Anna Rita Paolacci - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Anna Rita Paolacci

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of excess sulfate supply on iron accumulation in three graminaceous plants at the early vegetative phase

Environmental and Experimental Botany, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The Protein Disulfide Isomerase gene family in bread wheat (T. aestivum L.)

Bmc Plant Biology, 2010

Background: The Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) gene family encodes several PDI and PDI-like pr... more Background: The Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) gene family encodes several PDI and PDI-like proteins containing thioredoxin domains and controlling diversified metabolic functions, including disulfide bond formation and isomerisation during protein folding. Genomic, cDNA and promoter sequences of the three homoeologous wheat genes encoding the "typical" PDI had been cloned and characterized in a previous work. The purpose of present research was the cloning and characterization of the complete set of genes encoding PDI and PDI like proteins in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Chinese Spring) and the comparison of their sequence, structure and expression with homologous genes from other plant species.

Research paper thumbnail of Ozone induces a differential accumulation of phenyalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase RNA transcripts in sensitive and resistant bean cultivars

Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Pattern of variation for seed size traits and molecular markers in Italian germplasm of Phaseolus coccineus L

Euphytica, Mar 23, 2007

Variation in Italian germplasm of Phaseolus coccineus L. was assessed for seed traits and molecul... more Variation in Italian germplasm of Phaseolus coccineus L. was assessed for seed traits and molecular markers. A total of 130 seeds and seedlings, five for each of 21 Italian landraces, an Italian commercial cultivar and four Mesoamerican landraces of P. coccineus, were analysed using seven selected PCR markers: three RAPDs, two ISSRs and two ETs. Seed weight of the Mesoamerican landraces was £1 g, whereas that of the Italian landraces varied from 1 g to 2.5 g and was related to their origin. Oval shape was more frequent, with round shape observed only in Mesoamerican landraces. Three seed coat colours were observed: white, violet mottled or spotted black and buff spotted brown, also this trait was related to the origin. The level of polymorphism detected by molecular markers was low but with significant discriminant power. ISSRs were the most effective markers prone to unravel molecular polymorphism. The within accession component of variation exceeded that among accessions, as expected for an allogamous species. However correct classification of the individuals was achieved performing either discriminant analysis of the seed phenotypic traits or cluster analysis of seedling similarity measure based on the whole banding patterns obtained by the three marker types. Our data suggest that the Italian farmers, starting with ancestral Mesoamerican runner bean introductions in Europe, bred their own landraces through selection for seed size and seed coat colour, but occasional gene flow maintained variability within landraces bred by different farmers in the same Italian Region. Selection favored molecular and seed trait uniformity within several landraces making them suitable for certification.

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay between sulfur and iron nutrition in tomato

Plant Physiology, 2015

Plant response mechanisms to deficiency of a single nutrient, such as sulfur (S) or iron (Fe), ha... more Plant response mechanisms to deficiency of a single nutrient, such as sulfur (S) or iron (Fe), have been described at the agronomic, physiological, biochemical, metabolomic and transcriptomic levels. However, agroecosystems are often characterized by different scenarios in which combined nutrient deficiencies are likely to occur. Soils are becoming depleted for S whilst Fe, although being highly abundant in the soil, is poorly available for uptake due to its insolubility in the soil matrix. To this end, earlier reports demonstrated that a limited S availability reduces Fe uptake and that Fe deficiency results in the modulation of sulfate uptake and assimilation. However, the mechanistic basis of this interaction remains largely unknown. Metabolite profiling of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) shoots and roots from plants exposed to Fe, S and combined Fe and S deficiency, was performed to improve the understanding of the S/Fe interaction via the identification of the main players in the considered pathways. Substantial changes were revealed under the different nutritional conditions. Furthermore, we investigated the development of the Fe deficiency response through the analysis of expression of SlFRO1, SlIRT1 and SlFER genes, and plant sulfate uptake and mobilization capacity, by analysing the expression of genes encoding sulfate transporters of groups 1, 2 and 4 (SlST1.1, SlST1.2, SlST2.1, SlST2.2 and SlST4.1). We identified a high degree of common and even synergistic response patterns as well as nutrient specific responses. The combined results are discussed in the context of current models of nutrient deficiency responses in crop plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Identification and characterization of gene sequences expressed in wheat spikelets at the heading stage

Gene

Through differential analysis of transcripts (SDDM), 85 cDNA sequences specifically or preferenti... more Through differential analysis of transcripts (SDDM), 85 cDNA sequences specifically or preferentially expressed in wheat spikelets at heading time were identified and cloned; 54 of them had significant homology with genomic, cDNA and protein and 16 with EST sequences. Among these 54 clones, 44 matched genes with known functions, whereas 10 detected homology with putative genes encoding proteins whose functions have been deduced on the basis of bioinformatic comparisons. Seventeen clones corresponded to genes that had never been cloned in cereals, 5 were related to wheat genes with known functions, and the remaining 32 to genes cloned in other cereals. On the basis of their presumed functions, the 54 clones were assigned to seven groups. The first four of them contained 40 sequences likely involved in floral organ morphogenesis and gametogenesis, and precisely (i) sequences involved in the morphogenesis of floral organs; (ii) sequences expressed in pollen and/or anther tissues; (iii)...

Research paper thumbnail of Basi biochimiche dell’effetto inibitorio della cumarina sulla germinazione di cariossidi di frumento duro. Risultati preliminari

Research paper thumbnail of Daily Fluctuations of Antioxidants in Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Leaves As Affected by the Presence of Ambient Air Pollutants

During the period 0800–1700 h (GMT) of a summer day, young leaves were collected every 20 min fro... more During the period 0800–1700 h (GMT) of a summer day, young leaves were collected every 20 min from Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Horticultural plants grown in open-top field chambers located at an urban site in northern Italy and exposed either to ambient levels of gaseous air pollutants or to filtered ambient air. Ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, GSH and GSSG, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, GSSG reductase, GSH peroxidase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble protein and dry weight were measured in these leaves. The main differences between treated and control leaves were observed during the period 1100–1530 h and concerned superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate/dehydroascorbate and GSH/GSSG ratios, chlorophylls, carotenoids and dry weight. On the basis of the pollution climate observed at the experimental site on the day of leaves sampling, ozone appeared to be the causative agent of the o...

Research paper thumbnail of Protein disulfide isomerase family in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L): genomic structure, synteny conservation and phylogenetic analysis

Plant Genetic Resources

The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of w... more The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of wheat assigned to nine homoeologous groups were searched for conserved motives by comparison with characterized sequences in different protein databases. The wheat protein sequences encoded by genes of different homoelogous groups showed a high level of structural similarity with the corresponding protein sequences of other species clustering into the same phylogenetic group. The proteins of five groups (I–V) share two thioredoxin-like active domains and show structural similarities with the corresponding proteins of higher eukaryotes, whereas those of the remaining three groups (VI–VIII) contain a single thioredoxin-like active domain. The expression analysis of the nine non-homoeologous wheat genes, which was carried out by quantitative RT-PCR in developing caryopses and in seedlings subjected to temperature stresses, showed their constitutive although highly variable transcription rate...

Research paper thumbnail of The impacts of greenhouse gases on antioxidants and foliar defence compounds

The impact of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on forest ecosystems. Report No.3 of the IUFRO task force on environmental change, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Gene expression induced by chronic ozone in the Mediterranean shrub Phillyrea latifolia: analysis by cDNA-AFLP

Tree Physiology, 2007

Seedlings of Phillyrea latifolia L., a Mediterranean shrub, were exposed for 90 days to 110 nl l ... more Seedlings of Phillyrea latifolia L., a Mediterranean shrub, were exposed for 90 days to 110 nl l -1 ozone (O 3 ). Comparison of the cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) patterns for treated and control plants allowed the identification and cloning of 88 differential sequences induced by O 3 . The differential expression of 67 cloned sequences was further confirmed by RT-PCR. The functions of 36 cloned sequences, corresponding to seven of the twelve gene functional classes of Arabidopsis, were presumed on the basis of their homology with characterized gene sequences. Ozone induction of genes homologous to 24 of the clones has been reported in other plant species, whereas the induction of the 12 remaining sequences has not been observed before. Ozone activation of these newly identified genes could be a result of the chronic exposure to low O 3 concentration, because in most previous studies, acute treatments, involving high O 3 dosages, were applied. Possible roles of the cloned sequences in the response of P. latifolia to O 3 and other causes of oxidative stress are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular aspects of flower development in grasses

Sexual Plant Reproduction, 2011

Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag. Th... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be self-archived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your work, please use the accepted author's version for posting to your own website or your institution's repository. You may further deposit the accepted author's version on a funder's repository at a funder's request, provided it is not made publicly available until 12 months after publication.

Research paper thumbnail of Protein disulphide isomerase family in bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.): protein structure and expression analysis

Plant Genetic Resources, 2011

The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of w... more The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of wheat assigned to nine homoeologous groups were searched for conserved motives by comparison with characterized sequences in different protein databases. The wheat protein sequences encoded by genes of different homoelogous groups showed a high level of structural similarity with the corresponding protein sequences of other species clustering into the same phylogenetic group. The proteins of five groups (I-V) share two thioredoxin-like active domains and show structural similarities with the corresponding proteins of higher eukaryotes, whereas those of the remaining three groups (VI-VIII) contain a single thioredoxin-like active domain. The expression analysis of the nine non-homoeologous wheat genes, which was carried out by quantitative RT-PCR in developing caryopses and in seedlings subjected to temperature stresses, showed their constitutive although highly variable transcription rate. The comprehensive structural and transcriptional characterization of the PDI and PDI-like genes of wheat performed in this study represents a basis for future functional characterization of the PDI gene family in the hexaploid context of bread wheat.

Research paper thumbnail of Phloem Cytochemical Modification and Gene Expression Following the Recovery of Apple Plants from Apple Proliferation Disease

Phytopathology, 2010

Musetti, R., Paolacci, A., Ciaffi, M., Tanzarella, O. A., Polizzotto, R., Tubaro, F., Mizzau, M.,... more Musetti, R., Paolacci, A., Ciaffi, M., Tanzarella, O. A., Polizzotto, R., Tubaro, F., Mizzau, M., Ermacora, P., Badiani, M., and Osler, R. 2010. Phloem cytochemical modification and gene expression following the recovery of apple plants from apple proliferation disease. Phytopathology 100:390-399.

Research paper thumbnail of Foliar antioxidant status of plants from naturally high-CO2 sites

Physiologia Plantarum, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Cadmium exposure affects iron acquisition in barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) seedlings

Physiologia Plantarum, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of MADS-box genes of MIKC type and chromosome location of SEP-like genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2007

Transcription factors encoded by MIKC-type MADS-box genes control many important functions in pla... more Transcription factors encoded by MIKC-type MADS-box genes control many important functions in plants, including Xower development and morphogenesis. The cloning and characterization of 45 MIKC-type MADSbox full-length cDNA sequences of common wheat is reported in the present paper. Wheat EST databases were searched by known sequences of MIKC-type genes and primers were designed for cDNA cloning by RT-PCR. Full-length cDNAs were obtained by 5Ј and 3Ј RACE extension. Southern analysis showed that three copies of the MIKC sequences, corresponding to the three homoeologous genes, were present. This genome organization was further conWrmed by aneuploid analysis of six SEP-like genes, each showing three copies located in diVerent homoeologous chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis included the wheat MIKC cDNAs into 11 of the 13 MIKC subclasses identiWed in plants and corresponding to most genes controlling the Xoral homeotic functions. The expression patterns of the cDNAs corresponding to diVerent homeotic classes was analysed in 18 wheat tissues and Xoral organs by RT-PCR, real time RT-PCR and northern hybridisation.

Research paper thumbnail of Antioxidants and photosynthesis in the leaves of Triticum durum desf. Seedlings acclimated to non-stressing high temperature

Journal of Plant Physiology, 1997

The foliar antioxidant status and the photosynthetic capacity were compared in the leaves of non-... more The foliar antioxidant status and the photosynthetic capacity were compared in the leaves of non-acclimated Triticum durum Oes£ cv. Ouilio seedlings grown at an optimal temperature of25 ± 0.4 ·C or at a supraoptimal temperature 000 ± 0.3 ·C, under moderate light levels and ad libitum available water. The plants grown at 30 ± 0.3 ·C did not show the symptoms commonly observed in response to high temperature stress, such as acceleration of development, reduction in size, loss of photosynthetic pigments and reduction in the photochemical efficiency of PSII. However, mesophyll conductance to CO 2 uptake, net photosynthesis, and photon yield were drastically reduced in leaves grown at 30 ± 0.3 .c. Neither were the extractable capacities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase increased nor were lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage stimulated in leaves grown at 30 ± 0.3·c. Limited hyperthermia caused 60-80% increases in the contents of dehydroascorbic acid and glutathione disulfide, thus lowering significandy the redox ratios of the ascorbic acid and glutathione pools, respectively. The above results indicate that the photosynthetic performance of T. durum seedlings can be negatively affected even by moderately elevated, noninjurious temperatures, which could favour the photo-oxidative carbon cycle over the photo-reductive one. This might lead to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, with the ascorbic acid and glutathione foliar pools acting as a «first line» of antioxidant defense. Analogies were found with previous data concerning the effects of suboptimal, non-chilling growth temperatures on the same plant material.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-optimal growth temperatures and antioxidants in the leaves of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. II. Short-term acclimation

Journal of Plant Physiology, 1997

In pursuing previous studies on long-term acclimation to non-optimal, non-stressing growth temper... more In pursuing previous studies on long-term acclimation to non-optimal, non-stressing growth temperatures (Badiani et al., 1993 b; Fusari et al., in press), the foliar antioxidant status and the photosynthetic capacity were evaluated in two sorghum [So~hum bicolor (L.) Moench.] cultivars of different agroclimatic provenance, namely Aralba and ICSV 112, which were grown at the near-optimal temperature of 27 ± 0.3 ·C and then gradually (I ·C h -1) and transiendy (up to 120 h) exposed to suboptimal, 17 ± 0.4 ·C, or supraoptimal, 37 ± 0.1 ·C, temperatures, under moderate light intensity and ad libitum water and mineral nutrition. Comparative analysis of short-term and long-term responses to nonoptimal growth temperatures suggested that: i) even realistic, i.e. limited and gradual, upward or downward shifts from the normative growth temperature, incapable of causing evident stress symptoms, might per se enhance the formation of reactive oxygen species whose effect, albeit not drastic, appear to be more noxious during the early stages of the exposure; ii) this disthermia-driven oxidative burst triggers almost immediate and extensive changes in all of the major antioxidant metabolites and scavenging enzymes. This could be aimed at preparing plant tissues in case moderate disthermia flows into authentic temperature stress; iii) certain short-term antioxidant changes persist beyond the relief of the disthermic regimes; and iv) however, in case the exposure to non-optimal growth temperatures becomes chronic, longterm adjustment processes take place, consisting of increases in protective pigments, ascorbic acid and glutathione, but without the involvement of antioxidant enzymes. Such a strategy might be aimed at keeping disthermia-dependent oxidative stress under control at the lowest possible price in terms of metabolic resources.

Research paper thumbnail of Iron deprivation results in a rapid but not sustained increase of the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and sulfate uptake in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings

Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 2014

Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II p... more Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II plants, has proven that low sulfur availability often limits plant capability to cope with iron shortage. Here it was investigated whether the adaptation to iron deficiency in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants was associated with an increased root sulfate uptake and translocation capacity, and modified dynamics of total sulfur and thiols accumulation between roots and shoots. Most of the tomato sulfate transporter genes belonging to Groups 1, 2, and 4 were significantly upregulated in iron-deficient roots, as it commonly occurs under S-deficient conditions. The upregulation of the two high affinity sulfate transporter genes, SlST1.1 and SlST1.2, by iron deprivation clearly suggests an increased root capability to take up sulfate. Furthermore, the upregulation of the two low affinity sulfate transporter genes SlST2.1 and SlST4.1 in iron-deficient roots, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of total sulfur and thiols in shoots of iron-starved plants, likely supports an increased root-to-shoot translocation of sulfate. Results suggest that tomato plants exposed to iron-deficiency are able to change sulfur metabolic balance mimicking sulfur starvation responses to meet the increased demand for methionine and its derivatives, allowing them to cope with this stress. Ciaffi M (2014) Iron deprivation results in a rapid but not sustained increase of the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and sulfate uptake in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings. J Integr Plant Biol 56(XX): 1-13.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of excess sulfate supply on iron accumulation in three graminaceous plants at the early vegetative phase

Environmental and Experimental Botany, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of The Protein Disulfide Isomerase gene family in bread wheat (T. aestivum L.)

Bmc Plant Biology, 2010

Background: The Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) gene family encodes several PDI and PDI-like pr... more Background: The Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI) gene family encodes several PDI and PDI-like proteins containing thioredoxin domains and controlling diversified metabolic functions, including disulfide bond formation and isomerisation during protein folding. Genomic, cDNA and promoter sequences of the three homoeologous wheat genes encoding the "typical" PDI had been cloned and characterized in a previous work. The purpose of present research was the cloning and characterization of the complete set of genes encoding PDI and PDI like proteins in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Chinese Spring) and the comparison of their sequence, structure and expression with homologous genes from other plant species.

Research paper thumbnail of Ozone induces a differential accumulation of phenyalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase RNA transcripts in sensitive and resistant bean cultivars

Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Pattern of variation for seed size traits and molecular markers in Italian germplasm of Phaseolus coccineus L

Euphytica, Mar 23, 2007

Variation in Italian germplasm of Phaseolus coccineus L. was assessed for seed traits and molecul... more Variation in Italian germplasm of Phaseolus coccineus L. was assessed for seed traits and molecular markers. A total of 130 seeds and seedlings, five for each of 21 Italian landraces, an Italian commercial cultivar and four Mesoamerican landraces of P. coccineus, were analysed using seven selected PCR markers: three RAPDs, two ISSRs and two ETs. Seed weight of the Mesoamerican landraces was £1 g, whereas that of the Italian landraces varied from 1 g to 2.5 g and was related to their origin. Oval shape was more frequent, with round shape observed only in Mesoamerican landraces. Three seed coat colours were observed: white, violet mottled or spotted black and buff spotted brown, also this trait was related to the origin. The level of polymorphism detected by molecular markers was low but with significant discriminant power. ISSRs were the most effective markers prone to unravel molecular polymorphism. The within accession component of variation exceeded that among accessions, as expected for an allogamous species. However correct classification of the individuals was achieved performing either discriminant analysis of the seed phenotypic traits or cluster analysis of seedling similarity measure based on the whole banding patterns obtained by the three marker types. Our data suggest that the Italian farmers, starting with ancestral Mesoamerican runner bean introductions in Europe, bred their own landraces through selection for seed size and seed coat colour, but occasional gene flow maintained variability within landraces bred by different farmers in the same Italian Region. Selection favored molecular and seed trait uniformity within several landraces making them suitable for certification.

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay between sulfur and iron nutrition in tomato

Plant Physiology, 2015

Plant response mechanisms to deficiency of a single nutrient, such as sulfur (S) or iron (Fe), ha... more Plant response mechanisms to deficiency of a single nutrient, such as sulfur (S) or iron (Fe), have been described at the agronomic, physiological, biochemical, metabolomic and transcriptomic levels. However, agroecosystems are often characterized by different scenarios in which combined nutrient deficiencies are likely to occur. Soils are becoming depleted for S whilst Fe, although being highly abundant in the soil, is poorly available for uptake due to its insolubility in the soil matrix. To this end, earlier reports demonstrated that a limited S availability reduces Fe uptake and that Fe deficiency results in the modulation of sulfate uptake and assimilation. However, the mechanistic basis of this interaction remains largely unknown. Metabolite profiling of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) shoots and roots from plants exposed to Fe, S and combined Fe and S deficiency, was performed to improve the understanding of the S/Fe interaction via the identification of the main players in the considered pathways. Substantial changes were revealed under the different nutritional conditions. Furthermore, we investigated the development of the Fe deficiency response through the analysis of expression of SlFRO1, SlIRT1 and SlFER genes, and plant sulfate uptake and mobilization capacity, by analysing the expression of genes encoding sulfate transporters of groups 1, 2 and 4 (SlST1.1, SlST1.2, SlST2.1, SlST2.2 and SlST4.1). We identified a high degree of common and even synergistic response patterns as well as nutrient specific responses. The combined results are discussed in the context of current models of nutrient deficiency responses in crop plants.

Research paper thumbnail of Identification and characterization of gene sequences expressed in wheat spikelets at the heading stage

Gene

Through differential analysis of transcripts (SDDM), 85 cDNA sequences specifically or preferenti... more Through differential analysis of transcripts (SDDM), 85 cDNA sequences specifically or preferentially expressed in wheat spikelets at heading time were identified and cloned; 54 of them had significant homology with genomic, cDNA and protein and 16 with EST sequences. Among these 54 clones, 44 matched genes with known functions, whereas 10 detected homology with putative genes encoding proteins whose functions have been deduced on the basis of bioinformatic comparisons. Seventeen clones corresponded to genes that had never been cloned in cereals, 5 were related to wheat genes with known functions, and the remaining 32 to genes cloned in other cereals. On the basis of their presumed functions, the 54 clones were assigned to seven groups. The first four of them contained 40 sequences likely involved in floral organ morphogenesis and gametogenesis, and precisely (i) sequences involved in the morphogenesis of floral organs; (ii) sequences expressed in pollen and/or anther tissues; (iii)...

Research paper thumbnail of Basi biochimiche dell’effetto inibitorio della cumarina sulla germinazione di cariossidi di frumento duro. Risultati preliminari

Research paper thumbnail of Daily Fluctuations of Antioxidants in Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Leaves As Affected by the Presence of Ambient Air Pollutants

During the period 0800–1700 h (GMT) of a summer day, young leaves were collected every 20 min fro... more During the period 0800–1700 h (GMT) of a summer day, young leaves were collected every 20 min from Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Horticultural plants grown in open-top field chambers located at an urban site in northern Italy and exposed either to ambient levels of gaseous air pollutants or to filtered ambient air. Ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, GSH and GSSG, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, GSSG reductase, GSH peroxidase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble protein and dry weight were measured in these leaves. The main differences between treated and control leaves were observed during the period 1100–1530 h and concerned superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate/dehydroascorbate and GSH/GSSG ratios, chlorophylls, carotenoids and dry weight. On the basis of the pollution climate observed at the experimental site on the day of leaves sampling, ozone appeared to be the causative agent of the o...

Research paper thumbnail of Protein disulfide isomerase family in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L): genomic structure, synteny conservation and phylogenetic analysis

Plant Genetic Resources

The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of w... more The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of wheat assigned to nine homoeologous groups were searched for conserved motives by comparison with characterized sequences in different protein databases. The wheat protein sequences encoded by genes of different homoelogous groups showed a high level of structural similarity with the corresponding protein sequences of other species clustering into the same phylogenetic group. The proteins of five groups (I–V) share two thioredoxin-like active domains and show structural similarities with the corresponding proteins of higher eukaryotes, whereas those of the remaining three groups (VI–VIII) contain a single thioredoxin-like active domain. The expression analysis of the nine non-homoeologous wheat genes, which was carried out by quantitative RT-PCR in developing caryopses and in seedlings subjected to temperature stresses, showed their constitutive although highly variable transcription rate...

Research paper thumbnail of The impacts of greenhouse gases on antioxidants and foliar defence compounds

The impact of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on forest ecosystems. Report No.3 of the IUFRO task force on environmental change, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Gene expression induced by chronic ozone in the Mediterranean shrub Phillyrea latifolia: analysis by cDNA-AFLP

Tree Physiology, 2007

Seedlings of Phillyrea latifolia L., a Mediterranean shrub, were exposed for 90 days to 110 nl l ... more Seedlings of Phillyrea latifolia L., a Mediterranean shrub, were exposed for 90 days to 110 nl l -1 ozone (O 3 ). Comparison of the cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) patterns for treated and control plants allowed the identification and cloning of 88 differential sequences induced by O 3 . The differential expression of 67 cloned sequences was further confirmed by RT-PCR. The functions of 36 cloned sequences, corresponding to seven of the twelve gene functional classes of Arabidopsis, were presumed on the basis of their homology with characterized gene sequences. Ozone induction of genes homologous to 24 of the clones has been reported in other plant species, whereas the induction of the 12 remaining sequences has not been observed before. Ozone activation of these newly identified genes could be a result of the chronic exposure to low O 3 concentration, because in most previous studies, acute treatments, involving high O 3 dosages, were applied. Possible roles of the cloned sequences in the response of P. latifolia to O 3 and other causes of oxidative stress are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular aspects of flower development in grasses

Sexual Plant Reproduction, 2011

Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag. Th... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be self-archived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your work, please use the accepted author's version for posting to your own website or your institution's repository. You may further deposit the accepted author's version on a funder's repository at a funder's request, provided it is not made publicly available until 12 months after publication.

Research paper thumbnail of Protein disulphide isomerase family in bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.): protein structure and expression analysis

Plant Genetic Resources, 2011

The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of w... more The deduced amino-acid sequences of 17 protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-like cDNAs of wheat assigned to nine homoeologous groups were searched for conserved motives by comparison with characterized sequences in different protein databases. The wheat protein sequences encoded by genes of different homoelogous groups showed a high level of structural similarity with the corresponding protein sequences of other species clustering into the same phylogenetic group. The proteins of five groups (I-V) share two thioredoxin-like active domains and show structural similarities with the corresponding proteins of higher eukaryotes, whereas those of the remaining three groups (VI-VIII) contain a single thioredoxin-like active domain. The expression analysis of the nine non-homoeologous wheat genes, which was carried out by quantitative RT-PCR in developing caryopses and in seedlings subjected to temperature stresses, showed their constitutive although highly variable transcription rate. The comprehensive structural and transcriptional characterization of the PDI and PDI-like genes of wheat performed in this study represents a basis for future functional characterization of the PDI gene family in the hexaploid context of bread wheat.

Research paper thumbnail of Phloem Cytochemical Modification and Gene Expression Following the Recovery of Apple Plants from Apple Proliferation Disease

Phytopathology, 2010

Musetti, R., Paolacci, A., Ciaffi, M., Tanzarella, O. A., Polizzotto, R., Tubaro, F., Mizzau, M.,... more Musetti, R., Paolacci, A., Ciaffi, M., Tanzarella, O. A., Polizzotto, R., Tubaro, F., Mizzau, M., Ermacora, P., Badiani, M., and Osler, R. 2010. Phloem cytochemical modification and gene expression following the recovery of apple plants from apple proliferation disease. Phytopathology 100:390-399.

Research paper thumbnail of Foliar antioxidant status of plants from naturally high-CO2 sites

Physiologia Plantarum, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Cadmium exposure affects iron acquisition in barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) seedlings

Physiologia Plantarum, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of MADS-box genes of MIKC type and chromosome location of SEP-like genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2007

Transcription factors encoded by MIKC-type MADS-box genes control many important functions in pla... more Transcription factors encoded by MIKC-type MADS-box genes control many important functions in plants, including Xower development and morphogenesis. The cloning and characterization of 45 MIKC-type MADSbox full-length cDNA sequences of common wheat is reported in the present paper. Wheat EST databases were searched by known sequences of MIKC-type genes and primers were designed for cDNA cloning by RT-PCR. Full-length cDNAs were obtained by 5Ј and 3Ј RACE extension. Southern analysis showed that three copies of the MIKC sequences, corresponding to the three homoeologous genes, were present. This genome organization was further conWrmed by aneuploid analysis of six SEP-like genes, each showing three copies located in diVerent homoeologous chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis included the wheat MIKC cDNAs into 11 of the 13 MIKC subclasses identiWed in plants and corresponding to most genes controlling the Xoral homeotic functions. The expression patterns of the cDNAs corresponding to diVerent homeotic classes was analysed in 18 wheat tissues and Xoral organs by RT-PCR, real time RT-PCR and northern hybridisation.

Research paper thumbnail of Antioxidants and photosynthesis in the leaves of Triticum durum desf. Seedlings acclimated to non-stressing high temperature

Journal of Plant Physiology, 1997

The foliar antioxidant status and the photosynthetic capacity were compared in the leaves of non-... more The foliar antioxidant status and the photosynthetic capacity were compared in the leaves of non-acclimated Triticum durum Oes£ cv. Ouilio seedlings grown at an optimal temperature of25 ± 0.4 ·C or at a supraoptimal temperature 000 ± 0.3 ·C, under moderate light levels and ad libitum available water. The plants grown at 30 ± 0.3 ·C did not show the symptoms commonly observed in response to high temperature stress, such as acceleration of development, reduction in size, loss of photosynthetic pigments and reduction in the photochemical efficiency of PSII. However, mesophyll conductance to CO 2 uptake, net photosynthesis, and photon yield were drastically reduced in leaves grown at 30 ± 0.3 .c. Neither were the extractable capacities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase increased nor were lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage stimulated in leaves grown at 30 ± 0.3·c. Limited hyperthermia caused 60-80% increases in the contents of dehydroascorbic acid and glutathione disulfide, thus lowering significandy the redox ratios of the ascorbic acid and glutathione pools, respectively. The above results indicate that the photosynthetic performance of T. durum seedlings can be negatively affected even by moderately elevated, noninjurious temperatures, which could favour the photo-oxidative carbon cycle over the photo-reductive one. This might lead to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, with the ascorbic acid and glutathione foliar pools acting as a «first line» of antioxidant defense. Analogies were found with previous data concerning the effects of suboptimal, non-chilling growth temperatures on the same plant material.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-optimal growth temperatures and antioxidants in the leaves of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. II. Short-term acclimation

Journal of Plant Physiology, 1997

In pursuing previous studies on long-term acclimation to non-optimal, non-stressing growth temper... more In pursuing previous studies on long-term acclimation to non-optimal, non-stressing growth temperatures (Badiani et al., 1993 b; Fusari et al., in press), the foliar antioxidant status and the photosynthetic capacity were evaluated in two sorghum [So~hum bicolor (L.) Moench.] cultivars of different agroclimatic provenance, namely Aralba and ICSV 112, which were grown at the near-optimal temperature of 27 ± 0.3 ·C and then gradually (I ·C h -1) and transiendy (up to 120 h) exposed to suboptimal, 17 ± 0.4 ·C, or supraoptimal, 37 ± 0.1 ·C, temperatures, under moderate light intensity and ad libitum water and mineral nutrition. Comparative analysis of short-term and long-term responses to nonoptimal growth temperatures suggested that: i) even realistic, i.e. limited and gradual, upward or downward shifts from the normative growth temperature, incapable of causing evident stress symptoms, might per se enhance the formation of reactive oxygen species whose effect, albeit not drastic, appear to be more noxious during the early stages of the exposure; ii) this disthermia-driven oxidative burst triggers almost immediate and extensive changes in all of the major antioxidant metabolites and scavenging enzymes. This could be aimed at preparing plant tissues in case moderate disthermia flows into authentic temperature stress; iii) certain short-term antioxidant changes persist beyond the relief of the disthermic regimes; and iv) however, in case the exposure to non-optimal growth temperatures becomes chronic, longterm adjustment processes take place, consisting of increases in protective pigments, ascorbic acid and glutathione, but without the involvement of antioxidant enzymes. Such a strategy might be aimed at keeping disthermia-dependent oxidative stress under control at the lowest possible price in terms of metabolic resources.

Research paper thumbnail of Iron deprivation results in a rapid but not sustained increase of the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and sulfate uptake in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings

Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 2014

Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II p... more Characterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II plants, has proven that low sulfur availability often limits plant capability to cope with iron shortage. Here it was investigated whether the adaptation to iron deficiency in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants was associated with an increased root sulfate uptake and translocation capacity, and modified dynamics of total sulfur and thiols accumulation between roots and shoots. Most of the tomato sulfate transporter genes belonging to Groups 1, 2, and 4 were significantly upregulated in iron-deficient roots, as it commonly occurs under S-deficient conditions. The upregulation of the two high affinity sulfate transporter genes, SlST1.1 and SlST1.2, by iron deprivation clearly suggests an increased root capability to take up sulfate. Furthermore, the upregulation of the two low affinity sulfate transporter genes SlST2.1 and SlST4.1 in iron-deficient roots, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of total sulfur and thiols in shoots of iron-starved plants, likely supports an increased root-to-shoot translocation of sulfate. Results suggest that tomato plants exposed to iron-deficiency are able to change sulfur metabolic balance mimicking sulfur starvation responses to meet the increased demand for methionine and its derivatives, allowing them to cope with this stress. Ciaffi M (2014) Iron deprivation results in a rapid but not sustained increase of the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and sulfate uptake in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings. J Integr Plant Biol 56(XX): 1-13.