Search

This text is intended to be a brief discussion of some salient conceptual and methodological aspects concerning the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L). The essay, far from aiming to be exhaustive, strives instead to highlight original and significant steps taken by the international scientific community over the last thirty years to deepen the historical and biological path that this woody species, which has played an essential role in human history, has taken. Possible future scenarios involving genetic modifications to improve adaptive mechanisms are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize accumulates large amounts of starch in seeds which have been used as food for human and animals. Maize starch is an importantly industrial raw material for bioethanol production. One critical step in bioethanol production is degrading starch to oligosaccharides and glucose by α-amylase and glucoamylase. This step usually requires high temperature and additional equipment, leading to an increased production cost. Currently, there remains a lack of specially designed maize cultivars with optimized starch (amylose and amylopectin) compositions for bioethanol production. We discussed the features of starch granules suitable for efficient enzymatic digestion. Thus far, great advances have been made in molecular characterization of the key proteins involved in starch metabolism in maize seeds. The review explores how these proteins affect starch metabolism pathway, especially in controlling the composition, size and features of starch. We highlight the roles of key enzymes in controlling amylose/amylopectin ratio and granules architecture. Based on current technological process of bioethanol production using maize starch, we propose that several key enzymes can be modified in abundance or activities via genetic engineering to synthesize easily degraded starch granules in maize seeds. The review provides a clue for developing special maize cultivars as raw material in the bioethanol industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen tubes are tip-growing cells that create safe routes to convey sperm cells to the embryo sac for double fertilization. Recent studies have purified and biochemically characterized detergent-insoluble membranes from tobacco pollen tubes. These microdomains, called lipid rafts, are rich in sterols and sphingolipids and are involved in cell polarization in organisms evolutionarily distant, such as fungi and mammals. The presence of actin in tobacco pollen tube detergent-insoluble membranes and the preferential distribution of these domains on the apical plasma membrane encouraged us to formulate the intriguing hypothesis that sterols and sphingolipids could be a "trait d'union" between actin dynamics and polarized secretion at the tip. To unravel the role of sterols and sphingolipids in tobacco pollen tube growth, we used squalestatin and myriocin, inhibitors of sterol and sphingolipid biosynthesis, respectively, to determine whether lipid modifications affect actin fringe morphology and dynamics, leading to changes in clear zone organization and cell wall deposition, thus suggesting a role played by these lipids in successful fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of multidisciplinary approaches of investigation including biological, biogeographical, historical, morphological, and genetic analysis, can be useful in identifying and preserving biodiversity. The present study focuses on the characterisation and conservation of a mouflon population (Ovis gmelini musimon) from the Mediterranean island of Giglio. Here we provide the first molecular data on the Giglio population and compare it with mouflons from Sardinia, Elba, and Corsica using both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Our results suggest that the Giglio mouflon harbours genetic variability likely of Sardinian origin but not represented in the current Sardinian mouflon diversity. Although not presenting the typical characteristics of an invasive alien species, the Giglio mouflon is being subjected to eradication through culling or trapping and surgical sterilization. The molecular evidence we report highlights that such actions are causing the irremediable loss of ancestral genetic variants of the genus Ovis. Finally, we highlight how a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to aid the conservation and management of the anthropochorous populations of Mediterranean mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The varietal authentication of wines is fundamental for assessing wine quality, and it is part of its compositional profiling. The availability of historical, cultural and chemical composition information is extremely important for quality evaluation. DNA-based techniques are a powerful tool for proving the varietal composition of a wine. SSR-amplification of genomic residual Vitis vinifera DNA, namely Wine DNA Fingerprinting (WDF) is able to produce strong, analytical evidence concerning the monovarietal nature of a wine, and for blended wines by generating the probability of the presence/absence of a certain variety, all in association with a dedicated bioinformatics elaboration of genotypes associated with possible varietal candidates. Together with WDF we could exploit Bioinformatics techniques, due to the number of grape genomes grown. In this paper, the use of WDF and the development of a bioinformatics tool for allelic data validation, retrieved from the amplification of 7 to 10 SSRs markers in the Vitis vinifera genome, are reported. The wines were chosen based on increasing complexity; from monovarietal, experimental ones, to commercial monovarietals, to blended commercial wines. The results demonstrate that WDF, after calculation of different distance matrices and Neighbor-Joining input data, followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) can effectively describe the varietal nature of wines. In the unknown blended wines the WDF profiles were compared to possible varietal candidates (Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel), and the output graphs show the most probable varieties used in the blend as closeness to the tested wine. This pioneering work should be meant as to favor in perspective the multidisciplinary building-up of on-line databanks and bioinformatics toolkits on wine. The paper concludes with a discussion on an integrated decision support system based on bioinformatics, chemistry and cultural data to assess wine quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant and poses a risk of transfer into the food chain through contaminated plants. Mechanisms underlying Cd tolerance and hyperaccumulation in plants are not fully understood. Proteomics-based approaches facilitate an in-depth understanding of plant responses to Cd stress at the systemic level by identifying Cd-inducible differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). In this review, we summarize studies related to proteomic changes associated with Cd-tolerance mechanisms in Cd-tolerant crops and Cd-hyperaccumulating plants, especially the similarities and differences across plant species. The enhanced DAPs identified through proteomic studies can be potential targets for developing Cd-hyperaccumulators to remediate Cd-contaminated environments and Cd-tolerant crops with low Cd content in the edible organs. This is of great significance for ensuring the food security of an exponentially growing global population. Finally, we discuss the methodological drawbacks in current proteomic studies and propose that better protocols and advanced techniques should be utilized to further strengthen the reliability and applicability of future Cd-stress-related studies in plants. This review provides insights into the improvement of phytoremediation efficiency and an in-depth study of the molecular mechanisms of Cd enrichment in plants. [Display omitted] • Comparison of Cd-inducible proteins and metabolic pathways across plant species. • The increased Cd-inducible proteins may be used for creating Cd-hyperaccumulators. • Defects in proteomic study of plant Cd stress and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late Roman Republic period (2nd–1st century BC), in the area of San Giovanni on Elba Island, previously subject to intense extraction of iron ore, a rustic villa was established by Marco Valerio Messalla, a supreme Roman magistrate. The foundations of the walls were discovered and excavated by an archaeological mission. Palaeobotanical analysis of a set of stratigraphic layers was performed. Palynological slides showed remains of palynomorphic and non-pollen objects, while data combined with anthracological investigations confirmed the hypothesis that in the 1st century AD the villa was destroyed by a fire that created a compact crust under which were discovered four broken Roman amphorae containing about five hundred apple seeds. Comparisons of archaeological and fresh seeds from reference collections showed discontinuous morphology except for one group of archaeological samples. DNA was isolated from seeds that had well-preserved embryos in all groups. DNA extracts from archaeological, wild and modern domestic seeds (controls) were amplified by PCR and tested with SSR molecular markers, followed by genome analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the application of microsatellites (SSRs) markers for describing genetic diversity within Iranian grapevine cultivars, Askari and Keshmeshi (Vitis vinifera L.). Fourteen SSR loci were selected to evaluate the morphological differences of berries at the genetic level. The study found that the SSR markers can be used to identify intra-cultivar diversity.

gaMS-2 is a gametophytic male-sterile mutant of maize, with sterile pollen grains developmentally blocked at the binucleate stage. To characterise differentially expressed proteins in gaMS-2 pollen, we compared protein profiles of anthers and mature pollen from heterozygous GaMS-2/gaMS-2 plants and wild type (wt) plants by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). A basic protein present at a greatly reduced level in GaMS-2/gaMS-2 anthers was subsequently identified by tandem mass spectrometry as Zea m 1 (a glycoprotein of 31 kDa), the major group-1 allergen of maize pollen and a member of the β-expansin 1 family. Moreover, we show that Zea m 1 can be deglycosylated by peptide N-glycosidase F. After deglycosylation, four major isoforms—Zea m 1a (more acetic), Zea m 1b, Zea m1c and Zea m 1d (more basic)—can be discriminated in wt anther in 2-DE immunoblots probed with a monoclonal antibody against the group-1 pollen allergen, whereas all the isoforms, especially Zea m 1a, exist at reduced levels in GaMS-2/gaMS-2 anthers. Furthermore, the reduced Zea m 1 accumulation in the mutant appears to occur in immature pollen but not in anther sporophytic tissues. Finally, we separated sterile pollen grains (at the mononucleate stage) from fertile ones using 42% Percoll solution, and found that Zea m 1 is barely detectable in sterile pollen grains. Together, our results indicate that a reduced Zea m 1 level is associated with the sterile phenotype of gaMS-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the main domesticated cereals. For this reason, barley seeds have been found in numerous archaeological sites, and since the mid-19th century have been available in numerous natural museum collections. About a hundred years ago samples were collected in the African countries of Eritrea and Cyrenaica (now Libya), and have been preserved as ex-situ in the museum collection "L'Orientale" of the University of Naples. The varieties of contemporary barley selected for comparative analysis were grown in Tuscany and are used in the production of craft beer. To ascertain their vitality, the ancient and contemporary seeds were placed in Petri dishes to hydrate under a sterile hood at room temperature after a sterilization procedure. Morphological and ultrastructural observations performed on the aleurone cells of the ancient samples presented vital cells. The extraction and purification of DNA from seeds produced results while the genotype comparison of ancient and contemporary barley varieties enabled the construction of a dendrogram of similarity, useful in describing barley from museum genetic heritage collections and in providing a molecular imprint of extant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cinta Senese (CS) is an autochthonous Tuscan breed, which risked extinction since the '60s. Results: Monitoring the genetic variability of the actual population by use of DNA molecular markers is essential to address a correct breeding policy, finalized to obtain the race preservation and its fitness in the future. 17 SSRs autosomal markers and 1 associated to the X chromosome were used to genotype 86 individuals belonging to the CS and 12 belonging to two main white races Landrace (L), Large White (LW) and crosses between LW and L and L and CS widespread in Tuscany and used in the recent past to obtain hybrids with the CS. Conclusions: A dendrogram of similarity measures the relative genetic distance between individuals in the population. Data show that CS pigs have a distinct genotype from L, LW, LW x L and L x CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to develop and validate a suite of sensitive responses (biomarkers) for monitoring conservation status and ecotoxicological impact in Posidonia oceanica meadows. Analytical methods were developed for NADPH cytochrome c reductase, ethoxycoumarin-o-deethylase (ECOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays. A preliminary proteomic approach using 2-D electrophoresis was also proposed as a biomarker. These techniques were initially tested on samples of posidonia exposed experimentally to various contaminants. Once validated, this approach was applied to posidonia in a field study. Samples of the seagrass were collected at four sites with potentially different environmental impact along the northern Tyrrhenian coast. The results showed that reductase activity was significantly induced in the various sampling areas with respect to the reference site. GPOX and SOD showed a similar trend; the highest activities were found in samples collected off a chlor-alkali plant and near a river estuary. Analysis of trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine compounds (OCs) in posidonia leaves showed differences between sites. A significant correlation was found between Hg concentrations and GPOX activity and between Cr, Al and As concentrations and reductase activity. The results validated these biomarkers in posidonia for the assessment of ecotoxicological impact on the coastal ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]