bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanomedicine based approaches for the delivery of siRNA in cancer
Authors: Ozpolat B. , Sood A. K. , Lopez‐Berestein G. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract.Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology holds great promise as a therapeutic intervention for targeted gene silencing in cancer and other diseases. However, in vivo systemic delivery of siRNA‐based therapeutics to tumour tissues/cells remains a challenge. The major limitations against the use of siRNA as a therapeutic tool are its degradation by serum nucleases, poor cellular uptake and rapid renal clearance following systemic administration. Several siRNA‐based loco‐regional therapeutics are already in clinical trials. Further development of siRNAs for anti‐cancer therapy depends on the development of safe and effective nanocarriers for systemic administration. To overcome these hurdles, nuclease‐resistant chemically modified siRNAs and variety of synthetic and natural biodegradable lipids and polymers have been developed to systemically deliver siRNA with different efficacy and safety profiles. Cationic liposomes have emerged as one of the most attractive carriers because of their ability to form complexes with negatively charged siRNA and high in vitro transfection efficiency. However, their effectiveness as potential therapeutic carriers is limited by potential for pulmonary toxicity. Recently, our laboratories described the use of neutral 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine based nanoliposomes in murine tumour models. We found this approach to be safe and 10‐ and 30‐fold more effective than cationic liposomes and naked siRNA, respectively, for systemic delivery of siRNA into tumour tissues. Here, we review potential approaches for systemic delivery of siRNA for cancer therapy.
Spatiotemporal mating pattern variation in a wind‐pollinated Mediterranean shrub
Authors: ALBALADEJO RAFAEL G. , GONZÁLEZ‐MARTÍNEZ SANTIAGO C. , HEUERTZ MYRIAM , VENDRAMIN GIOVANNI G. , APARICIO ABELARDO 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSpatiotemporal variation in mating patterns is poorly known in wind‐pollinated plant species. Here, we analysed mating patterns of the wind‐pollinated dioecious shrub Pistacia lentiscus by genotyping 904 seeds from 30 mother plants with eight microsatellite markers in a high‐density population in two consecutive flowering seasons. We found significant differences in some mating system estimates between years, particularly in the levels of correlated paternity. Overall, within‐mothers correlated paternity was higher in 2007 than in 2006 (rpWM = 0.085 and 0.030), which translated into an effective number of fathers (Nep) of 11.8 and 33.6 respectively. Using a smoothing interpolation technique, we show that the effective pollen cloud was spatially structured in patches of high‐ and low‐genetic diversity, which do not remain constant from year to year. In 2006, the among‐mothers correlated paternity (rpAM) showed no trend with distance, suggesting no restriction of pollen dispersal. However, in 2007, rpAM was greater than zero at short distances, revealing the existence of small‐scale patterns of pollen dispersal. The fact that the studied seasons were climatically homogeneous during the flowering time suggested that the observed differences might be ascribed to between‐year phenological variation of individuals in the studied population or other (unknown) factors. Numerical simulations, based on the real data set, indicated that the clumping of males and decreasing plant density, which is related to different types of pollen limitation, greatly increase correlated mating in this wind‐pollinated species, which is of relevance under the frame of the continuous anthropogenic habitat disturbance suffered by Mediterranean ecosystems.
A rapid and non‐destructive screenable marker, FAST, for identifying transformed seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shimada Takashi L. , Shimada Tomoo , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe creation of transgenic plants has contributed extensively to the advancement of plant science. Establishing homozygous transgenic lines is time‐consuming and laborious, and using antibiotics or herbicides to select transformed plants may adversely affect the growth of some transgenic plants. Here we describe a novel technology, which we have named FAST (fluorescence‐accumulating seed technology), that overcomes these difficulties. Although this technology was designed for use in Arabidopsis thaliana, it may be adapted for use in other plants. The technology is based on the expression of a fluorescent co‐dominant screenable marker FAST, under the control of a seed‐specific promoter, on the oil body membrane. The FAST marker harbors a fusion gene encoding either GFP or RFP with an oil body membrane protein that is prominent in seeds. The marker protein was only expressed in a specific organ (i.e. in dry seeds) and at a specific time (i.e. during dormancy), which are desirable features of selectable and/or screenable markers. This technique provides an immediate and non‐destructive method for identifying transformed dry seeds. It identified the heterozygous transformed seeds among the T1 population and the homozygous seeds among the T2 population with a false‐discovery rate of <1%. The FAST marker reduces the length of time required to produce homozygous transgenic lines from 7.5 to 4 months. Furthermore, it does not require sterilization, clean‐bench protocols or the handling of large numbers of plants. This technology should greatly facilitate the generation of transgenic Arabidopsis plants.
Identification of protein factors and U3 snoRNAs from a Brassica oleracea RNP complex involved in the processing of pre‐rRNA
Authors: Samaha Hala , Delorme Valérie , Pontvianne Frederic , Cooke Richard , Delalande Francois , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Echeverria Manuel , Sáez‐Vásquez Julio 
Published: November 2009

SummaryWe report on the structural characterization of a functional U3 snoRNA ribonucleoprotein complex isolated from Brassica oleracea. The BoU3 snoRNP complex (formerly NF D) binds ribosomal DNA (rDNA), specifically cleaves pre‐rRNA at the primary cleavage site in vitro and probably links transcription to early pre‐rRNA processing in vivo. Using a proteomic approach we have identified 62 proteins in the purified BoU3 snoRNP fraction, including small RNA associated proteins (Fibrillarin, NOP5/Nop58p, Diskerin/Cbf5p, SUS2/PRP8 and CLO/GFA1/sn114p) and 40S ribosomal associated proteins (22 RPS and four ARCA‐like proteins). Another major protein group is composed of chaperones/chaperonins (HSP81/TCP‐1) and at least one proteasome subunit (RPN1a). Remarkably, RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (TSN) proteins, which have RNA‐ and/or DNA‐associated activities, were also revealed in the complex. Furthermore, three U3 snoRNA variants were identified in the BoU3 snoRNP fraction, notably an evolutionarily conserved and variable stem loop structure located just downstream from the C‐box domain of the U3 sequence structures. We conclude that the BoU3 snoRNP complex is mainly required for 40S pre‐ribosome synthesis. It is also expected that U3 snoRNA variants and interacting proteins might play a major role in BoU3 snoRNP complex assembly and/or function. This study provides a basis for further investigation of these novel ribonucleoprotein factors and their role in plant ribosome biogenesis.
Microtubules are an intracellular target of the plant terpene citral
Authors: Chaimovitsh David , Abu‐Abied Mohamad , Belausov Eduard , Rubin Baruch , Dudai Nativ , Sadot Einat 
Published: November 2009

SummaryCitral is a component of plant essential oils that possesses several biological activities. It has known medicinal traits, and is used as a food additive and in cosmetics. Citral has been suggested to have potential in weed management, but its precise mode of action at the cellular level is unknown. Here we investigated the immediate response of plant cells to citral at micromolar concentrations. It was found that microtubules of Arabidopsis seedlings were disrupted within minutes after exposure to citral in the gaseous phase, whereas actin filaments remained intact. The effect of citral on plant microtubules was both time‐ and dose‐dependent, and recovery only occurred many hours after a short exposure of several minutes to citral. Citral was also able to disrupt animal microtubules, albeit less efficiently. In addition, polymerization of microtubules in vitro was inhibited in the presence of citral. Taken together, our results suggest that citral is a potent, volatile, anti‐microtubule compound.
TOMATO AGAMOUS‐LIKE 1 is a component of the fruit ripening regulatory network
Authors: Itkin Maxim , Seybold Heike , Breitel Dario , Rogachev Ilana , Meir Sagit , Aharoni Asaph 
Published: November 2009

SummaryAfter fertilization, the expanding carpel of fleshy fruit goes through a phase change to ripening. Although the role of ethylene signalling in mediating climacteric ripening has been established, knowledge regarding the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and its association with fruit developmental programs is still lacking. A functional screen of tomato transcription factors showed that silencing of the TOMATO AGAMOUS‐LIKE 1 (TAGL1) MADS box gene results in altered fruit pigmentation. Over‐expressing TAGL1 as a chimeric repressor suggested a role in controlling ripening, as transgenic tomato fruit showed reduced carotenoid and ethylene levels, suppressed chlorophyll breakdown, and down‐regulation of ripening‐associated genes. Moreover, fruits over‐expressing TAGL1 accumulated more lycopene, and their sepals were swollen, accumulated high levels of the yellow flavonoid naringenin chalcone and contained lycopene. Transient promoter‐binding assays indicated that part of the TAGL1 activity in ripening is executed through direct activation of ACS2, an ethylene biosynthesis gene that has recently been reported to be a target of the RIN MADS box factor. Examination of the TAGL1 transcript and its over‐expression in the rin mutant background suggested that RIN does not regulate TAGL1 or vice versa. The results also indicated RIN‐dependent and ‐independent processes that are regulated by TAGL1. We also noted that fruit of TAGL1 loss‐of‐function lines had a thin pericarp layer, indicating an additional role for TAGL1 in carpel expansion prior to ripening. The results add a new component to the current model of the regulatory network that controls fleshy fruit ripening and its association with the ethylene biosynthesis pathway.
The flowering of Arabidopsis flower development
Authors: Irish Vivian F. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryFlowers come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Despite this variety, flowers have a very stereotypical architecture, consisting of a series of sterile organs surrounding the reproductive structures. Arabidopsis, as the premier model system for molecular and genetic analyses of plant development, has provided a wealth of insights into how this architecture is specified. With the advent of the completion of the Arabidopsis genome sequence a decade ago, in combination with a rich variety of forward and reverse genetic strategies, many of the genes and regulatory pathways controlling flower initiation, patterning, growth and differentiation have been characterized. A central theme that has emerged from these studies is the complexity and abundance of both positive and negative feedback loops that operate to regulate different aspects of flower formation. Presumably, this considerable degree of feedback regulation serves to promote a robust and stable transition to flowering, even in the face of genetic or environmental perturbations. This review will summarize recent advances in defining the genes, the regulatory pathways, and their interactions, that underpin how the Arabidopsis flower is formed.
Hypersensitivity and oral tolerance in the absence of a secretory immune system
Authors: Karlsson M. R. , Johansen F.‐E. , Kahu H. , Macpherson A. , Brandtzaeg P. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Karlsson M‐R, Johansen F‐E, Kahu H, Macpherson A, Brandtzaeg P. Hypersensitivity and oral tolerance in the absence of a secretory immune system. Allergy 2010; 65: 561–570.AbstractBackground:  Mucosal immunity protects the epithelial barrier by immune exclusion of foreign antigens and by anti‐inflammatory tolerance mechanisms, but there is a continuing debate about the role of secretory immunoglobulins (SIgs), particularly SIgA, in the protection against allergy and other inflammatory diseases. Lack of secretory antibodies may cause immune dysfunction and affect mucosally induced (oral) tolerance against food antigens.Methods:  We used polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) knockout (KO) mice, which cannot export SIgA or SIgM, to study oral tolerance induction by ovalbumin (OVA) feeding and for parenteral antigen sensitization in the same animal.Results:  Remarkable systemic hyperreactivity was observed in pIgR KO mice, as 50% died after intradermal OVA challenge, which was not seen in similarly sensitized and challenged wild‐type (WT) mice. Oral tolerance induced by OVA completely protected the sensitized pIgR KO mice against anaphylaxis and suppressed antibody levels (particularly IgG1) as well as delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) to OVA. Delayed‐type hypersensitivity to a bystander antigen, human serum albumin, was also suppressed and T‐cell proliferation against OVA in vitro was reduced in tolerized compared with non‐tolerized pIgR KO mice. This effect was largely mediated by CD25+ T cells. Adoptive transfer of splenic putative regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+) obtained from OVA‐fed pIgR KO mice to naïve WT mice mediated suppression of DTH against OVA after sensitization of the recipients.Conclusion:  Compensatory regulatory T‐cell function becomes critical in pIgR‐deficient mice to avoid the potentially catastrophic effects of systemic immune hyperreactivity, presumably resulting from defective secretory antibody‐mediated immune exclusion of microbial components.
Evaluation of ash pollen sensitization pattern using proteomic approach with individual sera from allergic patients
Authors: Poncet P. , Senechal H. , Clement G. , Purohit A. , Sutra J.‐P. , Desvaux F.‐X. , Wal J.‐M. , Pauli G. , Peltre G. , Gougeon M.‐L. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Poncet P, Senechal H, Clement G, Purohit A, Sutra J‐P, Desvaux F‐X, Wal J‐M, Pauli G, Peltre G, Gougeon M‐L. Evaluation of ash pollen sensitization pattern using proteomic approach with individual sera from allergic patients. Allergy 2010; 65: 571–580.AbstractBackground:  In Europe, sensitization to ash pollen induces pollinosis with cross‐reactivities with other pollen sources. The aim of the study was to identify the repertoire of ash pollen allergens and evaluate the extent of the diversity of the IgE response in ash allergic patients.Methods:  The IgE reactivities of 114 ash pollen‐ and eight grass pollen‐sensitized patients were screened by 1D immunoblot (SDS–PAGE) against ash pollen extract. The IgE reactivities of 13 ash pollen‐ and two grass pollen‐sensitized patients were then evaluated in 2D immunoblots. Some IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐reactive proteins were identified by mass spectrometry.Results:  In 1D analysis, 86% of sera showed binding to Fra e 1 (18–20 kDa), 23% to Fra e 2 (14 kDa), 3% to Fra e 3 (10 kDa) and 57% to High Molecular Weight allergens (HMW, >30 kDa). Individual analysis of 2D immunoblots showed several IgE‐binding protein areas among which three were more often recognized: (i) Fra e 1 comprising, at least, 15 isoforms, (ii) a series of acidic spots (45 kDa), and (iii) Fra e 2, the ash profilin. HMW allergens could be resolved in four areas; two unidentified, one homologous to β‐galactosidase and the other to sugar transport proteins. A malate deshydrogenase and calmodulin were shown to be IgE‐binding proteins and 10 non‐IgE reactive proteins were identified.Conclusions:  No direct correlation was evidenced between IgE profile and the degree of sensitization even though 2 spectrotypes could be distinguished. Our data contribute to a better delineation of ash pollen allergens and patterns of sensitization.
Female nutritional status determines the magnitude and sign of responses to a male ejaculate signal in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: FRICKE C. , BRETMAN A. , CHAPMAN T. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEjaculate chemicals transferred from males to females during mating cause significant changes in female behaviour and physiology, but the causes of phenotypic variation in these responses is little understood. We tested here the effect of adult female nutrition on the response of female Drosophila melanogaster to a specific ejaculate component, the sex peptide (SP), which is of interest because of its effects on female egg laying, sexual receptivity, feeding rate, immune responses and potential role in mediating sexual conflict. We exposed adult females to five different diets and kept them continuously with males that did or did not transfer SP. Diet altered the presence, magnitude and sign of the effects of SP on different phenotypic traits (egg laying, receptivity and lifespan) and different traits responded in different ways. This showed that the set of responses to mating can be uncoupled and can vary independently in different environments. Importantly, diet also significantly affected whether exposure to SP transferring males was beneficial or costly to females, with beneficial effects occurring more often than expected. Hence, the food environment can also shape significantly the strength and direction of selection on mating responses.
Loudness of birdsong is related to the body size, syntax and phonology of passerine species
Authors: CARDOSO G. C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSongs of passerines are generally complex, long‐range acoustic signals, and are highly diverse across species. This diversity must nevertheless be shaped by the capabilities of the avian vocal physiology. For example, within species, loudness has been shown to trade‐off with aspects of song complexity. Here, I ask if such trade‐offs with loudness influenced the evolutionary diversification of song among passerines. Comparing perceived song loudness across > 140 European and North American species showed that loudness is positively related to body size and to singing with simple trilled syntax, and negatively related to aspects of syllable complexity. Syntax and syllable phonology together explained more variation than body size did, indicating that the acoustic design of songs is an important factor determining loudness. These results show for the first time that loudness covaries with, and possibly limits, song complexity across species, suggesting that a trade‐off with loudness shaped the evolutionary diversification of passerine song.
Performance evaluation of 70 hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) assays from around the world by a geographically diverse panel with an array of HBV genotypes and HBsAg subtypes
Authors: Scheiblauer H. , El‐Nageh M. , Diaz S. , Nick S. , Zeichhardt H. , Grunert H.‐P. , Prince A. 
Published: November 2009

Background and Objectives This study was conducted by the International Consortium for Blood Safety (ICBS) to identify high‐quality test kits for detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) for the benefit of developing countries.Materials and Methods The 70 HBsAg test kits from around the world were evaluated comparatively for their clinical sensitivity, analytical sensitivity, sensitivity to HBV genotypes and HBsAg subtypes, and specificity using 394 (146 clinical, 48 analytical and 200 negative) ICBS Master Panel members of diverse geographical origin comprising the major HBV genotypes A‐F and the HBsAg subtypesadw2,4,adrandayw1‐4.Results Seventeen HBsAg enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits had high analytical sensitivity <0·13 IU/ml, showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity, and were even sensitive for the various HBV variants tested. An additional six test kits had high sensitivity (<0·13 IU/ml) but missed HBsAg mutants and/or showed reduced sensitivity to certain HBV genotypes. Twenty HBsAg EIA kits were in the sensitivity range of 0·13–1 IU/ml. The other eight EIAs and the 19 rapid assays had analytical sensitivities of 1 to >4 IU/ml. These assays were falsely negative for 1–4 clinical samples and 17 of these test kits showed genotype dependent sensitivity reduction. Analytical sensitivities for HBsAg of >1 IU/ml significantly reduce the length of the HBsAg positive period which renders them less reliable for detecting HBsAg in asymptomatic HBV infections. Reduced sensitivity for HBsAg with genetic diversity of HBV occurred with genotypes/subtypes D/ayw3, E/ayw4, F/adw4and by S gene mutants. Specificity of the HBsAg assays was ≥99·5% in 57 test kits and 96·4–99·0% in the remaining test kits.Conclusion Diagnostic efficacy of the evaluated HBsAg test kits differed substantially. Laboratories should therefore be aware of the analytical sensitivity for HBsAg and check for the relevant HBV variants circulating in the relevant population.
Influence of host plant odours on invasion of the rice leaf bug Trigonotylus caelestialium into paddy fields
Authors: Fujii Tatsuya , Hori Masatoshi , Matsuda Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2009

The host‐odour preferences of the rice leaf bug Trigonotylus caelestialium between the rice plant Oryza sativa L. and four species of graminaceous weeds, Poa annua, Alopecurus aequalis, Digitaria ciliaris and Eleusine indica, were investigated with an olfactometer aiming to clarify the influence of these odours on invasion of the bug to paddy fields at the flowering stage of rice.
Both female and male adults significantly preferred the graminaceous weed A. aequalis in the flowering stage to rice in the fifth‐leaf stage. The bugs also significantly preferred flowering P. annua and A. aequalis to rice in the panicle‐formation stage. However, the bugs showed no preferences between rice in the flowering and grain‐filling stages and the flowering graminaceous weeds P. annua, D. ciliaris and E. indica.
The preference of the rice leaf bug for the flowering graminaceous weeds before rice flowering coincides with the fact that these bugs mainly live on these weeds before rice flowering. It is considered that the bug's similar preference for flowering rice panicles as the flowering graminaceous weeds causes the intense invasion of the bug into paddy fields at this rice developmental stage.