Significado ecológico de la acumulación de flavonoides en tejidos reproductivos y vegetativos en Silene littorea (Caryophyllaceae)

Programa de Doctorado en Medio Ambiente y SociedadLínea de Investigación: Biodiversidad y Biología de la ConservaciónClave Programa: DAMCódigo Línea: 83Anthocyanins are one of the main pigments conferring color to flowers. These compounds may be also accumulated in vegetative tissues, where perform multiple protective roles against different biotic and abiotic stressors. In the same metabolic route of anthocyanins, other non-anthocyanin flavonoids that confer protection against a wide diversity of environmental stresses are also synthesized. Thus, the study of anthocyanins and other flavonoids is key to understand the importance of these metabolites in the adaptation process of plants to their environments. In this thesis, we investigate the adaptive role of flavonoids analyzing the ecological and evolutionary significance of flavonoid accumulation in reproductive and vegetative tissues of plants, using Silene littorea (Caryophyllaceae) as a model organism. This species is endemic of the Iberian Peninsula, growing at the sea level on coastal ecosystems. The flowers of S. littorea are pink due to the accumulation of anthocyanins. The presence of anthocyanins in calyces, leaves and stems confers a coloration that vary from green to red depending on the concentration of pigments accumulated. In addition, non-anthocyanin flavonoids are also produced in all plant organs. The ability of S. littorea to synthesize anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin flavonoids in the whole plant allow us to study how these compounds are accumulated in different plant tissues, the possible relationships among tissues in flavonoid production and the degree of phenotypic plasticity of this response. We also studied the physiological, biochemical and genetic changes that UV light exposure induces in this species. In addition, S. littorea also displays white plants with localized absence of anthocyanins in petals or a complete absence of these pigments in the whole plant. This feature of the species offers an excellent opportunity to investigate the relevance of these secondary metabolites in plant development and survival. Finally, we develop a fast, efficient and non-invasive method for estimating anthocyanin concentrations in plants by using digital images. In S. littorea, each plant organ exhibited considerable variability in the content of anthocyanins and other flavonoids both within and among populations. At the plant level, the flavonoid content in petals, calyxes, and leaves was not correlated in most of the populations. However, at the population level, the mean amount of anthocyanins in all organs was positively correlated, which suggests that the variable environmental conditions of populations may play a role in anthocyanin accumulation. In populations on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, a general pattern of increasing accumulation of flavonoids toward southern latitudes was observed in photosynthetic tissues. This pattern corresponds to a gradual increase of UV-B radiation and temperature, and a decrease of rainfall toward the south. The study of plasticity in flavonoid production revealed that the synthesis of both anthocyanins and flavones is mostly plastic in photosynthetic tissues, being mainly influenced by environmental effects. In addition, flavones exhibited approximately half the degree of phenotypic plasticity compared to anthocyanins. On the other hand, petals showed limited plasticity in flavonoid production. These results suggest that anthocyanins are usually constitutive in petals, yet susceptible to environmental conditions in photosynthetic tissues. We found that UV light stimulated the production of both anthocyanins and flavones, especially these latter in photosynthetic tissues. The synthesis of effective antioxidant flavones in photosynthetic tissues suggest that these compounds may have a key role as antioxidants and a minor role as light filters. In addition, UV light also induced a modest activation of specific transcription factors, decreased the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and had a negative influence on plant fitness. The study of polymorphism in the flavonoid production showed that loss of anthocyanins, either in petals or in the whole plant, does not influence the ability of this species to synthesize flavones. Flavones have important protective functions for plants, similar to those of anthocyanins. We suggested that lack of anthocyanins may involve deleterious pleiotropic effects for plant survival not associated to their protective functions, which would explain the scarcity of non-pigmented plants in natural populations. Finally, we showed that our method based on digital images can be applied for accurately estimate anthocyanin concentration in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissues. The most accurate estimations were obtained from color indices that stated the ratio of the G channel over the R and/or B channels or that reflect variations in the G channel.Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería BioquímicaPostprin

Painting the green canvas: how pigments produce flower colours

Flowering plants are characterized by the production of striking flower colours and these colours are primarily caused by the accumulation of pigments in cells of the floral organs. The extraordinary array of colours displayed in flowers relies on four main pigment groups: chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids and betalains. With thousands of different compounds, flavonoids are the most diverse and widespread pigment group. They include coloured anthocyanins, aurones and chalcones, as well as many flavonoid compounds such as flavones and flavonols that are invisible to humans, but visible to most pollinators since they absorb ultraviolet light (UV). Flowers may exhibit homogenous colours produced by only one type of pigment or extremely complex colour patterns caused by the accumulation of several types of pigments in the same or in different floral organs. Here, we review the ecological biochemistry of pigments affecting flower colour. We also present data of flower colour variation and provide future research directions guided by the physiological functions of floral pigments

Transcriptome and Biochemical Analysis of a Flower Color Polymorphism in Silene littorea (Caryophyllaceae)

Flower color polymorphisms are widely used as model traits from genetics to ecology, yet determining the biochemical and molecular basis can be challenging. Anthocyanin-based flower color variations can be caused by at least 12 structural and three regulatory genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (ABP). We use mRNA-Seq to simultaneously sequence and estimate expression of these candidate genes in nine samples of Silene littorea representing three color morphs (dark pink, light pink, and white) across three developmental stages in hopes of identifying the cause of flower color variation. We identified 29 putative paralogs for the 15 candidate genes in the ABP. We assembled complete coding sequences for 16 structural loci and nine of ten regulatory loci. Among these 29 putative paralogs, we identified 622 SNPs, yet only nine synonymous SNPs in Ans had allele frequencies that differentiated pigmented petals (dark pink and light pink) from white petals. These Ans allele frequency differences were further investigated with an expanded sequencing survey of 38 individuals, yet no SNPs consistently differentiated the color morphs. We also found one locus, F3h1, with strong differential expression between pigmented and white samples (>42x). This may be caused by decreased expression of Myb1a in white petal buds. Myb1a in S. littorea is a regulatory locus closely related to Subgroup 7 Mybs known to regulate F3h and other loci in the first half of the ABP in model species. We then compare the mRNA-Seq results with petal biochemistry which revealed cyanidin as the primary anthocyanin and five flavonoid intermediates. Concentrations of three of the flavonoid intermediates were significantly lower in white petals than in pigmented petals (rutin, quercetin and isovitexin). The biochemistry results for rutin, quercetin, luteolin and apigenin are consistent with the transcriptome results suggesting a blockage at F3h, possibly caused by downregulation of Myb1a.España , Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación BES-2010-031073España , Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación CGL2009-08257España , Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación CGL2012-3764

Major flower pigments originate different colour signals to pollinators

Flower colour is mainly due to the presence and type of pigments. Pollinator preferences impose selection on flower colour that ultimately acts on flower pigments. Knowing how pollinators perceive flowers with different pigments becomes crucial for a comprehensive understanding of plant-pollinator communication and flower colour evolution. Based on colour space models, we studied whether main groups of pollinators, specifically hymenopterans, dipterans, lepidopterans and birds, differentially perceive flower colours generated by major pigment groups. We obtain reflectance data and conspicuousness to pollinators of flowers containing one of the pigment groups more frequent in flowers: chlorophylls, carotenoids and flavonoids

Flower color polymorphisms: causes and evolutionary implications

En este artículo se revisa el estado actual de conocimiento sobre la capacidad de algunas especies de presentar individuos con diferente coloración de los pétalos, tanto dentro como entre poblaciones. Tras un repaso histórico de los estudios más influyentes sobre polimorfismo en el color floral, se analizan los diferentes tipos de pigmentos involucrados y otros factores que pueden afectar al color final de las flores. Aunque existe una gran diversidad de tipos de polimorfismo floral, los relacionados con la pérdida de pigmentos antociánicos son los más frecuentes en especies silvestres. Se analiza cómo se generan las antocianinas a nivel celular y los mecanismos genéticos que controlan su producción. Además, se revisan los factores selectivos que podrían ayudar a mantener el polimorfismo del color floral: los polinizadores podrían actuar de forma directa, mientras que de forma indirecta o pleiotrópica lo harían otros agentes tanto bióticos (herbívoros) como abióticos (temperatura, sequía, radiación solar, etc.). Por último, se hacen propuestas para estudios futuros.In this review, current knowledge about the ability of some species to produce individuals with different petal color, both within and among populations, is evaluated. We first make a historical survey of the most influential studies on flower color polymorphism. Pigments and other factors affecting final flower color are also analysed. Although a great diversity of floral polymorphisms may exist, those caused by the loss of anthocyanins are most frequent in wild species. We study how the anthocyanins are originated in cells, and the genetic factors that control their production. Furthermore, we review the selective factors that may help to maintain flower color polymorphisms: pollinators may act directly, whereas other agents, both biotic (herbivores) and abiotic (temperature, drought, solar radiation, etc.), may act indirectly or pleiotropically. Lastly, suggestions for future studies are made.Unión Europea (Fondos FEDER), Ministerio de Ciencias y Tecnología español (MCYT) y Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO) de España CGL2009-08257 y CGL2012-3764

La gestión de las emociones de los estudiantes universitarios y el rendimiento académico en los exámenes

Introducción: El miedo, la ansiedad y la angustia, son las principales causas de la disminución del rendimiento académico de los estudiantes ante un examen.Propósitos: Analizar la relación entre las emociones y el rendimiento académico de estudiantes en los exámenes para poder planificar una gestión emocional y mejorar el rendimiento académico.Desarrollo: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal a alumnos universitarios con un muestreo no probabilístico. Se validó una encuesta y los datos se analizaron estadísticamente empleando un Estudio Descriptivo de Variables involucradas e Inferencia Estadística por medio de Test de Independencia. Aplicando un modelo de gestión ontológica, se organizaron talleres realizando las actividades: contrato ontológico, visualización, tabla de metas, rueda académica, análisis de situación reales, trabajos grupales, reestructuración cognitiva, gestión corporal.Resultados: Se obtuvieron 167 encuestas (septiembre-octubre/2019). Se estableció que la variable instancia de examen está relacionada a la variable emociones. El 35% de las personas que respondieron la encuesta indicaron que la principal emoción que tienen antes de un examen fue la ansiedad, seguida por el miedo, la inseguridad y la angustia. Los factores familiares son los que más afectaban a los estudiantes en sus rendimientos académicos. Se dictaron dos talleres empleando herramientas del coaching ontológico y se logró que los estudiantes lleven aprendizajes que les permitirán cambiar el observador que están siendo y poder gestionar las emociones que afectan su rendimiento académico.Conclusiones: Los talleres que se dictaron empleando herramientas para la gestión emocional en los alumnos fue satisfactoria ya que se cumplieron los estándares preestablecidos, y las personas se llevaron herramientas para la implementación en sus vidas.Fil: Gusils Leon, Carlos Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Sánchez, Fabiana del Valle. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: García Biagosch, Luigi. Coaching Para la Conciencia; ArgentinaFil: Andujar, Pía. Coaching Para la Conciencia; ArgentinaFil: Barrionuevo, José. Coaching Para la Conciencia; Argentin

#commonfabbing. Experiencia piloto de fabricación digital comunitaria en Cáceres

El término #commonfabbing define la construcción de un concepto en tiempo real que se está llevando a cabo desde el Laboratorio de Fabricación Digital de la Universidad de Sevilla. El concepto reside en los condicionantes de la aplicación del diseño y la fabricación digital para la construcción de comunidades y la producción social del espacio. En la intersección de teoría y práctica, este ensayo presenta el proyecto Fabbing CC[*], experiencia piloto de intervención en dos solares de Cáceres, España. Fabbing CC consiste en dos intervenciones urbanas colaborativas a través de talleres en los que se involucren instituciones locales, diversos agentes sociales, y arquitectos y artistas especializados en fabricación digital, el resultado de los cuales fue la fabricación y la instalación in situ de varias piezas de mobiliario urbano. El objetivo final del proyecto es generar una red comunitaria en torno al diseño y la fabricación digital de código abierto de arquitecturas y otros elementos urbanos.The hashtag #commonfabbing refers to the real-time construction of a concept, that is being performed by the Laboratorio de Fabricación Digital at the University of Seville. The concept deals with virtualities of the application of digital design and fabrication to community building and social production of space. At the intersection of theory and practice, this paper presents Fabbing CC, a pilot intervention in two sites in Cáceres, Spain. Fabbing CC consisted in two participatory urban interventions, developed through a series of workshops engaging local institutions, various social agents and architects and designers specialized in digital fabrication, the result of which was the fabrication and on-site installation of various pieces of urban furniture. The final goal of the Project is to generate a community based worknet dedicated to open source digital design and fabrication of architectural and urban component

Early diagnosis of frailty: Technological and non-intrusive devices for clinical detection

This work analyses different concepts for frailty diagnosis based on affordable standard technology such as smartphones or wearable devices. The goal is to provide ideas that go beyond classical diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging or tomography, thus changing the paradigm; enabling the detection of frailty without expensive facilities, in an ecological way for both patients and medical staff and even with continuous monitoring. Fried's five-point phenotype model of frailty along with a model based on trials and several classical physical tests were used for device classification. This work provides a starting point for future researchers who will have to try to bridge the gap separating elderly people from technology and medical tests in order to provide feasible, accurate and affordable tools for frailty monitoring for a wide range of users.This work was sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) across projects RTC-2017-6321-1 AEI/FEDER, UE, TEC2016-76021-C2-2-R AEI/FEDER, UE and PID2019-107270RB-C21/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, UE

Identification of different mechanisms leading to PAX6 down-regulation as potential events contributing to the onset of Hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is attributed to a failure of neural crest derived cells to migrate, proliferate, differentiate or survive in the bowel wall during embryonic Enteric Nervous System (ENS) development. This process requires a wide and complex variety of molecules and signaling pathways which are activated by transcription factors. In an effort to better understand the etiology of HSCR, we have designed a study to identify new transcription factors participating in different stages of the colonization process. A differential expression study has been performed on a set of transcription factors using Neurosphere-like bodies from both HSCR and control patients. Differential expression levels were found for CDYL, MEIS1, STAT3 and PAX6. A significantly lower expression level for PAX6 in HSCR patients, would suit with the finding of an over-representation of the larger tandem (AC)m(AG)n repeats within the PAX6 promoter in HSCR patients, with the subsequent loss of protein P300 binding. Alternatively, PAX6 is a target for DNMT3B-dependant methylation, a process already proposed as a mechanism with a role in HSCR. Such decrease in PAX6 expression may influence in the proper function of signaling pathways involved in ENS with the confluence of additional genetic factors to the manifestation of HSCR phenotype.Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad PI1301560Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa CTS-744