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Weed pollen allergens
Published in Richard F. Lockey, Dennis K. Ledford, Allergens and Allergen Immunotherapy, 2020
Michael Hauser, Gabriele Gadermaier, Sabrina Wildner, Lisa Pointner, Michael Wallner, Fatima Ferreira
Sal k 1, the major allergen from Russian thistle, is a member of the pectin methylesterase family and thus part of the polysaccharide family. The polymorphic and slightly basic allergen has a molecular weight of 37 kDa and may be a marker allergen for genuine sensitization to Salsola [19]. About 67% of patients sensitized to Salsola kali recognized Sal k 1 when using a natural preparation [20]. Recently, the production of recombinant Sal k 1 was also shown as a further potential candidate for clinical diagnosis [21]. Additionally, an IgE-reactive polygalacturonase was identified and termed Sal k 6. The molecule shares IgE epitopes with Oleaceae members with IgE-inhibition values ranging from 20% to 60% [22]. A study was published using Sal k 1 expressed in Lactococcus lactis in a sublingual immunotherapy approach showing downregulation of the TH2 immune response in allergic mice [23]. In general, allergic reactions to Russian thistle can be frequent among individuals living in dry areas.
Nucleic Acids
Published in Danilo D. Lasic, LIPOSOMES in GENE DELIVERY, 2019
From the daily press we are well aware of the genetically engineered “flavr-savr” tomato, which can be harvested when completely grown. Scientists have identified a gene that causes the tomato to rot. The gene codes for an enzyme (polygalacturonase) that breaks down cell walls during ripening. They cloned the gene and inserted back a nonactive form. The shelf life of tomatos is extended to 10 days, and it allows growers to pick tomatoes at the blush stage, i.e., the fruits ripen on a vine and retain much flavor, instead of when they are still green and to forward them to the markets before they get mushy. Other plant engineering includes plants with higher yields and products of quality, such as larger fractions of unsaturated oils in seeds. Cotton plants can grow better fibers, rapeseed plants lauric acid for the soap industry, while some other plants can produce vaccines and antibodies.
Protein evolution revisited
Published in Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, 2018
Peter L. Davies, Laurie A. Graham
Patterns of AFP evolution in fishes are repeated in other kingdoms. As in fishes, there is evidence of recent evolution where different branches of the tree of life have had to derive an ice-binding protein where one did not exist before. In some cases, the progenitor is recognizable as in the evolution of a polygalacturonase inhibitor protein into the carrot AFP (Worrall et al. 1998; Meyer et al. 1999), but repetitive proteins like the beta-solenoids in beetles (Liou et al. 2000) and flies (Basu et al. 2015) are without obvious antecedents. Gene duplication has helped meet the amounts of AFP needed for freeze protection, and divergence of the duplicated genes has produced isoforms. Expansion of the repeats in repetitive AFPs like the beta-solenoids (Leinala et al. 2002) and polyproline type II helices (Mok et al. 2010) has produced more active isoforms. There are again some amazing examples of structural convergence as in the recreation of a flattened silk-like Thr-rich beta-solenoid in a moth (Lin et al. 2011) and a beetle (Hakim et al. 2013), and the independent evolution of disulfide-braced solenoids in beetles (Liou et al. 2000) and flies (Basu et al. 2015). Also, the DUF3494 AFP found in microorganisms has been spread between bacteria and into algae, diatoms, fungi, and even a crustacean by lateral gene transfer, once again testifying to the powerful forces of natural selection working to solidify a beneficial trait (Raymond and Kim 2012).
Update on pollen-food allergy syndrome
Published in Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 2020
Pascal Poncet, Hélène Sénéchal, Denis Charpin
As reported above in chapter 3.9 about the cross-reactive allergen polygalacturonase, subcutaneous AIT using Japanese cedar pollen extract in 23 young patients allergic to Japanese cedar pollen and also to tomato resulted in an improvement of the allergy not only to Japanese cedar pollen but also to tomato. Beneficial effect was assessed by a significant decrease in Japanese cedar or tomato basophile activation. Furthermore, IgE levels to both allergenic sources were not modified but specific Japanese cedar pollen IgG4 levels were increased while those specific to tomato were not [169].