Life | April 2020 - Browse Articles

17 pages, 4264 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Enigmatic Histamine Receptor H₄ for Potential Treatment of Multiple Inflammatory, Autoimmune, and Related Diseases

by Pakhuri Mehta, Przemysław Miszta, Przemysław Rzodkiewicz, Olga Michalak, Piotr Krzeczyński and Sławomir Filipek

Life 2020, 10(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040050 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9976

Abstract

The histamine H₄ receptor, belonging to the family of G-protein coupled receptors, is an increasingly attractive drug target. It plays an indispensable role in many cellular pathways, and numerous H₄R ligands are being studied for the treatment of several inflammatory, [...] Read more.

The histamine H₄ receptor, belonging to the family of G-protein coupled receptors, is an increasingly attractive drug target. It plays an indispensable role in many cellular pathways, and numerous H₄R ligands are being studied for the treatment of several inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune disorders, including pulmonary fibrosis. Activation of H₄R is involved in cytokine production and mediates mast cell activation and eosinophil chemotaxis. The importance of this receptor has also been shown in inflammatory models: peritonitis, respiratory tract inflammation, colitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies suggest that H₄R acts as a modulator in cancer, neuropathic pain, vestibular disorders, and type-2 diabetes, however, its role is still not fully understood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)

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25 pages, 2822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rocket Science: The Effect of Spaceflight on Germination Physiology, Ageing, and Transcriptome of Eruca sativa Seeds

by Jake O. Chandler, Fabian B. Haas, Safina Khan, Laura Bowden, Michael Ignatz, Eugenia M. A. Enfissi, Frances Gawthrop, Alistair Griffiths, Paul D. Fraser, Stefan A. Rensing and Gerhard Leubner-Metzger

Life 2020, 10(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040049 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8057

Abstract

In the ‘Rocket Science’ project, storage of Eruca sativa (salad rocket) seeds for six months on board the International Space Station resulted in delayed seedling establishment. Here we investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning the spaceflight effects on dry seeds. We found [...] Read more.

In the ‘Rocket Science’ project, storage of Eruca sativa (salad rocket) seeds for six months on board the International Space Station resulted in delayed seedling establishment. Here we investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning the spaceflight effects on dry seeds. We found that ‘Space’ seed germination vigor was reduced, and ageing sensitivity increased, but the spaceflight did not compromise seed viability and the development of normal seedlings. Comparative analysis of the transcriptomes (using RNAseq) in dry seeds and upon controlled artificial ageing treatment (CAAT) revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with spaceflight and ageing. DEG categories enriched by spaceflight and CAAT included transcription and translation with reduced transcript abundances for 40S and 60S ribosomal subunit genes. Among the ‘spaceflight-up’ DEGs were heat shock proteins (HSPs), DNAJ-related chaperones, a heat shock factor (HSFA7a-like), and components of several DNA repair pathways (e.g., ATM, DNA ligase 1). The ‘response to radiation’ category was especially enriched in ‘spaceflight-up’ DEGs including HSPs, catalases, and the transcription factor HY5. The major finding from the physiological and transcriptome analysis is that spaceflight causes vigor loss and partial ageing during air-dry seed storage, for which space environmental factors and consequences for seed storage during spaceflights are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Astrobiology)

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10 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Maternal Obesity Modulates Expression of Satb2 in Hypothalamic VMN of Female Offspring

by Kelly A. Glendining, Lorryn C. Fisher and Christine L. Jasoni

Life 2020, 10(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040048 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2703

Abstract

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of poor health outcomes in offspring, including obesity, metabolic disorders, and anxiety, however the incidence of these diseases differs for males and females. Similarly, animal models of maternal obesity have reported sex differences [...] Read more.

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of poor health outcomes in offspring, including obesity, metabolic disorders, and anxiety, however the incidence of these diseases differs for males and females. Similarly, animal models of maternal obesity have reported sex differences in offspring, for both metabolic outcomes and anxiety-like behaviors. The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) is a brain region known to be involved in the regulation of both metabolism and anxiety, and is well documented to be sexually dimorphic. As the VMN is largely composed of glutamatergic neurons, which are important for its functions in modulating metabolism and anxiety, we hypothesized that maternal obesity may alter the number of glutamatergic neurons in the offspring VMN. We used a mouse model of a maternal high-fat diet (mHFD), to examine mRNA expression of the glutamatergic neuronal marker Satb2 in the mediobasal hypothalamus of control and mHFD offspring at GD17.5. We found sex differences in Satb2 expression, with mHFD-induced upregulation of Satb2 mRNA in the mediobasal hypothalamus of female offspring, compared to controls, but not males. Using immunohistochemistry, we found an increase in the number of SATB2-positive cells in female mHFD offspring VMN, compared to controls, which was localized to the rostral region of the nucleus. These data provide evidence that maternal nutrition during gestation alters the developing VMN, possibly increasing its glutamatergic drive of offspring in a sex-specific manner, which may contribute to sexual dimorphism in offspring health outcomes later in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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15 pages, 4206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Role and Production of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

by Moritz Koch, Kenneth W. Berendzen and Karl Forchhammer

Life 2020, 10(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040047 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5432

Abstract

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is known for producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under unbalanced nutrient conditions. Although many cyanobacteria produce PHB, its physiological relevance remains unknown, since previous studies concluded that PHB is redundant. In this work, we try to better understand the [...] Read more.

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is known for producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under unbalanced nutrient conditions. Although many cyanobacteria produce PHB, its physiological relevance remains unknown, since previous studies concluded that PHB is redundant. In this work, we try to better understand the physiological conditions that are important for PHB synthesis. The accumulation of intracellular PHB was higher when the cyanobacterial cells were grown under an alternating day–night rhythm as compared to continuous light. In contrast to previous reports, a reduction of PHB was observed when the cells were grown under conditions of limited gas exchange. Since previous data showed that PHB is not required for the resuscitation from nitrogen starvation, a series of different abiotic stresses were applied to test if PHB is beneficial for its fitness. However, under none of the tested conditions did cells containing PHB show a fitness advantage compared to a PHB-free-mutant (ΔphaEC). Additionally, the distribution of PHB in single cells of a population Synechocystis cells was analyzed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The results showed a considerable degree of phenotypic heterogeneity at the single cell level concerning the content of PHB, which was consistent over several generations. These results improve our understanding about how and why Synechocystis synthesizes PHB and gives suggestions how to further increase its production for a biotechnological process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Strategies in Cyanobacterial Survival)

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15 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Occupational Noise and Vibration Exposure and Insomnia among Workers in Korea

by Fatima Nari, Yun Kyung Kim, Soo Hyun Kang, Eun-Cheol Park and Sung-In Jang

Life 2020, 10(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040046 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3177

Abstract

Background: The effect of noise and vibration exposure on disturbed sleep has been investigated in the past. However, this study was carried out to investigate the relationship between workplace noise and vibration exposure with insomnia amongst representative Korean workers, both simultaneously and separately. [...] Read more.

Background: The effect of noise and vibration exposure on disturbed sleep has been investigated in the past. However, this study was carried out to investigate the relationship between workplace noise and vibration exposure with insomnia amongst representative Korean workers, both simultaneously and separately. Methods: Our research analyzed an overall population of 30,837 workers aged 15 years or older using data derived from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) conducted in 2017. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were performed to investigate baseline characteristics and to quantify the association between workplace exposure to noise and vibration with insomnia. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) were calculated to measure interactions between simultaneous noise and vibration exposure with insomnia. Results: The prevalence of those who reported insomnia was 18.3% of the general population. Among men and women, insomnia in those who were exposed to noise only was 13.9% and 18.3%, respectively, and in those who were exposed to vibration only, it was 23.9% in males and 26.4% in females. Insomnia in those who were exposed to both noise and vibration simultaneously was 20.5% and 41.2% in men and women, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of insomnia due to noise exposure was 1.10 and 1.07 in men and women, respectively. OR of vibration exposure was 1.84 in men and 1.58 in women. For noise plus vibration exposure OR was 1.83 in men and 3.14 in female workers, where the synergistic effect of noise and vibration exposure could be seen. The association between the varying degree of simultaneous noise plus vibration exposure with insomnia showed a dose–response relationship. The interaction measures showed a synergistic effect of simultaneous exposure in women but not in men. Conclusion: Our study revealed an association between occupational noise and vibration exposure and insomnia, both individually and simultaneously. Additional studies and research are required to further comprehend this relationship. Full article

13 pages, 2562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

pH-Dependent Adsorption of Peptides on Montmorillonite for Resisting UV Irradiation

by Rongcan Lin, Yueqiao Wang, Xin Li, Yan Liu and Yufen Zhao

Life 2020, 10(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040045 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2863

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is considered an energy source for the prebiotic chemical synthesis of life’s building blocks. However, it also results in photodegradation of biology-related organic compounds on early Earth. Thus, it is important to find a process to protect these compounds from [...] Read more.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is considered an energy source for the prebiotic chemical synthesis of life’s building blocks. However, it also results in photodegradation of biology-related organic compounds on early Earth. Thus, it is important to find a process to protect these compounds from decomposition by UV irradiation. Herein, pH effects on both the adsorption of peptides on montmorillonite (MMT) and the abilities of peptides to resist UV irradiation due to this adsorption were systematically studied. We found that montmorillonite (MMT) can adsorb peptides effectively under acidic conditions, while MMT-adsorbed peptides can be released under basic conditions. Peptide adsorption is positively correlated with the length of the peptide chains. MMT’s adsorption of peptides and MMT-adsorbed peptide desorption are both rapid-equilibrium, and it takes less than 30 min to reach the equilibrium in both cases. Furthermore, compared to free peptides, MMT-adsorbed peptides under acidic conditions are well protected from UV degradation even after prolonged irradiation. These results indicate amino acid/peptides are able to concentrate from aqueous solution by MMT adsorption under low-pH conditions (concentration step). The MMT-adsorbed peptides survive under UV irradiation among other unprotected species (storage step). Then, the MMT-adsorbed peptides can be released to the aqueous solution if the environment becomes more basic (releasing step), and these free peptides are ready for polymerization to polypeptides. Hence, a plausible prebiotic concentration–storage–release cycle of amino acids/peptides for further polypeptide synthesis is established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clays and the Origin of Life)

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6 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Possible Transfer of Life by Earth-Grazing Objects to Exoplanetary Systems

by Amir Siraj and Abraham Loeb

Life 2020, 10(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040044 - 17 Apr 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3453

Abstract

Recently, a 30-cm object was discovered to graze the Earth’s atmosphere and shift into a Jupiter-crossing orbit. We use the related survey parameters to calibrate the total number of such objects. The number of objects that could have exported terrestrial microbes out of [...] Read more.

Recently, a 30-cm object was discovered to graze the Earth’s atmosphere and shift into a Jupiter-crossing orbit. We use the related survey parameters to calibrate the total number of such objects. The number of objects that could have exported terrestrial microbes out of the Solar System is in the range

2 \times 10^{9}

–

3 \times 10^{11}

. We find that

10^{7}

–

10^{9}

such objects could have been captured by binary star systems over the lifetime of the Solar System. Adopting the fiducial assumption that one polyextremophile colony is picked up by each object, the total number of objects carrying living colonies on them upon capture could be 10–

10^{3}

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Astrobiology)

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18 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessReview

Update Review about Metabolic Myopathies

by Josef Finsterer

Life 2020, 10(4), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040043 - 17 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4713

Abstract

The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss recent findings and new insights in the etiology and phenotype of metabolic myopathies. The review relies on a systematic literature review of recent publications. Metabolic myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized [...] Read more.

The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss recent findings and new insights in the etiology and phenotype of metabolic myopathies. The review relies on a systematic literature review of recent publications. Metabolic myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by mostly inherited defects of enzymatic pathways involved in muscle cell metabolism. Metabolic myopathies present with either permanent (fixed) or episodic abnormalities, such as weakness, wasting, exercise-intolerance, myalgia, or an increase of muscle breakdown products (creatine-kinase, myoglobin) during exercise. Though limb and respiratory muscles are most frequently affected, facial, extra-ocular, and axial muscles may be occasionally also involved. Age at onset and prognosis vary considerably. There are multiple disease mechanisms and the pathophysiology is complex. Genes most recently related to metabolic myopathy include PGM1, GYG1, RBCK1, VMA21, MTO1, KARS, and ISCA2. The number of metabolic myopathies is steadily increasing. There is limited evidence from the literature that could guide diagnosis and treatment of metabolic myopathies. Treatment is limited to mainly non-invasive or invasive symptomatic measures. In conclusion, the field of metabolic myopathies is evolving with the more widespread availability and application of next generation sequencing technologies worldwide. This will broaden the knowledge about pathophysiology and putative therapeutic strategies for this group of neuromuscular disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Genomics)

22 pages, 2509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defining Lyfe in the Universe: From Three Privileged Functions to Four Pillars

by Stuart Bartlett and Michael L. Wong

Life 2020, 10(4), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040042 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 28131

Abstract

Motivated by the need to paint a more general picture of what life is—and could be—with respect to the rest of the phenomena of the universe, we propose a new vocabulary for astrobiological research. Lyfe is defined as any system that fulfills all [...] Read more.

Motivated by the need to paint a more general picture of what life is—and could be—with respect to the rest of the phenomena of the universe, we propose a new vocabulary for astrobiological research. Lyfe is defined as any system that fulfills all four processes of the living state, namely: dissipation, autocatalysis, homeostasis, and learning. Life is defined as the instance of lyfe that we are familiar with on Earth, one that uses a specific organometallic molecular toolbox to record information about its environment and achieve dynamical order by dissipating certain planetary disequilibria. This new classification system allows the astrobiological community to more clearly define the questions that propel their research—e.g., whether they are developing a historical narrative to explain the origin of life (on Earth), or a universal narrative for the emergence of lyfe, or whether they are seeking signs of life specifically, or lyfe at large across the universe. While the concept of “life as we don’t know it” is not new, the four pillars of lyfe offer a novel perspective on the living state that is indifferent to the particular components that might produce it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Astrobiology)

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17 pages, 1672 KiB

Open AccessReview

Radiation-Induced Cerebro-Ophthalmic Effects in Humans

by Konstantin N. Loganovsky, Donatella Marazziti, Pavlo A. Fedirko, Kostiantyn V. Kuts, Katerina Y. Antypchuk, Iryna V. Perchuk, Tetyana F. Babenko, Tetyana K. Loganovska, Olena O. Kolosynska, George Y. Kreinis, Marina V. Gresko, Sergii V. Masiuk, Federico Mucci, Leonid L. Zdorenko, Alessandra Della Vecchia, Natalia A. Zdanevich, Natalia A. Garkava, Raisa Y. Dorichevska, Zlata L. Vasilenko, Victor I. Kravchenko and Nataliya V. Drosdova Show full author list Hide full author list

Life 2020, 10(4), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040041 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4098

Abstract

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) could affect the human brain and eyes leading to both cognitive and visual impairments. The aim of this paper was to review and analyze the current literature, and to comment on the ensuing findings in the light of [...] Read more.

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) could affect the human brain and eyes leading to both cognitive and visual impairments. The aim of this paper was to review and analyze the current literature, and to comment on the ensuing findings in the light of our personal contributions in this field. The review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines by searching PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO and Google Scholar English papers published from January 2000 to January 2020. The results showed that prenatally or childhood-exposed individuals are a particular target group with a higher risk for possible radiation effects and neurodegenerative diseases. In adulthood and medical/interventional radiologists, the most frequent IR-induced ophthalmic effects include cataracts, glaucoma, optic neuropathy, retinopathy and angiopathy, sometimes associated with specific neurocognitive deficits. According to available information that eye alterations may induce or may be associated with brain dysfunctions and vice versa, we propose to label this relationship “eye-brain axis”, as well as to deepen the diagnosis of eye pathologies as early and easily obtainable markers of possible low dose IR-induced brain damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine)

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12 pages, 8896 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Towards Determining Biosignature Retention in Icy World Plumes

by Kathryn Bywaters, Carol R. Stoker, Nelio Batista Do Nascimento, Jr. and Lawrence Lemke

Life 2020, 10(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040040 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3089

Abstract

With the discovery of the persistent jets of water being ejected to space from Enceladus, an understanding of the effect of the space environment on potential organisms and biosignatures in them is necessary for planning life detection missions. We experimentally determine the survivability [...] Read more.

With the discovery of the persistent jets of water being ejected to space from Enceladus, an understanding of the effect of the space environment on potential organisms and biosignatures in them is necessary for planning life detection missions. We experimentally determine the survivability of microbial cells in liquid medium when ejected into vacuum. Epifluorescence microscopy, using a lipid stain, and SEM imaging were used to interrogate the cellular integrity of E. coli after ejected through a pressurized nozzle into a vacuum chamber. The experimental samples showed a 94% decrease in visible intact E. coli cells but showed a fluorescence residue in the shape of the sublimated droplets that indicated the presence of lipids. The differences in the experimental conditions versus those expected on Enceladus should not change the analog value because the process a sample would undergo when ejected into space was representative. E. coli was selected for testing although other cell types could vary physiologically which would affect their response to a vacuum environment. More testing is needed to determine the dynamic range in concentration of cells expected to survive the plume environment. However, these results suggest that lipids may be directly detectable evidence of life in icy world plumes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astrobiology)

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10 pages, 1897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semipermeable Mixed Phospholipid-Fatty Acid Membranes Exhibit K⁺/Na⁺ Selectivity in the Absence of Proteins

by Xianfeng Zhou, Punam Dalai and Nita Sahai

Life 2020, 10(4), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040039 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3772

Abstract

Two important ions, K⁺ and Na⁺, are unequally distributed across the contemporary phospholipid-based cell membrane because modern cells evolved a series of sophisticated protein channels and pumps to maintain ion gradients. The earliest life-like entities or protocells did not possess [...] Read more.

Two important ions, K⁺ and Na⁺, are unequally distributed across the contemporary phospholipid-based cell membrane because modern cells evolved a series of sophisticated protein channels and pumps to maintain ion gradients. The earliest life-like entities or protocells did not possess either ion-tight membranes or ion pumps, which would result in the equilibration of the intra-protocellular K⁺/Na⁺ ratio with that in the external environment. Here, we show that the most primitive protocell membranes composed of fatty acids, that were initially leaky, would eventually become less ion permeable as their membranes evolved towards having increasing phospholipid contents. Furthermore, these mixed fatty acid-phospholipid membranes selectively retain K⁺ but allow the passage of Na⁺ out of the cell. The K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity of these mixed fatty acid-phospholipid semipermeable membranes suggests that protocells at intermediate stages of evolution could have acquired electrochemical K⁺/Na⁺ ion gradients in the absence of any macromolecular transport machinery or pumps, thus potentially facilitating rudimentary protometabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Astrobiology)

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15 pages, 2671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seeding and Overseeding Native Hayseed Support Plant and Soil Arthropod Communities in Agriculture Areas

by Elisa Cardarelli, Rodolfo Gentili, Francesca Della Rocca, Marta Zanella, Sarah Caronni, Giuseppe Bogliani and Sandra Citterio

Life 2020, 10(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040038 - 11 Apr 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2554

Abstract

Using native seed mixtures to create or recover grassland habitats in rotation to crops or in strips surrounding fields is considered a cost-effective practice to enhance ecosystem resilience and agro-biodiversity. The aim of this research was to assess the effects of native hayseed [...] Read more.

Using native seed mixtures to create or recover grassland habitats in rotation to crops or in strips surrounding fields is considered a cost-effective practice to enhance ecosystem resilience and agro-biodiversity. The aim of this research was to assess the effects of native hayseed mixtures on plant and microarthropod communities in an agricultural area of Northern Italy. Three different experimental treatments were set up. The first was a control (C) (i.e., non-seeded plots left to spontaneous vegetation succession after ploughing no deeper than 15 cm). The second, hayseed seeded (Hs) after ploughing no deeper than 15 cm. The third experimental treatment was hayseed overseeded (Ov) on the resident plant community after only a superficial harrowing. Ov plots exhibited the preeminent positive effects on the total productivity and quality of the grassland in terms of total vegetation cover, cover and richness of typical grassland species (i.e., Molinio-Arrhenatheretea species), and cover of legumes, grasses and perennial species. Moreover, Ov sites exhibited the highest abundance of microarthropod taxa and soil biological quality (QBS-ar) but only in spring, when the disturbance of ploughing negatively affected Hs and C plots. On the other hand, Hs sites showed a great reduction of invasive alien (i.e., Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Artemisia verlotiorum) and segetal weed species (i.e., Capsella bursa-pastoris and Spergula arvensis) in terms of cover. This study provides valuable indication on using hayseed mixtures to create grassland habitats as reservoir of native flora and soil biodiversity in agriculture areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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11 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide HMG Family Investigation and Its Role in Glycoalkaloid Accumulation in Wild Tuber-Bearing Solanum commersonii

by Clizia Villano, Vincenzo D’Amelia, Salvatore Esposito, Maria Grazia Adelfi, Felice Contaldi, Rosalia Ferracane, Paola Vitaglione, Riccardo Aversano and Domenico Carputo

Life 2020, 10(4), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040037 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are a class of nitrogen-containing glycosides occurring in several plant families and biosynthesized through a specific pathway. HMG-CoA reductase is the first enzyme of this pathway, and its transcription can be regulated by biotic and abiotic stressors and even in [...] Read more.

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are a class of nitrogen-containing glycosides occurring in several plant families and biosynthesized through a specific pathway. HMG-CoA reductase is the first enzyme of this pathway, and its transcription can be regulated by biotic and abiotic stressors and even in a tissue-specific manner. This study aimed to characterize the HMG genes family in a tuber-bearing potato species, Solanum commersonii, using transcriptional and functional approaches. Our results provided evidence that four ScHMGs with different tissue-specificities represent the HMG gene family in S. commersonii and that they originated from ScHMG1 through segmental duplications. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that ScHMG1 is the direct ortholog of AtHMG1, which is associated with SGAs accumulation in plants. Its overexpression in S. commersonii revealed that this gene plays a key role in the accumulation of glycoalkaloids regulating the production of dehydrocommersonine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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8 pages, 5687 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

A Constructive Way to Think about Different Hydrothermal Environments for the Origins of Life

by Arthur Omran and Matthew Pasek

Life 2020, 10(4), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040036 - 09 Apr 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4635

Abstract

The question of where life originated has been contentious for a very long time. Scientists have invoked many environments to address this question. Often, we find ourselves beholden to a location, especially if we think life originated once and then evolved into the [...] Read more.

The question of where life originated has been contentious for a very long time. Scientists have invoked many environments to address this question. Often, we find ourselves beholden to a location, especially if we think life originated once and then evolved into the myriad forms we now know today. In this brief commentary, we wish to lay out the following understanding: hydrothermal environments are energetically robust locations for the origins and early evolution of life as we know it. Two environments typify hydrothermal conditions, hydrothermal fields on dry land and submarine hydrothermal vents. If life originated only once, then we must choose between these two environments; however, there is no reason to assume life emerged only once. We conclude with the idea that rather than having an “either or” mind set about the origin of life a “yes and” mind set might be a better paradigm with which to problem solve within this field. Finally, we shall discuss further research with regards to both environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Themed Issue Commemorating Prof. David Deamer's 80th Birthday)

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8 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Possible Primordial Acetyleno/Carboxydotrophic Core Metabolism

by Jessica Sobotta, Thomas Geisberger, Carolin Moosmann, Christopher M. Scheidler, Wolfgang Eisenreich, Günter Wächtershäuser and Claudia Huber

Life 2020, 10(4), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040035 - 07 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3948

Abstract

Carbon fixation, in addition to the evolution of metabolism, is a main requirement for the evolution of life. Here, we report a one-pot carbon fixation of acetylene (C₂H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) by aqueous nickel sulfide (NiS) under hydrothermal [...] Read more.

Carbon fixation, in addition to the evolution of metabolism, is a main requirement for the evolution of life. Here, we report a one-pot carbon fixation of acetylene (C₂H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) by aqueous nickel sulfide (NiS) under hydrothermal (>100 °C) conditions. A slurry of precipitated NiS converts acetylene and carbon monoxide into a set of C_2–4-products that are surprisingly representative for C_2–4-segments of all four central CO₂-fixation cycles of the domains Bacteria and Archaea, whereby some of the products engage in the same interconversions, as seen in the central CO₂-fixation cycles. The results suggest a primordial, chemically predetermined, non-cyclic acetyleno/carboxydotrophic core metabolism. This metabolism is based on aqueous organo–metal chemistry, from which the extant central CO₂-fixation cycles based on thioester chemistry would have evolved by piecemeal modifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers of Astrobiology)

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14 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnetite Synthesis in the Presence of Cyanide or Thiocyanate under Prebiotic Chemistry Conditions

by Rafael Block Samulewski, Josué Martins Gonçalves, Alexandre Urbano, Antônio Carlos Saraiva da Costa, Flávio F. Ivashita, Andrea Paesano, Jr. and Dimas Augusto Morozin Zaia

Life 2020, 10(4), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040034 - 02 Apr 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3341

Abstract

Magnetite is an iron oxide mineral component of primitive Earth. It is naturally synthesized in different ways, such as magma cooling as well as olivine decomposition under hydrothermal conditions. It is probable magnetite played a significant role in biogenesis. The seawater used in [...] Read more.

Magnetite is an iron oxide mineral component of primitive Earth. It is naturally synthesized in different ways, such as magma cooling as well as olivine decomposition under hydrothermal conditions. It is probable magnetite played a significant role in biogenesis. The seawater used in the current work contained high Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and SO₄²⁻ concentrations, unlike the seawater of today that has high Na⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations. It is likely that this seawater better resembled the ion composition of the seas of the Earth from 4 billion years ago. Cyanide and thiocyanate were common molecules in prebiotic Earth, and especially in primitive oceans, where they could act on the magnetite mechanism synthesis via Fe²⁺ interaction. In this research, magnetite samples that were synthesized under prebiotic conditions in the presence of cyanide or thiocyanate, (both with and without artificial seawater), showed that, besides magnetite, goethite and ferrihydrite can be produced through different Fe²⁺-ion interactions. Cyanide apparently acts as a protective agent for magnetite production; however, thiocyanate and seawater 4.0 Gy ions produced goethite and ferrihydrite at different ratios. These results validate that Fe³⁺ oxides/hydroxides were possibly present in primitive Earth, even under anoxic conditions or in the absence of UV radiation. In addition, the results show that the composition of water in early oceans should not be neglected in prebiotic chemistry experiments, since this composition directly influences mineral formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection What's on Board in the Journal Life)

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12 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large Scale Shrub Biomass Estimates for Multiple Purposes

by Teresa Enes, José Lousada, Teresa Fonseca, Hélder Viana, Ana Calvão and José Aranha

Life 2020, 10(4), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040033 - 30 Mar 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3087

Abstract

With the increase of forest fires in Portugal in recent decades, a significant part of woodlands is being converted into shrubland areas. Background: From an ecological point of view, woodlands and shrublands play an essential role, as they not only prevent soil [...] Read more.

With the increase of forest fires in Portugal in recent decades, a significant part of woodlands is being converted into shrubland areas. Background: From an ecological point of view, woodlands and shrublands play an essential role, as they not only prevent soil erosion and desertification, but also contribute to soil protection, habitat preservation and restoration, and also increased biodiversity for carbon sequestration. Concerning the shrublands, the assessment of their biomass is essential for evaluating the fuel load and forest fire behavior and also beneficial for obtaining estimates of carbon and biomass for energy use. Methods: In this study, we collected data about the potential shrub biomass accumulation along fifteen years in former burnt areas within North Portugal. Results: The achieved results showed that for a post-fire period ranging from one to 15 years, the accumulated shrubs’ biomass ranged from 0.12 up to 28.88 Mg ha⁻¹. The model developed to estimate the shrub biomass using the time after a fire (age) as a predictor variable presented a high adjustment to data (p-value of the F statistic <0.01 and R² = 0.89), allowing estimating shrub biomass regeneration within former burnt areas with an RMSE of 3.31 Mg ha⁻¹. Conclusions: This paper provides practical information on the availability and assessment of shrub biomass in North Portugal, highlighting the suitability of shrubs as potential sources of biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Diversity and Ecology)

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14 pages, 3112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of a Renal Precision Medicine Program: Clinician Attitudes and Acceptance

by Katherine M. Spiech, Purnima R. Tripathy, Alex M. Woodcock, Nehal A. Sheth, Kimberly S. Collins, Karthik Kannegolla, Arjun D. Sinha, Asif A. Sharfuddin, Victoria M. Pratt, Myda Khalid, David S. Hains, Sharon M. Moe, Todd C. Skaar, Ranjani N. Moorthi and Michael T. Eadon

Life 2020, 10(4), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040032 - 26 Mar 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3013

Abstract

A precision health initiative was implemented across a multi-hospital health system, wherein a panel of genetic variants was tested and utilized in the clinical care of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Pharmacogenomic predictors of antihypertensive response and genomic predictors of CKD were provided [...] Read more.

A precision health initiative was implemented across a multi-hospital health system, wherein a panel of genetic variants was tested and utilized in the clinical care of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Pharmacogenomic predictors of antihypertensive response and genomic predictors of CKD were provided to clinicians caring for nephrology patients. To assess clinician knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to act on genetic testing results, a Likert-scale survey was sent to and self-administered by these nephrology providers (N = 76). Most respondents agreed that utilizing pharmacogenomic-guided antihypertensive prescribing is valuable (4.0 ± 0.7 on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicates strong agreement). However, the respondents also expressed reluctance to use genetic testing for CKD risk stratification due to a perceived lack of supporting evidence (3.2 ± 0.9). Exploratory sub-group analyses associated this reluctance with negative responses to both knowledge and attitude discipline questions, thus suggesting reduced exposure to and comfort with genetic information. Given the evolving nature of genomic implementation in clinical care, further education is warranted to help overcome these perception barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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5 pages, 1926 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Exotic Species and Autochthonous Parasites: Trichostrongylus Retortaeformis in Eastern Cottontail

by Chiara Gontero, Angela Fanelli, Stefania Zanet, Pier Giuseppe Meneguz and Paolo Tizzani

Life 2020, 10(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10040031 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3456

Abstract

Introduction: A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with. Although exotic pathogens infecting autochthonous species have been documented, the infection of an alien species with native parasites is rare in lagomorphs. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis is a [...] Read more.

Introduction: A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with. Although exotic pathogens infecting autochthonous species have been documented, the infection of an alien species with native parasites is rare in lagomorphs. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis is a nematode parasite infecting the small intestine of domestic and wild lagomorphs in Europe. Methods: Thirty-two Eastern cottontails from a naturalized population in Italy were processed to describe the gastrointestinal parasite community. Results and discussions: T. retortaeformis is reported for the first time in the Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus introduced to Europe. The Eastern cottontail is an invasive lagomorph, living in sympatry with the autochthonous European brown hare in certain areas of Italy. This study provides new insights into the dynamics of parasite communities of native and alien lagomorph species in sympatric areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology)

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