Biology subjects

Canales, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Canales, J..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Organ-level Gene Regulatory Network models enable the identification of central transcription factors in Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important crop, yet the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) controlling gene expression remain poorly understood. In this study, we constructed GRNs for roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds by inferring transcription factor (TF)-target interactions from over 10,000 RNA-seq libraries using the GENIE3 algorithm. We refined these networks with gene co-expression data and computational predictions of TF binding sequences in open chromatin sites. Our networks confirmed key TFs, including TOMATO AGAMOUS LIKE 1 and RIPENING INHIBITOR in fruit ripening, as well as ABF3 and ABF5 in abscisic acid response in leaves. Additionally, we identified novel candidate regulators, including AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 2A and ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR.E2 in fruit ripening and G-BOX BINDING FACTOR 3 (SlGBF3) in ABA-related and drought pathways. To further validate the GRNs, we used DNA Affinity Purification Sequencing (DAP-seq) for SlGBF3, confirming the accuracy of our GRNs. This study provides a valuable resource for dissecting transcriptional regulation in tomato, with potential applications in crop improvement. The GRNs are publicly accessible through a user-friendly web platform at https://plantaeviz.tomsbiolab.com/tomviz. HighlightWe developed organ-level gene regulatory networks for tomato using 10,000+ RNA-seq libraries, validated predictions and identified new regulators of fruit ripening and ABA response. These networks are available at https://plantaeviz.tomsbiolab.com/tomviz.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2025

DNA origami vaccines program antigen-focused germinal centers

Recruitment and expansion of rare precursor B cells in germinal centers (GCs) is a central goal of vaccination to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against challenging pathogens such as HIV. Multivalent immunogen display is a well-established method to enhance vaccine-induced B cell responses, typically accomplished by using natural or engineered protein scaffolds. However, these scaffolds themselves are targets of antibody responses, with the potential to generate competitor scaffold-specific B cells that could theoretically limit expansion and maturation of "on-target" B cells in the GC response. Here, we rationally designed T-independent, DNA-origami based virus-like particles (VLPs) with optimal antigenic display of the germline targeting HIV Env immunogen, eOD-GT8, and appropriate T cell help to achieve a potent GC response. In preclinical mouse models, these DNA-VLPs expanded significantly higher frequencies of epitope-specific GC B cells compared with a state-of-the-art clinical protein nanoparticle. Optimized DNA-VLPs primed germinal centers focused on the target antigen and rapidly expanded subdominant broadly neutralizing antibody precursor B cells for HIV with a single immunization. Thus, avoiding scaffold-specific responses augments priming of bnAb precursor B cells, and DNA-VLPs are a promising platform for promoting B cell responses towards challenging subdominant epitopes.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2024

Free Amino Acids Accelerate the Time-Dependent Inactivation of Rat Liver Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase / Phosphodiesterase Enpp3 elicited by EDTA

Nucleotide-pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (NPP/PDE) are membrane or secreted Zn2+-metallohydrolases of nucleoside-5-monophosphate derivatives. They hydrolyze, for instance, ATP and 4-nitrophenyl-dTMP, and belong to the ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ENPP) family that contains seven members (ENPP1-ENPP7). Earlier we had shown that an NPP/PDE activity solubilized and partially purified from rat liver membranes is inactivated by EDTA in a time-dependent fashion, an effect enhanced by glycine and blocked by the 4-nitrophenyl-dTMP. Here, we extended this observation to other free amino acids. Activity assays started after different incubation lengths with EDTA provided first-order, apparent inactivation constants (ki(ap)). With the exception of cysteine (a strong inhibitor) and histidine (itself evoking a time-dependent inactivation), free amino acids themselves did not affect activity but increased ki(ap). The results are compatible with a conformational change of NPP/PDE evoked by interaction with free amino acids. The enzyme preparation was analyzed to identify what ENPP family members were present. First, the hydrolytic activity on 2,3-cGAMP was assayed because until very recently ENPP1 was the only mammalian enzyme known to display it. 2,3-cGAMP hydrolase activity was clearly detected, but mass spectrometry data obtained by LC-MS/MS gave evidence that only rat Enpp3, Enpp4 and Enpp5 were present with low abundance. This finding coincided in time with a recent publication claiming that mouse Enpp3 hydrolyzes 2,3-cGAMP, and that Enpp1 and Enpp3 account for all the 2,3-cGAMP hydrolase activity in mice. So, our results are confirmatory of Enpp3 activity towards 2,3-cGAMP. Finally, the effect of amino acids could be relevant to NPP/PDE actions dependent on protein-protein interactions, like the known insulin-related effects of ENPP1 and possibly ENPP3.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2024

The trade-off between grain weight and grain number in wheat is explained by the overlapping of the key phases determining these major yield components

Enhancing grain yield is a primary goal in the cultivation of major staple crops, including wheat. Recent research has focused on identifying the physiological and molecular factors that influence grain weight, a critical determinant of crop yield. However, a bottleneck has arisen due to the trade-off between grain weight and grain number, whose underlying causes remain elusive. In a novel approach, a wheat expansin gene, TaExpA6, known for its expression in root tissues, was engineered to express in the grains of the spring wheat cultivar Fielder. This modification led to increases in both grain weight and yield without adversely affecting grain number. Conversely, a triple mutant line targeting the gene TaGW2, a known negative regulator of grain weight, resulted in increased grain weight but decreased grain number, potentially offsetting yield gains. This study aimed to evaluate four wheat genotypes: (i) a transgenic line expressing TaExpA6, (ii) its wild-type counterpart (Fielder), (iii) a TaGW2 triple mutant line, and (iv) its wild-type. Conducted in southern Chile, the study employed a Complete Randomized Block Design with four replications, under well-managed field conditions including fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. The primary metrics assessed were grain yield, grain number, and average grain weight per spike, along with detailed measurements of grain weight and dimensions across the spike, and ovary weight at pollination (Waddingtons scale 10). The expression levels of TaExpA6 and TaGW2 were also monitored post-anthesis. Results indicated that both the TaExpA6 line and the triple mutant line achieved significantly higher average grain weights compared to their respective wild types. Notably, the TaExpA6 line did not exhibit a reduction in grain number, thereby enhancing grain yield per spike. In contrast, the triple mutant line showed a reduced grain number per spike, with no significant change in overall yield. Analysis of ovary size, grain weight dynamics, and gene expression patterns suggests that the trade-off between grain weight and number could be attributed to the overlapping of the critical periods for the determination of these traits.

plant biology↗