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There are still major gaps in our understanding of the bacterial factors that influence the outcomes of human Campylobacter jejuni infection. The aim of this study was to compare the virulence-associated features of 192 human C. jejuni strains isolated from hospitalized patients with diarrhoea (150/192, 78.1%), bloody diarrhoea (23/192, 11.9%), gastroenteritis (3/192, 1.6%), ulcerative colitis (3/192, 1.5%), and stomach ache (2/192, 1.0%). Traits were analysed with genotypic and phenotypic methods, including PCR and extracellular matrix protein (ECMP) binding, adhesion, and invasion capacities. Results were studied alongside patient symptoms, but no distinct links with them could be determined. Since the capacity of C. jejuni to invade host epithelial cells is one of its most enigmatic attributes, a high throughput transcriptomic analysis was performed in the third hour of internalization with a C. jejuni strain originally isolated from bloody diarrhoea. Characteristic groups of genes were significantly upregulated, outlining a survival strategy of internalized C. jejuni comprising genes related (1) to oxidative stress; (2) to a protective sheath formed by the capsule, LOS, N-, and O- glycosylation systems; (3) to dynamic metabolic activity supported by different translocases and the membrane-integrated component of the flagellar apparatus; and (4) to hitherto unknown genes.

Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) has served as an important model system for studying the genetics and molecular basis of resistance mechanisms in plants. An unprecedented challenge is now to capitalize on the genetic and genomic achievements obtained in this species. In this study, we show that information on the tomato genome can be used predictively to link resistance function with specific sequences. An integrated genomic approach for identifying new resistance (R) gene candidates was developed. An R gene functional map was created by co-localization of candidate pathogen recognition genes and anchoring molecular markers associated with resistance phenotypes. In-depth characterization of the identified pathogen recognition genes was performed. Finally, in order to highlight expressed pathogen recognition genes and to provide a first step in validation, the tomato transcriptome was explored and basic molecular analyses were conducted. Such methodology can help to better direct positional cloning, reducing the amount of effort required to identify a functional gene. The resulting candidate loci selected are available for exploiting their specific function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cephalopod mollusks are an important marine resource for fisheries, and have received marked attention for studies on organismal biology; they are also good candidates for aquaculture. Wild and reared cephalopods are affected by a wide variety of pathogens, mainly bacteria, protozoa and metazoan parasites. Cephalopods do not have acquired immunity and immunological memory; therefore vaccination cannot be used to protect them against infectious diseases. Their defense mechanisms rely only on their innate immunity. In this review, we will summarize and update knowledge on the most common pathogens, the diseases they cause, and on symbionts. In addition, we provide a general overview of the cephalopod immune system, response to pathogens with a short discussion on the gene expression involved in the immune response by these animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Genome reports on petroleum hydrocarbons degrading microbes are limited. • Gene clusters of glycolipid and lipopeptide biosurfactant identified in E.xiangfangensis STP-3 genome. • Comparative genomics analysis revealed PHC metabolism as inherent ability. • Environmental adaptability occurred by accessory genome via evolutionary process. • Biosurfactants and biocatalysts administered removal of PHCs from oil sludge. Sustainable treatment of petroleum oil sludge still remains as a major challenge to petroleum refineries. Bioremediation is the promising technology involving bacteria for simultaneous production of biosurfactant and followed by degradation of petroleum compounds. Complete genomic knowledge on such potential microbes could accentuate its successful exploitation. The present study discusses the genomic characteristics of novel biosurfactant producing petrophilic/ petroleum hydrocarbon degrading strain, Enterobacter xiangfangensis STP-3, isolated from petroleum refinery oil sludge contaminated soil. The genome has 4,584,462 bp and 4372 protein coding sequences. Functional analysis using the RAST and KEGG databases revealed the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters linked to glycolipid and lipopeptide production and multiple key candidate genes linked with the degradation pathway of petroleum hydrocarbons. Orthology study revealed diversity in gene clusters associated to membrane transport, carbohydrate, amino acid metabolism, virulence and defence mechanisms, and nucleoside and nucleotide synthesis. The comparative analysis with 27 other genomes predicted that the core genome contributes to its inherent bioremediation potential, whereas the accessory genome influences its environmental adaptability in unconventional environmental conditions. Further, experimental results showed that E. xiangfangensis STP-3 was able to degrade PHCs by 82 % in 14 days during the bioremediation of real time petroleum oil sludge with the concomitant production of biosurfactant and metabolic enzymes, To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive genomic study has been previously reported on the biotechnological prospective of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental chemico-physical factors, pathogens, and biological interactions constantly affect organism physiology and behavior. Invertebrates, including bivalve mollusks do not possess acquired immunity. Their defense mechanisms rely on an innate, non-adaptive immune system employing circulating cells and a large variety of molecular effectors. The mechanisms underlying host defense depend on the presence of functional proteins in appropriate quantities, within a crucial time window. These proteins are encoded by genes whose transcription is tightly coordinated by complex programs of gene expression. Currently available advanced techniques allow the evaluation of this gene expression, expanding our understanding of the behavior and function of cells and tissues under varying conditions. In particular, DNA microarray technology enables measurement of a large predetermined set of known genes or sequences. Expressed sequence tag sequencing from redundant, normalized, subtractive hybridization libraries is a robust method for sampling the protein encoding genes that are expressed within a tissue. The elimination of microorganisms by defense cells is a dynamic process that involves integrating synthesis of granule proteins during differentiation, migration onto sites of infection, phagocytosis and killing of microorganisms, modulation of their effector cells, and finally apoptosis. Understanding how this complex biological process is regulated can best be addressed using a systems biology approach to the study of organisms and populations in order to more effectively decipher the continuous challenge between two genomes, i.e., evolving host-pathogen interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to methylphenidate (MPH) during adolescence is the elective therapy for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children, but raises major concerns for public health, due to possibly persistent neurobehavioral changes. Rats (30- to 44-days old) were administered MPH (2 mg/kg, i.p once daily) or saline (SAL). At the end of the treatment we collected plasma, testicular, liver, and brain (striatum) samples. The testes and liver were used to evaluate conventional reproductive and metabolic endpoints. Testes of MPH-exposed rats weighed more and contained an increased quantity of sperm, whereas testicular levels of testosterone (TST) were markedly decreased. The MPH treatment exerted an inductive effect on enzymatic activity of TST hydroxylases, resulting in increased hepatic TST catabolism. These findings suggest that subchronic MPH exposure in adolescent rats could have a trophic action on testis growth and a negative impact on TST metabolism. We have analyzed striatal gene expression profiles as a consequence of MPH exposure during adolescence, using microarray technology. More than 700 genes were upregulated in the striatum of MPH-treated rats (foldchange >1.5). A first group of genes were apparently involved in migration of immature neural/glial cells and/or growth of novel axons. These genes include matrix proteases (ADAM-1, MMP14), their inhibitors (TIMP-2, TIMP-3), the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (RHAMM), and growth factors (transforming growth factor-β3 [TGF-β3] and fibroblast growth factor 14 [FGF14]). A second group of genes were suggestive of active axonal myelination. These genes mediate survival of immature cells after contact with newly produced axonal matrix (laminin B1, collagens, integrin alpha 6) and stabilization of myelinating glia-axon contacts (RAB13, contactins 3 and 4). A third group indicated the appearance and/or upregulation of mature processes. The latter included genes for: K+ channels (TASK-1, TASK-5), intercellular junctions (connexin30), neurotransmitter receptors (adrenergic alpha 1B, kainate 2, serotonin 7, GABA-A), as well as major proteins responsible for their transport and/or anchoring (Homer 1, MAGUK MPP3, Shank2). All these genes were possibly involved in synaptic plasticity, namely the formation, maturation, and stabilization of new neural connections within the striatum. MPH treatment seems to potentiate synaptic plasticity, which is an age-dependent developmental phenomenon that adolescent rats are very likely to show, compared to adults. Our observations suggest that adolescent MPH exposure causes only transient changes in reproductive and hormonal parameters, and a more enduring enhancement of neurobehavioral plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a patient with chronic insomnia resistant to traditional pharmacologic (eg, sedative-hypnotics) and nonpharmacologic (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) therapy. A finding of elevated serum homocysteine triggered a whole-genome sequencing analysis which revealed a homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene polymorphism (C677T/C677T; dbSNP rs1801133). Interventions targeting her polymorphism-dependent loss of function successfully resolved her insomnia. This case demonstrates a genomic approach for insomnia whereby successful treatment was focused on optimizing the patient's metabolome, which was altered as a result of a missense single-nucleotide polymorphism., Citation: Kapoor V, Watson NF, Ball L. Chronic insomnia in the setting of MTHFR polymorphism. J Clin Sleep Med . 2022;18(4):1215-1218., (© 2022 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.)

Over the past two decades, the advances in the next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have led to the identification of numerous genes/QTLs at high-resolution for their potential use in crop improvement. The genomic resources generated through these high-throughput sequencing techniques have been efficiently used in screening of particular gene of interest particularly for numerous types of plant stresses and quality traits. Subsequently, the identified-markers linked to particular trait have been used in Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding (MABB) activities. Besides, these markers are also being used to catalogue the food crops for detection of adulteration to improve the quality of food. With the advancement of technologies, the genomic resources are originating with new markers; however, to use these markers efficiently in crop breeding, High-Throughput Techniques (HTT) such as multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) can be exploited. Robustness, ease of operation, good reproducibility and low cost are the main advantages of multiplex PCR and CE. The CE is capable of separating and characterizing proteins with simplicity, speed and small sample requirements. Keeping in view the availability of vast data generated through NGS techniques and development of numerous markers, there is a need to use these resources efficiently in crop improvement programmes. In summary, this review describes the use of molecular markers in the screening of resistance genes in breeding programme and detection of adulterations in food crops using high-throughput techniques., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

There are still major gaps in our understanding of the bacterial factors that influence the outcomes of human Campylobacter jejuni infection. The aim of this study was to compare the virulence-associated features of 192 human C. jejuni strains isolated from hospitalized patients with diarrhoea (150/192, 78.1%), bloody diarrhoea (23/192, 11.9%), gastroenteritis (3/192, 1.6%), ulcerative colitis (3/192, 1.5%), and stomach ache (2/192, 1.0%). Traits were analysed with genotypic and phenotypic methods, including PCR and extracellular matrix protein (ECMP) binding, adhesion, and invasion capacities. Results were studied alongside patient symptoms, but no distinct links with them could be determined. Since the capacity of C. jejuni to invade host epithelial cells is one of its most enigmatic attributes, a high throughput transcriptomic analysis was performed in the third hour of internalization with a C. jejuni strain originally isolated from bloody diarrhoea. Characteristic groups of genes were significantly upregulated, outlining a survival strategy of internalized C. jejuni comprising genes related (1) to oxidative stress; (2) to a protective sheath formed by the capsule, LOS, N-, and O- glycosylation systems; (3) to dynamic metabolic activity supported by different translocases and the membrane-integrated component of the flagellar apparatus; and (4) to hitherto unknown genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]