Biology subjects

Berger, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Berger, G..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2020

Genome-wide association and prediction studies using a grapevine diversity panel give insights into the genetic architecture of several traits of interest

To cope with the challenges faced by agriculture, speeding-up breeding programs is a worthy endeavor, especially for perennials such as grapevine, but requires understanding the genetic architecture of target traits. To go beyond the mapping of quantitative trait locus (QTL) in bi-parental crosses, we exploited a diverse panel of 279 Vitis vinifera L. cultivars. This panel planted in five blocks in the vineyard was phenotyped over several years for 127 traits including yield components, organic acids, aroma precursors, polyphenols, and a water stress indicator. The panel was genotyped for 63k single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by combining an 18K microarray and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). The experimental design allowed to reliably assess the genotypic values for most traits. Marker densification via GBS markedly increased the proportion of genetic variance explained by SNPs, and two multi-SNP models identified QTLs not found by a SNP-by-SNP model. Overall, 489 reliable QTLs were detected for 41% more response variables than by a SNP-by-SNP model with microarray-only SNPs, many new ones compared to the results from bi-parental crosses. Prediction accuracy higher than 0.42 was obtained for 50% of the response variables. Our overall approach as well as QTL and prediction results provide insights into the genetic architecture of target traits. New candidate genes and the application in breeding are discussed.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2020

Identification, Localization and Expression of NHE Isoforms in the Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs), encoded by Solute Carrier 9A (SLC9A) genes in human, are ubiquitous integral membrane ion transporters that mediate the electroneutral exchange of H+ with Na+ or K+. NHEs, found in the kidney and intestine, play a major role in the process of fluid reabsorption together via Na+,K+-ATPase pump and Na+ channels. Nevertheless, the expression pattern of NHE in the lung and its role in alveolar fluid homeostasis has not been addressed. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression of NHE specific isoforms in alveolar epithelium cells (AECs), and assess their role in congestive heart failure. Three NHE isoforms were identified in AEC and A549 cell line, at the level of protein and mRNA; NHE1, NHE2 and mainly NHE8, the latter was shown to be localized in the apical membrane of AEC. Treating A549 cells with angiotensin (Ang) II for 1 and 3 hours displayed a significant reduction in NHE8 protein abundance and to lesser extent at 5 hours; however, there was no effect at 24 hours. Moreover, A549 treated overnight with Ang II downregulated NHE8 protein abundance. CHF rats held for 1 week had increased abundance of NHE8 compared to sham operated rats. However, lower abundance of NHE8 was observed in CHF rats held for 4 weeks. Herein we show, for the first time, the expression of a novel NHE isoform by AEC, namely NHE8. Besides being negatively affected by Ang II, NHE8 protein levels were distinctly affected in CHF rats, which may be related to CHF severity.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Intestinal dysbiosis in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae carriers

Infection with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) became an important challenge in health-care settings and a growing concern worldwide. Since infection is preceded by colonization, an understanding of the latter may reduce CRE-infections. We aimed to characterize the gut microbiota after colonization by CRE, assuming that an imbalanced gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-associated microbiota precedes CRE-colonization. We evaluated the GIT-microbiota using 16S rRNA genes sequencing extracted of fecal samples, collected from hospitalized CRE-carriers, and two control groups of hospitalized non-carriers and healthy adults. The microbiota diversity and composition in CRE-colonized patients differed from that of the control groups participants. These CRE-carriers displayed lower phylogenetic diversity and dysbiotic microbiota, enriched with members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Concurrent with the bloom in Enterobacteriaceae, a depletion of anaerobic commensals was observed. Additionally, changes in several predicted metabolic pathways were observed for the CRE-carriers. Concomitant, we found higher prevalence of bacteremia in the CRE-carriers. Several clinical factors that might induce change in the microbiota were examined and found as insignificant between the groups. CRE-colonized patients have dysbiotic gut microbiota in terms of diversity and community membership, associated with increased risk for systemic infection. Our study results provides justification for attempts to restore the dysbiotic microbiota with probiotics or fecal transplantation.

microbiology↗