of a single gene. However, epPCR can produce a large number of mutated gene variants, posing a challenge in ligating these mutated PCR products into plasmid vectors. Typically, the primers for mutagenic PCRs incorporate artificial restriction enzyme sites compatible with chosen plasmids. Products are cleaved and ligated to linearized plasmids, then recircularized by DNA ligase. However, this cut-and-paste method known as ligation-dependent process cloning (LDCP), has limited efficiency, as the loss of potential mutants is inevitable leading to a significant reduction in the library's breadth. An alternative to LDCP is the circular polymerase extension cloning (CPEC) method. This technique involves a reaction where a high-fidelity DNA polymerase extends the overlapping regions between the insert and vector, forming a circular molecule. In this study, our objective was to compare the traditional cut-and-paste enzymatic method with CPEC in producing a variant library from the gene encoding the red fluorescent protein (DsRed2) obtained by epPCR. Our findings suggest that CPEC can accelerate the cloning process in gene library generation, enabling the acquisition of a greater number of gene variants compared to methods reliant on restriction enzymes.
Assuntos
Clonagem Molecular , Biblioteca Gênica , Mutagênese , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Clonagem Molecular/métodos , Vetores Genéticos/genética , DNA Polimerase Dirigida por DNA/metabolismo , DNA Polimerase Dirigida por DNA/genética , Plasmídeos/genéticaRESUMO
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a platyhelminth parasite and the etiological cause of cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic and neglected disease that infects animals and humans worldwide. As a part of the biological arsenal of the parasite, cathepsin L proteases are a group of proteins that are believed to be essential for parasite penetration, immune evasion, and establishment in the tissues of the host. In this work, we have cloned and sequenced a new putative cathepsin L protease from Echinococcus canadensis (EcCLP1). The bioinformatic analysis suggests that EcCLP1 could be synthesized as a zymogen and activated after proteolytic cleavage. The multiple sequence alignment with other cathepsin proteases reveals important functional conserved features like a conserved active site, an N-linked glycosylation residue, a catalytic triad, an oxyanion hole, and three putative disulfide bonds. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that EcCLP1 could indeed be a cathepsin L cysteine protease from clade 1 as it grouped with cathepsins from other species in this clade. Modeling studies suggest that EcCLP1 has two domains forming a cleft where the active site is located and an occluding role for the propeptide. The transcriptomic analysis reveals different levels of cathepsin transcript expression along the different stages of the parasite life cycle. The whole-mount immunohistochemistry shows an interesting superficial punctate pattern of staining which suggests a secretory pattern of expression. The putative cathepsin L protease characterized here may represent an interesting tool for diagnostic purposes, vaccine design, or a new pharmacological target for antiparasitic intervention.
Title: Caractérisation moléculaire d'EcCLP1, une nouvelle protéase putative de type cathepsine L d'Echinococcus canadensis. Abstract: Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato est un Plathelminthe parasite et la cause étiologique de l'échinococcose kystique (EK), une maladie zoonotique et négligée qui infecte les animaux et les humains dans le monde entier. En tant que partie de l'arsenal biologique du parasite, les protéases de type cathepsine L sont un groupe de protéines considérées comme essentielles à la pénétration du parasite, l'évasion immunitaire et son établissement dans les tissus de l'hôte. Dans ce travail, nous avons cloné et séquencé une nouvelle protéase putative de type cathepsine L d'Echinococcus canadensis (EcCLP1). L'analyse bioinformatique suggère qu'EcCLP1 pourrait être synthétisée sous forme de zymogène et activée après clivage protéolytique. L'alignement de séquences multiples avec d'autres protéases de type cathepsine révèle d'importantes caractéristiques fonctionnelles conservées telles qu'un site actif conservé, un résidu de glycosylation lié à N, une triade catalytique, un trou oxyanion et trois liaisons disulfure putatives. L'analyse phylogénétique suggère qu'EcCLP1 pourrait en effet être une protéase de type cathepsine L du clade 1 car elle se regroupe avec les cathepsines d'autres espèces de ce clade. Les études de modélisation suggèrent qu'EcCLP1 possède deux domaines formant une fente où se trouve le site actif et un rôle d'occlusion pour le propeptide. L'analyse transcriptomique révèle différents niveaux d'expression du transcrit de la cathepsine au cours des différentes étapes du cycle de vie du parasite. L'immunohistochimie de montages entiers montre un intéressant motif de coloration ponctuée superficielle qui suggère un modèle d'expression sécrétoire. La protéase putative de type cathepsine L caractérisée ici peut représenter un outil intéressant à des fins de diagnostic, de conception de vaccins ou une nouvelle cible pharmacologique pour une intervention antiparasitaire.
Assuntos
Sequência de Aminoácidos , Catepsina L , Echinococcus , Filogenia , Animais , Catepsina L/genética , Echinococcus/enzimologia , Echinococcus/genética , Echinococcus/classificação , Alinhamento de Sequência , Clonagem Molecular , Proteínas de Helminto/genética , Proteínas de Helminto/química , Estágios do Ciclo de Vida , Equinococose/parasitologia , Domínio Catalítico , Perfilação da Expressão GênicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Esterases (EC 3.1.1.X) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis ester bonds. These enzymes have large potential for diverse applications in fine industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioethanol production. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, a gene encoding an esterase from Thermobifida fusca YX (TfEst) was successfully cloned, and its product was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity chromatography. The TfEst kinetic assay revealed catalytic efficiencies of 0.58 s-1 mM-1, 1.09 s-1 mM-1, and 0.062 s-1 mM-1 against p-Nitrophenyl acetate, p-Nitrophenyl butyrate, and 1-naphthyl acetate substrates, respectively. Furthermore, TfEst also exhibited activity in a pH range from 6.0 to 10.0, with maximum activity at pH 8.0. The enzyme demonstrated a half-life of 20 min at 70 °C. Notably, TfEst displayed acetyl xylan esterase activity as evidenced by the acetylated xylan assay. The structural prediction of TfEst using AlphaFold indicated that has an α/ß-hydrolase fold, which is consistent with other esterases. CONCLUSIONS: The enzyme stability over a broad pH range and its activity at elevated temperatures make it an appealing candidate for industrial processes. Overall, TfEst emerges as a promising enzymatic tool with significant implications for the advancement of biotechnology and biofuels industries.
Assuntos
Acetilesterase , Esterases , Thermobifida , Acetilesterase/metabolismo , Acetilesterase/genética , Acetilesterase/química , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Cinética , Especificidade por Substrato , Thermobifida/enzimologia , Thermobifida/genética , Esterases/metabolismo , Esterases/genética , Esterases/química , Estabilidade Enzimática , Temperatura , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Clonagem Molecular/métodos , Hidrólise , Xilanos/metabolismo , Butiratos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/química , NitrofenóisRESUMO
Only a few halophilic archaea producing carboxylesterases have been reported. The limited research on biocatalytic characteristics of archaeal esterases is primarily due to their very low production in native organisms. A gene encoding carboxylesterase from Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 was cloned and successfully expressed in Haloferax volcanii. The recombinant carboxylesterase (rHsEst) was purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 81%, and its molecular weight was estimated by SDS-PAGE (33 kDa). The best kinetic parameters of rHsEst were achieved using p-nitrophenyl valerate as substrate (KM = 78 µM, kcat = 0.67 s-1). rHsEst exhibited great stability to most metal ions tested and some solvents (diethyl ether, n-hexane, n-heptane). Purified rHsEst was effectively immobilized using Celite 545. Esterase activities of rHsEst were confirmed by substrate specificity studies. The presence of a serine residue in rHsEst active site was revealed through inhibition with PMSF. The pH for optimal activity of free rHsEst was 8, while for immobilized rHsEst, maximal activity was at a pH range between 8 to 10. Immobilization of rHsEst increased its thermostability, halophilicity and protection against inhibitors such as EDTA, BME and PMSF. Remarkably, immobilized rHsEst was stable and active in NaCl concentrations as high as 5M. These biochemical characteristics of immobilized rHsEst reveal its potential as a biocatalyst for industrial applications.
Assuntos
Carboxilesterase , Clonagem Molecular , Halobacterium salinarum , Proteínas Recombinantes , Carboxilesterase/genética , Carboxilesterase/metabolismo , Carboxilesterase/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Especificidade por Substrato , Halobacterium salinarum/enzimologia , Halobacterium salinarum/genética , Enzimas Imobilizadas/metabolismo , Enzimas Imobilizadas/química , Enzimas Imobilizadas/genética , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Cinética , Estabilidade Enzimática , Proteínas Arqueais/genética , Proteínas Arqueais/química , Proteínas Arqueais/metabolismo , TemperaturaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Pediocin PA-1, an antimicrobial peptide derived from Pediococcus acidilactici PAC1.0, has a potential application as a food preservative thanks to its strong inhibitory activity against the foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes. This study aimed to produce Pediocin PA-1 from the yeast P. pastoris and evaluate its characteristics. METHODS: Gene encoding Pediocin PA-1 was integrated into P. pastoris X33 genome to establish the strain X33::ped, which could produce and secrete this peptide into culture medium. The antimicrobial activity of Pediocin PA-1 was examined using agar diffusion assay. The stability of pediocin PA-1 was determined based on its remaining antibacterial activity after exposure to proteases and extreme pH and temperatures. The potential use of this bacteriocin in food preservation was demonstrated using the L. monocytogenes infected pork bologna. The anticancer activity of Pediocin PA-1 was also investigated on some cancer cells using MTT assay. RESULTS: We established the yeast P. pastoris X33::ped capable of producing pediocin PA-1 with antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes and some other harmful bacteria. Pediocin PA-1 was stable at 100ËC and resistant against pH 1-12 for 1 h, but susceptible to trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, and proteinase K. This peptide could reduce the number of L. monocytogenes in pork bologna by 3.59 log CFU/g after 7 days of storage at 4ËC. Finally, Pediocin PA-1 (25 µg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of A549 and Hela cancer cells. CONCLUSION: We succeeded in producing active Pediocin PA-1 from P. pastoris and demonstrated its potential use in food preservation and pharmaceutical industry.
Assuntos
Conservação de Alimentos , Listeria monocytogenes , Pediocinas , Pediocinas/farmacologia , Pediocinas/genética , Animais , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos , Listeria monocytogenes/efeitos dos fármacos , Listeria monocytogenes/genética , Humanos , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Clonagem Molecular , Suínos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Bacteriocinas/farmacologia , Bacteriocinas/genética , Bacteriocinas/metabolismo , Pediococcus acidilactici/genética , Pediococcus acidilactici/metabolismo , Expressão Gênica , Saccharomycetales/genética , Saccharomycetales/metabolismo , Saccharomycetales/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass is achieved by the synergistic action of a group of enzymes called cellulases. Cellulose is a long chain of chemically linked glucoses by ß-1,4 bonds. The enzyme ß-1,4-endoglucanase is the first cellulase involved in the degradation, breaking the bond of the amorphous regions. A ß-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme with high activity was obtained from a Bacillus subtilis strain isolated from wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that the gene amplified by PCR consisting of 1407 nucleotides and coding for a ß-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme of approximately 55 kDa. The open reading frame (ORF) encoding the mature endoglucanase (eglS) was successfully inserted in a modified cloning plasmid (pITD03) and into the pYD1 plasmid used for its expression in yeast. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) plate assay, SDS-PAGE, and zymogram confirmed the production and secretion by the transformed E. coli BL21-SI strain of a 39 kDa ß-1,4-endoglucanase consistent with the catalytic domain without the cellulose-binding module (CBM). The results showed that the truncated ß-1,4-endoglucanase had higher activity and stability.
Assuntos
Bacillus subtilis , Celulase , Papel , Proteínas Recombinantes , Águas Residuárias , Bacillus subtilis/genética , Bacillus subtilis/enzimologia , Bacillus subtilis/isolamento & purificação , Águas Residuárias/microbiologia , Águas Residuárias/química , Celulase/genética , Celulase/química , Celulase/biossíntese , Celulase/isolamento & purificação , Celulase/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/biossíntese , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/química , Proteínas de Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Bactérias/biossíntese , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Clonagem Molecular , Expressão GênicaRESUMO
Coralsnakes (Micrurus spp.) are the only elapids found throughout the Americas. They are recognized for their highly neurotoxic venom, which is comprised of a wide variety of toxins, including the stable, low-mass toxins known as three-finger toxins (3FTx). Due to difficulties in venom extraction and availability, research on coralsnake venoms is still very limited when compared to that of other Elapidae snakes like cobras, kraits, and mambas. In this study, two previously described 3FTx from the venom of M. corallinus, NXH1 (3SOC1_MICCO), and NXH8 (3NO48_MICCO) were characterized. Using in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo experiments, the biological activities of these toxins were predicted and evaluated. The results showed that only NXH8 was capable of binding to skeletal muscle cells and modulating the activity of nAChRs in nerve-diaphragm preparations. These effects were antagonized by anti-rNXH8 or antielapidic sera. Sequence analysis revealed that the NXH1 toxin possesses eight cysteine residues and four disulfide bonds, while the NXH8 toxin has a primary structure similar to that of non-conventional 3FTx, with an additional disulfide bond on the first loop. These findings add more information related to the structural diversity present within the 3FTx class, while expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of the toxicity of this coralsnake venom and opening new perspectives for developing more effective therapeutic interventions.
Assuntos
Clonagem Molecular , Cobras Corais , Venenos Elapídicos , Músculo Esquelético , Receptores Nicotínicos , Animais , Venenos Elapídicos/química , Venenos Elapídicos/toxicidade , Venenos Elapídicos/genética , Receptores Nicotínicos/metabolismo , Receptores Nicotínicos/genética , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/efeitos dos fármacos , Sequência de Aminoácidos , MasculinoRESUMO
One of the obstacles to arboreal plant breeding is the time required between the selection of superior genotypes and their multiplication. This study investigates Psidium (guava) hybrids developed to obtain rootstock or new scions resistant to the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii. The use of half-siblings or hybrid seeds of these genetic materials does not preserve the genetic profile of resistant individuals, making destructive selection methods unfeasible. Propagating juvenile Psidium material by minicutting produces a high rooting percentage, facilitating the cloning of segregating families and reducing the time required to produce replicas. In this study, segregating families for resistance to M. enterolobii were cloned by minicutting, with replicas maintained in clonal minigardens while the mother plants were inoculated and evaluated for nematode reproduction in the root system. The results indicate resistance segregation both among and within families. Early cloning by minicutting demonstrated 100% efficiency, allowing the identification of 30 resistant individuals to occur simultaneously with the first multiplication cycle of these individuals, reducing the time and uncertainty involved in recovering superior materials. The methodology adopted is an effective strategy, allowing advances in guava breeding programs. Additionally, individuals resistant to M. enterolobii were observed in the hybrids P. guajava x P. cattleianum; P. cattleianum x P. guineense and P. guineense x P. cattleianum.(AU)
Um dos entraves ao melhoramento genético de plantas arbóreas é o tempo decorrido entre a seleção dos genótipos superiores e a multiplicação dessas variedades. Este estudo se concentra em híbridos de Psidium, desenvolvidos para obter porta-enxertos ou novos copas resistentes ao nematoide Meloidogyne enterolobii. O uso de meios-irmãos ou sementes de híbridos desses materiais genéticos não permite manter o pefril genético de indivíduos resistentes, tornando os métodos de seleção destrutivos imprevisíveis. A propagação por miniestaquia de material juvenil de Psidium resulta em alta porcentagem de enraizamento, facilitando a clonagem de famílias segregantes e reduzindo o tempo necessário para produzir réplicas. Neste estudo, famílias segregantes para resistência a M. enterolobii foram clonadas usando a miniestaquia, com réplicas mantidas em minijardins clonais enquanto as matrizes originais foram inoculadas e avaliadas para reprodução de nematoides no sistema radicular. Os resultados indicam segregação de resistência tanto entre quanto dentro das famílias. A clonagem precoce por miniestaquia demonstrou 100% de eficiência, permitindo que a identificação de 30 indivíduos resistentes ocorresse de forma simultânea ao primeiro ciclo de multiplicação desses indivíduos, reduzindo o tempo e a incerteza do resgate de materiais superiores. A metodologia, detalhada neste estudo, mostra-se uma estratégia eficaz, permitindo avanços para programas de melhoramento da goiabeira. Além disso, constata-se a presença de indivíduos resistentes a M. enterolobii em híbridos P. guajava x P. cattleianum; P. cattleianum x P. guineense e P. guineense x P. cattleianum.(AU)
Assuntos
Clonagem Molecular/métodos , Myrtus/genética , Infecções por Nematoides/genética , Nematoides/imunologiaRESUMO
The primary structure of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) was resolved 30 years ago by the molecular identification of the cDNA encoding this cotransporter, from the winter's flounder urinary bladder, following a functional expression strategy. This review outlines some aspects of how the knowledge about thiazide diuretics and NCC evolved, the history of the cloning process, and the expansion of the SLC12 family of electroneutral cotransporters. The diseases associated with activation or inactivation of NCC are discussed, as well as the molecular model by which the activity of NCC is regulated. The controversies in the field are discussed as well as recent publication of the three-dimensional model of NCC obtained by cryo-electron microscopy, revealing not only the amino acid residues critical for Na+ and Cl- translocation but also the residues critical for polythiazide binding to the transporter, opening the possibility for a new era in thiazide diuretic therapy.
Assuntos
Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases , Cloreto de Sódio , Membro 3 da Família 12 de Carreador de Soluto/genética , Membro 3 da Família 12 de Carreador de Soluto/metabolismo , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/metabolismo , Cloreto de Sódio/metabolismo , Microscopia Crioeletrônica , Inibidores de Simportadores de Cloreto de Sódio , Clonagem MolecularRESUMO
Mammals are routinely cloned by introducing somatic nuclei into enucleated oocytes. Cloning contributes to propagating desired animals, to germplasm conservation efforts, among other applications. A challenge to more broader use of this technology is the relatively low cloning efficiency, which inversely correlates with donor cell differentiation status. Emerging evidence suggests that adult multipotent stem cells improve cloning efficiency, while the greater potential of embryonic stem cells for cloning remains restricted to the mouse. The derivation of pluripotent or totipotent stem cells from livestock and wild species and their association with modulators of epigenetic marks in donor cells should increase cloning efficiency.
Assuntos
Clonagem de Organismos , Epigênese Genética , Técnicas de Transferência Nuclear , Animais , Camundongos , Clonagem Molecular , Células-Tronco Embrionárias , MamíferosRESUMO
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) into enucleated oocytes initiates nuclear reprogramming of lineage-committed cells to totipotency. Pioneer SCNT work culminated with cloned amphibians from tadpoles, while technical and biology-driven advances led to cloned mammals from adult animals. Cloning technology has been addressing fundamental questions in biology, propagating desired genomes, and contributing to the generation of transgenic animals or patient-specific stem cells. Nonetheless, SCNT remains technically complex and cloning efficiency relatively low. Genome-wide technologies revealed barriers to nuclear reprogramming, such as persistent epigenetic marks of somatic origin and reprogramming resistant regions of the genome. To decipher the rare reprogramming events that are compatible with full-term cloned development, it will likely require technical advances for large-scale production of SCNT embryos alongside extensive profiling by single-cell multi-omics. Altogether, cloning by SCNT remains a versatile technology, while further advances should continuously refresh the excitement of its applications.
Assuntos
Clonagem de Organismos , Técnicas de Transferência Nuclear , Animais , Reprogramação Celular , Mamíferos , Clonagem Molecular , BiologiaRESUMO
The revolution in animal transgenesis began in 1981 and continues to become more efficient, cheaper, and faster to perform. New genome editing technologies, especially CRISPR-Cas9, are leading to a new era of genetically modified or edited organisms. Some researchers advocate this new era as the time of synthetic biology or re-engineering. Nonetheless, we are witnessing advances in high-throughput sequencing, artificial DNA synthesis, and design of artificial genomes at a fast pace. These advances in symbiosis with animal cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) allow the development of improved livestock, animal models of human disease, and heterologous production of bioproducts for medical applications. In the context of genetic engineering, SCNT remains a useful technology to generate animals from genetically modified cells. This chapter addresses these fast-developing technologies driving this biotechnological revolution and their association with animal cloning technology.
Assuntos
Edição de Genes , Engenharia Genética , Animais , Humanos , Animais Geneticamente Modificados , Clonagem de Organismos , Clonagem MolecularRESUMO
Cloning by somatic cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a powerful technology capable of reprograming terminally differentiated cells to totipotency for generating whole animals or pluripotent stem cells for use in cell therapy, drug screening, and other biotechnological applications. However, the broad usage of SCNT remains limited due to its high cost and low efficiency in obtaining live and healthy offspring. In this chapter, we first briefly discuss the epigenetic constraints responsible for the low efficiency of SCNT and current attempts to overcome them. We then describe our bovine SCNT protocol for delivering live cloned calves and addressing basic questions about nuclear reprogramming. Other research groups can benefit from our basic protocol and build up on it to improve SCNT in the future. Strategies to correct or mitigate epigenetic errors (e.g., correcting imprinting loci, overexpression of demethylases, chromatin-modifying drugs) can integrate the protocol described here.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Transferência Nuclear , Células-Tronco Pluripotentes , Bovinos , Animais , Técnicas de Transferência Nuclear/veterinária , Clonagem de Organismos/métodos , Biotecnologia , Clonagem MolecularRESUMO
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an asexual reproductive technique where cloned offspring contain the same genetic material as the original donor. Although this technique preserves the sex of the original animal, the birth of sex-reversed offspring has been reported in some species. Here, we report for the first time the birth of a female foal generated by SCNT of a male nuclear donor. After a single SCNT procedure, 16 blastocysts were obtained and transferred to eight recipient mares, resulting in the birth of two clones: one male and one female. Both animals had identical genetic profiles, as observed in the analysis of 15-horse microsatellite marker panel, which confirmed they are indeed clones of the same animal. Cytogenetic analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization using X and Y specific probes revealed a 63,X chromosome set in the female offspring, suggesting a spontaneous Y chromosome loss. The identity of the lost chromosome in the female was further confirmed through PCR by observing the presence of X-linked markers and absence of Y-linked markers. Moreover, cytogenetic and molecular profiles were analyzed in blood and skin samples to detect a possible mosaicism in the female, but results showed identical chromosomal constitutions. Although the cause of the spontaneous chromosome loss remains unknown, the possibility of equine sex reversal by SCNT holds great potential for the preservation of endangered species, development of novel breeding techniques, and sportive purposes.
Assuntos
Clonagem de Organismos , Técnicas de Transferência Nuclear , Masculino , Animais , Cavalos/genética , Feminino , Hibridização in Situ Fluorescente , Clonagem de Organismos/veterinária , Técnicas de Transferência Nuclear/veterinária , Cromossomo X/genética , Clonagem MolecularRESUMO
In a previous work, the common gonadotrophic hormone α-subunit (ag-GTHα), the ag-FSH ß- and ag-LH ß-subunit cDNAs, were isolated and characterized by our research group from A. gigas pituitaries, while a preliminary synthesis of ag-FSH was also carried out in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. In the present work, the cDNA sequence encoding the ag-growth hormone (ag-GH) has also been isolated from the same giant Arapaimidae Amazonian fish. The ag-GH consists of 208 amino acids with a putative 23 amino acid signal peptide and a 185 amino acid mature peptide. The highest identity, based on the amino acid sequences, was found with the Elopiformes (82.0%), followed by Anguilliformes (79.7%) and Acipenseriformes (74.5%). The identity with the corresponding human GH (hGH) amino acid sequence is remarkable (44.8%), and the two disulfide bonds present in both sequences were perfectly conserved. Three-dimensional (3D) models of ag-GH, in comparison with hGH, were generated using the threading modeling method followed by molecular dynamics. Our simulations suggest that the two proteins have similar structural properties without major conformational changes under the simulated conditions, even though they are separated from each other by a >100 Myr evolutionary period (1 Myr = 1 million years). The sequence found will be used for the biotechnological synthesis of ag-GH while the ag-GH cDNA obtained will be utilized for preliminary Gene Therapy studies.
Assuntos
Hormônio do Crescimento , Hormônio do Crescimento Humano , Animais , Humanos , Hormônio do Crescimento/metabolismo , DNA Complementar/genética , DNA Complementar/metabolismo , Células HEK293 , Sequência de Bases , Clonagem Molecular , Peixes/genética , Peixes/metabolismo , Hormônio do Crescimento Humano/genéticaRESUMO
Chitinases are enzymes that degrade chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of insects, fungi, yeast, and internal structures of other vertebrates. Although chitinases isolated from bacteria, fungi and plants have been reported to have antifungal or insecticide activities, chitinases from insects with these activities have been seldomly reported. In this study, a leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens DNA fragment containing 1623 base pairs was amplified and cloned into a vector to express the protein (AsChtII-C4B1) in Pichia pastoris. AsChtII-C4B1, which contains one catalytic domain and one carbohydrate-binding module (CBM), was secreted to the extracellular medium and purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by nickel column chromatography. AsChtII-C4B1 showed maximum activity at pH 5.0 and 55 °C when tested against colloidal chitin substrate and maintained >60% of its maximal activity in different temperatures during 48 h. AsChtII-C4B1 decreased the survival of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae fed with an artificial diet that contained AsChtII-C4B1. Our results have indicated that AsChtII-C4B1 has a higher effect on larva-pupa than larva-larva molts. AsChtII-C4B1 activity targets more specifically the growth of filamentous fungus than yeast. This work describes, for the first time, the obtaining a recombinant chitinase from ants and the characterization of its insecticidal and antifungal activities.