Background: Some national and international strategies for the detection and prevention of emerging infectious diseases have been established across sectors. The capacity to carry out these tasks varies from country t...Background: Some national and international strategies for the detection and prevention of emerging infectious diseases have been established across sectors. The capacity to carry out these tasks varies from country to country, and that remains largely undervalued. The Pasteur Institute of C?te d’Ivoire has created and implemented the capacity of national reference centers to fight against emerging and other infectious diseases. Objective: Show on the one hand the strategies used to develop the National Reference Centers and the IPCI and on the other hand the results obtained by performing these strategies. Method: Datas collection by documentary analysis (published scientific articles and grey literature) was done on Google Scholar, PUBMED and institutional reference documents. The documentary research was carried out to have a better understanding of strategies used to create and develop the NRCs in microbiology of communicable diseases. Results: Seven integrated strategies were launched: 1-training and workforce development;2-investigation of epidemics or public health events;3-strengthening laboratory epidemiological research;4-strengthening surveillance systems;5-improving communication with partners and stakeholders;6-building national and international collaborations;and 7-strengthening technical and technological platforms. In two decades, the number of researchers has risen from 10 in 2004 to ninety (90) in 2021, with 12 senior researchers and 32 junior researchers. A number of health service staff had attended a qualifying training course, 27 investigations into outbreaks and other public health events had been carried out, 18 short-term research projects had been launched, major surveillance programs and epidemiological research efforts on vector-borne, food-borne and nosocomial infections had begun, and several scientific manuscripts had been published or were edited in the writting press. Conclusion: The Ivorian experience shows that, with concerted effort, considerable progress can be made in the development and implementation of an infectious disease control program.展开更多
The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,Pilleri&Gihr,1972;YFP)is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes.As the prima...The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,Pilleri&Gihr,1972;YFP)is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes.As the primary line of defense in maintaining physiological equilibrium,the epidermis of the porpoise is expected to have undergone structural adaptations due to the shift from the marine to the freshwater environment.This study compared the microstructural and ultrastructural features of the epidermis of YFP and its marine counterpart,the East Asian finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri,Pilleri&Gihr,1975;EAFP).Microscopic structural observations and statistical analyses of the epidermal thickness demonstrated no significant differences in the cell structure or distribution between the two porpoise species.However,the epidermis of the YFP contained more abundant stratum basale cells.The outermost lipid stratum corneum exhibited a thinner cell layer with wider neutral lipid droplets to resist the passive entry of water molecules in the hypotonic environment.In contrast,for the EAFp,a more uniformly arranged stratum basale in the epidermis led to denser keratin fibers and robust desmosomes within each epidermal layer at the ultrastructural level.This tight arrangement of cells can reduce transepidermal water loss(TEWL)in an environment with higher osmotic pressure.In conclusion,the 2 finless porpoise species appear to employ different epidermal mechanisms to adapt to their distinct osmotic environments.The YFP appears to possess a"lipid waterproofing"epidermal structure,while the EAFP possesses a"thick and compact water-retaining"epidermal structure to copewithpotentialwaterloss.展开更多
Subgenus Melanocrommyum is the second largest subgenus of Allium,with a wide distribution ranging from the Canary Islands to northwestern India.This study investigates the phylogeny,biogeographic patterns,and morpholo...Subgenus Melanocrommyum is the second largest subgenus of Allium,with a wide distribution ranging from the Canary Islands to northwestern India.This study investigates the phylogeny,biogeographic patterns,and morphological character evolution of the subgenus using 117 accessions representing 107taxa across the 19 currently recognized sections within Allium subgenus Melanocrommyum.Although the subgenus is monophyletic,significant incongruence exists between morphological and molecular data.Our plastome-based phylogenetic analysis identified five distinct lineages(A-E),corresponding to the geographic distributions of the species.However,plastome lineages(A-E)and ITS clusters(A-G)were incongruent.Biogeographic and molecular dating analyses suggest that Melanocrommyum evolved in association with tectonic uplift events in Central Asia during the Late Miocene or Oligocene.Our finding that Melanocrommyum plastomes have lost inf A and one copy rps19 gene indicate that the subgenus has undergone a relatively recent diversification.We also found that narrow leaves and fasciculate to semiglobose inflorescences may represent ancestral traits within the subgenus.This study provides new insights into the biogeographic history and trait evolution of Melanocrommyum,suggesting recent diversification influenced by tectonic events and climate change,while highlighting the complexity of molecular and morphological data integration.展开更多
Cornelian cherry and Prunus cerasus with red pigments possess precious source of flavonoids and phenolic acids which have various applications in treatment of various health problems. This study is conducted to compar...Cornelian cherry and Prunus cerasus with red pigments possess precious source of flavonoids and phenolic acids which have various applications in treatment of various health problems. This study is conducted to compare different methods of extraction (shaking incubator, soxhelet, ultrasonic) were applied in order to identify the best method which shows the highest rate of antioxidant capacity by DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods and total phenolic compounds via Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, p-coumaric acid content of fruits were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a result, cornelian cherry with 1313.13 mg/Kg average TPC score exhibits higher total phenolic content than Prunus cerasus with 1270 mg/Kg. It’s notice worthy that there was a slight difference among antioxidant activity in two fruits. Consequently, DPPH revealed nearly stronger antioxidant activity for Prunus cerasus while cornelian cherry had a little more potent antioxidant activity according to FRAP Test. p-coumaric acid content was almost twice in Prunus cerasus (10.8 mg/ml) than cornelian cherry (5.6 mg/ml). In addition, both shaking incubator and ultrasonic extraction procedures were more efficient than soxhelet in two fruits.展开更多
Using a mixed culture of megaspores and microspores from I. coreana, we established high frequency sporophyte regeneration system. After 20 days of culturing in MS basal medium, microscopic examination showed signific...Using a mixed culture of megaspores and microspores from I. coreana, we established high frequency sporophyte regeneration system. After 20 days of culturing in MS basal medium, microscopic examination showed significant morphological changes and the microspore released numerous small vesicles into the culture medium. Megaspores also showed dramatic morphological changes during its incubation time in culture. The spore wall was cracked by the expansion of the megaspore (about 2 times increase in diameter). Simultaneously, brown spots were observed on the surface of the megaspores. The frequency of female gametophytes developing from immature megaspores cultured in MS basal liquid medium (pH 7) supplemented with 1 mgl-1 GA3 was 46%. However, these female gametophytes derived from megaspore only culture could not differentiate into sporophytes. The mixed culture of microspores and megaspores resulted in successful sporophyte regeneration. The highest frequency (12.3%) of green sporophyte regeneration from mixed spore culture occurred when the cultures were maintained at 25℃ under cool-white fluorescent light (40 μmol·m-2·s-1) with a 16 h photoperiod. Regenerated sporophytes were transferred to a test tube containing vermiculite and a sand mixture and left there until they had three leaves. After root growth and the fifth leaf had emerged, more than 95% of the regenerated sporophytes were successfully transferred to the soil and grown to mature plants. The sporophyte regeneration system established in this study could be successfully used for the restoration of the endangered aquatic species, I. coreana.展开更多
The gene cluster for the biosynthetic of a nonribosomal peptide, cyanopeptolins and micropeptin (MCN), was identified in Microcystis strains and halogenated MCN-producing Microcystis were found to possess the halogena...The gene cluster for the biosynthetic of a nonribosomal peptide, cyanopeptolins and micropeptin (MCN), was identified in Microcystis strains and halogenated MCN-producing Microcystis were found to possess the halogenase gene, mcnD, between nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes, mcnC and mcnE. A comparative sequence analysis of the mcn gene cluster between halogenated and non-halogenated MCN-producing strains revealed mosaic sequence traces from mcnD in the non-coding region between mcnC and mcnE in the latter strains. A phylogenetic analysis based on a 170-bp non-coding region including the mcnD traces suggests that the recombination events occurred in a particular region of the Microcystis’ mcn gene. This study provides novel insight into the ecological patterning of widespread Microcystis species.展开更多
The loads of organic matter, microorganisms, detergents and antibiotics in liquid hospital effluents make them complex environments, raising numerous health and ecological questions. Investigations of mycobacteria in ...The loads of organic matter, microorganisms, detergents and antibiotics in liquid hospital effluents make them complex environments, raising numerous health and ecological questions. Investigations of mycobacteria in water lack adequate techniques. This study is the first part of a pilot project aimed at developing an optimized protocol for the isolation of mycobacteria from hospital effluents, as a prelude to more in-depth investigation in this matrix. The aim was to compare the performance of two decontamination methods, three culture media and two incubation temperatures generally proposed in the literature, in order to identify the most effective methods in each case, as well as possible areas for improvement in the isolation of these germs from this environmental matrix. The results show that liquid hospital effluent can be decontaminated using both the NaOH method (4%;for 30 min.) and the CPC method (0.05%;for 30 min.), with the same mycobacteria recovery efficiency. Despite the low concentration, decontamination with CPC killed more mycobacteria and sufficiently eliminated contaminating germs. In contrast, decontamination with NaOH was less harmful to mycobacteria, but did not remove many contaminating germs. On the other hand, LJG medium performed better than LJGF medium and LJGP medium for the growth of mycobacteria in hospital waters. Finally, there was no difference in performance between the two incubation temperatures of 30℃ and 37℃. The results of this study show that further evaluation of existing protocols is required in order to optimize methods for the pre-treatment of hospital effluent for the isolation of mycobacteria.展开更多
The Yangtze finless porpoise(YFP)is an endemic freshwater cetacean species that exclusively inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin.Since the late 1970s,the YFP has experienced a drastic popul...The Yangtze finless porpoise(YFP)is an endemic freshwater cetacean species that exclusively inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin.Since the late 1970s,the YFP has experienced a drastic population decline and was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2013.To save this unique species,a range of integrated conservation measures have been implemented,including strengthening natural habitat protection(in-situ),enhancing insurance populations(ex-situ),and advancing captive breeding and research initiatives.These efforts have yielded significant progress in the conservation of the YFP.The natural population has been starting to increase after a sharp decline,and the establishment of three insurance populations has provided a solid foundation for recovery.Additionally,advancement in captive breeding and research has delivered crucial technical support for population conservation.As a flagship species of Yangtze River biodiversity and an indicator of the river’s ecosystem health,the YFP’s integrated conservation strategy not only benefits its own population but also offers valuable insights for the protection of other endangered aquatic species in the Yangtze River and other threatened small cetaceans worldwide.展开更多
In last decades,macrofungi have attracted increasing attention because of their valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.In this study,a total of 180 macrofungal samples were collected from forests in Mazandaran ...In last decades,macrofungi have attracted increasing attention because of their valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.In this study,a total of 180 macrofungal samples were collected from forests in Mazandaran province,Iran.The dominant orders were Polyporales(51%)and Agaricales(35%).Pure mycelial cultures were successfully obtained from 91 collected samples.Regarding morphological data,47 isolates were selected for molecular identification based on internal transcribed spacer region(ITS)sequence analysis.The results showed that the 38 macrofungal isolates were belonging to 22 species,19 genera,10 families and 5 orders.Most of the macrofungi(47%)were identified as Trametes species and Ganoderma species.Three isolates identified as Hohenbuehelia species,Polyporellus brumalis and Ceriporia lacerata were records as a new to the Iran fungal flora.This study increases the knowledge on Iranian macrofungal diversity and facilitates future genetic and biotechnological investigations on these macrofungi.展开更多
Transcription factor IIIA(TFIIIA)is a zinc finger protein that facilitates the assembly of a transcription complex by recruiting transcription factors TFIIIB and TFIIIC,along with RNA polymerase III,to initiate the tr...Transcription factor IIIA(TFIIIA)is a zinc finger protein that facilitates the assembly of a transcription complex by recruiting transcription factors TFIIIB and TFIIIC,along with RNA polymerase III,to initiate the transcription of 5S rRNA genes.However,the effects of TFIIIA knockout in vertebrates remain unclear.To address this,we investigated the function of a homologous general transcription factor IIIAa,gtf3aa,identified as a maternal factor in zebrafish.During early embryonic development,gtf3aa expression initially increased and subsequently declined.At 12 h postfertilization,gtf3aa mRNA was detected at notably low levels in the embryo,whereas by three days postfertilization,its mRNA level gradually increased in the larvae.The gtf3aa was broadly expressed in various embryonic tissues of zebrafish,with higher expression levels observed in the brain,heart,liver,and muscle.Knockout of gtf3aa significantly suppressed somatic 5S rRNA transcription in early zebrafish embryos and larvae,resulting in a reduction in the number of mature monoribosomes and polyribosomes.The gtf3aa−/−larvae exhibited slow growth and delayed yolk absorption,along with impaired development of the eyes,heart,swim bladder,liver,and intestinal tissues.Additionally,expression of genes involved in metabolic signaling pathways,including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway,was reduced.The gtf3aa−/−zebrafish did not survive beyond seven days postfertilization.This study offers preliminary insights into the role of gtf3aa in regulating somatic 5S rRNA transcription and embryonic organ development in zebrafish.展开更多
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide,with fibrosis recognized as the main prognostic factor and therapeutic target.While early-stag...Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide,with fibrosis recognized as the main prognostic factor and therapeutic target.While early-stage fibrosis is reversible,advanced fibrosis poses a significant clinical challenge due to limited treatment options,highlighting the need for innovative management strategies.Recent studies have shown that alternative pre-mRNA splicing,a critical mechanism regulating gene expression and protein diversity,plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and associated fibrosis.Understanding the complex relationship between alternative splicing and fibrosis progression in MAFLD could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches and improve clinical outcomes.In this review,we describe the intricate mechanisms of alternative splicing in fibrosis associated with MAFLD.Specifically,we explored the pivotal of splicing factors,and RNA-binding proteins,highlighting their critical interactions with metabolic and epigenetic regulators.Furthermore,we provide an overview of the latest advancements in splicing-based therapeutic strategies and biomarker development.Particular emphasis is placed on the potential application of antisense oligonucleotides for rectifying splicing anomalies,thereby laying the foundation for precision medicine approaches in the treatment of MAFLDassociated fibrosis.展开更多
The remarkable morphological diversity and species abundance of teleost fishes offer a valuable resource for understanding vertebrate evolution.In phase I of the Fish10K project,genomes of 110 teleost species were seq...The remarkable morphological diversity and species abundance of teleost fishes offer a valuable resource for understanding vertebrate evolution.In phase I of the Fish10K project,genomes of 110 teleost species were sequenced and assembled,filling gaps in 3 previously unrepresented orders,and integrated with existing data to generate a 464 species wholegenome alignment spanning all teleost orders-the largest such resource beyond mammals and birds.展开更多
Metabolic syndrome-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has become the main driver of liver morbidities,and recently prevalence has risen over 30%.20%-30%of patients develop chronic inflammation and progress to me...Metabolic syndrome-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has become the main driver of liver morbidities,and recently prevalence has risen over 30%.20%-30%of patients develop chronic inflammation and progress to metabolic-associated steatohepatitis(MASH),which is becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)[1,2].MASLD is a complex disease where severity is dependent on several factors,including lifestyle,genetics,diet but also iron metabolism.展开更多
Plant immune responses are tightly regulated to ensure their appropriate deployment. Overexpression of TOPLESS-RELATED 1 (TPR1), a SUPPRESSOR OF npr1-1, CONSTITUTIVE 1 (SNC1)-interacting protein, results in autoimmuni...Plant immune responses are tightly regulated to ensure their appropriate deployment. Overexpression of TOPLESS-RELATED 1 (TPR1), a SUPPRESSOR OF npr1-1, CONSTITUTIVE 1 (SNC1)-interacting protein, results in autoimmunity that reduces plant growth and development. However, how TPR1 activity is regulated remains unknown. Loss of function of SIZ1, a (SUMO) E3 ligase, induces an autoimmune response, partially due to elevated SNC1 levels. Here we show that SNC1 expression is upregulated in Arabidopsis thaliana siz1-2 due to positive-feedback regulation by salicylic acid. SIZ1 physically interacts with TPR1 and facilitates its SUMO modification. The K282 and K721 residues in TPR1 serve as critical SUMO attachment sites. Simultaneous introduction of K282R and K721R substitutions in TPR1 blocked its SUMOylation, enhaneed its transcriptional co-repressor activity, and increased its association with HISTONE DEACETYLASE 19 (HDA19), suggesting that SUMOylation of TPR1 represses its transcriptional co-repressor activity and inhibits its interaction with HDA19. In agreement with this finding, the simultaneous introduction of K282R and K721R substitutions enhanced TPR1 mediated immunity, and the tpr1 mutation partially suppressed autoimmunity in siz1-2. These results demonstrate that SIZ1-mediated SUMOylation of TPR1 represses plant immunity, which at least partly contributes to the suppression of autoimmunity under nonpathogenic conditions to ensure proper plant development.展开更多
This study aimed to investigate the osteo-inductive capacity of a fucoidan polysaccharide network derived from brown algae on human adipose-derived stem cells(HA-MSCs)for bone regeneration.The physiochemical propertie...This study aimed to investigate the osteo-inductive capacity of a fucoidan polysaccharide network derived from brown algae on human adipose-derived stem cells(HA-MSCs)for bone regeneration.The physiochemical properties of the scaffold including surface morphology,surface chemistry,hydrophilicity,mechanical stiffness,and porosity were thoroughly characterized.Both in vitro and in vivo measurements implied a superior cell viability,proliferation,adhesion,and osteo-inductive performance of obtained scaffolds compared to using specific osteogenic induction medium with increased irregular growth of calcium crystallites,which mimic the structure of natural bones.That scaffold was highly biocompatible and suitable for cell cultures.Various examinations,such as quantification of mineralization,alkaline phosphatase,gene expression,and immunocytochemical staining of pre-osteocyte and bone markers confirmed that HAD-MSCs differentiate into osteoblasts,even without an osteogenic induction medium.This study provides evidence for the positive relationship and synergistic effects between the physical properties of the decellularized seaweed scaffold and the chemical composition of fucoidan in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of HA-MSCs.Altogether,the natural matrices derived from brown seaweed offers a sustainable,cost-effective,non-toxic bioinspired scaffold and holds promise for future clinical applications in orthopedics.展开更多
Dear Editor,Plant tissue culture involves callus formation and de novo shoot regeneration.First,explants from differentiated tissues are used to generate a pluripotent cell mass,called callus,on auxin-rich callus-indu...Dear Editor,Plant tissue culture involves callus formation and de novo shoot regeneration.First,explants from differentiated tissues are used to generate a pluripotent cell mass,called callus,on auxin-rich callus-inducing medium(CIM),followed by shoot regeneration on cytokinin-rich shoot-inducing medium(SiM).Callus results from division of pericycle-like cells(Atta et al.,2009;Sugimoto et al.,2010);its cellular identity resembles that of lateral root primordia(Atta et al.,2009;Sugimoto et al.,2010).Callus acquires cellular pluripotency by forming root stem cell niches on CIM(Sugimoto et al.,2010)。展开更多
t Coelomycetous fungi are an artificial taxonomic group which produce conidia inside a cavity i.e.conidiomata.Coelomycetes comprise about,1000 genera and 7000 species,which can be endophytic,pathogenic or saprobic.Tra...t Coelomycetous fungi are an artificial taxonomic group which produce conidia inside a cavity i.e.conidiomata.Coelomycetes comprise about,1000 genera and 7000 species,which can be endophytic,pathogenic or saprobic.Traditional classification of coelomycetes was previously based on morphology,such as the shape of conidiomata and mode of conidiogenesis,while it was treated as a distinct group i.e.Deuteromycotina.Sequence based taxonomic studies has been used to accommodate asexual fungi in a natural classification system,resolve generic boundaries of polyphyletic genera and species complexes,as well as establish asexual-sexual links.Nevertheless,most of genera lack sequence data,thus,morphology based identification is still important when introducing new genera or species.In this paper we illustrate,describe,and provide taxonomic notes for 235 dematiaceous coelomycetous genera,including five new genera viz.Apiculospora,Didymellocamarosporium,Melanocamarosporium,Melnikia and Paulkirkia.Phylogenetic analyses of combined sequence data are provided to show placements of dematiaceous coelomycetes in Dothideomycetes,Leotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes.One-hundred and fifty-two(65%)of genera have sequence data,thus,their taxonomic placement in a natural classification system,is listed as an outline.However,83 genera still lack sequence data,hence,they are treated as Ascomycota,genera incertae sedis.In addition,separate analyses are provided where better taxonomic resolution is needed.展开更多
Nanotechnology,defined as engineering at the nanometer scale,involves developing materials or systems to perform a systematic arrangement for various platforms in biomedical applications.This study presents possible a...Nanotechnology,defined as engineering at the nanometer scale,involves developing materials or systems to perform a systematic arrangement for various platforms in biomedical applications.This study presents possible applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in regenerative biomedicine,drug delivery,and cancerous conditions.We highlight significant advancements in carbon nanotubes-based nanotechnology,with an emphasis on carbon nanotubes,which accelerate various regenerative therapies in the liver,nervous system,heart,vascular system,and bone tissue engineering.Using carbon nanomaterials to deliver drugs precisely to their site of action is also one area of interest,attracting the attention of researchers and giving great hope for carbon nanomaterials’widespread use in medicine.Moreover,green nanotechnology was introduced as an innovative and noninvasive discipline in carbon-based nanomaterials for human biomedicine.It can solve the problem of using dangerous and toxic chemical nanoscale materials.展开更多
Autophagy(self-eating)is a self-degradation process essential for survival,differentiation,development,and homeostasis.Conceiving that a process of cellular self-eating could be beneficial may appear bewildering.In it...Autophagy(self-eating)is a self-degradation process essential for survival,differentiation,development,and homeostasis.Conceiving that a process of cellular self-eating could be beneficial may appear bewildering.In its simplest form,however,autophagy is probably a single cell’s adjustment to starvation;the cell is forced to break down part of its own reserves to keep alive until circumstances improve(Mizushima and Klionsky,2007).Based on its mechanism,physiological function,and cargo specificity,autophagy can be classified into at least three forms,chaperone-mediated autophagy,microautophagy,and macroautophagy(Klionsky,2005),among which macroautophagy is the best characterized.Autophagy was discovered in mammalian cells and has been extensively investigated in yeast(Huang and Klionsky,2002).Original studies in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified a group of autophagy(ATG)genes that are required for survival during starvation(Klionsky et al.,2003).Accumulating evidence indicates that many ATG genes are functionally conserved from yeast to mammals;nevertheless,autophagy is more complicated in multicellular organisms and probably requires factors that are absent in yeast.Until now,little is known about the mechanism of autophagy specific to mammals.In a groundbreaking investigation,Tian et al.(2010)discovered four novel genes particularly required for autophagy in multicellular organisms,and established Caenorhabditis elegans as one of the premier genetic models for uncovering new autophagy genes.The authors also isolated numerous new mutations in genes homologous to yeast autophagy genes,which confirmed the results of the study.These new mutations not only provide a valuable resource for inquiring the structure and function of autophagy proteins,but also set up C.elegans as a preeminent system for investigating the role and regulation of autophagy in multicellular organisms.展开更多
Protists are a highly diverse group of microscopic eukaryotic organisms that are not fungi,animals,or plants.Protistswere some of the microbes first visualized and described by Anton van Leeuwenhoek using themicroscop...Protists are a highly diverse group of microscopic eukaryotic organisms that are not fungi,animals,or plants.Protistswere some of the microbes first visualized and described by Anton van Leeuwenhoek using themicroscope in the seventeenth century.After that,the description and cataloging of these diverse microbial eukaryotes was pursued by microbiologists throughout the following centuries.1 So far,more than 60,000 protist species have been recorded in the NCBI taxonomy system,but many have yet to be identified.Protists have long been considered important models in fundamental biological studies,such as cell biology,genetics,ecology and evolution toxicology,and applied fields,including biofuels,nutritional supplements and aquaculture feed production,environmental monitoring and pollution treatment,protozoan parasitic disease treatment and prevention,as well as agriculture.展开更多
文摘Background: Some national and international strategies for the detection and prevention of emerging infectious diseases have been established across sectors. The capacity to carry out these tasks varies from country to country, and that remains largely undervalued. The Pasteur Institute of C?te d’Ivoire has created and implemented the capacity of national reference centers to fight against emerging and other infectious diseases. Objective: Show on the one hand the strategies used to develop the National Reference Centers and the IPCI and on the other hand the results obtained by performing these strategies. Method: Datas collection by documentary analysis (published scientific articles and grey literature) was done on Google Scholar, PUBMED and institutional reference documents. The documentary research was carried out to have a better understanding of strategies used to create and develop the NRCs in microbiology of communicable diseases. Results: Seven integrated strategies were launched: 1-training and workforce development;2-investigation of epidemics or public health events;3-strengthening laboratory epidemiological research;4-strengthening surveillance systems;5-improving communication with partners and stakeholders;6-building national and international collaborations;and 7-strengthening technical and technological platforms. In two decades, the number of researchers has risen from 10 in 2004 to ninety (90) in 2021, with 12 senior researchers and 32 junior researchers. A number of health service staff had attended a qualifying training course, 27 investigations into outbreaks and other public health events had been carried out, 18 short-term research projects had been launched, major surveillance programs and epidemiological research efforts on vector-borne, food-borne and nosocomial infections had begun, and several scientific manuscripts had been published or were edited in the writting press. Conclusion: The Ivorian experience shows that, with concerted effort, considerable progress can be made in the development and implementation of an infectious disease control program.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1200304).
文摘The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,Pilleri&Gihr,1972;YFP)is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes.As the primary line of defense in maintaining physiological equilibrium,the epidermis of the porpoise is expected to have undergone structural adaptations due to the shift from the marine to the freshwater environment.This study compared the microstructural and ultrastructural features of the epidermis of YFP and its marine counterpart,the East Asian finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri,Pilleri&Gihr,1975;EAFP).Microscopic structural observations and statistical analyses of the epidermal thickness demonstrated no significant differences in the cell structure or distribution between the two porpoise species.However,the epidermis of the YFP contained more abundant stratum basale cells.The outermost lipid stratum corneum exhibited a thinner cell layer with wider neutral lipid droplets to resist the passive entry of water molecules in the hypotonic environment.In contrast,for the EAFp,a more uniformly arranged stratum basale in the epidermis led to denser keratin fibers and robust desmosomes within each epidermal layer at the ultrastructural level.This tight arrangement of cells can reduce transepidermal water loss(TEWL)in an environment with higher osmotic pressure.In conclusion,the 2 finless porpoise species appear to employ different epidermal mechanisms to adapt to their distinct osmotic environments.The YFP appears to possess a"lipid waterproofing"epidermal structure,while the EAFP possesses a"thick and compact water-retaining"epidermal structure to copewithpotentialwaterloss.
基金supported by grants from the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)program(2019QZKK0502)the state research project‘Taxonomic Revision of Polymorphic Plant Families of the Flora of Uzbekistan’(FZ20200929321)+3 种基金the State Programs for 2021-2025‘Grid mapping of the flora of Uzbekistan’and the‘Digital Nature.Development of a digital platform for the flora of Central Uzbekistan’,implemented by the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the period 2025-2029National Natural Science Foundation of China(32322006)the Key Projects of the Joint Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23A20149)the R&D Program of Yunnan Province(202103AF140005).
文摘Subgenus Melanocrommyum is the second largest subgenus of Allium,with a wide distribution ranging from the Canary Islands to northwestern India.This study investigates the phylogeny,biogeographic patterns,and morphological character evolution of the subgenus using 117 accessions representing 107taxa across the 19 currently recognized sections within Allium subgenus Melanocrommyum.Although the subgenus is monophyletic,significant incongruence exists between morphological and molecular data.Our plastome-based phylogenetic analysis identified five distinct lineages(A-E),corresponding to the geographic distributions of the species.However,plastome lineages(A-E)and ITS clusters(A-G)were incongruent.Biogeographic and molecular dating analyses suggest that Melanocrommyum evolved in association with tectonic uplift events in Central Asia during the Late Miocene or Oligocene.Our finding that Melanocrommyum plastomes have lost inf A and one copy rps19 gene indicate that the subgenus has undergone a relatively recent diversification.We also found that narrow leaves and fasciculate to semiglobose inflorescences may represent ancestral traits within the subgenus.This study provides new insights into the biogeographic history and trait evolution of Melanocrommyum,suggesting recent diversification influenced by tectonic events and climate change,while highlighting the complexity of molecular and morphological data integration.
文摘Cornelian cherry and Prunus cerasus with red pigments possess precious source of flavonoids and phenolic acids which have various applications in treatment of various health problems. This study is conducted to compare different methods of extraction (shaking incubator, soxhelet, ultrasonic) were applied in order to identify the best method which shows the highest rate of antioxidant capacity by DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods and total phenolic compounds via Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, p-coumaric acid content of fruits were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a result, cornelian cherry with 1313.13 mg/Kg average TPC score exhibits higher total phenolic content than Prunus cerasus with 1270 mg/Kg. It’s notice worthy that there was a slight difference among antioxidant activity in two fruits. Consequently, DPPH revealed nearly stronger antioxidant activity for Prunus cerasus while cornelian cherry had a little more potent antioxidant activity according to FRAP Test. p-coumaric acid content was almost twice in Prunus cerasus (10.8 mg/ml) than cornelian cherry (5.6 mg/ml). In addition, both shaking incubator and ultrasonic extraction procedures were more efficient than soxhelet in two fruits.
文摘Using a mixed culture of megaspores and microspores from I. coreana, we established high frequency sporophyte regeneration system. After 20 days of culturing in MS basal medium, microscopic examination showed significant morphological changes and the microspore released numerous small vesicles into the culture medium. Megaspores also showed dramatic morphological changes during its incubation time in culture. The spore wall was cracked by the expansion of the megaspore (about 2 times increase in diameter). Simultaneously, brown spots were observed on the surface of the megaspores. The frequency of female gametophytes developing from immature megaspores cultured in MS basal liquid medium (pH 7) supplemented with 1 mgl-1 GA3 was 46%. However, these female gametophytes derived from megaspore only culture could not differentiate into sporophytes. The mixed culture of microspores and megaspores resulted in successful sporophyte regeneration. The highest frequency (12.3%) of green sporophyte regeneration from mixed spore culture occurred when the cultures were maintained at 25℃ under cool-white fluorescent light (40 μmol·m-2·s-1) with a 16 h photoperiod. Regenerated sporophytes were transferred to a test tube containing vermiculite and a sand mixture and left there until they had three leaves. After root growth and the fifth leaf had emerged, more than 95% of the regenerated sporophytes were successfully transferred to the soil and grown to mature plants. The sporophyte regeneration system established in this study could be successfully used for the restoration of the endangered aquatic species, I. coreana.
文摘The gene cluster for the biosynthetic of a nonribosomal peptide, cyanopeptolins and micropeptin (MCN), was identified in Microcystis strains and halogenated MCN-producing Microcystis were found to possess the halogenase gene, mcnD, between nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes, mcnC and mcnE. A comparative sequence analysis of the mcn gene cluster between halogenated and non-halogenated MCN-producing strains revealed mosaic sequence traces from mcnD in the non-coding region between mcnC and mcnE in the latter strains. A phylogenetic analysis based on a 170-bp non-coding region including the mcnD traces suggests that the recombination events occurred in a particular region of the Microcystis’ mcn gene. This study provides novel insight into the ecological patterning of widespread Microcystis species.
文摘The loads of organic matter, microorganisms, detergents and antibiotics in liquid hospital effluents make them complex environments, raising numerous health and ecological questions. Investigations of mycobacteria in water lack adequate techniques. This study is the first part of a pilot project aimed at developing an optimized protocol for the isolation of mycobacteria from hospital effluents, as a prelude to more in-depth investigation in this matrix. The aim was to compare the performance of two decontamination methods, three culture media and two incubation temperatures generally proposed in the literature, in order to identify the most effective methods in each case, as well as possible areas for improvement in the isolation of these germs from this environmental matrix. The results show that liquid hospital effluent can be decontaminated using both the NaOH method (4%;for 30 min.) and the CPC method (0.05%;for 30 min.), with the same mycobacteria recovery efficiency. Despite the low concentration, decontamination with CPC killed more mycobacteria and sufficiently eliminated contaminating germs. In contrast, decontamination with NaOH was less harmful to mycobacteria, but did not remove many contaminating germs. On the other hand, LJG medium performed better than LJGF medium and LJGP medium for the growth of mycobacteria in hospital waters. Finally, there was no difference in performance between the two incubation temperatures of 30℃ and 37℃. The results of this study show that further evaluation of existing protocols is required in order to optimize methods for the pre-treatment of hospital effluent for the isolation of mycobacteria.
文摘The Yangtze finless porpoise(YFP)is an endemic freshwater cetacean species that exclusively inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin.Since the late 1970s,the YFP has experienced a drastic population decline and was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2013.To save this unique species,a range of integrated conservation measures have been implemented,including strengthening natural habitat protection(in-situ),enhancing insurance populations(ex-situ),and advancing captive breeding and research initiatives.These efforts have yielded significant progress in the conservation of the YFP.The natural population has been starting to increase after a sharp decline,and the establishment of three insurance populations has provided a solid foundation for recovery.Additionally,advancement in captive breeding and research has delivered crucial technical support for population conservation.As a flagship species of Yangtze River biodiversity and an indicator of the river’s ecosystem health,the YFP’s integrated conservation strategy not only benefits its own population but also offers valuable insights for the protection of other endangered aquatic species in the Yangtze River and other threatened small cetaceans worldwide.
基金financed by ACECR,Iran(code no 2283)granted to Dr.
文摘In last decades,macrofungi have attracted increasing attention because of their valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.In this study,a total of 180 macrofungal samples were collected from forests in Mazandaran province,Iran.The dominant orders were Polyporales(51%)and Agaricales(35%).Pure mycelial cultures were successfully obtained from 91 collected samples.Regarding morphological data,47 isolates were selected for molecular identification based on internal transcribed spacer region(ITS)sequence analysis.The results showed that the 38 macrofungal isolates were belonging to 22 species,19 genera,10 families and 5 orders.Most of the macrofungi(47%)were identified as Trametes species and Ganoderma species.Three isolates identified as Hohenbuehelia species,Polyporellus brumalis and Ceriporia lacerata were records as a new to the Iran fungal flora.This study increases the knowledge on Iranian macrofungal diversity and facilitates future genetic and biotechnological investigations on these macrofungi.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China(2018YFA0801000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32473137,31721005)。
文摘Transcription factor IIIA(TFIIIA)is a zinc finger protein that facilitates the assembly of a transcription complex by recruiting transcription factors TFIIIB and TFIIIC,along with RNA polymerase III,to initiate the transcription of 5S rRNA genes.However,the effects of TFIIIA knockout in vertebrates remain unclear.To address this,we investigated the function of a homologous general transcription factor IIIAa,gtf3aa,identified as a maternal factor in zebrafish.During early embryonic development,gtf3aa expression initially increased and subsequently declined.At 12 h postfertilization,gtf3aa mRNA was detected at notably low levels in the embryo,whereas by three days postfertilization,its mRNA level gradually increased in the larvae.The gtf3aa was broadly expressed in various embryonic tissues of zebrafish,with higher expression levels observed in the brain,heart,liver,and muscle.Knockout of gtf3aa significantly suppressed somatic 5S rRNA transcription in early zebrafish embryos and larvae,resulting in a reduction in the number of mature monoribosomes and polyribosomes.The gtf3aa−/−larvae exhibited slow growth and delayed yolk absorption,along with impaired development of the eyes,heart,swim bladder,liver,and intestinal tissues.Additionally,expression of genes involved in metabolic signaling pathways,including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway,was reduced.The gtf3aa−/−zebrafish did not survive beyond seven days postfertilization.This study offers preliminary insights into the role of gtf3aa in regulating somatic 5S rRNA transcription and embryonic organ development in zebrafish.
基金supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia(NHMRC)investigator and ideas grants[AAP2008983 and APP2001692].
文摘Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide,with fibrosis recognized as the main prognostic factor and therapeutic target.While early-stage fibrosis is reversible,advanced fibrosis poses a significant clinical challenge due to limited treatment options,highlighting the need for innovative management strategies.Recent studies have shown that alternative pre-mRNA splicing,a critical mechanism regulating gene expression and protein diversity,plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of MAFLD and associated fibrosis.Understanding the complex relationship between alternative splicing and fibrosis progression in MAFLD could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches and improve clinical outcomes.In this review,we describe the intricate mechanisms of alternative splicing in fibrosis associated with MAFLD.Specifically,we explored the pivotal of splicing factors,and RNA-binding proteins,highlighting their critical interactions with metabolic and epigenetic regulators.Furthermore,we provide an overview of the latest advancements in splicing-based therapeutic strategies and biomarker development.Particular emphasis is placed on the potential application of antisense oligonucleotides for rectifying splicing anomalies,thereby laying the foundation for precision medicine approaches in the treatment of MAFLDassociated fibrosis.
基金supported by The General Program(Key Program,Major Research Plan)of National Natural Science Foundation of China nos.32170439(to G.Y.F.),32122021(to K.W.),32293252,and 32170438(to C.C.F.)the Thousands Marine Species Genome Sequencing Project of Qingdao Free Trade Zone Management Committee(to G.Y.F.)+3 种基金Shandong Province Key Research and Development Plan no.2023CXPT057(to G.Y.F.)the Specially appointed Professor Program of Jiangsu Province,the Jiangsu Foreign Expert Bureau,and the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Technology grant JSSCTD202142(to I.S.)received technical support from the China National Gene Banksupported by the High-performance Computing Platform of YZBSTCACC.
文摘The remarkable morphological diversity and species abundance of teleost fishes offer a valuable resource for understanding vertebrate evolution.In phase I of the Fish10K project,genomes of 110 teleost species were sequenced and assembled,filling gaps in 3 previously unrepresented orders,and integrated with existing data to generate a 464 species wholegenome alignment spanning all teleost orders-the largest such resource beyond mammals and birds.
文摘Metabolic syndrome-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has become the main driver of liver morbidities,and recently prevalence has risen over 30%.20%-30%of patients develop chronic inflammation and progress to metabolic-associated steatohepatitis(MASH),which is becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)[1,2].MASLD is a complex disease where severity is dependent on several factors,including lifestyle,genetics,diet but also iron metabolism.
基金the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA08010105)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 31670186 and 31471363).
文摘Plant immune responses are tightly regulated to ensure their appropriate deployment. Overexpression of TOPLESS-RELATED 1 (TPR1), a SUPPRESSOR OF npr1-1, CONSTITUTIVE 1 (SNC1)-interacting protein, results in autoimmunity that reduces plant growth and development. However, how TPR1 activity is regulated remains unknown. Loss of function of SIZ1, a (SUMO) E3 ligase, induces an autoimmune response, partially due to elevated SNC1 levels. Here we show that SNC1 expression is upregulated in Arabidopsis thaliana siz1-2 due to positive-feedback regulation by salicylic acid. SIZ1 physically interacts with TPR1 and facilitates its SUMO modification. The K282 and K721 residues in TPR1 serve as critical SUMO attachment sites. Simultaneous introduction of K282R and K721R substitutions in TPR1 blocked its SUMOylation, enhaneed its transcriptional co-repressor activity, and increased its association with HISTONE DEACETYLASE 19 (HDA19), suggesting that SUMOylation of TPR1 represses its transcriptional co-repressor activity and inhibits its interaction with HDA19. In agreement with this finding, the simultaneous introduction of K282R and K721R substitutions enhanced TPR1 mediated immunity, and the tpr1 mutation partially suppressed autoimmunity in siz1-2. These results demonstrate that SIZ1-mediated SUMOylation of TPR1 represses plant immunity, which at least partly contributes to the suppression of autoimmunity under nonpathogenic conditions to ensure proper plant development.
文摘This study aimed to investigate the osteo-inductive capacity of a fucoidan polysaccharide network derived from brown algae on human adipose-derived stem cells(HA-MSCs)for bone regeneration.The physiochemical properties of the scaffold including surface morphology,surface chemistry,hydrophilicity,mechanical stiffness,and porosity were thoroughly characterized.Both in vitro and in vivo measurements implied a superior cell viability,proliferation,adhesion,and osteo-inductive performance of obtained scaffolds compared to using specific osteogenic induction medium with increased irregular growth of calcium crystallites,which mimic the structure of natural bones.That scaffold was highly biocompatible and suitable for cell cultures.Various examinations,such as quantification of mineralization,alkaline phosphatase,gene expression,and immunocytochemical staining of pre-osteocyte and bone markers confirmed that HAD-MSCs differentiate into osteoblasts,even without an osteogenic induction medium.This study provides evidence for the positive relationship and synergistic effects between the physical properties of the decellularized seaweed scaffold and the chemical composition of fucoidan in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of HA-MSCs.Altogether,the natural matrices derived from brown seaweed offers a sustainable,cost-effective,non-toxic bioinspired scaffold and holds promise for future clinical applications in orthopedics.
基金Basic Science Research(NRF-2022R1A2 B5B02001266 to P.J.S.)the New breeding technologies development Program(PJ01653002 to P.J.S.)provided by the Rural Development Administration+1 种基金This work was also supported by Korea Basic Science Institute(C370000 to G.S.H)the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology(KRIBB)Research Initiative Program(KGM 5282331 to S.W.K.).
文摘Dear Editor,Plant tissue culture involves callus formation and de novo shoot regeneration.First,explants from differentiated tissues are used to generate a pluripotent cell mass,called callus,on auxin-rich callus-inducing medium(CIM),followed by shoot regeneration on cytokinin-rich shoot-inducing medium(SiM).Callus results from division of pericycle-like cells(Atta et al.,2009;Sugimoto et al.,2010);its cellular identity resembles that of lateral root primordia(Atta et al.,2009;Sugimoto et al.,2010).Callus acquires cellular pluripotency by forming root stem cell niches on CIM(Sugimoto et al.,2010)。
基金the International Highly Cited Research Group(IHCRRGP#14-205)Nalin N.Wijayawardene would like to thank P.M.Kirk,V.A.Mel’nik,Buddhika Dilhan,Dmitrii Shabunin,Manjari Dissanayake and Lesley Ragab for being helpful to gather old literature.Kevin D.Hyde is grateful to the Chinese Academy of Sciences,project number 2013T2S0030+6 种基金for the award of Visiting Professorship for Senior International Scientists at Kunming Institute of Botany,research grant from the Biodiversity Research and Training Program(BRT R253012)The Thailand Research Fund(BRG 5280002).Alan J.L.Phillips thanks Mae Fah Luang University for a Visiting Professorship during the tenure of which this paper was finalised.Yong Wang would like to thank The International Scientific Cooperated Project of Guizhou Province(No[2013]7004).Rungtiwa Phookamsak thanks the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D.Program(PHD/0090/2551).Erio Camporesi is grateful to Giancarlo Lombardi,Sergio Montanari and Gigi Stagioni for their help in identifying host plants of fresh collections.K.Tanaka would like to thank the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS,25440199 and 26291084)Hirosaki University Grant for Exploratory Research by Young Scientists and Newly-appointed Scientists for financial support.Yong Wang thanks Yong-Cheng Long,Prof.De-Gang Zhao and Prof.Zhuo Chen for their help in sequencing and suggestions in molecular experiments.We would like to thank MFU grant No.56101020032 for funding to study the taxonomy and phylogeny of Dothideomycetes.The authors also wish to acknowledge Saranyaphat Boonmee,Chayanard Phukhamsakda and Qing Tian.Ishani D.Goonasekara wishes to acknowledge Liu Ende,Assistant Curator,Herbarium,Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences(KUN),Kunming,China,Wu HaiXia and staff of International Fungal Research and Development Centre(IFRD),Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Cultivation&Utilization State Forestry Administration,The Research Institute of Resource Insects,Chinese Academy of Forestry Kunming 650224,PR China and Danushka S.Tennakoon for their assistance with herbarium material.
文摘t Coelomycetous fungi are an artificial taxonomic group which produce conidia inside a cavity i.e.conidiomata.Coelomycetes comprise about,1000 genera and 7000 species,which can be endophytic,pathogenic or saprobic.Traditional classification of coelomycetes was previously based on morphology,such as the shape of conidiomata and mode of conidiogenesis,while it was treated as a distinct group i.e.Deuteromycotina.Sequence based taxonomic studies has been used to accommodate asexual fungi in a natural classification system,resolve generic boundaries of polyphyletic genera and species complexes,as well as establish asexual-sexual links.Nevertheless,most of genera lack sequence data,thus,morphology based identification is still important when introducing new genera or species.In this paper we illustrate,describe,and provide taxonomic notes for 235 dematiaceous coelomycetous genera,including five new genera viz.Apiculospora,Didymellocamarosporium,Melanocamarosporium,Melnikia and Paulkirkia.Phylogenetic analyses of combined sequence data are provided to show placements of dematiaceous coelomycetes in Dothideomycetes,Leotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes.One-hundred and fifty-two(65%)of genera have sequence data,thus,their taxonomic placement in a natural classification system,is listed as an outline.However,83 genera still lack sequence data,hence,they are treated as Ascomycota,genera incertae sedis.In addition,separate analyses are provided where better taxonomic resolution is needed.
文摘Nanotechnology,defined as engineering at the nanometer scale,involves developing materials or systems to perform a systematic arrangement for various platforms in biomedical applications.This study presents possible applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in regenerative biomedicine,drug delivery,and cancerous conditions.We highlight significant advancements in carbon nanotubes-based nanotechnology,with an emphasis on carbon nanotubes,which accelerate various regenerative therapies in the liver,nervous system,heart,vascular system,and bone tissue engineering.Using carbon nanomaterials to deliver drugs precisely to their site of action is also one area of interest,attracting the attention of researchers and giving great hope for carbon nanomaterials’widespread use in medicine.Moreover,green nanotechnology was introduced as an innovative and noninvasive discipline in carbon-based nanomaterials for human biomedicine.It can solve the problem of using dangerous and toxic chemical nanoscale materials.
文摘Autophagy(self-eating)is a self-degradation process essential for survival,differentiation,development,and homeostasis.Conceiving that a process of cellular self-eating could be beneficial may appear bewildering.In its simplest form,however,autophagy is probably a single cell’s adjustment to starvation;the cell is forced to break down part of its own reserves to keep alive until circumstances improve(Mizushima and Klionsky,2007).Based on its mechanism,physiological function,and cargo specificity,autophagy can be classified into at least three forms,chaperone-mediated autophagy,microautophagy,and macroautophagy(Klionsky,2005),among which macroautophagy is the best characterized.Autophagy was discovered in mammalian cells and has been extensively investigated in yeast(Huang and Klionsky,2002).Original studies in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified a group of autophagy(ATG)genes that are required for survival during starvation(Klionsky et al.,2003).Accumulating evidence indicates that many ATG genes are functionally conserved from yeast to mammals;nevertheless,autophagy is more complicated in multicellular organisms and probably requires factors that are absent in yeast.Until now,little is known about the mechanism of autophagy specific to mammals.In a groundbreaking investigation,Tian et al.(2010)discovered four novel genes particularly required for autophagy in multicellular organisms,and established Caenorhabditis elegans as one of the premier genetic models for uncovering new autophagy genes.The authors also isolated numerous new mutations in genes homologous to yeast autophagy genes,which confirmed the results of the study.These new mutations not only provide a valuable resource for inquiring the structure and function of autophagy proteins,but also set up C.elegans as a preeminent system for investigating the role and regulation of autophagy in multicellular organisms.
文摘Protists are a highly diverse group of microscopic eukaryotic organisms that are not fungi,animals,or plants.Protistswere some of the microbes first visualized and described by Anton van Leeuwenhoek using themicroscope in the seventeenth century.After that,the description and cataloging of these diverse microbial eukaryotes was pursued by microbiologists throughout the following centuries.1 So far,more than 60,000 protist species have been recorded in the NCBI taxonomy system,but many have yet to be identified.Protists have long been considered important models in fundamental biological studies,such as cell biology,genetics,ecology and evolution toxicology,and applied fields,including biofuels,nutritional supplements and aquaculture feed production,environmental monitoring and pollution treatment,protozoan parasitic disease treatment and prevention,as well as agriculture.
