RNA-seq Profiling Reveals Defense Responses in a Tolerant Potato Cultivar to Stem Infection by<i> Pectobacterium carotovorum</i> ssp. <i>brasiliense</i>

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense is a member of the soft rot Enterobacteriaceae (SRE) family that causes tuber soft rot and blackleg diseases of stems in potato plants. Currently, there are no effective chemical strategies for the control of members of the SRE. Thus, an understanding of the inducible defense responses in stems of potato plants is important, particularly during colonization of the vascular system. Here, time-course RNA-sequencing analysis was used to compare expressed genes between a susceptible potato cultivar (Solanum tubersoum cv Valor) and a tolerant cultivar (S. tuberosum cv BP1) at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 72 h post-inoculation with P. c. brasiliense. In total, we identified 6,139 and 8,214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tolerant and susceptible cultivars, compared to mock-inoculated controls, respectively. Key DEGs distinguishing between tolerance and susceptibility were associated with negative regulation of cell death and plant-type cell wall organization/ biogenesis biological processes in the tolerant and susceptible cultivars, respectively. Among these were DEGs involved in signaling (mainly MAPK cascade and ethylene pathway), defense-related transcription regulation including WRKY transcription factors, and downstream secondary cell biosynthesis. Together, our results suggest that S. tuberosum cv BP1 likely employs quantitative defense response against P.c brasiliense. Overall, our study provides the first transcriptome-wide insight into the molecular basis of tolerance and/or resistance of potato stems to SRE infection

Efeitos da suplementação e da fortificação de alimentos sobre a biodisponibilidade de minerais Effects of supplementation and food fortification on mineral bioavailability

Estratégias de prevenção e combate a algumas deficiências nutricionais, como a anemia e a osteoporose, incluem a fortificação de alimentos e o uso de suplementação com minerais em populações de risco. Entretanto, interações com outros minerais podem ocorrer e comprometer o estado de saúde do indivíduo. Este artigo teve por objetivo rever algumas das interações que podem ocorrer entre minerais quando da suplementação ou fortificação de alimentos. A suplementação de cálcio parece estar relacionada a uma diminuição da absorção do zinco, fósforo e ferro. Por sua vez, o excesso de ferro pode comprometer a absorção e utilização do zinco, especialmente quando em formulações antianêmicas. Apesar dos resultados de alguns estudos serem controversos, a suplementação de minerais ou a fortificação de alimentos devem ser cuidadosas a fim de não ocasionar outras deficiências nutricionais.<br>Strategies for the prevention and control of some nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia and osteoporosis, include food fortification and the use of mineral supplements for at-risk populations. Nevertheless, interactions among minerals may occur and jeopardize the health status of subjects. The objective of this study was to review some possible interactions among minerals when supplementation and food fortification are used. Calcium supplements seem to be related to reduce zinc, phosphorus and iron absorption. In addition, iron excess can decrease zinc absorption and utilization, especially in antianemic formulas. Although several studies have shown controversial outcomes, mineral supplementation and food fortification must be carefully monitored, in order to avoid promoting other nutritional deficiencies