3,090 research outputs found
Genetic analysis using next-generation sequencing method to disclose genomic variants in grapevine cultivars
No full textThe grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most economically important crops globally, distinguished by its significant genetic diversity, which is reflected in a variety of cultivars with unique morphological, agronomic, and qualitative traits. Understanding the genetic basis of this variability is essential for effective grapevine management, the conservation of genetic resources, and the development of advanced breeding strategies. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and double-digest RAD sequencing (ddRADseq), have provided powerful tools for analyzing genetic variation, identifying functional genes, and characterizing loci associated with important agronomic traits.
This research aims to explore the population structure, genetic diversity, and key genetic loci in a collection of clones derived from Campanian and Apulian grapevine varieties, known for their desirable traits in viticulture and winemaking.
The first study analyzed a total of 138 clones from six autochthonous grapevine varieties from southern Italy, sampled in Campania and Apulia. These clones are traditionally cultivated in environments with different climatic conditions. The Campanian clones include two red-berried varieties, CAMAIOLA And AGLIANICO LASCO, and the white-berried GRECO B. The Apulian clones include two red-berried varieties, NERO DI TROIA and MALVASIA NERA DI BRINDISI, as well as the white-berried Minutolo b. Two reduced representation sequencing methods were used to extract single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.
The study revealed high genetic diversity, particularly among clones within the same variety. Population structure analysis and fixation index (FST) calculations indicated significant genetic similarity among varieties originating from the same geographical region. Approximately 200 loci were identified with divergent markers (FST ≥ 0.80) within annotated exons, many of which were linked to important traits like phenotypic adaptability and environmental responsiveness. These findings offer valuable opportunities for grapevine breeding initiatives.
Additionally, the genetic variability of 35 PRIMITIVO clones from Apulia, including selected and certified clones propagated over several years, was examined using genotyping-by-sequencing. A total of 38,387 filtered SNPs were analyzed, and pairwise identity-by-state (IBS) analysis showed high variability (IBS < 0.75) among the clones. Genetic diversity analysis revealed three main groups, differentiated by geographic origin. Clones from Gioia del Colle were further divided into two distinct clusters, corresponding to variation in grape-related traits. The FST analysis identified numerous loci associated with stress responses and developmental traits, including genes involved in stress regulation, as well as adaptation to environmental conditions such as glutamate receptors and auxin and ethylene signaling.
A broader analysis of five emblematic Apulian grapevine varieties (NEGRAMARO, MALVASIA NERA, PRIMITIVO, MINUTOLO, and UVA DI TROIA) using the GBS approach uncovered significant intra- and inter-varietal genetic variation. Key genes related to secondary metabolism, stress resilience, and berry quality were identified, including WRKY transcription factors and enzymes that influence wine flavor, aroma, and pigmentation. Several SNP loci were validated for varietal traceability, essential for maintaining wine authenticity and marketability. These findings not only contribute to the conservation of viticultural biodiversity but also support sustainable wine production strategies, ensuring the competitiveness of Apulian wines in the global market.
The research highlights the importance of preserving and utilizing intra-varietal variability, which is essential for the sustainability and adaptability of viticulture, especially in the context of changing environmental conditions
Eloge
No full textOverview of the typology of the encomiastic epigram, from the archaic to the Byzantine period. Silvia Barbantani is author of the section on Greek epigram Rosario Moreno Soldevila is author of the section on the latin epigram
High-throughput fluorescent-based NKCC functional assay in adherent epithelial cells
No full textBackground: The kidney-specific NKCC cotransporter isoform NKCC2 is involved in the Na+ reabsorption in the Thich Ascending Limb (TAL) cells and in the regulation of body fluid volume. In contrast, the isoform NKCC1 represents the major pathway for Cl- entry in endothelial cells, playing a crucial role in cell volume regulation and vascular tone. Importantly, both NKCC isoforms are involved in the regulation of blood pressure and represent important potential drug targets for the treatment of hypertension. Results: Taking advantage of an existing Thallium (Tl+)-based kit, we set up a Tl+ influx-based fluorescent assay, that can accurately and rapidly measure NKCC transporter activity in adherent epithelial cells using the high-throughput Flex station device. We assessed the feasibility of this assay in the renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells stably transfected with a previously characterized chimeric NKCC2 construct (c-NKCC2). We demonstrated that the assay is highly reproducible, offers high temporal resolution of NKCC-mediated ion flux profiles and, importantly, being a continuous assay, it offers improved sensitivity over previous endpoint NKCC functional assays. Conclusions: So far the screening of NKCC transporters activity has been done by 86Rb+ influx assays. Indeed, a fluorescence-based high-throughput screening method for testing NKCC inhibitors would be extremely useful in the development and characterization of new anti-hypertensive drugs
Na+/K+-ATPase β1-subunit is recruited in Na-K-2Cl co-transporter isoform 2 multiprotein complexes in rat kidneys: Possible role in blood pressure regulation
No full textOBJECTIVE:: The progression from prehypertensive to hypertensive state in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) is accompanied by a significant increase in membrane expression of Na-K-2Cl co-transporter isoform 2 (NKCC2), suggesting that the altered NKCC2 trafficking and activity are directly related with the development of hypertension in this strain. The aim of this work is to gain insights on the molecular mechanism that underlies this phenomenon. METHODS:: We performed a comparative analysis of NKCC2 multiprotein complexes (MPCs) in the kidney of SHRs versus Wistar Kyoto rats by Blue Native difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry. RESULTS:: We found that the recruitment of the β-subunit isoform 1 of the Na+-K +-ATPase (β1NK) in NKCC2 MPCs was significantly increased in the kidneys of SHR compared with Wistar Kyoto rat control strain. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that β1NK actually interacts with NKCC2 in the native tissue. The analysis of the physiological role of β1NK-NKCC2 interaction in human embryonic kidney cells showed that β1NK increased the steady-state membrane expression and activity of NKCC2 enhancing NKCC2 trafficking toward the plasma membrane. CONCLUSION:: We identify a new NKCC2-interacting partner involved in the modulation of NKCC2 intracellular trafficking and possibly involved in the regulation of blood pressure. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
The National Labour Policies in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy and of the European Economic Governance
No full textThe National Labour Policies in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy and of the European Economic Governance, by Silvia Borelli
The author presents the main priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy and the different steps of the European Semester of the European Economic Governance. The system of the European measures to solve the economic crisis is completed by the analysis of the “Six Pack”, the EuroPlus Pact and the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance. The author clarifies how the European Employment Strategy has been fully absorbed by the European Economic Governance. After considering some of the new European economic framework’s consequences on Member States’ labour policies and on social dialogue, the author focuses on the recent review of Italian labour policies, performed by European Commission as part of the European Semester
Whole genome scan reveals high level of clonal differentiation in the Primitivo cultivar (Vitis vinifera L.)
No full textApulia is a prominent wine-growing region in Europe, covering 95,000 hectares and producing 1,202,860 tonnes of grapes in 2023. The region's diverse geography, historical plant migrations, and long-lasting winegrape traditional cultivation have contributed to substantial intra- and inter-varietal diversity within its grapevine germplasm. A key factor in this rich agrobiodiversity is the occurrence of spontaneous somatic mutations, leading to the development of ‘clones' with promising traits associated with grape quality and plant resilience.
This study investigated 35 Primitivo clones selected, or also certified clones propagated at CRSFA-Centro Ricerca, Sperimentazione e Formazione in Agricoltura 'Basile Caramia', Locorotondo (Bari) over several years. PRIMITIVO clones were collected from different sites of Apulia. Whole genome scan performed by Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was used to assess intra- genetic variability within and between Primitivo clones.
Based on a large panel of 77,613 SNPs, pairwise identical-by-state (IBS) analysis revealed no duplicate clones, highlighting the high level of variability among the samples. Genetic diversity analysis revealed the presence of distinct clusters in Primitivo clones, that reflect the geographical cultivation of grape. Based on groups identified by population structure, fixation index (FST) detected numerous loci associated with renowned genes involved in grapevine phenotypic adaptability and environmental responsiveness.
This study enriches our understanding of the inherent genetic diversity in these esteemed traditional grape varieties, emphasizing the imperative to conserve and characterize these invaluable genetic reservoirs. Preserving their intra-varietal richness is crucial for facilitating future advances in grapevine selection, cultivation and addressing breeding challenges
Lavorare per la rivoluzione. Un'impresa commerciale tra Italia e Cina
No full textThe volume collects the biographical testimony of Fabio Matteini who, starting from the ’60s, undertook an import activity of Chinese handcra products with the aim of supporting the political and cultural initiative of the Edizioni Oriente of Milan, the main center for the spread of Maoism in Italy. The testimony is accompanied by a prefatory essay by Gilda Zazzara on Matteini work culture and by a selection of photographs taken by the author during the years of the Cultural Revolution, chosen and introduced by Silvia Calamandrei
EVALUATION OF MINOR APULIAN OLIVE GENOTYPES FOR RESISTANCE TO XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA
No full textThe spread of olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS) caused by the bacterium
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca is threatening Apulia's olive resources,
damaging the regional economy and landscape heritage. To reduce the impact
of the disease, a breeding program has been launched in 2017 aimed at
identifying new sources of resistance to expand the range of varieties that
can be used in the infected areas, together with the resistant varieties
“Leccino” and "FS17". One hundred olive samples, including 19 unknown
accessions from free pollination of Cv. Simone and 81 minor local
cultivars, were grown in the epidemic-affected areas in Apulia and tested
for resistance in a three-block randomized scheme field trial by
artificially infecting them with an X. fastidiosa strain. All cultivars
were genotyped in advance with 10 SSR markers to identify synonyms and
homonyms. Genotypes were evaluated for symptomatology, colony forming units
(cfu)/ml, and Cq value after 4 (2021), 5 (2022), and 6 (2023) years postinoculation
by Real-Time PCR assay. Molecular data were used to investigate
the genetic relationships between the resistant genotypes to provide clues
to start new olive breeding programs. The first results identified some
promising genotypes which show low symptoms, low number of cfu, and high Cq
values which indicate a potential resistance to the disease, comparable to
that of Leccino. The investigation will be continued to consolidate these
results
Experiential verbs in Homeric Greek
No full textIn Experiential verbs in Homeric Greek. A constructional approach Silvia
Luraghi offers a comprehensive account of construction variation with
two-place verbs belonging to different sub-domains of experience
(including bodily sensation, perception, cognition, emotion and
volitionality) in the Homeric language. Traditionally, variation is
ascribed to the independent meaning of cases that mark the second
argument, and explanations have focused on properties of the latter.
By taking a constructional approach, the author shows that construction
variation also brings about differences in the conceptualization of the
subject/experiencer by pointing to different degrees of control and
awareness. Variation is then shown to refl ect the embodied construal
of experience along with the social dimension of emotion
APULIAN OLIVE GERMPLASM AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF RESISTANCE TO XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA
No full textThe olive tree (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea) represents the
cornerstone crop of Apulian economic system based on the production of oil
and table olives. During the last years, the high genetic variability of
Apulia's olive germplasm is being exposed to a risk of genetic erosion due
to social, economic, and climatic changes. In addition, since 2013, the
spread of the gram-negative bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca,
which is responsible for the olive tree rapid decline syndrome (OQDS), has
menaced Apulia's olive biodiversity, damaging the regional economy and
landscape heritage.
To reduce the impact of Xylella fastidiosa, breeding programs have been
started to identify agronomically interesting traits and new sources of
tolerance or resistance.
So far, two cultivars "Leccino" and "FS17" (also known as "Favolosa")
showed resistance to X. fastidiosa in contrast to the susceptible cultivars
"Cellina di Nardò" and "Ogliarola salentina". In addition, recent studies
have shown a moderate tolerance in "Frantoio," "Toscanina," "Termite di
Bitetto," "Maiatica," "Dolce di Cassano," "Oliastro," "Nociara," and
"Nocellara Etnea."
This study aims to investigate the variability of interactions with
X. fastidiosa of a large panel of Apulian olive genotypes.
Sixty olive samples (50 cultivars and 10 unknown genotypes) were grown up
in an experimental field, following a randomized block with 5 replicates,
located in the west part of the infected area in province of Lecce, and
they were inoculated with X. fastidiosa. Monitoring of colony-forming units
(CFU) by RealTime-PCR assay allowed to identify a different behavior of the
genotypes to the infection, based on the Cq values. A preliminary subset of
most promising tolerant genotypes (PT) including both cultivars and
unknown, was identified and characterized by molecular analysis with a set
of 10 SSR markers. The allelic profiles were compared with the molecular
profiles deposited in the Di.S.S.P.A database consisting of about 600 olive
genotypes widespread in the Mediterranean basin. Lynch and Ritland Method
(LRM), Neighbor-joining and STRUCTURE analysis allowed to highlight cases
of synonymy and homonymy, evaluate the genetic relationships between
unknown olive genotypes and cultivars, and investigate the genetic
structure of this Apulian olive germplasm
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