Article
Plant Sciences
Boominathan Mohanasundaram, Amey J. Bhide, Shirsa Palit, Gargi Chaturvedi, Maneesh Lingwan, Shyam Kumar Masakapalli, Anjan K. Banerjee
Summary: A novel bryophyte-specific gene, SHLF, was identified in this study, which affects leaf length and auxin distribution patterns in plants. Studies on the functional characteristics of SHLF and phylogenetic analysis could provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations of early land plants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pol Vendrell-Mir, Pierre-Francois Perroud, Fabian B. Haas, Rabea Meyberg, Florence Charlot, Stefan A. Rensing, Fabien Nogue, Josep M. Casacuberta
Summary: Next-generation sequencing techniques have been used to identify new plant viruses, increasing our knowledge beyond economically important crops. A study identified a virus named PHPAV1 infecting Physcomitrium patens, which can be vertically transmitted throughout the plant cell cycle.
Review
Plant Sciences
Wenye Lin, Ying Wang, Yoan Coudert, Daniel Kierzkowski
Summary: Specialized photosynthetic organs have evolved independently multiple times in land plants, with bryophytes like mosses displaying leaf-like organs called phyllids that differ greatly from vascular tissues in flowering plants. Despite the differences, there are morphological similarities between the leaf structures of mosses and flowering plants. By studying leaf morphogenesis in the moss Physcomitrium patens, researchers can uncover cellular patterns and molecular regulatory mechanisms, and potentially identify parallels with leaf development in flowering plants. This research direction may help answer fundamental questions in plant development by using moss leaves as a model system.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Adriana Otero-Blanca, Yordanis Perez-Llano, Guillermo Reboledo-Blanco, Veronica Lira-Ruan, Daniel Padilla-Chacon, Jorge Luis Folch-Mallol, Maria del Rayo Sanchez-Carbente, Ines Ponce De Leon, Ramon Alberto Batista-Garcia
Summary: Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a devastating plant disease affecting plant productivity. The defense response of the model moss Physcomitrium patens to C. gloeosporioides involves appressoria formation at 24 hours post-inoculation, massive tissue colonization and cell death at 48 hours, and upregulation of genes related to pathogen recognition, secondary metabolism, and cell wall reinforcement. This study highlights the transcriptional changes in P. patens during interaction with C. gloeosporioides, shifting from primary metabolism to defense mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanae Utsunomiya, Nozomi Saiki, Hayato Kadoguchi, Masaya Fukudome, Satomi Hashimoto, Mami Ueda, Katsuaki Takechi, Hiroyoshi Takano
Summary: Homologous genes for peptidoglycan precursor flippase MurJ and peptidoglycan hydrolases MltB and VanY are crucial for chloroplast division in the moss Physcomitrella patens.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Guillermo Reboledo, Astrid Agorio, Lucia Vignale, Alfonso Alvarez, Ines Ponce De Leon
Summary: This study reveals the presence of a pathogen-inducible ERF gene family PpERF24 in moss plants, which is absent in liverworts, ferns, and angiosperms. PpERF24 enhances plant defenses against fungal pathogens by regulating the expression of defense genes involved in transcriptional regulation, phenylpropanoid and jasmonate pathways, oxidative burst, and pathogenesis-related genes. These findings provide novel insights into the defense mechanisms of moss plants.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanhua Ge, Yi Gao, Yuling Jiao, Ying Wang
Summary: This study reveals the regulation of midrib formation in moss by the orthologs of Arabidopsis LATERAL SUPPRESSOR gene, which is a key regulator of axillary meristem initiation in seed plants. The PpLAS/AtLAS genes have conserved functions in promoting cell division in both lineages, highlighting the importance of the conserved regulatory module in different developmental programs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tetsuya Kawakami, Sho Miyazaki, Hiroshi Kawaide
Summary: This study reports the molecular characterization of isoprene synthase (ISPS) from the moss Calohypnum plumiforme. The cDNA encoding CpISPS was identified and the recombinant CpISPS produced in Escherichia coli was found to convert dimethylallyl diphosphate to isoprene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CpISPS is derived from moss diterpene cyclases (DTCs) and is evolutionarily unrelated to ISPSs of higher plants. CpISPS is a novel class I cyclase of the terpene synthase-c subfamily. This study contributes to the understanding of isoprene biosynthesis and the physiological functions of isoprene in mosses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nasim Rahmatpour, Neranjan Perera, Vijender Singh, Jill L. Wegrzyn, Bernard Goffinet
Summary: A new paradigm is emerging in the diversification of bryophytes, revealing the dynamic evolution of their genome with evidence of whole genome duplication events. Comparative transcriptome analysis of closely related species highlights significant gene sequence and gene number divergence, suggesting a strong genome evolution influenced by duplication events. The evolution of Funariaceae may be driven by the diversification of metabolic genes optimizing adaptations to environmental conditions, reflecting ecological patterns seen in seed plants.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Melanie Kreiss, Fabian B. Haas, Maike Hansen, Stefan A. Rensing, Ute Hoecker
Summary: The PpCOP1 and PpSPA proteins in Physcomitrium work together to regulate growth and development, but unlike their counterparts in Arabidopsis, they only partially suppress light signaling in darkness. Additional repressors may exist that contribute to the repression of a light response in dark-exposed Physcomitrium.
Article
Biology
Oguz Top, Stella W. L. Milferstaedt, Nico van Gessel, Sebastian N. W. Hoernstein, Bugra Ozdemir, Eva L. Decker, Ralf Reski
Summary: The expression of human cDNA in moss generates unexpected transcripts, negatively impacting protein expression. By analyzing genes and transcripts, a web application called physCO was developed to optimize cDNA for increased protein yield. This research can assist in maximizing functional protein amounts in biotechnology.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Katarina Landberg, Jan Simura, Karin Ljung, Eva Sundberg, Mattias Thelander
Summary: Auxin plays a crucial role in plant development, affecting the differentiation of stem cells and gametes. While apical stem cells synthesize auxin, their progeny respond to it. Gamete precursors rely on auxin sensing, but the final differentiation process is low in auxin sensitivity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Katsuaki Takechi, Hiroaki Nagase, Tomoyuki Furuya, Koro Hattori, Yoshikatsu Sato, Kensuke Miyajima, Tomofumi Higuchi, Ryuya Matsuda, Susumu Takio, Hirokazu Tsukaya, Hiroyoshi Takano
Summary: This study found that the PpAN2 genes play a crucial role in cell elongation regulation in moss plants, showing partial redundancy with the PpAN1 genes. Additionally, transgenic experiments revealed that the activity of AN is dependent on the N-terminal regions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shirsa Palit, Amey J. Bhide, Boominathan Mohanasundaram, Madhusmita Pala, Anjan K. Banerjee
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the role of a bryophyte-specific protein called SHORT-LEAF (SHLF) in plant development. They found that the signal peptide and the conserved tandem direct repeat (TDR) domains of SHLF are crucial for its function. SHLF acts as a secretory protein, and the TDRs contribute to the production of secreted peptides that are essential for its function. The researchers also discovered that the mutant form of SHLF lacks these peptides, and supplementation with the peptides or secretome from normal SHLF can partially or fully restore the mutant phenotype.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaodan Wang, Kangkai Zheng, Wenyu Cheng, Jie Li, Xiangxiu Liang, Jie Shen, Daolong Dou, Meizhen Yin, Shuo Yan
Summary: The use of environmentally-friendly fungicides, such as elicitors and botanical fungicides, is a global trend to reduce exposure risks to ecosystems. A star polymer (SPc) was developed as a sustainable delivery method for plant elicitors/botanical fungicides with enhanced control effects against potato late blight, a major crop pathogen.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Elina A. Tuovinen, Sakari Poysti, Firas Hamdan, Kim My Le, Salla Keskitalo, Tanja Turunen, Lea Minier, Nanni Mamia, Kaarina Heiskanen, Markku Varjosalo, Vincenzo Cerullo, Juha Kere, Mikko R. J. Seppanen, Arno Hanninen, Juha Gronholm
Summary: This study investigated the function and phenotype of expanded gamma delta T cells in individuals with atypical SCID. The findings suggest that these cells have distinct characteristics in terms of IL2RG cell surface expression, signaling, cytotoxicity, and the presence of a novel IL2RG variant restricted to gamma delta T cells.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Zlatka Plavec, Ausra Domanska, Xiaonan Liu, Pia Laine, Lars Paulin, Markku Varjosalo, Petri Auvinen, Sharon G. Wolf, Maria Anastasina, Sarah J. Butcher
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed two effective and rapid purification methods for SARS-CoV-2, followed by UV inactivation. We recommend the use of Capto Core for purification and UV for inactivation as a simple and fast workflow.
Article
Immunology
Elina A. Tuovinen, Outi Kuismin, Leila Soikkonen, Timi Martelius, Meri Kaustio, Sari Hamalainen, Hanna Viskari, Jaana Syrjanen, Ulla Wartiovaara-Kautto, Kari K. Eklund, Janna Saarela, Markku Varjosalo, Juha Kere, Timo Hautala, Mikko R. J. Seppanen
Summary: The NF-κB family of transcription factors is important in cellular signaling pathways, and NFKB1 variants have been associated with CVID and immunodeficiency. However, the penetrance and prevalence of CVID are relatively low, while inflammatory manifestations are more common.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Larisa Chernyaeva, Giorgio Ratti, Laura Teirila, Satoshi Fudo, Uni Rankka, Anssi Pelkonen, Paula Korhonen, Katarzyna Leskinen, Salla Keskitalo, Kari Salokas, Christina Gkolfinopoulou, Katrina E. Crompton, Matti Javanainen, Lotta Happonen, Markku Varjosalo, Tarja Malm, Ville Leinonen, Angeliki Chroni, Paivi Saavalainen, Seppo Meri, Tommi Kajander, Adam J. M. Wollman, Eija Nissila, Karita Haapasalo
Summary: By studying the interaction between apoE4 and FH, it was found that this interaction affects the neurotoxicity and clearance of A beta 1-42, which is related to AD pathogenesis. ApoE and FH reduce the binding of A beta 1-42 to CR3 and the subsequent phagocytosis by microglia, leading to changes in gene expression related to AD. FH forms complement-resistant oligomers with apoE/A beta 1-42 complexes, and the formation of these complexes is isoform specific, with apoE2 and apoE3 having higher affinity to FH than apoE4. These complexes reduce A beta 1-42 oligomerization and toxicity, and colocalize with C1q on A beta plaques in the brain, providing important insights into AD pathogenesis and how the strongest genetic risk factor for AD predisposes to neuroinflammation in the early stages of the disease pathology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yosuke Senju, Toiba Mushtaq, Helena Vihinen, Aki Manninen, Juha Saarikangas, Katharina Ven, Ulrike Engel, Markku Varjosalo, Eija Jokitalo, Pekka Lappalainen
Summary: The MTSS1 protein binds to the Arp2/3 and WAVE-2 protein complexes, promoting the formation of dynamic membrane folds at cell-cell junctions and enhancing the integrity of these junctions.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sini Luoma, Philipp Sergeev, Komal Kumar Javarappa, Tiina J. Ohman, Markku Varjosalo, Marjaana Saily, Pekka Anttila, Marja Sankelo, Anu Partanen, Anne Nihtinen, Caroline A. A. Heckman, Raija Silvennoinen
Summary: The bone marrow microenvironment plays a significant role in cancer survival and immune evasion in multiple myeloma (MM). By analyzing longitudinal bone marrow samples, researchers found distinct immune profiles between patients with good and bad responses to specific treatment. These findings suggest that deep immune profiling could be a useful tool for treatment guidance and require further investigation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa Gawriyski, Eeva-Mari Jouhilahti, Masahito Yoshihara, Liangru Fei, Jere Weltner, Tomi T. Airenne, Ras Trokovic, Shruti Bhagat, Mari H. Tervaniemi, Yasuhiro Murakawa, Kari Salokas, Xiaonan Liu, Sini Miettinen, Thomas R. Burglin, Biswajyoti Sahu, Timo Otonkoski, Mark S. Johnson, Shintaro Katayama, Markku Varjosalo, Juha Kere
Summary: LEUTX, a transcription factor, is expressed in human preimplantation embryos at the 4-8 cell stages and silenced in somatic tissues. Through multiomic characterization, we found that LEUTX interacts with histone acetyltransferases, EP300 and CBP, via its 9 amino acid transactivation domain. It targets genomic cis-regulatory sequences overlapping with repetitive elements and functions as a transcriptional activator, upregulating genes involved in preimplantation development and 8-cell-like markers.
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Salla Keskitalo, Markku Varjosalo
EXPERT REVIEW OF PROTEOMICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Svetlana Konovalova, Ruben Torregrosa-Munumer, Pooja Manjunath, Xiaonan Liu, Sundar Baral, Kaneez Fatima, Minna Holopainen, Jouni Kvist, Jayasimman Rajendran, Yang Yang, Markku Varjosalo, Reijo Kakela, Pentti Somerharju, Henna Tyynismaa
Summary: NERCLIN is a small mitochondrial protein that negatively regulates CL homeostasis and mitochondrial ultrastructure. It interacts with the CL synthesis and prohibitin complexes to regulate CL content and contributes to stress-induced adaptation of mitochondrial dynamics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Matias Kinnunen, Xiaonan Liu, Elina Niemelae, Tiina Oehman, Lisa Gawriyski, Kari Salokas, Salla Keskitalo, Markku Varjosalo
Summary: Gene fusions can produce chimeric fusion proteins that have unpredictable properties, some of which can function as oncogenic drivers. ETV6-NTRK3 is a fusion gene that produces a constitutively active fusion kinase. Through proximity labeling, a study was conducted to analyze the interactomes of all four known ETV6-NTRK3 variants, revealing similarities and differences in their interacting proteins. These findings may explain the differences in reported frequencies and tissue specificities of the ETV6-NTRK3 variants.
Review
Oncology
Kari Salokas, Giovanna Dashi, Markku Varjosalo
Summary: Cancer-associated gene fusions, known as oncofusions, are driving forces in oncogenesis and have revolutionized cancer research through advanced sequencing technologies. They manipulate cellular signaling pathways and show promise as targets for therapy and diagnostic markers. Further research is needed to understand their functional impact and harness their potential for precision cancer treatment.
Article
Cell Biology
Emilia Piki, Alice Dini, Juuli Raivola, Kari Salokas, Kaiyang Zhang, Markku Varjosalo, Teijo Pellinen, Katja Valimaki, Kristina Tabor Veskimae, Synnove Staff, Sampsa Hautaniemi, Astrid Murumagi, Daniela Ungureanu
Summary: Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway, specifically the expression of the non-canonical receptor ROR1, is linked to ovarian cancer progression and drug resistance. ROR1 expression is enhanced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and its interaction with Wnt5a activates oncogenic signaling pathways in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, ROR1 and its downstream effector STAT3 are expressed at higher levels in stromal cells than in epithelial cancer cells in ovarian cancer tumors.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liang Wang, Taru Hilander, Xiaonan Liu, Hoi Ying Tsang, Ove Eriksson, Christopher B. Jackson, Markku Varjosalo, Hongxia Zhao
Summary: This study identifies GTPBP8 as a crucial factor in the assembly of the mitoribosomal large subunit (mt-LSU) and mitochondrial translation. Depletion of GTPBP8 leads to abnormal accumulation of mt-LSU and compromised mitochondrial function.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Susanna Nousiainen, Outi Kuismin, Siiri Reinikka, Roosa Manninen, Sara Khamaiseh, Mari Kuivalainen, Anna Terho, Sari Koivurova, Maarit Niinimaki, Kari Salokas, Markku Varjosalo, Anne Ahtikoski, Ralf Butzow, Outi Lindgren, Outi Uimari, Pia Vahteristo
Summary: In this study, FGFR4, NALCN, and NAV2 were identified as novel high-risk candidate genes for familial endometriosis. The findings also support the association between endometriosis and high-grade serous carcinoma.
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
Tala Shahin, Hyesun Kuehn, Mohamed Shoeb, Lisa Gawriyski, Sarah Giuliani, Peter Repiscak, Birgit Hoeger, Oezlem Yuece Petronczki, Sevgi Koestel Bal, Samaneh Zoghi, Jasmin Dmytrus, Davide Seruggia, Irinka Castanon, Nima Rezaei, Markku Varjosalo, Florian Halbritter, Sergio Rosenzweig, Kaan Boztug
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)