Gene expression in fungi

This contribution is based on the four presentations made at the Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting titled Gene Expression in Fungi held during IMC9 in Edinburgh. This overview is independent from other articles published or that will be published by each speaker. In the SIG meeting, basic principles of in vivo animal models for virulence studies were discussed. Infection associated genes of Candida albicans and fungal adaptation to the host was summarized. Azole susceptibility was evaluated as a combined result of several changes in expression of pertinent genes. Gene transfer in fungi, resulting in fungal evolution and gene adaptation to environmental factors, was reported

Defining the roughness sublayer and its turbulent statistics

The roughness sublayer in a turbulent openchannel flow over a very rough wall is investigated experimentally both within the canopy and above using particle image velocimetry by gaining complete optical access with new methodologies without disturbing the flow. This enabled reliable estimates of the double-averaged mean and turbulence profiles to be obtained by minimizing and quantifying the usual errors introduced by limited temporal and spatial sampling. It is shown, for example, that poor spatial sampling can lead to erroneous vertical profiles in the roughness sublayer. Then, in order to better define and determine the roughness sublayer height, a methodology based on the measured spatial dispersion is proposed which takes into account temporal sampling errors. The results reveal values well below the usual more ad hoc estimates for all statistics. Finally, the doubleaveraged mean and turbulence statistics in the roughness sublayer are discussed

Erythromyeloid derived TREM2: a major determinant of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in Down syndrome.

Background: Down syndrome (DS; trisomy 21) individuals have a spectrum of hematopoietic and neuronal dysfunctions, and by the time they reach the age of 40 years, almost all develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology which include senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Inflammation and innate immunity are key players in AD and DS. Triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) variants have been identified as risk factors for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: To investigate the effects of TREM2 and the AD-associated R47H mutation on brain pathology and hematopoietic state in AD and DS. Methods: We analyzed peripheral blood, bone marrow, and brain tissue from DS, AD and age-matched control subjects by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. TREM2-related phagocytosis was investigated using a human myeloid cell line. Results: TREM2 protein levels in brain and sera declined with age and disease progression in DS. We observed soluble TREM2 in the brain parenchyma that may be carried by a subset of microglia, macrophages or exosomes. Two DS cases had the AD-associated TREM2-R47H mutation, which manifested a morphologically extreme phenotype of megakaryocytes and erythrocytes in addition to impaired trafficking of TREM2 to the erythroid membrane. TREM2 was shown to be involved in phagocytosis of red blood cells. TREM2 was seen in early and late endosomes. Silencing TREM2 using siRNA in THP1 cells resulted in significant cell death. Conclusion: We provide evidence that peripheral TREM2 originating from erythromyeloid cells significantly determines AD neuropathology in DS subjects. Understanding the molecular signaling pathways mediated by TREM2 may reveal novel therapeutic targets.This research was funded by Medical Research Council (MRC grant number RNAG/254), National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), the Down’s Syndrome Association, The John Van Geest Foundation and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK

Infidelity-Revealing Snapchat Messages Arouse Different Levels of Jealousy Depending on Sex, Type of Message and Identity of the Opposite Sex Rival

Research highlighting sex-differentiated jealousy resulting from imagined scenarios has now been reaffirmed when the infidelity-revealing message is discovered on a social media platform. Participants in the current study were presented with both sexually and emotionally charged infidelity-revealing scenarios featuring a same-sex sibling, a friend and a stranger in the format of a ‘Snapchat’ message. Men indicated significantly higher jealousy to sexual as opposed to emotional messages with the reverse pattern evident in women. Sex differences were also evident in the extent of jealousy elicited by ‘third-party’ identity. Women were significantly more jealous when the imagined infidelity occurred between their sister compared to both a best friend and a stranger with males showing significantly lower jealousy directed towards their brother compared to a stranger. These findings are supportive not only of a parental investment (PI) interpretation of sex differences in jealousy but also an interpretation consistent with aspects of inclusive fitness theory

Rho-Regulatory Proteins in Breast Cancer Cell Motility and Invasion

The importance of the Rho-GTPases in cancer progression, particularly in the area of metastasis, is becoming increasingly evident. This review will provide an overview of the role of the Rho-regulatory proteins in breast cancer metastatis.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44220/1/10549_2004_Article_5264599.pd