It is likely that other OmpR-dependent adherence factors are missing in the ompR mutant. It has previously been shown that cells of the ompR mutant AR4 lack YompF and YompC porins in the outer membrane (Brzostek et al., 2007), and the latter protein may play a role in microbial attachment to eukaryotic cells (Brzostek & Raczkowska, 2007). These observations suggest that YompC might partially mediate the adhesion of Y. enterocolitica to HEp-2 cells. The results of invasion assays performed without the centrifugation step demonstrated that the ability of ompR, flhDC and inv mutants to invade HEp-2 cells was decreased to different extents (Fig. 3b).

However, the invasiveness of the ompR mutant was higher than that of the flhDC mutant. When Y. enterocolitica cells were centrifuged onto the monolayer to ensure bacterial selleck products contact with the host cells, the invasiveness of all applied mutants increased, but that of the ompR strain AR4, unlike the flhDC and inv mutants, actually exceeded the wild-type level (Fig. 3c). This suggests that upregulation

of invasin expression was responsible for the higher level of invasiveness of the ompR strain, although motility appeared to play a crucial role in the overall invasion of HEp-2 cells by the Y. enterocolitica strains. This is consistent with the results of previous studies, which showed that motility of Y. enterocolitica is required to initiate host cell invasion (Young et al., 2000). Complementation of the AR4 ompR PF2341066 mutation with the coding sequence of ompR cloned in vector pBBR1 MCS-3 (plasmid pBR3) restored the wild-type outer membrane porin profiles and inv expression (Brzostek et al., 2007). When tested for its ability to invade HEp-2 cells, the strain AR4/pBR3 exhibited increased invasion compared with the noncomplemented ompR mutant

(Fig. 3c). This was probably the effect of overproduction of OmpR and the increased expression of other OmpR-dependent adhesion–invasion factors. Forced contact between bacteria and host cells through centrifugation was found not to fully restore the adhesion–invasion defect of the nonmotile flhDC mutant DN1, which suggests the involvement of the FlhDC flagellar regulator in the modulation of virulence–invasion determinants other than flagella. Recently, it has Oxalosuccinic acid been shown that FlhDC, besides its regulatory function in motility, may also act as a global regulator of Y. enterocolitica metabolism (Kapatral et al., 2004) and promote the secretion of virulence factors via the flagellar export apparatus (Young et al., 1999). Thus, apart from its effect on motility, the modulation of flhDC expression by OmpR is likely to have considerable implications for Y. enterocolitica physiology, including its adherent–invasive abilities. Biofilm formation is a feature of enteropathogenic yersiniae that is likely to play a role in pathogenesis. As reported previously for Yersinia species, several genes are potentially involved in biofilm formation (Hinnebusch, 2008; Kim et al.

8%

transmission rate among women with CD4 cell counts >200 cells/μL is similar to that of the zidovudine monotherapy arm of ACTG 076 (8.3%), intrapartum intravenous zidovudine was not associated with lower rates of transmission [246]. One rationale for intrapartum intravenous zidovudine in ACTG 076 was that labour would be associated with poor absorption of oral therapy. While not strictly comparable, the well-recognized rapid absorption of single-dose nevirapine during labour suggests that the impact of labour on absorption may be overestimated. Pharmacokinetic data from an RCT of oral zidovudine monotherapy vs. placebo indicate that adequate (therapeutic) zidovudine concentrations are achieved in cord blood with oral DZNeP dosing. Although the concentrations are lower than have been reported with intravenous infusion, transmission was not associated with zidovudine cord blood concentration [247]. Intravenous zidovudine has historically

been considered for women whose plasma VL has not been completely suppressed at the time of delivery. There is no evidence that the intravenous administration of zidovudine alters the rate of placental transfer but higher maternal plasma levels will be reflected in the cord blood concentrations. Intravenous zidovudine (as part of an intervention package; see Section 5: Use of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy) has also been recommended for women who present in labour, having not received ART. However, data from the New York State HIV diagnostic service (1995–1997) suggest that intrapartum intravenous zidovudine alone does not SGI-1776 order significantly reduce transmission (10%; 95% CI 3.3–21.8%),

as, provided neonatal prophylaxis is commenced within 48 h of delivery (this being the only intervention accessed), the latter has similar efficacy (9.3%; 95% CI 4.1–17.5%) [138]. From the French data there is no evidence that intrapartum intravenous zidovudine further reduces the risk of MTCT in women on HAART unless maternal HIV VL is >10 000 copies/mL [23]. However, individual circumstances vary, and intravenous intrapartum zidovudine may be considered as one of a number PDK4 of maternal intrapartum ART options for women with VLs > 50 HIV RNA copies/mL who present in labour, or with ROMs or who are admitted for planned CS provided this does not delay other interventions. The evidence for the efficacy of intravenous zidovudine in the HAART era is generally poor. However, data from the French cohort support this practice for women on HAART with a VL >10 000 HIV RNA copies/mL. One could extrapolate that it may be of potential benefit in women presenting untreated in labour with an unknown current VL although this is not supported by the New York State data. Therefore in this setting, the Writing Group recommends the immediate administration of oral agents (see Section 5: Use of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy) with intravenous zidovudine as an option.

However, 8.8% of cases required a visit to a doctor, and 3.2% needed hospitalization. Longer duration of stay and drinking beverages with

ice-cubes were associated with higher risk of diarrhea. Conclusions. About one third of the foreign backpackers in Southeast Asia had experienced diarrhea during their trip. Their current practices related to the risk of travelers’ diarrhea were inadequate and should be improved. Travelers’ diarrhea is a very common disease reported among travelers visiting developing countries. Although most travelers’ diarrhea is mild and self-limited,1,2 it can lead to long-term consequences, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reactive arthritis, in some patients.3,4 Moreover, evidence has shown that an attack of diarrhea during a trip could force a significant MS-275 price number of travelers to delay or change some of their itineraries.5,6 Southeast Asia is one of the most popular tropical destinations.

In 2009, approximately 62.1 million tourists visited Southeast Asia, an increase from 61.7 million visits in 2008.7 Among these visitors, backpackers were an important and unique group. They tended to stay longer and travel in more rural areas, and might be at higher risk of diarrhea while traveling. Several studies have estimated the incidence of travelers’ diarrhea in Southeast Asia to be in the range 5% to 17%8–10 among general travelers, to over 50% among Peace Corps’ volunteers11; data on backpackers are selleck chemicals llc very limited. The only study of backpackers in Southeast Asia comprised only Japanese backpackers.12 Therefore, these data may not be extrapolated to backpackers from western countries, that is, from Europe and North America, who comprise the majority of backpackers in Southeast Asia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence and impact of travelers’ diarrhea among foreign backpackers in Southeast Asia. The secondary objective was to assess their attitudes and practices toward the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based

survey. Data were collected from foreign backpackers in the Khao San Road area, Carbohydrate which is a famous backpacker center in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of Bangkok’s liveliest areas, and plays host to backpackers from all around the world, with many guesthouses, budget hotels, travel agents, and other tourists facilities.13 The questionnaire was designed, then tested before actual data collection. The final version consisted of 20 questions in three parts: general information about the backpackers and their trip, perceptions and practices related to the risk of travelers’ diarrhea, and details of any diarrheal attack and its impact. In this study, passing three or more loose stools in a 24-h period was defined as travelers’ diarrhea. Sample size was calculated using the estimated risk of diarrhea in Southeast Asia and the number of backpackers in Khao San area (data from Tourism Authority of Thailand14).

DMSO was used as a control at the same KU-60019 concentration as present in INP0403-treated samples (0.1% v/v). A nalidixic acid (Nal)-resistant derivative of S. Typhimurium strain 4/74 (Morgan et al., 2004), a bovine diarrhoea isolate that is the parent of the genome-sequenced hisG derivative

SL1344, was used unless otherwise stated. SL1344 derivatives were used to study the effect of inhibitor on transcription of single-copy gfp+ transcriptional fusions to the T3SS-1 gene prgH (prgH′-gfp+; JH3010), the T3SS-2 gene ssaG (ssaG′-gfp+; JH3009), the housekeeping gene rpsM (rpsM′-gfp+; JH3016) and a promoterless gfp+ (JH3008) (Hautefort et al., 2003). In studies to investigate whether inhibition of Salmonella T3SS-1 was dependent on ferric uptake regulator (Fur) regulation

of SPI-1, S. Typhimurium SL1344 wild-type and fur deletion mutant (SL1344 Δfur) strains were used (Karavolos et al., 2008). Bacteria were cultured in Luria–Bertani (LB) media at 37 °C with shaking unless otherwise stated and supplemented with nalidixic acid at 20 μg mL−1 where appropriate. For experiments requiring induction of T3SS-1, bacteria were grown in LB media overnight with shaking at 25 °C, diluted 1 : 10 into fresh LB media and then incubated at 37 °C for 4 h. This temperature-shift method results in elevated secretion of proteins via T3SS-1 into the culture supernatant (Wood et al., 1996). We have previously reported that INP0403 does not affect bacterial viability or growth

during BEZ235 manufacturer culture Microtubule Associated inhibitor in LB medium over this time course (Hudson et al., 2007). Ten millilitres of LB broth supplemented with nalidixic acid was inoculated with fresh single colonies of S. Typhimurium 4/74 NalR and incubated overnight with shaking at 25 °C. Bacteria were collected by centrifugation, resuspended in 10 mL fresh LB, diluted 1 : 10 into LB containing 100 μM INP0403 or 0.1% v/v DMSO and cultured at 37 °C shaking for 90 min. 2.0 OD600 nm units of each culture were incubated in one-fifth culture volume 5% v/v phenol pH 4.3/95% v/v ethanol solution for 30 min on ice to stabilize RNA. RNA was extracted using the SV Total RNA purification kit (Promega, Southampton, UK). Purified total RNA (10 μg) was labelled with Cy5-dCTP (Amersham Biosciences, Little Chalfont, UK). All hybridizations were performed as indirect comparison experiments, using Cy3-dCTP-labelled S. Typhimurium SL1344 as the common reference as described (Yang & Speed, 2002). SALSA microarrays covering 92% of the genes common between S. Typhimurium LT2 and SL1344 strains were used (Nagy et al., 2006). Fluorescence intensities of scanned microarrays were quantified using genepix pro software, version 6.0 (Axon Instruments Inc., Foster City, CA). Data were filtered and spots showing a reference signal lower than background+2 SDs were discarded.

In multiple labeling experiments, however, this value changed by < 2% points between labeling reactions, suggesting that the unlabeled populations are stable. The results do not rule out the possibility of the other hypotheses. Resolving see more which mechanism is predominant remains an unresolved question. However, dockerin replacement may explain the surprising result that cells with and without the cipA gene showed similar levels of fluorescence after labeling with the SNAP-XDocII fusion protein, because the necessity of displacing

CipA protein in the wild type and cipA* strains did not reduce fluorescence intensity. We have shown that the SNAP-tag system can be used to fluorescently label C. thermocellum via the cohesin–dockerin interaction. Previous studies have visualized cellulosomes by transmission electron microscopy (Bayer et al., 1985); however, the ability to specifically label the cellulosome in aqueous solution could lead to the ability to observe cellulosome operation in-vivo. Although much is known about the interaction between free dockerins and free cohesins, the interaction between free dockerins and bound cohesin–dockerin pairs has been less well studied. Dockerin exchange suggests a mechanism for compositional change of the cellulosome. Clostridium thermocellum is known to

release cellulosomes in the late-stationary find more phase of growth, as well as optimize the composition of cellulosomes attached to its surface in response to substrate changes (Bayer & Lamed, 1986; Raman et al., 2009). It has been suggested that detachment of intact cellulosomes in these processes is achieved

by proteolytic cleavage of the cohesin-II containing anchor proteins (Raman et al., 2009). The results of this study suggest an alternate or complementary mechanism, wherein the mere production of CipA molecules can effect turnover by dockerin exchange. Similar experiments could be used to probe interactions between type I cohesins and dockerins. In this study, we have demonstrated displacement of bound dockerin-containing proteins with free dockerin-containing proteins. This result sheds light on a possible mechanism for the natural Nintedanib (BIBF 1120) turnover and reordering of cellulosome subunits within the polycellulosome. Furthermore, the methods of this article have established the SNAP-tag system as a valuable tool for labeling components and sub-components of the cellulosome. The authors would like to thank G.W. for assistance with flow cytometry studies and K.O. for microscopy research. This research was supported by the BioEnergy Science Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Center supported by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research in the Department of Energy Office of Science, and a Dartmouth College Dean of Faculty Undergraduate Research Grant. We would like to declare one competing interest. L.R.L.

ERANET (project: BIOMOS) and the Hungarian National Technology Program (projects FAGCNTER and MFCDiagn) also supported this work. The financial supports of HUSRB/1203/214/250 and PTE ÁOK-KA-2013/23 grant are gratefully appreciated. Data. S1. Material and methods. Fig. S1. Genome map of the Erwinia amylovora phage PhiEaH1. “
“Enterococci are among the most notorious bacteria involved in the spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR)

determinants via horizontal gene transfer, a process that leads to increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant selleck chemicals llc bacteria. In complex microbial communities with a high background of ABR genes, detection of gene transfer is possible only when the ABR determinant is marked. Therefore, the conjugative multiresistance plasmid pRE25, originating from a sausage-associated Enterococcus faecalis, was tagged with a 34-bp random sequence marker spliced by tet(M). The plasmid constructed, designated pRE25*, was introduced into E. faecalis CG110/gfp, a strain containing a gfp gene as chromosomal marker. The plasmid pRE25* is fully functional compared with its parental pRE25, occurs at one to two

copies per chromosome, and can be transferred to Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua at frequencies of 6 × 10−6 to 8 × 10−8 transconjugants per donor. The markers on the chromosome and the plasmid enable independent quantification of donor and plasmid, even if ABR genes occur at high numbers in the background ecosystem. Both markers were stable for at least 200 generations, Target Selective Inhibitor Library screening permitting application of the strain in long-running experiments. Enterococcus faecalis CG110/gfp/pRE25* is a potent tool for the investigation of horizontal ABR gene transfer in complex environments such as food matrices, biofilms or colonic models. Horizontal transfer of resistance genes and antibiotic-mediated selection pressure leads to a persistence and propagation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical environments, stock breeding, or in soil (Murray, 1990; Doucet-Populaire et al., 1991; Showsh & Andrews, 1992;

Agerso & Sandvang, 2005; Kazimierczak & Casein kinase 1 Scott, 2007). Transfer of antibiotic resistance (ABR) determinants can cross the genus barrier and is mainly mediated by conjugative elements such as transposons and plasmids (Shoemaker et al., 2001). Enterococci are Gram-positive, catalase-negative, oxidase-negative members of the functional related group of lactic acid bacteria predominantly encountered in the gastrointestinal tract (GI-tract) of humans and animals. Enterococci harbor a variety of mobile genetic elements such as conjugative plasmids and transposons and therefore the genus Enterococcus is supposed to be a main actor in the spreading of ABR genes (Clewell, 1990). Characterization of the human microbial community has revealed a vast diversity of resistance genes, indicating that the human microbial community acts as a reservoir of ABR genes (Shoemaker et al., 2001; Sommer et al., 2009).

Plasma levels of LPS (P < 0.001) and sCD14 (P = 0.024) were elevated in patients with later hypertension compared with patients with normotension. There was a stepwise increase in the number of patients with hypertension across tertiles of LPS (P = 0.001) and signaling pathway sCD14 (P = 0.007). Both LPS and sCD14 were independent predictors of elevated blood pressure after adjustment for age and gender. For each 10-unit increase in LPS (range 66–272 pg/ml), the increment in mean blood pressure in the first period of blood pressure recording was 0.86 (95%

confidence interval 0.31–1.41) mmHg (P = 0.003). As LPS and sCD14 were both independently associated with elevated blood pressure, microbial translocation may be linked to the development of hypertension. “
“The aim of the study was to quantify the benefits (life expectancy gains) and risks (efavirenz-related teratogenicity) associated with using efavirenz CHIR-99021 manufacturer in HIV-infected women of childbearing age in the USA. We used data from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study in an HIV disease simulation model to estimate life expectancy in women who receive an

efavirenz-based initial antiretroviral regimen compared with those who delay efavirenz use and receive a boosted protease inhibitor-based initial regimen. To estimate excess risk of teratogenic events with and without efavirenz exposure per 100 000 women, we incorporated literature-based rates of pregnancy, live births, and teratogenic events into a decision analytic model. We assumed a teratogenicity risk of 2.90 events/100 live births in women exposed to efavirenz during pregnancy and 2.68/100 live births in unexposed women. Survival for HIV-infected women who received an efavirenz-based initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen was 0.89 years greater than for women receiving non-efavirenz-based initial therapy (28.91 vs. 28.02 years). The rate of teratogenic events was 77.26/100 000 exposed women, compared with 72.46/100 000 unexposed women. Survival estimates were sensitive to variations in treatment

efficacy and AIDS-related mortality. Estimates of excess teratogenic events were most sensitive to pregnancy rates and number of teratogenic events/100 live births in efavirenz-exposed women. Use of non-efavirenz-based initial ART in HIV-infected women of childbearing age may reduce life Suplatast tosilate expectancy gains from antiretroviral treatment, but may also prevent teratogenic events. Decision-making regarding efavirenz use presents a trade-off between these two risks; this study can inform discussions between patients and health care providers. In March 2005, Bristol-Myers Squibb issued a ‘Dear Health Care Provider’ letter informing physicians that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category for efavirenz was changed from category C (Risk of Fetal Harm Cannot Be Ruled Out) to category D (Positive Evidence of Fetal Risk) [1,2].

Here, we explored

the role of biogenic amines acting on the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC), an area located in the ventrolateral medulla which is critical for the generation of different forms of breathing. Isolated in transverse slices from mice, this region continues to spontaneously generate rhythmic activities that resemble normal (eupneic) inspiratory activity in normoxia and gasping in hypoxia. We refer to these as ‘fictive eupneic’ and ‘fictive gasping’ activity. When exposed to hypoxia, the pre-BötC transitions from a network state relying on calcium-activated nonspecific http://www.selleckchem.com/products/Dasatinib.html cation currents (ICAN) and persistent sodium currents (INap) to one that primarily depends on the INap current. Here we show that in inspiratory neurons INap-dependent bursting, blocked by riluzole, but not ICAN-dependent bursting, required endogenously released norepinephrine acting on alpha2-noradrenergic receptors (α2-NR). At the network level, fictive eupneic activity persisted while fictive gasping ceased following the blockade of α2-NR. Blockade of α2-NR eliminated fictive

gasping even in slice preparations as well as in inspiratory island preparations. Blockade of fictive gasping by α2-NR antagonists was prevented by activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 2A receptors (5-HT2A). Our data suggest that gasping depends on the converging aminergic activation selleck products of 5-HT2AR and α2-NR acting on riluzole-sensitive mechanisms that have been shown

to be crucial for gasping. “
“This event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was designed in such a manner so as to contribute to the present debate on behavioural and functional transfer effects associated with intensive language training. To address this novel issue, we measured professional simultaneous interpreters and control subjects while they performed a non-verbal auditory discrimination task that primarily relies on attention and categorization Chlormezanone functions. The fMRI results revealed that the discrimination of the target stimuli was associated with differential blood oxygen level-dependent responses in fronto-parietal regions between the two groups, even though in-scanner behavioural results did not show significant group differences. These findings are in line with previous observations showing the contribution of fronto-parietal regions to auditory attention and categorization functions. Our results imply that language training modulates brain activity in regions involved in the top-down regulation of auditory functions. “
“Muscle fatigue is defined as an exercise-induced reduction in the force-generating capacity of muscle. Here, we investigated the effect of muscle fatigue on hand dexterity. Healthy adults (n = 17) gripped and lifted an object (0.342 kg) five times before and after two interventions.

1.1.3) play an important role among biocatalysts, as they catalyze the hydrolysis and the synthesis of esters formed from glycerol and long-chain fatty acids (Jaeger & Reetz, 1998). Their potential and industrial value is reflected in a broad spectrum of biotechnological applications such as household detergents, processing of fats, and synthesis of pharmaceuticals (Jaeger & Reetz, 1998). This explains the considerable attention Lenvatinib ic50 toward lipases from Pseudomonad species. For P. alcaligenes, increased production of lipase was observed when cultures were grown in soybean oil-enriched medium (Gerritse et al., 1998a, b). However, the definite molecular mechanism

underlying the regulation of the lipase gene expression is yet to be elucidated. Earlier, the promoter sequence of the lipA gene and its upstream activating sequence (UAS) in P. alcaligenes were characterized (Cox et al., 2001). Recently, we have identified

a two-component regulatory system (TCS), LipQR, in P. alcaligenes to be involved in the lipase expression regulation (Krzeslak et al., 2008). LipQ is thought to sense environmental changes that stimulate autophosphorylation. Phosphorylated LipQ on its turn will activate LipR by transfer of the phosphate group to an aspartate residue, finally leading to lipA gene expression. The function of the LipQR system may be broader than lipA transcription as the homologous selleck compound CbrA/CbrB system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also involved in virulence (-related) processes via crcZ expression, a small RNA that adapts gene expression patterns as a function of carbon source (Sonnleitner et al., 2009; Abdou et al., 2011; Yeung et al., 2011). We have previously shown that LipR is involved in regulation Thymidylate synthase of the lipase gene expression in P. alcaligenes (Krzeslak et al.,

2008). We here clearly demonstrate the involvement of RNA polymerase σ54 (or RpoN) and LipR in lipA gene transcription. Furthermore, we identified the phosphorylation site in LipR protein using a combination of mass spectrometry and mutagenesis and reveal the phosphorylation dependence of DNA binding using surface plasmon resonance. The plasmids and bacterial strains used in this study are listed in Table 1. Pseudomonas alcaligenes and Escherichia coli strains were propagated in liquid or solid (1.5% agar) medium using LB, 2× TY (Gerritse et al., 1998a) or minimal medium (Gerritse et al., 1998b). Antibiotics were used at the following concentrations: tetracycline (5 mg L−1) and carbenicillin (100 mg L−1) for P. alcaligenes, and ampicillin (100 mg L−1) and tetracycline (25 mg L−1) for E. coli. All chemicals were from Sigma-Aldrich unless otherwise stated. Pseudomonas alcaligenes was transformed as described by Wirth et al. (1989) and modified by Gerritse et al. (1998b). Plasmid DNA was isolated using the Qiaprep spin miniprep kit (Qiagen). PCR was carried out with Phusion polymerase (Finnzymes) using chromosomal DNA of P.

, 2011), the biomarkers of oxidative pathways of lipid and proteins, such as MDA, carbonyls and AOPP, were not investigated in investigations of the action of CIP in P. mirabilis. We therefore studied these products of oxidation and observed that sensitive strains suffer more oxidation of these macromolecules compared

with resistant bacteria. In agreement with the present work, mutants with constitutive expression of antibiotic resistance genes (marA), over-expressed genes of resistance to oxidative stress (soxS) (Kern et al., 2000). In the same way, a sub-inhibitory concentration of CIP resulted in strains of Staphylococcus aureus in which no mutations were check details found in the QRDR of gyrA or gyrB (Tattevin et al., 2009). Consequently, the results obtained in this work reinforce physiologically these genetics investigations, suggesting click here that antioxidant defense might be another factor in the resistance to CIP. Finally, and in order to try to investigate further the idea that antioxidant defenses may constitute an additional antibiotic resistance mechanism, complementary assays with exogenous antioxidants GSH and AA were performed. The results indicate that when acting as antioxidants, GSH and AA might interfere at any step of the oxidative action

of CIP, which could be associated to resistance to this antibiotic. Summing up, the present study suggests that the antioxidant defenses can contribute to the other factors that regulate Phosphoprotein phosphatase the susceptibility to CIP, such as influx/efflux mechanisms observed only in strain 1X. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has analyzed FRAP, MDA, carbonyls and AOPP in relation to CIP resistance of P. mirabilis. This investigation was supported by PICTO 36163

(FONCYT), SECYT-UNC, Agencia de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica, Agencia Córdoba de Promoción Científica y Técnica, and Secretaría de Ciencia y Técnica from Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. The authors thank CONICET for support of Virginia Aiassa as a postgraduate fellow. We also thank Dr Paul Hobson, a native English speaker, for revision of the manuscript. “
“Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is an important mediator of signal transduction in eukaryotic cells. Thus, identifying its function is necessary to understand the cAMP signaling network. StPKA-c, the PKA catalytic subunit gene in Setosphaeria turcica, was investigated by RNA interference technology. Transformant strains M3, M5, and M9 with diverse StPKA-c silencing efficiency were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot. Compared with the wild-type strain 01-23, the transformant strains exhibited increased growth rate and significantly decreased conidium production. In addition, the ratios of spore germination and appressorium formation and penetration were slightly reduced.