BACKGROUND: Venom allergen-like proteins (VALs) are abundant in the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) of numerous parasitic helminths and have been extensively studied for over 30 years because of their potential to interact with host systems. Despite substantial research, however, the precise functions of these proteins remain largely unresolved. Schistosomes, parasites of the circulatory system, are no exception, with 29 SmVAL genes identified in the genome of Schistosoma mansoni to date. The eggs of these parasites, as primary pathogenic agents, interact directly with host tissues and release excretory-secretory products that aid their egress from the host. Although SmVALs have been detected in the egg secretome in the past, direct evidence of their secretion and functional interaction with host molecules has never been demonstrated. These findings fuel the ongoing debate as to whether egg-expressed SmVALs interact with the mammalian host or are rather miracidial proteins synthesized within the egg during larval development. RESULTS: Based on complete revision of the SmVAL family and an associated robust transcriptomic meta-analysis of gene expression across the life cycle, we show that many of SmVAL genes, including 6 newly identified genes, are expressed in the infective larvae-producing stages (eggs and sporocysts). Following localization of two "egg-specific" SmVAL9 and SmVAL29 did not prove active secretion of these molecules into surrounding tissues but were aligned with miracidial structures interfacing with the molluscan host, specifically the larval surface and penetration glands. Finally, we show the complete lack of interactions between candidate SmVAL proteins and an array of 755 human cell receptors via a state-of-the-art SAVEXIS screen. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we conclude that these "egg" SmVALs are not involved in direct host‒parasite interactions in the mammalian host and are rather proteins employed during intermediate host invasion. Our study revisits and updates the SmVAL gene family, highlighting the limitations of in silico protein function predictions while emphasizing the need for up-to-date datasets and tools together with experimental validation in host-parasite interactions. By uncovering the diversity, expression patterns, and interaction dynamics of SmVALs, we open new avenues for understanding host manipulation and reevaluating orthologous proteins in other helminths.

• Klíčová slova
• CAP, Egg, Miracidium, SAVEXIS, SCP, Schistosomiasis, Transcriptome, Venom allergen-like,
• MeSH
• alergeny * genetika   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita * genetika   MeSH
• ovum metabolismus   MeSH
• proteiny červů * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Schistosoma mansoni * genetika   MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• transkriptom MeSH
• živočišné jedy genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alergeny * MeSH
• proteiny červů * MeSH
• živočišné jedy MeSH

The vertebrate visual cycle hinges on enzymatically converting all-trans-retinol (at-ROL) into 11-cis-retinal (11c-RAL), the chromophore that binds to opsins in photoreceptors, forming light-responsive pigments. When struck by a photon, these pigments activate the phototransduction pathway and initiate the process of vision. The enzymatic isomerization of at-ROL, crucial for restoring the visual pigments and preparing them to receive new light stimuli, relies on various enzymes found in both the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells. To function effectively, retinoids must shuttle between these two cell types. Retinol-binding protein 3 (RBP3), located in the interphotoreceptor matrix, probably plays a pivotal role in this transport mechanism. Comprised of four retinoid-binding modules, RBP3 also binds fatty acids, potentially aiding retinal function by facilitating the loading and unloading of different retinoids at specific cell types thereby directing the cycle. In this study, we present a 3.67 Å cryoEM structure of porcine RBP3, along with molecular docking analysis and corroborative in-solution small-angle X-ray scattering data for titration of RBP3 with relevant ligands, that also give insights on RBP3 conformational adaptability.

• Klíčová slova
• RBP3, SAXS, conformational changes, cryoEM structure, molecular docking,
• MeSH
• difrakce rentgenového záření MeSH
• elektronová kryomikroskopie metody   MeSH
• konformace proteinů MeSH
• maloúhlový rozptyl * MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• oční proteiny MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• proteiny vázající retinol * chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• simulace molekulového dockingu MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• vitamin A metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• interstitial retinol-binding protein MeSH Prohlížeč
• oční proteiny MeSH
• proteiny vázající retinol * MeSH
• vitamin A MeSH

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica, Leuconeurospora bharatiensis from accumulated snow sediment sample. Argentina, Pseudocercospora quetri on leaf spots of Luma apiculata. Australia, Polychaetomyces verrucosus on submerged decaying wood in sea water, Ustilaginoidea cookiorum on Scleria levis, Xylaria guardiae as endophyte from healthy leaves of Macaranga tanarius. Belgium, Iodophanus taxi on leaf of Taxus baccata. Belize, Hygrocybe mirabilis on soil. Brazil, Gongronella irregularis from soil, Linodochium splendidum on decaying sheath of Euterpe oleracea, Nothophysalospora agapanthi (incl. Nothophysalospora gen. nov.) on flower stalks of Agapanthus praecox, Phaeosphaeria tabebuiae on leaf of Tabebuia sp., Verrucohypha endophytica (incl. Verrucohypha gen. nov.) from healthy roots of Acrocomia aculeata. Estonia, Inosperma apricum on soil under Quercus robur. Greece, Monosporascus solitarius isolated from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Microthlaspi perfoliatum. India, Diaporthe neocapsici on young seedling stems of Capsicum annuum, Fuscoporia naditirana on dead wood, Sebacina spongicarpa on soil, Torula kanvae from the gut of a Copris signatus beetle. Iran, Sarcinomyces pruni from twig and petiole tissues of Prunus persica and Prunus armeniaca, Xenodidymella quercicola from leaf spots of Quercus brantii. Italy, Agaricus aereiceps on grass, Agaricus bellui in meadows, Agaricus fabrianensis in urban grasslands, Beaucarneamyces muscorum on moss growing in forest, Xenoanthostomella quercus on leaf litter of Quercus ilex. Netherlands, Alfaria neerlandica on stem lesions of Cortaderia selloana, Neodictyosporium juncicola on culms of Juncus maritimus, Penicillium geertdesnooi from soil under Papaver rhoeas, Russula abscondita on rich calcareous soil with Quercus, Russula multiseptata on rich clay soil with Quercus, Russula purpureopallescens on soil with Populus, Sarocladium caricicola on leaves of Carex riparia. Pakistan, Circinaria shimlaensis on limestone rocks. Panama, Acrocalymma philodendri on leaf spots of Philodendron sp., Caligospora panamaensis on leaf litter, Chlamydocillium simulans associated with a Xylaria sp., Corynesporina panamaensis on leaf litter, Cylindromonium panamaense on twig litter of angiosperm, Cyphellophora panamaensis on twig litter of angiosperm, Microcera panamensis on leaf litter of fern, Pseudotricholoma pusillum in tropical montane forest dominated by Quercus spp., Striaticonidium panamaense on leaf litter, Yunnanomyces panamaensis on leaf litter. Poland, Albocremella abscondita (incl. Albocremella gen. nov.) from rhizoids of liverwort Conocephalum salebrosum. Portugal, Agaricus occidualis in meadows. South Africa, Alternaria elsarustiae on culms of unidentified Poaceae, Capronia capensis on dead twig of unidentified angiosperm, Codinaeella bulbinicola on dead leaves of Bulbine frutescens, Cytospora carpobroticola on leaf of Carpobrotus quadrifidus, Neophaeomoniella watsoniae on leaf of Watsonia sp., Neoplatysporoides aloigena on leaf of Aloe khamiesensis, Nothodactylaria comitabilis on living leaf of Itea rhamnoides, Nothopenidiella beaucarneae (incl. Nothopenidiella gen. nov.) on dead leaves of Beaucarnea stricta, Orbilia kirstenboschensis on dead flower stalks of Agapanthus praecox, Phragmocephala agapanthi on dead flower stalks of Agapanthus praecox, Podocarpigena hagahagaensis (incl. Podocarpigena gen. nov.) on leaf spots of Podocarpus falcatus, Sporisorium enterogonipteri from the gut of Gonipterus sp., Synnemapestaloides searsiae on leaf of Searsia populifolia, Xenophragmocapnias diospyri (incl. Xenophragmocapnias gen. nov.) on leaf spots of Diospyros sp., Yunnanomyces hagahagaensis on leaf spots of Sideroxylon inerme. Spain, Agaricus basicinctus in meadows, Agaricus quercetorum among leaf litter in oak forests, Coprinopsis palaciosii on degraded woody debris, Inocybe complutensis in calcareous loamy soil, Inocybe tanitiae in calcareous sandy soil, Mycena subfragosa on dead leaves of Salix atrocinerea, Pseudobaeospora cortegadensis in laurel forests, Trichoderma sedimenticola from fluvial sediments. Sweden, Inocybe badjelanndana on calcareous soil. Ukraine, Beaucarneamyces lupini on overwintered stems of Lupinus polyphyllus, Protocreopsis globulosa on thallus and apothecia of Lecania cyrtella on bark of Populus sp., Thyridium tiliae on dead twigs of Tilia sp. USA, Cladosporium louisianense, Cyphellophora americana from a bedroom vent, Extremus massachusettsianus from lyse buffer, Myxotrichum tapetae on carpet in basement, Neospissiomyces floridanus (incl. Neospissiomyces gen. nov.) on swab from hospital, Polychaetomyces marinus (incl. Polychaetomyces gen. nov.) on submerged driftwood in sea water, Steccherinum fragrans on hardwood fallen on the beach, Steinbeckomyces carnegieae (incl. Steinbeckomyces gen. nov.) on Carnegiea gigantea, Tolypocladium pennsylvanicum from air sampled in basement. Vietnam, Acidomyces ducanhii from Aglaia flowers, Acidomyces paludis from dead bark of Acacia sp., Phakopsora sageretiae on Sageretia theezans, Puccinia stixis on Stixis scandens. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Wingfield MJ, Jurjević Ž, et al. (2024). Fungal Planet description sheets: 1697-1780. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 14: 325-577. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.14.19.

• Klíčová slova
• ITS nrDNA barcodes, LSU, new taxa, systematics,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Despite covering <5% of Earth's terrestrial area, peatlands are crucial for global carbon storage and are hot spots of methane cycling. This study examined the dynamics of aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation in two undisturbed peatlands: a fen and a spruce swamp forest. Using microcosm incubations, we investigated the effect of ammonium addition, at a level similar to current N pollution processes, on aerobic methane oxidation. Our findings revealed higher methane consumption rates in fen compared to swamp peat, but no effect of ammonium amendment on methane consumption was found. Members of Methylocystis and Methylocella were the predominant methanotrophs in both peatlands. Furthermore, we explored the role of ferric iron and sulfate as electron acceptors for the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). AOM occurred without the addition of an external electron acceptor in the fen, but not in the swamp peat. AOM was stimulated by sulfate and ferric iron addition in the swamp peat and inhibited by ferric iron in the fen. Our findings suggest that aerobic methane oxidizers are not N-limited in these peatlands and that there is an intrinsic potential for AOM in these environments, partially facilitated by ferric iron and sulfate acting as electron acceptors.

• Klíčová slova
• ammonium, electron acceptors, greenhouse gas emissions, methanotrophic bacteria,
• MeSH
• aerobióza MeSH
• amoniové sloučeniny metabolismus   MeSH
• anaerobióza MeSH
• methan * metabolismus   MeSH
• Methylocystaceae metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• mokřady * MeSH
• oxidace-redukce * MeSH
• půda chemie   MeSH
• půdní mikrobiologie * MeSH
• sírany metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• amoniové sloučeniny MeSH
• methan * MeSH
• půda MeSH
• sírany MeSH

As part of our detailed study of the Caucasian mayfly fauna, we describe Epeorus (Caucasiron) abditussp. nov., a new species of the genus EpeorusEaton, 1881,subgenusCaucasiron Kluge, 1997, based on larvae collected in Türkiye, Georgia, and Russia. We use several methodological approaches to delimit the new species by analysing COI sequence data and larval morphology. We provide a comparison with related taxa and diagnostic characters allowing determination of the larvae. We also update the identification key for the Caucasian species of E. (Caucasiron) with E. (C.) abditussp. nov. and two recently described species, E. (C.) hyrcanicus Hrivniak & Sroka, 2021 and E. (C.) tripertitus Hrivniak & Sroka, 2022.

• Klíčová slova
• Aquatic insects, species delimitation, taxonomy,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The ATP-independent chaperone SurA protects unfolded outer membrane proteins (OMPs) from aggregation in the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria, and delivers them to the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) for folding into the outer membrane (OM). Precisely how SurA recognises and binds its different OMP clients remains unclear. Escherichia coli SurA comprises three domains: a core and two PPIase domains (P1 and P2). Here, by combining methyl-TROSY NMR, single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET), and bioinformatics analyses we show that SurA client binding is mediated by two binding hotspots in the core and P1 domains. These interactions are driven by aromatic-rich motifs in the client proteins, leading to SurA core/P1 domain rearrangements and expansion of clients from collapsed, non-native states. We demonstrate that the core domain is key to OMP expansion by SurA, and uncover a role for SurA PPIase domains in limiting the extent of expansion. The results reveal insights into SurA-OMP recognition and the mechanism of activation for an ATP-independent chaperone, and suggest a route to targeting the functions of a chaperone key to bacterial virulence and OM integrity.

• MeSH
• ABC transportéry metabolismus   chemie   genetika   MeSH
• adenosintrifosfát metabolismus   MeSH
• Escherichia coli * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• molekulární chaperony * metabolismus   MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• peptidylprolylisomerasa * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• proteinové domény MeSH
• proteiny vnější bakteriální membrány metabolismus   genetika   chemie   MeSH
• proteiny z Escherichia coli * metabolismus   genetika   chemie   MeSH
• rezonanční přenos fluorescenční energie MeSH
• sbalování proteinů MeSH
• transportní proteiny * metabolismus   MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• vazebná místa MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• ABC transportéry MeSH
• adenosintrifosfát MeSH
• molekulární chaperony * MeSH
• peptidylprolylisomerasa * MeSH
• proteiny vnější bakteriální membrány MeSH
• proteiny z Escherichia coli * MeSH
• SurA protein, E coli MeSH Prohlížeč
• transportní proteiny * MeSH

Here we describe a complex enzymatic approach to the efficient transformation of abundant waste chitin, a byproduct of the food industry, into valuable chitooligomers with a degree of polymerization (DP) ranging from 6 to 11. This method involves a three-step process: initial hydrolysis of chitin using engineered variants of a novel fungal chitinase from Talaromyces flavus to generate low-DP chitooligomers, followed by an extension to the desired DP using the high-yielding Y445N variant of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase from Aspergillus oryzae, achieving yields of up to 57%. Subsequently, enzymatic deacetylation of chitooligomers with DP 6 and 7 was accomplished using peptidoglycan deacetylase from Bacillus subtilis BsPdaC. The innovative enzymatic procedure demonstrates a sustainable and feasible route for converting waste chitin into unavailable bioactive chitooligomers potentially applicable as natural pesticides in ecological and sustainable agriculture.

• Klíčová slova
• chitin, chitinase, chitooligomer, peptidoglycan deacetylase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase,
• MeSH
• Aspergillus oryzae * enzymologie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Bacillus subtilis genetika   enzymologie   chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny genetika   metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• biokatalýza MeSH
• chitin * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• chitinasy * metabolismus   genetika   chemie   MeSH
• fungální proteiny * metabolismus   genetika   chemie   MeSH
• hydrolýza MeSH
• oligosacharidy * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• Talaromyces * enzymologie   genetika   chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• bakteriální proteiny MeSH
• chitin * MeSH
• chitinasy * MeSH
• fungální proteiny * MeSH
• oligosacharidy * MeSH

Members of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family are important regulators of multiple signaling pathways. CK1α is a well-known negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which promotes the degradation of β-catenin via its phosphorylation of Ser45. In contrast, the closest paralog of CK1α, CK1α-like, is a poorly characterized kinase of unknown function. In this study, we show that the deletion of CK1α, but not CK1α-like, resulted in a strong activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Wnt-3a treatment further enhanced the activation, which suggests there are at least two modes, a CK1α-dependent and Wnt-dependent, of β-catenin regulation. Rescue experiments showed that only two out of ten naturally occurring splice CK1α/α-like variants were able to rescue the augmented Wnt/β-catenin signaling caused by CK1α deficiency in cells. Importantly, the ability to phosphorylate β-catenin on Ser45 in the in vitro kinase assay was required but not sufficient for such rescue. Our compound CK1α and GSK3α/β KO models suggest that the additional nonredundant function of CK1α in the Wnt pathway beyond Ser45-β-catenin phosphorylation includes Axin phosphorylation. Finally, we established NanoBRET assays for the three most common CK1α splice variants as well as CK1α-like. Target engagement data revealed comparable potency of known CK1α inhibitors for all CK1α variants but not for CK1α-like. In summary, our work brings important novel insights into the biology of CK1α, including evidence for the lack of redundancy with other CK1 kinases in the negative regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway at the level of β-catenin and Axin.

• Klíčová slova
• Axin, NanoBRET, Wnt pathway, alternative splicing, casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α), casein kinase 1 alpha-like (CK1α-like), gene knockout, inhibitor, phosphorylation, β-catenin,
• MeSH
• alternativní sestřih MeSH
• beta-katenin * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• fosforylace MeSH
• GSK3B metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• kasein kinasa Ialfa * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• kinasa 3 glykogensynthasy metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• protein Wnt3A metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• signální dráha Wnt * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• beta-katenin * MeSH
• GSK3B MeSH
• kasein kinasa Ialfa * MeSH
• kinasa 3 glykogensynthasy MeSH
• protein Wnt3A MeSH
• WNT3A protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč

The identification of genes involved in salinity tolerance has primarily focused on model plants and crops. However, plants naturally adapted to highly saline environments offer valuable insights into tolerance to extreme salinity. Salicornia plants grow in coastal salt marshes, stimulated by NaCl. To understand this tolerance, we generated genome sequences of two Salicornia species and analyzed the transcriptomic and proteomic responses of Salicornia bigelovii to NaCl. Subcellular membrane proteomes reveal that SbiSOS1, a homolog of the well-known SALT-OVERLY-SENSITIVE 1 (SOS1) protein, appears to localize to the tonoplast, consistent with subcellular localization assays in tobacco. This neo-localized protein can pump Na+ into the vacuole, preventing toxicity in the cytosol. We further identify 11 proteins of interest, of which SbiSALTY, substantially improves yeast growth on saline media. Structural characterization using NMR identified it as an intrinsically disordered protein, localizing to the endoplasmic reticulum in planta, where it can interact with ribosomes and RNA, stabilizing or protecting them during salt stress.

• MeSH
• Chenopodiaceae * metabolismus   genetika   účinky léků   MeSH
• chlorid sodný farmakologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• endoplazmatické retikulum metabolismus   MeSH
• proteomika MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u rostlin účinky léků   MeSH
• rostlinné proteiny * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• salinita MeSH
• solný stres MeSH
• tabák metabolismus   genetika   účinky léků   MeSH
• tolerance k soli * genetika   MeSH
• transkriptom MeSH
• vakuoly metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Trypanosomatids (Euglenozoa) are a diverse group of unicellular flagellates predominately infecting insects (monoxenous species) or circulating between insects and vertebrates or plants (dixenous species). Monoxenous trypanosomatids harbor a wide range of RNA viruses belonging to the families Narnaviridae, Totiviridae, Qinviridae, Leishbuviridae, and a putative group of tombus-like viruses. Here, we focus on the subfamily Blastocrithidiinae, a previously unexplored divergent group of monoxenous trypanosomatids comprising two related genera: Obscuromonas and Blastocrithidia. Members of the genus Blastocrithidia employ a unique genetic code, in which all three stop codons are repurposed to encode amino acids, with TAA also used to terminate translation. Obscuromonas isolates studied here bear viruses of three families: Narnaviridae, Qinviridae, and Mitoviridae. The latter viral group is documented in trypanosomatid flagellates for the first time. While other known mitoviruses replicate in the mitochondria, those of trypanosomatids appear to reside in the cytoplasm. Although no RNA viruses were detected in Blastocrithidia spp., we identified an endogenous viral element in the genome of B. triatomae indicating its past encounter(s) with tombus-like viruses.

• Klíčová slova
• Blastocrithidia, Mitoviridae, Narnaviridae, Obscuromonas, Qin-like virus, dsRNA viruses,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH