7 research outputs found
Roles of non-coding RNA in sugarcane-microbe interaction
Studies have highlighted the importance of non-coding RNA regulation in plant-microbe
interaction. However, the roles of sugarcane microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of disease
responses have not been investigated. Firstly, we screened the sRNA transcriptome of sugarcane
infected with Acidovorax avenae. Conserved and novel miRNAs were identified. Additionally,
small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were aligned to differentially expressed sequences from the
sugarcane transcriptome. Interestingly, many siRNAs aligned to a transcript encoding a coppertransporter
gene whose expression was induced in the presence of A. avenae, while the siRNAs were
repressed in the presence of A. avenae. Moreover, a long intergenic non-coding RNA was identified
as a potential target or decoy of miR408. To extend the bioinformatics analysis, we carried out
independent inoculations and the expression patterns of six miRNAs were validated by quantitative
reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Among these miRNAs, miR408—a copper- microRNA—was
downregulated. The cleavage of a putative miR408 target, a laccase, was confirmed by a modified
50RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) assay. MiR408 was also downregulated in samples
infected with other pathogens, but it was upregulated in the presence of a beneficial diazotrophic
bacteria. Our results suggest that regulation by miR408 is important in sugarcane sensing whether
microorganisms are either pathogenic or beneficial, triggering specific miRNA-mediated regulatory
mechanisms accordingly
Lipid (per) oxidation in mitochondria:an emerging target in the ageing process?
Lipids are essential for physiological processes such as maintaining membrane integrity, providing a source of energy and acting as signalling molecules to control processes including cell proliferation, metabolism, inflammation and apoptosis. Disruption of lipid homeostasis can promote pathological changes that contribute towards biological ageing and age-related diseases. Several age-related diseases have been associated with altered lipid metabolism and an elevation in highly damaging lipid peroxidation products; the latter has been ascribed, at least in part, to mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated ROS formation. In addition, senescent cells, which are known to contribute significantly to age-related pathologies, are also associated with impaired mitochondrial function and changes in lipid metabolism. Therapeutic targeting of dysfunctional mitochondrial and pathological lipid metabolism is an emerging strategy for alleviating their negative impact during ageing and the progression to age-related diseases. Such therapies could include the use of drugs that prevent mitochondrial uncoupling, inhibit inflammatory lipid synthesis, modulate lipid transport or storage, reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress and eliminate senescent cells from tissues. In this review, we provide an overview of lipid structure and function, with emphasis on mitochondrial lipids and their potential for therapeutic targeting during ageing and age-related disease