A Functional Genomics Approach Identifies Candidate Effectors from the Aphid Species Myzus persicae (Green Peach Aphid)

Aphids are amongst the most devastating sap-feeding insects of plants. Like most plant parasites, aphids require intimate associations with their host plants to gain access to nutrients. Aphid feeding induces responses such as clogging of phloem sieve elements and callose formation, which are suppressed by unknown molecules, probably proteins, in aphid saliva. Therefore, it is likely that aphids, like plant pathogens, deliver proteins (effectors) inside their hosts to modulate host cell processes, suppress plant defenses, and promote infestation. We exploited publicly available aphid salivary gland expressed sequence tags (ESTs) to apply a functional genomics approach for identification of candidate effectors from Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), based on common features of plant pathogen effectors. A total of 48 effector candidates were identified, cloned, and subjected to transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana to assay for elicitation of a phenotype, suppression of the Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP)–mediated oxidative burst, and effects on aphid reproductive performance. We identified one candidate effector, Mp10, which specifically induced chlorosis and local cell death in N. benthamiana and conferred avirulence to recombinant Potato virus X (PVX) expressing Mp10, PVX-Mp10, in N. tabacum, indicating that this protein may trigger plant defenses. The ubiquitin-ligase associated protein SGT1 was required for the Mp10-mediated chlorosis response in N. benthamiana. Mp10 also suppressed the oxidative burst induced by flg22, but not by chitin. Aphid fecundity assays revealed that in planta overexpression of Mp10 and Mp42 reduced aphid fecundity, whereas another effector candidate, MpC002, enhanced aphid fecundity. Thus, these results suggest that, although Mp10 suppresses flg22-triggered immunity, it triggers a defense response, resulting in an overall decrease in aphid performance in the fecundity assays. Overall, we identified aphid salivary proteins that share features with plant pathogen effectors and therefore may function as aphid effectors by perturbing host cellular processes

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT PROFILES OF POLICE OFFICERS FROM A RURAL U.S. BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Quincy Johnson1, Cody L. Diehl1, Robin M. Orr2, Robert G. Lockie3, Micheal D. Casteel4, Bert H. Jacobson1 FACSM, Doug B. Smith1, J. JayDawes1 1Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA 2Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD, AUS 3California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA4Stillwater Police Department, Stillwater, OK, USA Police officers may be required to perform dynamic movements such as running, jumping, and lunging as part of their duties. Early identification of poor movement patterns in this population may mitigate injury risks associated with these dynamic movements. PURPOSE: To profile movement patterns in a police force and identify specific movement patterns associated with injury risk. METHODS: Thirty-eight (n=38; age = 39.4±7.9 years; Height=180.3±8.1cm; Weight=101.3±20.2 kg; Body mass index =30.5 ± 5.1 kg·m-2) full-time police officers volunteered to participate in this study. Participant movement ability was assessed using a screening tool which incorporated seven movement patterns: overhead squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, active-straight leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability. Each movement is scored from ‘0’ to ‘3’ for a total of 21 points. A score of ‘0’ was given if there was pain during the movement or corresponding clearing test. A score of ‘1’indicated in ability to complete the movement, ‘2’completed the movement with compensation, and ‘3’completed the movement correctly. Frequency and descriptive analysis were used for each of the dependent variables (i.e., each movement). Previous research has suggested that a total score of \u3c14 points may indicate an increased risk for sustaining an injury, so this benchmark was noted. RESULTS: Overall, 89.7% (n=38) of officers scored below 14 points on their assessment. Greater than 85% (n=33) of participants were unable to perform movement patterns, performed them with compensation, or had pain throughout the movement for six out of the seven movement assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Specific movement patterns that may contribute to an increased injury risk within this police population include functional mobility of the hips, knees, ankles, and shoulder. Specific mobility and strength and conditioning programs may reduce injury risk by improving movement quality