scholarly journals In their sister’s footsteps: Taxonomic divergence obscures substantial functional overlap among the metabolically diverse symbiotic gut communities of adult and larval turtle ants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoît Béchade ◽  
Yi Hu ◽  
Jon G. Sanders ◽  
Christian S. Cabuslay ◽  
Piotr Łukasik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Metabolism ◽  
Nutritional Ecology ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
Ant Colonies ◽  
Food Particles ◽  
Gut Symbionts ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
First Time ◽  
Host Development

AbstractGut bacterial symbionts can support animal nutrition by facilitating digestion and providing valuable metabolites. While the composition of gut symbiont communities shifts with host development in holometabolous insects, changes in symbiotic roles between immature and adult stages are not well documented, especially in ants. Here, we explored the metabolic capabilities of microbiomes sampled from herbivorous turtle ant (Cephalotes sp.) larvae and adult workers through genomic and metagenomic screenings and targeted in vitro metabolic assays. We reveal that larval guts harbor bacterial symbionts from the Enterobacteriales, Lactobacillales and Rhizobiales orders, with impressive metabolic capabilities, including catabolism of plant and fungal recalcitrant fibers common in turtle ant diets, and energy-generating fermentation. Additionally, several members of the specialized turtle ant adult gut microbiome, sampled downstream of an anatomical barrier that dams large food particles, show a conserved potential to depolymerize many dietary fibers and other carbohydrates. Symbionts from both life stages have the genomic capacity to recycle nitrogen, synthesize amino acids and B-vitamins, and perform several key aspects of sulfur metabolism. We also document, for the first time in ants, an adult-associated Campylobacterales symbiont with an apparent capacity to anaerobically oxidize sulfide, reduce nitrate, and fix carbon dioxide. With help of their gut symbionts, including several bacteria likely acquired from the environment, turtle ant larvae appear as an important component of turtle ant colony digestion and nutrition. In addition, the conserved nature of the digestive, energy-generating, and nutritive capacities among adult-enriched symbionts suggests that nutritional ecology of turtle ant colonies has long been shaped by specialized, behaviorally-transferred gut bacteria with over 46 million years of residency.

Somatic Embryogenesis and In vitro Plant Regeneration in Vigna trilobata (L.) Verd. - A Potential Pasture Legume

1970 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-99
Author(s):  
K. Choudhary ◽  
M. Singh ◽  
M. S. Rathore ◽  
N. S. Shekhawat
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Embryogenesis ◽  
Growth Regulators ◽  
Somatic Embryos ◽  
Basal Medium ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Continuous Application ◽  
First Time ◽  
Pasture Legume

This long term study demonstrates for the first time that it is possible to propagate embryogenic Vigna trilobata and to subsequently initiate the differentiation of embryos into complete plantlets. Initiation of callus was possible on 2,4-D. Somatic embryos differentiated on modified MS basal nutrient medium with 1.0 mg/l  of 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l  of Kn. Sustained cell division resulted in globular and heart shape stages of somatic embryos. Transfer of embryos on to a fresh modified MS basal medium with 0.5 mg/l of Kn and 0.5 mg/l of GA3 helped them to attain maturation and germination. However, the propagation of cells, as well as the differentiation of embryos, were inhibited by a continuous application of these growth regulators. For this reason, a long period on medium lacking these growth regulators was necessary before the differentiation of embryos occurred again. The consequences for improving the propagation of embryogenic cultures in Vigna species are discussed. Key words: Pasture  legume, Vigna trilobata, Globular, Heart shape, somatic embryogenesis D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v19i1.4990 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 19(1): 89-99, 2009 (June)

Production of Novel Bioactive Compounds by the Bacteria Associated with Some Marine Sponges of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, Southeast Coast of India

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
V. Ramadas ◽  
G. Chandralega
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Marine Sponges ◽  
Marine Organisms ◽  
Gulf Of Mannar ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
Palk Bay ◽  
Excellent Source

Sponges, exclusively are aquatic and mostly marine, are found from the deepest oceans to the edge of the sea. There are approximately 15,000 species of sponges in the world, of which, 150 occur in freshwater, but only about 17 are of commercial value. A total of 486 species of sponges have been identified in India. In the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay a maximum of 319 species of sponges have been recorded. It has been proved that marine organisms are excellent source of bioactive secondary metabolites and number of compounds of originated from marine organisms had been reported to possess in-vitro and in-vivo immuno stimulatory activity. Extracts from 20 sponge species were tested for bacterial symbionts and bioactive compounds were isolated from such associated bacterial species in the present study.

Dwindling status of Epimedium Elatum (Morren & Decne) and its geographical distribution in Kashmir Himalaya, India

2018 ◽  
pp. 47-52
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Kashmir Himalayas ◽  
Near Future ◽  
First Time ◽  
Tissue Culture Techniques

Epimedium elatum (Morren & Decne) of family Berberidaceace is a rare perennial medicinal plant, endemic to high altitude forests of Northwestern Himalayas in India. Ethnobotanically, it has been used as an ingredient for treatment of bone-joint disorders, impotence and kidney disorders in Kashmir Himalayas. Phytochemically, it is rich in Epimedin ABC and Icariin; all of these have been demonstrated to possess remarkable biological activities like PDE-5 inhibition (treatment of erectile dysfunction), anticancer, antiosteoporosis antioxidant and antiviral properties. The present investigation reports its traditional usage, comprehensive distribution and conservation status from twenty ecogeographical regions in Kashmir Himalayas, India. The species was reported from Gurez valley for the first time. Numerous threats like excessive grazing, deforestration, habitat fragmentation, tourism encroachment, landslides and excessive exploitation have decreased its natural populations in most of the surveyed habitats. Consequently, its existence may become threatened in near future if timely conservation steps are not taken immediately by concerned stakeholders involved in medicinal plant research. Moreover, use of plant tissue culture techniques is recommended for development of its in vitro propagation protocols. Therefore, introduction of this medicinal plant in botanical gardens, protected sites and development of monitoring programmes are needed for its immediate conservation in Northwestern Himalayas, India.

Structure-Reactivity Relationships on Substrates and Inhibitors of the Lysine Deacylase Sirtuin 2 from Schistosoma Mansoni (SmSirt2)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Monaldi ◽  
Dante Rotili ◽  
Julien Lancelot ◽  
Martin Marek ◽  
Nathalie Wössner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Human Cancer Cells ◽  
Parasite Survival ◽  
Survival And Reproduction ◽  
Emergence Of Resistance ◽  
First Time ◽  
Parasitic Life Cycle

The only drug for treatment of Schistosomiasis is Praziquantel, and the possible emergence of resistance makes research on novel therapeutic agents necessary. Targeting of Schistosoma mansoni epigenetic enzymes, which regulate the parasitic life cycle, emerged as promising approach. Due to the strong effects of human Sirtuin inhibitors on parasite survival and reproduction, Schistosoma sirtuins were postulated as therapeutic targets. In vitro testing of synthetic substrates of S. mansoni Sirtuin 2 (SmSirt2) and kinetic experiments on a myristoylated peptide demonstrated lysine long chain deacylation as an intrinsic SmSirt2 activity for the first time. Focused in vitro screening of the GSK Kinetobox library and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of identified hits, led to the first SmSirt2 inhibitors with activity in the low micromolar range. Several SmSirt2 inhibitors showed potency against both larval schistosomes (viability) and adult worms (pairing, egg laying) in culture without general toxicity to human cancer cells.<br>

Safety assessment of biological raw materials in the system of medicines quality assurance

2020 ◽  
pp. 63-72
Author(s):  
Yu. Olefir ◽  
E. Sakanyan ◽  
I. Osipova ◽  
V. Dobrynin ◽  
M. Smirnova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
State Level ◽  
The State ◽  
Spongiform Encephalopathy ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
First Time ◽  
Medicines Quality

The entry of a wide range of biotechnological products into the pharmaceutical market calls for rein-forcement of the quality, efficacy and safety standards at the state level. The following general monographs have been elaborated for the first time to be included into the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XIV edition: "Viral safety" and "Reduction of the risk of transmitting animal spongiform encephalopathy via medicinal products". These general monographs were elaborated taking into account the requirements of foreign pharmacopoeias and the WHO recommendations. The present paper summarises the key aspects of the monographs.

α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Docking Studies of 5-Deoxyflavonols and Dihydroflavonols Isolated from Abutilon pakistanicum

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (17) ◽  
pp. 1857-1866
Author(s):  
Munawar Hussain ◽  
Zaheer Ahmed ◽  
Shamsun N. Khan ◽  
Syed A. A. Shah ◽  
Rizwana Razi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methanolic Extract ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Hydroxyl Group ◽  
Coumaric Acid ◽  
In Vitro Activity ◽  
Aerial Parts ◽  
First Time ◽  
Acid Esters ◽  
Phenol Moiety

Three new 5-deoxyflavonoid and dihydroflavonoids 2, 3 and 4 have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Abutioln pakistanicum aerial parts, for which structures were elucidated explicitly by extensive MS- and NMR-experiments. In addition to these, 3,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy flavonol (1) is reported for the first time from Abutioln pakistanicum. Compound 2 and 4 are p-coumaric acid esters while compounds 2–4 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Docking studies indicated that the ability of flavonoids 2, 3 and 4 to form multiple hydrogen bonds with catalytically important residues is decisive hence is responsible for the inhibition activity. The docking results signified the observed in-vitro activity quite well which is in accordance with previously obtained conclusion that phenol moiety and hydroxyl group are critical for the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme.

Antimutagenic, Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Properties of Sea Grape Leaf Extract Fractions (Coccoloba uvifera L.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Ramos-Hernández ◽  
Montserrat Calderón-Santoyo ◽  
Armando Burgos-Hernández ◽  
Joel S. García- Romo ◽  
Arturo Navarro-Ocaña ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
In Vitro Tests ◽  
Antimutagenic Activity ◽  
Hexane Extraction ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Hct 116 ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries ◽  
Grape Leaf ◽  
First Time

Background: Cancer is a disease characterized by the invasion and uncontrolled growth of cells. One of the best ways to minimize the harmful effects of mutagens is through the use of natural antimutagens. In this regard, the search for new antimutagens that act in the chemoprevention could represent a promising field in this area. Objective: In this study biological potential of 11 fractions from Coccoloba uvifera L. leaf hexane extract was evaluated by several in vitro tests. Methods: Leaves were lyophilized and hexane extraction was performed. The extract was fractionated by column chromatography with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The antimutagenic (Ames test), antiproliferative (MTT test), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and ferrous ion chelation) of the fractions were evaluated. Results: Fractions 4, 6, 8, and 9 have antimutagenic activity (against sodium azide in strain TA100), fraction 11 showed antiproliferative capacity (IC50 of 24 ± 9 μg/mL in cells of HCT 116). The fractions with the highest activity were analyzed by HPLC-MS and lupeol, acacetin, and β-sitosterol were identified. Conclusion: This study demonstrates, for the first time, the bioactivity of C. uvifera leaf as a new source of high biological value compounds (HBVC), which can be of interest to the food and pharmaceutical industries.

scholarly journals Hexapod Assassins’ Potion: Venom Composition and Bioactivity from the Eurasian Assassin Bug Rhynocoris iracundus

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 819
Author(s):  
Nicolai Rügen ◽  
Timothy P. Jenkins ◽  
Natalie Wielsch ◽  
Heiko Vogel ◽  
Benjamin-Florian Hempel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Systemic Reactions ◽  
Venom Composition ◽  
Assassin Bug ◽  
Molecular Components ◽  
First Time ◽  
Tissue Digestion

Assassin bug venoms are potent and exert diverse biological functions, making them potential biomedical goldmines. Besides feeding functions on arthropods, assassin bugs also use their venom for defense purposes causing localized and systemic reactions in vertebrates. However, assassin bug venoms remain poorly characterized. We collected the venom from the assassin bug Rhynocoris iracundus and investigated its composition and bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. It caused lysis of murine neuroblastoma, hepatoma cells, and healthy murine myoblasts. We demonstrated, for the first time, that assassin bug venom induces neurolysis and suggest that it counteracts paralysis locally via the destruction of neural networks, contributing to tissue digestion. Furthermore, the venom caused paralysis and melanization of Galleria mellonella larvae and pupae, whilst also possessing specific antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, but not Listeria grayi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A combinatorial proteo-transcriptomic approach was performed to identify potential toxins responsible for the observed effects. We identified neurotoxic Ptu1, an inhibitory cystin knot (ICK) toxin homologous to ω-conotoxins from cone snails, cytolytic redulysins homologous to trialysins from hematophagous kissing bugs, and pore-forming hemolysins. Additionally, chitinases and kininogens were found and may be responsible for insecticidal and cytolytic activities. We demonstrate the multifunctionality and complexity of assassin bug venom, which renders its molecular components interesting for potential biomedical applications.

Carbon dots derived from Fusobacterium nucleatum for intracellular determination of Fe3+ and bioimaging both in vitro and in vivo

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijuan Liu ◽  
Shengting Zhang ◽  
Xiaodan Zheng ◽  
Hongmei Li ◽  
Qi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dots ◽  
Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fluorescent Carbon Dots ◽  
Fluorescent Carbon

Fusobacterium nucleatum has been employed for the first time to synthesize fluorescent carbon dots which could be applied for the determination of Fe3+ ions in living cells and bioimaging in vitro and in vivo with excellent biocompatibility.

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