Cellular plasticity in response to suppression of storage proteins in the Brassica napus embryo

The tradeoff between protein and oil storage in oilseed crops has been tested here in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) by analyzing the effect of suppressing key genes encoding protein storage products (napin and cruciferin). The phenotypic outcomes were assessed using NMR and mass spectrometry imaging, microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, immunological assays, and flux balance analysis. Surprisingly, the profile of storage products was only moderately changed in RNA interference transgenics. However, embryonic cells had undergone remarkable architectural rearrangements. The suppression of storage proteins led to the elaboration of membrane stacks enriched with oleosin (sixfold higher protein abundance) and novel endoplasmic reticulum morphology. Protein rebalancing and amino acid metabolism were focal points of the metabolic adjustments to maintain embryonic carbon/nitrogen homeostasis. Flux balance analysis indicated a rather minor additional demand for cofactors (ATP and NADPH). Thus, cellular plasticity in seeds protects against perturbations to its storage capabilities and, hence, contributes materially to homeostasis. This study provides mechanistic insights into the intriguing link between lipid and protein storage, which have implications for biotechnological strategies directed at improving oilseed crops

Short-term follow-up of patients diagnosed by their GP with mild depression or first-time moderate depression: results of a 1-year nationwide surveilance study

Despite its public health significance, data about depression in general practice are often unavailable or incomplete. To study half-year follow-up data on patients diagnosed by their GP with a new episode of mild or a first episode of moderate depression, specifically: (i) treatment continuation, (ii) remission and, in ongoing episodes, suicidal behaviour and inability to work and (iii) the match between treatments initiated and delivered as well as the determinants of actual delivery of non-pharmacological support initiated by the GP for patients with ongoing depression. General practice-based data were collected on all patients aged >= 18 years who were diagnosed by their GP with a new episode of depression in Belgian sentinel general practices during 2008. Follow-up data were available for 900 of 1048 patients. Complete treatment dropout was found in 9%, treatment discontinuation in 40% and a GP visit = 1 month. While 91% of the patients who received psychoactive agents at diagnosis had actually taken them, and 62% of the referred patients actually received treatment from another caregiver, non-pharmacological support by the GP was delivered in only 43% of patients for whom it was initiated. Half a year after diagnosis, half of patients continue to visit their GP and 60% of those patients remain depressed. The delivery of non-pharmacological GP support takes place for less than half of the patients for whom that intervention is initiated. Our follow-up findings reinforce the policy recommendations made by stakeholders, i.e. the introduction and reimbursement of a mental health consultation in family practice and integration of primary care psychologists. Quality improvement interventions may be a strategy to overcome premature discontinuation of non-pharmacological support by GPs