781. The efficient method for simultaneous monitoring of the culturable as well as nonculturable airborne microorganismsBarbara Hubad, Aleš Lapanje, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Cultivation-based microbiological methods are a gold standard for monitoring of airborne micro-organisms to determine the occupational exposure levels or transmission paths of a particular infectious agent. Some highly contagious microorganisms are not easily culturable but it is becoming evident that cultivation and molecular methods are complementary and in these cases highly relevant. We report a simple and efficient method for sampling and analyzing airborne bacteria with an impactor-type high-flow-rate portable air sampler, currently used for monitoring culturable bacteria or fungi. A method is reported for extraction of nucleic acids from impacted cells without prior cultivation and using agarose as a sampling matrix. The DNA extraction efficiency was determined in spiked samples and, samples taken from a wastewater treatment plant and an alpine area. The abundance, diversity and quantity of total bacteria were analysed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and by construction and analysis of clone libraries. The method does not interfere with downstream PCR analysis and can cover the gap between traditional culture and molecular techniques of bioaerosol monitoring. Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 320; Prenosov: 145 Celotno besedilo (436,95 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
782. SACE_5599, a putative regulatory protein, is involved in morphological differentiation and erythromycin production in Saccharopolyspora erythraeaBenjamin Kirm, Vasilka Magdevska, Miha Tome, Marinka Horvat, Katarina Karničar, Marko Petek, Robert Vidmar, Špela Baebler, Polona Jamnik, Štefan Fujs, Jaka Horvat, Marko Fonović, Boris Turk, Kristina Gruden, Hrvoje Petković, Gregor Kosec, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background
Erythromycin is a medically important antibiotic, biosynthesized by the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora erythraea. Genes encoding erythromycin biosynthesis are organized in a gene cluster, spanning over 60 kbp of DNA. Most often, gene clusters encoding biosynthesis of secondary metabolites contain regulatory genes. In contrast, the erythromycin gene cluster does not contain regulatory genes and regulation of its biosynthesis has therefore remained poorly understood, which has for a long time limited genetic engineering approaches for erythromycin yield improvement.
Results
We used a comparative proteomic approach to screen for potential regulatory proteins involved in erythromycin biosynthesis. We have identified a putative regulatory protein SACE_5599 which shows significantly higher levels of expression in an erythromycin high-producing strain, compared to the wild type S. erythraea strain. SACE_5599 is a member of an uncharacterized family of putative regulatory genes, located in several actinomycete biosynthetic gene clusters. Importantly, increased expression of SACE_5599 was observed in the complex fermentation medium and at controlled bioprocess conditions, simulating a high-yield industrial fermentation process in the bioreactor. Inactivation of SACE_5599 in the high-producing strain significantly reduced erythromycin yield, in addition to drastically decreasing sporulation intensity of the SACE_5599-inactivated strains when cultivated on ABSM4 agar medium. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of SACE_5599 in the wild type NRRL23338 strain resulted in an increase of erythromycin yield by 32%. Similar yield increase was also observed when we overexpressed the bldD gene, a previously identified regulator of erythromycin biosynthesis, thereby for the first time revealing its potential for improving erythromycin biosynthesis.
Conclusions
SACE_5599 is the second putative regulatory gene to be identified in S. erythraea which has positive influence on erythromycin yield. Like bldD, SACE_5599 is involved in morphological development of S. erythraea, suggesting a very close relationship between secondary metabolite biosynthesis and morphological differentiation in this organism. While the mode of action of SACE_5599 remains to be elucidated, the manipulation of this gene clearly shows potential for improvement of erythromycin production in S. erythraea in industrial setting. We have also demonstrated the applicability of the comparative proteomics approach for identifying new regulatory elements involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in industrial conditions. Ključne besede: erythromycin, polyketide, regulator, SACE_5599, lmbU, differentiation (biology), sporulation, strain improvement, metabolic engineering Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 258; Prenosov: 274 Celotno besedilo (1,18 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
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784. The GMOseek matrix : a decision support tool for optimizing the detection of genetically modified plantsAnnette Block, Frédéric Debode, Lutz Grohmann, Julie Hulin, Isabel Taverniers, Linda Kluga, Elodie Barbau-Piednoir, Sylvia Broeders, Ingrid Huber, Marc Bulcke, Petra Heinze, Gilbert Berben, Ulrich Busch, Nancy Roosens, Erik Janssen, Jana Žel, Kristina Gruden, Dany Morisset, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background
Since their first commercialization, the diversity of taxa and the genetic composition of transgene sequences in genetically modified plants (GMOs) are constantly increasing. To date, the detection of GMOs and derived products is commonly performed by PCR-based methods targeting specific DNA sequences introduced into the host genome. Information available regarding the GMOs’ molecular characterization is dispersed and not appropriately organized. For this reason, GMO testing is very challenging and requires more complex screening strategies and decision making schemes, demanding in return the use of efficient bioinformatics tools relying on reliable information.
Description
The GMOseek matrix was built as a comprehensive, online open-access tabulated database which provides a reliable, comprehensive and user-friendly overview of 328 GMO events and 247 different genetic elements (status: 18/07/2013). The GMOseek matrix is aiming to facilitate GMO detection from plant origin at different phases of the analysis. It assists in selecting the targets for a screening analysis, interpreting the screening results, checking the occurrence of a screening element in a group of selected GMOs, identifying gaps in the available pool of GMO detection methods, and designing a decision tree. The GMOseek matrix is an independent database with effective functionalities in a format facilitating transferability to other platforms. Data were collected from all available sources and experimentally tested where detection methods and certified reference materials (CRMs) were available.
Conclusions
The GMOseek matrix is currently a unique and very valuable tool with reliable information on GMOs from plant origin and their present genetic elements that enables further development of appropriate strategies for GMO detection. It is flexible enough to be further updated with new information and integrated in different applications and platforms. Ključne besede: genetically modified organism, GMO, GMO screening, matrix approach, genetically modified plant Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 320; Prenosov: 228 Celotno besedilo (656,03 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
785. Chemical composition of natural sea salt from the Sečovlje salina (Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic)Nives Kovač, Neli Glavaš, Matej Dolenc, Nastja Rogan Šmuc, Zdenka Šlejkovec, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: In our research the concentrations of major and minor elements were determined in natural sea salts from the Sečovlje salina (Piran salts, Slovenia) and compared to those of selected samples of commercially available unrefined salts with different geographical origins (Croatia, Austria, Italy, Portugal, India, and Pakistan). In the case of major element contents such as sodium (Na), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and titanium (Ti) many similarities were observed among the analysed salt samples. On the other hand, Piran salts are characterized by lower silicon (Si) values. Among the salts from the Sečovlje salina, the salt with the trade name Piran salt has a higher Mg content while Flower of salt has a lower concentration of calcium (Ca). In Slovenian samples the majority of trace element values were lower than 0.5 μg g–1, which was comparable to the results from commercially available unrefined salts. The salt composition differences observed indicate area-specific signatures related to geographic origin and diverse salt production processes. The quality of the studied salt samples is in accordance with standards established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Piran salts are also suitable regarding issues of national food control. Ključne besede: microbial mat-petola, natural salt, elemental composition Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 317; Prenosov: 149 Celotno besedilo (96,06 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
786. Double strand breaks and cell-cycle arrest induced by the cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin in HepG2 cellsAlja Štern, Metka Filipič, Matjaž Novak, Bojana Žegura, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The newly emerging cyanobacterial cytotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is increasingly found in surface freshwaters, worldwide. It poses a potential threat to humans after chronic exposure as it was shown to be genotoxic in a range of test systems and is potentially carcinogenic. However, the mechanisms of CYN toxicity and genotoxicity are not well understood. In the present study CYN induced formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), after prolonged exposure (72 h), in human hepatoma cells, HepG2. CYN (0.1–0.5 µg/mL, 24–96 h) induced morphological changes and reduced cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner. No significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage could be observed after CYN exposure, indicating that the reduction in cell number was due to decreased cell proliferation and not due to cytotoxicity. This was confirmed by imunocytochemical analysis of the cell-proliferation marker Ki67. Analysis of the cell-cycle using flow-cytometry showed that CYN has an impact on the cell cycle, indicating G0/G1 arrest after 24 h and S-phase arrest after longer exposure (72 and 96 h). Our results provide new evidence that CYN is a direct acting genotoxin, causing DSBs, and these facts need to be considered in the human health risk assessment. Ključne besede: cylindrospermopsin, cell-cycle, cell-proliferation, double-strand breaks, HepG2 cells Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 320; Prenosov: 228 Celotno besedilo (689,29 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
787. APS8, a polymeric alkylpyridinium salt blocks [alpha]7 nAChR and induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung carcinomaAna Zovko, Kristina Viktorsson, Rolf Lewensohn, Katja Kološa, Metka Filipič, Hong Xing, William R. Kem, Laura Paleari, Tom Turk, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Naturally occurring 3-alkylpyridinium polymers (poly-APS) from the marine sponge Reniera sarai, consisting of monomers containing polar pyridinium and nonpolar alkyl chain moieties, have been demonstrated to exert a wide range of biological activities, including a selective cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. APS8, an analog of poly-APS with defined alkyl chain length and molecular size, non-competitively inhibits α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at nanomolar concentrations that are too low to be acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory or generally cytotoxic. In the present study we show that APS8 inhibits NSCLC tumor cell growth and activates apoptotic pathways. APS8 was not toxic for normal lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, in NSCLC cells, APS8 reduced the adverse anti-apoptotic, proliferative effects of nicotine. Our results suggest that APS8 or similar compounds might be considered as lead compounds to develop antitumor therapeutic agents for at least certain types of lung cancer. Ključne besede: 3-alkylpyridinium polymers, apoptosis, nicotine, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, non-small cell lung carcinoma Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 265; Prenosov: 214 Celotno besedilo (973,49 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
788. Exceptional dense water formation on the Adriatic shelf in the winter of 2012Hrvoje Mihanović, Ivica Vilibić, Sandro Carniel, M. Tudor, A. Russo, A. Bergamasco, N. Bubić, Z. Ljubešić, Damir Viličić, A. Boldrin, Vlado Malačič, Massimo Celio, Cinzia Comici, F. Raicich, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: In this paper we document dense water formation throughout the Adriatic shelf and coastal area in January/February 2012, resulting in record-breaking densities observed during and after the event. The unprecedented dense water generation was preconditioned by a dry and warm year which resulted in a significant reduction of coastal freshwaters, superimposed on a long-term basin-wide salinity increase. The final event that triggered the dense water formation was an extended period of cold weather with strong and severe winds. Record-breaking potential density anomalies (above 30 kg m−3) were measured at several formation sites. Accumulated surface net heat and water losses in some coastal regions exceeded 1.5 GJ m−2 and 250 kg m−2 over 21 days, respectively. Excessiveness, importance of shelf-type dense water formation and effects on the thermohaline circulation and deep aquatic systems are discussed. Ključne besede: sea, marine water, density, physical oceanography, dense water, water density, Adriatic sea, Mediterranean sea, Adriatic shelf Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 332; Prenosov: 270 Celotno besedilo (24,27 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
789. Structural and functional responses of harpacticoid copepods to anoxia in the Northern Adriatic: an experimental approachMarleen Roelofs, Marleen De Troch, Bettina Riedel, Mateja Grego, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Combined in situ and laboratory studies were conducted to document the effects of anoxia on the structure and functioning of meiobenthic communities, with special focus on harpacticoid copepods. In a first step, anoxia was created artificially by means of an underwater chamber at 24 m depth in the Northern Adriatic, Gulf of Trieste (Mediterranean). Nematodes were found as the most abundant taxon, followed by harpacticoid copepods. While nematode densities were not affected by treatment (anoxia/normoxia) or sediment depth, these factors had a significant impact on copepod abundances. Harpacticoid copepod family diversity, in contrast, was not affected by anoxic conditions, only by depth. Ectinosomatidae and Cletodidae were most abundant in both normoxic and anoxic samples.
The functional response of harpacticoid copepods to anoxia was studied in a laboratory tracer experiment by adding 13C pre-labelled diatoms to sediment cores in order to test (1) if there is a difference in food uptake by copepods under normoxic and anoxic conditions and (2) whether initial (normoxia) feeding of harpacticoid copepods on diatoms results in a better survival of copepods in subsequent anoxic conditions. Independent of the addition of diatoms, there was a higher survival rate in normoxia than anoxia. The supply of additional food did not result in a higher survival rate of copepods in anoxia, which might be explained by the presence of a nutritionally better food source and/or a lack of starvation before adding the diatoms. However, there was a reduced grazing pressure by copepods on diatoms in anoxic conditions. This resulted in a modified fatty acid composition of the sediment. We concluded that anoxia not only impacts the survival of consumers (direct effect) but also of primary producers (indirect effect), with important implications for the recovery phase. Ključne besede: morje, plankton, kopepodi, živalski plankton, trofični status, morski plankton, harpaktikoidi, anoksije Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 288; Prenosov: 247 Celotno besedilo (3,81 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
790. CellTracker Green labelling vs. Rose Bengal staining: CTG wins by points in distinguishing living from dead anoxia-impacted copepods and nematodsMateja Grego, Michael Stachowitsch, Marleen De Troch, Bettina Riedel, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Hypoxia and anoxia have become a key threat to shallow coastal seas. Much is known about their impact on macrofauna, less on meiofauna. In an attempt to shed more light on the latter group, in particular from a process-oriented view, we experimentally induced short-term anoxia (1 week) in the northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean) and examined the two most abundant meiofauna taxa – harpacticoid copepods and nematodes. Both taxa also represent different ends of the tolerance spectrum, with copepods being the most sensitive and nematodes among the most tolerant. We compared two methods: CellTracker Green (CTG) – new labelling approach for meiofauna – with the traditional rose bengal (RB) staining method. CTG binds to active enzymes and therefore colours live organisms only. The two methods show considerable differences in the number of living and dead individuals of both meiofauna taxa. Generally, RB will stain dead but not yet decomposed copepods and nematodes equally as it does live ones. Specifically, RB significantly overestimated the number of living copepods in all sediment layers in anoxic samples, but not in any normoxic samples. In contrast, for nematodes, the methods did not show such a clear difference between anoxia and normoxia. RB overestimated the number of living nematodes in the top sediment layer of normoxic samples, which implies an overestimation of the overall live nematofauna. For monitoring and biodiversity studies, the RB method might be sufficient, but for more precise quantification of community degradation, especially after an oxygen depletion event, CTG labelling is a better tool. Moreover, it clearly highlights the surviving species within the copepod or nematode community. As already accepted for foraminiferal research, we demonstrate that the CTG labelling is also valid for other meiofauna groups. Ključne besede: morje, plankton, kopepodi, živalski plankton, trofični status, morski plankton, CTG, CellTracker Green Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 289; Prenosov: 204 Celotno besedilo (1,74 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |