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The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has been described for a variety of disorders, including those affecting musculoskeletal tissues. In this context, the literature reports several data about the regenerative effectiveness of MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and an amniotic membrane (BMSCs, ASCs, and hAMSCs, respectively), either when expanded or when acting as clinical-grade biologic pillars of products used at the point of care. To date, there is no evidence about the superiority of one source over the others from a clinical perspective. Therefore, a reliable characterization of the tissue-specific MSC types is mandatory to identify the most effective treatment, especially when tailored to the target disease. Because molecular characterization is a crucial parameter for cell definition, the need for reliable normalizers as housekeeping genes (HKGs) is essential. In this report, the stability levels of five commonly used HKGs (ACTB, EF1A, GAPDH, RPLP0, and TBP) were sifted into BMSCs, ASCs, and hAMSCs. Adult and fetal/neonatal MSCs showed opposite HKG stability rankings. Moreover, by analyzing MSC types side-by-side, comparison-specific HKGs emerged. The effect of less performant HKG normalization was also demonstrated in genes coding for factors potentially involved in and predicting MSC therapeutic activity for osteoarthritis as a model musculoskeletal disorder, where the choice of the most appropriate normalizer had a higher impact on the donors rather than cell populations when compared side-by-side. In conclusion, this work confirms HKG source-specificity for MSCs and suggests the need for cell-type specific normalizers for cell source or condition-tailored gene expression studies.

Ononis repens is a legume of the Fabaceae family with great ecological and medicinal importance that grows wild in the Maamora cork oak forest (Rabat, Morocco). The aim of this work was to analyze the diversity, phylogeny, and plant growth-promoting features of the plant root nodules microsymbionts. Out of twenty nodC-containing rhizobial bacteria, four strains, ORM6, ORM8.1, ORM 13.1, and ORM16, were selected for further molecular and phenotypic analyses. All four strains were able to metabolize a wide range of carbohydrates and amino acids as sole carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, and grew in the presence of different pH, NaCl, and temperature conditions. They also solubilized inorganic phosphate and produced siderophores, and ORM16 was the only strain to produce indol acetic acid. The rrs gene sequence analysis showed that the four strains are members of the Mesorhizobium genus. The individual and concatenated sequences of the recA, glnII, and gyrB housekeeping genes revealed that the strains ORM6 and ORM 13.1 clustered with M. jarvisii ATCC 33,669 and M. intechii BD68 , with which they share 93.3 and 93.7% similarity, respectively; that the strain ORM8.1 affiliated with a group of which the strain M. shonense AC39a was the closest relative species with 84.3% similarity; and that the strain ORM16 clustered with M. australicum LMG24608, with 80.5% similarity. These results suggest that the four O. repens-isolated strains could belong to three putative new genospecies. All four strains nodulated their original host as well as Astragalus gombiformis and A. armatus, but only the strain ORM16 was able to form nodules on Vachellia gummifera. Analysis of the symbiotic nodC gene phylogenies showed that the strains ORM6, ORM8.1, ORM 13.1, and ORM16 formed a group apart from the known symbiovars in the genus Mesorhizobium, for which the name maamori is proposed.

Human ovarian cells are phenotypically very different and are often only available in limited amounts. Despite the fact that reference gene (RG) expression stability has been validated in oocytes and other ovarian cells from several animal species, the suitability of a single universal RG in the different human ovarian cells and tissues has not been determined. The present study aimed to validate the expression stability of five of the most used RGs in human oocytes, cumulus cells, preantral follicles, ovarian medulla, and ovarian cortex tissue. The selected genes were glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), large ribosomal protein P0 (RPLP0), beta-actin (ACTB), and peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA). Overall, the stability of all RGs differed among ovarian cell types and tissues. NormFinder identified ACTB as the best RG for oocytes and cumulus cells, and B2M for medulla tissue and isolated follicles. The combination of two RGs only marginally increased the stability, indicating that using a single validated RG would be sufficient when the available testing material is limited. For the ovarian cortex, depending on culture conditions, GAPDH or ACTB were found to be the most stable genes. Our results highlight the importance of assessing RGs for each cell type or tissue when performing RT-qPCR analysis.

Human ovarian cells are phenotypically very different and are often only available in limited amounts. Despite the fact that reference gene (RG) expression stability has been validated in oocytes and other ovarian cells from several animal species, the suitability of a single universal RG in the different human ovarian cells and tissues has not been determined. The present study aimed to validate the expression stability of five of the most used RGs in human oocytes, cumulus cells, preantral follicles, ovarian medulla, and ovarian cortex tissue. The selected genes were glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), large ribosomal protein P0 (RPLP0), beta-actin (ACTB), and peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA). Overall, the stability of all RGs differed among ovarian cell types and tissues. NormFinder identified ACTB as the best RG for oocytes and cumulus cells, and B2M for medulla tissue and isolated follicles. The combination of two RGs only marginally increased the stability, indicating that using a single validated RG would be sufficient when the available testing material is limited. For the ovarian cortex, depending on culture conditions, GAPDH or ACTB were found to be the most stable genes. Our results highlight the importance of assessing RGs for each cell type or tissue when performing RT-qPCR analysis.

Gene expression analysis through reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) depends on correct data normalization by reference genes with stable expression. Although Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B-598 is a promising Gram-positive bacterium for the industrial production of biobutanol, validated reference genes have not yet been reported. In this study, we selected 160 genes with stable expression based on an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data analysis, and among them, seven genes (zmp, rpoB1, rsmB, greA, rpoB2, topB2, and rimO) were selected for experimental validation by RT-qPCR and gene ontology enrichment analysis. According to statistical analyses, zmp and greA were the most stable and suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization. Furthermore, our methodology can be useful for selection of the reference genes in other strains of Clostridium beijerinckii and it also suggests that the RNA-Seq data can be used for the initial selection of novel reference genes, however their validation is required.

Gene expression analysis through reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) depends on correct data normalization by reference genes with stable expression. Although Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B-598 is a promising Gram-positive bacterium for the industrial production of biobutanol, validated reference genes have not yet been reported. In this study, we selected 160 genes with stable expression based on an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data analysis, and among them, seven genes (zmp, rpoB1, rsmB, greA, rpoB2, topB2, and rimO) were selected for experimental validation by RT-qPCR and gene ontology enrichment analysis. According to statistical analyses, zmp and greA were the most stable and suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization. Furthermore, our methodology can be useful for selection of the reference genes in other strains of Clostridium beijerinckii and it also suggests that the RNA-Seq data can be used for the initial selection of novel reference genes, however their validation is required.

Fungicide resistance has become a challenging problem in management of Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, the most destructive disease of winter wheat throughout western and northern Europe. To ensure the continued effectiveness of those fungicides currently used, it is essential to monitor the development and spread of such resistance in field populations of the pathogen. Since resistance to the key families of fungicides used for STB control (demethyalation inhibitors or azoles, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors or SDHIs and Quinone outside Inhibitors or QoIs) is conferred through target-site mutations, the potential exists to monitor resistance through the molecular detection of alterations in the target site genes. As more efficient fungicides were developed and applied, the pathogen has continuously adapted through accumulating multiple target-site alterations. In order to accurately monitor these changes in field populations, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to completely sequence the targeted genes. Here we report the development of a PacBio assay that facilitates the multiplex amplification and long-read sequencing of the target gene(s) for the azole (CYP51), SDHI (Sdh B, C, and D), and QoI (cytochrome b) fungicides. The assay was developed and optimised using three Irish Z. tritici collections established in spring 2017, which capture the range of fungicide resistance present in modern European populations of Z. tritici. The sequences obtained through the PacBio assay were validated using traditional Sanger sequencing and in vitro sensitivity screenings. To further exploit the long-read and high throughput potential of PacBio sequencing, an additional nine housekeeping genes (act, BTUB, cal, cyp, EF1, GAPDH, hsp80-1, PKC, TFC1) were sequenced and used to provide comprehensive Z. tritici strain genotyping.

Fungicide resistance has become a challenging problem in management of Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, the most destructive disease of winter wheat throughout western and northern Europe. To ensure the continued effectiveness of those fungicides currently used, it is essential to monitor the development and spread of such resistance in field populations of the pathogen. Since resistance to the key families of fungicides used for STB control (demethyalation inhibitors or azoles, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors or SDHIs and Quinone outside Inhibitors or QoIs) is conferred through target-site mutations, the potential exists to monitor resistance through the molecular detection of alterations in the target site genes. As more efficient fungicides were developed and applied, the pathogen has continuously adapted through accumulating multiple target-site alterations. In order to accurately monitor these changes in field populations, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to completely sequence the targeted genes. Here we report the development of a PacBio assay that facilitates the multiplex amplification and long-read sequencing of the target gene(s) for the azole (CYP51), SDHI (Sdh B, C, and D), and QoI (cytochrome b) fungicides. The assay was developed and optimised using three Irish Z. tritici collections established in spring 2017, which capture the range of fungicide resistance present in modern European populations of Z. tritici. The sequences obtained through the PacBio assay were validated using traditional Sanger sequencing and in vitro sensitivity screenings. To further exploit the long-read and high throughput potential of PacBio sequencing, an additional nine housekeeping genes (act, BTUB, cal, cyp, EF1, GAPDH, hsp80-1, PKC, TFC1) were sequenced and used to provide comprehensive Z. tritici strain genotyping.

Fungicide resistance has become a challenging problem in management of Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, the most destructive disease of winter wheat throughout western and northern Europe. To ensure the continued effectiveness of those fungicides currently used, it is essential to monitor the development and spread of such resistance in field populations of the pathogen. Since resistance to the key families of fungicides used for STB control (demethyalation inhibitors or azoles, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors or SDHIs and Quinone outside Inhibitors or QoIs) is conferred through target-site mutations, the potential exists to monitor resistance through the molecular detection of alterations in the target site genes. As more efficient fungicides were developed and applied, the pathogen has continuously adapted through accumulating multiple target-site alterations. In order to accurately monitor these changes in field populations, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to completely sequence the targeted genes. Here we report the development of a PacBio assay that facilitates the multiplex amplification and long-read sequencing of the target gene(s) for the azole (CYP51), SDHI (Sdh B, C, and D), and QoI (cytochrome b) fungicides. The assay was developed and optimised using three Irish Z. tritici collections established in spring 2017, which capture the range of fungicide resistance present in modern European populations of Z. tritici. The sequences obtained through the PacBio assay were validated using traditional Sanger sequencing and in vitro sensitivity screenings. To further exploit the long-read and high throughput potential of PacBio sequencing, an additional nine housekeeping genes (act, BTUB, cal, cyp, EF1, GAPDH, hsp80-1, PKC, TFC1) were sequenced and used to provide comprehensive Z. tritici strain genotyping.

Fungicide resistance has become a challenging problem in management of Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, the most destructive disease of winter wheat throughout western and northern Europe. To ensure the continued effectiveness of those fungicides currently used, it is essential to monitor the development and spread of such resistance in field populations of the pathogen. Since resistance to the key families of fungicides used for STB control (demethyalation inhibitors or azoles, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors or SDHIs and Quinone outside Inhibitors or QoIs) is conferred through target-site mutations, the potential exists to monitor resistance through the molecular detection of alterations in the target site genes. As more efficient fungicides were developed and applied, the pathogen has continuously adapted through accumulating multiple target-site alterations. In order to accurately monitor these changes in field populations, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to completely sequence the targeted genes. Here we report the development of a PacBio assay that facilitates the multiplex amplification and long-read sequencing of the target gene(s) for the azole (CYP51), SDHI (Sdh B, C, and D), and QoI (cytochrome b) fungicides. The assay was developed and optimised using three Irish Z. tritici collections established in spring 2017, which capture the range of fungicide resistance present in modern European populations of Z. tritici. The sequences obtained through the PacBio assay were validated using traditional Sanger sequencing and in vitro sensitivity screenings. To further exploit the long-read and high throughput potential of PacBio sequencing, an additional nine housekeeping genes (act, BTUB, cal, cyp, EF1, GAPDH, hsp80-1, PKC, TFC1) were sequenced and used to provide comprehensive Z. tritici strain genotyping.

Gene expression analysis through reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) depends on correct data normalization by reference genes with stable expression. Although Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B-598 is a promising Gram-positive bacterium for the industrial production of biobutanol, validated reference genes have not yet been reported. In this study, we selected 160 genes with stable expression based on an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data analysis, and among them, seven genes (zmp, rpoB1, rsmB, greA, rpoB2, topB2, and rimO) were selected for experimental validation by RT-qPCR and gene ontology enrichment analysis. According to statistical analyses, zmp and greA were the most stable and suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization. Furthermore, our methodology can be useful for selection of the reference genes in other strains of Clostridium beijerinckii and it also suggests that the RNA-Seq data can be used for the initial selection of novel reference genes, however their validation is required.

Gene expression analysis through reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) depends on correct data normalization by reference genes with stable expression. Although Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B-598 is a promising Gram-positive bacterium for the industrial production of biobutanol, validated reference genes have not yet been reported. In this study, we selected 160 genes with stable expression based on an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data analysis, and among them, seven genes (zmp, rpoB1, rsmB, greA, rpoB2, topB2, and rimO) were selected for experimental validation by RT-qPCR and gene ontology enrichment analysis. According to statistical analyses, zmp and greA were the most stable and suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization. Furthermore, our methodology can be useful for selection of the reference genes in other strains of Clostridium beijerinckii and it also suggests that the RNA-Seq data can be used for the initial selection of novel reference genes, however their validation is required.

Gene expression analysis through reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) depends on correct data normalization by reference genes with stable expression. Although Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B-598 is a promising Gram-positive bacterium for the industrial production of biobutanol, validated reference genes have not yet been reported. In this study, we selected 160 genes with stable expression based on an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data analysis, and among them, seven genes (zmp, rpoB1, rsmB, greA, rpoB2, topB2, and rimO) were selected for experimental validation by RT-qPCR and gene ontology enrichment analysis. According to statistical analyses, zmp and greA were the most stable and suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization. Furthermore, our methodology can be useful for selection of the reference genes in other strains of Clostridium beijerinckii and it also suggests that the RNA-Seq data can be used for the initial selection of novel reference genes, however their validation is required.

This study investigated the complex phenotypic and genetic response of Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) seedlings to co-infections by F. circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker disease, and the oomycetes Phytophthora xcambivora and P. parvispora. Monterey pine seedlings were wound-inoculated with each single pathogen and with the combinations F. circinatum/P. xcambivora and F. circinatum/P. parvispora. Initially, seedlings inoculated only with F. circinatum showed less severe symptoms than seedlings co-inoculated or inoculated only with P. xcambivora or P. parvispora. However, 30 days post-inoculation (dpi), all inoculated seedlings, including those inoculated only with F. circinatum, showed severe symptoms with no significant differences among treatments. The transcriptomic profiles of three genes encoding pathogenesis-related proteins, i.e., chitinase (PR3), thaumatin-like protein (PR5), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and the pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC)-encoding gene were analyzed at various time intervals after inoculation. In seedlings inoculated with single pathogens, F. circinatum stimulated the up-regulation of all genes, while between the two oomycetes, only P. xcambivora induced significant up-regulations. In seedlings co-inoculated with F. circinatum and P.xcambivora or P. parvispora none of the genes showed a significant over-expression 4 dpi. In contrast, at 11 dpi, significant up-regulation was observed for PR5 in the combination F. circinatum/P.xcambivora and PDC in the combination F. circinatum/P. parvispora, thus suggesting a possible synergism of multiple infections in triggering this plant defense mechanism.

Bacteria currently included in Rhizobium leguminosarum are too diverse to be considered a single species, so we can refer to this as a species complex (the Rlc). We have found 429 publicly available genome sequences that fall within the Rlc and these show that the Rlc is a distinct entity, well separated from other species in the genus. Its sister taxon is R. anhuiense. We constructed a phylogeny based on concatenated sequences of 120 universal (core) genes, and calculated pairwise average nucleotide identity (ANI) between all genomes. From these analyses, we concluded that the Rlc includes 18 distinct genospecies, plus 7 unique strains that are not placed in these genospecies. Each genospecies is separated by a distinct gap in ANI values, usually at approximately 96% ANI, implying that it is a ‘natural’ unit. Five of the genospecies include the type strains of named species: R. laguerreae, R. sophorae, R. ruizarguesonis, “R. indicum” and R. leguminosarum itself. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequence is remarkably diverse within the Rlc, but does not distinguish the genospecies. Partial sequences of housekeeping genes, which have frequently been used to characterize isolate collections, can mostly be assigned unambiguously to a genospecies, but alleles within a genospecies do not always form a clade, so single genes are not a reliable guide to the true phylogeny of the strains. We conclude that access to a large number of genome sequences is a powerful tool for characterizing the diversity of bacteria, and that taxonomic conclusions should be based on all available genome sequences, not just those of type strains.

In the Moroccan Middle Atlas, the tailings rich in lead and other metal residues, in the abandoned Zaida mining district, represent a real threat to environment and the neighboring villages’ inhabitants’ health. In this semi-arid to arid area, phytostabilisation would be the best choice to limit the transfer of heavy metals to populations and groundwater. The aim of this work was to characterize the bacteria that nodulate Retama sphaerocarpa, spontaneous nitrogen fixing shrubby legume, native to the Zaida mining area, with great potential to develop for phytostabilisation. Forty-three bacteria isolated from root nodules of the plant were characterized. Based on REP-PCR and ARDRA, four strains were selected for further molecular analyzes. The 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis revealed that the isolated strains are members of the genus Bradyrhizobium, and the phylogenetic analysis of the housekeeping genes glnII, atpD, gyrB, rpoB, recA and dnaK individual sequences and their concatenation showed that the strains are close to B. algeriense RST89 and B. valentinum LmjM3 with similarity percentages of 89.07% to 95.66% which suggest that the newly isolated strains from this mining site may belong to a potential novel species. The phylogeny of the nodA and nodC genes showed that the strains belong to the symbiovar retamae of the genus Bradyrhizobium. These strains nodulate also R. monosperma, R. dasycarpa and Lupinus luteus.

Fungicide resistance has become a challenging problem in management of Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, the most destructive disease of winter wheat throughout western and northern Europe. To ensure the continued effectiveness of those fungicides currently used, it is essential to monitor the development and spread of such resistance in field populations of the pathogen. Since resistance to the key families of fungicides used for STB control (demethyalation inhibitors or azoles, succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors or SDHIs and Quinone outside Inhibitors or QoIs) is conferred through target-site mutations, the potential exists to monitor resistance through the molecular detection of alterations in the target site genes. As more efficient fungicides were developed and applied, the pathogen has continuously adapted through accumulating multiple target-site alterations. In order to accurately monitor these changes in field populations, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to completely sequence the targeted genes. Here we report the development of a PacBio assay that facilitates the multiplex amplification and long-read sequencing of the target gene(s) for the azole (CYP51), SDHI (Sdh B, C, and D), and QoI (cytochrome b) fungicides. The assay was developed and optimised using three Irish Z. tritici collections established in spring 2017, which capture the range of fungicide resistance present in modern European populations of Z. tritici. The sequences obtained through the PacBio assay were validated using traditional Sanger sequencing and in vitro sensitivity screenings. To further exploit the long-read and high throughput potential of PacBio sequencing, an additional nine housekeeping genes (act, BTUB, cal, cyp, EF1, GAPDH, hsp80-1, PKC, TFC1) were sequenced and used to provide comprehensive Z. tritici strain genotyping.

Three symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (BD68(T), BD66 and BD73) isolated from root nodules of Lotus tenuis in lowland soils of the Flooding Pampa (Argentina), previously classified as members of the Mesorhizobium genus, were characterized in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences showed a close relationship to M. japonicum MAFF 303099(T), M. erdmanii USDA 3471(T), M. carmichaelinearum ICMP 18942(T), M. opportunistum WSM 2975(T) and M. jarvisii ATCC 33699(T), with sequence identities of 99.72%-100%. Multilocus sequence analysis of other housekeeping genes revealed that the three isolates belonged to a phylogenetically distinct clade within the genus Mesorhizobium. Strain BD68(T) was designated as the group representative and its genome was fully sequenced. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization comparisons between BD68(T) and the most related type strains showed values below the accepted threshold for species discrimination. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features were also studied.Based on these results, BD68(T), BD66 and BD73 could be considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mesorhizobium, for which the name Mesorhizobium intechi sp. nov. is hereby proposed. The type strain of this species is BD68(T) (=CECT 9304(T) = LMG 30179(T)). (C) 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The purpose of this work was to study the genetic diversity of the nodule-forming bacteria associated with native populations of Vachellia gummifera growing wild in Morocco. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences from three selected strains, following ARDRA and REP-PCR results, revealed they were members of the genus Ensifer and the sequencing of the housekeeping genes recA, gyrB, dnaK and rpoB, and their concatenated phylogenetic analysis, showed that the 3 strains belong to the species E. fredii. Based on the nodC and nodA phylogenies, the 3 strains clearly diverged from the type and other reference strains of E. fredii and formed a clearly separated cluster. The strains AGA1, AGA2 and AGB23 did not form nodules on Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris and Medicago truncatula, and effectively nodulated V. gummifera, Acacia cyanophylla, Prosopis chilensis and Leucaena leucocephala. Based on similarities of the nodC and nodA symbiotic genes and differences in the host range, the strains isolated from Moroccan endemic V. gummifera may form a different symbiovar within Ensifer species, for which the name “vachelliae” is proposed.

Astragalus algarbiensis is a wild herbaceous legume growing in Maamora, the most important cork oak forest in northern Africa. It is a plant of great importance as fodder in silvopastoral systems, and in the restoration of poor and degraded soils. The purpose of this study was to describe the biodiversity of rhizobia nodulating this plant and determine their identity. Out of 80 bacterial isolates, 56 strains isolated from root nodules of A. algarbiensis were characterized. ERIC-PCR fingerprinting grouped the strains in two main clusters containing 29 and 27 isolates, respectively, and the amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) generated two different ribotypes. Based on both the ERIC-PCR and ARDRA results, representative strains As21 and As36 were selected for further genetic studies. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences of As21 and As36 showed that they were closely related to Bradyrhizobium cytisi CTAW11 with similarity values of 99.84% and 99.77%, respectively. Concatenation of atpD, recA, gyrB and dnaK housekeeping gene sequences indicated that strains As21 and As36 had a 95.22% similarity but they showed values of 95.80% and 94.97% with B. cytisi CTAW11, respectively. The sequencing of the symbiotic nodC gene of the two strains revealed 97.20% and 97.76% identities, respectively, with that of B. cytisi CTAW11 isolated from Cytisus villosus growing in the Moroccan Rif Mountains. Furthermore, the phylogenic analysis showed that the strains isolated from A. algarbiensis clustered with B. cytisi and B. rifense within the bradyrhizobia genistearum symbiovar and may constitute two novel genospecies.

From a total of 80 bacterial strains isolated from root nodules of Lupinus angustifolius grown wild in the North-Eastern Algerian region of El Tarf, 64 plant host-nodulating strains clustered into 17 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting groups. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence from the representative strain of each group revealed they were closely related to members of the genus Bradyrhizobium of the Alphaproteobacteria, but their affiliation at the species level was not clear. Sequencing of the housekeeping genes glnII and recA, and their concatenated phylogenetic analysis, showed that 12 strains belong to B. lupini, other 2 strains affiliated with B. diazoefficiens and that 1 strain was closely related to B. japonicum. The remaining two strains showed similarity values ≤95% with B. cytisi and could represent new lineages within the genus Bradyrhizobium. Sequencing of the symbiotic nodC gene from 4 selected bradyrhizobial strains showed they were all similar to those of the species included in symbiovar genistearum.

Background. Using DNA microarrays, we previously identified 451 genes expressed in 19 different human tissues. Although ubiquitously expressed, the variable expression patterns of these "housekeeping genes" (HKGs) could separate one normal human tissue type from another. Current focus on identifying "specific disease markers" is problematic as single gene expression in a given sample represents the specific cellular states of the sample at the time of collection. In this study, we examine the diagnostic and prognostic potential of the variable expressions of HKGs in lung cancers. Methods. Microarray and RNA-seq data for normal lungs, lung adenocarcinomas (AD), squamous cell carcinomas of the lung (SQCLC), and small cell carcinomas of the lung (SCLC) were collected from online databases. Using 374 of 451 HKGs, differentially expressed genes between pairs of sample types were determined via two-sided, homoscedastic t -test. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering classified normal lung and lung cancers subtypes according to relative gene expression variations. We used uni- and multi-variate cox-regressions to identify significant predictors of overall survival in AD patients. Classifying genes were selected using a set of training samples and then validated using an independent test set. Gene Ontology was examined by PANTHER. Results. This study showed that the differential expression patterns of 242, 245, and 99 HKGs were able to distinguish normal lung from AD, SCLC, and SQCLC, respectively. From these, 70 HKGs were common across the three lung cancer subtypes. These HKGs have low expression variation compared to current lung cancer markers (e.g., EGFR, KRAS) and were involved in the most common biological processes (e.g., metabolism, stress response). In addition, the expression pattern of 106 HKGs alone was a significant classifier of AD versus SQCLC. We further highlighted that a panel of 13 HKGs was an independent predictor of overall survival a

Background. Using DNA microarrays, we previously identified 451 genes expressed in 19 different human tissues. Although ubiquitously expressed, the variable expression patterns of these "housekeeping genes" (HKGs) could separate one normal human tissue type from another. Current focus on identifying "specific disease markers" is problematic as single gene expression in a given sample represents the specific cellular states of the sample at the time of collection. In this study, we examine the diagnostic and prognostic potential of the variable expressions of HKGs in lung cancers. Methods. Microarray and RNA-seq data for normal lungs, lung adenocarcinomas (AD), squamous cell carcinomas of the lung (SQCLC), and small cell carcinomas of the lung (SCLC) were collected from online databases. Using 374 of 451 HKGs, differentially expressed genes between pairs of sample types were determined via two-sided, homoscedastic t -test. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering classified normal lung and lung cancers subtypes according to relative gene expression variations. We used uni- and multi-variate cox-regressions to identify significant predictors of overall survival in AD patients. Classifying genes were selected using a set of training samples and then validated using an independent test set. Gene Ontology was examined by PANTHER. Results. This study showed that the differential expression patterns of 242, 245, and 99 HKGs were able to distinguish normal lung from AD, SCLC, and SQCLC, respectively. From these, 70 HKGs were common across the three lung cancer subtypes. These HKGs have low expression variation compared to current lung cancer markers (e.g., EGFR, KRAS) and were involved in the most common biological processes (e.g., metabolism, stress response). In addition, the expression pattern of 106 HKGs alone was a significant classifier of AD versus SQCLC. We further highlighted that a panel of 13 HKGs was an independent predictor of overall survival a

Objectives: (i) To optimize cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and mRNA quantification using eight housekeeping genes (HKGs), (ii) to determine if there is a difference in the occurrence of HKGs in the cfDNA andmRNA of normal cells and cancer cells, and (iii) to investigate whether there is some selectivity involved in the release of cfDNA. Design and methods: cfDNA was isolated directly from the growth medium of 3 cultured cancer cell lines and one non-malignant, primary cell line. At the same time interval, mRNA was isolated from these cells and cDNA was synthesized. CfDNA and cDNA were then amplified with real-time PCR utilizing eight different HKGs. Results: For all cell lines tested, Beta-actin (ACTB) is the most appropriate HKG to use as a control for cfDNA and mRNA quantification. There was no clear difference in the occurrence of HKGs between cancer cells and healthy cells. Lastly, there is a consistent and distinct difference between the mRNA expression and cfDNA of all cell lines. Conclusions: This study reveals a newcandidate HKG for a robust control in cfDNA analysis and gene expression profiling, and should be considered for optimal analysis. Furthermore, results indicate that cfDNA is selectively released from cells into culture medium

Objectives: (i) To optimize cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and mRNA quantification using eight housekeeping genes (HKGs), (ii) to determine if there is a difference in the occurrence of HKGs in the cfDNA andmRNA of normal cells and cancer cells, and (iii) to investigate whether there is some selectivity involved in the release of cfDNA. Design and methods: cfDNA was isolated directly from the growth medium of 3 cultured cancer cell lines and one non-malignant, primary cell line. At the same time interval, mRNA was isolated from these cells and cDNA was synthesized. CfDNA and cDNA were then amplified with real-time PCR utilizing eight different HKGs. Results: For all cell lines tested, Beta-actin (ACTB) is the most appropriate HKG to use as a control for cfDNA and mRNA quantification. There was no clear difference in the occurrence of HKGs between cancer cells and healthy cells. Lastly, there is a consistent and distinct difference between the mRNA expression and cfDNA of all cell lines. Conclusions: This study reveals a newcandidate HKG for a robust control in cfDNA analysis and gene expression profiling, and should be considered for optimal analysis. Furthermore, results indicate that cfDNA is selectively released from cells into culture medium

Objectives: (i) To optimize cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and mRNA quantification using eight housekeeping genes (HKGs), (ii) to determine if there is a difference in the occurrence of HKGs in the cfDNA andmRNA of normal cells and cancer cells, and (iii) to investigate whether there is some selectivity involved in the release of cfDNA. Design and methods: cfDNA was isolated directly from the growth medium of 3 cultured cancer cell lines and one non-malignant, primary cell line. At the same time interval, mRNA was isolated from these cells and cDNA was synthesized. CfDNA and cDNA were then amplified with real-time PCR utilizing eight different HKGs. Results: For all cell lines tested, Beta-actin (ACTB) is the most appropriate HKG to use as a control for cfDNA and mRNA quantification. There was no clear difference in the occurrence of HKGs between cancer cells and healthy cells. Lastly, there is a consistent and distinct difference between the mRNA expression and cfDNA of all cell lines. Conclusions: This study reveals a newcandidate HKG for a robust control in cfDNA analysis and gene expression profiling, and should be considered for optimal analysis. Furthermore, results indicate that cfDNA is selectively released from cells into culture medium

This opinion addresses a request from the European Commission to evaluate whether heterogeneous populations of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca have been found in Apulia (Italy) in addition to the strain named CoDiRO. After reviewing the most recent scientific literature and conducting further sequence analysis of the housekeeping genes used to genotype X. fastidiosa from Apulia, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health concluded that the currently available scientific evidence does not support the notion of the existence of heterogeneous populations of X. fastidiosa in Apulia. To reach this conclusion, several lines of arguments have been considered: (i) the currently accepted multilocus sequence analysis (MLST) approach provides a robust and sensitive framework to estimate X. fastidiosa diversity, which may be further improved by whole genome sequence analysis; (ii) all scientific papers evaluated on X. fastidiosa in Apulia come to the conclusion that – notwithstanding host and location – X. fastidiosa in Apulia is ST53; and (iii) a single article by Elbaino et al. (2014) provides contradictory statements. After assessment of the methodology and re-analysis of the sequence information underlying the conflicting statement, the Panel considered that the data presented in that article do not support firm conclusions on the existing diversity of isolates. The Panel further considered that MLST data are currently available for only 18 Apulian isolates, and thus more data are needed to study further X. fastidiosa diversity, strain evolution and route(s) of introduction. From all evidence currently available, the Panel concludes that X. fastidiosa isolates involved in the current epidemic in Apulia belong to a single sequence type, ST53. There is no other information at this moment supporting the notion that, in addition to the strain named CoDiRO, other diversity exists.

AimsTo analyse genetic diversity and epidemiological relationships among 54 strains of Allorhizobium vitis isolated in Europe during an 8-year period and to assess the relative contribution of mutation and recombination in shaping their diversity. Methods and ResultsBy using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR, strains studied were distributed into 12 genetic groups. Sequence analysis of dnaK, gyrB and recA housekeeping genes was employed to characterize a representative subcollection of 28 strains. A total of 15 different haplotypes were found. Nucleotide sequence analysis suggested the presence of recombination events in A.vitis, particularly affecting dnaK locus. Although prevalence of mutation over recombination was found, impact of recombination was about two times greater than mutation in the evolution of the housekeeping genes analysed. ConclusionsThe RAPD analysis indicated high degree of genetic diversity among the strains. However, the most abundant RAPD group was composed of 35 strains, which could lead to the conclusion that they share a common origin and were distributed by the movement of infected grapevine planting material as a most common way of crossing long distances. Furthermore, it seems that recombination is acting as an important driving force in the evolution of A.vitis. As no substantial evidence of recombination was detected within recA gene fragment, this phylogenetic marker could be reliable to characterize phylogenetic relationships among A.vitis strains. Significance and Impact of the StudyWe demonstrated clear epidemiological relationship between majority of strains studied, suggesting a need for more stringent phytosanitary measures in international trade. Moreover, this is the first study to report recombination in A.vitis.

Reference genes, often referred to as housekeeping genes (HKGs), are frequently used to normalize gene expression data based on the assumption that they are expressed at a constant level in the cells. However, several studies have shown that there may be a large variability in the gene expression levels of HKGs in various cell types. In a previous study, employing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) subjected to spontaneous differentiation, we observed that the expression of commonly used HKG varied to a degree that rendered them inappropriate to use as reference genes under those experimental settings. Here we present a substantially extended study of the HKG signature in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), including nine global gene expression datasets from both hESC and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), obtained during directed differentiation towards endoderm-, mesoderm-, and ectoderm derivatives. Sets of stably expressed genes were compiled and a handful of genes (e.g., EID2, ZNF324B, CAPN10, and RABEP2) were identified as generally applicable reference genes in hPSCs across all cell lines and experimental conditions. The stability in gene expression profiles was confirmed by quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Taken together, the current results suggest that differentiating hPSCs have a distinct HKG signature, which in some aspects is different from somatic cell types, and underscore the necessity to validate the stability of reference genes under the actual experimental setup used. In addition, the novel putative HKGs identified in this study can preferentially be used for normalization of gene expression data obtained from differentiating hPSCs.

AimsTo analyse genetic diversity and epidemiological relationships among 54 strains of Allorhizobium vitis isolated in Europe during an 8-year period and to assess the relative contribution of mutation and recombination in shaping their diversity. Methods and ResultsBy using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR, strains studied were distributed into 12 genetic groups. Sequence analysis of dnaK, gyrB and recA housekeeping genes was employed to characterize a representative subcollection of 28 strains. A total of 15 different haplotypes were found. Nucleotide sequence analysis suggested the presence of recombination events in A.vitis, particularly affecting dnaK locus. Although prevalence of mutation over recombination was found, impact of recombination was about two times greater than mutation in the evolution of the housekeeping genes analysed. ConclusionsThe RAPD analysis indicated high degree of genetic diversity among the strains. However, the most abundant RAPD group was composed of 35 strains, which could lead to the conclusion that they share a common origin and were distributed by the movement of infected grapevine planting material as a most common way of crossing long distances. Furthermore, it seems that recombination is acting as an important driving force in the evolution of A.vitis. As no substantial evidence of recombination was detected within recA gene fragment, this phylogenetic marker could be reliable to characterize phylogenetic relationships among A.vitis strains. Significance and Impact of the StudyWe demonstrated clear epidemiological relationship between majority of strains studied, suggesting a need for more stringent phytosanitary measures in international trade. Moreover, this is the first study to report recombination in A.vitis.

© The Author(s), 2012. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Frontiers in Microbiology 3 (2012): 385, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2012.00385., Genes that are constitutively expressed across multiple environmental stimuli are crucial to quantifying differentially expressed genes, particularly when employing quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. However, the identification of these potential reference genes in non-model organisms is challenging and is often guided by expression patterns in distantly related organisms. Here, transcriptome datasets from the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana grown under replete, phosphorus-limited, iron-limited, and phosphorus and iron co-limited nutrient regimes were analyzed through literature-based searches for homologous reference genes, k-means clustering, and analysis of sequence counts (ASC) to identify putative reference genes. A total of 9759 genes were identified and screened for stable expression. Literature-based searches surveyed 18 generally accepted reference genes, revealing 101 homologs in T. pseudonana with variable expression and a wide range of mean tags per million. k-means analysis parsed the whole transcriptome into 15 clusters. The two most stable clusters contained 709 genes, but still had distinct patterns in expression. ASC analyses identified 179 genes that were stably expressed (posterior probability < 0.1 for 1.25 fold change). Genes known to have a stable expression pattern across the test treatments, like actin, were identified in this pool of 179 candidate genes. ASC can be employed on data without biological replicates and was more robust than the k-means approach in isolating genes with stable expression. The intersection of the genes identified through ASC with commonly used reference genes from the literature suggests that actin and ubiquitin ligase may be useful reference genes for T. pseudonana and potentially other diatoms. With the wealth of transcriptome sequence data becoming available, ASC can be easily applied to transcriptome datasets from other phytoplankton to identify reference genes., This research was funded by the National Science Foundation grant #OCE-0723667 (to Sonya T. Dyhrman, Mak A. Saito, Bethany D. Jenkins, and Tatiana A. Rynearson). Harriet Alexander is funded under a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship.

© The Author(s), 2012. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Frontiers in Microbiology 3 (2012): 385, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2012.00385., Genes that are constitutively expressed across multiple environmental stimuli are crucial to quantifying differentially expressed genes, particularly when employing quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. However, the identification of these potential reference genes in non-model organisms is challenging and is often guided by expression patterns in distantly related organisms. Here, transcriptome datasets from the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana grown under replete, phosphorus-limited, iron-limited, and phosphorus and iron co-limited nutrient regimes were analyzed through literature-based searches for homologous reference genes, k-means clustering, and analysis of sequence counts (ASC) to identify putative reference genes. A total of 9759 genes were identified and screened for stable expression. Literature-based searches surveyed 18 generally accepted reference genes, revealing 101 homologs in T. pseudonana with variable expression and a wide range of mean tags per million. k-means analysis parsed the whole transcriptome into 15 clusters. The two most stable clusters contained 709 genes, but still had distinct patterns in expression. ASC analyses identified 179 genes that were stably expressed (posterior probability < 0.1 for 1.25 fold change). Genes known to have a stable expression pattern across the test treatments, like actin, were identified in this pool of 179 candidate genes. ASC can be employed on data without biological replicates and was more robust than the k-means approach in isolating genes with stable expression. The intersection of the genes identified through ASC with commonly used reference genes from the literature suggests that actin and ubiquitin ligase may be useful reference genes for T. pseudonana and potentially other diatoms. With the wealth of transcriptome sequence data becoming available, ASC can be easily applied to transcriptome datasets from other phytoplankton to identify reference genes., This research was funded by the National Science Foundation grant #OCE-0723667 (to Sonya T. Dyhrman, Mak A. Saito, Bethany D. Jenkins, and Tatiana A. Rynearson). Harriet Alexander is funded under a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship.

© The Author(s), 2012. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Frontiers in Microbiology 3 (2012): 385, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2012.00385., Genes that are constitutively expressed across multiple environmental stimuli are crucial to quantifying differentially expressed genes, particularly when employing quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. However, the identification of these potential reference genes in non-model organisms is challenging and is often guided by expression patterns in distantly related organisms. Here, transcriptome datasets from the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana grown under replete, phosphorus-limited, iron-limited, and phosphorus and iron co-limited nutrient regimes were analyzed through literature-based searches for homologous reference genes, k-means clustering, and analysis of sequence counts (ASC) to identify putative reference genes. A total of 9759 genes were identified and screened for stable expression. Literature-based searches surveyed 18 generally accepted reference genes, revealing 101 homologs in T. pseudonana with variable expression and a wide range of mean tags per million. k-means analysis parsed the whole transcriptome into 15 clusters. The two most stable clusters contained 709 genes, but still had distinct patterns in expression. ASC analyses identified 179 genes that were stably expressed (posterior probability < 0.1 for 1.25 fold change). Genes known to have a stable expression pattern across the test treatments, like actin, were identified in this pool of 179 candidate genes. ASC can be employed on data without biological replicates and was more robust than the k-means approach in isolating genes with stable expression. The intersection of the genes identified through ASC with commonly used reference genes from the literature suggests that actin and ubiquitin ligase may be useful reference genes for T. pseudonana and potentially other diatoms. With the wealth of transcriptome sequence data becoming available, ASC can be easily applied to transcriptome datasets from other phytoplankton to identify reference genes., This research was funded by the National Science Foundation grant #OCE-0723667 (to Sonya T. Dyhrman, Mak A. Saito, Bethany D. Jenkins, and Tatiana A. Rynearson). Harriet Alexander is funded under a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship.

[EN] Contents To obtain more reliable results with biological significance, it requires data normalization using an appropriate internal control gene. In rabbits, there are classic stable reference genes that have been identified for normalization in oocytes and pre-implantation stage embryos. However, effects of embryonic genotype on reference gene selection have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to test (i) the stability of mRNA transcription level for histone (H2afz) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes in rabbit blastocysts from two lines selected by different criteria (litter size and post-weaning daily weight gain) and (ii) its influence on biological significance examined by means of a set of embryonic transcripts, such as POU5F1 (Oct-4), epidermal growth factor receptor (erbB3), transforming growth factor-beta2, vascular endothelial growth factor and gamma interferon (Ifn-gamma). The geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper programs showed similar results, pointing out that H2afz and GAPDH were the most stable reference genes in rabbits selected on litter size at weaning. Moreover, our study revealed that embryonic genotype affected target gene expression when a single reference gene was used to analyse mRNA expression in blastocysts. Results showed that GAPDH gene is better than H2afz for gene expression studies of both embryo genotypes. A normalization factor derived from H2afz and GAPDH is likely to be appropriate when RT-qPCR was performed in rabbit embryos with different genotypes.

[EN] Contents To obtain more reliable results with biological significance, it requires data normalization using an appropriate internal control gene. In rabbits, there are classic stable reference genes that have been identified for normalization in oocytes and pre-implantation stage embryos. However, effects of embryonic genotype on reference gene selection have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to test (i) the stability of mRNA transcription level for histone (H2afz) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes in rabbit blastocysts from two lines selected by different criteria (litter size and post-weaning daily weight gain) and (ii) its influence on biological significance examined by means of a set of embryonic transcripts, such as POU5F1 (Oct-4), epidermal growth factor receptor (erbB3), transforming growth factor-beta2, vascular endothelial growth factor and gamma interferon (Ifn-gamma). The geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper programs showed similar results, pointing out that H2afz and GAPDH were the most stable reference genes in rabbits selected on litter size at weaning. Moreover, our study revealed that embryonic genotype affected target gene expression when a single reference gene was used to analyse mRNA expression in blastocysts. Results showed that GAPDH gene is better than H2afz for gene expression studies of both embryo genotypes. A normalization factor derived from H2afz and GAPDH is likely to be appropriate when RT-qPCR was performed in rabbit embryos with different genotypes.

Aims. Milletia pinnata is a leguminous tropical tree that produces seed oil suitable for biodiesel and is targeted to be planted on marginal land associated with nitrogen poor soil. This study aimed to identify effective rhizobia species for M. pinnata. Methods. Soil samples were collected from M. pinnata grown in Kununurra, Australia. Rhizobia were trapped, characterised and sequenced for 16S rRNA, atpD, dnaK and recA genes. Results. Forty isolates tolerated pH 7 – 9, temperatures 29 – 37 °C, salinity below 1 % NaCl, and had optimal growth on mannitol, arabinose or glutamate as a single carbon source, a few grew on sucrose and none grew on lactose. Inoculation of isolates increased shoot dry weight of M. pinnata’s seedlings in nitrogen minus media. Slow-growing isolates were closely related to Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense, Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA10, Bradyrhizobium sp. ORS305 and B. liaoningense LMG 18230T. The fast-growing isolates related to Rhizobium sp. 8211, R. miluonense CCBAU 41251T, R miluonense CC-B-L1, Rhizobium sp. CCBAU 51330 and Rhizobium sp. 43015. Conclusions. Millettia pinnata was effectively nodulated by slow-growing isolates related to Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense, Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA10 Bradyrhizobium sp. ORS305, B. liaoningense LMG 18230T and fast-growing isolates related Rhizobium sp. 8211, R. miluonense, Rhizobium sp. CCBAU 51330 and Rhizobium sp. 43015.

Background: Quantitative real-time PCR gene expression results are generally normalised using endogenous control genes. These reference genes should be expressed at a constant level across all sample groups in a study, and should not be influenced by study treatments or conditions. There has been no systematic investigation of endogenous control genes for bovine endometrium to date. The suitability of both commonly used and novel endogenous control genes was evaluated in this study, with the latter being selected from stably expressed transcripts identified through microarray analysis of bovine endometrium. Fifteen candidate endogenous control genes were assessed across different tissue subtypes in pregnant and cycling Holstein-Friesian dairy cows from two divergent genetic backgrounds. Results: The expression profiles of five commonly used endogenous control genes (GAPDH, PPIA, RPS9, RPS15A, and UXT) and 10 experimentally derived candidate endogenous control genes (SUZ12, C2ORF29, ZNF131, ACTR1A, HDAC1, SLC30A6, CNOT7, DNAJC17, BBS2, and RANBP10) were analysed across 44 samples to determine the most stably expressed gene. Gene stability was assessed using the statistical algorithms GeNorm and Normfinder. All genes presented with low overall variability (0.87 to 1.48% CV of Cq). However, when used to normalise a differentially expressed gene (oxytocin receptor - OXTR) in the samples, the reported relative gene expression levels were significantly affected by the control gene chosen. Based on the results of this analysis, SUZ12 is proposed as the most appropriate control gene for use in bovine endometrium during early pregnancy or the oestrus cycle. Conclusion: This study establishes the suitability of novel endogenous control genes for comparing expression levels in endometrial tissues of pregnant and cycling bovines, and demonstrates the utility of microarray analysis as a method for identifying endogenous control gene candidates.

The stability of housekeeping genes (HKGs) is critical when performing real-time quantitative PCR. To date, the stability of common HKGs has not been systematically compared in human airway epithelial cells (AEC) in normal and atopic subjects. Expression levels of 12 HKGs were measured in AECs from a cohort of 30 healthy atopic nonasthmatic or atopic asthmatic children. Gene expression stability was determined using three different Visual Basic for Applications applets (geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper). All 12 HKGs were expressed in AECs. However, the hypoxanthine ribosyltransferase and TATA-binding protein genes were excluded from further analysis due to low expression levels. The cyclophilin A gene was ranked the most stable by all three methods. The expression levels of the β-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes were significantly different between the three groups of patients, with atopic asthmatics showing the highest expression levels for both genes. The results suggest that the cyclophilin A gene is the most suitable housekeeping gene analysed for expression studies utilising uncultured bronchial airway epithelial cells from healthy and asthmatic children, and highlight the importance of validating housekeeping genes for each experimental model. Copyright©ERS Journals Ltd 2008.

Gene expression studies are fundamental to understand the molecular basis of severe malformations in fish development, particularly under aquaculture conditions. Real-time PCR (qPCR) is the most accurate method of quantifying gene expression, provided that suitable endogenous controls are used to normalize the data. To date, no reference genes have been validated for developmental gene expression studies in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus). We have determined the expression profiles of 6 candidate reference genes (Actb, Eef2, Fau, Gapdh, Tubb2 and 18S rRNA) in 6 embryonic and 5 larval stages of Atlantic halibut development. There were significant changes in expression levels throughout development, which stress the importance and complexity of finding appropriate reference genes. The three software applications (BestKeeper, geNorm and NormFinder) used to evaluate the stability of potential reference genes produced comparable results. Tubb2 and Actb were the most stable genes across the different developmental stages, whereas 18S rRNA and Gapdh were the most variable genes and thus inappropriate to use as reference genes. According to geNorm and NormFinder, the best two-gene normalization factors corresponded to the geometric average of Tubb2/Actb and Tbb2/Fau, respectively. We believe that either of these normalization factors can be used for future developmental gene expression studies in Atlantic halibut

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war es einen geeigneten internen Standard für die linksventrikuläre mRNA-Quantifizierung bei kardialer Hypertrophie und Herzinsuffizienz in der Ratte zu finden. Die mRNA-Expression von GAPDH, 18SrRNA, Cyclophilin and Porphobilinogen-Desaminase (PBGD) wurde vier Wochen nach Induktion von Hypertrophie (kleiner aortokavaler Shunt) und Herzinsuffizienz (großer aortokavaler Shunt bzw. Myokardinfarkt) mit Hilfe des Ribonuklease Protektion Assay (RPA) und der TaqMan PCR bestimmt. Die linksventrikuläre ANP-mRNA-Expression war in allen untersuchten Modellen unabhängig von der angewendeten Detektionsmethode erhöht. Die mRNA-Expression der Housekeeping Gene mit Hilfe des RPA bestimmt, war in allen untersuchten Modellen im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen unverändert (GAPDH: kleiner Shunt: 105.1+-7.4, großer Shunt: 105.2+-6.8, MI: 88.4+-3.7; 18SrRNA: kleiner Shunt: 110.7+-8.2, großer Shunt: 104.4+-8.9, MI: 107.5+-12.0; Cyclophilin: kleiner Shunt: 96.4+-7.9, großer Shunt: 112.9+-4.9, MI: 95.7+-13.8; PBGD: kleiner Shunt: 81.9+-6.3, großer Shunt: 83.7+-4.7, MI: 79.8+-9.7; % Kontrolle). In der sehr sensitiven TaqMan PCR zeigte sich eine veränderte mRNA-Expression von GAPDH, PBGD und Cyclophilin, lediglich 18S wurde unverändert exprimiert (GAPDH: kleiner Shunt: 114.5+-18.7, großer Shunt: 133.6+-19.1, MI: 64.2+-6.2, p, The purpose of this study was to identify an appropriate left ventricular mRNA as internal standard in gene expression analysis in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in the rat. Expression levels of GAPDH, 18SrRNA, Cyclophilin and porphobilinogen desaminase (PBGD) were measured four weeks after induction of either cardiac hypertrophy (small aortocaval shunt) or heart failure (large aortocaval shunt or myocardial infarction) using Ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and TaqMan PCR. The left ventricular expression of ANP mRNA was increased in all these experimental models independently of the used method. Using RPA the mRNA expression of all studied housekeeping genes was unchanged in all experimental models compared to controls (GAPDH: small shunt: 105.1+-7.4, large shunt: 105.2+-6.8, MI: 88.4+-3.7; 18SrRNA: small shunt: 110.7+-8.2, large shunt: 104.4+-8.9, MI: 107.5+-12.0; Cyclophilin: small shunt: 96.4+-7.9, large shunt: 112.9+-4.9, MI: 95.7+-13.8; PBGD: small shunt: 81.9+-6.3, large shunt: 83.7+-4.7, MI: 79.8+-9.7; % control). Using the TaqMan PCR as a much more sensitive method only 18SrRNA levels were unchanged whereas GAPDH, PBGD and Cyclophilin mRNA expression was regulated (GAPDH: small shunt: 114.5+-18.7, large shunt: 133.6+-19.1, MI: 64.2+-6.2, p

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war es einen geeigneten internen Standard für die linksventrikuläre mRNA-Quantifizierung bei kardialer Hypertrophie und Herzinsuffizienz in der Ratte zu finden. Die mRNA-Expression von GAPDH, 18SrRNA, Cyclophilin and Porphobilinogen-Desaminase (PBGD) wurde vier Wochen nach Induktion von Hypertrophie (kleiner aortokavaler Shunt) und Herzinsuffizienz (großer aortokavaler Shunt bzw. Myokardinfarkt) mit Hilfe des Ribonuklease Protektion Assay (RPA) und der TaqMan PCR bestimmt. Die linksventrikuläre ANP-mRNA-Expression war in allen untersuchten Modellen unabhängig von der angewendeten Detektionsmethode erhöht. Die mRNA-Expression der Housekeeping Gene mit Hilfe des RPA bestimmt, war in allen untersuchten Modellen im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen unverändert (GAPDH: kleiner Shunt: 105.1+-7.4, großer Shunt: 105.2+-6.8, MI: 88.4+-3.7; 18SrRNA: kleiner Shunt: 110.7+-8.2, großer Shunt: 104.4+-8.9, MI: 107.5+-12.0; Cyclophilin: kleiner Shunt: 96.4+-7.9, großer Shunt: 112.9+-4.9, MI: 95.7+-13.8; PBGD: kleiner Shunt: 81.9+-6.3, großer Shunt: 83.7+-4.7, MI: 79.8+-9.7; % Kontrolle). In der sehr sensitiven TaqMan PCR zeigte sich eine veränderte mRNA-Expression von GAPDH, PBGD und Cyclophilin, lediglich 18S wurde unverändert exprimiert (GAPDH: kleiner Shunt: 114.5+-18.7, großer Shunt: 133.6+-19.1, MI: 64.2+-6.2, p, The purpose of this study was to identify an appropriate left ventricular mRNA as internal standard in gene expression analysis in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in the rat. Expression levels of GAPDH, 18SrRNA, Cyclophilin and porphobilinogen desaminase (PBGD) were measured four weeks after induction of either cardiac hypertrophy (small aortocaval shunt) or heart failure (large aortocaval shunt or myocardial infarction) using Ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and TaqMan PCR. The left ventricular expression of ANP mRNA was increased in all these experimental models independently of the used method. Using RPA the mRNA expression of all studied housekeeping genes was unchanged in all experimental models compared to controls (GAPDH: small shunt: 105.1+-7.4, large shunt: 105.2+-6.8, MI: 88.4+-3.7; 18SrRNA: small shunt: 110.7+-8.2, large shunt: 104.4+-8.9, MI: 107.5+-12.0; Cyclophilin: small shunt: 96.4+-7.9, large shunt: 112.9+-4.9, MI: 95.7+-13.8; PBGD: small shunt: 81.9+-6.3, large shunt: 83.7+-4.7, MI: 79.8+-9.7; % control). Using the TaqMan PCR as a much more sensitive method only 18SrRNA levels were unchanged whereas GAPDH, PBGD and Cyclophilin mRNA expression was regulated (GAPDH: small shunt: 114.5+-18.7, large shunt: 133.6+-19.1, MI: 64.2+-6.2, p

Retinoids affect keratinocyte differentiation and modulate the expression of many epidermal proteins, among them cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II and the family of cytokeratins. The upregulation of the former protein is a well-known phenomenon, whereas the retinoid-induced regulation of epidermal keratin expression is more complex and only partially understood. We studied the effect of topical retinoids on the expression in healthy skin of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II, tazarotene-induced genes 1 and 2, several epidermal keratins (K1, K2e, and K10), and two mucous keratins (K4 and K13) known to appear in epidermis under certain abnormal conditions. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that the K4 expression was the one most overtly induced by 2 wk of open treatment with 0.05% of retinoic acid and tazarotene. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan) and normalization of the mRNA values to beta-actin, the increase in K4 was found to be 100-1000-fold. In comparison, the expression of K13 and cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II was increased 10-50-fold, the K1 and K10 mRNA levels remained unchanged, and the K2e level decreased by a factor of 100-1000. In parallel biopsies, immunohistochemistry showed no change in K1, K2e, or K10 staining, but a strong de novo appearance of K4 in the granular layer after retinoid treatment. In a separate study, occlusive application of 0.025% retinoic acid in four healthy subjects produced a maximal K4 mRNA signal after 48 h and strong K4 staining after 80 h. Finally, a dose-response study showed that the de novo appearance of K4 can be utilized as a sensitive test for retinoid bioactivity in epidermis in vivo.

The biologically important genes known as essential genes or housekeeping genes are usually found surrounded by regions called "CpG Isles" . The CpG isles are named so because they contain a much larger quantity of dionucleotides CpG than the rest of the genome. Since during the recognition of such isles the location of the housekeeping genes can be inferred, a mathematical model of identification of CpG isles will make it easier to tell it apart from the rest of the genome. The mathematical model that is presented in this article uses as an example a sequence of 60 nuc1eotides present in the genome of the canine parovirus and is based on the Markov chains to calculate the probability that a fragment of this sequence. in relationship to the rest of it, corresponds or not to a CpG isle. This model can be used in any sequence, independently from its number of nucleotides. However the parovirus sequence, chosen in this case as a small sample. served to compare and confirm the results by simple inspection, Los genes de importancia biológica conocidos como genes esenciales de mantenimiento o housekeeping genes suelen encontrarse rodeados por regiones denominadas Islas CpG, llamadas asàdebido a que contienen una cantidad mucho mayor de dinueleótidos CpG que el resto del genoma y, ya que del reconocimiento de tales islas se puede inferir la ubicación de los housekeeping genes, un modelo matemático de identificación de Islas CpG facilitaría su diferenciación del resto del genoma. El modelo matemático que se presenta en este artículo toma como ejemplo a una secuencia de 60 nucleótidos presente en el genoma del parvovirus canino y se basa en las cadenas de Markov para calcular la probabilidad de que un fragmento de dicha secuencia, en relación al resto de ella, corresponda o no a una Isla CpG. Este modelo puede ser utilizado en cualquier secuencia, independientemente de su número de nucleótidos sin embargo, la del parvovirus, escogida en este caso como una pequeña muestra de ejemplificación. sirvió para comparar y confirmar por simple inspección los resultados