Two members of the programme participated in the Bovine Genome Sequencing and Analysis Consortium with the task to annotate genes expressed in the mammary gland. The published annotated cattle genome sequence represents the first fully sequenced ruminant genome and opens new aspects in understanding symbiosis between ruminal microorganisms and host as well as regulation of immune system and lactation.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2460552
Avian-specific toll like receptor 15 (TLR15) is functionally equivalent to a group of TLR2 family proteins that the mammalian innate immune system utilizes to recognize a broad spectrum of microbe-associated molecular patterns, including bacterial lipoproteins. In this study we examined the role of chicken TLR2 family members in the innate immune response to the avian pathogenic bacterium, Mycoplasma synoviae. We found that Mycoplasma synoviae, and specifically the N-terminal diacylated lipopeptide (MDLP) representing the amino-terminal portion of its mature haemagglutinin protein, significantly induces the expression of TLR15, but not TLR1 and TLR2 in chicken macrophages and chondrocytes. TLR15 activation is specific and depends on diacylation of the lipopeptide. Activation of TLR15 after stimulation with Mycoplasma synoviae and MDLP triggers an increase in the expression of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B and nitric oxide production. Moreover, transfection of avian macrophage cells with small interfering RNA reduces the expression of TLR15 after stimulation with MDLP. This leads to decreased activation of the innate immune response, as measured by nitric oxide production. Additionally, pretreatment of cells with neutralizing anti-TLR15 antibody results in a notable attenuation of MDLP-driven release of nitric oxide. This positive correlation may constitute a mechanism for stimulating the innate immune response against avian mycoplasmas in chicken cells via TLR15.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30945497
We upgraded and expanded bioinformatic tool MicroRNA Sniper, which was first published in 2012 and enables search for genetic variation within micro-RNA genes in vertebrates. In the new version (version 3) we included a new species and produced a catalog of genetic variability for domestic animal species. The tool now allows the search for genetic variation within micro-RNA for 16 species, including four species of domestic animals: pigs, horses, cattle and chicken. Designed catalogue will serve as a basis for developing new biomarkers in animal husbandry.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3249544
DEP domain-containig mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) inhibits the mechanistic target of rapamty-cin (mTOR), but its in vivo functions are unknown. Previous work indicates that Deptor is part of the Fob3a quantitative trait locus (QTL) linked to obesity/leanness in mice, with Deptor expression being elevated in white adipose tissue (WAT) of obese animals. This relation is unexpected, considering the positive role of mTOR inadipogenesis. Here, we dissected the Fob3a QTL and show that Deptor is the highest-priority candidate promoting WAT expansion in this model. Consistently, transgenic mice overexpressing DEPTOR accumulate more WAT. Furthermore, in humans, DEPTOR expression in WAT correlates with the degree ofobesity. We show that DEPTOR is induced by glucocrtioids during adipogenesisand that its overexpression promotes, while its suppression blocks, adipogenesis. DEPTOR activates the proadipogenic Akt/PKB-PRAR-[ni] axisby dampening mTORC1-mediated feedback inhibition of insulin signaling. These results establish DEPTOR as a new regulator of adipogenesis.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3085960
Nuclear DNA-based results showed a fairly good match with the phylogeny of Salmo inferred from mtDNA analyses. The comparison of nDNA and mtDNA data revealed at least four cases of mitochondrial-nuclear DNA discordance observed that were all confined to the Adriatic basin of the Western Balkans. Together with the well-known extensive morphological and genetic variability of Balkan trouts, this observation highlights an interesting and variegated evolutionary history of Salmo in this area.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3345544