Changes in expression of polyamines and ethylene biosynthesis genes in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes during Sclerotium rolfsii infection

476-483Stem rot disease caused by fungal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., is potential threat to groundnut production in warm and humid condition. After host-pathogen interaction, a multitude of plant resistance associated reactions are initiated. In the present investigation we studied the role of polyamines and ethylene during host-pathogen interaction in stem rot tolerant (CS319, GG17 and GG31) and susceptible (TG37A) groundnut genotypes at 24, 48 and 72 h after infection. Stem rot tolerant genotypes showed higher expression of polyamine biosynthesis genes ornithine decarboxylase (Ordec), spermine synthase (Sms) and lipoxygenase1 (LOX1) gene at 72 h after infection than that of susceptible genotype TG37A. The expression analysis of ethylene biosynthesis genes (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase: ACCO and (ACCS) showed up regulation in stem rot susceptible genotype TG37A than that of tolerant genotypes after infection at all stages (24, 48 and 72 h after infection). The expression of amine oxidase (AMO) gene was observed highest in stem rot susceptible genotype TG37A while minimum in GJG31. Expression of this gene was remarkably induced in TG37A which may leads to higher accumulation of H2O2. Higher content of a polyamine, putrescine was found in the leaves of stem rot tolerant genotypes at 48 and 72 h after infection. These results implied that tolerant genotypes induced higher polyamine biosynthesis which may involve in plant defense and impart tolerance/ resistance. While, susceptible genotype (TG37A), utilized higher flux of S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM) for ethylene biosynthesis which may leads to necrosis of plants. Thus, stem rot resistant genotypes may be developed through genetic manipulation of polyamine biosynthesis pathway

The Mitochondrial Ca(2+) Uniporter: Structure, Function, and Pharmacology.

Mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is crucial for an array of cellular functions while an imbalance can elicit cell death. In this chapter, we briefly reviewed the various modes of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake and our current understanding of mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis in regards to cell physiology and pathophysiology. Further, this chapter focuses on the molecular identities, intracellular regulators as well as the pharmacology of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter complex

Global burden of disease due to smokeless tobacco consumption in adults : analysis of data from 113 countries

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco is consumed in most countries in the world. In view of its widespread use and increasing awareness of the associated risks, there is a need for a detailed assessment of its impact on health. We present the first global estimates of the burden of disease due to consumption of smokeless tobacco by adults. METHODS: The burden attributable to smokeless tobacco use in adults was estimated as a proportion of the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost and deaths reported in the 2010 Global Burden of Disease study. We used the comparative risk assessment method, which evaluates changes in population health that result from modifying a population's exposure to a risk factor. Population exposure was extrapolated from country-specific prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption, and changes in population health were estimated using disease-specific risk estimates (relative risks/odds ratios) associated with it. Country-specific prevalence estimates were obtained through systematically searching for all relevant studies. Disease-specific risks were estimated by conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on epidemiological studies. RESULTS: We found adult smokeless tobacco consumption figures for 115 countries and estimated burden of disease figures for 113 of these countries. Our estimates indicate that in 2010, smokeless tobacco use led to 1.7 million DALYs lost and 62,283 deaths due to cancers of mouth, pharynx and oesophagus and, based on data from the benchmark 52 country INTERHEART study, 4.7 million DALYs lost and 204,309 deaths from ischaemic heart disease. Over 85 % of this burden was in South-East Asia. CONCLUSIONS: Smokeless tobacco results in considerable, potentially preventable, global morbidity and mortality from cancer; estimates in relation to ischaemic heart disease need to be interpreted with more caution, but nonetheless suggest that the likely burden of disease is also substantial. The World Health Organization needs to consider incorporating regulation of smokeless tobacco into its Framework Convention for Tobacco Control

Systems microscopy approaches to understand cancer cell migration and metastasis

Cell migration is essential in a number of processes, including wound healing, angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. Especially, invasion of cancer cells in the surrounding tissue is a crucial step that requires increased cell motility. Cell migration is a well-orchestrated process that involves the continuous formation and disassembly of matrix adhesions. Those structural anchor points interact with the extra-cellular matrix and also participate in adhesion-dependent signalling. Although these processes are essential for cancer metastasis, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate adhesion dynamics during tumour cell migration. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advanced imaging strategies together with quantitative image analysis that can be implemented to understand the dynamics of matrix adhesions and its molecular components in relation to tumour cell migration. This dynamic cell imaging together with multiparametric image analysis will help in understanding the molecular mechanisms that define cancer cell migration