ADAM33, a New Candidate for Psoriasis Susceptibility

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder with multifactorial etiology. In a recent study, we reported results of a genome-wide scan on 46 French extended families presenting with plaque psoriasis. In addition to unambiguous linkage to the major susceptibility locus PSORS1 on Chromosome 6p21, we provided evidence for a susceptibility locus on Chromosome 20p13. To follow up this novel psoriasis susceptibility locus we used a family-based association test (FBAT) for an association scan over the 17 Mb candidate region. A total of 85 uncorrelated SNP markers located in 65 genes of the region were initially investigated in the same set of large families used for the genome wide search, which consisted of 295 nuclear families. When positive association was obtained for a SNP, candidate genes nearby were explored more in detail using a denser set of SNPs. Thus, the gene ADAM33 was found to be significantly associated with psoriasis in this family set (The best association was on a 3-SNP haplotype P = 0.00004, based on 1,000,000 permutations). This association was independent of PSORS1. ADAM33 has been previously associated with asthma, which demonstrates that immune system diseases may be controlled by common susceptibility genes with general effects on dermal inflammation and immunity. The identification of ADAM33 as a psoriasis susceptibility gene identified by positional cloning in an outbred population should provide insights into the pathogenesis and natural history of this common disease

Elasmobranch bycatch in US West Coast groundfish fisheries

Effective management of multispecies fisheries in large marine ecosystems is challenging. To deal with these challenges, fisheries managers are moving toward ecosystem-based fishery management (EBFM). Despite this shift, many species remain outside protective legislation or fishery management plans. How do species that fall outside of formal management structures respond to changes in fisheries management strategies? In 2011, the US West Coast Groundfish Fishery (WCGF) shifted management to an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program. We used data collected by fisheries observers to examine the impact of this shift on elasmobranch catch (sharks, skates, rays). Historically, not all elasmobranchs were included in the WCGF Management Plan, making them vulnerable to fishing mortality. We grouped elasmobranchs into 8 groups based on 14 ecomorphotypes to examine relative catch within groundfish fishing sectors during the period 2002-2014. Of the 22 sharks and 18 skates and rays that these fisheries capture, 9 are listed as Near Threatened or greater on the IUCN Red List and 10 species are listed as Data Deficient by IUCN. The bycatch of 4 non-managed elasmobranch species was reduced under the IFQ program; IFQ management had no significant impact on the remaining 27 species caught by the IFQ fleet. Overall, catch of non-managed elasmobranchs was relatively low. We show that groups of ecomorphotypes co-occur within fisheries, suggesting natural management units for use in EBFM. This work helps identify gaps in monitoring and assessing the impact of management and policy on elasmobranch populations.</jats:p

Secondary production of caddisflies reflects environmental heterogeneity among tropical Andean streams

La historia de vida de los macroinvertebrados y la producción secundaria rara vez se han medido en las corrientes de las tierras altas tropicales a pesar de que estas corrientes son muy heterogéneas y muestran entornos ecológicos únicos en comparación con las de las tierras bajas tropicales o en la zona templada. Evaluamos la producción secundaria y los atributos de la historia de vida de la caddisfly de Grazer de perifiton (Helicopsyche spp.) Utilizando el método de frecuencia de tamaño en tres corrientes ecuatorianas de las tierras altasalcanza (2990–3727 metros sobre el nivel del mar) con características vegetativas ribereñas contrastantes y diferentes regímenes de flujo y temperatura y biomasa de perifiton (como clorofila-a). Helicopsyche mostró fuertes diferencias entre las corrientes en los atributos de la historia de vida y la producción secundaria . Estimamos que el alcance menos productivo (89 mg m −2 año −1 ) es un orden de magnitud menor que el de los dos alcances más productivos (1556–2164 mg m −2 año −1 ). La producción secundaria se correlacionó positivamente con la biomasa media anual de perifiton y se correlacionó negativamente con la temperatura media anual del agua. En comparación con estudios anteriores, la mediaLa producción secundaria de Helicopsyche fue relativamente alta. Concluimos que la producción secundaria de Helicopsyche en los arroyos de las tierras altas tropicales es muy heterogénea entre los tipos de arroyos . Esta fuerte variación entre las corrientes podría depender en última instancia de los factores ambientales que influyen en la disponibilidad de alimentos (biomasa de perifiton) y las tasas de desarrollo larvario (régimen de temperatura).Macroinvertebrate life history and secondary production have rarely been measured in tropical highland streams even though these streams are highly heterogeneous and display unique ecological settings compared to both those in the tropical lowlands or in the temperate zone. We evaluated secondary production and life history attributes of the periphyton grazer caddisfly (Helicopsyche spp.) using the size-frequency method in three Ecuadorian highland stream reaches (2990–3727 meters above sea level) with contrasting riparian vegetative characteristics and differing flow and temperature regimes and periphyton biomass (as chlorophyll-a). Helicopsychedisplayed strong differences among streams in life history attributes and secondary production. We estimated the least productive reach (89 mg m-2 - year-1) to be an order of magnitude less than that of the two more productive reaches (1556–2164 mg m-2 - year-1). Secondary production positively correlated with annual mean periphyton biomass and negatively correlated with annual mean water temperature. Compared to previous studies, mean secondary production of Helicopsyche was relatively high. We conclude that Helicopsyche secondary production in tropical highland streams is highly heterogeneous among stream types. This strong variation among streams might ultimately depend on environmental factors influencing food availability (biomass of periphyton) and larval development rates (temperature regime)

Small RNA sorting: matchmaking for Argonautes

Small RNAs directly or indirectly impact nearly every biological process in eukaryotic cells. To perform their myriad roles, not only must precise small RNA species be generated, but they must also be loaded into specific effector complexes called RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). Argonaute proteins form the core of RISCs and different members of this large family have specific expression patterns, protein binding partners and biochemical capabilities. In this Review, we explore the mechanisms that pair specific small RNA strands with their partner proteins, with an eye towards the substantial progress that has been recently made in understanding the sorting of the major small RNA classes - microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) - in plants and animals

Regulation of microRNA biogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function as guide molecules in RNA silencing. Targeting most protein-coding transcripts, miRNAs are involved in nearly all developmental and pathological processes in animals. The biogenesis of miRNAs is under tight temporal and spatial control, and their dysregulation is associated with many human diseases, particularly cancer. In animals, nniRNAs are 22 nucleotides in length, and they are produced by two RNase III proteins - Drosha and Dicer. miRNA biogenesis is regulated at multiple levels, including at the level of miRNA transcription; its processing by Drosha and Dicer in the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively; its modification by RNA editing, RNA methylation, uridylation and adenylation; Argonaute loading; and RNA decay. Non-canonical pathways for miRNA biogenesis, including those that are independent of Drosha or Dicer, are also emerging.N