1
|
Avisar D, Manoeli A, dos Santos AA, Porto ACDM, Rocha CDS, Zauza E, Gonzalez ER, Soliman E, Gonsalves JMW, Bombonato L, Galan MP, Domingues MM, Candelaria MC, Mafia R, Graça RN, Azulay S, Livne S, Dias TB, Drezza TR, Silva WJ, Pinheiro AC. Genetically engineered eucalyptus expressing pesticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis for insect resistance: a risk assessment evaluation perspective. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1322985. [PMID: 38562667 PMCID: PMC10982518 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1322985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Eucalyptus covers approximately 7.5 million hectares in Brazil and serves as the primary woody species cultivated for commercial purposes. However, native insects and invasive pests pose a significant threat to eucalyptus trees, resulting in substantial economic losses and reduced forest productivity. One of the primary lepidopteran pests affecting eucalyptus is Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), commonly referred to as the brown looper caterpillar. To address this issue, FuturaGene, the biotech division of Suzano S.A., has developed an insect-resistant (IR) eucalyptus variety, which expresses Cry pesticidal proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1Bb, and Cry2Aa), derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Following extensive safety assessments, including field trials across various biomes in Brazil, the Brazilian National Technical Commission of Biosafety (CTNBio) recently approved the commercialization of IR eucalyptus. The biosafety assessments involved the analysis of molecular genomics, digestibility, thermostability, non-target organism exposure, degradability in the field, and effects on soil microbial communities and arthropod communities. In addition, in silico studies were conducted to evaluate allergenicity and toxicity. Results from both laboratory and field studies indicated that Bt eucalyptus is as safe as the conventional eucalyptus clone for humans, animals, and the environment, ensuring the secure use of this insect-resistant trait in wood production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dror Avisar
- FuturaGene Israel Ltd. (R&D), Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria P. Galan
- Suzano S.A. (FuturaGene—Biotech Division), Itapetininga, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sivan Livne
- FuturaGene Israel Ltd. (R&D), Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cruz A, Ferian A, Alves PKN, Silva WJ, Bento MR, Gasch A, Labeit S, Moriscot AS. Skeletal Muscle Anti-Atrophic Effects of Leucine Involve Myostatin Inhibition. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:2289-2299. [PMID: 33136436 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of mechanical load leads to skeletal muscle atrophy, and one major underlying mechanism involves the myostatin pathway that negatively regulates protein synthesis and also activates Atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF1 genes. In hindlimb immobilization, leucine was observed to attenuate the upregulation of the referred atrogenes, thereby shortening the impact on fiber cross-sectional area, nonetheless, the possible connection with myostatin is still elusive. This study sought to verify the impact of leucine supplementation on myostatin expression. Male Wistar rats were supplemented with leucine and hindlimb immobilized for 3 and 7 days, after which soleus muscles were removed for morphometric measurements and analyzed for gene and protein expression by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Muscle wasting was prominent 7 days after immobilization, as expected, leucine feeding mitigated this effect. Atrogin-1/MAFbx gene expression was upregulated only after 3 days of immobilization, and this effect was attenuated by leucine supplementation. Atrogin-1/MAFbx protein levels were elevated after 7 days of immobilization, which leucine supplementation was not able to lessen. On the other hand, myostatin gene expression was upregulated in immobilization for 3 and 7 days, which returned to normal levels after leucine supplementation. Myostatin protein levels followed gene expression at a 3-day time point only. Follistatin gene expression was upregulated during immobilization and accentuated by leucine after 3 days of supplementation. Concerning protein expression, follistatin was not altered neither by immobilization nor in immobilized animals treated with leucine. In conclusion, leucine protects against skeletal muscle mass loss during disuse, and the underlying molecular mechanisms appear to involve myostatin inhibition and Atrogin-1 normalization independently of follistatin signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Cruz
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea Ferian
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula K N Alves
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Jose Silva
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirella Ribeiro Bento
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Gasch
- Institute for Integrative Pathophysiology, Faculty for Clinical Medicine Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Siegfried Labeit
- Institute for Integrative Pathophysiology, Faculty for Clinical Medicine Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anselmo Sigari Moriscot
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Silvestre JG, Baptista IL, Silva WJ, Cruz A, Silva MT, Miyabara EH, Labeit S, Moriscot AS. The E3 ligase MuRF2 plays a key role in the functional capacity of skeletal muscle fibroblasts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 52:e8551. [PMID: 31482977 PMCID: PMC6720025 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20198551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are a highly heterogeneous population of cells, being found in a large number of different tissues. These cells produce the extracellular matrix, which is essential to preserve structural integrity of connective tissues. Fibroblasts are frequently engaged in migration and remodeling, exerting traction forces in the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for matrix deposition and wound healing. In addition, previous studies performed on primary myoblasts suggest that the E3 ligase MuRF2 might function as a cytoskeleton adaptor. Here, we hypothesized that MuRF2 also plays a functional role in skeletal muscle fibroblasts. We found that skeletal muscle fibroblasts express MuRF2 and its siRNA knock-down promoted decreased fibroblast migration, cell border accumulation of polymerized actin, and down-regulation of the phospho-Akt expression. Our results indicated that MuRF2 was necessary to maintain the actin cytoskeleton functionality in skeletal muscle fibroblasts via Akt activity and exerted an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling in the skeletal muscle tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J G Silvestre
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - I L Baptista
- Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas, UNICAMP, Limeira, SP, Brasil
| | - W J Silva
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - A Cruz
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - M T Silva
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - E H Miyabara
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - S Labeit
- Institute for Integrative Pathophysiology, Mannheim Medical University, Faculty for Clinical Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - A S Moriscot
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gonçalves LM, Del Bel Cury AA, Sartoratto A, Garcia Rehder VL, Silva WJ. Effects of undecylenic acid released from denture liner on Candida biofilms. J Dent Res 2012; 91:985-9. [PMID: 22904206 DOI: 10.1177/0022034512458689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Denture liners (DL) are easily colonized by Candida spp. In an attempt to prevent biofilm colonization, manufacturers have incorporated undecylenic acid (UDA) into DL. In this in vitro study, the effects of UDA released from DL on Candida biofilms were investigated. The concentrations of UDA released from commercial DL were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungistatic concentration (MFC) tests were performed for C. albicans or C. glabrata, with UDA for comparison with the concentrations released from DL. Specimens of DL with (experimental group) and without UDA (control group) were fabricated, and Candida biofilms were developed on DL surfaces. Biofilms were evaluated by cell counts, metabolic activity, structure, and secretion of proteinase or phospholipase. The concentrations of UDA released were within the MIC and MFC ranges. In the presence of UDA, C. albicans biofilms were thinner and had lower numbers of viable and active cells, although no significant enzymatic changes were observed relative to the control group (p > 0.05). In contrast, C. glabrata biofilms exhibited higher cell counts and greater metabolic activity and also increased proteinase activity in the presence of UDA relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Overall, UDA did not prevent Candida biofilm formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Gonçalves
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Avenida Limeira, 901, 13414-903 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seneviratne CJ, Silva WJ, Jin LJ, Samaranayake YH, Samaranayake LP. Architectural analysis, viability assessment and growth kinetics of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms. Arch Oral Biol 2009; 54:1052-60. [PMID: 19712926 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida is able to form biofilms in almost all the medical devices in current use. Indeed, biofilm formation is a major virulence attribute of microorganisms and account for a majority of human infections. Therefore, understanding processes appertaining to biofilm development is an important prerequisite for devising new strategies to prevent or eradicate biofilm-related infections. In the present study we used an array of both conventional and novel analytical tools to obtain a comprehensive view of Candida biofilm development. Enumeration of colony forming units, colorimetric (XTT) assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and novel Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) coupled with COMSTAT software analyses were utilised to evaluate growth kinetics; architecture and viability of biofilms of a reference (ATCC) and a clinical strain each of two Candida species, C. albicans and C. glabrata. Biofilm growth kinetics on a polystyrene substrate was evaluated from the initial adhesion step (1.5 h) up to 72 h. These analyses revealed substantial inter- and intra-species differences in temporal organisation of Candida biofilm architecture, spatiality and cellular viability, while reaching maturity within a period of 48 h, on a polystyrene substrate. There were substantial differences in the growth kinetics upon methodology, although general trend seemed to be the same. Detailed architectural analysis provided by COMSTAT software corroborated the SEM and CSLM views. These analyses may provide a strong foundation for down stream molecular work of fungal biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C J Seneviratne
- Oral Bio-Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Silva WJ, Dória GAA, Maia RT, Nunes RS, Carvalho GA, Blank AF, Alves PB, Marçal RM, Cavalcanti SCH. Effects of essential oils on Aedes aegypti larvae: alternatives to environmentally safe insecticides. Bioresour Technol 2008; 99:3251-5. [PMID: 17662602 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Revised: 05/14/2007] [Accepted: 05/14/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The essential oils from leaves of Hyptis fruticosa (Lamiaceae) Salzm., H. pectinata (Lamiaceae) Poit., and Lippia gracilis (Verbenaceae) HBK were investigated for their larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and analyzed by GC/MS. Fifty-nine compounds, representing 91.28-98.39% of the essential oils, have been identified. A standard solution was used to make 20 mL solutions ranging from 30 to 2000 ppm. Twenty larvae between third and fourth stages were added to the essential oil solution. A mortality count was conducted 24 h after treatment. Essential oils LC50 and their confidence limits at 95% probability were calculated by the methods of Reed-Muench and Pizzi, respectively. The essential oil of Lippia gracilis showed potent insecticidal effect against Aedes aegypti larvae, the vector of dengue fever. Carvacrol and caryophyllene oxide were the main responsible for the activity of L. gracilis and H. pectinata. Minor compounds are probably acting synergistically to achieve H. fruticosa activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W J Silva
- Physiology Department, Federal University of Sergipe, Caixa Postal 52, CEP, 490001-970 Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Borges LMF, Ferri PH, Silva WJ, Silva WC, Silva JG. In vitro efficacy of extracts of Melia azedarach against the tick Boophilus microplus. Med Vet Entomol 2003; 17:228-231. [PMID: 12823842 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2915.2003.00426.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of ripe fruit extracts of Melia azedarach L. (Rutales: Meliaceae) was evaluated against the tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae). Ripe fruits of M. azedarach dried and powdered were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus successively using hexane, CHCl3 and 96% aqueous ethanol. Larvae and engorged females were immersed in decreasing concentrations from 0.25% to 0.015% of each extract. The mortality of larvae was evaluated 24, 72 and 168 h after treatment. The effectiveness of treatment against engorged females was assessed by measuring egg production. All tested extracts caused mortality of B. microplus larvae, with higher mortality rates observed in CHCl3 (100%) and hexanic extract (98%) than in ethanolic extract (50%) 168 h after treatment. The mortality was dependent on concentration and on time after treatment. Similarly hexanic and CHCl3 extracts showed higher effectiveness (varying from 14% to 100%) against B. microplus engorged females than ethanolic extract (varying from 0% to 46%). Melia azedarach extracts did not kill the adult females, but inhibited partially or totally egg production and embryogenesis. These results show that the less polar the extract of M. azedarach ripe fruits the more its effectiveness against larvae and engorged females of B. microplus. This plant may therefore be useful in the control of resistant B. microplus populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M F Borges
- DMIPP, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Química, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Cx Postal 131, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Prioli LM, Silva WJ, Sondahl MR. Tissue culture and plant regeneration in diploid perennial teosinte. J Plant Physiol 1984; 117:185-190. [PMID: 23195615 DOI: 10.1016/s0176-1617(84)80033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/1984] [Accepted: 08/31/1984] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
High frequency plant regeneration is described for Zea diploperennis callus from somatic tissues. Small callus fragments were excised after 3-4 passages on primary medium (MS salts containing 2,4-D) and transferred to regeneration medium (without 2,4-D). After 10-15 days, numerous shoots were observed which grew to normal plantlets following separation and transfer to a rooting medium. Presently, ca. 500 plants have been recovered from which approximately 80 plants are growing in small pots in a nursery and ca. 50 plants have already produced normal flowers and seeds under field conditions. The culture of somatic tissues of interspecific hybrids between cultivated corn and teosinte may offer new success for in vitro plant regeneration.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
A new method for nasotracheal intubation of infants and young children is described. This method offers a smooth, reliable, and rapid means of entry into these children's airways in a safe and efficient manner in a wide variety of cardiorespiratory illnesses. This technique should be reserved for well-trained physicians with adequate equipment and experience. It is an optional technique for intubation that should be available in all modern general and children's hospitals throughout the country.
Collapse
|
10
|
Coble P, McPartland RJ, Silva WJ, Kupfer DJ. Is there a first night effect? (a revisit). Biol Psychiatry 1974; 9:215-9. [PMID: 4371884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|