Zc3h10 regulates adipogenesis by controlling translation and F-actin/mitochondria interaction

The commitment of mesenchymal stem cells to preadipocytes is stimulated by hormonal induction. Preadipocytes induced to differentiate repress protein synthesis, remodel their cytoskeleton, and increase mitochondrial function to support anabolic pathways. These changes enable differentiation into mature adipocytes. Our understanding of the factors that coordinately regulate the early events of adipocyte differentiation remains incomplete. Here, by using multipronged approaches, we have identified zinc finger CCCH-type containing 10 (Zc3h10) as a critical regulator of the early stages of adipogenesis. Zc3h10 depletion in preadipocytes resulted in increased protein translation and impaired filamentous (F)-actin remodeling, with the latter detrimental effect leading to mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction. These defects negatively affected differentiation to mature adipocytes. In contrast, Zc3h10 overexpression yielded mature adipocytes with remarkably increased lipid droplet size. Overall, our study establishes Zc3h10 as a fundamental proadipogenic transcription factor that represses protein synthesis and promotes F-actin/mitochondria dynamics to ensure proper energy metabolism and favor lipid accumulation

Walking the talk in family firms. An empirical investigation of CSR communication and practices

Family firms are embarking on a virtuous path increasingly oriented toward sustainable development. The corporate social responsibility (CSR), more and more regarded as a positive driver for the reputation and preservation in the medium to long term for the company, is now an element that falls within the credit valuations of banking firms. Our research investigates CSR communication and practices in small and medium-sized family businesses. Using the socioemotional wealth perspective, we analyze the effect of family control and influence on CSR behavior. We perform a Poisson regression on an Italian regional sample of 200 family businesses. Our study reveals a greater propensity of family businesses to practices rather than CSR communication. Family control has a positive effect on CSR practices, while family involvement has an adverse effect on CSR communication. Besides, strong control and involvement have a negative effect on CSR communication

First report of Penicillium ulaiense causing whisker mould on stored citrus fruit in Tunisia

In a survey carried out in January-July 2014, fruits showing blue and/or green efflorescence, were picked in farms and packinghouses of the northeastern part of Cap Bon peninsula, and brought to the laboratory. On infected fruits P. digitatum and P. italicum coexisted with a morphologically distinct Penicillium spp. This latter was sub-cultured on malt extract agar (MEA) and identified, according to its morphological and cultural characteristics, as P. ulaiense, the causal agent of whisker mould, whose distinctive feature is the ability to form coremia (1-7 mm tall) with white stalks arranged in concentric circles or circular patches (Holmes et al., 1994)

PGC1s and Beyond: Disentangling the Complex Regulation of Mitochondrial and Cellular Metabolism

Metabolism is the central engine of living organisms as it provides energy and building blocks for many essential components of each cell, which are required for specific functions in different tissues. Mitochondria are the main site for energy production in living organisms and they also provide intermediate metabolites required for the synthesis of other biologically relevant molecules. Such cellular processes are finely tuned at different levels, including allosteric regulation, posttranslational modifications, and transcription of genes encoding key proteins in metabolic pathways. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1 (PGC1) proteins are transcriptional coactivators involved in the regulation of many cellular processes, mostly ascribable to metabolic pathways. Here, we will discuss some aspects of the cellular processes regulated by PGC1s, bringing up some examples of their role in mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, and how metabolic regulation in mitochondria by members of the PGC1 family affects the immune system. We will analyze how PGC1 proteins are regulated at the transcriptional and posttranslational level and will also examine other regulators of mitochondrial metabolism and the related cellular functions, considering approaches to identify novel mitochondrial regulators and their role in physiology and disease. Finally, we will analyze possible therapeutical perspectives currently under assessment that are applicable to different disease states

Comparative transcriptome analysis of two citrus germplasms with contrasting susceptibility to Phytophthora nicotianae provides new insights into tolerance mechanisms

Key message: Host perception of Phytophthora nicotianae switching to necrotrophy is fundamental for disease tolerance of citrus. It involves an HR-like response, strengthening of the cell wall structure and hormonal signaling. Abstract: Stem rot caused by P. nicotianae is a worldwide disease of several important crops, including citrus. Given the growing awareness of chemical fungicides drawbacks, genetic improvement of citrus rootstocks remains the best alternative. However, the molecular basis underlying the successful response of resistant and/or tolerant genotypes remains poorly understood. Therefore, we performed a transcriptomic analysis to examine the differential defense response to P. nicotianae of two germplasmsâ\u80\u94tolerant sour orange (SO, Citrus aurantium) and susceptible Madam Vinous (MV, C. sinensis)â\u80\u94in both the biotrophic and necrotrophic phases of hostâ\u80\u93pathogen interaction. Our results revealed the necrotrophic phase as a decisive turning point, since it included stronger modulation of a number of genes implicated in pathogen perception, signal transduction, HR-like response, transcriptional reprogramming, hormone signaling, and cell wall modifications. In particular, the pathogen perception category reflected the ability of SO to perceive the pathogen even after its switch to necrotrophy, and thus to cope successfully with the infection, while MV failed. The concomitant changes in genes involved in the remaining functional categories seemed to prevent pathogen spread. This investigation provided further understanding of the successful defense mechanisms of C. aurantium against P. nicotianae, which might be exploited in post-genomic strategies to develop resistant Citrus genotypes

Effect of irrigation management on field and postharvest quality of organic table grapes

Irrigation management is considered as a key element that contributes to enhance and sustain grapevine health and improve crop productivity and quality. Actually, a regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategy can modify vine canopy microclimate, through control and reduction of vine vegetative growth, providing a good air circulation and sunlight penetration. The present study evaluated the effect of two different water regimes (V1 and V2, corresponding to 100 and 80% of estimated vine evapotranspiration, respectively) on vine performances, berries growth, and postharvest quality of organic 'Italia' table grape. To the purpose, field and postharvest surveys were conducted. In particular, during cold storage in semicommercial conditions, the development of rots, as well as microbiological and qualitative characteristics of the berries, were weekly assessed. Results showed that V1 (full irrigated vines) improved vine development and induced an increase in vegetative and productive growth, while V2 (moderate irrigated vines) appeared sufficient to achieve a complete table grape development. In addition, the berry sugar content and the titratable acidity did not change between the two irrigation treatments, but V2 berries have higher berry firmness. This higher total berry compactness resulted in a lower susceptibility to abiotic and biotic stresses. The presence of fungi, mainly Penicillium spp., Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium spp., and Aspergillus spp., showed some fluctuation over time, with a greater incidence on V1 berries than on V2 ones. In general, the disease index had an upward trend during the various assessments. Concluding, V2 vines could provide satisfactory results concerning overall organic table grape quality. Reducing water demand for vineyard irrigation, the saved water can be diverted for alternative uses

Progressi in viticoltura

Obiettivo del libro \ue8 di fornire gli aggiornamenti pi\uf9 recenti delle basi genetiche, fisiologiche, biochimiche e degli aspetti pratici inerenti la coltivazione della vite. Stiamo assistendo in viticoltura ad un rapidissimo progresso delle conoscenze, in cui le innovazioni devono integrarsi nella tradizione millenaria della coltivazione della vite. L\u2019ampia e recente letteratura scientifica citata, gli argomenti pi\uf9 moderni trattati, l\u2019autorevolezza degli autori coinvolti, fanno di questo volume il compendio dei risultati della ricerca orientata a comprendere i numerosi e spesso controversi fenomeni che si osservano in vigneto. Nel contesto dei cambiamenti climatici, argomento cui \ue8 dedicato uno dei primi capitoli, tutto ci\uf2 che era consolidato in termini di conoscenze muta radicalmente e l\u2019odierna sfida \ue8 di essere quanto pi\uf9 preparati a aggiornare le scelte operative per il raggiungimento degli obiettivi di elevata qualit\ue0 delle produzioni vitivinicole. Il libro \ue8 focalizzato sulla viticoltura mediterranea, con le sue variet\ue0 di vite in grado di tollerare condizioni di stress abiotici e quindi di adattarsi al riscaldamento globale e alla siccit\ue0