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Protein homeostasis depends on many fundamental processes including mRNA synthesis, translation, post-translational modifications, and proteolysis. In the late 70s and early 80s the discovery that the small 76 amino acid protein ubiquitin could be attached to target proteins via a multi-stage process involving ubiquitin-activating enzymes, ubiquitin conjugating enzymes, and ubiquitin ligases, revealed an exciting new post-translational mechanism to regulate protein degradation. This cellular system was uncovered using biochemical methods by Avram Hershko, who would later won the Nobel prize for this discovery; however, the biological functions of ubiquitin ligases remained unknown for many years. It was initially described that ubiquitin modifies proteins at one or more lysine residues and once a long ubiquitin chain was assembled, proteins were degraded by the proteasome. Now we know that proteins can be mono-, multimono-, homotypic poly-, or heterotypic poly-ubiquitylated, each of which confers a specific signal that goes beyond protein degradation regulating additional key cellular functions such as signal transduction, protein localization, recognition of damaged proteins, etc.

The cement industry accounts for almost 7 % of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions globally. Therefore, it is imperative to identify innovative solutions to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions from the cement industry.This study aims to evaluate and compare the technical and environmental aspects of integrating two post-combustion carbon capture processes (CCS) into a cement plant: the conventional monoethanolamine (MEA)-based CCS process and the novel silica-alkoxylated polyethyleneimine (SPEI)-based CCS process. Three scenarios were considered: (i) a reference cement plant without CCS, (ii) the conventional MEA-based CCS system integrated into a cement plant and (iii) the novel SPEI-based CCS system integrated into a cement plant. The technical evaluation results showed that the regeneration energy requirements for the conventional MEA and novel SPEI-based CCS processes were 3.53 GJ/tonne CO2 and 2.36 GJ/tonne CO2, respectively, to achieve a capture rate of 90 %. However, the performance of MEA-based carbon capture processes can be improved by using advanced amine formulations that offer lower regeneration heat requirements at 3.3 GJ/tonne CO2, although this is still higher than the SPEI-based carbon capture processes.The novel SPEI-based CCS process showed superior environmental performance compared to the conventional MEA-based CCS process. The endpoint single score was conducted which showed that the SPEI-based CCS process had a lower impact on human health, ecosystems, and resources (7 %, 9 %, and 26 % lower, respectively) compared to the MEA-based CCS process.

The study explores the application of automated machine learning (AutoML) using the MIMIC-IV-ED database to enhance decision-making in emergency department (ED) triage. We developed a predictive model that utilizes triage data to forecast hospital admissions, aiming to support medical staff by providing an advanced decision-support system. The model, powered by H2O.ai’s AutoML platform, was trained on approximately 280,000 preprocessed records from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center collected between 2011 and 2019. The selected Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) model demonstrated an AUC ROC of 0.8256, indicating its efficacy in predicting patient dispositions. Key variables such as acuity and waiting hours were identified as significant predictors, emphasizing the model’s capability to integrate critical triage metrics into its predictions. However, challenges related to the complexity and heterogeneity of medical data, privacy concerns, and the need for model interpretability were addressed through the incorporation of Explainable AI (XAI) techniques. These techniques ensure the transparency of the predictive processes, fostering trust and facilitating ethical AI use in clinical settings. Future work will focus on external validation and expanding the model to include a broader array of variables from diverse healthcare environments, enhancing the model’s utility and applicability in global emergency care contexts.

(1) Background: Predictive modeling is becoming increasingly relevant in healthcare, aiding in clinical decision making and improving patient outcomes. However, many of the most potent predictive models, such as deep learning algorithms, are inherently opaque, and their decisions are challenging to interpret. This study addresses this challenge by employing Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to facilitate model interpretability while maintaining prediction accuracy. (2) Methods: We utilized Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) to predict patient outcomes in an emergency department setting, with a focus on model transparency to ensure actionable insights. (3) Results: Our analysis identifies “Acuity”, “Hours”, and “Age” as critical predictive features. We provide a detailed exploration of their intricate interactions and effects on the model’s predictions. The SHAP summary plots highlight that “Acuity” has the highest impact on predictions, followed by “Hours” and “Age”. Dependence plots further reveal that higher acuity levels and longer hours are associated with poorer patient outcomes, while age shows a non-linear relationship with outcomes. Additionally, SHAP interaction values uncover that the interaction between “Acuity” and “Hours” significantly influences predictions. (4) Conclusions: We employed force plots for individual-level interpretation, aligning with the current shift toward personalized medicine. This research highlights the potential of combining machine learning’s predictive power with interpretability, providing a promising route concerning a data-driven, evidence-based healthcare future.

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are important for ensuring the integrity of the germline. 3'-terminal 2'-O-methylation is essential for piRNA maturation and to protect them from degradation. HENMT1 (HEN Methyltransferase 1) carries out the 2'-O-methylation, which is of key importance for piRNA stability and functionality. However, neither the structure nor the catalytic mechanism of mammalian HENMT1 have been studied. We have constructed a catalytic-competent HENMT1 complex using computational approaches, in which Mg2+ is primarily coordinated by four evolutionary conserved residues, and is further auxiliary coordinated by the 3'-O and 2'-O on the 3'-terminal nucleotide of the piRNA. Our study suggests that metal has limited effects on substrate and cofactor binding but is essential for catalysis. The reaction consists of deprotonation of the 2'-OH to 2'-O and a methyl transfer from SAM to the 2'-O. The methyl transfer is spontaneous and fast. Our in-depth analysis suggests that the 2'-OH may be deprotonated before entering the active site or it may be partially deprotonated at the active site by His800 and Asp859, which are in a special alignment that facilitates the proton transfer out of the active site. Furthermore, we have developed a detailed potential reaction scenario indicating that HENMT1 is Mg2+ utilizing but is not a Mg2+ dependent enzyme.

Abstract Once it was believed that Cdk2 was the master regulator of S phase entry. Gene knockout mouse studies of cell cycle regulators revealed that Cdk2 is dispensable for S phase initiation and progression whereby Cdk1 can compensate for the loss of Cdk2. Nevertheless, recent evidence indicates that Cdk2 is involved in cell cycle independent functions such as DNA damage repair. Whether these properties are unique to Cdk2 or also being compensated by other Cdks in the absence of Cdk2 is under extensive investigation. Here we review the emerging new role of Cdk2 in DNA damage repair and also discuss how the loss of Cdk2 impacts the G1/S phase DNA damage checkpoint.

Background: Mannheimia haemolytica is a bovine respiratory pathogen commonly associated with bacterial bronchopneumonia. Current vaccine strategies have shown variable efficacy in feedlot cattle, and therefore novel vaccines are needed. Bacillus subtilis spores have been investigated as a mucosal vaccine platform, due to their ability to bind and present antigens to the mucosa and act as an adjuvant. The aim of this study was to develop two spore-based mucosal vaccines targeting M. haemolytica and evaluate their immunogenicity in mice. Methods: Two antigen constructs composed of cholera toxin B subunit, M. haemolytica leukotoxin, and either the M. haemolytica outer membrane protein PlpE (MhCP1) or GS60 (MhCP2) were synthesized, purified and then bound to spores as vaccines. In two separate mice trials, the spore-bound vaccines (Spore-MhCP1 and Spore-MhCP2) were administered to mice through intranasal and intragastric routes, while free antigens were administered intranasally and intramuscularly. Unbound spores were also evaluated intranasally. Antigen-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA from bronchoalveolar lavage, feces, and saliva were measured after vaccination. Mice sera from all treatment groups were assessed for their bactericidal activity against M. haemolytica. Results: In both mice experiments, intramuscular immunization induced the strongest serum IgG antibody response. However, the intranasal administration of Spore-MhCP1 and Spore-MhCP2 elicited the greatest secretory IgA-specific response against leukotoxin, PlpE, and GS60 in bronchoalveolar lavage, saliva, and feces (p < 0.05). Compared to the intranasal administration of free antigen, spore-bound antigen groups showed greater bactericidal activity against M. haemolytica (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Since intranasally delivered Spore-MhCP1 and Spore-MhCP2 elicited both systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice, these vaccines may have potential to mitigate lung infection in cattle by restricting M. haemolytica colonization and proliferation in the respiratory tract. The efficacy of these mucosal spore-based vaccines merits further assessment against M. haemolytica in cattle.

Abstract Progression through the mammalian cell cycle is associated with the activity of four cyclin dependent kinases (Cdc2/Cdk1, Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6). Knockout mouse models have provided insight into the interplay of these Cdks. Most of these models do not exhibit major cell cycle defects revealing redundancies, and suggesting that a single Cdk might be sufficient to drive the cell cycle, similar as in yeast. Recent work on Cdk2/Cdk4 double knockouts has indicated that these two Cdks are required to phosphorylate Rb during late embryogenesis. The lack of Rb phosphorylation is progressive and associated with reduced E2F-inducible gene expression. Cdk2 and Cdk4 share the essential function of coupling the G1/S transition with mitosis. However, proliferation in early embryogenesis appears to be independent of Cdk2 and Cdk4. We discuss these observations and propose molecular mechanisms that establish the requirement for Cdk2 and Cdk4 at the G1/S transition. We are considering that the balance between proliferation and differentiation is disturbed, which affects especially heart development and leads to embryonic lethality in Cdk2-/-Cdk4-/- mutants. We also discuss the specific functions of Cdk4 and Cdk6, which ironically do not compensate for each other.

Abstract Cell Division is a new, open access, peer-reviewed online journal that publishes cutting-edge articles, commentaries and reviews on all exciting aspects of cell cycle control in eukaryotes. A major goal of this new journal is to publish timely and significant studies on the aberrations of the cell cycle network that occur in cancer and other diseases.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) affects feedlot cattle across North America, resulting in economic losses due to animal treatment and reduced performance. In an effort to develop a vaccine candidate targeting a primary bacterial agent contributing to BRD, we produced a tripartite antigen consisting of segments of the virulence factor Leukotoxin A (LktA) and lipoprotein PlpE from Mannheimia haemolytica, fused to a cholera toxin mucosal adjuvant (CTB). This recombinant subunit vaccine candidate was expressed in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana plants, with accumulation tested in five subcellular compartments. The recombinant protein was found to accumulate highest in the endoplasmic reticulum, but targeting to the chloroplast was employed for scaling up production due the absence of post-translational modification while still producing feasible levels. Leaves were freeze dried, then orally administered to mice to determine its immunogenicity. Sera from mice immunized with leaf tissue expressing the recombinant antigen contained IgG antibodies, specifically recognizing both LktA and PlpE. These mice also had a mucosal immune response to the CTB+LktA+PlpE protein as measured by the presence of LktA- and PlpE-specific IgA antibodies in lung and fecal material. Moreover, the antigen remained stable at room temperature with limited deterioration for up to one year when stored as lyophilized plant material. This study demonstrated that a recombinant antigen expressed in plant tissue elicited both humoral and mucosal immune responses when fed to mice, and warrants evaluation in cattle.

One of the most important tasks in the Emergency Department (ED) is to promptly identify the patients who will benefit from hospital admission. Machine Learning (ML) techniques show promise as diagnostic aids in healthcare.

Cyclin dependent-kinase 2 (CDK2) plays important functions during the mitotic cell cycle and also facilitates several key events during germ cell development. The majority of CDK2's known meiotic functions occur during prophase of the first meiotic division. Here, CDK2 is involved in the regulation of meiotic transcription, the pairing of homologous chromosomes, and the maturation of meiotic crossover sites. Despite that some of the CDK2 substrates are known, few of them display functions in meiosis. Here, we investigate potential meiotic CDK2 substrates using in silico and in vitro approaches. We find that CDK2 phosphorylates PMS2 at Thr337, PMS1 at Thr331, and MLH1 in vitro. Phosphorylation of PMS2 affects its interaction with MLH1 to some degree. In testis extracts from mice lacking Cdk2, there are changes in expression of PMS2, MSH2, and HEI10, which may be reflective of the loss of CDK2 phosphorylation. Our work has uncovered a few CDK2 substrates with meiotic functions, which will have to be verified in vivo. A better understanding of the CDK2 substrates will help us to gain deeper insight into the functions of this universal kinase.

In mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic cell population that serve as germ cell precursors in both females and males. During mouse embryonic development, the majority of PGCs are arrested at the G2 phase when they migrate into the hindgut at 7.75-8.75 dpc (days post coitum). It is after 9.5 dpc that the PGCs undergo proliferation with a doubling time of 12.6 h. The molecular mechanisms underlying PGC proliferation are however not well studied. In this work. Here we studied how MASTL (microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like)/Greatwall kinase regulates the rapid proliferation of PGCs. We generated a mouse model where we specifically deleted Mastl in PGCs and found a significant loss of PGCs before the onset of meiosis in female PGCs. We further revealed that the deletion of Mastl in PGCs did not prevent mitotic entry, but led to a failure of the cells to proceed beyond metaphase-like stage, indicating that MASTL-mediated molecular events are indispensable for anaphase entry in PGCs. These mitotic defects further led to the death of Mastl-null PGCs by 12.5 dpc. Moreover, the defect in mitotic progression observed in the Mastl-null PGCs was rescued by simultaneous deletion of Ppp2r1a (α subunit of PP2A). Thus, our results demonstrate that MASTL, PP2A, and therefore regulated phosphatase activity have a fundamental role in establishing female germ cell population in gonads by controlling PGC proliferation during embryogenesis.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a whitefly-transmitted single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus, causes the most important viral disease of tomato worldwide. TYLCV-mediated disease is mainly controlled via extensive insecticide sprays aiming at the whitefly vector. RNA-based vaccination was proven to be a non-transgenic approach leading to efficient plant virus control. In this work, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules deriving from sequences of the C4 and V2 genes of TYLCV-Mild were produced in vitro and topically applied onto tomato plants along with the virus (via agroinfiltration). DsC4 and dsV2 application reduced disease incidence to 23 and 46 %, respectively, while TYLCV positive control reached 64 %. Bioinformatics analysis of the virus-specific small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) from TYLCV-infected tomato revealed 'hot' and 'cold' spots in the TYLCV-Mild genome. Interestingly, the viral C-strand had twofold siRNA reads when compared to that of the V-strand. Overall, vsiRNAs of negative and positive polarity were almost equal (53.5 vs. 46.6 %); vsiRNAs of negative polarity prevailed at the V-strand. Stem-loop RT-PCR validated the presence of six vsiRNAs (hot or cold spots) in TYLCV-Mild-infected and dsRNA-treated tomato. The exogenously applied dsRNA was found to rapidly move systemically in tomato and was detected for 54 days post treatment (dpt). The applied dsRNA molecules were successfully processed by the Dicer-like proteins (DCLs) in tomato since small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) deriving from the dsRNA were detected for at least 54 dpt. This consists the first report of dsRNA-based vaccination applied against a monopartite geminivirus.

A unique feature of female germ cell development in mammals is their remarkably long arrest at the prophase of meiosis I, which lasts up to 50 years in humans. Both dormant and growing oocytes are arrested at prophase I and completely lack the ability to resume meiosis. Here, we show that the prolonged meiotic arrest of female germ cells is largely achieved via the inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdk1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1). In two mouse models where we have introduced mutant Cdk1T14AY15F which cannot be inhibited by phosphorylation (Cdk1AF) in small meiotically incompetent oocytes, the prophase I arrest is interrupted, leading to a premature loss of female germ cells. We show that in growing oocytes, Cdk1AF leads to premature resumption of meiosis with condensed chromosomes and germinal vesicle breakdown followed by oocyte death, whereas in dormant oocytes, Cdk1AF leads to oocyte death directly, and both situations damage the ovarian reserve that maintains the female reproductive lifespan, which should be around 1 year in mice. Furthermore, interruption of the inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdk1 results in DNA damage, which is accompanied by induction of the Chk2 (checkpoint kinase 2)-p53/p63-dependent cell death pathway, which eventually causes global oocyte death. Together, our data demonstrate that the phosphorylation-mediated suppression of Cdk1 activity is one of the crucial factors that maintain the lengthy prophase arrest in mammalian female germ cells, which is essential for preserving the germ cell pool and reproductive lifespan in female mammals.

The transcriptional regulator PRDM15 is expressed at low levels in normal tissues but overexpressed in B-cell lymphomas. Here, the authors show that PRDM15 depletion does not affect adult somatic cell homeostasis but leads to a metabolic crisis which impairs B-cell lymphomagenesis.

Abstract In light of the accumulating evidence on the negative predictive value of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a group of experts from the fields of intensive care medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine and infectious diseases frame a position statement on the role of suPAR in the screening of patients admitted to the emergency department. The statement is framed taking into consideration existing publications and our own research experience. The main content of this statement is that sUPAR is a non-specific marker associated with a high negative predictive value for unfavourable outcomes; levels < 4 ng/ml indicate that it is safe to discharge the patient, whereas levels > 6 ng/ml are an alarming sign of risk for unfavourable outcomes. However, the suPAR levels should always be interpreted in light of the patient's history.

PRDM9 is a PR domain containing histone methyl transferase which expression is normally restricted to the germline that has also been linked to a number of somatic cancers. Here the authors describe the identification of a small molecule that selectivity inhibits the methyltransferase activity of PRDM9 in biochemical and cellular assays

The phytophagy of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) can trigger defense responses in tomato plants against pests, such as two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and South American leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The expression of genes governing Jasmonic Acid (JA) biosynthesis pathway and fluctuations in the levels of underlying metabolites have been rarely studied in mirid-infested plants. In the present study, fifteen 3rd instar nymphs of N.tenuis were caged on each top and lower leaf of tomato plants for 4 d to induce plant defense; after this period the predators were removed. With regard to T. absoluta, oviposition preference; larval period; and pupal weight were significantly reduced in N. tenuis-punctured plants. T. urticae adults exhibited a significantly higher escape tendency and reduced survival on punctured plants. Metabolomics confirmed such observations revealing substantial differences between N. tenuis-punctured and unpunctured (control) plants. Metabolites directly associated with the activation of the JA defense pathway, such as the precursor α-linolenic acid, had increased concentrations. The expression of the defense-related genes PI-II, MYC2, VSP2, and HEL was increased in the top leaves and only VSP2 and MBP2 in the lower leaves; interestingly, in the middle (unpunctured) leaves VSP2, HEL, and MBP2 were also upregulated, indicating systemic signaling. Collectively, phytophagy of N. tenuis caused adverse effects on T. absoluta and T. urticae, whereas the multi-omics approach (phenomics, metabolomics, and genomics) offered valuable insights into the nature of the plant defense responses and provided useful evidence for future applications in integrated pest management, plausibly resulting in the reduction in the required pesticide volumes.

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) is the principal causal agent of cassava mosaic disease in the Indian subcontinent. To gain resistance against the virus, the coat protein (CP) gene, namely the AV1 of SLCMV-Adivaram isolate, was cloned in either sense or antisense orientation under the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, and transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants were obtained through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A total of eight T1 transgenic lines, four harboring the CP-sense construct and four harboring the CP-antisense construct were challenged with agro-infectious clones of SLCMV DNA-A and DNA-B. Based on symptom exhibition at 20 days post inoculation, 3 out of the 4 CP-sense transgenic lines and all 4 CP-antisense transgenic lines showed a high level of resistance against SLCMV. In addition, a delay in symptom initiation was observed in all the transgenic lines inoculated with a high viral load at agro-dilution 1:625 from an absorbance (A600) of 1. However, the resistance was more prominent at a lower viral load of 1:1000 agro-dilution. The viral titer was lower in the SLCMV-challenged transgenic lines compared to the non-transgenic N. benthamiana plants as confirmed by quantitative PCR and dot blot analysis. Furthermore, small RNA Northern blot analysis revealed lowered amounts of virus-specific small interfering RNAs in the resistant transgenic lines as compared to the non-transgenic plants upon SLCMV infection, which correlates to lower virus titers due to resistance against the virus.

Exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the tobacco–Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) pathosystem was shown previously to induce resistance against TMV providing an alternative approach to transgenesis. In the present study, we employed proteomics technology to elucidate the effect of TMV on tobacco as well as the effect of exogenous application of TMV p126 dsRNA molecules (dsRNAp126) at an early stage of the tobacco–TMV interaction. The proteome of tobacco leaf at 15 min post inoculation (mpi) in the presence or absence of dsRNAp126 molecules was studied. Thirty-six tobacco proteins were differentially accumulated in TMV-infected vs. healthy tobacco leaf tissue. The identified main differential TMV-responsive proteins were found to be involved in photosynthesis, energy metabolism, stress, and defense responses. Most of the virus-induced changes in the tobacco leaf proteome were not observed in the leaves treated with dsRNAp126 + TMV. The results indicated that the protein changes induced by TMV infection were counteracted by the exogenous application of dsRNAp126 molecules. Moreover, using small RNA sequencing, we showed that the exogenously applied dsRNAp126 was efficiently processed in tobacco as early as 15 min post application (mpa) to produce small interfering RNAs (siRNAs); the dicing pattern was not affected by the presence of TMV. The presence of dsRNAp126 reduced TMV p126 RNA abundance suggesting virus titer reduction via a sequence-specific mechanism, since a non-homologous dsRNA did not protect from TMV infection nor affect TMV accumulation.

INTRODUCTION: We present a rat experimental model used to evaluate the possible reduction in the extent of pancreatic tissue injury in acute pancreatitis cases, after administration of eugenol. METHODS: one twenty Wistar rats were used, which were randomly assigned in 3 groups: sham (n=20), control (n=50) and eugenol (n=50). Acute pancreatitis was induced by biliopancreatic ligation in the control and eugenol groups, but not in the Sham group. In the eugenol group, eugenol was administered per-os. Five histopathological parameters, such as edema, inflammatory infiltration, duct dilatation, hemorrhage and acinar necrosis were evaluated. RESULTS: at 72 h from acute pancreatitis induction, the total histological score was diminished in the eugenol group (p=0.0005) and duct dilatation and inflammatory infiltration were reduced compared to the control group(p=0.05). In addition, at 72 h, eugenol reduced pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity (p=0.0005). CONCLUSION: eugenol, a highly free radical scavenger agent, may have a preventive role in acute pancreatic injury, as it was evident in our rat experimental model.

The liver possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity based partly on the ability of hepatocytes to re-enter the cell cycle and divide to replace damaged cells. This capability is substantially reduced upon chronic damage, but it is not clear if this is a cause or consequence of liver disease. Here, we investigate whether blocking hepatocyte division using two different mouse models affects physiology as well as clinical liver manifestations like fibrosis and inflammation. We find that in P14 Cdk1Liv-/- mice, where the division of hepatocytes is abolished, polyploidy, DNA damage, and increased p53 signaling are prevalent. Cdk1Liv-/- mice display classical markers of liver damage two weeks after birth, including elevated ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels, despite the lack of exogenous liver injury. Inflammation was further studied using cytokine arrays, unveiling elevated levels of CCL2, TIMP1, CXCL10, and IL1-Rn in Cdk1Liv-/- liver, which resulted in increased numbers of monocytes. Ablation of CDK2-dependent DNA re-replication and polyploidy in Cdk1Liv-/- mice reversed most of these phenotypes. Overall, our data indicate that blocking hepatocyte division induces biological processes driving the onset of the disease phenotype. It suggests that the decrease in hepatocyte division observed in liver disease may not only be a consequence of fibrosis and inflammation, but also a pathological cue.

Genetic diversity in offspring is induced by meiotic recombination, which is initiated between homologs at >200 sites originating from meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs). Of this initial pool, only 1-2 DSBs per homolog pair will be designated to form meiotic crossovers (COs), where reciprocal genetic exchange occurs between parental chromosomes. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is known to localize to so-called "late recombination nodules" (LRNs) marking incipient CO sites. However, the role of CDK2 kinase activity in the process of CO formation remains uncertain. Here, we describe the phenotype of 2 Cdk2 point mutants with elevated or decreased activity, respectively. Elevated CDK2 activity was associated with increased numbers of LRN-associated proteins, including CDK2 itself and the MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) component of the MutLγ complex, but did not lead to increased numbers of COs. In contrast, reduced CDK2 activity leads to the complete absence of CO formation during meiotic prophase I. Our data suggest an important role for CDK2 in regulating MLH1 focus numbers and that the activity of this kinase is a key regulatory factor in the formation of meiotic COs.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury to the heart is accompanied by the upregulation and posttranslational modification of a number of proteins normally involved in regulating cell cycle progression. Two such proteins, cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (Cdk2) and its downstream target, the retinoblastoma gene product (Rb), also play a critical role in the control of apoptosis. Myocardial ischemia activates Cdk2, resulting in the phosphorylation and inactivation of Rb. Blocking Cdk2 activity reduces apoptosis in cultured cardiac myocytes. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Cdk2 activity in vivo during I/R injury led to a 36% reduction in infarct size (IFS), when compared to control mice, associated with a reduction in apoptotic myocytes. To confirm that Rb was the critical target in Cdk2-mediated I/R injury, we determined the consequences of I/R injury in cardiac-specific Rb-deficient mice (CRb(L/L)). IFS was increased 140% in CRb(L/L) mice compared to CRb+/+ controls. TUNEL positive nuclei and caspase-3 activity were augmented by 92% and 36%, respectively, following injury in the CRb(L/L) mice demonstrating that loss of Rb in the heart significantly exacerbates I/R injury. These data suggest that Cdk2 signaling pathways are critical regulators of cardiac I/R injury in vivo and support a cardioprotective role for Rb.

The meiotic functions of Emi2, an inhibitor of the APC/C complex, have been best characterized in oocytes where it mediates metaphase II arrest as a component of the cytostatic factor. We generated knockout mice to determine the in vivo functions of Emi2—in particular, its functions in the testis, where Emi2 is expressed at high levels. Male and female Emi2 knockout mice are viable but sterile, indicating that Emi2 is essential for meiosis but dispensable for embryonic development and mitotic cell divisions. We found that, besides regulating cell-cycle arrest in mouse eggs, Emi2 is essential for meiosis I progression in spermatocytes. In the absence of Emi2, spermatocytes arrest in early diplotene of prophase I. This arrest is associated with decreased Cdk1 activity and was partially rescued by a knockin mouse model of elevated Cdk1 activity. Additionally, we detected expression of Emi2 in spermatids and sperm, suggesting potential post-meiotic functions for Emi2.

RNAi-mediated insect pest management has recently shown promising results against the most serious pest of tomato, the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. This study aimed to investigate whether dsRNA (dsTa-αCOP) designed to target the T. absoluta-αCOP gene could cause adverse effects to its biocontrol agent, the mirid predator, Nesidiocoris tenuis. Oral exposure of N. tenuis to dsRNA (dsNt-αCOP) designed to target N. tenuis-αCOP resulted in a 61%, 67% and 55% reduction in its transcript level in comparison to the sucrose, dsGFP and dsTa-αCOP treatments, respectively. In addition, significantly higher mortality of 57% was recorded in dsNt-αCOP-treated N. tenuis when compared to the sucrose (7%), dsGFP (10%) and dsTa-αCOP (10%) treatments. Moreover, the predation rate of ~33–39 Ephestia kuehniella eggs per N. tenuis adult dramatically reduced to almost half in the surviving dsNt-αCOP-treated N. tenuis. This worst-case exposure scenario confirmed for the first time that the RNAi machinery is functional in this species and that the risk of exposure through the oral route is possible. In contrast, dsTa-αCOP did not cause any sub-lethal effects to N. tenuis upon oral exposure. Oral exposure of T. absoluta to dsTa-αCOP resulted in 50% mortality. In the context of a biosafety risk assessment of RNAi-mediated insect management, investigating the effects on non-target organisms is essential in order to include this method as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Based on our laboratory assays, RNAi-mediated control is compatible with the biological control of T. absoluta by its natural enemy N. tenuis, adding the RNAi approach in the armoire of integrated pest management of T. absoluta.