First Report for the Seasonal and Annual Prevalence of Flea-Borne Bartonella from Rodents and Soricomorphs in the Republic of Korea

Rodents and soricomorphs are animal hosts of fleas and associated zoonotic microbial pathogens. A total of 4,889 small mammals were collected from Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, Republic of Korea, from 2008 through 2010, including: Apodemus agrarius (4,122, 84.3%), followed by Crocidura lasiura (282, 5.8%), Microtus fortis (257, 5.3%), Myodes regulus (77, 1.6%), Micromys minutus (71, 1.5%), Mus musculus (63, 1.3%), and 4 other species (17, 0.3%). A total of 1,099 fleas belonging to 10 species and 7 genera were collected. Ctenophthalmus congeneroides (724, 65.9%) was the most commonly collected flea, followed by Stenoponia sidimi (301, 27.4%), Neopsylla bidentatiformis (29, 2.6%), and Rhadinopsylla insolita (25, 2.3%). The remaining species accounted for only 1.8% (20, range 1-6) of all fleas collected. The 2 dominant flea species, C. congeneroides and S. sidimi, showed an inverse seasonal pattern, with higher populations of C. congeneroides from January-September, whereas S. sidimi was more frequently collected during October-December. The overall flea infestation rates (FIR) and flea indices (FI) were 14.1% and 0.22, respectively, and were highest during April-June (19.7% and 0.30, respectively). A total of 735 of the 1,099 fleas were assayed for the detection of Bartonella spp. by PCR using Bartonella-specific primers, of which 515 were positive for Bartonella, with an overall maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of 700.7/1,000. The highest MLE values were observed during April-June (899.2) and July-September (936.2) trapping periods and, although lower, were similar for January-March (566.7) and October-December (574.1). C. congeneroides demonstrated high MLEs for all seasons (range 752.5-934.8), while S. sidimi was positive for Bartonella only during January-March (MLE = 342.1) and October-December (MLE = 497.2) collection periods. Continued long-term surveillance of small mammals and associated ectoparasites is needed to improve our understanding of the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in fleas and the role of fleas in the zoonotic maintenance and transmission of Bartonella to humans.OAIID:oai:osos.snu.ac.kr:snu2013-01/102/0000051105/5SEQ:5PERF_CD:SNU2013-01EVAL_ITEM_CD:102USER_ID:0000051105ADJUST_YN:YEMP_ID:A077262DEPT_CD:551CITE_RATE:2.277FILENAME:2013 vbz 13(7)457-467 flea-borne bartonella.pdfDEPT_NM:수의학과SCOPUS_YN:YCONFIRM:

IGHMBP2 deletion suppresses translation and activates the integrated stress response

IGHMBP2 is a nonessential, superfamily 1 DNA/RNA helicase that is mutated in patients with rare neuromuscular diseases SMARD1 and CMT2S. IGHMBP2 is implicated in translational and transcriptional regulation via biochemical association with ribosomal proteins, pre-rRNA processing factors, and tRNA-related species. To uncover the cellular consequences of perturbing IGHMBP2, we generated full and partial IGHMBP2 deletion K562 cell lines. Using polysome profiling and a nascent protein synthesis assay, we found that IGHMBP2 deletion modestly reduces global translation. We performed Ribo-seq and RNA-seq and identified diverse gene expression changes due to IGHMBP2 deletion, including ATF4 up-regulation. With recent studies showing the integrated stress response (ISR) can contribute to tRNA metabolism-linked neuropathies, we asked whether perturbing IGHMBP2 promotes ISR activation. We generated ATF4 reporter cell lines and found IGHMBP2 knockout cells demonstrate basal, chronic ISR activation. Our work expands upon the impact of IGHMBP2 in translation and elucidates molecular mechanisms that may link mutant IGHMBP2 to severe clinical phenotypes

First Report on Molecular Detection of Equine Upper Respiratory Infectious Viruses in Republic of Korea

The prevalence of equine respiratory virus infections among a suspected population of race horses was examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One or more of five equine respiratory viruses were detected in the nasal swabs of 45 of 89 horses (50.6%), and the detection rate of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4), equine herpesvirus type 5 (EHV-5), equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV) were 5.6%, 7.9%, 39.0%, 2.2%, and 6.7%, respectively. Among the 45 infected horses, 7 were co-infected with EHV and/or equine rhinitisvirus (ERV). Equine influenzavirus and equine arteritisvirus were not detected in any samples. Specific antibodies to EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 were detected in 59 of 73 tested sera (80.8%), using a virus neutralization test. This investigation suggests that equine respiratory viruses are endemic at Seoul Race Park and that the impact of viral infections on race horses' health in Republic of Korea should be evaluated. #c# 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.OAIID:oai:osos.snu.ac.kr:snu2013-01/102/0000051105/6SEQ:6PERF_CD:SNU2013-01EVAL_ITEM_CD:102USER_ID:0000051105ADJUST_YN:YEMP_ID:A077262DEPT_CD:551CITE_RATE:.621FILENAME:2013yjevs1479-말호흡기질병.pdfDEPT_NM:수의학과SCOPUS_YN:YCONFIRM:

The flip-flop configuration of the PABP-dimer leads to switching of the translation function

Poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) is a translation initiation factor that interacts with the poly(A) tail of mRNAs. PABP bound to poly(A) stimulates translation by interacting with the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G), which brings the 3′ end of an mRNA close to its 5′ m7G cap structure through consecutive interactions of the 3′-poly(A)–PABP-eIF4G-eIF4E-5′ m7G cap. PABP is a highly abundant translation factor present in considerably larger quantities than mRNA and eIF4G in cells. However, it has not been elucidated how eIF4G, present in limited cellular concentrations, is not sequestered by mRNA-free PABP, present at high cellular concentrations, but associates with PABP complexed with the poly(A) tail of an mRNA. Here, we report that RNA-free PABPs dimerize with a head-to-head type configuration of PABP, which interferes in the interaction between PABP and eIF4G. We identified the domains of PABP responsible for PABP–PABP interaction. Poly(A) RNA was shown to convert the PABP–PABP complex into a poly(A)–PABP complex, with a head-to-tail-type configuration of PABP that facilitates the interaction between PABP and eIF4G. Lastly, we showed that the transition from the PABP dimer to the poly(A)–PABP complex is necessary for the translational activation function.11Nsciescopu

Molecular detection of Bartonella spp. in terrestrial leeches (Haemadipsa rjukjuana) feeding on human and animal blood in Gageo-do, Republic of Korea

Background Leeches can transmit pathogens and are therefore potentially hazardous to human and animal health. However, only a few studies of diseases transmitted by land leeches have been reported. The purpose of the present study was to analyse which pathogens are carried in Haemadipsa rjukjuana, the first recorded sanguivorous land leech in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Findings A total of 173 H. rjukjuana were collected from Mt. Dock-Sil on Gageo-do Island, ROK during July 2011. Conventional PCR was conducted for analysis of the origin of blood meal, as well as for detection of species of Anaplasma, Bartonella, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia in the leech specimens. Bartonella DNA was detected in eight of the specimens studied based on partial ITS sequence analysis. Seven of the DNA samples were closely related to Bartonella grahamii (99.6–100 % similarity), and one sample exhibited a 90.6 % similarity with Bartonella sp. from Taiwan. Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene were generated for a total of 35 of the 173 leech internal organ samples. These included sequences of human (n = 10), mouse (n = 8), weasel (n = 6) and bird (n = 11) origin. Of these 35 sequences, 68.5 % were from mammals, including humans, and 31.4 % were from migratory birds that pass through Gageo-do, ROK. Conclusions Although the present study does not provide evidence that leeches indeed transmit Bartonella species to hosts directly, to our knowledge this is the first report on Bartonella DNA being detected from leeches. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the possibility of zoonotic pathogen transmission by land leeches

Molecular detection of Bartonella grahamii and B. schoenbuchensis-related species in Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus)

We determined the prevalence of Bartonella spp. and investigated which species of Bartonella naturally infects Korean water deer (KWD, Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in the Republic of Korea (ROK). A total of 70 spleens from KWD carcasses were collected by the Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife (CGRB) in the ROK between 2008 and 2009. Nested PCRs were performed using the rpoB gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region primers to amplify the DNA fragment of Bartonella. Using ITS-based nested PCR, Bartonella grahamii and Bartonella schoenbuchensis–related species were detected in 11 (15.8%) and 9 (12.9%) of 70 KWD spleens, respectively. The 11B. grahamiiamplicons were classified into 2 genotypes by sequence analysis. UsingrpoB-based nested PCR,B. grahamii was detected in 5 (7.1%) of 70 KWD spleen samples. This is the first report of B. grahamii and B. schoenbuchensisin KWD, suggesting that KWD may act as reservoirs for the spreading of Bartonella spp. in the ROK.This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2012-0005524).OAIID:oai:osos.snu.ac.kr:snu2013-01/102/0000051105/3SEQ:3PERF_CD:SNU2013-01EVAL_ITEM_CD:102USER_ID:0000051105ADJUST_YN:NEMP_ID:A077262DEPT_CD:551CITE_RATE:2.437FILENAME:2013(13)6 vbzd bartonella-kwd p415-418.pdfDEPT_NM:수의학과EMAIL:[email protected]_YN:YCONFIRM:

Molecular Identification of Haemadipsa rjukjuana in the Gageo Island of the Republic of Korea (Hirudiniformes: Haemadipsidae)

There are 60 species of blood-feeding land leeches, 50 species belonging to the family Haemadipsidae and 10 species belonging to the family Xerobdellidae. Despite recent papers on the land leeches, their taxonomic identification is not fully understood, especially at a species level. In Korea, there have been no historical records of the terrestrial leeches, but recently an unrecorded blood-feeding land leech was discovered at Gageo-do (Island), Korea. Molecular analysis was used to identify the species of 29 leeches collected from Mt. Dock-Sil in Gageo-do. Conventional PCR was conducted using nuclear 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) genetic marker. The 18S rRNA sequences revealed that the leeches share 99.9% identity with Haemadipsa rjukjuana (inhabiting Taiwan), and the CO1 sequences revealed that the leeches are very close to H. rjukjuana (inhabiting Taiwan). The CO1 sequences were separated into 2 categories, 1 with 94.6% and the other with 94.3% similarity to the H. rjukjuana L00115A (inhabiting Taiwan). This new finding of the land leech is the first record in Korea. In addition, the north range of the distribution of the blood-feeding leech (Hirudiniformes: Haemadipisidae) should be reconsidered including Korea.There are 60 species of blood-feeding land leeches, 50 species belonging to the family Haemadipsidae and 10 species belonging to the family Xerobdellidae. Despite recent papers on the land leeches, their taxonomic identification is not fully understood, especially at a species level. In Korea, there have been no historical records of the terrestrial leeches, but recently an unrecorded blood-feeding land leech was discovered at Gageo-do (Island), Korea. Molecular analysis was used to identify the species of 29 leeches collected from Mt. Dock-Sil in Gageo-do. Conventional PCR was conducted using nuclear 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) genetic marker. The 18S rRNA sequences revealed that the leeches share 99.9% identity with Haemadipsa rjukjuana (inhabiting Taiwan), and the CO1 sequences revealed that the leeches are very close to H. rjukjuana (inhabiting Taiwan). The CO1 sequences were separated into 2 categories, 1 with 94.6% and the other with 94.3% similarity to the H. rjukjuana L00115A (inhabiting Taiwan). This new finding of the land leech is the first record in Korea. In addition, the north range of the distribution of the blood-feeding leech (Hirudiniformes: Haemadipisidae) should be reconsidered including Korea.OAIID:oai:osos.snu.ac.kr:snu2014-01/102/0000051105/2SEQ:2PERF_CD:SNU2014-01EVAL_ITEM_CD:102USER_ID:0000051105ADJUST_YN:NEMP_ID:A077262DEPT_CD:551CITE_RATE:.881FILENAME:2014 kjp-52-169 haemadipsa rjukjuana.pdfDEPT_NM:수의학과SCOPUS_YN:YCONFIRM:

The bent conformation of poly(A)-binding protein induced by RNA-binding is required for its translational activation function

<p>A recent study revealed that poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) bound to poly(A) RNA exhibits a sharply bent configuration at the linker region between RNA-recognition motif 2 (RRM2) and RRM3, whereas free PABP exhibits a highly flexible linear configuration. However, the physiological role of the bent structure of mRNA-bound PABP remains unknown. We investigated a role of the bent structure of PABP by constructing a PABP variant that fails to form the poly(A)-dependent bent structure but maintains its poly(A)-binding activity. We found that the bent structure of PABP/poly(A) complex is required for PABP's efficient interaction with eIF4G and eIF4G/eIF4E complex. Moreover, the mutant PABP had compromised translation activation function and failed to augment the formation of 80S translation initiation complex in an <i>in vitro</i> translation system. These results suggest that the bent conformation of PABP, which is induced by the interaction with 3′ poly(A) tail, mediates poly(A)-dependent translation by facilitating the interaction with eIF4G and the eIF4G/eIF4E complex. The preferential binding of the eIF4G/eIF4E complex to the bent PABP/poly(A) complex seems to be a mechanism discriminating the mRNA-bound PABPs participating in translation from the idling mRNA-unbound PABPs.</p