Mutual Interactions between Aquaporins and Membrane Components

During the last years, a number of studies have been focused on the structural evaluation of protein complexes in order to get mechanistic insights into how proteins communicate at the molecular level within the cell. Specific sites of protein-aquaporin interaction have been evaluated and new regulations of aquaporins described based on these associations. Aquaporin isoforms heterotetramerizations are considered as novel regulatory mechanisms for plasma membrane (PIPs) and tonoplast (TIPs) proteins, influencing their intrinsic permeability and trafficking dynamics in the adaptive response to changing environmental conditions. However, protein-protein interaction is an extensive theme that is difficult to tackle and new methodologies of physical interactions are being used in approaches to its study. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and the identification of cross-linked peptides based on tandem mass spectra, which resulted complementary to other methodologies such as heterologous expression, co-precipitation assays or confocal fluorescence microscopy, have been discussed in this review. The chemical composition or physical characteristics of the lipid bilayer also influences many aspects of membrane aquaporins, including their functionality. The molecular driving forces stabilizing the observed lipid positions around aquaporins could define their activity, which could alter the conformational properties. Therefore, an integrative approach to the relevance of the membrane-aquaporin interaction to different processes related to plant cell physiology is shown. Finally, the interactions between aquaporins and copolymer matrixes or biological compounds offer an opportunity for the functional incorporation of aquaporins into new biotechnological advances

Ammonium, bicarbonate and calcium effects on tomato plants grown under saline conditions

Abstract Tomato plants (70 days old) were grown in hydroponic culture into a greenhouse, where supply of inorganic carbon, ammonium and calcium to saline nutrient solution, was investigated in order to reduce the negative effect of salinity. After 70 days, an ameliorating effect upon the decrease in growth observed under salinity was only observed with the treatments NaCl +Ca 2 + and NaCl +HCO 3 − +NH 4 + +Ca 2 + . A large reduction of hydraulic conductance (L 0 ) and stomatal conductance (G s ) was observed with all treatments, compared with the control. However, the reductions were less when NaCl and Ca 2 + were added together. Organic acids (mainly malic acid) in the xylem were decreased with all treatments except with NaCl +NH 4 + and with all single treatments added together (NaCl+HCO 3 − + NH 4 + + Ca 2 + ). Amino acid concentrations in the xylem (mainly asparagine and glutamine) decreased when plants were treated with NaCl and NaCl + Ca 2 + , but there was a large increase in the plants treated with NaCl+ NH 4 + or with all treatments together. As HCO 3 − is an important source of carbon for NH 4 + assimilation, the increase in the concentration of amino acids and organic acids caused by the treatments that contained NH 4 + , support the idea that fixation of dissolved inorganic carbon was occurring and that the products were transported via the xylem to the shoot. The ameliorating effect of Ca 2 + on root hydraulic conductivity plus the increase of NH 4 + incorporation into the amino acid synthesis pathway possibly due to dissolved inorganic carbon fixation, could reduce the negative effect of salinity on tomato plants

Improvement of the quality parameters in fruits of the genus Prunus by means of foliar pre-harvest atomization of Ca, B and Si

[ESP] Los frutos del género Prunus sufren un rápido deterioro de su calidad, provocando el acortamiento de su vida útil. En el transporte y comercialización de estos frutos, color y firmeza son parámetros cualitativos muy importantes. Se ha observado que algunos minerales como el Ca, B y Si están implicados en la estructura y función de la pared celular, que son vitales para mantener la firmeza. En este trabajo, se aplicaron diferentes aerosoles combinados (Ca, Ca+B, Ca+Si y un producto comercial llamado ANTISALGold+BREAK- Thru), se llevó a cabo en cuatro especies de Prunus, con la intención de comprobar si se produce una mejora en el mantenimiento de la firmeza y diferencias en el color medido durante el periodo post cosecha y en su vida útil. En general, los frutos del cultivo tratado con Ca+Si mostraron una menor pérdida de firmeza y un tono más asociado a madurez en este periodo. [ENG] The fruits of the genus Prunus suffer a rapid deterioration of their quality, causing the shortening of their useful life. In the transport and marketing of these fruits, colour, and firmness are very important qualitative parameters. It has been observed that some minerals such as Ca, B, and Si are involved in the structure and function of the cell wall, which are vital for maintaining firmness. In this work, different combined sprays were applied (Ca, Ca + B, Ca+Si, and a commercial product called ANTISALGold+BREAK-Thru), it was carried out in four species of Prunus, with the intention of checking if there is an improvement in the maintenance of firmness and differences in the colour measured during the post-harvest period and in its useful life. In general, the fruits of the crop treated with Ca+Si showed a lower loss of firmness and a tone more associated with maturity in this period.Agradezco a la empresa Fénix fresh su implicación en el proyecto y envío de frutos para su análisis

Evaluación de los factores geográficos que inciden en los flujos turísticos de la parroquia rural de Guangopolo (Ecuador) /

El presente estudio se realizó con la finalidad de caracterizar el espacio turístico, mediante la evaluación de los factores geográficos que inciden en los flujos turísticos a la parroquia rural de Guangopolo, perteneciente al Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador. Se utilizó un enfoque mixto, con un diseño no experimental transversal descriptivo. La metodología base propuesta permitió realizar la evaluación de factores geográficos, misma que valoró aspectos naturales y culturales más significativos de la parroquia. Los flujos turísticos que son atraídos a la parroquia rural arriban a una área modificado por actividades antrópicas como la urbanización y el uso del suelo, sin embargo, aún predominan las remanentes de vegetación arbustiva y bosque pertenecientes al Ilaló; en el aspecto cultural su fuerte es la elaboración y comercialización del “cedazo” como utensilio de identificación para la parroquia, asimismo, cuenta con sitios naturales que dan paso a actividades recreativas de turismo dentro de la zona. No obstante, debido a la deficiencia presente en la prestación de servicios turísticos la parroquia se encuentra configurada como un sitio de paso con escasa pernoctación. Se concluyó que Guangopolo es una parroquia rural con una potencialidad turística que debe ser aprovechada en función de las condiciones geográficas, artísticas y culturales

Connectivity, population structure, and conservation of Ecuadorian green sea turtles

Studies of highly migratory species that increase our understanding of the dynamics of genetic diversity, migratory routes, and genetic connectivity are essential for informing conservation actions. Genetic data for green turtles Chelonia mydas from Ecuador have only been available from Galápagos Islands (GPS) rookeries, but not from foraging aggregations. Furthermore, green turtles from habitats associated with mainland Ecuador (Machalilla National Park; MNP) have not been sampled. To assess the genetic relationships between nesting and foraging aggregations from these 2 regions and other regional populations, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced from 133 turtles. Conventional FST (haplotype frequency) and ΦST (sequence-based) values were low and non-significant between Ecuadorian rookeries, suggesting high connectivity between these sites located ca. 1000 km apart. Mixed stock analysis (MSA) indicated a dominant (>94%) GPS-MNP contribution to both foraging grounds, with small and nearly negligible contributions from other rookeries in the region (e.g. Costa Rica and Mexico). While orphan haplotypes were not included in the MSA because their rookery of origin is not known, their close genetic relationships to Western and Central Pacific mtDNA clades suggests that a relatively large percentage of turtles at the combined foraging sites (>10%) have been involved in transoceanic migration events. The genetic links between GPS and MNP C. mydas nesting populations revealed by our study highlight the need to incorporate the nesting populations from coastal Ecuador in more comprehensive future conservation planning.Ministerio del Ambiente/[005-DRM-MA]//EcuadorMinisterio del Ambiente/[011-DRM-MA]//EcuadorParque Nacional Galápagos/[PC-20-14]//EcuadorUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biología Celular y Molecular (CIBCM

Control and recklessness

During the course of my career, two patterns of behavior were revealed that ended up being developed in the thesis: control and recklessness. In this process, certain ways of operating in my work space were identified, where in some I feel that I exercise control and in others I simply let myself be carried away by foreign events to my free will and, without objecting, I let the inevitable become part of the work. For example, when I start a work, I must have the space completely organized and eliminate any object in sight that is not indispensable for the development of the work. However, throughout the entire process, I allow the work to be permeated by "accidental" facts or events that are not and will not be under my control but in some cases end up being a factor that determines the unavoidable. My past works have led me to reflect on how I want to be in control of everything that is within my reach, be it the strokes, the paints I apply, the rituals of behavior, what gives me comfort. Therefore, it is important for me to show part of those processes and roles that have built me, so that it is possible to understand a little of the artist that I am today and what is being built for tomorrow. Analyzing the whole process I have been through so far, I know that I did not choose this work; it chose me. I know I am sinning of cliché but I feel that life has led me on this path, I feel that I have been dragging a process. I have been trying to understand who and what I am for many years now. In this work I intend to explore and embrace the lack of control, where I start from what I know, from my way of seeing things, controlling to some extent the matter, with the aim of letting go, to lose control and see how beyond my actions, the matter begins to transform and take directions that neither I nor anyone else can know.Por medio de una serie de acciones muestro los diálogos posibles entre el cuerpo y la materia, en este caso mi relación con la masa de harina. ¿Hasta dónde me permito explorar y hasta dónde ella me logrará conocer siendo un ser vivo? Entender cómo la obra adopta su propia forma más allá de su control, sin necesidad de la presencia del artista, de alguna forma lo entiendo como el espectador, al realizar la acción de la obra, se convierte en el artista. Sin embargo ¿Hasta qué punto la masa necesita de un factor externo para activarse? Al trabajar con materiales como el agua, harina y levaduras, mezclándolos entre sí, los elementos se ven afectados por factores externos como el clima, la atmósfera e incluso los estados de ánimo. La masa resultante empieza a expandirse,, a crecer, a cambiar su composición, generando vida, movimiento, energía e interacción. El pasar del tiempo evidencia una clara muestra de como ella sola ,la masa, empieza desarrollar hongos y su propia forma de interactuar con el ambiente que la rodea, no necesitando de la manipulación de un tercero. La obra termina siendo la masa, independiente, viva; ella toma lo que necesita del ambiente para desarrollarse y expresa su propia forma, expuesta al descontrol y al caos. También siento necesario que el espectador pueda tener o crear su propia experiencia con la materia, ya que si este no la activa la obra no tendría sentido. Por eso me puse en la tarea de fabricar una caja, la que contendrá los materiales para que el participante pueda fabricar su propia masa. Asimismo estará acompañada del registro de la acción ya realizada. La caja fluxus contiene unas instrucciones que narran la dinámica que se espera al convivir con los productos encontrados en esta. Pero no es un guión con un solo camino; es una invitación. La idea es que el participante sea absolutamente libre de adaptar la actividad a los tiempos y necesidades que tenga. Por esto, la caja es un medio de transporte para hacer llegar la materia e información recolectada en todo el proceso de interacción con la masa.Maestro (a) en Artes VisualesPregrad

Contribución al conocimiento del papel fisiológico del titanio en plantas de pimiento para pimentón (capsicun annuum, L.) / Micaela Carvajal Alcaraz ; director Carlos Francisco Alcaraz Molina, Francisco Martínez Sánchez.

Tesis-Universidad de Murcia.Consulte la tesis en: BCA. GENERAL. ARCHIVO UNIVERSITARIO. D 353.Consulte la tesis en: BCA. GENERAL. ARCHIVO UNIVERSITARIO. T.M.-821

Controversial Regulation of Gene Expression and Protein Transduction of Aquaporins under Drought and Salinity Stress

© 2020 by the authorsEnhancement of the passage of water through membranes is one of the main mechanisms via which cells can maintain their homeostasis under stress conditions, and aquaporins are the main participants in this process. However, in the last few years, a number of studies have reported discrepancies between aquaporin messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and the number of aquaporin proteins synthesised in response to abiotic stress. These observations suggest the existence of post-transcriptional mechanisms which regulate plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) trafficking to the plasma membrane. This indicates that the mRNA synthesis of some aquaporins could be modulated by the accumulation of the corresponding encoded protein, in relation to the turnover of the membranes. This aspect is discussed in terms of the results obtained: on the one hand, with isolated vesicles, in which the level of proteins present provides the membranes with important characteristics such as resistance and stability and, on the other, with isolated proteins reconstituted in artificial liposomes as an in vitro method to address the in vivo physiology of the entire plant.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía, Industria, y Competitividad (AGL2016-80247-C2-1-R) and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (2019AEP033) with a grant for L. Yepes-Molina (FPU17/02261).Peer reviewe

The phi thickening in roots of broccoli plants. An adaptation mechanism to salinity

Although broccoli is moderately tolerant to salt stress, the tolerance mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, in this article, the uptake and transport of nutrients and water in relation to the changes in root anatomy (phi thickening appearance) caused by salinity stress have been studied. The effect of phi thickening in the response of these plants to salinity was studied by comparing two methods of measuring root hydraulic conductance, pressurizing roots and natural exudation, and analyzing the nutrient concentrations in the xylem. The permeability properties of phi thickening were tested by a tracer that moves only via the apoplastic pathway. Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica plants, grown under different levels of NaCl (0, 40, and 80 mM), showed modifications in the cell wall of the cortical layer bordering the endodermis, such as phi thickenings. The results also showed a decrease of the L0 and GS of plants under salinity stress and an ionic imbalance in the xylem sap. Na+, Mg2+, , and Cl− concentrations increased, while Ca2+ decreased. The fact that the proportion of apoplastic movement, which was higher when plants were measured with the Scholander chamber than with natural exudation, was lower for NaCl‐treated plants whereas the alteration of nutrient uptake was similar suggests that the phi thickenings could be a physical barrier only to apoplastic water transport.This work was funded by the Centro de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (AGL2005‐00650/AGR).Peer reviewe