Showing papers in "Communicative & Integrative Biology in 2021"
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential of Piriformospora indica and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to ameliorate salinity stress in HD 2967 wheat cultivar was investigated.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to investigate the potential of Piriformospora indica and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to ameliorate salinity stress in HD 2967 wheat cultivar. Plants were treated with four different levels of salinity viz. 0, 50, 100 and 200 mM NaCl (electrical conductivity value 0.01, 5.84, 11.50 and 21.4 mS cm-1, respectively) under greenhouse conditions, using a completely randomized design experiment. Plants inoculated with PGPB and P. indica showed decrease in lipid peroxidation, relative membrane permeability and lipoxygenase enzyme (LOX) activity as compared to uninoculated plants. The result of this study showed that PGPB and P. indica inoculated HD 2967 wheat plants accumulated higher content of proline, α-tocopherol and carotenoid as compared to uninoculated plants. The HD 2967 wheat plants either inoculated with PGPB or P. indica showed significantly higher activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase than that of the uninoculated plants. Moreover, PGPB inoculated plants showed greater activity of antioxidant enzymes than the plants inoculated with P. indica. Salinity stress tolerance was more pronounced in the PGPB inoculated than P. indica inoculated plants. This study revealed the potentiality of PGPB and P. indica as bio-ameliorator under salinity stress, and suggests that this plant microbial association could be a promising biotechnological tool to combat the deleterious effects of salinity stress.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of known mechanisms governing nuclear shape in various unicellular and multicellular organisms, including the non-spherical nuclei and non-lamin-related structural determinants.
Abstract: Membrane-bound organelles provide physical and functional compartmentalization of biological processes in eukaryotic cells. The characteristic shape and internal organization of these organelles is determined by a combination of multiple internal and external factors. The maintenance of the shape of nucleus, which houses the genetic material within a double membrane bilayer, is crucial for a seamless spatio-temporal control over nuclear and cellular functions. Dynamic morphological changes in the shape of nucleus facilitate various biological processes. Chromatin packaging, nuclear and cytosolic protein organization, and nuclear membrane lipid homeostasis are critical determinants of overall nuclear morphology. As such, a multitude of molecular players and pathways act together to regulate the nuclear shape. Here, we review the known mechanisms governing nuclear shape in various unicellular and multicellular organisms, including the non-spherical nuclei and non-lamin-related structural determinants. The review also touches upon cellular consequences of aberrant nuclear morphologies.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila larval salivary glands to identify trafficking components needed for secretory cells maturation.
Abstract: Secretory granules (SGs) are organelles responsible for regulated exocytosis of biologically active molecules in professional secretory cells. Maturation of SGs is a crucial process in which cargoes of SGs are processed and activated, allowing them to exert their function upon secretion. Nonetheless, the intracellular trafficking pathways required for SG maturation are not well defined. We recently performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila larval salivary glands to identify trafficking components needed for SG maturation. From the screen, we identified several Rab GTPases (Rabs) that affect SG maturation. Expression of constitutively active (CA) and dominant-negative (DN) forms narrowed down the Rabs important for this process to Rab5, Rab9 and Rab11. However, none of these Rabs localizes to the limiting membrane of SGs. In contrast, examination of endogenously YFP-tagged Rabs (YRabs) in larval salivary glands revealed that YRab1 and YRab6 localize to the limiting membrane of immature SGs (iSGs) and SGs. These findings provide new insights into how Rab GTPases contribute to the process of SG maturation.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that exposure to two 10min, high-intensity periods per day of infrared light causes a marked reduction in the TLR-4 dependent inflammatory response pathway, which has been implicated in the onset of cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients.
Abstract: The leading cause of mortality from COVID-19 infection is respiratory distress due to an exaggerated host immune response, resulting in hyper-inflammation and ensuing cytokine storms in the lungs. Current drug-based therapies are of limited efficacy, costly, and have potential negative side effects. By contrast, photobiomodulation therapy, which involves periodic brief exposure to red or infrared light, is a noninvasive, safe, and affordable method that is currently being used to treat a wide range of diseases with underlying inflammatory conditions. Here, we show that exposure to two 10-min, high-intensity periods per day of infrared light causes a marked reduction in the TLR-4 dependent inflammatory response pathway, which has been implicated in the onset of cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients. Infrared light exposure resulted in a significant decline in NFkB and AP1 activity as measured by the reporter gene assay; decreased expression of inflammatory marker genes IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, INF-alpha, and INF-beta as determined by qPCR gene expression assay; and an 80% decline in secreted cytokine IL6 as measured by ELISA assay in cultured human cells. All of these changes occurred after only 48 hours of treatment. We suggest that an underlying cellular mechanism involving modulation of ROS may downregulate the host immune response after Infrared Light exposure, leading to decrease in inflammation. We further discuss technical considerations involving light sources and exposure conditions to put these observations into potential clinical use to treat COVID-19 induced mortality.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors showed that daily exposure to two 10-minute intervals of moderate intensity infra-red light significantly lowered the inflammatory response induced via the TLR4 receptor signaling pathway in human cell cultures.
Abstract: COVID-19 - related morbidity is associated with exaggerated inflammation and cytokine production in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory failure. The cellular mechanisms underlying these so-called 'cytokine storms' are regulated through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and by ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). Both light (Photobiomodulation) and magnetic fields (e.g., Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field) stimulation are noninvasive therapies known to confer anti-inflammatory effects and regulate ROS signaling pathways. Here we show that daily exposure to two 10-minute intervals of moderate intensity infra-red light significantly lowered the inflammatory response induced via the TLR4 receptor signaling pathway in human cell cultures. Anti-inflammatory effects were likewise achieved by electromagnetic field exposure of cells to daily 10-minute intervals of either Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF), or to Low-Level static magnetic fields. Because current illumination and electromagnetic field therapies have no known side effects, and are already approved for some medical uses, we have here developed protocols for verification in clinical trials of COVID-19 infection. These treatments are affordable, simple to implement, and may help to resolve the acute respiratory distress of COVID-19 patients both in the home and in the hospital.
7 citations
TL;DR: The hostility of extreme environments such as the deep sea, earth's largest habitat on earth, has been explored in this article, but our understanding of life in such environments is rudimentary.
Abstract: Extreme environments constitute the largest habitat on earth, but our understanding of life in such environments is rudimentary. The hostility of extreme environments such as the deep sea, earth’s ...
6 citations
TL;DR: Insectivorous bats capture their prey in flight with impressive success as mentioned in this paper, relying on the echoes of their own ultrasonic vocalization that yield acoustic snapshots, which enable target tracking on targets.
Abstract: Insectivorous bats capture their prey in flight with impressive success. They rely on the echoes of their own ultrasonic vocalization that yield acoustic snapshots, which enable target tracking on ...
6 citations
TL;DR: The Scar/WAVE complex catalyzes the protrusion of pseudopods and lamellipods, and is therefore a principal regulator of cell migration as discussed by the authors, but it is unclear how its activity is regulated, beyond a dependence on Rac.
Abstract: The Scar/WAVE complex catalyzes the protrusion of pseudopods and lamellipods, and is therefore a principal regulator of cell migration. However, it is unclear how its activity is regulated, beyond a dependence on Rac. Phosphorylation of the proline-rich region, by kinases such as Erk2, has been suggested as an upstream activator. We have recently reported that phosphorylation is not required for complex activation. Rather, it occurs after Scar/WAVE has been activated, and acts as a modulator. Neither chemoattractant signaling nor Erk2 affects the amount of phosphorylation, though in Dictyostelium it is promoted by cell-substrate adhesion. We now report that cell-substrate adhesion also promotes Scar/WAVE2 phosphorylation in mammalian cells, suggesting that the process is evolutionarily conserved.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the systemic effects of oxytocin on the GRP/SEG neuron system in the lumbar spinal cord controlling sexual activity in male rats were investigated.
Abstract: Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates uterine contraction and milk ejection. While many people consider oxytocin to be a female hormone, it is reported that, in men, the plasma oxytocin level increases markedly after ejaculation. However, this aspect of oxytocin physiology is poorly understood. The spinal ejaculation generator (SEG), which expresses the neuropeptide, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), can trigger ejaculation in rats. Therefore, we focused on systemic effects of oxytocin on the GRP/SEG neuron system in the lumbar spinal cord controlling sexual activity in male rats. We found that systemic administration of oxytocin significantly shortened the latency to the first mount, intromission and ejaculation during male copulatory behavior. In addition, the local oxytocin level in the lumbar cord was significantly higher in males than in females. Histological analysis showed that oxytocin-binding is apparent in spinal GRP/SEG neurons. We therefore conclude that oxytocin influences male sexual activity via the SEG.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the migratory environments of various eukaryotic cells, such as amoeba, leukocytes and cancer cells, typically involve spatial confinement.
Abstract: Migratory environments of various eukaryotic cells, such as amoeba, leukocytes and cancer cells, typically involve spatial confinement. Numerous studies have recently emerged, aimed to develop expe...
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it was discovered that Nicotiana species of Solanaceae show the ability to graft with distantly related plant speci cation trees, which is a common technique for plant grafting between closely related species.
Abstract: Plant grafting is generally performed between closely related species Recently, we have discovered that Nicotiana species of Solanaceae show the ability to graft with distantly related plant speci
TL;DR: Some stem cell types not only release molecules that reduce viral replication, but also reduce the hypercytokinemia and inflammation induced by the immune system, and have been found to be part of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Abstract: Some stem cell types not only release molecules that reduce viral replication, but also reduce the hypercytokinemia and inflammation induced by the immune system, and have been found to be part of the innate and adaptive immune systems. An important component of the stem cell's ability to ameliorate viral diseases, especially the complications post-clearance of the pathogen, is the ability of adult stem cells to reset the innate and adaptive immune systems from an inflammatory state to a repair state. Thus, the molecules released from certain stem cell types found to be safe and efficacious, may be an important new means for therapeutic development in Covid-19, especially for late-stage inflammation and tissue damage once the virus has cleared, particularly in the aged population.
TL;DR: The small non-coding vault RNA (vtRNA) is a component of the vault complex, a ribonucleoprotein complex found in most eukaryotes.
Abstract: The small non-coding vault RNA (vtRNA) is a component of the vault complex, a ribonucleoprotein complex found in most eukaryotes. vtRNAs regulate a variety of cellular functions when unassociated with the vault complex. Human has four vtRNA paralogs (hvtRNA1-1, hvtRNA1-2, hvtRNA1-3, hvtRNA2-1), which are highly similar and differ only slightly in primary and secondary structure. Despite the increasing research on vtRNAs, a feature that distinguishes one hvtRNA from the others has not been recognized. Recently, we demonstrated that murine vtRNA (mvtRNA) promotes synapse formation by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Here we showed that expression ofhvtRNA1-1, but not hvtRNA2-1 increases the expression of synaptic marker proteins, ERK phosphorylation and the number of PSD95 and Synapsin I double positive puncta to an extent similar to that of mvtRNA, suggesting that hvtRNA1-1 may enhance synapse formation. This finding opens new perspectives to uncover the function of the different vtRNA paralogs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that Bohm's unbroken and undivided totality he called the holomovement, the title he gave to the concept of the self-organizing universe, is more coherently understood when viewed as universal consciousness.
Abstract: In this paper, we argue that Bohm's unbroken and undivided totality he called the holomovement, the title he gave to the concept of the self-organizing universe, is more coherently understood when viewed as universal consciousness. Bohm's understanding of consciousness oscillates around being a quality of local minds and the interconnected totality of the holomovement. We suggest such equivocations impose limitations on Bohm's general holistic framework because they import into his model the limiting restrictions of Cartesian separation and are, therefore, incongruous for use within his holistic model of the holomovement. We also argue that the term 'meaning' has a structural and functional agency appropriate to Bohm's model of the holomovement, while also reflecting the living characteristics of this organic totality that is full of meaning.
TL;DR: In this paper, a set of eight proteins with a remarkable resemblance to human proteins were found to be moonlighting proteins carried by Plasmodium falciparum molecules carried by extracellular vesicles.
Abstract: Red blood cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum secrete extracellular vesicles in order to facilitate the survival and infection of human cells. Various researchers have studied the composition of these extracellular vesicles and identified the proteins contained inside. In this work, we used that information to detect potential P. falciparum molecules that could be imitating host proteins. We carried out several searches to detect sequences and structural similarities between the parasite and host. Additionally, the possibility of functional mimicry was explored in line with the potential role that each candidate can perform for the parasite inside the host. Lastly, we determined a set of eight sequences (mainly moonlighting proteins) with a remarkable resemblance to human proteins. Due to the resemblance observed, this study proposes the possibility that certain P. falciparum molecules carried by extracellular vesicles could be imitating human proteins to manipulate the host cell's physiology.
TL;DR: In this paper, the presence of irregularity/regularity or chaos in the ion flows of an evolving plant cell is detected by performing the analyses by different metrics using different metrics.
Abstract: Detecting the presence of an irregularity/regularity or chaos in the ion flows of an evolving plant cell is an important task that can be unraveled by performing the analyses by different metrics. ...
TL;DR: Can life be explained based on the fundamental Laws of Nature? This question is central in Science since its answer could unify Physics and Biology and open new routes for Medicine as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Can Life be explained based on the fundamental Laws of Nature? This question is central in Science since its answer could unify Physics and Biology and open new routes for Medicine. The present stu...
TL;DR: The interaction of the three symbionts was analyzed concerning the organisms’ adaptation to understand the differences in physiology and ecology of this microenvironment that support stable symbiosis spreading presently in Europe since the beginning of the XXI century.
Abstract: The stromata of Epichloe fungi are structures covering part of the stem of grasses. Under the fungal layer, still green tissues of the plant survive, although the development of the new leaves is inhibited. Stromata are the places where conidia and ascospores develop. Also, here Botanophila flies dine on mycelium, lay the eggs, defecate, and the larvae develop. The interaction of the three symbionts was analyzed concerning the organisms' adaptation to understand the differences in physiology and ecology of this microenvironment that support stable symbiosis spreading presently in Europe since the beginning of the XXI century. For analysis of the infrared radiation emitted by stromata, a high-resolution infrared camera FLIR E50 was used. The visualization of stromata temperature profiles was shown in the form of pseudo-colored (false) infrared images. The 13C discrimination was used to characterize photosynthesis of the plant tissue enclosed within the stromata. The stromata had a substantially lower temperature than the green plant tissues. The difference reached ~5.6°C during midday hours, whereas it was smaller in the evening, reaching only ~3.6°C. The mycelium of Epichloe cultivated on agar showed about 2°C lower temperature in comparison to the surrounding. The plant tissues enclosed within the stroma were photosynthetically active, although this activity was of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) type and less involved in heat dissipation during the day. The stromata, built by fungal hyphae, on which fungal reproductive structures develop, form a cool shelter. This shelter provides a place for the larvae of Botanophila flies.
TL;DR: Cuscuta reflexa (giant dodder) is an obligate stem holoparasite that withdraws water, nutrients, and carbohydrates from its hosts as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Cuscuta reflexa (giant dodder) is an obligate stem holoparasite withdrawing water, nutrients, and carbohydrates from its hosts. For a broad spectrum of host plants, C. reflexa usually stays unrecog...
TL;DR: The linguistic behavior of humans is usually considered the point of reference for studying the origin and evolution of language as mentioned in this paper, and language is a form of communication between humans that can be seen as a way of communicating between humans.
Abstract: The linguistic behavior of humans is usually considered the point of reference for studying the origin and evolution of language. As commonly defined, language is a form of communication between hu...
TL;DR: In this paper, a transdisciplinary theory that attempts to reconcile some contemporary concepts of physics with a novel theory of the mind is presented. But it does not consider the relationship between the two.
Abstract: This article represents a transdisciplinary theory that attempts, in a nonmathematical way, to reconcile some contemporary concepts of physics with a novel theory of the mind. It represents a thoug...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new theory to improve our understanding of the brain's mechanisms behind memory, learning, and behavior, which is crucial to human development. And they proposed that all learning following memory consolidation, reconsolidation, and repeated reinforcements or strengthening over time, results in a phenomenon called mental representation block.
Abstract: Understanding the mechanisms behind memory, learning, and behavior is crucial to human development and significant research has been done in this area. Classical and operant conditioning and other theories of learning have elucidated different mechanisms of learning and how it modulates behavior. Even with advances in this area, questions remain on how to unlearn faulty ideas or extinguish maladaptive behaviors. In this paper, a novel theory to improve our understanding of this area is proposed. The theory proposes that as a consequence of the brain's energy efficiency evolutionary adaptations, all learning following memory consolidation, reconsolidation, and repeated reinforcements or strengthening over time, results in a phenomenon called mental representation block. The implications of this block on learning and behavior are significant and broad and include cognitive biases, belief in a creator or God, close-mindedness, dogmatism, physician misdiagnosis, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, susceptibility to deception and indoctrination, hate and love, artificial intelligence and creativity.