Three non-autonomous signals collaborate for nuclear targeting of CrMYC2, a Catharanthus roseus bHLH transcription factor

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>CrMYC2 is an early jasmonate-responsive bHLH transcription factor involved in the regulation of the expression of the genes of the terpenic indole alkaloid biosynthesis pathway in <it>Catharanthus roseus</it>. In this paper, we identified the amino acid domains necessary for the nuclear targeting of CrMYC2.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>We examined the intracellular localization of whole CrMYC2 and of various deletion mutants, all fused with GFP, using a transient expression assay in onion epidermal cells. Sequence analysis of this protein revealed the presence of four putative basic nuclear localization signals (NLS). Assays showed that none of the predicted NLS is active alone. Further functional dissection of CrMYC2 showed that the nuclear targeting of this transcription factor involves the cooperation of three domains located in the C-terminal region of the protein. The first two domains are located at amino acid residues 454-510 and 510-562 and contain basic classical monopartite NLSs; these regions are referred to as NLS3 (KRPRKR) and NLS4 (EAERQRREK), respectively. The third domain, between residues 617 and 652, is rich in basic amino acids that are well conserved in other phylogenetically related bHLH transcription factors. Our data revealed that these three domains are inactive when isolated but act cooperatively to target CrMYC2 to the nucleus.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study identified three amino acid domains that act in cooperation to target the CrMYC2 transcription factor to the nucleus. Further fine structure/function analysis of these amino acid domains will allow the identification of new NLS domains and will allow the investigation of the related molecular mechanisms involved in the nuclear targeting of the CrMYC2 bHLH transcription factor.</p

First data on the distribution and morphological anomalies of the recent foraminifers in the Marano and Grado Lagoon of (Adriatic Sea).

The Marano and Grado Lagoon along the northern Adriatic coast, is an environment of naturalistic but also economic value, since it is exploited by man for industrial, farming and fishing activities. At the present, this area is constantly under quality control in accordance with the recent environmental directives. This environment historically experienced a significant input of mercury (Hg), carried from the Isonzo River draining the cinnabar deposits of the world\u2019s second largest Hg mine at Idrija (Slovenia), which has been in activity for 500 years. Recent studies indicate that Hg it is the most common contaminant in the sediments and previous studies have also revealed its presence in the aquatic food chain. Benthic foraminifers were investigated in the recent sediments collected during the \u201cMiracle Project\u201d (AA.VV., 2010). The diversity index is lowest in the stations in front of the Aussa-Corno River mouth, which is the area mostly affected by environmental stress (mercury pollution and/or natural salinity variations). Here, a greater dominance of brackish forms such as Ammonia tepida, Elphidium granosum, E. gunteri and Haynesina germanica has been recognized. Conversely, slightly higher values of diversity appear in less restricted areas of the lagoon or, at least, where physical parameters such as temperature and salinity are less variable (or more constant). Here, the association is characterized by more thalassic taxa, such as miliolids and arenaceous species. The greater frequency of E. granosum, E. gunteri and H. germanica is recorded in the western sector of the lagoon (Marano), which is more affected by industrial activities. On the contrary, the greater dominance of A. tepida is recognized in the eastern lagoon (Grado), where the sediments are enriched in Hg, mainly in mineral form. The deformation tests, carried out mainly on dead specimens, showed very high FAI (Foraminiferal Abnormality Index) values in the lagoon areas highly affected by riverine tributaries compared to the low values found in less restricted areas. However, the types of deformation are very often those involving only limited dimensional changes of the chambers. Concerning the study of some cores, higher FAI index coincides with the highest concentrations of Hgtot in the recent sediments, whereas the index decreases with depth in agreement with the decreasing Hg content. Plotting the concentration values of Hgtot and the deformation of the shell according to the calendar age scale, calculated on the basis of the 210Pb activity log distribution (AA.VV., 2010), a sharp increase of pollution and tests deformation following the period of great industrial expansion of 1950 is observed. AA.VV. , 2010 \u2013 Messa a punto di un metodo per l\u2019individuazione delle aree da destinarsi alla venericoltura (Tapes philippinarum) a minor rischio di contaminazione da mercurio in Laguna di Marano e Grado. Progetto Miracle. Rapporto tecnico 1- Commissario Delegato per la Laguna di Marano e Grado. Universit\ue0 degli Studi di Trieste, 279 pp

Palaeoclimatic changes in Kveithola, Svalbard, during the Late Pleistocene deglaciation and Holocene: Evidences from microfossil and sedimentary records

9noClimate changes are reflected in the Arctic ecosystem history over different timescales. We use a multi proxybased approach for palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions, conducted on sediment cores, compared with summer insolation and Greenland ice core δ18O data in order to establish a framework for climate changes from Late Pleistocene to late Holocene. Our dataset includes the results compiled from a sediment core, collected on the middle slope of the Kveithola TroughMouth Fan (South of Svalbard) during the CORIBAR cruise (2013). The studied core presents remarkable lithological and magnetic susceptibility similarities with cores recovered in the same area during the SVAIS (2007) and the OGS-EGLACOMcruise (2008), allowing the construction of the age model. The results indicate that during the last 14.5 cal ky BP advances and retreats of the Svalbard Barents Sea Ice Sheet were strictly linked to the interplay of Atlantic and Arctic water inflows to the study area. During the deglaciation, from the Last Glacial Maximum to the onset of the Holocene, the climate underwent a series of abrupt changes including the Bølling-Allerødwarminterstadial and the Younger Dryas cold event. During the early Holocene, the investigated area was dominated by enhanced warm Atlantic water inflow, which was concomitant with summer insolation increase, characterizing the Holocene ThermalMaximum. Conversely, the lateHolocenewas governed by deteriorating climatic conditions,with predominant Arctic/Polarwater inflow on the surfacewatermasses offWestern Svalbard, possibly associated with summer insolation decline due to orbital forcing.partially_openopenCarbonara, Katia; Mezgec, Karin; Varagona, Gabriella; Musco, Maria Elena; Lucchi, Renata Giulia; Villa, Giuliana; Morigi, Caterina; Melis, Romana; Caffau, MauroCarbonara, Katia; Mezgec, Karin; Varagona, Gabriella; Musco, Maria Elena; Lucchi, Renata Giulia; Villa, Giuliana; Morigi, Caterina; Melis, Romana; Caffau, Maur

Impiego dei fili metallici sotto guida con tomografia computerizzata per la localizzazione pre-toracoscopica di noduli polmonari periferici

The recent developments in thoracic surgery have broadened the application spectrum of thoracoscopy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection is now available both to diagnose and to treat peripheral pulmonary nodules. A major factor limiting the success of thoracoscopic lung resection is the difficult localization of the pulmonary nodule. When lesions are very small and deep inside the lung, their preoperative detection may be difficult. This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of hookwires for CT-guided localization of peripheral pulmonary lesions requiring thoracoscopic resection. In 12 patients 12 nodules, previously detected with chest radiography, were localized with hookwires under CT guidance. Ten of 12 patients underwent thoracoscopic resection for diagnostic purposes, while the extant two patients underwent therapeutic wedge resection. In all patients prethoracoscopic hookwire positioning was successful. In 11 of 12 patients the lesion was accurately localized, while in the extant patient the wire tip was inserted deeper than the nodule. In 3 patients the wire was dislodged before surgery: in all of them a small hemorrhage developed on the visceral pleura and wedge resection was likewise possible. Four patients had a small pneumothorax which was not treated before surgery. In conclusion, percutaneous hookwire localization of peripheral lung lesions is an easy and efficacious technique and promotes thoracoscopy as a less invasive alternative to thoracotomy