Effects of γ-rays on DNA-cholesterol complex

Summary Effects of -rays on the DNA-cholesterol complex have been studied. Radiation-induced changes are found and compared with those on DNA-dye or drug complexes.Acknowledgment. Thanks are due to P. K. Roy, K. L. Bhattacharya and K. M. Khanna (Department of Physics, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi) for helpful discussions and the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital (Calcutta) for irradiation facilities.     

Molecular functions and cellular roles of the ChlR1 (DDX11) helicase defective in the rare cohesinopathy Warsaw breakage syndrome

In 2010, a new recessive cohesinopathy disorder, designated Warsaw breakage syndrome (WABS), was described. The individual with WABS displayed microcephaly, pre- and postnatal growth retardation, and abnormal skin pigmentation. Cytogenetic analysis revealed mitomycin C (MMC)-induced chromosomal breakage; however, an additional sister chromatid cohesion defect was also observed. WABS is genetically linked to bi-allelic mutations in the ChlR1/DDX11 gene which encodes a protein of the conserved family of Iron–Sulfur (Fe–S) cluster DNA helicases. Mutations in the budding yeast ortholog of ChlR1, known as Chl1, were known to cause sister chromatid cohesion defects, indicating a conserved function of the gene. In 2012, three affected siblings were identified with similar symptoms to the original WABS case, and found to have a homozygous mutation in the conserved Fe–S domain of ChlR1, confirming the genetic linkage. Significantly, the clinically relevant mutations perturbed ChlR1 DNA unwinding activity. In addition to its genetic importance in human disease, ChlR1 is implicated in papillomavirus genome maintenance and cancer. Although its precise functions in genome homeostasis are still not well understood, ongoing molecular studies of ChlR1 suggest the helicase plays a critically important role in cellular replication and/or DNA repair.     

Glycerol-3-phosphate is a critical mobile inducer of systemic immunity in plants

Glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) is an important metabolite that contributes to the growth and disease-related physiologies of prokaryotes, plants, animals and humans alike. Here we show that G3P serves as the inducer of an important form of broad-spectrum immunity in plants, termed systemic acquired resistance (SAR). SAR is induced upon primary infection and protects distal tissues from secondary infections. Genetic mutants defective in G3P biosynthesis cannot induce SAR but can be rescued when G3P is supplied exogenously. Radioactive tracer experiments show that a G3P derivative is translocated to distal tissues, and this requires the lipid transfer protein, DIR1. Conversely, G3P is required for the translocation of DIR1 to distal tissues, which occurs through the symplast. These observations, along with the fact that dir1 plants accumulate reduced levels of G3P in their petiole exudates, suggest that the cooperative interaction of DIR1 and G3P orchestrates the induction of SAR in plants.     

Karkata,a new genus of gecarcinucid freshwater crab with two new species,and four new species of Pilarta Bahir and Yeo, 2007 and Cylindrotelphusa Alcock, 1909 (Decapoda: Brachyura) from Kerala,India

A new genus of freshwater crab, Karkata gen. nov., with two species, K. ghanarakta sp. nov. (type species) and K. kusumbha sp. nov., and two new species each of Pilarta Bahir and Yeo, 2007 (P. aroma sp. nov. and P. punctatissima sp. nov.) and Cylindrotelphusa Alcock, 1909 (C. breviphallus sp. nov. and C. longiphallus sp. nov.), are described from Kerala, India. Additionally, C. granulata (Pillai, 1951) comb. et stat. nov. is recognised as a distinct species. Karkata gen. nov. is distinguished from other Indian gecarcinucid genera by a suite of carapace and gonopod characters, including a moderately arched, smooth carapace, the presence of a prominent suture between male thoracic sternites 2, 3 and 3, 4, the absence of a flagellum on the third maxilliped exopod, a very short terminal segment of the male first gonopod (G1), and a short distal segment of the male second gonopod (G2). Karkata ghanarakta sp. nov. is differentiated from K. kusumbha sp. nov. by the shape of the G1 subterminal segment and its live colouration. Pilarta punctatissima sp. nov. is distinct among the congeners mainly by its densely punctate carapace, densely setose anterolateral and posterolateral margins of the carapace, stouter G1 terminal segment, and relatively long G2 distal segment whereas P. aroma sp. nov. can be separated from P. anuka Bahir and Yeo, 2007 by its relatively smooth carapace, deep H-shaped groove, relatively long G1 terminal segment, and almost straight outer margins of the G1 terminal and subterminal segments. Cylindrotelphusa breviphallus sp. nov. is differentiated from C. longiphallus sp. nov. and C. steniops (Alcock, 1909) by its stout G1, with a stout, short terminal segment. Cylindrotelphusa longiphallus sp. nov. is distinguished from the congeners by its shallow, narrow cervical grooves and relatively slender ambulatory legs. An identification key to the species of Karkata, Pilarta and Cylindrotelphusa is provided.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AB9B01DA-B23F-4AC2-9349-75ADDBBBF707     

Sterilization of solanaceous hadda,Epilachna vigintioctopunctata F. by irradiating pupae using gamma radiation

Summary Sterility in males and females was observed in the resulting adults when 3–4-day-old pupae of solanaceous hadda,Epilachna vigintioctopunctata F. were exposed to gamma radiation doses of 2000 rad and 2500 rad. However, at 2500 rad longevity of treated insects was adversely affected.Acknowledgment. Financial help to one of us (J.K.G.) by C.S.I.R. in the form of J.R.F. is gratefully acknowledged. Authors are thankful to Prof. P.N. Srivastava and Dr A.R. Rao, School of Life Sciences, J.N.U. Delhi for providing radiation facility.     

Dimorphic sperms ofRhinopoma kinneari (Chiroptera)

Résumé Les spermatozoïdes deRhinopoma kinneari sont dimorphes et diffèrent les uns des autres dans leur forme et leur longeur totale, mais la longueur de leur tête reste constante. Ils peuvent être du type X et Y comme ceux des autres mammifères.