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The mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) residing within the stromal component of visceral adipose tissue appear to be greatly affected by obesity, with impairment of their functions and presence of senescence. To gain further insight into these phenomena, we analyzed the changes in total proteome content and secretome of mouse MSCs after a high-fat diet (HFD) treatment compared to a normal diet (ND). In healthy conditions, MSCs are endowed with functions mainly devoted to vesicle trafficking. These cells have an immunoregulatory role, affecting leukocyte activation and migration, acute inflammation phase response, chemokine signaling, and platelet activities. They also present a robust response to stress. We identified four signaling pathways (TGF-β, VEGFR2, HMGB1, and Leptin) that appear to govern the cells’ functions. In the obese mice, MSCs showed a change in their functions. The immunoregulation shifted toward pro-inflammatory tasks with the activation of interleukin-1 pathway and of Granzyme A signaling. Moreover, the methionine degradation pathway and the processing of capped intronless pre-mRNAs may be related to the inflammation process. The signaling pathways we identified in ND MSCs were replaced by MET, WNT, and FGFR2 signal transduction, which may play a role in promoting inflammation, cancer, and aging © 2020. Acar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. All Rights Reserved. The mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) residing within the stromal component of visceral adipose tissue appear to be greatly affected by obesity, with impairment of their functions and presence of senescence. To gain further insight into these phenomena, we analyzed the changes in total proteome content and secretome of mouse MSCs after a high-fat diet (HFD) treatment compared to a normal diet (ND). In healthy conditions, MSCs are endowed with functions mainly devoted to vesicle trafficking. These cells have an immunoregulatory role, affecting leukocyte activation and migration, acute inflammation phase response, chemokine signaling, and platelet activities. They also present a robust response to stress. We identified four signaling pathways (TGF-β, VEGFR2, HMGB1, and Leptin) that appear to govern the cells’ functions. In the obese mice, MSCs showed a change in their functions. The immunoregulation shifted toward pro-inflammatory tasks with the activation of interleukin-1 pathway and of Granzyme A signaling. Moreover, the methionine degradation pathway and the processing of capped intronless pre-mRNAs may be related to the inflammation process. The signaling pathways we identified in ND MSCs were replaced by MET, WNT, and FGFR2 signal transduction, which may play a role in promoting inflammation, cancer, and aging © 2020. Acar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. All Rights Reserved. Erciyes University Research Project Fund BAP-FYL-2017-7399 Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli CUP B23D18000250007

Yarrow essential oil is used in complementary and alternative therapy for several diseases. Biological effects of essential oils span various cells and microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of the essential oil obtained from the yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium) on HeLa (CCL-2) cells. The components of the essential oil were studied by means of GC-MS analysis. Out of 10 determined compounds in the essential oil; 1,8-Cineole, Camphor, Beta-eudesmol and Camphene were found to be higher than others; and their biological effects were depicted with Ingeniuty Pathway Analysis (IPA) analysis. Moreover, cell cycle and proliferation tests were conducted on HeLa cells where yarrow plant’s essential oil was used. When extracted yarrow oil applied on HeLA Cells, apoptotic effects had been determined, furthermore proliferation of these cells decreased. In addition, activation of cell cycle control points was observed . Essential oil components could arrest the development of HeLa cells due to induction of cellular damage control mechanisms. In conclusion, we propose that the essential oil had a more repressive effect on HeLa cells, decreases their proliferation and prevented the increase in the number of cells.

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is known as a medium-sized game species in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere and a predator therewithal. In this study, we focused on Iranian (n = 14) and Turkish (n = 54) red foxes. Genetic analyses were performed by using mitochondrial D-loop sequences and revealed that there was a remarkable genetic variation within the Iranian and the Turkish populations. Intraspecific pairwise divergences within the Iranian and the Turkish red foxes ranged from 0.2% to 4% and from 0.3% to 3.1%, including 10 and 25 haplotypes, respectively. Also, a haplotype network was reconstructed by using the D-loop sequences obtained from the current study and conspecific populations throughout the species' range. Based on the D-loop sequences, the red foxes were clustered into three main haplogroups (Palearctic basal haplotypes-African clade, Holarctic clade, Nearctic clade), in which the Iranian and the Turkish red foxes were grouped into two haplogroups (Palearctic basal haplotypes-African clade and Holarctic clade). The present study proposed that genetic differentiation occurs within the Iranian and the Turkish populations of the red fox, and it supported an ancient Middle Eastern-North African origin suggested by previous studies for modern red foxes due to the occurrence of some the Iranian and the Turkish haplotypes that were grouped into the Palearctic basal haplotypes-African clade.

This work was supported by Erciyes University Research Project Fund (BAP-FDK-20188555) to S.O. We are grateful to Turkey Council of Higher Education for supporting M. Burak Acar with the CoHE 100/2000 Doctoral Scholarship Project. This work was partially supported by Regione Campania Progetto POR "Sviluppo di nanotecnologie Orientate alla Rigenerazione e Ricostruzione tissutale, Impiantologia e Sensoristica Odontoiatria/oculistica-SORRISO" CUP B23D18000250007 to G.P. and U.G. This was partially supported by Life Science Institute Inc., Tokyo, Japan to U.G. for a Joint Re-search Agreement. Muse cells are adult stem cells that are present in the stroma of several organs and possess an enduring capacity to cope with endogenous and exogenous genotoxic stress. In cell therapy, the peculiar biological properties of Muse cells render them a possible natural alternative to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or to in vitro-generated pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Indeed, some studies have proved that Muse cells can survive in adverse microenvironments, such as those present in damaged/injured tissues. We performed an evaluation of Muse cells' proteome under basic conditions and followed oxidative stress treatment in order to identify ontologies, pathways, and networks that can be related to their enduring stress capacity. We executed the same analysis on iPSCs and MSCs, as a comparison. The Muse cells are enriched in several ontologies and pathways, such as endosomal vacuolar trafficking related to stress response, ubiquitin and proteasome degradation, and reactive oxygen scavenging. In Muse cells, the protein-protein interacting network has two key nodes with a high connectivity degree and betweenness: NFKB and CRKL. The protein NFKB is an almost-ubiquitous transcription factor related to many biological processes and can also have a role in protecting cells from apoptosis during exposure to a variety of stressors. CRKL is an adaptor protein and constitutes an integral part of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway. The identified pathways and networks are all involved in the quality control of cell components and may explain the stress resistance of Muse cells. Erciyes University Research Project Fund BAP-FDK-20188555 Turkey Council of Higher Education CoHE 100/2000 Doctoral Scholarship Project Regione Campania Progetto POR "Sviluppo di nanotecnologie Orientate alla Rigenerazione e Ricostruzione tissutale, Impiantologia e Sensoristica Odontoiatria/oculistica-SORRISO" CUP B23D18000250007 Life Science Institute Inc., Tokyo, Japan

Background: Streptomyces clavuligerus is prolific producer of cephamycin C, a medically important antibiotic. In our former study, cephamycin C titer was 2-fold improved by disrupting homoserine dehydrogenase (hom) gene of aspartate pahway in Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585. Objective: In this article, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding at the proteome level on potential complex metabolic changes as a consequence of hom disruption in Streptomyces clavuligerus AK39. Methods: A comparative proteomics study was carried out between the wild type and its hom disrupted AK39 strain by 2 Dimensional Electrophoresis-Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (2DE MALDI-TOF/MS) and Nanoscale Liquid Chromatography- Tandem Mass Spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) analyses. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) database was used to determine the functional categories of the proteins. The theoretical pI and Mw values of the proteins were calculated using Expasy pI/Mw tool. Results: “Hypothetical/Unknown” and “Secondary Metabolism” were the most prominent categories of the differentially expressed proteins. Upto 8.7-fold increased level of the positive regulator CcaR was a key finding since CcaR was shown to bind to cefF promoter thereby direcly controlling its expression. Consistently, CeaS2, the first enzyme of CA biosynthetic pathway, was 3.3- fold elevated. There were also many underrepresented proteins associated with the biosynthesis of several Non-Ribosomal Peptide Synthases (NRPSs), clavams, hybrid NRPS/Polyketide synthases (PKSs) and tunicamycin. The most conspicuously underrepresented protein of amino acid metabolism was 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HppD) acting in tyrosine catabolism. The levels of a Two Component System (TCS) response regulator containing a CheY-like receiver domain and an HTH DNA-binding domain as well as DNA-binding protein HU were elevated while a TetR-family transcriptional regulator was underexpressed. Conclusion: The results obtained herein will aid in finding out new targets for further improvement of cephamycin C production in Streptomyces clavuligerus.

The mitogenome of Prometheomys schaposchnikowi was characterized for the first time as a circular DNA molecule (16.284 bp), containing 37 coding and 2 non-coding regions. In the mitogenome, ND6 and 8 tRNA genes were encoded on the light chain, while 12 PCGs, 14 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, D-loop and O-L were encoded on the heavy chain. The most common initiation codon in PCGs was ATG. As in many mammals, incomplete stop codons in P. schaposchnikowi were in the COX3, ND1 and ND4. Phylogenetic relationships were revealed using Bayesian method and the 13 PCGs. Seven genera (Arvicola, Dicrostonyx, Lasiopodomys, Myodes, Ondatra, Proedromys and Prometheomys) formed a monophyletic group, while Eothenomys, Microtus and Neodon were paraphyletic. P. schaposchnikowi constituted the most basal group within Arvicolinae. Divergence time estimation suggested that P. schaposchnikowi diversified during the Miocene (16.28 Mya). Further molecular studies are needed to test the distinctiveness and diversity of the genus Prometheomys.

WOS: 000469350100001 This study investigates in-vitro activities of phytochemicals in Callistemon citrinus against multi-resistant foodborne pathogens, alpha-glucosidase enzyme and MCF-7 cancer cell line. Assays were prepared with lyophilized extracts to determine antioxidant capacity, inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzyme and growth of foodborne bacteria. Annexin-V detection kit was used for apoptosis detection and FT-IR spectroscopy to confirm structural and functional groups of phytochemicals. Cytotoxicity of the extracts against MCF-7 cells was monitored with xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyser. The result from FT-IR analysis gave a peak at 3295 cm(-1) wavenumber, confirming the presence of O-H alcohol functional group. FT-IR analysis also showed the presence of different functional groups such as carboxylic acids, aromatics, alkanes, alcohols, aliphatic amines, alkenes and amine groups in the extracts. Callistemon exhibited strong antioxidant capacities with EC50 values of 0.474 +/- 0.03 and 0.787 +/- 0.15 mL sample/g of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydeazyl (DPPH) from leaf and flower extracts, respectively. Growth inhibition of most gram-positive foodborne bacteria by phytochemicals from flower extract appeared more promising as an alternative antimicrobial agent for food preservation. IC50 value of 3.69 +/- 0.61 mu g/mL obtained from leaf extract showed its inhibitory potential against alpha-glucosidase enzyme for managing diabetes type-2. A dose response obtained from real-time monitoring with xCELLigence system indicated higher cytotoxicity of the extracts against MCF-7 cell line at >= 200 mu g/mL concentrations within 24 h of incubation. The versatility of phytochemicals in Callistemon observed in this study signifies its potential for enhancing feed or food functionality, moderating blood glucose level and inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens or invasive carcinoma in man. Scientific and Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Authors are grateful to the Scientific and Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for supporting this study. We also thank Associate Professor Cam Mustafa for his assistance on antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase analyses.

White adipose tissue (WAT) is distributed in several depots with distinct metabolic and inflammatory functions. In our body there are subcutaneous (sWAT), visceral (vWAT) and bone marrow (bWAT) fat depots. Obesity affects the size, function and inflammatory state of WATs. In particular, obesity may affect the activity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) present in WAT. MSCs are a heterogeneous population containing stromal cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts and stem cells that are able to differentiate among adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes and other mesodermal derivatives. In the first study of this kind, we performed a comparison of the effects of obesity on MSCs obtained from sWAT, vWAT and bWAT. Our study showed that obesity affects mainly the biological functions of MSCs obtained from bone marrow and vWAT by decreasing the proliferation rate, reducing the percentage of cells in S phase and triggering senescence. The onset of senescence was confirmed by expression of genes belonging to RB and P53 pathways. Our study revealed that the negative consequences of obesity on body physiology may also be related to impairment in the functions of the stromal compartment present in the several adipose tissues. This finding provides new insights as to the targets that should be considered for an effective treatment of obesity-related diseases.

Capnodis tenebrionis L. is an important pest of stone fruit trees. The larval stage of the pest causes serious damage to apricot saplings and trees in Malatya regions of Turkey. Chemical control of C. tenebrionis larvae is not practical and effective in these orchards. Therefore, it is necessary to improve biological control methods against this pest. In this study, the effects of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae against the larval stage of C. tenebrionis were evaluated under semi-field conditions. Saplings of apricot 'Hacihalioglu' grafted on wild apricot rootstock were planted into pots and kept in greenhouse (semi-controlled environment). Sapling pots were inoculated with 50 first-instar C. tenebrionis larvae. Three different concentrations of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae (10(4), 10(5) and 10(6) spores cm-2) and S. carpocapsae (25, 50 and 100 infective juveniles cm-2) were applied to the pots. All tested entomopathogens decreased the extent of C. tenebrionis larval penetration. B. bassiana at 106 spores cm-2 was the most effective application, exhibiting no larval penetration.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of different extracts from Echinops emiliae Schwarz ex P. H. Davis. Antimicrobial activity was estimated against several common human pathogenic bacterial strains using the agar disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration assays. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the total flavanoid and total phenolic content methods. On the light of these experiments, E. emiliae would seem to be an important natural antioxidant. Antimicrobial and antioxidant of E. emiliae have not been reported up to now. The results of this study obviously reported that the antimicrobial and antifungal activity could be change with used extracts. Also, the micro dilution method was more sensitive than disk diffusion. This study is first report on the biological activity of E. emiliae as regarded endemic species from Turkey. The results show that E. emiliae could use in the treatment of some illness., The aim of this studywas to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of differentextracts from Echinops emiliaeSchwarz ex P. H. Davis. Antimicrobial activity was estimated against severalcommon human pathogenic bacterial strains using the agar disc diffusion andminimal inhibitory concentration assays. Antioxidant activity was evaluatedusing the total flavanoid and total phenolic content methods. On the light ofthese experiments, E. emiliae wouldseem to be an important natural antioxidant. Antimicrobial and antioxidant of E. emiliae have not been reported up tonow. The results of this study obviously reported that the antimicrobial andantifungal activity could be change with used extracts. Also, the microdilution method was more sensitive than disk diffusion. This study is firstreport on the biological activity of E.emiliae as regarded endemic species from Turkey. The results show that E. emiliae could use in the treatment ofsome illness.

Background The term mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) designates an assorted cell population comprised of stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, and stromal cells. MSCs contribute to the homeostatic maintenance of many organs through paracrine and long-distance signaling. Tissue environment, in both physiological and pathological conditions, may affect the intercellular communication of MSCs. Methods We performed a secretome analysis of MSCs isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (sWAT) and visceral adipose tissue (vWAT), and from bone marrow (BM), of normal and obese mice. Results The MSCs isolated from tissues of healthy mice share a common core of released factors: components of cytoskeletal and extracellular structures; regulators of basic cellular functions, such as protein synthesis and degradation; modulators of endoplasmic reticulum stress; and counteracting oxidative stress. It can be hypothesized that MSC secretome beneficially affects target cells by the horizontal transfer of many released factors. Each type of MSC may exert specific signaling functions, which could be determined by looking at the many factors that are exclusively released from every MSC type. The vWAT-MSCs release factors that play a role in detoxification activity in response to toxic substances and drugs. The sWAT-MSC secretome contains proteins involved in in chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis. Analysis of BM-MSC secretome revealed that these cells exert a signaling function by remodeling extracellular matrix structures, such as those containing glycosaminoglycans. Obesity status profoundly modified the secretome content of MSCs, impairing the above-described activity and promoting the release of inflammatory factors. Conclusion We demonstrated that the content of MSC secretomes depends on tissue microenvironment and that pathological condition may profoundly alter its composition.

SummaryObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transfer to periodontal ligament (PDL) on the inhibition and/or repair of orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR) during and after arch expansion and on the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) rate of the maxillary first molar teeth of rats.Material and methodsSixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups as the untreated group, MSC and control injections during the expansion period group (EMSC-EC), and MSC and control injections at the retention period group (RMSC-RC). Fifty grams of orthodontic force was applied to the maxillary first molar teeth of the rats for 14 days in the vestibular direction, and then, 20 days of retention was carried out. MSCs and control injections were performed every 3 days in the EC, RC, EMSC, and RMSC groups. At the end of the experiment, samples were prepared for OTM evaluation, mRNA expression analysis, micro-computed tomography measurements, cementum thickness calculations, and structural examinations.ResultsThe amount of OTM in EMSC group was significantly higher than in EC group (P < 0.001). MSC transfer during the expansion and retention periods reduced the number of resorption lacunae, volumetric and linear resorptive measurements, and cyclooxygenase-2 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) mRNA expression levels, and increased the osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression levels, OPG/RANKL ratio, and cementum thickness in the EMSC and RMSC groups.ConclusionsMSC transfer to PDL during expansion increased the amount of OTM. Injection of MSC during the retention period was found to be slightly more effective in prevention and/or repair of OIRR than MSC transfer during the expansion period.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of standard culture medium and chondrogenic differentiation medium with PRP on chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rabbit DPSCs) that are transfected with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-B1) gene, based on the hypothesis of TGF- B1 and PRP can be effective on the chondrogenesis of stem cells. Materials and Methods: Rabbit DPSCs were characterized by using flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and differentiation tests. For the characterization, CD29, CD44 and CD45 mesenchymal cell markers were used. Rabbit DPSCs were transfected with TGF-B1 gene using electroporation technique in group 1; with PRP 10% in group 2; with chondrogenic medium in group 3; with both chondrogenic medium and PRP in group 4. DPSCs were cultured in medium with 10% inactive PRP in group 5, chondrogenic medium in group 6, chondrogenic medium with PRP 10% in group 7. SOX9, MMP13 and Aggrecan gene expression levels were evaluated in 3, 6, 12. and 24. days by qRT-PCR. Results: The expression levels of SOX9, MMP13 and Aggrecan were higher in group 2, 3 and group 7 in 3th day however in 24th day group 7 and group 2 were found higher. The expression levels changed by time-dependent. The extracellular matrix of the cells in experimental groups were positively stained with safranin O and toluidine blue. Conclusion: The combination in culture medium of TGF-B1 gene transfection and 10% PRP accelerates the chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs.

Senescent cells secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) proteins to carry out several functions, such as sensitizing surrounding cells to senesce; immunomodulation; impairing or fostering cancer growth; and promoting tissue development. Identifying secreted factors that achieve such tasks is a challenging issue since the profile of secreted proteins depends on genotoxic stress and cell type. Currently, researchers are trying to identify common markers for SASP. The present investigation compared the secretome composition of five different senescent phenotypes in two different cell types: bone marrow and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). We induced MSC senescence by oxidative stress, doxorubicin treatment, X-ray irradiation, and replicative exhaustion. We took advantage of LC-MS/MS proteome identification and subsequent gene ontology (GO) evaluation to perform an unbiased analysis (hypothesis free manner) of senescent secretomes. GO analysis allowed us to distribute SASP components into four classes: extracellular matrix/cytoskeleton/cell junctions; metabolic processes; ox-redox factors; and regulators of gene expression. We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to determine common pathways among the different senescent phenotypes. This investigation, along with identification of eleven proteins that were exclusively expressed in all the analyzed senescent phenotypes, permitted the identification of three key signaling paths: MMP2 - TIMP2; IGFBP3 - PAI-1; and Peroxiredoxin 6 - ERP46 - PARK7 - Cathepsin D - Major vault protein. We suggest that these paths could be involved in the paracrine circuit that induces senescence in neighboring cells and may confer apoptosis resistance to senescent cells.

ibis, Osman/0000-0001-5000-7882 WOS: 000499745500013 Genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) have been reported by various researchers from species' range. As genetic data of Turkish lynx comes from a single genetic study that only contains limited number of lynx samples from the Anatolian part of Turkey, there is still a lack of genetic information for the Eurasian lynx population distributed in Turkey. In this study, mitochondrial Cyt b (1140 bp) and COI (630 bp) sequences were obtained from eight Anatolian samples of the Eurasian lynx. The Anatolian lynx sequences were compared to those of conspecific populations published in GenBank. We found two COI (630 bp) and four Cyt b (1140 bp) haplotypes among the eight Anatolian lynx sequences. Despite the limited number of the Anatolian lynx sequences, Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor-Joining and Network analyses revealed that there was a significant genetic differentiation in the Eurasian lynx, in that at least there were two main mitochondrial lineages within the sampling area. Also, the present study suggested that the Anatolian lynx might have a relatively high genetic variability despite the scarce samples. Scientific Research Fund at Erciyes University [FHD-2016-6554] This study was supported by the Scientific Research Fund at Erciyes University (Project Nr: FHD-2016-6554). We would like to thank to the Wildlife Conservation, Rescue, Rehabilitation, Application and Research Center, Kafkas University, and Dr. Sami Simek for his assistance in providing the samples, and Donna Sue ozcan for English editing.

One way to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) is to screen cells for multiple surface markers using flow cytometry. In order to develop an alternative microfluidic based method, isolation of B type acute lymphoblastic cells using two types of antibodies should be investigated. The immunomagnetic beads coated with various antibodies are used to capture the B type acute lymphoblastic cells. Single beads, two types of beads and surface immobilized antibody were used to measure the capture efficiency. Both micro and nanosize immunomagnetic beads can be used to capture B type acute lymphoblastic cells with a minimum efficiency of 94% and maximum efficiency of 98%. Development of a microfluidic based biochip incorporating immunomagnetic beads and surface immobilized antibodies for monitoring MRD can be an alternative to current cost and time inefficient laboratory methods. (c) 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2737, 2019

Stone marten (Martes foina) and European pine marten (M.martes) occur in western Eurasia. Current distributions of martens within Turkey and phylogenetic relationships among the Turkish and other populations of the two species within Eurasia remain relatively unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine genetic diversity within Martes populations inhabiting Turkey and to reveal the phylogenetic relationships among the Turkish and conspecific populations of the two marten species, using mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) sequences. Twenty-four (24) haplotypes were identified among 86 marten samples collected across Turkey, including 23 novel haplotypes. Genetic distances among the Turkish haplotypes ranged from 0.1% to 0.8%, with an average of 0.3%. The 24 Turkish haplotypes were analysed together with those of conspecific populations deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic (Bayesian Inference, maximum likelihood, neighbor-joining) and network analyses revealed that all of the Turkish samples belonged to M.foina and that samples of M.martes were not encountered. Haplotypes of M.foina were divided into five haplogroups. The haplogroup including the two Chinese samples differed markedly from other the haplogroups. The remaining haplogroups contained samples from both the Turkish and European populations. We found that there was a genetically close relationship between the Turkish and the European stone marten populations. As a result of this study, M.martes may not be distributed in the Anatolian part of Turkey, possibly due to a barrier effect of two straits (Dardanelles and Bosporus) and the Caucasus Mountains. On the other hand, M.foina is distributed in both the Anatolian and Thracian parts of Turkey. Our results suggest that Turkey was likely one of the refuges for M.foina during Pleistocene glacial periods and is one of the centres of distribution of stone marten for Europe and the surrounding regions.

Stem cells persist for long periods in the body and experience many intrinsic and extrinsic stresses. For this reason, they present a powerful and effective DNA repair system in order to properly fix DNA damage and avoid the onset of a degenerative process, such as neoplastic transformation or aging. In this chapter, we compare the DNA repair ability of pluripotent stem cells (ESCs, iPSCs, and Muse cells) and other adult stem cells. We also describe personal investigations showing a robust and effective capacity of Muse cells in sensing and repairing DNA following chemical and physical stress. Muse cells can repair DNA through base and nucleotide excision repair mechanisms, BER and NER, respectively. Furthermore, they present a pronounced capacity in repairing double-strand breaks by the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) process. The studies addressing the role of DNA damage repair in the biology of stem cells are of paramount importance for comprehension of their functions and, also, for setting up effective and safe stem cell-based therapy.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are not a homogenous population but comprehend several cell types, such as stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, and other types of cells. Among these is a population of pluripotent stem cells, which represent around 1-3% of MSCs. These cells, named multilineage-differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells, are stress-tolerant cells. Stem cells may undergo several rounds of intrinsic and extrinsic stresses due to their long life and must have a robust and effective DNA damage checkpoint and DNA repair mechanism, which, following a genotoxic episode, promote the complete recovery of cells rather than triggering senescence and/or apoptosis. We evaluated how Muse cells can cope with DNA damaging stress in comparison with MSCs. We found that Muse cells were resistant to chemical and physical genotoxic stresses better than non-Muse cells. Indeed, the level of senescence and apoptosis was lower in Muse cells. Our results proved that the DNA damage repair system (DDR) was properly activated following injury in Muse cells. While in non-Muse cells some anomalies may have occurred because, in some cases, the activation of the DDR persisted by 48 hr post damage, in others no activation took place. In Muse cells, the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) enzymatic activity increases compared to other cells, while single-strand repair activity (NER, BER) does not. In conclusion, the high ability of Muse cells to cope with genotoxic stress is related to their quick and efficient sensing of DNA damage and activation of DNA repair systems.

Although genetic diversity and phylogenetic status of the gray hamster (Cricetulus migratorius) have been investigated from different regions in previous studies, genetic data on this species from Turkey are still lacking, since previous data have been based on a limited number of gray hamsters sampled across the Anatolian part of Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of the Anatolian population and to reveal the phylogenetic relationships among the Anatolian population and conspecific populations of the gray hamster. The complete and partial fragments of mitochondrial Cyt b and 12S rRNA from the 20 Turkish samples were amplified and sequenced. Ten 12S rRNA (901 bp) and 15 Cyt b (1140 bp) haplotypes found in this work were not previously reported. Based on Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbour-Joining and Median-Joining network analyses by using mitochondrial data under the name Cricetulus, the results of phylogenetic and network analyses indicated that there was a deep separation among the distinct lineages within the genus Cricetulus. When considering the position of the Turkish haplotypes in median joining network, the Anatolian part of Turkey may have hosted a source population of the gray hamster for expansion to adjacent regions in the past period. Additionally, the Anatolian population of gray hamster had relatively high haplotype diversity and the present study propounded the importance of data obtained from the Anatolian population of gray hamster to reveal the phylogenetic relationships among conspecific populations of the gray hamster.

Sperm and eggs are essential cells for reproduction and fertility in mammals. Lack of sperm production is one of the leading causes of infertility, a major and growing problem in the developed world affecting 13 to 18% of reproductive-age couples. The birth of the first test tube baby by in vitro fertilization marked an advance in infertility treatment. Later on, several important new techniques called assisted reproductive technologies were developed to help couples who experience infertility. One limiting factor is the requirement of reproductive cells (gametes) for use in in vitro fertilization. For azoospermic men lacking sperm cells, producing gametes in vitro could be a new window to overcome infertility. In the past few years, several reports have been published on generating germ cells from stem cells, one of the epitomes of which was the report on functional in vitro-derived (IVD) germ cells. These mature haploid sperm cells from mouse embryonic stem cells were capable of egg fertilization and producing live offspring. In tandem with previous advancements in germ cell research, development of new technologies based on IVD gametes will change the future of infertility and provide a new basis for the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches to cure more complicated conditions of infertility. In addition, IVD gametogenesis provides an accessible system for studying the specification and differentiation of sperm cells and related processes such as meiosis, morphogenesis, and motility.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population, which contain several cell phenotypes: mesenchymal stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts and other type of cells. Previously, we identified unique stem cells that we named multilineage-differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells as one to several percent of MSCs of the bone marrow, adipose tissue and dermis. Among different cell populations in MSCs, Muse cells, positive for pluripotent surface marker SSEA-3, may represent cells responsible for pluripotent-like property of MSCs, since they express pluripotency genes, able to differentiated into triploblastic cells from a single cells and are self-renewable. MSCs release biologically active factors that have profound effects on local cellular dynamics. A thorough examination of MSC secretome seems essential for understanding the physiological functions exerted by these cells in our organism and also for rational cellular therapy design. In this setting, studies on secretome of Muse cells may shed light on pathways that are associated with their specific features. Our findings evidenced that secretomes of MSCs and Muse cells contain factors that regulate extracellular matrix remodeling, ox-redox activities and immune system. Muse cells appear to secrete factors that may preserve their stem cell features, allow survival under stress conditions and may contribute to their immunomodulation capacity. In detail, the proteins belonging to protein kinase A signaling, FXR/RXR activation and LXR/RXR activation pathways may play a role in regulation of Muse stem cell features. These last two pathways together with proteins associated with antigen presentation pathway and coagulation system may play a role in immunomodulation.

Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene have been used for DNA barcoding and determining the genetic diversity of mammal species. In the current study, our intention was to test the validity of COI barcodes for detecting genetic divergence and to reveal whether or not there is a genetic variation at this marker within canids. Three species (Canis aureus, Canis lupus and Vulpes vulpes) from the family Canidae were selected for DNA barcoding using samples collected from Iran and Turkey. All three species had unique barcoding sequences and none of the sequences were shared among these species. The mean sequence divergences within and among the species were 0.61% and 12.32%, respectively, which fell into the mean divergence ranges found in some mammal groups. The genetic diversity of these three canid species was relatively higher than that found in previously reported studies.

In this study Benzenesulfonicacid-1-methylhydrazide ( bsmh ) derivatives such as salicylaldehyde benzenesulfonylhydrazone ( Hsalbsmh ) and its Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Cu(II), Co(II) complexes were synthesized for the first time. The structure of these complexes was investigated by using elemental analyses, the FT-IR, LC–MS and UV–VIS spectrophotometric methods, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurement techniques. The complexes were found to have general compositions [ML 2 ]. Using disk diffusion methods all the synthesized complexes were evaluated in vitro as antimicrobial agents against representative strains of gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048) and gram-negative bacteria ( Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 49838, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). All the bacteria and fungus studied were screened against some antibiotics to compare with our chemical zone diameters.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of genetic variation and divergence by cellulose acetate gel electrophoresis between samples of Cricetulus migratorius, a cricetine rodent distributed in the Asian part (Anatolia) of Turkey. Out of twenty allozyme loci scored for fifteen enzyme systems, eleven loci were detected to be polymorphic in at least one locality of the Turkish C. migratorius. Indices of genetic variability (the percentage of polymorphic loci, mean number of alleles per locus, and mean observed and expected heterozygosities) were found to be P(95%) = 28, A = 1.3, Ho = 0.226 and He = 0.218, respectively. Nei?s unbiased genetic distances ranged from 0.000 to 0.153, with an average value of 0.069. The mean gene flow was calculated to be Nm = 0.7484. This is a preliminary study describing the allozymic variations of C. migratorius from Turkey. As there are no extensive data on the allozymic variations of C. migratorius from other regions, our results could not be compared, in detail with those of other populations of the species C. migratorius.

A 2-D reference map in pI range 3-10 was constructed for the soluble protein fraction of Phanerochaete chrysosporium growing vegetatively under standard conditions. Functional annotation could be made for 517 spots out of 720 that were subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, according to the specific accession numbers from the P. chrysosporium genomic database. Further analysis of the data revealed 314 distinct ORFs, 118 of which yielded multiple spots on the master gel. Functional classification of the proteins was made according to the eukaryote orthologous groups defined in the organism's genome website. The functional class of PTMs, protein turnover and chaperones was represented with the highest number (63) of the identified ORFs. Six proteins were assigned to the hypothetical proteins and 29 were predicted to have a signal peptide sequence. Subcellular localization predictions were also made for the identified proteins. Of the protein spots detected on the master gel, 380 were found to be probably phosphorylated and 96 of these matched to the identified proteins. The reference map was efficiently used in the identification of the proteins differentially expressed under cadmium and copper stress. Three new ribosomal proteins as well as zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, flavonol/cinnamoyl-CoA reductase, H + -transporting two-sector ATPase, ribosomal protein S7, ribosomal protein S21e, elongation factor EF-1 alpha subunit were demonstrated as the most strongly induced.

The diversity and distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes in thefamilies Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae were assessed throughout anextensive soil survey in Turkey during 1999 and 2000. Entomopathogenic nematodeswere recovered from six out of seven regions sampled, with 22 positive sites(2%) out of 1080 sites sampled. A single nematode isolate was recovered at eachof the positive sites, of which 15 were steinernematid isolates and seven wereheterorhabditid isolates representing a total of four species. Based onmorphometric and molecular data, the nematode species were identified asHeterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernemafeltiae, S. affine, andSteinernema n. sp. The most common species was S.feltiae, which was isolated from 10 sites in six regions, followed byH. bacteriophora from seven sites in five regions,S. affine from four sites in two regions, andSteinernema n. sp. from one site. Heterorhabditisbacteriophora and S. feltiae have been found inmany parts of the world, whereas S. affine, so far, hasonly been recovered in Europe until our survey. Steinernemaaffine was isolated from the European (Marmara) as well as theAsiatic region (Middle Anatolia) of Turkey. A new undescribedSteinernema sp. was isolated from the most eastern region(East Anatolia) of Turkey. Soils of the positive sites were classified as sandy,sandy loam, or loam (68.2%) and sandy–clay–loam or clay loam (31.8%) and the pHranged from 5.6 to 7.9. The habitats from which the entomopathogenic nematodeswere isolated were broadly classified as disturbed (59.1%), which includedagricultural fields and poplar planted for lumber and wind breaks, andundisturbed (40.9%), which included pine forest, grassland, marsh and reed sites.Steinernema feltiae, S. affine, andH. bacteriophora were recovered from both disturbed andundisturbed habitats. The new Steinernema sp. was recoveredfrom grassland. Our survey showed that these nematodes occur widely throughoutTurkey, but at a frequency below that reported for other parts of the world.

Senescent cells secrete several molecules that help to prevent the progression of cancer. However, cancer cells can also misuse these secreted elements to survive and grow. Since the molecular and functional bases of these different elements remain poorly understood, we analyzed the effect of senescent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) secretome on the biology of ARH-77 myeloma cells. In addition to differentiating in mesodermal derivatives, MSCs have sustained interest among researchers by supporting hematopoiesis, contributing to tissue homeostasis, and modulating inflammatory response, all activities accomplished primarily by the secretion of cytokines and growth factors. Moreover, senescence profoundly affects the composition of MSC secretome. In this study, we induced MSC senescence by oxidative stress, DNA damage, and replicative exhaustion. While the first two are considered to induce acute senescence, extensive proliferation triggers replicative (i.e., chronic) senescence. We cultivated cancer cells in the presence of acute and chronic senescent MSC-conditioned media and evaluated their proliferation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and senescence. Our findings revealed that senescent secretomes induced apoptosis or senescence, if not both, to different extents. This anti-tumor activity became heavily impaired when secretomes were collected from senescent cells previously in contact (i.e., primed) with cancer cells. Our analysis of senescent MSC secretomes with LC-MS/MS followed by Gene Ontology classification further indicated that priming with cancer profoundly affected secretome composition by abrogating the production of pro-senescent and apoptotic factors. We thus showed for the first time that compared with cancer-primed MSCs, naïve senescent MSCs can exert different effects on tumor progression.

Background Total soluble proteome alterations of white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium in response to different doses (25, 50 and 100 μM) of Pb (II) were characterized by 2DE in combination with MALDI-TOF-MS. Results Dose-dependent molecular response to Pb (II) involved a total of 14 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated proteins. The induction of an isoform of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase class V, mRNA splicing factor, ATP-dependent RNA helicase, thioredoxin reductase and actin required a Pb (II) dose of at least 50 μM. Analysis of the proteome dynamics of mid-exponential phase cells of P. chrysosporium subjected to 50 μM lead at exposure time intervals of 1, 2, 4 and 8 h, identified a total of 23 proteins in increased and 67 proteins in decreased amount. Overall, the newly induced/strongly up-regulated proteins involved in (i) amelioration of lipid peroxidation products, (ii) defense against oxidative damage and redox metabolism, (iii) transcription, recombination and DNA repair (iv) a yet unknown function represented by a putative protein. Conclusion The present study implicated the particular role of the elements of DNA repair, post-tanscriptional regulation and heterotrimeric G protein signaling in response to Pb (II) stress as shown for the first time for a basidiomycete.

ibis, Osman/0000-0001-5000-7882 WOS: 000273203500019 This study focuses on esterase variation of the genus Crocidura in Turkey. A total of 248 white-toothed shrews were analyzed by means of cellulose acetate gel electrophoresis. Liver tissue and alfa naphthyl acetate were used to investigate esterase variation in Turkish white-toothed shrews. A different esterase banding pattern was found in one Crocidura individual. This phenotype had four anodally migrated bands on cellulose acetate gel. The Crocidura individual displaying the given phenotype was identified as Crocidura suaveolens. The different esterase banding pattern observed in this study is considered to be a result of the trimeric structure of esterase in the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens). Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TOBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [107T157]; Research Fund of Erciyes UniversityErciyes University [E.U.FBA-07-15, E.U.FBY-07-82] This work was supported by the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TOBITAK) (Project No. 107T157) and the Research Fund of Erciyes University (Project Nos. E.U.FBA-07-15 and E.U.FBY-07-82).

Purpose: To investigate the possible protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG ) on lung damage in whole body irradiated rats. Methods: To evaluate the biological damage of radiation on rat lung tissue, lipid peroxidation products were measured using biochemical parameters. Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into three subgroups: control (C) , irradiation alone (RT), and RT + AG combined. After sacrificing the rats, antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities and malondiadehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels were evaluated in lung tissue. Results: Administration of AG resulted in an increase in the activities of CAT, SOD and GSHPx in the lungs. All were reduced after radiatio. In addition, AG administration resulted in a decrease in both NO and MDA levels in lung compared with the irradiated group. Conclusion: Amnoguanidine increased the endogenous antioxidant defence mechanism in rats and protected the animals from radiation-induced lung toxicity. Moreover, AG may protect against ionizing radiation-induced lung damage because of its antioxidant effect.

Veronica erciyasdagi (M. A. Fischer) C. Vural comb. & stat. nov., previously regarded as a variety, is proposed as a new combination, based on the morphological characters and seed storage protein polymorphism presented in this study. In addition, information about the ecology and conservation status of Veronica erciyasdagi was reported. This taxon is endemic to central Anatolia, Turkey and is critically endangered.

This study evaluated the protective effects of supplementation with three different sugars on the motility, morphology and DNA integrity of rat epididymal sperm chilled and stored at 4 degrees C Epididymides were obtained from each donor. Rat epididymal sperm was diluted in Ham's F10 plus raffinose, Ham's F10 plus trehalose, Ham's F10 plus fructose, and Ham's F10 medium for control purposes. Thereafter, the extended sperm were chilled and stored in liquid form at 4 degrees C. Sperm motility, morphological abnormalities and DNA damage were determined at 0 and 12 h after chilling. No significant difference was observed in any of the parameters evaluated at 0 h, before storage (P > 0.05). After 12 h of storage, all sugar additives led to statistically higher motility, normal sperm morphology and DNA integrity in comparison to the control group. Raffinose gave the best motility percentages (32.86 +/- 1.84%) after 12 h of storage at 4 degrees C, compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, Raffinose, trehalose and fructose provided a better protection of sperm functional parameters against chilling injury, in comparison to the control group. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.