Project description:We performed a transcriptome analysis of interior spruce (Picea glauca x engelmannii) bark response to weevil (Pissodes strobi) feeding using 21.8K spruce microarray (that contains 21.8 thousand unique transcripts). This microarray study revealed a large rearrangement of the interior spruce bark transcriptome in response to weevil feeding involving differential expression of close to 20% of the studied transcriptome.
Project description:Sea nettle jellyfish cause millions of painful stings annually with little known about how their venom works and no rational treatments available. Here we perform a systematic analysis of sea nettle venom / host interactions. The venom shows dose-dependent cytotoxic activity in human cells and this can be blocked by dual inhibition of apoptosis and necroptosis. Using whole-genome CRISPR screening we identified human genes and pathways that modify venom action. The top gene cluster identified regulates proteoglycan biosynthesis. We show exogenous heparin, a drug used clinically as an anticoagulant, blocks venom cytotoxicity at a physiologically relevant dose. This effect was therapeutic, inhibiting venom even one hour after exposure. Importantly, in vivo, heparin protected against acute spontaneous pain, thermal hyperalgesia, and mechanical allodynia induced by venom. This provides the exciting possibility of repurposing heparin, a safe, commercially available drug as a prophylactic or therapeutic to reduce the impact of sea nettle stings.
Project description:To explore the bacterial community profile of the gut of the African palm weevil and to identify the abundance and diversity of lignin degradation-associated bacteria in each gut segment.
Project description:Oil palm leaves were analysed via proteomics approach to identify the differentially-expressed proteins under Red Palm Weevil infestation on the first, third and sixth week post-infestation. The comparison was made among three groups; the control (C), physical wounding by drilling (wounded,W) and the red palm weevil larva infestation (Infested, I)