Biophysical analysis of the plant-specific GIPC sphingolipids reveals multiple modes of membrane regulation

The plant plasma membrane (PM) is an essential barrier between the cell and the external environment, controlling signal perception and transmission. It consists of an asymmetrical lipid bilayer made up of three different lipid classes: sphingolipids, sterols, and phospholipids. The glycosyl inositol phosphoryl ceramides (GIPCs), representing up to 40% of total sphingolipids, are assumed to be almost exclusively in the outer leaflet of the PM. However, their biological role and properties are poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the role of GIPCs in membrane organization. Because GIPCs are not commercially available, we developed a protocol to extract and isolate GIPC-enriched fractions from eudicots (cauliflower and tobacco) and monocots (leek and rice). Lipidomic analysis confirmed the presence of trihydroxylated long chain bases and 2-hydroxylated very long-chain fatty acids up to 26 carbon atoms. The glycan head groups of the GIPCs from monocots and dicots were analyzed by gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry, revealing different sugar moieties. Multiple biophysics tools, namely Langmuir monolayer, ζ-Potential, light scattering, neutron reflectivity, solid state 2H-NMR, and molecular modeling, were used to investigate the physical properties of the GIPCs, as well as their interaction with free and conjugated phytosterols. We showed that GIPCs increase the thickness and electronegativity of model membranes, interact differentially with the different phytosterols species, and regulate the gel-to-fluid phase transition during temperature variations. These results unveil the multiple roles played by GIPCs in the plant PM.Vers un modèle intégratif de la bicouche lipidique de la membrane plasmique végétaleDéveloppement d’une infrastructure française distribuée pour la métabolomique dédiée à l’innovatio

The Effect of Structural Complexity, Prey Density, and “Predator-Free Space” on Prey Survivorship at Created Oyster Reef Mesocosms

Interactions between predators and their prey are influenced by the habitat they occupy. Using created oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef mesocosms, we conducted a series of laboratory experiments that created structure and manipulated complexity as well as prey density and “predator-free space” to examine the relationship between structural complexity and prey survivorship. Specifically, volume and spatial arrangement of oysters as well as prey density were manipulated, and the survivorship of prey (grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio) in the presence of a predator (wild red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus) was quantified. We found that the presence of structure increased prey survivorship, and that increasing complexity of this structure further increased survivorship, but only to a point. This agrees with the theory that structural complexity may influence predator-prey dynamics, but that a threshold exists with diminishing returns. These results held true even when prey density was scaled to structural complexity, or the amount of “predator-free space” was manipulated within our created reef mesocosms. The presence of structure and its complexity (oyster shell volume) were more important in facilitating prey survivorship than perceived refugia or density-dependent prey effects. A more accurate indicator of refugia might require “predator-free space” measures that also account for the available area within the structure itself (i.e., volume) and not just on the surface of a structure. Creating experiments that better mimic natural conditions and test a wider range of “predator-free space” are suggested to better understand the role of structural complexity in oyster reefs and other complex habitats

Production-Consumption Relationships of Edible Fats and Proteins from Animals and Oilseeds

Excerpt from the Introduction: The information in this paper was developed as a part of a study to determine the influence of world fat and oil consumption on protein supply. The paper concerns past, present, and future world and U.S. production of edible fats and oils as they influence edible protein supplies from commodities that yield both types of products. The production and values of fat and oil and protein from various oilseeds, red-meat animals, and milk are compared. Per capita consumption of fats and oils and the relationship of oil value and meal value are also discussed. U.S. data are referred to extensively because of this country's important role in world food supply

Production-Consumption Relationships of Edible Fats and Proteins from Animals and Oilseeds

Excerpt from the Introduction: The information in this paper was developed as a part of a study to determine the influence of world fat and oil consumption on protein supply. The paper concerns past, present, and future world and U.S. production of edible fats and oils as they influence edible protein supplies from commodities that yield both types of products. The production and values of fat and oil and protein from various oilseeds, red-meat animals, and milk are compared. Per capita consumption of fats and oils and the relationship of oil value and meal value are also discussed. U.S. data are referred to extensively because of this country's important role in world food supply

Internalization and fate of silica nanoparticles in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells: evidence of a beneficial effect on myoblast fusion

Sylvie Poussard,1,2 Marion Decossas,1,2 Olivier Le Bihan,1,2 Stéphane Mornet,3 Grégoire Naudin,1,2 Olivier Lambert1,2 1Institute of Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects, University of Bordeaux, UMR5248, Pessac, France; 2Institute of Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute of Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nanoobjects, UMR5248, Pessac, France; 3ICMCB, Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux, CNRS UPR9048, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France Abstract: The use of silica nanoparticles for their cellular uptake capability opens up new fields in biomedical research. Among the toxicological effects associated with their internalization, silica nanoparticles induce apoptosis that has been recently reported as a biochemical cue required for muscle regeneration. To assess whether silica nanoparticles could affect muscle regeneration, we used the C2C12 muscle cell line to study the uptake of fluorescently labeled NPs and their cellular trafficking over a long period. Using inhibitors of endocytosis, we determined that the NP uptake was an energy-dependent process mainly involving macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated pathway. NPs were eventually clustered in lysosomal structures. Myoblasts containing NPs were capable of differentiation into myotubes, and after 7 days, electron microscopy revealed that the NPs remained primarily within lysosomes. The presence of NPs stimulated the formation of myotubes in a dose-dependent manner. NP internalization induced an increase of apoptotic myoblasts required for myoblast fusion. At noncytotoxic doses, the NP uptake by skeletal muscle cells did not prevent their differentiation into myotubes but, instead, enhanced the cell fusion. Keywords: silica, nanoparticle, muscle, cell encapsulation, transmission electron microscopy, apoptosi

Interaction forces between carbon nanotubes and an AFM tip

AFM force curve measurements have been performed on layers of entangled multiwall carbon nanotubes, produced by chemical vapor deposition, to measure the nanotubes adhesive and elastic properties. AFM tip radius and nanotube diameter being comparable, these layers are a discrete medium for the force curve measurements. Controlling the tip-layer interaction, we can specifically probe the response of one or several nanotubes. If the tip is strongly pressed against the layer, it interacts with several nanotubes; for a weak interaction, it interacts with only one nano-object. Non-linear behavior in force curves is an evidence for an inelastic response of the nanotubes. Numerical simulations of the layer-AFM tip system mechanical analysis reproduce all the nanotubes adhesion and mechanical experimental features