Project description:With the aid of a biochip, carrying representative sequences from approximately 2200 sequences from the genome of isolate 9a5c from X. fastidiosa (Xf), microarray-based comparisons have been performed with 6 different Xf isolates obtained from citrus plants (Table 1). Four of these isolates (56a, 9.12c, 187b, and 36f) were obtained from CVC-affected trees and are representatives of the most prevalent Xf haplotypes found in sweet orange orchards across the state of São Paulo, while isolate CV21 was obtained from a non-symptomatic tree from the same region. Isolate Fb7, on the other hand, was obtained from a sweet orange tree that displayed symptoms of “Pecosita”, a disease similar to CVC that occurs in some citrus-growing regions of Argentina. Keywords: Comparative Genomic Hybridization
Project description:Comparison of gene expression in dendritic cells (DCs) isolated from tumors of C57BL/6 obtained from Taconic farms vs DCs isolated from tumor of C57BL/6 mice obtained from Jackson Labortaory vs DCs isolated from tumors of C57BL/6 obtained from Taconic farms and orally gavaged with Bifidobacterium prior to tumor implantation
Project description:Screening has revealed that modern-day feeds used in Atlantic salmon aquaculture might contain trace amounts of agricultural pesticides. To reach slaughter size, salmon are produced in open net pens in the sea. Unconsumed feed pellets and undigested feces deposited beneath the net pens represent a source of contamination for marine organisms. To examine the impacts of long-term and continuous dietary exposure to an organophosphorus pesticide (OP) found in Atlantic salmon feed, we fed juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), an abundant species around North Atlantic fish farms, three concentrations (0.5, 4.2 and 23.2 mg/kg) of chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPM) for 30 days. Endpoints included liver and bile bioaccumulation, liver transcriptomics and metabolomics, as well as plasma cholinesterase activity, cortisol, liver 7-ethoxyresor-ufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and hypoxia tolerance. The results show that Atlantic cod can accumulate relatively high levels of CPM in the liver after continuous exposure, which is then metabolized and excreted via the bile. All three exposure concentrations led to significant inhibition of plasma cholinesterase activity, the primary target of CPM. Transcriptomics profiling pointed to effects on cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis. Metabolite profiling revealed that CPM induced responses reflecting detoxification by glutathione-S-transferase, inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase, potential inhibition of carboxylesterase, and increased demand for ATP, followed by secondary inflammatory responses. A gradual hypoxia challenge test showed that all groups of exposed fish were less tolerant to low oxygen saturation than the controls. In conclusion, this study suggests that wild fish continuously feeding on leftover pellets near fish farms over time may be vulnerable to OPs.
