1.
1H NMR characterization of chitin tetrasaccharide in binary H2O:DMSO solution: Evidence for anomeric end-effect propagation.
Li, K, Green, AR, Dinges, MM, Larive, CK
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2019;:744-749
Abstract
Chitin oligosaccharides, composed of homogeneous β(1 → 4)-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) sequences, is a well-known elicitor of plant immune defense, and also occur as structural elements of chitosan and nodulation (Nod) factor. Detailed microstructure characterization is required for understanding the function mode of these bioactive molecules. Herein, experimental conditions for detection and elucidation of the 1H NMR resonances of amide groups in chitin oligosaccharides are presented. The binary mixture of 70% H2O: 30% DMSO‑d6 was found to be the optimal solvent for amide proton measurements in homogeneous GlcNAc sequences, facilitating differentiation of the local chemical microenvironments of all four amide groups of the chitin tetrasaccharide. Experimental evidence that anomeric end-effect triggers amide proton resonance differentiation at the adjacent residue has potential to provide important insights into the solution structure of chitin and other amino sugars containing GlcNAc sequences.
2.
Microbial effectors and the role of water and sugar in the infection battle ground.
El Kasmi, F, Horvath, D, Lahaye, T
Current opinion in plant biology. 2018;:98-107
Abstract
Phytopathogenic microbes multiply in the apoplast-a plant's intercellular spaces-of infected plants, and hence their success relies on the conditions in this habitat. Despite being extracellular parasites, most microbes translocate effectors into host cells that promote disease by acting inside cells. Initial studies suggested that effectors act predominantly as suppressors of plant immunity. These pioneering studies were trend-setting, causing a strong bias in the functional investigation of effectors. Yet, recent studies on bacterial model pathogens have identified effectors that promote disease by causing either increased sugar or water levels in the apoplast. These studies are likely to initiate a new era of effector research that will clarify the disease-promoting rather than defense-suppressing function of effectors, a molecular rather than genetic distinction.