Structure and Expression Analysis of Sucrose Phosphate Synthase, Sucrose Synthase and Invertase Gene Families in Solanum lycopersicum

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SUS) and invertase (INV) are all encoded by multigene families. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a comprehensive analysis of structure characteristics of these family genes is still lacking, and the functions of individual isoforms of these families are mostly unclear under stress. Here, the structure characteristics of the three families in tomato were analyzed; moreover, as a first step toward understanding the functions of isoforms of these proteins under stress, the tissue expression pattern and stress response of these genes were also investigated. The results showed that four SPS genes, six SUS genes and nineteen INV genes were identified in tomato. The subfamily differentiation of SlSPS and SlSUS might have completed before the split of monocotyledons and dicotyledons. The conserved motifs were mostly consistent within each protein family/subfamily. These genes demonstrated differential expressions among family members and tissues, and in response to polyethylene glycerol, NaCl, H2O2, abscisic acid or salicylic acid treatment. Our results suggest that each isoform of these families may have different functions in different tissues and under environmental stimuli. SlSPS1, SlSPS3, SlSUS1, SlSUS3, SlSUS4, SlINVAN5 and SlINVAN7 demonstrated consistent expression responses and may be the major genes responding to exogenous stimuli

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Plant Response to Radiation

Radiation is widespread in nature, including ultraviolet radiation from the sun, cosmic radiation and radiation emitted by natural radionuclides. Over the years, the increasing industrialization of human beings has brought about more radiation, such as enhanced UV-B radiation due to ground ozone decay, and the emission and contamination of nuclear waste due to the increasing nuclear power plants and radioactive material industry. With additional radiation reaching plants, both negative effects including damage to cell membranes, reduction of photosynthetic rate and premature aging and benefits such as growth promotion and stress resistance enhancement have been observed. ROS (Reactive oxygen species) are reactive oxidants in plant cells, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anions (O2•−) and hydroxide anion radicals (·OH), which may stimulate the antioxidant system of plants and act as signaling molecules to regulate downstream reactions. A number of studies have observed the change of ROS in plant cells under radiation, and new technology such as RNA-seq has molecularly revealed the regulation of radiative biological effects by ROS. This review summarized recent progress on the role of ROS in plant response to radiations including UV, ion beam and plasma, and may help to reveal the mechanisms of plant responses to radiation

Effects of Probiotic-Fermented Feed on the Growth Profile, Immune Functions, and Intestinal Microbiota of Bamei Piglets

Purebred Bamei piglets present problems, including slow growth, respiratory disease, and post-weaning stress. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum QP28-1- and Bacillus subtilis QB8-fermented feed supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microflora of Bamei piglets from Qinghai, China. A total of 48 purebred Bamei piglets (25 days; 6.8 ± 0.97 kg) were divided into the following four groups for a 28-day diet experiment: basal feed (CK); diet containing 10% Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented feed (L); diet containing 10% Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed (B); and diet containing a mixture of 5% Lactobacillus plantarum + 5% Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed (H). The daily weight gain and daily food intake of group H increased (p p p p p Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Rikenellaceae. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated that several of these probiotic bacteria were closely related to serum immunity. In conclusion, fermented feed supplementation rebuilt the intestinal microbiota of Bamei piglets, thereby reducing the feed/weight ratio, improving feed intake, and enhancing immunity