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Background/Aim: Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 and 2 (NAT1 and NAT2) are drug-metabolizing enzymes that play a key role in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Materials and Methods: This study evaluated NAT1 and NAT2 mRNA and protein expression and their enzymatic activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with ALL (n=20) and healthy children (n=19) and explored the mechanisms that regulate these enzymes in ALL such as microRNAs (miR-1290, miR-26b) and SNPs. Results: PBMC from patients with ALL showed a decrease in NAT1 mRNA and protein expression. In addition, NAT1 enzymatic activity was decreased in patients with ALL. There was no influence of SNP 559 C>T or 560 G>A on low NAT1 activity. The lower expression of NAT1 might be related to the loss of acetylated histone H3K14 in the NAT1 gene promoter in patients with ALL and the higher relative expression of miR-1290 in the plasma of patients with relapsed ALL compared with healthy controls. There were significantly fewer CD3+/NAT1+ double-positive cells in patients who relapsed compared with control subjects. Based on a t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding algorithm, CD19+ cells that reappeared in patients with relapse showed low NAT1 expression. In contrast, for NAT2, there were no significant results. Conclusion: The expression and function of NAT1 and miR-1290 levels could be involved in modulating immune cells altered in ALL.

Resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) in some patients with locally advanced breast cancer remains one of the main obstacles to first-line treatment. We investigated clinical and pathological responses to FAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Mexican women with breast cancer and their possible association with SNPs present in ABC transporters as predictors of chemoresistance. A total of 102 patients undergoing FAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in the study. SNP analysis was performed by RT-PCR from genomic DNA. Two SNPs were analyzed: ABCB1 rs1045642 (3435 C > T) and ABCG2 rs2231142 (421 G > T). In clinical response evaluation, significant associations were found between the ABCB1 C3435T genotype and breast cancer chemoresistant and chemosensitive patients (p

Trichoderma spp. are filamentous fungi that colonize plant roots conferring beneficial effects to plants, either indirectly through the induction of their defense systems or directly through the suppression of phytopathogens in the rhizosphere. Transcriptomic analyses of Trichoderma spp. emerged as a powerful method for identifying the molecular events underlying the establishment of this beneficial relationship. Here, we focus on the transcriptomic response of Trichoderma virens during its interaction with Arabidopsis seedlings. The main response of T. virens to cocultivation with Arabidopsis was the repression of gene expression. The biological processes of transport and metabolism of carbohydrates were downregulated, including a set of cell wall–degrading enzymes putatively relevant for root colonization. Repression of such genes reached their basal levels at later times in the interaction, when genes belonging to the biological process of copper ion transport were induced, a necessary process providing copper as a cofactor for cell wall–degrading enzymes with the auxiliary activities class. RNA-Seq analyses showed the induction of a member of the SNF2 family of chromatin remodelers/helicase-related proteins, which was named IPA-1 (increased protection of Arabidopsis-1). Sequence analyses of IPA-1 showed its closest relatives to be members of the Rad5/Rad16 and SNF2 subfamilies; however, it grouped into a different clade. Although deletion of IPA-1 in T. virens did not affect its growth, the antibiotic activity of Δipa-1 culture filtrates against Rhizoctonia solani diminished but it remained unaltered against Botrytis cinerea. Triggering of the plant defense genes in plants treated with Δipa-1 was higher, showing enhanced resistance against Pseudomonas syringae but not against B. cinerea as compared with the wild type.

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mBD4, mBD3 and CRAMP in joint of mice with type II collagen-induced arthritis/CIA and to explore its possible association with IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, MMP3, RANK/RANKL/OPG and histological parameters. Methods: CIA was induced in 44 DBA/1 J mice. The joints from mice were classified into the onset, peak and remission phase of CIA. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O. The expression of CRAMP, mBD-3, mBD-4, and MMP-3 was evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The expression of IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, RANK/RANKL/OPG was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: We observed that inflammation and immunostained cells for CRAMP increased in the peak and remission phases compared to the control group. In addition, increments in relative expressions of CRAMP were detected for the remission phase and in IL-4 and IL-17 in the peak phase compared to the control and onset phase. In addition, an increase in IL-10 in a peak phase compared to the control, as well as the relative expression of IFN-γ in remission phase was higher than in the onset phase. This was accompanied by an increase in cartilage damage in the peak phase compared to the control. Cells immunostained to MMP3 increased in the peak phase compared to the onset and control group, and relative expression of MMP3 was detected in the peak phase compared to the onset, remission, and control group. We observed that the relative expression of RANK and RANKL in the peak phase was higher than in control and onset phase. Finally, the relative expression of OPG in the peak phase compared to the onset, remission, and control group was detected. Regarding CRAMP behavior in the different phases studied, it was positively correlated with IL-4 and RANK, and showed a negative correlation with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, RANKL, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio in the control group. Also was positively correlated with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, as well as with RANK, RANKL, and OPG in the onset and peak phases of the CIA. In the peak phase, CRAMP showed a positive association with MMP3, and we observed a direct correlation between CRAMP and IFN-γ and RANKL/OPG ratio in remission phase. mBD3 correlates positively with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, RANKL, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio, and showed a negative correlation with CRAMP, MMP3, and RANK in the control group. Also, it was directly associated with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10 and RANKL in the onset phase while it was inversely associated with CRAMP, MMP-3, RANK, RANKL, and OPG in the peak phase. Finally, mBD3 was inversely correlated with MMP3 in the remission phase and was directly associated with CRAMP, IFN-γ and RANKL/OPG ratio in this phase. mBD4 was directly associated with CRAMP, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, RANKL / OPG in the onset phase, and with CRAMP, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, MMP3, RANK, RANKL and OPG in the peak phase. Finally, mBD4 was positively associated with mBD3, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, RANK, RANKL OPG and RANKL/OPG in the CIA remission phase. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that CRAMP plays an important role in CIA progress and suggest that its abundance is associated with local pro- and anti-inflammatory status. This makes us propose CRAMP as a possible contributor of bone reconstruction in the last stage of CIA.

N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) catalyzes the biotransformation of numerous arylamine and hydrazine drugs and carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms of NAT2 modify drug efficacy and toxicity and susceptibility to diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. Expression of NAT2 has been documented in the liver and gastrointestinal tract but not in other tissues. Deacetylation of cytosolic proteins by sirtuins is a post translational modification important in regulatory networks of diverse cellular processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate NAT2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the effects of NAT2 genotype and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Both NAT2 and SIRT1 proteins were expressed on PBMC. Their expression was more prevalent on CD3+ compared to CD19+ and CD56+ cell populations. N-acetylation capacity of PBMC exhibited an NAT2 gene-dose response toward the N-acetylation of isoniazid. Subjects with rapid NAT2 genotype showed an apparent V(max) of 42.1 ±2.4; intermediate NAT2 genotypes an apparent V(max) of 22.6 ±2.2; and slow acetylator NAT2 genotypes an apparent V(max) of 19.9 ±1.7 nM acetyl-isoniazid/24h/million cells. The N-acetylation capacity of NAT2 in the presence of SIRT1 enhancer was significantly decreased (p

It has been reported that an increased function of the P2X7 purinergic receptor is associated with an increase in both insulin sensitivity and secretion. Accordingly, we explored the possible effect of the 1068 G>A polymorphism of the gene P2RX7 on glucose homeostasis and the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1Ra in T2D patients. The presence of the 1068 G>A polymorphism in T2D patients (n = 100) and healthy subjects (n = 100) was determined by DNA sequencing, and serum levels of IL-1Ra were measured by ELISA. Pancreatic β-cell function, insulin resistance, blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also analyzed. We detected a significant negative association between T2D and the 1068 G>A SNP (Odds ratio 0.3916, p = 0.0045). In addition, we observed that T2D patients bearing the 1068 G>A variant showed higher serum levels of IL-1Ra compared to both, patients with the GG genotype or healthy individuals (GG or G>A). Moreover, T2D patients bearing the 1068 G>A SNP showed increased insulin levels and a better pancreatic β-cell function (p A SNP. Our results suggest that although the 1068 G>A polymorphism of the P2RX7 gene is associated with an increased β-cell function and IL-1Ra release in T2D patients, the glycemic control is not significantly affected by the presence of this SNP.

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT; E.C. 2.3.1.5) enzymes are responsible for the biotransformation of several arylamine and hydrazine drugs by acetylation. In this process, the acetyl group transferred to the acceptor substrate produces NAT deacetylation and, in consequence, it is susceptible of degradation. Sirtuins are protein deacetylases, dependent on nicotine adenine dinucleotide, which perform post-translational modifications on cytosolic proteins. To explore possible sirtuin participation in the enzymatic activity of arylamine NATs, the expression levels of NAT1, NAT2, SIRT1 and SIRT6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy subjects were examined by flow cytometry and Western blot. The in situ activity of the sirtuins on NAT enzymatic activity was analyzed by HPLC, in the presence or absence of an agonist (resveratrol) and inhibitor (nicotinamide) of sirtuins. We detected a higher percentage of positive cells for NAT2 in comparison with NAT1, and higher numbers of SIRT1+ cells compared to SIRT6 in lymphocytes. In situ NAT2 activity in the presence of NAM inhibitors was higher than in the presence of its substrate, but not in the presence of resveratrol. In contrast, the activity of NAT1 was not affected by sirtuins. These results showed that NAT2 activity might be modified by sirtuins. KEY WORDS: Arylamine N-acetyltransferase, NAT, Sirtuins, Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Nicotinamide, Resveratrol

miRNAs are important immune regulators in the control of the CD4 + T cells phenotype. miR-326 regulates the differentiation towards Th17 cells and the inhibition of miR-155 is associated with low levels of Treg cells. However, miRNAs expression and transcription factors associated with these lymphocyte subsets in obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation is still unknown. The aim of this work was to identify Th17 cells in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), proinflammatory cytokine production and their association with the miRNAs and transcription factors involved. We collected SAT samples obtained by lipoaspiration from individuals with normal weight, overweight and obesity. We obtained the stromal vascular fractions and then a Ficoll gradient was performed to obtain adipose tissue mononuclear cells (ATMC). Th17 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and the expression of miR-326, miR-155, RORC2 and FOXP3 by qRT-PCR. We also analyzed cytokines from the supernatants of the ATMC culture and measured the FOXP3 methylation percentage by bisulfite conversion by PCR. According to the results, the frequency of Th17 cells and RORC2 expression was higher in individuals with obesity and associated with miR-326 expression. The ATMC from this group secreted a proinflammatory cytokine profile by in vitro assay. In contrast, lower levels of mRNA FOXP3 expression was detected in ATMC from individuals with obesity that correlated with methylation percentage of FOXP3 gene but no association with miR-155 was detected. Our results suggested that miR-326 participates in the polarization towards Th17 promoting the inflammatory state in the obesity-induced adipose tissue.

Introduction AIM2 inflammasome activation leads to the release of IL-β, which plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. In this work, we evaluated AIM2 expression and activity in RA patients and healthy controls. Methods AIM2 and RANKL expression were evaluated by flow cytometry. Inflammasome activity was determined in monocyte cultures stimulated with synthetic DNA by measuring IL-1β levels in supernatants using an ELISA assay. The caspase-1 expression in monocytes was measured by western blot, the POP3 expression was analysed by qPCR, and serum levels of IFN-γ were evaluated using ELISA assay. Results: We observed a diminution of CD14+AIM2+ cells in RA patients, associated with disease activity and evolution. Likewise, the levels of IL-1β were increased in monocyte cultures un-stimulated and stimulated with LPS from RA patients with DAS28 ≥ 4. The Caspase-1 activity and RANKL + monocytes in RA patients were slightly increased. Finally, augmented POP3 expression and diminished IFN-γ serum levels were detected in RA patients. Conclusion Our results showed that the monocytes from RA patients were prone to release IL-1β in the absence of the AIM2 inflammasome signal. The down-regulation of AIM2 to a systemic level in RA patients might be a consequence of augmented POP3 expression and might imply the survival of pro-inflammatory cells contributing to the inflammation process.

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a progressive loss of pancreatic β-cell mass. It is known that miR-146a, miR-34a, and miR-375 are involved in β-cell functionality. In this work, we evaluated the levels of these miRNAs in normal-glycaemic individuals, pre-diabetic, and T2D patients in relation to β-cell functionality, insulin resistance, and metabolic parameters. The relative expression of the miRNAs was evaluated in serum samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In a principal component analysis, we observed that T2D patients and pre-diabetic individuals were not associated with β-cell functionality. However, in a correlation matrix analysis, we detected that miR-34a was related to miR-146a and insulin resistance. The relative expression of miR-375 was correlated with cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. A decrease of β-cell function in pre-diabetic individuals and T2D patients was observed. The insulin resistance was higher in pre-diabetic individuals and T2D patients. The relative expression of miR-146a in pre-diabetic individuals, T2D patients with insulin treatment, and T2D patients with nephropathy and diabetic foot was decreased. In addition, miR-34a was increased in T2D patients who were overweight and obese. The relative expression of miR-375 was increased in T2D patients with poor glycaemic control, while a decrease was seen in T2D patients with nephropathy and diabetic foot. Circulating miR-375, miR-34a, and miR-146a were not associated with β-cell functionality, but their expression was differentially affected by glycaemia, obesity, insulin treatment, and the presence of nephropathy and diabetic foot.

Chronic inflammation has critical role in Type 2 diabetes (T2D), in which IL-1β contributes in insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. The activation of NLRP3 and AIM2 by endogens ligands, such as mtDNA can lead to the release of active form of IL-1β.To evaluate AIM2 expression and activation as well as circulating mtDNA levels in T2D patients.AIM2 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry, it's activity was assessed by measuring in vitro release of IL-1β induced by Poly (dA:dT), and mtDNA copy number was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Increased percent of AIM2+ cells were detected in monocytes from patients with T2D. Moreover, increased levels of IL-1β in monocytes cultures from T2D patients compared to healthy controls were observed. Also, association between AIM2+ cells and hyperglycemia (r=0.4385, P=0.0095) and triglycerides levels (r=0.5112, P=0.002) and waist-hip ratio (r=0.4710, P=0.0049) were detected. Likewise, the mtDNA copy number was augmented in T2D patients compared to control group. The mtDNA copies number was associated with body mass index (r=0.4231, P=0.0008) and TNF-α levels (r=0.5231, P=0.0005). In addition, increased levels of IL-12p70, TNF-a, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β were detected in a serum from T2D patients.These results suggest the involvement of AIM2 and mtDNA in the inflammatory process seen in T2D.

Statements of the problem Regulatory B (Breg) cells have a critical role in adipose tissue homeostasis, and although subtypes of Breg cells have been described, their contribution during obesity is unclear. Therefore, the levels of regulatory B cells in adipose tissue and peripheral blood samples drawn from individuals with overweight, obesity, and normal-weight were evaluated. Methods The percentages of Breg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The activity of Breg cells was assessed by measuring the release of IFN-γ in the supernatants of co-cultures of CD4+ T and regulatory B cells with an ELISA assay. The levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ produced by the CD4+ T cells were assessed using an ELISA assay. Results Diminished frequencies of Breg cells with phenotypes CD19+CD27+CD38High, CD19+CD24HighCD38High, and CD19+CD24HighCD38HighIL-10+ cells were observed in the blood samples from the individuals with overweight and obesity but not in the individuals with normal-weight. The production of IFN-γ in CD4+ T-cell cultures showed a decrease in the presence of Breg cells in individuals with obesity and normal-weight. We found fewer percentages of CD19+CD27+CD38High cells in the adipose tissue samples from individuals with overweight and obesity compared to individuals with normal-weight. In addition, elevated levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ in the supernatants of the cultures of CD4+ T cells from the individuals with obesity compared to the individuals with normal-weight were observed. Conclusions The results suggest that individuals with obesity show increased levels of Th1/Th17 cytokines, which might be caused by the decreased frequency of regulatory B cells.

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT; E.C. 2.3.1.5) enzymes are responsible for the biotransformation of several arylamine and hydrazine drugs by acetylation. In this process, the acetyl group transferred to the acceptor substrate produces NAT deacetylation and, in consequence, it is susceptible of degradation. Sirtuins are protein deacetylases, dependent on nicotine adenine dinucleotide, which perform post-translational modifications on cytosolic proteins. To explore possible sirtuin participation in the enzymatic activity of arylamine NATs, the expression levels of NAT1, NAT2, SIRT1 and SIRT6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy subjects were examined by flow cytometry and Western blot. The in situ activity of the sirtuins on NAT enzymatic activity was analyzed by HPLC, in the presence or absence of an agonist (resveratrol) and inhibitor (nicotinamide) of sirtuins. We detected a higher percentage of positive cells for NAT2 in comparison with NAT1, and higher numbers of SIRT1+ cells compared to SIRT6 in lymphocytes. In situ NAT2 activity in the presence of NAM inhibitors was higher than in the presence of its substrate, but not in the presence of resveratrol. In contrast, the activity of NAT1 was not affected by sirtuins. These results showed that NAT2 activity might be modified by sirtuins., Graphical abstract The present study exhibited a highly significant effect (P

In an effort to initiate the development of a plant-based vaccination model against atherosclerosis, a cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-based chimeric protein was designed to target both ApoB100 and CETP epitopes associated with immunotherapeutic effects in atherosclerosis. Epitopes were fused at the C-terminus of CTB to yield a protein called CTB:p210:CETPe. A synthetic gene coding for CTB:p210:CETPe was successfully transferred to tobacco plants with no phenotypic alterations. Plant-derived CTB:p210:CETPe was expressed and assembled in the pentameric form. This protein retained the target antigenic determinants, as revealed by GM1-ELISA and Western blot analyses. Higher expresser lines reached recombinant protein accumulation levels up to 10 µg/g fresh weight in leaf tissues and these lines carry a single insertion of the transgene as determined by qPCR. Moreover, when subcutaneously administered, the biomass from these CTB:p210:CETPe-producing plants was able to elicit humoral responses in mice against both ApoB100 and CETP epitopes and human serum proteins. These findings evidenced for the first time that atherosclerosis-related epitopes can be expressed in plants retaining immunogenicity, which opens a new path in the molecular farming field for the development of vaccines against atherosclerosis.

The BLR-1 and BLR-2 proteins of Trichoderma atroviride are the Neurospora crassa homologs of white collar-1 and -2, two transcription factors involved in the regulation of genes by blue light. BLR-1 and BLR-2 are essential for photoinduction of phr-1, a photolyase-encoding gene whose promoter exhibits sequences similar to well-characterized light regulatory elements of Neurospora, including the albino proximal element and the light response element (LRE). However, despite the fact that this gene has been extensively used as a blue light induction marker in Trichoderma, the function of these putative regulatory elements has not been proved. The described LRE core in N. crassa comprises two close but variably spaced GATA boxes to which a WC-1/-2 complex binds transiently upon application of a light stimulus. Using 5' serial deletions of the phr-1 promoter, as well as point mutations of putative LREs, we were able to delimit an ~ 50 bp long region mediating the transcriptional response to blue light. The identified light-responsive region contained five CGATB motifs, three of them displaying opposite polarity to canonical WCC binding sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the BLR-2 protein binds along the phr-1 promoter in darkness, whereas the application of a blue light pulse results in decreased BLR-2 binding to the promoter. Our results suggest that BLR-2 and probably BLR-1 are located on the phr-1 promoter in darkness ready to perform their function as transcriptional complex in response to light.

Trichoderma spp. are common soil fungi used as biocontrol agents due to their capacity to produce antibiotics, induce systemic resistance in plants and parasitize phytopathogenic fungi of major agricultural importance. The present study investigated whether colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings by Trichoderma atroviride affected plant growth and development. Here it is shown that T. atroviride promotes growth in Arabidopsis. Moreover, T. atroviride produced indole compounds in liquid cultures. These results suggest that indoleacetic acid-related indoles (IAA-related indoles) produced by T. atroviride may have a stimulatory effect on plant growth. In addition, whether colonization of Arabidopsis roots by T. atroviride can induce systemic protection against foliar pathogens was tested. Arabidopsis roots inoculation with T. atroviride provided systemic protection to the leaves inoculated with bacterial and fungal pathogens. To investigate the possible pathway involved in the systemic resistance induced by T. atroviride, the expression profile of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid/ethylene, oxidative burst and camalexin related genes was assessed in Arabidopsis. T. atroviride induced an overlapped expression of defence-related genes of SA and JA/ET pathways, and of the gene involved in the synthesis of the antimicrobial phytoalexin, camalexin, both locally and systemically. This is the first report where colonization of Arabidopsis roots by T. atroviride induces the expression of SA and JA/ET pathways simultaneously to confer resistance against hemibiotrophic and necrotrophic phytopathogens. The beneficial effects induced by the inoculation of Arabidopsis roots with T. atroviride and the induction of the plant defence system suggest a molecular dialogue between these organisms.

SUMMARY The genus Trichoderma contains fungi with high relevance for humans, with applications in enzyme production for plant cell wall degradation and use in biocontrol. Here, we provide a broad, comprehensive overview of the genomic content of these species for “hot topic” research aspects, including CAZymes, transport, transcription factors, and development, along with a detailed analysis and annotation of less-studied topics, such as signal transduction, genome integrity, chromatin, photobiology, or lipid, sulfur, and nitrogen metabolism in T. reesei , T. atroviride , and T. virens , and we open up new perspectives to those topics discussed previously. In total, we covered more than 2,000 of the predicted 9,000 to 11,000 genes of each Trichoderma species discussed, which is >20% of the respective gene content. Additionally, we considered available transcriptome data for the annotated genes. Highlights of our analyses include overall carbohydrate cleavage preferences due to the different genomic contents and regulation of the respective genes. We found light regulation of many sulfur metabolic genes. Additionally, a new Golgi 1,2-mannosidase likely involved in N -linked glycosylation was detected, as were indications for the ability of Trichoderma spp. to generate hybrid galactose-containing N -linked glycans. The genomic inventory of effector proteins revealed numerous compounds unique to Trichoderma , and these warrant further investigation. We found interesting expansions in the Trichoderma genus in several signaling pathways, such as G-protein-coupled receptors, RAS GTPases, and casein kinases. A particularly interesting feature absolutely unique to T. atroviride is the duplication of the alternative sulfur amino acid synthesis pathway.

Background Mycoparasitism, a lifestyle where one fungus is parasitic on another fungus, has special relevance when the prey is a plant pathogen, providing a strategy for biological control of pests for plant protection. Probably, the most studied biocontrol agents are species of the genus Hypocrea/Trichoderma. Results Here we report an analysis of the genome sequences of the two biocontrol species Trichoderma atroviride (teleomorph Hypocrea atroviridis) and Trichoderma virens (formerly Gliocladium virens, teleomorph Hypocrea virens), and a comparison with Trichoderma reesei (teleomorph Hypocrea jecorina). These three Trichoderma species display a remarkable conservation of gene order (78 to 96%), and a lack of active mobile elements probably due to repeat-induced point mutation. Several gene families are expanded in the two mycoparasitic species relative to T. reesei or other ascomycetes, and are overrepresented in non-syntenic genome regions. A phylogenetic analysis shows that T. reesei and T. virens are derived relative to T. atroviride. The mycoparasitism-specific genes thus arose in a common Trichoderma ancestor but were subsequently lost in T. reesei. Conclusions The data offer a better understanding of mycoparasitism, and thus enforce the development of improved biocontrol strains for efficient and environmentally friendly protection of plants.

Antecedentes. La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica donde el componente inflamatorio es crítico para la artropatía. AIM2 es un receptor de reconocimiento de patrones que reconoce DNA de doble cadena (dsDNA) de diferentes orígenes. La activación de AIM2 guía a la formación del inflamasoma, que resulta en la secreción de la IL-1b e IL-18. La IL-1b, tiene un papel crítico en la patología de la AR contribuyendo con el proceso inflamatorio, degradación de cartílago y erosión de hueso. La ausencia del receptor AIM2 en artritis inducida por DNA disminuye síntomas de inflamación en la articulación y la severidad de la artritis. En pacientes con AR se detectó una disminución de AIM2 en células CD14 positivas en circulación asociada a la duración y actividad de la enfermedad, evaluada a través de DAS28. Sugiriendo una participación de AIM2 a nivel de tejido especifico en artritis reumatoide. El objetivo de este estudio es la evaluación de la participación del inflamasoma AIM2 en la progresión de AR inducida por colágeno tipo II, CIA Material y métodos. Se incluyeron 20 ratones macho DBAJ/1 a los cuales se les indujo CIA. Las articulaciones de ratones con CIA fueron clasificadas en fases de inicio, pico y remisión. Los ratones fueron sacrificados y se obtuvieron sus extremidades. La histopatología de las articulaciones se evaluó en cortes de tejido utilizando la tinción con hematoxilina/eosina. Además, se evaluó la expresión de AIM2 por inmunohistoquimica y la expresión relativa de AIM2, ASC, Caspasa-1 e IL-1b fue evaluada por PCR en tiempo real. Resultados. Se observó un aumento en la infiltración de células en la fase de pico comparada con la fase de inicio y articulaciones control. Asimismo, detectamos un incremento de la expresión de AIM2 nivel de proteína y mRNA en la fase de pico comparada con la fase de inicio y control. Además, se encontró un aumento de la expresión relativa de IL-1b en fase de pico comparada con fase de inicio y control. De igual manera la expresión relativa de ASC y caspasa-1 se incrementó en fase de pico 7 comparada con la fase de inicio. Finalmente, la infiltración celular se asoció directamente con la expresión de AIM2, ASC e IL-1b. Y observamos una correlación positiva entre la expresión relativa de AIM2 y la expresión relativa de ASC, caspasa-1 e IL-1b. Conclusión. Nuestros resultados sugieren una contribución de AIM2 en el proceso inflamatorio de la estructura sinovial de las articulaciones de ratones con CIA Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the inflammatory component is critical for arthropathic damage. AIM2 is a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from different origins. Activation of AIM2 leads to the formation of the inflammasome, which results in the secretion of IL-1b and IL-18. IL-1b has a critical role in RA pathology, since it contributes to the inflammatory process, cartilage degradation and bone erosion. The absence of the AIM2 receptor in DNA-induced arthritis decreases symptoms of inflammation in the joint and the severity of arthritis. In patients with RA, a decrease in AIM2 in circulating CD14 positive cells was detected, and this reduction was associated with the duration of the disease, as well as the activity evaluated through DAS28 score. The aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of the inflammasome AIM2 in the progression of a Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA). Material and methods. 20 male mice DBAJ / 1 to which were induced CIA included. The joints of mice with CIA were classified into phases of initiation, peak and remission. The mice were sacrificed and their limbs were obtained. Joint histopathology was evaluated in tissue sections using hematoxylin / eosin staining. Furthermore, the expression of AIM2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the relative expression of AIM2, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1b was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results. An increase in cell-infiltration was observed in the peak-phase compared to the onset-phase and control-joint. Likewise, we detected an increase in the expression of AIM2 at level of protein and mRNA in the peak phase compared to the onset-phase and control-joint. In addition, an increase in the relative expression of IL-1b was found in the peak phase compared to the onset-phase and control-joint. Similarly, the relative expression of ASC and caspase-1 increased in the peak-phase compared to onsetphase. Finally, the cell-infiltration was directly associated with relative expression of AIM2, ASC and IL-1b. And relative expression of AIM2 was positively correlated with the relative expression of ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1b. 9 Conclusion. Our results suggest a contribution of AIM2 in the inflammatory process of the synovial-structure of the joints of mice with CIA. Administradores Investigadores Estudiantes

La resistencia a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante con 5-fluorouracilo, doxorrubicina y ciclofosfamida (FAC) sigue siendo uno de los principales obstáculos para el tratamiento de primera línea en algunas pacientes con cáncer de mama localmente avanzado. Se evaluaron las respuestas clínicas y patológicas a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante FAC en mujeres mexicanas con cáncer de mama y su posible asociación con los polimorfismos (SNP) presentes en los transportadores ABC como predictores de quimioresistencia. Además, se determinó un perfil diferencial de microRNAs en tejido tumoral, tejido adyacente y plasma de las pacientes sensibles y resistentes a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante. En el estudio se incluyeron un total de 102 pacientes sometidos a quimioterapia neoadyuvante FAC. La determinación de SNP se realizó mediante RT-PCR a partir de ADN genómico. Se analizaron dos SNP: ABCB1 rs1045642 (3435 C> T) y ABCG2 rs2231142 (421 G> T). El análisis de la respuesta clínica temprana, demostró que los pacientes con genotipo C/C o C/T tenían más probabilidades de ser quimiosensibles a la terapia neoadyuvante que los pacientes con genotipo T/T (OR = 4.055; p = 0.0064). El estudio de asociación entre el SNP del gen ABCB1 y la respuesta patológica a la quimioterapia FAC reveló que el genotipo C/C + C/T era un factor protector contra la quimioresistencia (OR = 3,714; p = 0,0104). Sin embargo, al evaluar la tasa de respuesta clínica o patológica a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante FAC, no se encontró asociación entre la presencia del SNP en ABCG2 y la resistencia a la quimioterapia. Finalmente, se identificó la expresión diferencial de miRNAs en tejido tumoral de pacientes sensibles y resistentes a la quimioterapia, y aquellos miRNAs capaces de llegar a circulación en ambos grupos de pacientes antes y después de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Por lo que, los miRNAs que se evaluaron en este trabajo podrían estar involucrados en vías relacionadas con la progresión de la enfermedad, y podrían ser candidatos potenciales como biomarcadores utilizados en el pronóstico de respuesta a la quimioterapia en cáncer de mama. Resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) remains one of the main obstacles to first-line treatment in some patients with locally advanced breast cancer. We evaluated clinical and pathological responses to FAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Mexican women with breast cancer and their possible association with polymorphisms (SNPs) present in ABC transporters as predictors of chemoresistance. A total of 102 patients undergoing FAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in the study. SNP analysis was performed by RT-PCR from genomic DNA. Two SNPs were analyzed: ABCB1 rs1045642 (3435 C >T) and ABCG2 rs2231142 (421 G >T). In clinical response evaluation, significant associations were found between the ABCB1 C3435T genotype and breast cancer chemoresistant and chemosensitive patients (p < 0.05). In the early clinical response, patients with genotype C/C or C/T were more likely to be chemosensitive to neoadjuvant therapy than patients with genotype T/T (OR = 4.055; p = 0.0064). Association analysis between the ABCB1 gene SNP and the pathologic response to FAC chemotherapy showed that the C/C+C/T genotype was a protective factor against chemoresistance (OR = 3.714; p = 0.0104). However, SNP in ABCG2 showed no association with resistance to chemotherapy evaluating the clinical or pathological response rate to FAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy. On the other hand, the differential expression of miRNAs in tumor tissue of patients sensitive and resistant to chemotherapy was identified and those miRNAs capable of reaching circulation in both groups of patients before and after the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Therefore, the miRNAs described in this work, could be involved in pathways related to disease progression and in consequence may have an important role as biomarkers of response to chemotherapy in breast cancer.