Transferrin uptake may occur through detergent-resistant membrane domains at the cytopharynx of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms

Uptake of transferrin by epimastigote forms of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi occurs mainly through a cytostome/ cytopharynx, via uncoated endocytic vesicles that bud off from the bottom of the cytopharynx. We have here examined whether detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) domains might be involved in this process. Purified whole cell membrane fractions were assayed for cholesterol levels and used in dot blot analyses. Detergent-resistant membrane markers (cholera B toxin and anti-flotillin-1 antibody) presented positive reaction by dot blots in cholesterol-rich/ protein-poor membrane sub-fractions. The positive dot blot fraction was submitted to lipid composition analysis, showing composition similar to that of raft fractions described for other eukaryotic cells. Immunofluorescence assays allowed the localization of punctual positive signal for flotillin-1, matching the precise cytostome/ cytopharynx location. These data were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays with the co-localization of flotillin-1 and the transferrin uptake site. Our data suggest that DRM domains occur and are integrated at the cytostome/ cytopharynx of T. cruzi epimastigotes, being the main route for transferrin uptake.

Isolation and molecular identification of Leishmania chagasi from a bat (Carollia perspicillata) in northeastern Venezuela

This report describes the isolation of a Leishmania chagasi strain from a bat (Carollia perspicillata), and its identification using biological methods and molecular characterization. The parasites were isolated in an artificial culture medium from a blood sample extracted from a bat heart. The isolate was then inoculated into the footpads of Balb/c mice, which subsequently developed a typical nodular leishmanial lesion; the parasites were confirmed as Leishmania by smear and histopathology. Molecular characterization of the parasites was performed by polymerase chain reaction with species-specific primers, kDNA restriction pattern following Hae III endonuclease digestion and dot blot hybridization using a kDNA probe. This report demonstrates that bats can be hosts for L. chagasi species and suggests the need for studies to determine whether they may be involved in foci of visceral leishmaniasis.

Detection of rifampin-resistant genotypes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by reverse hybridization assay

We used a colorimetric reverse dot blot hybridization (CRDH) assay to detect the presence of mutations in a specific region of the rpoB gene, associated with rifampin (RIF) resistance, in a panel of 156 DNAs extracted from 103 RIF-sensitive and 53 RIF-resistant cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When compared with the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST), the sensitivity and specificity of the CRDH were 92.3% and 98.1%, respectively. When compared with sequencing, the sensitivity and specificity of the CRDH were 90.6% and 100%, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the assay directly in clinical specimens, 30 samples from tuberculosis patients were used. For these samples, the results of the CRDH were 100% consistent with the results of the AST and sequencing. These results indicate that the rate of concordance of the CRDH is high when compared to conventional methods and sequencing data. The CRDH can be successfully applied when a rapid test is required for the identification of RIF resistance in M. tuberculosis.

Transcriptome analysis of the mobile genome ICEclc in Pseudomonas knackmussii B13.

Background: Integrative and conjugative elements (ICE) form a diverse group of DNA elements that are integrated in the chromosome of the bacterial host, but can occasionally excise and horizontally transfer to a new host cell. ICE come in different families, typically with a conserved core for functions controlling the element's behavior and a variable region providing auxiliary functions to the host. The ICEclc element of Pseudomonas knackmussii strain B13 is representative for a large family of chromosomal islands detected by genome sequencing approaches. It provides the host with the capacity to degrade chloroaromatics and 2-aminophenol. Results: Here we study the transcriptional organization of the ICEclc core region. By northern hybridizations, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5'-RACE) fifteen transcripts were mapped in the core region. The occurrence and location of those transcripts were further confirmed by hybridizing labeled cDNA to a semi-tiling micro-array probing both strands of the ICEclc core region. Dot blot and semi-tiling array hybridizations demonstrated most of the core transcripts to be upregulated during stationary phase on 3-chlorobenzoate, but not on succinate or glucose. Conclusions: The transcription analysis of the ICEclc core region provides detailed insights in the mode of regulatory organization and will help to further understand the complex mode of behavior of this class of mobile elements. We conclude that ICEclc core transcription is concerted at a global level, more reminiscent of a phage program than of plasmid conjugation.

Detection of Leishmania RNA virus in Leishmania parasites.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by New World Leishmania (Viannia) species are at high risk of developing mucosal (ML) or disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL). After the formation of a primary skin lesion at the site of the bite by a Leishmania-infected sand fly, the infection can disseminate to form secondary lesions. This metastatic phenotype causes significant morbidity and is often associated with a hyper-inflammatory immune response leading to the destruction of nasopharyngeal tissues in ML, and appearance of nodules or numerous ulcerated skin lesions in DCL. Recently, we connected this aggressive phenotype to the presence of Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) in strains of L. guyanensis, showing that LRV is responsible for elevated parasitaemia, destructive hyper-inflammation and an overall exacerbation of the disease. Further studies of this relationship and the distribution of LRVs in other Leishmania strains and species would benefit from improved methods of viral detection and quantitation, especially ones not dependent on prior knowledge of the viral sequence as LRVs show significant evolutionary divergence. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study reports various techniques, among which, the use of an anti-dsRNA monoclonal antibody (J2) stands out for its specific and quantitative recognition of dsRNA in a sequence-independent fashion. Applications of J2 include immunofluorescence, ELISA and dot blot: techniques complementing an arsenal of other detection tools, such as nucleic acid purification and quantitative real-time-PCR. We evaluate each method as well as demonstrate a successful LRV detection by the J2 antibody in several parasite strains, a freshly isolated patient sample and lesion biopsies of infected mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that refinements of these methods could be transferred to the field for use as a diagnostic tool in detecting the presence of LRV, and potentially assessing the LRV-related risk of complications in cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Clonagem e purificação de fragmento da proteína capsidial de Banana streak OL virus

O objetivo deste trabalho foi clonar e induzir a expressão de fragmento da proteína capsidial de Banana streak OL virus (BSOLV-CP) em Escherichia coli, bem como purificar a proteína recombinante obtida. Empregou-se um par de iniciadores específicos para amplificar, em PCR, um fragmento de aproximadamente 390 pb, da região codificadora da porção central da BSOLV-CP. O fragmento obtido foi clonado em vetor pGEM-T Easy, subclonado em vetor pQE-30 e transformado em células de E. coli M15 (pREP4) por choque térmico. A expressão da proteína foi induzida por tiogalactopiranosídeo de isopropila (IPTG), e a proteína recombinante BSOLV-rcCP de 14 kDa foi detectada em Western blot e Dot blot. A expressão da proteína BSOLV-rcCP abre novas possibilidades para a obtenção de antígenos para a produção de antissoros contra o BSOLV.

Dynamics of multiple lin gene expression in Sphingomonas paucimobilis B90A in response to different hexachlorocyclohexane isomers.

Sphingomonas paucimobilis B90A is able to degrade the alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). It contains the genes linA, linB, linC, linD, linE, and linR, which have been implicated in HCH degradation. In this study, dynamic expression of the lin genes was measured in chemostat-grown S. paucimobilis B90A by RNA dot blot hybridization and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR upon exposure to a pulse of different HCH isomers. Irrespective of the addition of HCH, linA, linB, and linC were all expressed constitutively. In contrast, linD and linE were induced with alpha-HCH (2 mg/liter) and gamma-HCH (7 mg/liter). A sharp increase in mRNA levels for linD and linE was observed from 10 to 45 min after the addition of alpha- or gamma-HCH. Induction of linD and linE was not detectable upon the addition of 0.7 mg of gamma-HCH per liter, although the compound was degraded by the cells. The addition of beta-HCH (5 mg/liter) or delta-HCH (20 mg/liter) did not lead to linE and linD induction, despite the fact that 50% of the compounds were degraded. This suggests that degradation of beta- and delta-HCH proceeds by a different pathway than that of alpha- and gamma-HCH.

Major mite allergen Der f 1 concentration is reduced in buildings with improved energy performance.

BACKGROUND: Environmental conditions play a crucial role in mite growth, and optimal environmental control is key in the prevention of airway inflammation in chronic allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between building energy performance and indoor mite allergen concentration in a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Major allergen concentration (Der f 1, Der p 1, mite group 2, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2) was determined by quantitative dot blot analysis from mattress and carpet dust samples in five buildings designed for low energy use (LEB) and in six control buildings (CB). Inhabitants had received 4 weeks prior to mite measurement a personal validated questionnaire related to the perceived state of health and comfort of living. RESULTS: Cumulative mite allergen concentration (with Der f 1 as the major contributor) was significantly lower in LEB as compared with CB both in mattresses and in carpets. In contrast, the two categories of buildings did not differ in Bla g 2 and Fel d 1 concentration, in the amount of dust and airborne mould collected. Whereas temperature was higher in LEB, relative humidity was significantly lower than in CB. Perceived overall comfort was better in LEB. CONCLUSIONS: Major mite allergen Der f 1 preferentially accumulates in buildings not specifically designed for low energy use, reaching levels at risk for sensitization. We hypothesize that controlled mechanical ventilation present in all audited LEB may favour lower air humidity and hence lower mite growth and allergen concentration, while preserving optimal perceived comfort.

Methylation of CpG island promoters in uveal melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Inactivation of tumour-related genes by promoter hypermethylation is a common epigenetic event in the development of a variety of tumours. AIM: To investigate in primary uveal melanoma the status of promoter methylation of genes thought to be involved in tumour development: p16, TIMP3, RASSF1, RARB, FHIT, hTERT and APC. METHODS: Gene promoter methylation was studied by methylation-sensitive single-strand conformation analysis and dot-blot assay in a series of 23 primary uveal melanomas. All DNA samples were obtained from paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed tissue blocks. RESULTS: hTERT promoter methylation was found with a relatively high frequency (52%). Promoter methylation of p16, TIMP3, RASSF1, RARB, FHIT and APC was a rare event. For none of these genes did promoter methylation exceed 15% of tumour samples, and, for some genes (FHIT and APC), no methylation was found at all. Furthermore, promoter methylation was absent in 39% (9/23) of cases. In only 22% (5/23) of cases was hypermethylation of at least two promoters observed. CONCLUSIONS: Promoter methylation of hTERT is a regular event in uveal melanoma. Hypermethylation of the other genes studied does not seem to be an essential element in the development of this tumour. As promoter methylation of APC, RASSF1 and RARB is often observed in cutaneous melanoma, these results suggest that different epigenetic events occur in the development of cutaneous and uveal melanoma.

Epigenetic alterations and constitutive Wnt signaling are early events in the progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma

SUMMARY Barrett's esophagus (BE) is an acquired condition in which the normal squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus is replaced by a metaplastic columnar epithelium, as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux. The clinical significance of this disease is its associated predisposition to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). EAC is a highly lethal disease. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of columnar metaplasia and its progression to cancer might allow the identification of biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis, which will improve the patient survival. In this study, an improved protocol for methylation-sensitive single-strand conformation analysis, which is used to analyze promoter methylation, is proposed and a methylation-sensitive dot blot assay is described, which allows a rapid, easy, and sensitive detection of promoter methylation. Both methods were applied to study the methylation pattern of the APC promoter in histologically normal appearing gastric mucosa. The APC promoter showed monoallelic methylation, and because the methylated allele differed between the different gastric cell types, this corresponded to allelic exclusion. The APC methylation pattern was frequently altered in noimal gastric mucosa associated with neoplastic lesions, indicating that changes in the pattern of promoter methylation might precede the development of neoplasia, without accompanying histological manifestations. An epigenetic profile of 10 genes important in EAC was obtained in this study; 5 promoter genes (APC, TIMP3, TERT, CDKN2A and SFRP1) were found to be hypermethylated in the tumors. Furthermore, the promoter of APC, TIMP3 and TERT was frequently methylated in BE samples from EAC patients, but rarely in BE samples that did not progress to EAC. These three biomarkers might therefore be considered as potential predictive markers for increased EAC risk. Analysis of Wnt pathway alterations indicated that WNT2 ligand is overexpressed as early as the low-grade dysplastic stage and downregulation by promoter methylation of the SFRP1 gene occurrs already in the metaplastic lesions. Moreover, loss of APC expression is not the only factor involved in the activation of the Wnt pathway. These results indicate that a variety of biologic, mostly epigenetic events occurs very early in the carcinogenesis of BE. This new information might lead to improved early diagnosis of EAC and thus open the way to a possible application of these biomarkers in the prediction of increased EAC risk progression. RESUME L'oesophage de Barrett est une lésion métaplasique définie par le remplacement de la muqueuse malpighienne du bas oesophage par une muqueuse cylindrique glandulaire, suite à une agression chronique par du reflux gastro-esophagien. La plus importante signification clinique de cette maladie est sa prédisposition au développement d'un adénocarcinome. Le pronostic de l'adénocarcinome sur oesophage de Barrett est sombre. Seule une meilleure compréhension de la pathogenèse de l'épithélium métaplasique et de sa progression néoplasique permettrait l'identification de biomarqueurs pouvant être utilisés pour un diagnostic précoce ; la survie du patient serait ainsi augmentée. Dans cette étude, un protocole amélioré pour l'analyse de la méthylation par conformation simple brin est proposé. De plus, une technique d'analyse par dot blot permettant une détection rapide, facile et sensible de la méthylation d'un promoteur est décrite. Les deux méthodes ont été appliquées à l'étude de la méthylation du promoteur du gène APC dans des muqueuses gastriques histologiquement normales. Le promoteur APC a montré une méthylation monoallélique et, parce que les allèles méthylés différaient entre les différents types de cellules gastriques, celle-ci correspondait à une méthylation allélique exclusive. La méthylation d'APC a été trouvée fréquemment altérée dans la muqueuse gastrique normale associée à des lésions néoplasiques. Ceci indique que des changements dans la méthylation d'un promoteur peuvent précéder le développement d'une tumeur, et cela sans modification histologique. Un profil épigénétique des adénocarcinomes sur oesophage de Barrett a été obtenu dans cette étude. Cinq promoteurs (APC, TIMP3, TERT, CDKN2A et SFRP1) ont été trouvés hyperméthylés dans les tumeurs. Les promoteurs d'APC, TIMP3 et TERT étaient fréquemment méthylés dans l'épithélium métaplasique proche d'un adénocarcinome et rarement dans l'épithélium sans évolution néoplasique. Ces trois biomarkers pourraient par conséquent être considérés comme marqueur prédicatif d'un risque accru de développer une tumeur. L'analyse des altérations de la voie Wnt a montré que WNT2 est surexprimé déjà dans des dysplasies de bas-grade et que la dérégulation de SFRP1 par méthylation de son promoteur intervenait dans les lésions métaplasiques. Une perte d'expression d'APC n'est pas le seul facteur impliqué dans l'activation de cette voie. Ces résultats montrent qu'une grande diversité d'événements biologiques, principalement épigénétiques, surviennent très tôt lors de la carcinogenèse de l'oesophage de Barrett. Ces nouveaux éléments pourraient améliorer le diagnostic précoce et rendre possible l'application de ces biomarqueurs dans la prédiction d'un risque accru de développer un adénocarcinome sur un oesophage de Barrett.

Distribuição de geminivírus nas culturas do tomate e pimentão em doze municípios do Submédio do Vale São Francisco

Em 1996 e 1997, observaram-se sintomas de viroses causadas por geminivírus transmitidos por mosca branca em plantas de tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum) e pimentão (Capsicum annuum) no Submédio do Vale São Francisco, situado nos Estados de Pernambuco e Bahia. De outubro de 1996 a dezembro de 1998, foram coletadas 1.368 amostras foliares de tomateiro e 194 de pimentão, exibindo sintomas similares àqueles causados por geminivírus, em 104 e 16 plantios, respectivamente, de 12 municípios dessa região e em dois municípios vizinhos. A incidência de geminiviroses nas áreas amostradas foi estimada entre 5 e100% para tomate e entre 10 e 20% para pimentão. A detecção de geminivírus nas amostras foi feita por "dot blot" ou "squash blot" utilizando-se sondas heterólogas. Para as amostras de tomate, a sonda foi constituída pelos componentes A completos de dois isolados, um de Bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV) do Brasil e outro de Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV) da Guatemala, enquanto que para pimentão, esta foi constituída apenas por um fragmento do componente A de um isolado de geminivírus de tomate do Distrito Federal. Do total de 1562 amostras analisadas, em 908 (58,1%) confirmou-se a presença de geminivírus, sendo 823 (60,2%) de tomate e 85 (43,8%) de pimentão. A presença de plantas infetadas foi detectada em todos os 120 plantios, com incidência entre 20 e 100%, indicando ampla disseminação de geminivírus nestas culturas no Submédio do Vale São Francisco.

Garlic viral complex: identification of Potyviruses and Carlavirus in Central Brazil

Garlic viruses often occur in complex infections in nature. In this study, a garlic virus complex, collected in fields in Brazil, was purified. RT-PCR was performed using specific primers designed from the consensus regions of the coat protein genes of Onion yellow dwarf virus, a garlic strain (OYDV-G) and Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV). cDNA of Garlic common latent virus (GCLV) was synthesized using oligo-dT and random primers. By these procedures individual garlic virus genomes were isolated and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence analysis associated with serological data reveals the presence of two Potyvirus OYDV-G and LYSV, and GCLV, a Carlavirus, simultaneously infecting garlic plants. Deduced amino acid sequences of the Brazilian isolates were compared with related viruses reported in different geographical regions of the world. The analysis showed closed relations considering the Brazilian isolates of OYDV-G and GCLV, and large divergence considering LYSV isolate. The detection of these virus species was confirmed by specific reactions observed when coat protein genes of the Brazilian isolates were used as probes in dot-blot and Southern blot hybridization assays. In field natural viral re-infection of virus-free garlic was evaluated.

Espécies vegetais hospedeiras de begomovírus isolados de tomateiro em Goiás e no Distrito Federal

A determinação da gama de hospedeiros de begomovírus isolados de tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum) é de elevada importância nos estudos conduzidos com esses patógenos, uma vez que contribui para o entendimento da larga disseminação dos vírus em condições de campo e oferece subsídios para o estudo da variabilidade genética de espécies e estirpes identificadas em diversas regiões do país. Visando a determinação e a comparação da gama de hospedeiros de dois isolados de begomovírus de tomateiro obtidos de lavouras da região de Anápolis-GO (GO-ANPL) e do Distrito Federal (DF-BR2) inocularam-se 31 espécies vegetais pertencentes a oito famílias botânicas, sob duas modalidades de inoculação: mecânica e com a mosca branca, Bemisia tabaci biótipo B. Constatou-se que o GO-ANPL e o DF-BR2 infetaram exclusivamente plantas da família Solanaceae como Datura stramonium, Nicandra physalodes e Nicotiana benthamiana. Para o GO-ANPL, o número de espécies vegetais infetadas com o emprego do inseto vetor foi superior ao obtido pela inoculação mecânica, diferindo dos resultados obtidos para o DF-BR2 em que as plantas hospedeiras foram igualmente infetadas em ambos os métodos de inoculação. A comparação entre as hospedeiras dos dois isolados e destes com as de outros begomovírus de tomateiro da região Nordeste revelaram que há variação tanto nas espécies hospedeiras como na sintomatologia exibida pelas plantas infetadas. Os testes foram todos confirmados com hibridização com sondas moleculares, em "dot blot".

Especificidade de anti-soro policlonal à Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli

Detectar a presença da bactéria Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli em material de propagação da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum sp.) é importante para direcionar o controle do raquitismo-da-soqueira. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se produzir anticorpo policlonal específico contra Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), visando utilizá-lo em método sorológico para detecção do patógeno. Para isso, o antígeno foi preparado a partir de células intactas, após lavagem por centrifugação de cultura-pura em tampão fosfato salino 0,01 M (PBS) e diálise em glutaraldeido 2% em PBS. O plano de imunização em coelho consistiu de duas injeções intramusculares da mistura 1:1 do antígeno com adjuvante Freund (completo e incompleto, a intervalos de 21 dias) e duas injeções subcutâneas do antígeno puro, a intervalos de dez dias. O anti-soro foi testado pelo método de Dot Blot com revelação por peroxidase para se determinar: (i) título do anticorpo e (ii) reação contra Lxx, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria e bactérias endofíticas de cana-de-açúcar (Azospirillum brasilense, A. lipoferum, Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans, H. seropedicae e Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus). A maior diluição analisada do anti-soro 1:20.000 mostrou reação fortemente positiva e específica contra Lxx e ausência de reação contra as demais bactérias. A purificação da fração IgG (Imunoglobulina G) não resultou em melhoria na reatividade e especificidade do anti-soro. Estimou-se o nível de detecção do método a partir de suspensão bacteriana em 2x10(6) células/ml.

Incidência de Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli em áreas de multiplicação de cana-de-açúcar no Espírito Santo, sul da Bahia e oeste de Minas Gerais

O controle do raquitismo-da-soqueira da cana-de-açucar, causado pela bactéria Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), requer o diagnóstico preciso da doença, pela detecção do patógeno na seiva do xilema. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a incidência do raquitismo em 108 talhões (principalmente de primeiro e segundo cortes) distribuídos em 7 municípios do Espírito Santo, sul da Bahia e oeste de Minas Gerais, nos anos de 2003 e 2004, totalizando 558 ha amostrados. Para detecção do patógeno empregou-se a técnica sorológica Dot Blot-EIA (Dot Blot Enzyme Imunoassay). O raquitismo foi diagnosticado em 67,6% dos talhões amostrados (67,7% da área). Em 2003, a incidência média de colmos infectados (IC%) correlacionou-se positivamente com a idade de corte (4,8% nas áreas de primeiro corte e 10,3% nas áreas de sexto corte). No ano de 2004, observou-se elevada incidência de raquitismo em cana de primeiro corte (IC=18%). A doença foi diagnosticada em 28 dentre 34 variedades estudadas. Nestas, a incidência varietal média variou entre 0,6 e 42%, em áreas predominantemente de primeiro e segundo corte, atingindo IC máxima de 59,5% em talhão de cana-planta da variedade RB855113. As variedades RB72454, SP711406 e SP813250, que tiveram número razoável de talhões amostrados, apresentaram geralmente valores de IC (por talhão) menores que 10%. Conclui-se que o raquitismo-da-soqueira encontra-se amplamente disseminado nas regiões estudadas e que as mudas utilizadas para a renovação dos canaviais possuem altos índices de contaminação por Lxx. Estudos adicionais devem ser conduzidos para se caracterizar variedades regionais promissoras quanto à resistência/tolerância ao raquitismo, visando-se aperfeiçoar o manejo varietal e melhorar a sanidade das mudas.