Serpentinization, Carbonation, and Metasomatism of Ultramafic Sequences in the Northern Apennine Ophiolite (NW Italy)

Fluid-rock interaction in ultramafic rocks considerably affects the chemical and isotopic composition of the oceanic lithosphere. We present a geochemical and petrological study of serpentinites and ophicalcites of the Northern Apennine ophiolite, Italy. This ophiolite sequence represents fragments of Jurassic oceanic lithosphere that have been denuded by low angle detachment faults, exposing peridotites on the ocean floor and triggering hydrothermal alteration. Seawater circulation is documented by (Jurassic) seawater-like 87Sr/86Sr values and δ13C values of 1.1–3.0‰ in carbonate veins of the ophicalcites. Bulk rock ophicalcites have low 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.70489–0.70599, elevated SiO2 contents, and talc druses filling calcite veins that record Si-metasomatism. In contrast, underlying serpentinites have 87Sr/86Sr values above Jurassic seawater values. Bulk rock δD and δ18O values of ophicalcites and serpentinites suggest interaction with an evolved seawater-derived and/or magmatic fluid. These chemical signatures result from a complex history of serpentinization, carbonation, and metasomatism. Multiphase water-rock interaction includes infiltration of basement-derived fluids during initial mantle upwelling within an opening ocean basin, followed by localized high-temperature fluid infiltration, extensive seawater circulation resulting in carbonation, and oxidation near the seawater-exposed surface, and finally, fluid-rock interaction with overlying mafic lithologies leading to Si-metasomatism. The studied sequence represents an excellent example of the evolution from serpentinite to ophicalcite during continuous uplift and exposure of ultramafic rocks on the seafloor and documents the complex hydrothermal evolution of ultramafic rocks associated with this process. The extensive chemical transformation of mantle peridotites likely has an impact on geochemical cycles and subduction zone processes

Global Functional Analyses of Cellular Responses to Pore-Forming Toxins

Here we present the first global functional analysis of cellular responses to pore-forming toxins (PFTs). PFTs are uniquely important bacterial virulence factors, comprising the single largest class of bacterial protein toxins and being important for the pathogenesis in humans of many Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Their mode of action is deceptively simple, poking holes in the plasma membrane of cells. The scattered studies to date of PFT-host cell interactions indicate a handful of genes are involved in cellular defenses to PFTs. How many genes are involved in cellular defenses against PFTs and how cellular defenses are coordinated are unknown. To address these questions, we performed the first genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that, when knocked down, result in hypersensitivity to a PFT. This screen identifies 106 genes (∼0.5% of genome) in seven functional groups that protect Caenorhabditis elegans from PFT attack. Interactome analyses of these 106 genes suggest that two previously identified mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, one (p38) studied in detail and the other (JNK) not, form a core PFT defense network. Additional microarray, real-time PCR, and functional studies reveal that the JNK MAPK pathway, but not the p38 MAPK pathway, is a key central regulator of PFT-induced transcriptional and functional responses. We find C. elegans activator protein 1 (AP-1; c-jun, c-fos) is a downstream target of the JNK-mediated PFT protection pathway, protects C. elegans against both small-pore and large-pore PFTs and protects human cells against a large-pore PFT. This in vivo RNAi genomic study of PFT responses proves that cellular commitment to PFT defenses is enormous, demonstrates the JNK MAPK pathway as a key regulator of transcriptionally-induced PFT defenses, and identifies AP-1 as the first cellular component broadly important for defense against large- and small-pore PFTs

Shear Zone Development in Serpentinized Mantle: Implications for the Strength of Oceanic Transform Faults

Oceanic transform faults display fewer and smaller‐magnitude earthquakes than expected for their length. Several mechanisms have been inferred to explain this seismic slip deficit, including increased fault zone damage resulting in elevated fluid flow, and the alteration of olivine to serpentine. However, to date, these possible mechanisms are not supported by direct observation. We use micro‐ to kilometre scale observations from an exhumed oceanic transform fault in the Troodos Ophiolite, Cyprus, to determine mineral‐scale deformation mechanisms and infer likely controls on seismic behaviour of serpentinised lithospheric mantle in active oceanic transform faults. We document a range of deformation fabrics including massive, scaly and phyllonitic serpentinite, attesting to mixed brittle‐ductile deformation within serpentinite shear zones. The progressive development of a foliation, with cumulative strain, is an efficient weakening mechanism in scaly and phyllonitic serpentinite. Further weakening is promoted by a transition in the serpentine polytype from lizardite‐dominated massive and scaly serpentinites to chrysotile‐dominated phyllonitic serpentinite. The development of a foliation and polytype transition requires dissolution‐precipitation processes. Discrete faults and fractures locally crosscut, but are also deformed by, foliated serpentinites. These brittle structures can be explained by local and transient elevated strain rates, and play a crucial role in strain localisation by providing positive feedback for dissolution‐precipitation by increasing permeability. We propose that the evolution in structure and deformation style documented within the serpentinised lithospheric mantle of the Southern Troodos Transform Fault Zone is a viable explanation for the dominantly creeping behaviour and long‐term weakness of oceanic transform faults