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Int. J. Mol. Sci., Volume 10, Issue 1 (January 2009) – 22 articles , Pages 1-394

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10 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Strategy for Adapting Wine Yeasts for Bioethanol Production
by Beng Guat Ooi * and Kevin R. Lankford
Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 68, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37132, USA
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 385-394; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010385 - 26 Jan 2009
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 12475
Abstract
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeast strains 71B-1122 and K1-V1116 were used to derive strains that could tolerate and produce higher ethanol yields. Respiratory-deficient mutants resistant to 500 mg/mL lycorine were isolated. Two mutants, 71B-1122 YEBr L3 and K1-V1116 YEBr L4, were shown to [...] Read more.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeast strains 71B-1122 and K1-V1116 were used to derive strains that could tolerate and produce higher ethanol yields. Respiratory-deficient mutants resistant to 500 mg/mL lycorine were isolated. Two mutants, 71B-1122 YEBr L3 and K1-V1116 YEBr L4, were shown to achieve about 10% and 18% improvement in their glucose-to-ethanol conversion efficiency compared to their respective parent strains. The K1-V1116 YEBr L4 in particular can tolerate an ethanol yield of 18.8 ± 0.8% at 3.5 weeks of fermentation and continued to consume most of the sugar until less than 1% glucose was left. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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19 pages, 149 KiB  
Review
The Importance of Brain Banks for Molecular Neuropathological Research: The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre Experience
by Irina Dedova 1,2,*, Antony Harding 2, Donna Sheedy 2, Therese Garrick 2, Nina Sundqvist 1,2, Clare Hunt 2, Juliette Gillies 1,2 and Clive G. Harper 2
1 Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
2 The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, Discipline of Pathology, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 366-384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010366 - 23 Jan 2009
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 15506
Abstract
New developments in molecular neuropathology have evoked increased demands for postmortem human brain tissue. The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre (TRC) at The University of Sydney has grown from a small tissue collection into one of the leading international brain banking facilities, [...] Read more.
New developments in molecular neuropathology have evoked increased demands for postmortem human brain tissue. The New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre (TRC) at The University of Sydney has grown from a small tissue collection into one of the leading international brain banking facilities, which operates with best practice and quality control protocols. The focus of this tissue collection is on schizophrenia and allied disorders, alcohol use disorders and controls. This review highlights changes in TRC operational procedures dictated by modern neuroscience, and provides examples of applications of modern molecular techniques to study the neuropathogenesis of many different brain disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Neuropathology)
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12 pages, 201 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for 2,4-Dinitrophenol
by Nor Dyana Zakaria, Nor Azah Yusof *, Jelas Haron and Abdul Halim Abdullah
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 354-365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010354 - 22 Jan 2009
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 15434
Abstract
Molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) are considered one of the most promising selective and novel separation methods for removal phenolic compound in wastewater treatment. MIP are crosslinked polymeric materials that exhibit high binding capacity and selectivity towards a target molecule (template), purposely present during [...] Read more.
Molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) are considered one of the most promising selective and novel separation methods for removal phenolic compound in wastewater treatment. MIP are crosslinked polymeric materials that exhibit high binding capacity and selectivity towards a target molecule (template), purposely present during the synthesis process. In this work MIP were prepared in a bulk polymerization method in acetonitrile using 2,4-dinitrophenol, acrylamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and benzoyl peroxide as template, functional monomer, cross-linker and initiator, respectively. An adsorption process for removal of nitrophenol using the fabricated MIP was evaluated under various pH and time conditions. The parameters studied for 2,4-dinitrophenol includes adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and selectivity. The maximum adsorption of nitrophenol by the fabricated MIP was 3.50 mg/g. The adsorption of 2,4-dinitrophenol by the fabricated MIP was found effective at pH 6.0. A kinetics study showed that nitrophenol adsorption follows a second order adsorption rate and the adsorption isotherm data is explained well by the Langmuir model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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9 pages, 120 KiB  
Article
Exochelin Production in Mycobacterium neoaurum
by Kok-Gan Chan 1,2
1 Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2 Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 345-353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010345 - 20 Jan 2009
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 12222
Abstract
Mycobacterium neoaurum is a soil saprophyte and obligate aerobic bacterium. This group of mycobacterium is relatively fast-growing. They form colonies on nutrient agar at 37ºC within 3 – 4 days. In natural soil habitats, bioavailability of iron is limited. To facilitate iron uptake, [...] Read more.
Mycobacterium neoaurum is a soil saprophyte and obligate aerobic bacterium. This group of mycobacterium is relatively fast-growing. They form colonies on nutrient agar at 37ºC within 3 – 4 days. In natural soil habitats, bioavailability of iron is limited. To facilitate iron uptake, most mycobacteria produce siderophores. One example is exochelin, which is extracellular and water-soluble. In this report, the production of exochelin in M. neoaurum was induced in iron-deficiency, but repressed under iron-sufficiency growth conditions. It is however not induced under zinc-deficiency growth conditions. The growth of this mycobacterium was correlated with exochelin secretion under iron-deficiency culture conditions. When M. neoaurum was grown in defined medium containing 0.04 μg Fe(III)/mL (final concentration), the production of exochelin reached a maximum and the corresponding cell growth was comparable to that under iron-sufficiency conditions. In this study, exochelin was purified from spent supernatant of M. neoaurum bysemi-preparative chromatography. When saturated ferric chloride solution was added into the purified exochelin, a ferri-exochelin complex was formed. It is proposed that iron uptake in M. neoaurum is exochelin-mediated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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20 pages, 997 KiB  
Review
High Temperature Metal Hydrides as Heat Storage Materials for Solar and Related Applications
by Michael Felderhoff * and Borislav Bogdanović
Max-Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim /Ruhr, Germany
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 325-344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010325 - 15 Jan 2009
Cited by 205 | Viewed by 19939
Abstract
For the continuous production of electricity with solar heat power plants the storage of heat at a temperature level around 400 °C is essential. High temperature metal hydrides offer high heat storage capacities around this temperature. Based on Mg-compounds, these hydrides are in [...] Read more.
For the continuous production of electricity with solar heat power plants the storage of heat at a temperature level around 400 °C is essential. High temperature metal hydrides offer high heat storage capacities around this temperature. Based on Mg-compounds, these hydrides are in principle low-cost materials with excellent cycling stability. Relevant properties of these hydrides and their possible applications as heat storage materials are described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Technology for the 21st Century - Materials and Devices)
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19 pages, 144 KiB  
Review
Potential Mechanisms of Muscle Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging and Obesity and Cellular Consequences
by Emilie Chanséaume 1,2 and Béatrice Morio 1,2,*
1 INRA, UMR1019 Nutrition Humaine, F-63120 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
2 Université Clermont 1, UFR Médecine, UMR1019 Nutrition Humaine, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 306-324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010306 - 13 Jan 2009
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 13274
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in the energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. A new concept has emerged suggesting that impaired mitochondrial oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle may be the underlying defect that causes insulin resistance. According to current knowledge, the causes and the [...] Read more.
Mitochondria play a key role in the energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. A new concept has emerged suggesting that impaired mitochondrial oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle may be the underlying defect that causes insulin resistance. According to current knowledge, the causes and the underlying molecular mechanisms at the origin of decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle still remain to be elucidated. The present review focuses on recent data investigating these issues in the area of metabolic disorders and describes the potential causes, mechanisms and consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular System Bioenergetics)
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14 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Determination of Mineral Content in Methanolic Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seed Extract and Its Effect on Osteoblast Markers
by Young Seok Lee 1,†, Chang Won Choi 1,†, Jae Jin Kim 1, Andy Ganapathi 1,2, Rajangam Udayakumar 1 and Sei Chang Kim 1,*
1 Department of Biology & Medicinal Science, Pai Chai University, Daejeon 302-735, Korea
2 Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli 620024, Tamilnadu, India
† These authors contributed equally to this study
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 292-305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010292 - 12 Jan 2009
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 13510
Abstract
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds are used as a folk medicine to enhance bone formation or to prevent osteoporosis in Korea. Therefore, the methanolic extract of safflower seeds (MESS) containing high mineral content, such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and phosphorous (P), [...] Read more.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds are used as a folk medicine to enhance bone formation or to prevent osteoporosis in Korea. Therefore, the methanolic extract of safflower seeds (MESS) containing high mineral content, such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and phosphorous (P), was evaluated for the role on osteoblast (Ob) markers of Sprague-Dawley rats. In serum of 3 to 11 weeks (wks) old rats, both osteocalcin (OC) content and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) activity increased to their maximum levels in 4-7 wks. Hence, 3 wks old rats were selected for 8 wks oral treatment of MESS, resulted in the significant increase of Ob markers in serum such as OC content (4-8 wks), B-ALP activity (1-2 wks) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) level (1 wk), and the growth parameter such as the length of femur (2-8 wks) and tibia (4 wks). On the basis of Pearson’s correlation coefficient, there were a moderate correlation between OC and B-ALP at 8 wks, a low correlation between OC and IGF-I at 1, 4 and 8 wks, a moderate correlation between OC and femur length at 1, 2 and 8 wks, and a moderate correlations between OC and tibia length at 1 and 8 wks of MESS-treated groups. The result reveals that the changes of OC correlated at low to moderate level with the changes of B-ALP activity, IGF-I content and femur and tibia length in the MESS-treatment period. On the other hand, there were a strong correlation between IGF-I and femur length at 2 wks and moderate correlation between IGF-I and tibia length at 1, 2 and 8 wks of MESS-treated groups. Therefore, the effect of MESS on bone formation likely appears to be mediated by IGF-I at the early stage of treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for the Treatment and Prevention of Metabolic Diseases)
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45 pages, 399 KiB  
Review
The Capabilities of Chaos and Complexity
by David L. Abel
The Gene Emergence Project, The Origin of Life Science Foundation, Inc. 113-120 Hedgewood Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20770-1610 USA
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 247-291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010247 - 9 Jan 2009
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 33516
Abstract
To what degree could chaos and complexity have organized a Peptide or RNA World of crude yet necessarily integrated protometabolism? How far could such protolife evolve in the absence of a heritable linear digital symbol system that could mutate, instruct, regulate, optimize and [...] Read more.
To what degree could chaos and complexity have organized a Peptide or RNA World of crude yet necessarily integrated protometabolism? How far could such protolife evolve in the absence of a heritable linear digital symbol system that could mutate, instruct, regulate, optimize and maintain metabolic homeostasis? To address these questions, chaos, complexity, self-ordered states, and organization must all be carefully defined and distinguished. In addition their cause-and-effect relationships and mechanisms of action must be delineated. Are there any formal (non physical, abstract, conceptual, algorithmic) components to chaos, complexity, self-ordering and organization, or are they entirely physicodynamic (physical, mass/energy interaction alone)? Chaos and complexity can produce some fascinating self-ordered phenomena. But can spontaneous chaos and complexity steer events and processes toward pragmatic benefit, select function over non function, optimize algorithms, integrate circuits, produce computational halting, organize processes into formal systems, control and regulate existing systems toward greater efficiency? The question is pursued of whether there might be some yet-to-be discovered new law of biology that will elucidate the derivation of prescriptive information and control. “System” will be rigorously defined. Can a low-informational rapid succession of Prigogine’s dissipative structures self-order into bona fide organization? Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Origin of Life)
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15 pages, 169 KiB  
Review
Molecular Neuropathology of TDP-43 Proteinopathies
by Manuela Neumann
Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Schmelzbergstr. 12, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 232-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010232 - 9 Jan 2009
Cited by 133 | Viewed by 18632
Abstract
The identification of TDP-43 as the major component of the pathologic inclusions in most forms of sporadic and familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (FTLD-U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) resolved a long-standing enigma concerning the nature of the ubiquitinated disease protein [...] Read more.
The identification of TDP-43 as the major component of the pathologic inclusions in most forms of sporadic and familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions (FTLD-U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) resolved a long-standing enigma concerning the nature of the ubiquitinated disease protein under these conditions. Anti-TDP-43 immunohistochemistry and the recent development of novel tools, such as phosphorylation-specific TDP-43 antibodies, have increased our knowledge about the spectrum of pathological changes associated with FTLD-U and ALS and moreover, facilitated the neuropathological routine diagnosis of these conditions. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding on the molecular neuropathology and pathobiology of TDP-43 in FTLD and ALS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Neuropathology)
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11 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Structural Antitumoral Activity Relationships of Synthetic Chalcones
by Cesar Echeverria 1, Juan Francisco Santibañez 1, Oscar Donoso-Tauda 2, Carlos A. Escobar 2 and Rodrigo Ramirez-Tagle 2,*
1 Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, El Líbano 5524, Macul, Santiago, Chile
2 Universidad Andres Bello, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Av. República 275, Santiago, Chile
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 221-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010221 - 9 Jan 2009
Cited by 129 | Viewed by 17193
Abstract
Relationships between the structural characteristic of synthetic chalcones and their antitumoral activity were studied. Treatment of HepG2 cells for 24 h with synthetic 2’-hydroxychalcones resulted in apoptosis induction and dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. The calculated reactivity indexes and the adiabatic electron affinities [...] Read more.
Relationships between the structural characteristic of synthetic chalcones and their antitumoral activity were studied. Treatment of HepG2 cells for 24 h with synthetic 2’-hydroxychalcones resulted in apoptosis induction and dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. The calculated reactivity indexes and the adiabatic electron affinities using the DFT method including solvent effects, suggest a structure-activity relationship between the Chalcones structure and the apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The absence of methoxy substituents in the B ring of synthetic 2’-hydroxychalcones, showed the mayor structure-activity pattern along the series. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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8 pages, 206 KiB  
Article
Extrudate versus Powder Silica Alumina as Support for Re2O7 Catalyst in the Metathesis of Seed Oil-Derivatives – A Comparison
by Bassie B. Marvey
Department of Chemistry, North-West University P/Bag X2046 Mafikeng, South Africa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 213-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010213 - 8 Jan 2009
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9769
Abstract
Self- and cross-metathesis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was investigated using a silica alumina supported Re2O7 catalyst. Although a 3 wt% Re2O7/SiO2-Al2O3/SnBu4 is already active for the metathesis [...] Read more.
Self- and cross-metathesis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was investigated using a silica alumina supported Re2O7 catalyst. Although a 3 wt% Re2O7/SiO2-Al2O3/SnBu4 is already active for the metathesis of unsaturated FAMEs, the results have shown that particle size of silica alumina support has a profound influence on its activity and selectivity. Consequently, high substrate conversions coupled with improved product yields (for mono- and diesters) and reaction rates were obtained upon using powder, as opposed to extrudate silica alumina as the support material. Diesters are platform compounds for the synthesis of polymers and fragrances. In this paper a comparative outline of the influence of particle size of silica alumina (extrudate versus powder) on catalytic performance of a 3 wt% Re2O7/SiO2-Al2O3/SnBu4 for self- and cross-metathesis of FAMEs is made. Low surface area and diffusion constraints associated with extrudates were identified as some of the factors leading to low catalytic activity and selectivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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29 pages, 624 KiB  
Review
Molecular Neuropathology of Gliomas
by Markus J. Riemenschneider * and Guido Reifenberger
Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 184-212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010184 - 7 Jan 2009
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 16849
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary human brain tumors. They comprise a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant neoplasms that are histologically classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the nervous system. Over the past 20 years the [...] Read more.
Gliomas are the most common primary human brain tumors. They comprise a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant neoplasms that are histologically classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the nervous system. Over the past 20 years the cytogenetic and molecular genetic alterations associated with glioma formation and progression have been intensely studied and genetic profiles as additional aids to the definition of brain tumors have been incorporated in the WHO classification. In fact, first steps have been undertaken in supplementing classical histopathological diagnosis by the use of molecular tests, such as MGMT promoter hypermethylation in glioblastomas or detection of losses of chromosome arms 1p and 19q in oligodendroglial tumors. The tremendous progress that has been made in the use of array-based profiling techniques will likely contribute to a further molecular refinement of glioma classification and lead to the identification of glioma core pathways that can be specifically targeted by more individualized glioma therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Neuropathology)
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10 pages, 132 KiB  
Article
Determination of Aflatoxins in Peanut Products in the Northeast Region of São Paulo, Brazil
by Carlos A. F. Oliveira 1,*, Natália B. Gonçalves 1, Roice E. Rosim 1 and Andrezza M. Fernandes 2
1 Department of Food Engineering, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
2 Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 174-183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010174 - 6 Jan 2009
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 15935
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine aflatoxin levels in peanut products traded in the Northeast region of São Paulo, Brazil. To this end, 240 samples of peanut products traded in the cities of Araras, Leme, Pirassununga and Porto Ferreira were [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to determine aflatoxin levels in peanut products traded in the Northeast region of São Paulo, Brazil. To this end, 240 samples of peanut products traded in the cities of Araras, Leme, Pirassununga and Porto Ferreira were collected from June 2006 to May 2007. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxins (AF) B1, B2, G1 and G2 by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed 44.2% samples positive for AF at levels of 0.5 to 103.8 mg·kg-1. Nine of the positive samples (3.7% of the analysed samples) had total aflatoxin concentrations (B1+B2+G1+G2) higher than the limit established by Brazilian regulations (20 mg·kg-1). Based on the above data, the probable mean daily intake (PDIM) of aflatoxins from peanut products in the Northeast region of São Paulo was estimated to be 0.23 ng kg b.w. day-1. Although this PDIM value was relatively low, results indicate that aflatoxin contamination of peanut products may be a public health concern in Brazil, when considering the potential exposure of highly susceptible consumers. For example, it should be emphasized that children are potentially exposed to aflatoxins, since they consume large quantities of peanut candies, and these products had the highest number of samples positive for AFB1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Mechanisms of Toxicological Activity - Treatment and Prevention)
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27 pages, 128 KiB  
Review
Trichothecenes in Cereal Grains
by Nora A. Foroud 1,2 and François Eudes 1,*
1 Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1J 4B1
2 Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, #301 - 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z4
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 147-173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010147 - 6 Jan 2009
Cited by 214 | Viewed by 20079
Abstract
Trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid mycotoxins associated with fusarium head blight (FHB) of cereals, with worldwide economic and health impacts. While various management strategies have been proposed to reduce the mycotoxin risk, breeding towards FHB-resistance appears to be the most effective means to manage the [...] Read more.
Trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid mycotoxins associated with fusarium head blight (FHB) of cereals, with worldwide economic and health impacts. While various management strategies have been proposed to reduce the mycotoxin risk, breeding towards FHB-resistance appears to be the most effective means to manage the disease, and reduce trichothecene contamination of cereal-based food products. This review provides a brief summary of the trichothecene synthesis in Fusarium species, their toxicity in plants and humans, followed by the current methods of screening and breeding for resistance to FHB and trichothecene accumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Mechanisms of Toxicological Activity - Treatment and Prevention)
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14 pages, 2397 KiB  
Article
Compensatory Growth Induced in Zebrafish Larvae after Pre-Exposure to a Microcystis aeruginosa Natural Bloom Extract Containing Microcystins
by Issam El Ghazali 1, Sanaa Saqrane 1, Antonio Paulo Carvalho 2,3, Youness Ouahid 4, Brahim Oudra 1, Francisca Fernandez Del Campo 4 and Vitor Vasconcelos 1,*
1 Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Microorganisms, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia Marrakech, University Cadi Ayyad, P.O. Box 2390, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
2 Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, CIIMAR/CIMAR-LA, Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto 4050-123, Portugal
3 Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
4 Departamento de Biologia, Laboratorio de Fisiologia Vegetal, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 133-146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010133 - 5 Jan 2009
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 17611
Abstract
Early life stage tests with zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to detect toxic effects of compounds from a Microcystis aeruginosa natural bloom extracton their embryolarval development. We carried out the exposure of developing stages of fish to complex cyanobacterial blooms containing [...] Read more.
Early life stage tests with zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to detect toxic effects of compounds from a Microcystis aeruginosa natural bloom extracton their embryolarval development. We carried out the exposure of developing stages of fish to complex cyanobacterial blooms containing hepatotoxic molecules - microcystins. Fish embryo tests performed with the bloom extract containing 3 mg·L-1 Eq microcystin-LR showed that after 24 h of exposure all fish embryos died. The same tests performed with other diluted extracts (containing 0.3, 0.1 and 0.03 mg·L-1 Eq microcystin-LR) were shown to have an influence on zebrafish development and a large number of embryos showed malformation signs (edema, bent and curving tail). After hatching the larvae were transferred to a medium without toxins to follow the larval development under the new conditions. The specific growth of the pre-exposed larvae was significantly more important than that of the control larvae. This may represent a compensatory growth used to reduce the difference in size with the control fish noted after hatching. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Stress)
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17 pages, 732 KiB  
Article
Function Annotation of an SBP-box Gene in Arabidopsis Based on Analysis of Co-expression Networks and Promoters
by Yi Wang 1, Zongli Hu 1, Yuxin Yang 1, Xuqing Chen 1,2 and Guoping Chen 1,*
1 College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
2 Beijing Research Center of Agro-Biotechnology, Beijing 100089, P.R.China
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 116-132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010116 - 2 Jan 2009
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 16324
Abstract
The SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN–LIKE (SPL) gene family is an SBP-box transcription family in Arabidopsis. While several physiological responses to SPL genes have been reported, their biological role remains elusive. Here, we use a combined analysis of expression correlation, the interactome, and [...] Read more.
The SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN–LIKE (SPL) gene family is an SBP-box transcription family in Arabidopsis. While several physiological responses to SPL genes have been reported, their biological role remains elusive. Here, we use a combined analysis of expression correlation, the interactome, and promoter content to infer the biological role of the SPL genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis of the SPL-correlated gene network reveals multiple functions for SPL genes. Network analysis shows that SPL genes function by controlling other transcription factor families and have relatives with membrane protein transport activity. The interactome analysis of the correlation genes suggests that SPL genes also take part in metabolism of glucose, inorganic salts, and ATP production. Furthermore, the promoters of the correlated genes contain a core binding cis-element (GTAC). All of these analyses suggest that SPL genes have varied functions in Arabidopsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithms and Molecular Sciences)
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54 pages, 350 KiB  
Review
An Overview of Conventional and Emerging Analytical Methods for the Determination of Mycotoxins
by Irena Kralj Cigić and Helena Prosen *
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Aškerčeva 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 62-115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010062 - 2 Jan 2009
Cited by 184 | Viewed by 22133
Abstract
Mycotoxins are a group of compounds produced by various fungi and excreted into the matrices on which they grow, often food intended for human consumption or animal feed. The high toxicity and carcinogenicity of these compounds and their ability to cause various pathological [...] Read more.
Mycotoxins are a group of compounds produced by various fungi and excreted into the matrices on which they grow, often food intended for human consumption or animal feed. The high toxicity and carcinogenicity of these compounds and their ability to cause various pathological conditions has led to widespread screening of foods and feeds potentially polluted with them. Maximum permissible levels in different matrices have also been established for some toxins. As these are quite low, analytical methods for determination of mycotoxins have to be both sensitive and specific. In addition, an appropriate sample preparation and pre-concentration method is needed to isolate analytes from rather complicated samples. In this article, an overview of methods for analysis and sample preparation published in the last ten years is given for the most often encountered mycotoxins in different samples, mainly in food. Special emphasis is on liquid chromatography with fluorescence and mass spectrometric detection, while in the field of sample preparation various solid-phase extraction approaches are discussed. However, an overview of other analytical and sample preparation methods less often used is also given. Finally, different matrices where mycotoxins have to be determined are discussed with the emphasis on their specific characteristics important for the analysis (human food and beverages, animal feed, biological samples, environmental samples). Various issues important for accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses are critically discussed: sampling and choice of representative sample, sample preparation and possible bias associated with it, specificity of the analytical method and critical evaluation of results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Mechanisms of Toxicological Activity - Treatment and Prevention)
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12 pages, 82 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Sphingolipids in Wistar Rats Treated to Prolonged and Single Oral Doses of Fumonisin B1
by Glória M. Direito 1, Adriana P. Almeida 2, Simone Aquino 3, Tatiana Alves dos Reis 4, Claudia Rodrigues Pozzi 5 and Benedito Corrêa 4,*
1 Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, CEP 23890.000, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
2 Departamento de Bromatologia e Química do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, CEP. 01246-902, São Paulo, Brasil
3 Instituto de Pesquisa Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN / CNEN - SP), CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
4 Departamento de Microbiologia do Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade de São Paulo, CEP: 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
5 Instituto de Zootecnia, Nova Odessa, 13460-000, SP, Brasil
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 50-61; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010050 - 27 Dec 2008
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 12108
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate sphingolipid levels (sphingosine-So and sphinganine-Sa) and to compare the Sa/So ratio in liver, serum and urine of Wistar rats after prolonged administration (21 days) of fumonisin B1 (FB1). In parallel, the [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate sphingolipid levels (sphingosine-So and sphinganine-Sa) and to compare the Sa/So ratio in liver, serum and urine of Wistar rats after prolonged administration (21 days) of fumonisin B1 (FB1). In parallel, the kinetics of sphingolipid elimination in urine was studied in animals receiving a single dose of FB1. Prolonged exposure to FB1 caused an increase in Sa levels in urine, serum and liver. The most marked effect on sphingolipid biosynthesis was observed in animals treated with the highest dose of FB1. Animals receiving a single dose of FB1 presented variations in Sa and So levels and in the Sa/So ratio. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
13 pages, 333 KiB  
Article
Developmental Toxicity of Ochratoxin A in Rat Embryo Midbrain Micromass Cultures
by Iwona Wilk–Zasadna and Maria Minta *
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 37-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010037 - 27 Dec 2008
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 11338
Abstract
Embryonic midbrain micromass cultures were exposed for five days to ochratoxin A (OTA) at seven concentrations (ranging from 0.16 to 10 μg/mL). Cell viability was assessed in neutral red uptake test (NRU), and differentiation - by immunoenzymatic determination of structural proteins (βIII [...] Read more.
Embryonic midbrain micromass cultures were exposed for five days to ochratoxin A (OTA) at seven concentrations (ranging from 0.16 to 10 μg/mL). Cell viability was assessed in neutral red uptake test (NRU), and differentiation - by immunoenzymatic determination of structural proteins (βIII-tubulin, MAP2, GFAP) expression level as well as by computer image analysis. Dose dependent decrease in cell number and differentiation was observed. Concentration-response curves were analysed and the mean inhibition concentrations (μg/mL) for cytotoxicity (IC50) and differentiation (ID50) were calculated. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity of neurons in early and late stage of differentiation and astrocytes to the toxic activity of this compound. For all endpoints ID50 value was very low (< 10 μg/mL) so OTA was classified as a strong teratogen. IC50/ ID50 ratios <2 pointed out that with harmful action of OTA the basic cytotoxicity should be connected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Mechanisms of Toxicological Activity - Treatment and Prevention)
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9 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Over-expression, Rapid Preparation and Some Properties of C-terminal BARc Region in PICK1
by Hong Xiao 1, 2,*,#, Yawei Shi 2,#, Jingming Yuan 2,*, Yuming Huang 2 and Junhua Wang 3
1 Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, P.R. China
2 Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, P.R. China
3 Jiangsu Kingsley Group Co., Nanjing 210000, P.R. China
# These authors contributed equally to this work.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 28-36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010028 - 27 Dec 2008
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 13197
Abstract
A DNA fragment encoding C-terminal BARc region (amino acids 128-416) of rat PICK1 (NP_445912 ) was inserted into a modified vector pMAL-s involving human rhinovirus 3C protease cleavage site to produce a recombinant plasmid, pMAL-s-barc. The construct can express the fusion [...] Read more.
A DNA fragment encoding C-terminal BARc region (amino acids 128-416) of rat PICK1 (NP_445912 ) was inserted into a modified vector pMAL-s involving human rhinovirus 3C protease cleavage site to produce a recombinant plasmid, pMAL-s-barc. The construct can express the fusion protein, MBP-BARc in the soluble form in E.coli. To remove the MBP tag, MBP-BARc purified from amylose beads was digested with human rhinovirus 3C protease and the cleavage efficiency is about 95% when the ratio of protein / enzyme (w/w) reaches 50:1, as analyzed on SDS-PAGE. The enzymatic reaction mixture was rapidly separated into two parts, MBP in the supernatant and BARc in the precipitate at the concentration of 1 M ammonium sulfate. In such case, the target protein BARc could be economically produced in a soluble state to be as the sample for measuring its biochemical function, for example, protein-protein interaction and protein-lipid combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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10 pages, 120 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization of Novel Microsatellite Markers for Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
by Aibin Zhan 1, Yao Wang 2, Bonnie Brown 3 and Han-Ping Wang 1,*
1 Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Ohio State University Aquaculture Research and Development Integration Program, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio 45661, USA
2 Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio State University, 140 West 19th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
3 Ecological Genetics Laboratory, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284, USA
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 18-27; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010018 - 27 Dec 2008
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 9610
Abstract
To perform whole genome scanning for complex trait analysis, we isolated and characterized a total of 21 novel genomic-SSRs and EST-SSRs for yellow perch (Perca flavescens), using the methods of construction of SSR-enrichment libraries and EST database mining of a related [...] Read more.
To perform whole genome scanning for complex trait analysis, we isolated and characterized a total of 21 novel genomic-SSRs and EST-SSRs for yellow perch (Perca flavescens), using the methods of construction of SSR-enrichment libraries and EST database mining of a related species P. fluviatilis. Of 16 genomic-SSR primer pairs examined, eight successfully amplified scorable products. The number of alleles at these informative loci varied from 3 - 14 with an average of 8.5 alleles per locus. When tested on wild perch from a population in Pennsylvania, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.07 - 0.81 and from 0.37 - 0.95, respectively. Of 2,226 EST sequences examined, only 110 (4.93%) contained microsatellites and for those, 13 markers were tested, 12 of which exhibited polymorphism. Compared with genomic-SSRs, EST-SSRs exhibited a lower level of genetic variability with the number of alleles of averaging only 2.6 alleles per locus. Cross-species utility indicated that three of the genomic-SSRs and eight of the EST-SSRs successfully cross-amplified in a related species, the walleye (Sander vitreus). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
17 pages, 195 KiB  
Article
Impact of Deoxynivalenol on the Intestinal Microflora of Pigs
by Yann J. Waché 1,2, Charlotte Valat 1,*, Gilbert Postollec 1, Stephanie Bougeard 1, Christine Burel 1, Isabelle P. Oswald 2 and Philippe Fravalo 1
1 French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA) – Zoopôle des côtes d’Armor, BP53, 22440 Ploufragan – France
2 French Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) – UR 66- Unité de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, 180 chemin de Tournefeuille, 31027 Toulouse cedex 3 – France
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(1), 1-17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10010001 - 27 Dec 2008
Cited by 104 | Viewed by 14300
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by some Fusarium species, is a frequent contaminant of cereal. In the present study, 24 weanling piglets received either control feed or feed naturally contaminated with DON (2.8 mg/kg) for four weeks. Consumption of contaminated feed significantly reduced [...] Read more.
Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by some Fusarium species, is a frequent contaminant of cereal. In the present study, 24 weanling piglets received either control feed or feed naturally contaminated with DON (2.8 mg/kg) for four weeks. Consumption of contaminated feed significantly reduced the animal weight gain during the first week of the experiment, but had a moderate effect on cultivable bacteria in the pig intestine. By contrast, changes in the intestinal microflora were observed by Capillary Electrophoresis Single-Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (CE-SSCP) in DON-exposed animals, suggesting an impact of this toxin on the dynamics of intestinal bacteria communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins: Mechanisms of Toxicological Activity - Treatment and Prevention)
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