bioRxiv Science⌕ Search

Biology subjects

Nourimand, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Nourimand, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

TurboID-based proximity labeling enables in vivo mapping of Plasmodiophora brassicae secretome in Arabidopsis

O_LIPlasmodiophora brassicae, the causal agent of clubroot disease, is an obligate biotrophic protist belonging to the poorly characterized Rhizaria. Its intracellular lifestyle and resistance to genetic manipulation have hindered functional analysis of its effector repertoire, leaving mechanisms underlying disease development unresolved. Here, we sought to experimentally define the P. brassicae secretome within infected plant cells and identify effectors targeted to specific host subcellular compartments. C_LIO_LIA proximity labeling approach based on the TurboID biotin ligase was used to capture pathogen-derived proteins within the nucleus, cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane of infected Arabidopsis roots during primary and secondary stages of clubroot disease. C_LIO_LIThis strategy yielded the first in planta experimental view of the P. brassicae secretome, identifying both established and previously uncharacterized effectors. The resulting dataset provides a valuable resource and methodological framework for dissecting effector function in this and other intracellular plant pathogens. C_LIO_LIThis study expands our understanding of Rhizarian pathogenicity and provides a methodological template for identifying the secretomes of other obligatory intracellular plant pathogens. C_LI

plant biology↗

Plant-based production of SARS-CoV-2 antigens for use in a subunit vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront an urgent need for the rapid development of highly efficacious vaccines, particularly in light of the ongoing emergence of multiple variants of concern. Plant-based recombinant protein platforms are emerging as cost-effective and highly scalable alternatives to conventional protein production. Viral glycoproteins, however, are historically challenging to produce in plants. Herein, we report the production of plant-expressed wild-type glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD (receptor-binding domain) protein that is recognized by anti-RBD antibodies and exhibits high-affinity binding to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). Moreover, our plant-expressed RBD was readily detected by IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies from naturally infected convalescent, vaccinated, or convalescent and vaccinated individuals. We further demonstrate that RBD binding to the ACE2 receptor was efficiently neutralized by antibodies from sera of SARS-CoV-2 convalescent and partially and fully vaccinated individuals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that recombinant RBD produced in planta exhibits suitable biochemical and antigenic features for use in a subunit vaccine platform.

bioengineering↗

Blue sky’s the limit? Somatic embryogenesis as a means of propagating recalcitrant blue spruce (Picea pungens) cultivar Hoopsii

The triple-blue cultivar of blue spruce (Picea pungens Hoopsii) is notably recalcitrant towards the realm of traditional vegetative propagation methods. Its ability to naturally proliferate is limited by ovule and embryo abortion during the growing season, leading to low viable seed yield. In this study, we established a protocol using somatic embryogenesis (SE) as a means of propagating this popular ornamental cultivar. We collected cones from Hoopsii trees at seven different timepoints throughout the growing season (mid-June to late July in Ottawa (Plant Hardiness Zone 5A)). Female megagametophytes were harvested following each collection and immature zygotic embryos were plated onto induction media. Early somatic embryos began developing from the embryonic tissue (ET) three to five weeks following induction. The highest ET initiation frequency occurred from embryos collected June 20-July 10, suggesting that developmental stage of the embryo was a significant factor in SE induction. The conversion of mature somatic embryos into plantlets (emblings) was completed in eight-ten weeks at a rate of 92.8%. In this study, we demonstrate that in vitro somatic embryogenesis using our optimized protocol is a fast and prolific method for the mass propagation of Hoopsii blue spruce. This is the first report on the production of somatic Hoopsii emblings.

plant biology↗