Proteinases from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum moench) seeds: Purification and properties of the 47 kDa enzyme

Aspartic proteinases from buckwheat seeds are analyzed. Three forms of 47 kDa, 40 kDa and 28 kDa, were purified from mature buckwheat seeds, while two forms of 47 kDa and 28 kDa were detected in developing buckwheat seeds using pepstatin A affinity chromatography. A form of 47 kDa was selectively precipitated from other forms by ammonium sulfate precipitation. This enzyme resembles the chymosin-like pattern of proteolytic activity, as it was shown using BSA and k-casein as substrates, clarifying its ability for milk-clotting. The 47 kDa aspartic proteinase form is localized in the membrane fraction.

Seed-specific aspartic proteinase FeAP12 from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Aspartic proteinase gene (FeAP12) has been isolated from the cDNA library of developing buckwheat seeds. Analysis of its deduced amino acid sequence showed that it resembled the structure and shared high homology with typical plant aspartic proteinases (AP) characterized by the presence of a plant-specific insert (PSI), unique among APs. It was shown that FeAP12 mRNA was not present in the leaves, roots, steam and flowers, but was seed-specifically expressed. Moreover, the highest levels of FeAP12 expression were observed in the early stages of seed development, therefore suggesting its potential role in nucellar degradation

Establishment and in-house validation of stem-loop rt pcr method for microrna398 expression analysis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to the class of small non-coding RNAs which have important roles throughout development as well as in plant response to diverse environmental stresses. Some of plant miRNAs are essential for regulation and maintenance of nutritive homeostasis when nutrients are in excess or shortage comparing to optimal concentration for certain plant species. Better understanding of miRNAs functions implies development of efficient technology for profiling their gene expression. We set out to establish validate the methodology for miRNA gene expression analysis in cucumber grown under suboptimal mineral nutrient regimes, including iron deficiency. Reverse transcription by "stem-loop" primers in combination with Real time PCR method is one of potential approaches for quantification of miRNA gene expression. In this paper we presented a method for "stem loop" primer design specific for miR398, as well as reaction optimization and determination of Real time PCR efficiency. Proving the accuracy of this method was imperative as "stem loop" RT which consider separate transcription of target and endogenous control. The method was verified by comparison of the obtained data with results of miR398 expression achieved using a commercial kit based on simultaneous conversion of all RNAs in cDNAs

Cell wall localization of the aspartic proteinase from buckwheat (FeAPL1) over-expressed in tobacco BY-2 cells

The recombinant aspartic proteinase-like protein (FeAPL1-His6) was overexpressed in the tobacco BY-2 cell line and the expected pepstatin A-sensitive enzymatic activity was confirmed at pH 3.0. Immunocytochemistry and protein gel blot analysis of the transformed BY-2 cells and their protoplasts showed extracellular localization of rFeAPL1-His6 in the cell wall. Based on the obtained results, potential functions of FeAPL1 are discussed

CXCL12: Role in neuroinflammation

CxCL12, also known as SDF-1 (stromal cell derived factor-1) is a small protein that belongs to the chemokine family, whose members have a crucial role in directing cell migration. CXCL12 has an essential role in neural and vascular development, hematopoiesis and in immunity. It acts through two receptors. CXCR4 and CXCR7. While the former is a classic G protein-coupled transmembrane chemokine receptor, the latter primarily function as a scavenger of CXCL12. CXCL12 has been considered as a standard proinflammatory molecule for a long time, as it attracts leukocytes to inflammatory sites and contributes to their activation. However, recent findings indicate that this chemokine has the opposite role in neuroinflammation. In this review, basic data about molecular and functional properties of CXCL12 are presented, while its role in CNS autoimmunity is addressed in details. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Serbian Ministry of Education and Science [173035, 175038, 173013, 173005

Astrocytes in the tempest of multiple sclerosis

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell population within the CNS of mammals. Their glial role is perfectly performed in the healthy CNS as they support functions of neurons. The omnipresence of astrocytes throughout the white and grey matter and their intimate relation with blood vessels of the CNS, as well as numerous immunity-related actions that these cells are capable of, imply that astrocytes should have a prominent role in neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of astrocytes in MS is rather ambiguous, as they have the capacity to both stimulate and restrain neuroinflammation and tissue destruction. In this paper we present some of the proved and the proposed functions of astrocytes in neuroinflammation and discuss the effect of MS therapeutics on astrocytes. (C) 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Serbian Ministry of Science and Technological Development [ON173035, ON175038

CXCL12: Role in neuroinflammation

CxCL12, also known as SDF-1 (stromal cell derived factor-1) is a small protein that belongs to the chemokine family, whose members have a crucial role in directing cell migration. CXCL12 has an essential role in neural and vascular development, hematopoiesis and in immunity. It acts through two receptors. CXCR4 and CXCR7. While the former is a classic G protein-coupled transmembrane chemokine receptor, the latter primarily function as a scavenger of CXCL12. CXCL12 has been considered as a standard proinflammatory molecule for a long time, as it attracts leukocytes to inflammatory sites and contributes to their activation. However, recent findings indicate that this chemokine has the opposite role in neuroinflammation. In this review, basic data about molecular and functional properties of CXCL12 are presented, while its role in CNS autoimmunity is addressed in details. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Serbian Ministry of Education and Science [173035, 175038, 173013, 173005

Astrocytes in the tempest of multiple sclerosis

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell population within the CNS of mammals. Their glial role is perfectly performed in the healthy CNS as they support functions of neurons. The omnipresence of astrocytes throughout the white and grey matter and their intimate relation with blood vessels of the CNS, as well as numerous immunity-related actions that these cells are capable of, imply that astrocytes should have a prominent role in neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of astrocytes in MS is rather ambiguous, as they have the capacity to both stimulate and restrain neuroinflammation and tissue destruction. In this paper we present some of the proved and the proposed functions of astrocytes in neuroinflammation and discuss the effect of MS therapeutics on astrocytes. (C) 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Serbian Ministry of Science and Technological Development [ON173035, ON175038

Galectin-3 deficiency reduces immune-mediated beta cell destruction in vitro

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Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) enhances palmitic acid-and glucose-induced murine beta cell dysfunction and destruction in vitro

Although several reports suggest a potentially deleterious role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathology, it is still unclear how this pro-inflammatory cytokine acts on pancreatic beta cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate MIF effects on murine beta cells in the in vitro settings mimicking T2D-associated conditions. Results indicate that recombinant MIF further increased apoptosis of pancreatic islets or MIN6 cells upon exposure to palmitic acid or glucose. This was accompanied by upregulation of several pro-apoptotic molecules. Furthermore, MIF potentiated nutrient-induced islet cell dysfunction, as revealed by lower glucose oxidation rate, ATP content, and depolarized mitochondrial membrane. The final outcome was potentiation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The observed upregulation of nutrient-induced islet cell dysfunction and apoptosis by MIF implicates that silencing MIF may be beneficial for maintaining integrity of endocrine pancreas in obesity-associated T2D.EASD/AstraZeneca; Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Serbia [173013