Identification and Expression Profile of CLE41/44-PXY-WOX Genes in Adult Trees Pinus sylvestris L. Trunk Tissues during Cambial Activity

WUSCHEL (WUS)-related homeobox (WOX) protein family members play important roles in the maintenance and proliferation of the stem cells in the cambium, the lateral meristem that forms all the wood structural elements. Most studies have examined the function of these genes in angiosperms, and very little was known about coniferous trees. Pine is one of the most critical forest-forming conifers globally, and in this research, we studied the distribution of WOX4, WOX13, and WOXG genes expression in Pinus sylvestris L. trunk tissues. Further, we considered the role of TDIF(CLE41/44)/TDR(PXY) signaling in regulating Scots pine cambial activity. The distribution of CLE41/44-PXY-WOXs gene expression in Scots pine trunk tissues was studied: (1) depending on the stage of ontogenesis (the first group of objects); and (2) depending on the stage of cambial growth (the second group of objects). The first group of objects is lingonberry pine forests of different ages (30-, 80-, and 180-year-old stands) in the middle taiga subzone. At the time of selection, all the trees of the studied groups were at the same seasonal stage of development: the formation of late phloem and early xylem was occurring in the trunk. The second group of objects is 40-year-old pine trees that were selected growing in the forest seed orchard. We took the trunk tissue samples on 27 May 2022, 21 June 2022, and 21 July 2022. We have indicated the spatial separation expressed of PsCLE41/44 and PsPXY in pine trunk tissues. PsCLE41/44 was differentially expressed in Fraction 1, including phloem cells and cambial zone. Maximum expression of the PsPXY gene occurred in Fraction 2, including differentiating xylem cells. The maximum expression of the PsCLE41/44 gene occurred on 27 May, when the number of cells in the cambial zone was the highest, and then it decreased to almost zero. The PsPXY gene transcript level increased from May to the end of July. We found that the highest transcript level of the PsWOX4 gene was during the period of active cell proliferation in the cambial zone, and also in the trees with the cambial age 63 years, which were characterized by the largest number of cell layers in the cambial zone. In this study, we have examined the expression profiles of genes belonging to the ancient clade (PsWOXG and PsWOX13) in stem tissues in Scots pine for the first time. We found that, in contrast to PsWOX4 (high expression that was observed during the period of active formation of early tracheids), the expression of genes of the ancient clade of the WOX genes was observed during the period of decreased cambial activity in the second half of the growing season. We found that PsWOX13 expression was shifted to Fraction 1 in most cases and increased from the phloem side, while PsWOXG expression was not clearly bound to a certain fraction. Based on the data, the role of the CLE41/44-PXY-WOX signaling module in regulating P. sylvestris cambial growth is discussed.

Plant-Programmed Cell Death-Associated Genes Participation in Pinus sylvestris L. Trunk Tissue Formation

Molecular genetic markers of various PCD (programmed cell death) variants during xylo- and phloemogenesis have been identified for the first time in Scots pine under lingonberry pine forest conditions in Northwest Russia (middle taiga subzone). PCD is a genetically determined process. Gene profiles of serine and cysteine proteases (endopeptidases), endonucleases, and metacaspases families are often considered markers of the final xylogenesis stage. In the present study, we examined the gene expression profiles of the BFN (bifunctional endonuclease) family-BFN, BFN1, BFN2, BFN3, and peptidase (cysteine endopeptidase, CEP and metacaspase, MC5) in the radial row, in addition to the vascular phloem and cambium (F1), differentiating xylem (F2), sapwood (SW), and transition zone during the active cambial growth period of uneven-aged pine trees (25-, 63- and 164-cambial age (c.a.) years old). We have shown that the expression patterns of the PCD-related genes did not depend on the cambial age but were largely determined by plant tissue type. In the radial row F1-F2-SW, we studied the activities of enzymes, including sucrose in metabolism (sucrose synthase, three forms of invertase); antioxidant system (AOS) enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase); and peroxidase andpolyphenol oxidase, which belonged to AOS enzymes and were involved in the synthesis of phenolic components of cell walls. The activity of the enzymes indicated that the trunk tissues of pine trees had varying metabolic status. Molecular genetic PCD regulation mechanisms during xylem vascular and mechanical element formation and parenchyma cells' PCD during the formation of Scots pine heartwood were discussed.

Changes in the Activity of the CLE41/PXY/WOX Signaling Pathway in the Birch Cambial Zone under Different Xylogenesis Patterns

The balance between cell proliferation and differentiation into other cell types is crucial for meristem indeterminacy, and both growth aspects are under genetic control. The peptide-receptor signaling module regulates the activity of the cambial stem cells and the differentiation of their derivatives, along with cytokinins and auxin. We identified the genes encoding the signaling module CLE41-PXY and the regulator of vascular cambium division WOX4 and studied their expression during the period of cambial growth in the radial row: the conducting phloem/cambial zone and the differentiating xylem in two forms of Betula pendula, silver birch and Karelian birch. We have shown that the expression maximum of the BpCLE41/44a gene precedes the expression maximum of the BpPXY gene. Non-figured Karelian birch plants with straight-grained wood are characterized by a more intensive growth and the high expression of CLE41/44-PXY-WOX4. Figured Karelian birch plants, where the disturbed ratio and spatial orientation of structural elements characterizes the wood, have high levels of BpWOX4 expression and a decrease in xylem growth as well as the formation of xylem with a lower vessel density. The mutual influences of CLE41-PXY signaling and auxin signaling on WOX4 gene activity and the proliferation of cambium stem cells are discussed.

Expression Analysis of Key Auxin Biosynthesis, Transport, and Metabolism Genes of Betula pendula with Special Emphasis on Figured Wood Formation in Karelian Birch

Auxin status in woody plants is believed to be a critical factor for the quantity and quality of the wood formed. It has been previously demonstrated that figured wood formation in Karelian birch (Betula pendula Roth var. carelica (Merckl.) Hämet-Ahti) is associated with a reduced auxin level and elevated sugar content in the differentiating xylem, but the molecular mechanisms of the abnormal xylogenesis remained largely unclear. We have identified genes involved in auxin biosynthesis (Yucca), polar auxin transport (PIN) and the conjugation of auxin with amino acids (GH3) and UDP-glucose (UGT84B1) in the B. pendula genome, and analysed their expression in trunk tissues of trees differing in wood structure. Almost all the investigated genes were overexpressed in Karelian birch trunks. Although Yucca genes were overexpressed, trunk tissues in areas developing figured grain had traits of an auxin-deficient phenotype. Overexpression of GH3s and UGT84B1 appears to have a greater effect on figured wood formation. Analysis of promoters of the differentially expressed genes revealed a large number of binding sites with various transcription factors associated with auxin and sugar signalling. These data agree with the hypothesis that anomalous figured wood formation in Karelian birch may be associated with the sugar induction of auxin conjugation.

[Electrostimulation in the therapy of bronchial asthma]

Programmed electrostimulators of the sinocarotid nerves were implanted to 78 patients with bacterial asthma (BA) with a severe hormone-dependent course (age 18-67 years). Radiofrequency electrostimulation was performed daily for 6 years (impulse current, 30-150 Hz, 0.1-0.4 ms, 0.1-0.5 W. The regime was selected individually by the bronchodilating effect measured at pneumotachometry. The electrostimulation effectively arrested and prevented the majority of asphyxia attacks, reduced their frequency (2.7-fold) and need in medicines (2.7-3.4-fold). Serious complications were absent. Electrostimulation of the sinocarotid nerves can be applied in patients with bronchial asthma resistant to drug therapy, in side effects of glucocorticosteroids and adrenomimetic drugs.

[Radiofrequency electrostimulation of sympathetic nerve boundary trunk in patients with bronchial asthma]

In 7 patients aged from 43 to 64 years with severe infectious allergic forms of bronchial asthma with curative aims radiofrequency electrostimulator for the boundary trunk of the sympathic nerve (BTSN) has been implanted in the neck. Daily sessions of electrostimulation (ES) by the current with parameters 1-100 Hz, 0.1-0.4 m/s, 0.1-2.0 V adjusted individually by maximal broncholytic and clinical effects were performed for 5 years. It was established that ES of BTSN can produce both bronchial dilatation and bronchial spasm. Application of ES of BTSN has resulted in a decrease of bronchial hyperreactivity, frequency of asthmatic attacks 2.6-3.2 fold in consumption of antiasthmatic drugs 2.4-2.7 fold. The only complication has been detected--rejection of the electrostimulator due to the defect of its capsule. This method can be applied as an adjuvant in therapy of severe forms of bronchial asthma resistant to drug treatment.

Structural Systematics of Rare Earth Complexes. IX. Tris(nitrato-O,O')(bidentate-N,N')lutetium(III), N,N'-Bidentate Equals 2,2'-Bipyridine or 1,10-Phenanthroline

Room-temperature single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of the title compounds, namely, [(ONO2)3Lu(N,N'-bidentate)2], N,N'-bidentate = 'bpy' = 2,2'-bipyridine or 'phen' = 1,10-phenan-throline, are recorded. The complexes are isomorphous with their previously studied lanthanum analogues, being orthorhombic, Pbcn, a 16.517(3), b 9.111(3), c 15.080(3) Ǻ, Z = 4 f.u., and monoclinic, C2/c, a 11.186(7), b 17.785(13), c 12.972(10) Ǻ, β 100.27(5)°, Z = 4 f.u., with R (on |F|) being 0.046 and 0.045 for 1339 and 2097 independent 'observed' (I > 3σ(I)) reflections respectively. The stereochemistries about the metal atoms are also similar, Lu(O2)3(N2)2, the metal atom in each case lying on a crystallographic twofold axis, which also passes through the axis of one of the bidentate nitrate groups; the latter, unlike their counterparts in the La/bpy complexes are not disordered.

The Rare Earth(III) Nitrate Dimethyl Sulfoxide Adducts [( dmso )nLn(O2NO)3]

Adducts [( dmso )nLn(O2NO)3], obtained by the crystallizatior , of lanthanoid (III) nitrate ( Ln (NO3)3.-xH2O) with excess dimethyl sulfoxide (' dmso ') in methanol or ethanol, have been the subject of a series of room-temperature single-crystal X-ray studies, defining more clearly the manner in which stoichiometry and structure systematically vary with change in metal ion radius. All complexes studied are mononuclear, the metal ion being complexed by three bidentate nitrate ligands and a number of dmso ligands , four for La-Sm and three beyond. The array La- Sm is monoclinic C2/c, a ≈ 14.9, b ≈ 15.5, c ≈ 15.5 Ǻ, β ≈ 108.4°, Z = 4 f.u .; the metal atom is disposed on a crystallographic 2 axis, which also passes through one of the nitrate groups. The series Eu -Tm (inclusive also of Y) is monoclinic, P21/n, a ≈ 11.5, b ≈ 12.7, c ≈ 13.6 Ǻ, β ≈ 100°, Z = 4 f.u ., while Yb and Lu are also monoclinic, P21/c, a ≈ 10.0, b ≈ 12.6, c ≈ 16 Ǻ, β ≈ 100.6°, Z = 4 f.u.

[Methods of computing the content of individual fatty acids in food products]

Two ways of calculating the content of individual fatty acids in the foods based on the data of gas liquid and thin-layer chromatography (through average values calculation) or only on those of the first (through addition of standard) are advisable. Most reliable in the last case is addition of trimargarine as a standard. The evaluation of the calculation errors is given. A variation of acidic-alkaline methanolysis of fat and esterification of free fatty acids in a closed system is proposed. By using this procedure the yield of methyl esters of fatty acids forms 90 +/- 7 per cent.