Analysis of Germin-like protein genes family in Vitis vinifera (VvGLPs) using various in silico approaches

Abstract Germin-like proteins (GLPs) play an important role against various stresses. Vitis vinifera L. genome contains 7 GLPs; many of them are functionally unexplored. However, the computational analysis may provide important new insight into their function. Currently, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, domain architectures, 3D structures, N-glycosylation & phosphorylation sites, and phylogeney of the VvGLPs were investigated using the latest computational tools. Their functions were predicted using the Search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) and Blast2Go servers. Most of the VvGLPs were extracellular (43%) in nature but also showed periplasmic (29%), plasma membrane (14%), and mitochondrial- or chloroplast-specific (14%) expression. The functional analysis predicted unique enzymatic activities for these proteins including terpene synthase, isoprenoid synthase, lipoxygenase, phosphate permease, receptor kinase, and hydrolases generally mediated by Mn+ cation. VvGLPs showed similarity in the overall structure, shape, and position of the cupin domain. Functionally, VvGLPs control and regulate the production of secondary metabolites to cope with various stresses. Phylogenetically VvGLP1, -3, -4, -5, and VvGLP7 showed greater similarity due to duplication while VvGLP2 and VvGLP6 revealed a distant relationship. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of diverse cis-regulatory elements among which CAAT box, MYB, MYC, unnamed-4 were common to all of them. The analysis will help to utilize VvGLPs and their promoters in future food programs by developing resistant cultivars against various biotic (Erysiphe necator and in Powdery Mildew etc.) and abiotic (Salt, drought, heat, dehydration, etc.) stresses.

Long-term pancreas allograft outcome in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a comparison of enteric and bladder drainage

BACKGROUND

The optimal pancreatic exocrine drainage method remains controversial. Bladder drainage (BD) is widely used, but associated with a high incidence of urological complications (acidosis, dehydration, pancreatitis, and urinary tract infection). Enteric drainage (ED) avoids this morbidity, but may be associated with inferior graft survival.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study comparing BD and ED in 71 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients (37 BD; 34 ED) transplanted between February 1988 and June 1996.

RESULTS

Five BD and five ED patients experienced early pancreas loss within 3 months after transplantation. The mean follow-up of the remaining 61 patients has been 45.7+/-3.9 and 76.0+/-3.3 months for ED and BD patients, respectively (P<0.005). Both groups had similar pretransplant demographics, co-morbidity, and nutritional and immunological status. The incidence of volume depletion (3.4% vs. 34.3%), acidosis (0% vs. 41.0%), pancreatitis (3.4% vs. 39.7%) and urinary tract infection (26.7% vs. 71%) was lower in ED patients (P<0.005 vs. BD). Of the BD group, 18.7% required conversion to ED for intractable complications. Initial length of stay was equivalent (17.7+/-9 days vs. 18.4+/-10 days) between groups. However, the number of admissions (0.79+/-0.18 vs. 1.38+/-0.14) and in-hospital days/patient/year (6.26+/-1.16 vs. 11.46+/-2.12) was less in ED patients (P<0.05 vs. BD). Actuarial patient and pancreas allograft survival up to 4 years after transplant was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with BD, (a) perioperative morbidity is not increased by ED, (b) ED is associated with fewer complications and hospitalizations, and (c) ED is not associated with increased long-term pancreas graft failure. These data suggest that ED is superior to BD and should be considered as the preferred technique for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants.