Tubulin polyglutamylase enzymes are members of the TTL domain protein family

Polyglutamylation of tubulin has been implicated in several functions of microtubules, but the identification of the responsible enzyme(s) has been challenging. We found that the neuronal tubulin polyglutamylase is a protein complex containing a tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) protein, TTLL1. TTLL1 is a member of a large family of proteins with a TTL homology domain, whose members could catalyze ligations of diverse amino acids to tubulins or other substrates. In the model protist Tetrahymena thermophila, two conserved types of polyglutamylases were characterized that differ in substrate preference and subcellular localization.     

Detection of potato spindle tuber viroid by molecular hybridization and bioassay. A large-scale comparison

Summary To assess the reliability of dot-spot hybridization assay for the Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid, more than 1000 potato samples were cross-tested by biological and hybridization methods. Both methods gave similar results with a range of cultivars. The dot-spot hybridization test was reproducible with formaldehyde-denaturated cell-sap samples stored at room temperature for over 6 months. This finding means that samples can be transported from field stations to a diagnostic laboratory and allows for cross-checking of results between laboratories. The data suggest that dot-spot hybridization is suitable for breeding and quarantine purposes.     

General combining ability and heterosis regarding the phytochemical properties in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) hybrids

Strawberries are a common and important fruit in human diet because of their high content of essential nutrients and beneficial phytochemicals, which have relevant biological activity in human health. In this study, six cultivars and 15 selected F₁ hybrids between S₄ inbred lines and tester (cv. ‘Dukat’) were evaluated in a field trial over a period of two consecutive years. The amounts of total anthocyanin, phenolics and vitamin C in fruits and antiradical activity were analysed. General combining ability (GCA) and mid‐parent heterosis were also determined for those characteristics. Among all the genotypes tested, the inbred lines of ‘Senga Sengana’ 17 showed the highest breeding value based on GCA for all studied traits. Estimated heterosis varied among genotypes tested. The highest heterosis in terms of vitamin C occurred in the offspring of clone 1387 18‐15 × ‘Dukat’, but with regard to phenols and antiradical activity in hybrid ‘Teresa’ 18‐15 with cv. ‘Dukat’. This study revealed that the differentiation in chemical composition of strawberry fruits between genotypes is clearly dependent on individual genotype combinations and demonstrated the presence of heterosis in phytochemical contents in some specific genotypic combinations.     

Effects of different diets on juvenile tench, Tinca tinca (L.) reared under controlled conditions

In a laboratory experiment at 28 °C, four commercial starters (Carp Starter, Uni Starter, Perla Plus, Asta) were fed intensively to 11-month-old juvenile tench Tinca tinca of initially 41 mm TL and 0.70 g BW, over a period of 120 days. Frozen chironomid larvae were fed to fish below satiation as a reference diet for comparison of the fish body chemical composition. Final survival rates of 99–100% and satisfactory growth were attained with all dry diets, ranging from 73.3 (Carp Starter) to 84.8 mm TL (Asta) and from 5.39 (Carp Starter) to 8.09 g BW (Perla Plus). External body deformities of up to 96.4% specimens appeared in those fed Uni Starter, Carp Starter and Perla Plus, whereas 0% were recorded for Asta and chironomids. Fish in groups with deformities showed significantly elevated lipid content in their bodies, lower ash content and higher condition coefficient values. Juveniles in groups without deformities did not substantially change lipid content, but the ash content increased. Thus, among four dry diets studied, only Asta starter can be fed effectively and safely to juvenile tench reared intensively under controlled conditions.