Research Infrastructure Map as a tool of the Information System for Research, Development, and Innovation

Extended abstract presented at the CRIS2022 conference in Dubrovnik.-- Event programme available at https://cris2022.srce.hr/#section-program12 slides.-- Presentation delivered within the session "Discussing PID infrastructure"The registration of research infrastructures is an integral part of the R&D information system. Its development at national level follows from EU activities in this area. It is based primarily on the documents of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) followed by national documents formulating policy aimed at the development and use of research infrastructures and their involvement in European and international initiatives

Expression of Genes for Si Uptake, Accumulation, and Correlation of Si with Other Elements in Ionome of Maize Kernel

The mineral composition of cells, tissues, and organs is decisive for the functioning of the organisms, and is at the same time an indicator for understanding of physiological processes. We measured the composition of the ionome in the different tissues of maize kernels by element microanalysis, with special emphasis on silicon (Si). We therefore also measured the expression levels of the Si transporter genes ZmLsi1, ZmLsi2 and ZmLsi6, responsible for Si uptake and accumulation. Two weeks after pollination ZmLsi1 and ZmLsi6 genes were expressed, and expression continued until the final developmental stage of the kernels, while ZmLsi2 was not expressed. These results suggest that exclusively ZmLsi1 and ZmLsi6 are responsible for Si transport in various stages of kernel development. Expression level of ZmLsi genes was consistent with Si accumulation within kernel tissues. Silicon was mainly accumulated in pericarp and embryo proper and the lowest Si content was detected in soft endosperm and the scutellum. Correlation linkages between the distribution of Si and some other elements (macroelements Mg, P, S, N, P, and Ca and microelements Cl, Zn, and Fe) were found. The relation of Si with Mg was detected in all kernel tissues. The Si linkage with other elements was rather specific and found only in certain kernel tissues of maize. These relations may have effect on nutrient uptake and accumulation

Endosidin 2 accelerates PIN2 endocytosis and disturbs intracellular trafficking of PIN2, PIN3, and PIN4 but not of SYT1.

We established that Endosidin2 (ES2) affected the trafficking routes of both newly synthesized and endocytic pools of PIN-FORMED2 (PIN2) in Arabidopsis root epidermal cells. PIN2 populations accumulated in separated patches, which gradually merged into large and compact ES2 aggregates (ES2As). FM4-64 endocytic tracer labeled ES2As as well. Both PIN2 pools also appeared in vacuoles. Accelerated endocytosis of PIN2, its aggregation in the cytoplasm, and redirection of PIN2 flows to vacuoles led to a substantial reduction of the abundance of this protein in the plasma membrane. Whereas PIN-FORMED3 and PIN-FORMED4 also aggregated in the cytoplasm, SYT1 was not sensitive to ES2 treatment and did not appear either in the cytoplasmic aggregates or vacuoles. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that ES2 affects the Golgi apparatus so that stacks acquired cup-shape and even circular shape surrounded by several vesicles. Abnormally shaped Golgi stacks, stack remnants, multi-lamellar structures, separated Golgi cisterna rings, tubular structures, and vesicles formed discrete clusters

Proteomic Differences between Tellurite-Sensitive and Tellurite–Resistant <i>E.coli</i>

<div><p>Tellurite containing compounds are in use for industrial processes and increasing delivery into the environment generates specific pollution that may well result in contamination and subsequent potential adverse effects on public health. It was the aim of the current study to reveal mechanism of toxicity in tellurite-sensitive and tellurite-resistant <i>E. coli</i> at the protein level.</p><p>In this work an approach using gel-based mass spectrometrical analysis to identify a differential protein profile related to tellurite toxicity was used and the mechanism of ter operon-mediated tellurite resistance was addressed.</p><p><i>E. coli BL21</i> was genetically manipulated for tellurite-resistance by the introduction of the resistance-conferring <i>ter</i> genes on the pLK18 plasmid. Potassium tellurite was added to cultures in order to obtain a final 3.9 micromolar concentration. Proteins from tellurite-sensitive and tellurite-resistant <i>E. coli</i> were run on 2-D gel electrophoresis, spots of interest were picked, in-gel digested and subsequently analysed by nano-LC-MS/MS (ion trap). In addition, Western blotting and measurement of enzymatic activity were performed to verify the expression of certain candidate proteins.</p><p>Following exposure to tellurite, in contrast to tellurite-resistant bacteria, sensitive cells exhibited increased levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutases, catalase and oxidoreductase YqhD. Cysteine desulfurase, known to be related to tellurite toxicity as well as proteins involved in protein folding: GroEL, DnaK and EF-Tu were upregulated in sensitive cells. In resistant bacteria, several isoforms of four essential Ter proteins were observed and following tellurite treatment the abovementioned protein levels did not show any significant proteome changes as compared to the sensitive control.</p><p>The absence of general defense mechanisms against tellurite toxicity in resistant bacteria thus provides further evidence that the four proteins of the ter operon function by a specific mode of action in the mechanism of tellurite resistance probably involving protein cascades from antioxidant and protein folding pathways.</p></div

Determination of the “sub-lethal” concentration for the sensitive strain <i>E. coli</i> BL21(pACYC184).

<p>Cells were incubated for a defined time interval of 10°C in the presence of potassium tellurite (at 0.3–4.5 µM).</p