Calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK or CPK) and CDPK-related kinase (CRK) play an important role in plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental stresses. However, their gene families had been yet inadequately investigated in Medicago truncatula. In this study, six MtCRK genes were computationally identified, they were classified into five groups with MtCDPKs based on phylogenetic relationships. Six pairs of segmental duplications were observed in MtCDPK and MtCRK genes and the Ka/Ks ratio, an indicator of selection pressure, was below 0.310, indicating that these gene pairs underwent strong purifying selection. Cis-acting elements of morphogenesis, multiple hormone responses, and abiotic stresses were predicted in the promoter region. The spatial expression of MtCDPKs and MtCRKs displays diversity. The expression of MtCDPKs and MtCRKs could be regulated by various stresses. MtCDPK4, 14, 16, 22, and MtCRK6 harbor both N-myristoylation site and palmitoylation site and were anchored on plasma membrane, while MtCDPK7, 9, and 15 contain no or only one N-acylation site and were distributed in cytosol and nucleus, suggesting that the N-terminal acylation sites play a key role in subcellular localization of MtCDPKs and MtCRKs. In summary, comprehensive characterization of MtCDPKs and MtCRKs provide a subset of candidate genes for further functional analysis and genetic improvement against drought, cold, salt and biotic stress.
Background.The HAK family is the largest potassium (K + ) transporter family, vital in K + uptake, plant growth, and both plant biotic and abiotic stress responses.Although HAK family members have been characterized and functionally investigated in many species, these genes are still not studied in detail in Medicago truncatula, a good model system for studying legume genetics.Methods.In this study, we screened the M. truncatula HAK family members (MtHAKs).Furthermore, we also conducted the identification, phylogenetic analysis, and prediction of conserved motifs of MtHAKs.Moreover, we studied the expression levels of MtHAKs under K + deficiency, drought, and salt stresses using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
The purpose of the study was to investigate the stability and oral delivery of DHA-encapsulated Pickering emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate–chitosan (SPI-CS) nanoparticles (SPI-CS Pickering emulsions) under various conditions and in the simulated gastrointestinal (GIT) model. The stability of DHA was characterized by the retention rate under storage, ionic strength, and thermal conditions. The oral delivery efficiency was characterized by the retention and release rate of DHA in the GIT model and cell viability and uptake in the Caco-2 model. The results showed that the content of DHA was above 90% in various conditions. The retention rate of DHA in Pickering emulsions containing various nanoparticle concentrations (1.5 and 3.5%) decreased to 80%, while passing through the mouth to the stomach, and DHA was released 26% in 1.5% Pickering emulsions, which was faster than that of 3.5% in the small intestine. After digestion, DHA Pickering emulsions proved to be nontoxic and effectively absorbed by cells. These findings helped to develop a novel delivery system for DHA.
Background The HAK family is the largest potassium (K + ) transporter family, vital in K + uptake, plant growth, and both plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Although HAK family members have been characterized and functionally investigated in many species, these genes are still not studied in detail in Medicago truncatula , a good model system for studying legume genetics. Methods In this study, we screened the M. truncatula HAK family members ( MtHAKs ). Furthermore, we also conducted the identification, phylogenetic analysis, and prediction of conserved motifs of MtHAKs . Moreover, we studied the expression levels of MtHAKs under K + deficiency, drought, and salt stresses using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results We identified 20 MtHAK family members and classified them into three clusters based on phylogenetic relationships. Conserved motif analyses showed that all MtHAK proteins besides MtHAK10 contained the highly conserved K + transport domain (GVVYGDLGTSPLY). qRT-PCR analysis showed that several MtHAK genes in roots were induced by abiotic stress. In particular, MtHAK15 , MtHAK17 , and MtHAK18 were strongly up-regulated in the M. truncatula roots under K + deficiency, drought, and salt stress conditions, thereby implying that these genes are good candidates for high-affinity K + uptake and therefore have essential roles in drought and salt tolerance. Discussions Our results not only provided the first genetic description and evolutionary relationships of the K + transporter family in M. truncatula , but also the potential information responding to K + deficiency and abiotic stresses, thereby laying the foundation for molecular breeding of stress-resistant legume crops in the future.
Background.The HAK family is the largest potassium (K + ) transporter family, vital in K + uptake, plant growth, and both plant biotic and abiotic stress responses.Although HAK family members have been characterized and functionally investigated in many species, these genes are still not studied in detail in Medicago truncatula, a good model system for studying legume genetics.Methods.In this study, we screened the M. truncatula HAK family members (MtHAKs).Furthermore, we also conducted the identification, phylogenetic analysis, and prediction of conserved motifs of MtHAKs.Moreover, we studied the expression levels of MtHAKs under K + deficiency, drought, and salt stresses using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
Abstract Calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs) are calcium (Ca2+) sensors involved in plant growth and development as well as adaptation to environmental stresses; however, their roles in plant responses to cold are not well understood. To reveal the role of MsCML10 from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in regulating cold tolerance, we examined transgenic alfalfa and Medicago truncatula overexpressing MsCML10, MsCML10-RNAi alfalfa, and a M. truncatula cml10-1 mutant and identified MsCML10-interacting proteins. MsCML10 and MtCML10 transcripts were induced by cold treatment. Upregulation or downregulation of MsCML10 resulted in increased or decreased cold tolerance, respectively, while cml10-1 showed decreased cold tolerance that was complemented by expressing MsCML10, suggesting that MsCML10 regulates cold tolerance. MsCML10 interacted with glutathione S-transferase (MsGSTU8) and fructose 1,6-biphosphate aldolase (MsFBA6), and the interaction depended on the presence of Ca2+. The altered activities of Glutathione S-transferase and FBA and levels of ROS and sugars were associated with MsCML10 transcript levels. We propose that MsCML10 decodes the cold-induced Ca2+ signal and regulates cold tolerance through activating MsGSTU8 and MsFBA6, leading to improved maintenance of ROS homeostasis and increased accumulation of sugars for osmoregulation, respectively.
Abstract Implantable sensors can directly interface with various organs for precise evaluation of health status. However, extracting signals from such sensors must rely on transcutaneous wires, integrated circuit chips, or cumbersome readout equipment, which increases the risks of infection, reduces the biocompatibility, or limits the portability. Here, we develop a set of millimeter-scale, chip-less and battery-less magnetic implants that can measure biophysical and biochemical signals wirelessly. In particular, the implants form two-way communications with a fully integrated wearable device, where the wearable device can induce a large-amplitude damped vibration of the magnetic implants and capture their subsequent motions in a wireless manner. Such damped vibrations reflect not only the biophysical conditions surrounding the implants movements, but also the concentration of a specific biochemical depending on the surface modification. Experiments in rat models demonstrate the capabilities in measuring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viscosity, intracranial pressure (ICP), and CSF glucose levels. This miniaturized system opens possibility for continuous, wireless monitoring of a wide range of biophysical and biochemical conditions within the living organism.
Background.The HAK family is the largest potassium (K + ) transporter family, vital in K + uptake, plant growth, and both plant biotic and abiotic stress responses.Although HAK family members have been characterized and functionally investigated in many species, these genes are still not studied in detail in Medicago truncatula, a good model system for studying legume genetics.Methods.In this study, we screened the M. truncatula HAK family members (MtHAKs).Furthermore, we also conducted the identification, phylogenetic analysis, and prediction of conserved motifs of MtHAKs.Moreover, we studied the expression levels of MtHAKs under K + deficiency, drought, and salt stresses using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
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