University of Georgia Research Foundation

Avian peritoneal exudate macrophages, when exposed to phagocytic stimuli, produced an appreciable oxidative burst as measured by production of chemiluminescence, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide. Metabolic inhibitors of the oxidative burst and scavengers of oxygen radicals clearly inhibited macrophage chemiluminescence, but had no significant effect on macrophage bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli or fungistatic activity against Candida tropicalis. Therefore, avian macrophages were capable of oxygen-independent bactericidal and fungistatic activities.

Mycoplasma iowae (Mi) is a pathogenic avian mycoplasma which causes mortality in turkey embryos and as such has clinical and economic significance for the turkey breeder industry. Control of Mi infection is severely hampered by lack of adequate diagnostic tests, together with resistance to most antibiotics and resilience to environment. A markedly high degree of intra-species antigenic variation also contributes to difficulties in detection and control of infection. In this project we have designed an innovative gene-based diagnostic test based on specific amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of Mi. This reaction, designed Multi-species PCR-RFLP test, also amplifies the DNA of the pathogenic avian mycoplasmas M. gallisepticum (Mg) and M. synoviae (Ms). This test detects DNA equivalent to about 300 cfu Mi or either of the other two target mycoplasmas, individually or in mixed infection. It is a quick test, applicable to a wide variety of clinical samples, such as allantoic fluid or tracheal or cloacal swab suspensions. Differential diagnosis is carried out by gel electro-phoresis of the PCR amplicon digested with selected restriction enzymes (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). This can also be readily accomplished by using a simple Dot-Blot hybridization assay with digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotide probes reacting specifically with unique Mi, Mg or Ms sequences in the PCR amplicon. The PCR/OLIGO test increased sensitivity by at least 10-fold with a capacity for rapid testing of large numbers of samples. Experimental infection trials were carried out to evaluate the diagnostic tools and to study pathogenesis of Mi infection. Field studies and experimental infection of embryonated eggs indicated both synergistic and competitive interaction of mycoplasma pathogens in mixed infection. The value of the PCR diagnostic tests for following the time course of egg transmission was shown. A workable serological test (Dot Immunobinding Assay) was also developed but there was no clear-cut evidence that infected turkeys develop an immune response. Typing of a wide spectrum of Mi field isolates by a variety of gene-based molecular techniques indicated a higher degree of genetic homogeneity than predicted on the basis of the phenotypic variability. All known strains of Mi were detected by the method developed. Together with an M. meleagridis-PCR test based on the same gene, the Multi-species PCR test is a highly valuable tool for diagnosis of pathogenic mycoplasmas in single or mixed infection. The further application of this rapid and specific test as a part of Mi and overall mycoplasma control programs will be dependent on developments in the turkey industry.

The avian influenza virus, subtype H9N2 subtype, defined as having a low pathogenicity, causes extensive economical losses in commercial flocks, probably due to management and synergism with other pathogens. AIV H9N2 was first identified in Israel in the year 2000, and since then it became endemic and widespread in Israel. Control by vaccination of commercial flocks with an inactivated vaccine has been introduced since 2007. In face of the continuous H9N2 outbreaks, and the application of the vaccination policy, we aimed in the present study to provide a method of differentiating naturally infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). The aim of the assay would be detect only antibodies created by a de-novo infection, since the inactivated vaccine virus is not reproducing, and might provide a simple tool for mass detection of novel infections of commercial flocks. To fulfill the overall aim, the project was designed to include four operational objectives: 1. Evaluation of the genetic evolution of AIV in Israel; 2. Assessment of the diagnostic value of an NS1 ELISA; 3. NS1 ELISA as evaluation criteria for measuring the efficacy of vaccination against H9N2 AIV; 4. Development of an AIV H9 subtype specific ELISA systems. Major conclusion and implications drawn from the project were: 1. A continuous genetic change occurred in the collection of H9N2 isolates, and new introductions were identified. It was shown thatthe differences between the HA proteins of viruses used for vaccine productionand local fieldisolatesincreasedin parallelwith the durationand intensity ofvaccine use, therefore, developing a differential assay for the vaccine and the wild type viruses was the project main aim. 2. To assess the diagnostic value of an NS1 ELISA we first performed experimental infection trials using representative viruses of all introductions, and used the sera and recombinant NS1 antigens of the same viruses in homologous and heterologous NS1 ELISA combination. The NS1 ELISA was evidently reactive in all combinations, and did not discriminate significantly between different groups. 3. However, several major drawbacks of the NS1 ELISA were recognized: a) The evaluation of the vaccination effect in challenged birds, showed that the level of the NS1 antibodies dropped due to the vaccination-dependent virus level drop; b) the applicability of the NS1-ELISA was verified on sera of commercial flocks and found to be unusable due to physico-chemical composition of the sera and the recombinant antigen, c) commercial sera showed non-reactivity that might be caused by many factors, including vaccination, uncertainty regarding the infection time, and possibly low antigen avidity, d) NS1 elevated antibody levels for less than 2 months in SPF chicks. Due to the above mentioned reasons we do not recommend the application of the DIVA NS1 ELISA assay for monitoring and differentiation AIV H9N2 naturally-infected from vaccinated commercial birds.

The overall objective was to understand the cloud flocculation of citrus juice by characterization of the interactions between proteins and pectins, and to determine the role of PE isozymes in catalyzing this phenomenon. Specific objectives were to: 1. identify/characterize cloud-proteins in relation to their coagulable properties and affinity to pectins; 2. to determine structural changes of PME and other proteins induced by cation/pectin interactions; 3. localize cloud proteins, PME and bound protein/pectates in unheated and pasteurized juices; 4. to create "sensitized" pectins and determine their effect on clarification. The original objectives were not changed but the methods and approach were modified due to specific research requirements. Two i postulates were: 1. there is a specific interaction of cloud proteins with de-esterified regions of ! pectin and this contributes to cloud loss; 2. isozymes of pectin-methyl-esterase (PME) vary in efficiency to create sensitized pectins. The appearance of citrus fruit juice is an important quality factor and is determined by the color and turbidity that .are conferred by the suspended particles, i.e., by the cloud and its homogeneity. Under some circumstances the cloud tend to flocculate and the juice clarifies. The accepted approach to explain the clarification is based on pectin demethoxylation by PME that promotes formation of Ca-pectate. Therefore, the juice includes immediate heat-inactivation upon ~ squeezing. Protein coagulation also promotes cloud instability of citrus fruit extracts. However, the clarification mechanism is not fully understood. Information accumulated from several laboratories indicates that clarification is a more complex process than can be explained by a single mechanism. The increasing trend to consume natural-fresh juice emphasizing the importance of the knowledge to assure homogeneity of fresh juice. The research included complementary directions: Conditions that induce cloud-instability of natural- juice [IL]. Evaluate purification schemes of protein [USA]. Identifications of proteins, pectin and neutral sugars ([IL]; Structure of the cloud components using light and electron microscopy and immuno-labeling of PME, high-methoxyl-pectin (HMP) and low-methoxyl-pectin (LMP); Molecular weight of calcium sensitized pectins [US]; Evaluation of the products of PME activity [US]. Fractions and size distribution and cloud components [IL-US]. The optimal pH activity of PME is 7 and the flocculation pH of the cloud is 3-4. Thus, the c roles of PME, proteins and pectins in the cloud instability, were studied in pH ranges of 2- 7. The experiments led to establish firstly repeatable simulate conditions for cloud instability [IL]. Thermostable PME (TS-PE) known to induce cloud instability, but also thermolabile forms of PME (TL-PE) caused clarification, most likely due to the formation and dissolution of inactive :. PE-pectin complexes and displacement of a protective colloid from the cloud surface [US]. Furthermore, elimination of non-PME protein increases TS-PE activity, indicating that non-PME proteins moderate PME activity [US]. Other experiments Concomitantly with the study of the PME activity but promotes the association of cloud-proteins to pectin. Adjusting of the juice pH to f 7 retains the cloud stability and re-adjusting of the pH to 40% DE reacts to immuno-labeling in the cloud fragments, whereas

Objectives. The major aim of the proposed research was to study thrips-TSWV relationships and their role in the epidemiology of the virus with the aim of using this knowledge to reduce crop losses occurring due to epidemics. Our specific objectives were: To determine the major factors involved in virus outbreaks, including: a) identifying the thrips species involved in virus dissemination and their relative role in virus spread; b) determining the virus sources among wild and cultivated plants throughout the season and their role in virus spread, and, c) determining how temperature and molecular variations in isolates impact virus replication in plants and insects and impact the transmission cycle. Background to the topic. Tospoviruses are among the most important emerging plant viruses that impact production of agricultural and ornamental crops. Evolution of tospoviruses and their relationships with thrips vector species have been of great interest because of crop damage caused world wide and the complete absence of suitable methods of control. Tospoviruses threaten crops in Israel and the United States. By understanding the factors contributing to epidemics and the specific relationships between thrips species and particular tospoviruses we hope that new strategies for control can be developed that will benefit agriculture in both Israel and the United States. Major conclusions, solutions, achievements. We determined that at least three tospoviruses were involved in epidemics in Israel and the United States, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and iris yellow spot virus (IYSV). We detected and characterized INSV for the first time in Israel and, through our efforts, IYSV was detected and characterized for the first time in both countries. We demonstrated that many thrips species were present in commercial production areas and trap color influenced thrips catch. Frankliniella occidentalis was the major vector species of INSV and TSWV and populations varied in transmission efficiency. Thrips tabaci is the sole known vector of IYSV and experiments in both countries indicated that F. occidentalis is not a vector of this new tospovirus. Alternate plant hosts were identified for each virus. A new monitoring system combining sticky cards and petunia indicator plants was developed to identify sources of infective thrips. This system has been highly successful in the U.S. and was used to demonstrate to growers that removal of plant sources of infective thrips has a dramatic impact on virus incidence. Finally, a putative thrips receptor mediating acquisition of TSWV was discovered. Implications, scientific and agricultural. Our findings have contributed to new control measures that will benefit agriculture. Identification of a putative thrips receptor for TSWV and our findings relative to thrips/tospovirus specificity have implications for development of innovative new control strategies.

The involvement of glycans in microbial adherence, recognition and signaling is often a critical determinant of pathogenesis. Although the major glycan components of fungal cell walls have been identified there is limited information available on its ‘minor sugar components’ and how these change during different stages of fungal development. Our aim was to define the role of Rhacontaining-glycans in the gray mold disease caused by the necrotrophic fungus B. cinerea. The research was built on the discovery of two genes, Bcdhand bcer, that are involved in formation of UDP-KDG and UDP-Rha, two UDP- sugars that may serve as donors for the synthesis of cell surface glycans. Objectives of the proposed research included: 1) To determine the function of B. cinereaBcDh and BcEr in glycan biosynthesis and in pathogenesis, 2) To determine the expression pattern of BcDH and BcERand cellular localization of their encoded proteins, 3) Characterize the structure and distribution of Rha- containing glycans, 4) Characterization of the UDP-sugar enzymes and potential of GTs involved in glycanrhamnosylation. To address these objectives we generated a series of B. cinereamutants with modifications in the bchdhand bcergenes and the phenotype and sugar metabolism in the resulting strains were characterized. Analysis of sugar metabolites showed that changes in the genes caused changes in primary and secondary sugars, including abolishment of rhamnose, however abolishment of rhamnose synthesis did not cause changes in the fungal phenotype. In contrast, we found that deletion of the second gene, bcer, leads to accumulation of the intermediate sugar – UDP- KDG, and that such mutants suffer from a range of defects including reduced virulence. Further analyses confirmed that UDP-KDG is toxic to the fungus. Studies on mode of action suggested that UDP-KDG might affect integrity of the fungal cell wall, possibly by inhibiting UDP-sugars metabolic enzymes. Our results confirm that bcdhand bcerrepresent a single pathway of rhamnose synthesis in B. cinerea, that rhamnose does not affect in vitro development or virulence of the fungus. We also concluded that UDP-KDG is toxic to B. cinereaand hence UDP-KDG or compounds that inhibit Er enzymes and lead to accumulation of UDP-KDG might have antifungal activity. This toxicity is likely the case with other fungi, this became apparent in a collaborative work with Prof. Bart Thomma of Wageningen University, NETHERLANDS . We have shown the deletion of ER mutant in Verticillium dahlia gave plants resistance to the fungal infection.

This project is directed toward understanding how the availability of nitrogen affects the accumulation of chloroplast pigments and proteins functioning in energy transduction and carbon metabolism. Molecular analyses performed with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii grown in a continuous culture system such that ammonium concentration is maintained at a low steady-state concentration so as to limit cell division. As compared to chloroplasts from cells of non-limiting nitrogen provisions, chloroplasts of N-limited cells are profoundly chlorophyll-deficient but still assimilate carbon for deposition of as starch and as storage lipids. Chlorophyll deficiency arises by limiting accumulation of appropriate nuclear-encoded mRNAs of and by depressed rates of translation of chloroplast mRNAs for apoproteins of reaction centers. Chloroplast translational effects can be partially ascribed to diminished rates of chlorophyll biosynthesis in N-limited cells, but pigment levels are not determinants for expression of the nuclear light-harvesting protein genes. Consequently, other signals that are responsive to nitrogen availability mediate transcriptional or post-transcriptional processes for accumulation of the mRNAs for LHC apoproteins and other mRNAs whose abundance is dependent upon high nitrogen levels. Conversely, limited nitrogen availability promotes accumulation of other proteins involved in carbon metabolism and oxidative electron transport in chloroplasts. Hence, thylakoids of N-limited cells exhibit enhanced chlororespiratory activities wherein oxygen serves as the electron acceptor in a pathway that involves plastoquinone and other electron carrier proteins that remain to be thoroughly characterized. Ongoing and future studies are also outlined.

The growth and development of plants and photosynthetic microorganisms is commonly limited by the availability of nitrogen. Our work concerns understanding the mechanisms by which plants and algae that are subjected to nitrogen deprivation alter the composition of photosynthetic membranes and enzymes involved in photosynthetic carbon metabolism. Toward these ends, we study biosynthetic and gene expression processes in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii which is grown in an ammonium-limited continuous culture system. We have found that the expression of nuclear genes, including those encoding for light-harvesting proteins, are severely repressed in nitrogen-limited cells whereas, in general, chloroplast protein synthesis is attenuated primarily at the level of mRNA translation. Conversely, nitrogen deprivation appears to lead to enhanced synthesis of enzymes that are involved in starch and storage lipid deposition. In addition, as a possible means by which photosynthetic electron transport activities and ATP synthesis is sustained during chronic periods of nitrogen deprivation, thylakoid membranes become enriched with components for chlororespiration. Characterization of the chlororespiratory electron transport constituents, including cytochrome complexes and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase is a major current effort. Also, we are striving to isolate the genes encoding chlororespiration proteins toward determining how they and others that are strongly responsive to nutrient availability are regulated.

The growth and development of plants and photosynthetic microorganisms is commonly limited by the availability of nitrogen. Our work concerns understanding the mechanisms by which plants and algae that are subjected to nitrogen deprivation alter the composition of photosynthetic membranes and enzymes involved in photosynthetic carbon metabolism. Toward these ends, we study biosynthetic and gene expression processes in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii which is grown in an ammonium-limited continuous culture system. We have found that the expression of nuclear genes, including those encoding for light-harvesting proteins, are severely repressed in nitrogen-limited cells whereas, in general, chloroplast protein synthesis is attenuated primarily at the level of mRNA translation. Conversely, nitrogen deprivation appears to lead to enhanced synthesis of enzymes that are involved in starch and storage lipid deposition. In addition, as a possible means by which photosynthetic electron transport activities and ATP synthesis is sustained during chronic periods of nitrogen deprivation, thylakoid membranes become enriched with components for chlororespiration. Characterization of the chlororespiratory electron transport constituents, including cytochrome complexes and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase is a major current effort. Also, we are striving to isolate the genes encoding chlororespiration proteins toward determining how they and others that are strongly responsive to nutrient availability are regulated.

The specific objectives of this BARD proposal were: (1) To determine whether Rxol can recognize AacavrRxo1 to trigger BFB disease resistance in stable transgenic watermelon plants. (2) To determine the distribution of Aac-avrRxo1 in a global population of Aae and to characterize the biological function of Aac-avrRxo1. (3) To characterize other TIS effectors of Aae and to identify plant R gene(s) that can recognize conserved TIS effectors of this pathogen. Background to the topic: Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) of cucurbits, caused by Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli (Aae), is a devastating disease that affects watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and melon (Cucumis melo) production worldwide, including both Israel and USA. Two major groups of Aae strains have been classified based on their virulence on host plants, genetics and biochemical properties. Thus far, no effective resistance genes have been identified from cucurbit germplasm. In this project, we assessed the applicability of a non-host disease resistance gene, Rxol, to control BFB in watermelon. We also tried to identify Aae type III secreted (TIS) effectors that can be used as molecular probes to identify novel disease resistance genes in both cucurbits and Nieotianatabaeum. Major conclusions, solutions, achievements: We generated five independent transgenic watermelon (cv. Sugar Babay) plants expressing the Rxol gene. The transgenic plants were evaluated with Aae strains AAC001 and M6 under growth chamber conditions. All transgenic plants were found to be susceptible to both Aae strains. It is possible that watermelon is missing other signaling components that are required for Rxol-mediated disease resistance. In order to screen for novel BFB resistance genes, we inoculated two Aae strains on 60 Nieotiana species. Our disease assay revealed Nicotiana tabaeum is completely resistant to Aae, while its wild relative N. benthamiana is susceptible to Aae. We further demonstrated that Nieotiana benthamiana can be used as a surrogate host for studying the mechanisms of pathogenesis of Aae. We cloned 11 TIS effector genes including the avrRxolhomologues from the genomes of 22 Aae strains collected worldwide. Sequencing analysis revealed that functional avrRxol is conserved in group" but not group I Aae strains. Three effector genes- Aave_1548, Aave_2166 and Aave_2708- possessed the ability to trigger an HR response in N. tabacum when they were transiently expressed by Agrobaeterium. We conclude that N. tabacum carries at least three different non-host resistance genes that can specifically recognize AaeTIS effectors to trigger non-host resistance. Screening 522 cucurbits genotypes with two Aae strains led us to identify two germplasm (P1536473 and P1273650) that are partially resistant to Aae. Interestingly, transient expression of the TIS effector, Aave_1548, in the two germplasms also triggered HR-Iike cell death, which suggests the two lines may carry disease resistance genes that can recognize Aave_1548. Importantly, we also demonstrated that this effector contributes to the virulence of the bacterium in susceptible plants. Therefore, R genes that recognize effector Aave1548 have great potential for breeding for BFB resistance. To better understand the genome diversity of Aae strains, we generated a draft genome sequence of the Israeli Aae strain, M6 (Group I) using Iliumina technology. Comparative analysis of whole genomes of AAC001, and M6 allowed us to identify several effectors genes that differentiate groups I and II. Implications, both scientific and agricultural: The diversity of TIS effectors in group I and II strains of Aae suggests that a subset of effectors could contribute to the host range of group I and II Aae strains. Analysis of these key effectors in a larger Aae population may allow us to predict which cucurbit hosts may be at risk to BFB. Additionally, isolation of tobacco and cucurbit Rgenes that can recognize Aae type III effectors may offer new genetic resources for controlling BFB.

In this project we focused on various aspects of biorefinery technology development including algal-biorefinery technology, thermochemical conversion of biomass to bio-oils and biochar; we tested characteristics and applications of biochars and evaluated nutrient cycling with wastewater treatment by the coupling of algal culture systems and anaerobic digestion. Key results include a method for reducing water content of bio-oil through atomized alcohol addition. The effect included increasing the pH and reducing the viscosity and cloud point of the bio-oil. Low input biochar production systems were evaluated via literature reviews and direct experimental work. Additionally, emissions were evaluated and three biochar systems were compared via a life cycle analysis. Attached growth systems for both algal cultivation and algal harvesting were found to be superior to suspended growth cultures. Nutrient requirements for algal cultivation could be obtained by the recycling of anaerobic digester effluents, thus experimentally showing that these two systems could be directly coupled. Twenty-two journal articles and six intellectual property applications resulted from the cumulative work that this project contributed to programmatically.

The objective of this report is to document the methodology used to calculate the three hydro-geomorphic indices: C Index, Nhot spot, and Interflow Contributing Area (IFC Area). These indices were applied in the Upper Four Mile Creek Watershed in order to better understand the potential mechanisms controlling retention time, path lengths, and potential for nutrient and solute metabolism and exchange associated with the geomorphic configurations of the upland contributing areas, groundwater, the riparian zone, and stream channels.

This final report presents the main activities and results of the project “A Carbon Flux Super Site: New Insights and Innovative Atmosphere-Terrestrial Carbon Exchange Measurements and Modeling” from 10/1/2006 to 9/30/2014. It describes the new AmeriFlux tower site (Aiken) at Savanna River Site (SC) and instrumentation, long term eddy-covariance, sodar, microbarograph, soil and other measurements at the site, and intensive field campaigns of tracer experiment at the Carbon Flux Super Site, SC, in 2009 and at ARM-CF site, Lamont, OK, and experiments in Plains, GA. The main results on tracer experiment and modeling, on low-level jet characteristics and their impact on fluxes, on gravity waves and their influence on eddy fluxes, and other results are briefly described in the report.

Oroginal Objectives: (i) identify DNA markers linked to the avirulence (Avr) locus and locate the Avr locus through genetic mapping with an inter-race Orobanche cumana population; (ii) develop high-throughput fingerprint DNA markers for genotypingO. cumana races; (iii) identify nucleotide binding domain leucine rich repeat (NB-LRR) genes encoding R proteins conferring resistance to O. cumana in sunflower; (iv) increase the resolution of the chromosomal segment harboring Or₅ and related R genes through genetic and physical mapping in previously and newly developed mapping populations of sunflower; and (v) develop high-throughput DNA markers for rapidly and efficiently identifying and transferring sunflower R genes through marker-assisted selection. Revisions made during the course of project: Following changes in O. cumana race distribution in Israel, the newly arrived virulent race H was chosen for further analysis. HA412-HO, which was primarily chosen as a susceptible sunflower cultivar, was more resistant to the new parasite populations than var. Shemesh, thus we shifted sunflower research into analyzing the resistance of HA412-HO. We exceeded the deliverables for Objectives #3-5 by securing funding for complete physical and high-density genetic mapping of the sunflower genome, in addition to producing a complete draft sequence of the sunflower genome. We discovered limited diversity between the parents of the O. cumana population developed for the mapping study. Hence, the developed DNA marker resources were insufficient to support genetic map construction. This objective was beyond the scale and scope of the funding. This objective is challenging enough to be the entire focus of follow up studies. Background to the topic: O. cumana, an obligate parasitic weed, is one of the most economically important and damaging diseases of sunflower, causes significant yield losses in susceptible genotypes, and threatens production in Israel and many other countries. Breeding for resistance has been crucial for protecting sunflower from O. cumana, and problematic because new races of the pathogen continually emerge, necessitating discovery and deployment of new R genes. The process is challenging because of the uncertainty in identifying races in a genetically diverse parasite. Major conclusions, solutions, achievements: We developed a small collection of SSR markers for genetic mapping in O. cumana and completed a diversity study to lay the ground for objective #1. Because DNA sequencing and SNPgenotyping technology dramatically advanced during the course of the study, we recommend shifting future work to SNP discovery and mapping using array-based approaches, instead of SSR markers. We completed a pilot study using a 96-SNP array, but it was not large enough to support genetic mapping in O.cumana. The development of further SNPs was beyond the scope of the grant. However, the collection of SSR markers was ideal for genetic diversity analysis, which indicated that O. cumanapopulations in Israel considerably differ frompopulations in other Mediterranean countries. We supplied physical and genetic mapping resources for identifying R-genes in sunflower responsible for resistance to O. cumana. Several thousand mapped SNP markers and a complete draft of the sunflower genome sequence are powerful tools for identifying additional candidate genes and understanding the genomic architecture of O. cumana-resistanceanddisease-resistance genes. Implications: The OrobancheSSR markers have utility in sunflower breeding and genetics programs, as well as a tool for understanding the heterogeneity of races in the field and for geographically mapping of pathotypes.The segregating populations of both Orobanche and sunflower hybrids are now available for QTL analyses.

The objectives of the BARD proposal were to determine the mechanisms of nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) that are necessary to provide heightened innate resistance to infection and to identify the antigenic determinants in Streptococcus iniae that are best suited for vaccine development. Our central hypothesis was that anti-bacterial immunity in trout and tilapia can only be acquired by combining "innate" NCC responses with antibody responses to polysaccharide antigens. These Objectives were accomplished by experiments delineated by the following Specific Aims: Specific aim (SA) #1 (USA) "Clone and Identify the Apoptosis Regulatory Genes in NCC"; Specific aim #2 (USA)"Identify Regulatory Factors that Control NCC Responses to S. iniae"; Specific aim #3 (Israel) "Characterize the Biological Properties of the S. iniae Capsular Polysaccharide"; and Specific aim #4 (Israel) "Development of an Acellular Vaccine". Our model of S. iniae pathogenesis encompassed two approaches, identify apoptosis regulatory genes and proteins in tilapia that affected NCC activities (USA group) and determine the participation of S.iniae capsular polysaccharides as potential immunogens for the development of an acellular vaccine (Israel group). We previously established that it was possible to immunize tilapia and trout against experimental S. difficile/iniaeinfections. However these studies indicated that antibody responses in protected fish were short lived (3-4 months). Thus available vaccines were useful for short-term protection only. To address the issues of regulation of pathogenesis and immunogens of S. iniae, we have emphasized the role of the innate immune response regarding activation of NCC and mechanisms of invasiveness. Considerable progress was made toward accomplishing SA #1. We have cloned the cDNA of the following tilapia genes: cellular apoptosis susceptibility (CAS/AF547173»; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF / A Y 428948); and nascent polypeptide-associated complex alpha polypeptide (NACA/ A Y168640). Similar attempts were made to sequence the tilapia FasLgene/cDNA, however these experiments were not successful. Aim #2 was to "Identify Regulatory Factors that Control NCC Responses to S. iniae." To accomplish this, a new membrane receptor has been identified that may control innate responses (including apoptosis) of NCC to S. iniae. The receptor is a membrane protein on teleost NCC. This protein (NCC cationic antimicrobial protein-1/ncamp-1/AAQ99138) has been sequenced and the cDNA cloned (A Y324398). In recombinant form, ncamp-l kills S. iniae in vitro. Specific aim 3 ("Characterize the Biological Properties of the S.iniae Capsular Polysaccharide") utilized an in- vitro model using rainbow trout primary skin epithelial cell mono layers. These experiments demonstrated colonization into epithelial cells followed by a rapid decline of viable intracellular bacteria and translocation out of the cell. This pathogenesis model suggested that the bacterium escapes the endosome and translocates through the rainbow trout skin barrier to further invade and infect the host. Specific aim #4 ("Development of an Acellular Vaccine") was not specifically addressed. These studies demonstrated that several different apoptotic regulatory genes/proteins are expressed by tilapia NCC. These are the first studies demonstrating that such factors exist in tilapia. Because tilapia NCC bind to and are activated by S. iniae bacterial DNA, we predict that the apoptotic regulatory activity of S. iniae previously demonstrated by our group may be associated with innate antibacterial responses in tilapia.

The main objectives of this research was to detect the specific polymorphisms responsible for observed quantitative trait loci and develop optimal strategies for genomic evaluations and selection for moderate (Israel) and large (US) dairy cattle populations. A joint evaluation using all phenotypic, pedigree, and genomic data is the optimal strategy. The specific objectives were: 1) to apply strategies for determination of the causative polymorphisms based on the “a posteriori granddaughter design” (APGD), 2) to develop methods to derive unbiased estimates of gene effects derived from SNP chips analyses, 3) to derive optimal single-stage methods to estimate breeding values of animals based on marker, phenotypic and pedigree data, 4) to extend these methods to multi-trait genetic evaluations and 5) to evaluate the results of long-term genomic selection, as compared to traditional selection. Nearly all of these objectives were met. The major achievements were: The APGD and the modified granddaughter designs were applied to the US Holstein population, and regions harboring segregating quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for all economic traits of interest. The APGD was able to find segregating QTL for all the economic traits analyzed, and confidence intervals for QTL location ranged from ~5 to 35 million base pairs. Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) for milk production traits in the Israeli Holstein population were computed by the single-step method and compared to results for the two-step method. The single-step method was extended to derive GEBV for multi-parity evaluation. Long-term analysis of genomic selection demonstrated that inclusion of pedigree data from previous generations may result in less accurate GEBV. Major conclusions are: Predictions using single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) were the least biased, and that method appears to be the best tool for genomic evaluation of a small population, as it automatically accounts for parental index and allows for inclusion of female genomic information without additional steps. None of the methods applied to the Israeli Holstein population were able to derive GEBV for young bulls that were significantly better than parent averages. Thus we confirm previous studies that the main limiting factor for the accuracy of GEBV is the number of bulls with genotypes and progeny tests. Although 36 of the grandsires included in the APGD were genotyped for the BovineHDBeadChip, which includes 777,000 SNPs, we were not able to determine the causative polymorphism for any of the detected QTL. The number of valid unique markers on the BovineHDBeadChip is not sufficient for a reasonable probability to find the causative polymorphisms. Complete resequencing of the genome of approximately 50 bulls will be required, but this could not be accomplished within the framework of the current project due to funding constraints. Inclusion of pedigree data from older generations in the derivation of GEBV may result is less accurate evaluations.

Control of Avian Influenza (AI) infection is a highly topical subject of major economicimportance for the worldwide poultry industry at the national level and for international trade.H9N2 viruses are endemic in poultry throughout Asia and the Middle East, causing major losses inproduction. Moreover, these viruses pose wider threats since they have been isolated from bothswine and humans. At the same time, study of the AI viruses affords an opportunity to explore anumber of problems of intriguing scientific interest. The overall goal of this project was to developa sound control strategy for avian influenza subtype H9N2 viruses (AI H9N2) in commercialpoultry in Israel. The one-year feasibility study focused on two main goals, namely: to study themolecular characteristics of AI H9N2 circulating during the last seven years in Israel and todevelop tools enabling differentiation between the immune response to vaccination and infectionwith H9N2.Genetic and phylogenetic characterization of 29 selected AI H9N2 isolates (2000-2006)was performed by complete sequencing of hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and all sixinternal genes [nucleoprotein (NP), polymerase basic 1 (PB1), polymerase basic 2 (PB2),polymerase acid (PA), matrix (M), and nonstructural (NS) genes]; comparative phylogenetic andgenetic analyses of these sequences; and comparative genetic analyses of deduced amino acidsequences of the HA, NA, NS1, and NS2 proteins. The major conclusions of the molecularanalyses were: (1) Israeli isolates, together with other H9N2 viruses isolated in Middle Eastcountries, comprise a single regional sublineage related to the G1-lineage. In addition, Israeliisolates subdivided into three different subgroups. Genetic analysis of these viruses suggests thatthey underwent divergent evolution paths.

This project is directed toward understanding how the availability of nitrogen affects the accumulation of chloroplast pigments and proteins functioning in energy transduction and carbon metabolism. Molecular analyses performed with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii grown in a continuous culture system such that ammonium concentration is maintained at a low steady-state concentration so as to limit cell division. As compared to chloroplasts from cells of non-limiting nitrogen provisions, chloroplasts of N-limited cells are profoundly chlorophyll-deficient but still assimilate carbon for deposition of as starch and as storage lipids. Chlorophyll deficiency arises by limiting accumulation of appropriate nuclear-encoded mRNAs of and by depressed rates of translation of chloroplast mRNAs for apoproteins of reaction centers. Chloroplast translational effects can be partially ascribed to diminished rates of chlorophyll biosynthesis in N-limited cells, but pigment levels are not determinants for expression of the nuclear light-harvesting protein genes. Consequently, other signals that are responsive to nitrogen availability mediate transcriptional or post-transcriptional processes for accumulation of the mRNAs for LHC apoproteins and other mRNAs whose abundance is dependent upon high nitrogen levels. Conversely, limited nitrogen availability promotes accumulation of other proteins involved in carbon metabolism and oxidative electron transport in chloroplasts. Hence, thylakoids of N-limited cells exhibit enhanced chlororespiratory activities wherein oxygen serves as the electron acceptor in a pathway that involves plastoquinone and other electron carrier proteins that remain to be thoroughly characterized. Ongoing and future studies are also outlined.

We sought to improve our understanding of the metabolic and regulatory networks that control hydrogen (H₂) production in the hyperthermophilic marine archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (Pf), a model microbial H₂ producer. We used an approach based on genomic and transcriptomic analyses of stress response along with genetic and biochemical characterization of identified pathways to further define control checkpoints in H₂ production that will be valuable in future metabolic engineering efforts.

New techniques are described for using irradiation and chemical mutagens in the genetic improvement of several warm season grasses. Genetic and cytogenetic effects of these treatments are also being studied. (ACR)