Contreras, M. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2019

An N-terminal motif in NLR immune receptors is functionally conserved across distantly related plant species

The molecular codes underpinning the functions of plant NLR immune receptors are poorly understood. We used in vitro Mu transposition to generate a random truncation library and identify the minimal functional region of NLRs. We applied this method to NRC4--a helper NLR that functions with multiple sensor NLRs within a Solanaceae receptor network. This revealed that the NRC4 N-terminal 29 amino acids are sufficient to induce hypersensitive cell death. This region is defined by the consensus MADAxVSFxVxKLxxLLxxEx (MADA motif) that is conserved at the N-termini of NRC family proteins and ~20% of coiled-coil (CC)-type plant NLRs. The MADA motif matches the N-terminal 1 helix of Arabidopsis NLR protein ZAR1, which undergoes a conformational switch during resistosome activation. Immunoassays revealed that the MADA motif is functionally conserved across NLRs from distantly related plant species. NRC-dependent sensor NLRs lack MADA sequences indicating that this motif has degenerated in sensor NLRs over evolutionary time.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Assessing the multiple dimensions of poverty. Data mining approaches to the 2004-14 Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Cuatro Santos, Nicaragua

We aimed to describe multiple dimensions of poverty according to the capability approach theory by applying data mining approaches to the Cuatro Santos Health and Demographic Surveillance databases, Nicaragua. Four municipalities in northern Nicaragua constitute the Cuatro Santos area, with 25,893 inhabitants in 5,966 households (2014). A local process analyzing poverty-related problems and prioritizing suggested actions, was initiated 1997 based on a community action plan 2002-2015. Priority interventions were school breakfasts, environmental protection, water and sanitation, preventive healthcare, home gardening, micro credits, technical training, stipends for university education, and the use of Internet. In 2004, a survey of basic health and demographic information was performed in the whole population followed by surveillance updates in 2007, 2009, and 2014 linking households and individuals by unique identifiers. Information included the house (floor, walls) and services (water, sanitation, electricity) as well as demographic data (birth, deaths, migration). Data on participation in interventions, on food security, household assets, and womens self-rated health were collected in 2014. A K-means algorithm were used to cluster the household data (54 variables). The poverty ranking of household clusters using the unsatisfied basic needs index (UBN) variables changed when including variables describing basic capabilities. The households in the fairly rich cluster, having assets as motorbikes and computers were described as modern. Those in the fairly poor cluster, having different degrees of food insecurity were labeled vulnerable. Poor and poorest clusters of households were traditional e.g. in using horses for transport. Results displayed a society transforming from traditional to a modern, where the forerunners were not the richest but educated, had more working members of household, fewer children and were food secure. Those lagging were the poor, traditional and food insecure. The approach and results may be useful for an improved understanding of poverty and to direct local interventions.

epidemiology↗