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Nineteen cultivars and fourteen breeding lines were evaluated for partial resistance to crown rust Puccinia coronata race 264. Multivariate statistical methods such as principal component and cluster analyses were employed to identify significant resistance parameters and to group oat genotypes with similar rust resistance characteristics. This involved two separate investigations consisting of two experiments each, the first experiment conducted under field conditions and the second conducted under growth bench conditions. From both of the investigations a group of oat genotypes with high partial resistance to P. coronata race 264 was obtained. These are OA 712-17, OA 712-33, Glen, Woodstock, QO 220.13, and QO 574.21. These oat genotypes are currently being used as parents in crosses in the Macdonald Campus of McGill University oat breeding program.

The introduction of Quality Protein Maize (QPM), hard endosperm opaque-2 maize, into northern temperate maize growing areas is a desirable breeding objective. In topcrosses with opaque-2 testers, in diallel combination, as inbreds per se, and in inbred disease screening nurseries, some QPM lines performed better than or equal to the best local checks. In general, while agronomic potential is high for some lines and gains from selection are statistically possible, longer days to flowering intervals and higher levels of moisture at harvest than check hybrids indicated a need to improve adaptation for the locations studied. Methodology experiments indicated that detasselling of check hybrids is a suitable experimental method to facilitate the inclusion of normal endosperm local checks into QPM performance tests. The screening for Fusarium graminearum resistance in the seedling stage has not been proven to be a viable alternative to field scale ear inoculation screening procedures. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

In Lactuca sativa, the dominant gene Tu confers resistance to infection by turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). Tu and Dm5/8, a gene for resistance to Bremia lactucae, are linked in L. sativa. The area surrounding Dm5/8 on the genetic map of L. sativa contains restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The orientation of Tu relative to Dm5/8 was not known. Locating Tu would indicate which markers are on the map of lettuce close to Tu. To locate Tu on the L. sativa genetic map, F$ sb3$ families from recombinant F$ sb2$ in the Dm5/8 area of a cross between TuMV-resistant (Cobbham Green) and susceptible (Calmar) cultivars were inoculated with TuMV and phenotyped for Tu by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Polyclonal antibodies for immunodetection were produced using turnip mosaic virus coat protein expressed in E. coli. Phenotypic ratios within F$ sb3$ families were used to determine individual F$ sb2$ genotypes for Tu. With these genotypes, Tu was located on the genetic map of L. sativa relative to data present for Dm5/8 and surrounding markers, between OPM18 and OPY13. Using bulked segregant analysis, bulks created for the Dm5/8 locus were screened for genetic polymorphisms by the RAPD technique. Five new RAPD markers, UBC346, UBC517, UBC563, UBC599, and UBC675 were found linked to Tu after mapping relative to F$ sb2$ genotypes for Tu and other RAPD markers. The resulting three-point mapping information indicates that Tu is flanked by two markers, OPM18/OPL08 and UBC346, at respective genetic distances of 0.4 and 0.7 cM.

The characteristics and inheritance of maize silk resistance to Fusarium graminearum ear rot were investigated. In an in vitro test, genotypic differences in the degradation of detached silk tissue by F. graminearum were correlated to field evaluations of resistance. Susceptibility to infection decreased with silk age. Total phenolics of silk channel silk tissue increased in response to infection in resistant inbreds but decreased in susceptible inbreds. The flavones iso-orientin, iso-vitexin, maysin, luteolin, and apigenin were identified in the silk. No significant genotype by isolate interaction effects were found when 13 inbred lines were inoculated with three F. graminearum isolates. Simple models of quantitative and qualitative inheritance were not adequate to explain the inheritance of resistance. Disease severity ratings were bimodally distributed in the F$ sb1$, F$ sb2$, and backcross generations. In a complete diallel cross among 12 inbred lines, general and specific combining ability effects were significant for both disease incidence and disease severity. A screening of 12 accessions of exotic maize germplasm with resistance to either Aspergillus flavus or Heliothis zeae, identified several possible new sources of resistance to F. graminearum. Visual evaluations of resistance were correlated to deoxynivalenol levels of the ear.

Biotin is a water soluble vitamin that is mainly used as a cofactor in carboxylation reactions by a class of enzyme known as biotin-dependent carboxylases. In order to act as a cofactor, the biotin molecule has to be covalently attached to a lysine residue by an enzyme called holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS). Inherited deficiency of the biotin-dependent propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) results in the inborn error of metabolism propionic acidemia. Mutations in either the alpha (PCCA gene) or beta (PCCB gene) subunit of the enzyme have been shown to cause propionic acidemia. Mutation analysis of the PCCB gene have revealed several mutations. However, few PCCalpha mutations have been described. The first goal of this thesis was to determine the molecular etiology of alpha subunit deficiency at the mRNA as well as at the protein level. I found that most mutations destabilized either the mRNA or the protein. Two other mutations were found to affect the biotinylation of PCCalpha, defining residues important for the folding of the domain or for interaction with HCS. The second part of my thesis was to study in more details the interactions between HCS and the biotinylation domain of PCCalpha, represented by the last 67 amino acids of the subunit (p-67). I expressed and purified p-67 from Pichia pastoris. I compared p-67 with the E. coli biotinylation domain (BCCP87) as substrates for the E. coli orthologous enzyme BirA, using steady-state as well as stopped-flow kinetics. I noticed some differences between these two substrates and how it might relate to the biotinylation reaction. I generated N-terminal and C-terminal deletions of HCS and I tested their activity in vivo and in vitro using purified susbtrates. I was able to map the minimal sequence requirement for HCS activity to the last 348 amino acids of the enzyme. I also found that some longer HCS were either almost or totally inactive or some that were active showed a differential activity towards the different susb

Several genes are associated with an increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases, including asthma, which may be exacerbated by ambient air pollution. These genes include the Gluthathione-S-Transferase family (GSTM1 and GST1l) and the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1). This, the first genetic epidemiological study conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa had 2 main objectives: I) to evaluate whether the above genotypes confer susceptibility to asthma and related phenotypes; and 2) to investigate if polymorphisms in these genes known to modulate the response to or protect from epithelial oxidative damage modify pulmonary response to ambient air pollutants. A total of 369 schoolchildren from seven primary schools in a heavily industrialized region of south Durban and a demographically similar area in north Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa during the period May 2004 - October 2005, participated in the study. DNA was extracted from whole blood using the GENTRA Puregene kit. Genotyping for the GSTM1 (null vs present genotype) was done using multiplex PCR while the GSTP1 (I1e105Val; AA>AG/GG) and the NQO1(Pro/Ser; CC>CT/TT) genotypes were determined using real time PCR and Taqman probes (Applied Biosystems). Persistent asthma and asthma of "any severity" was determined by questionnaires based on the ATS and BRMC questionnaires. Positive atopy was determined by at least one positive skin test reaction to the seven allergens tested. Other health assessments included spirometry, methacholine challenge testing and four cycles of three-week serial peak flow measurements. Acute respiratory measures included within day variability in FEV1 and PF and the lowest valid values on a given day. SO2. NO2, NO and PM10 were measured over a year using ultraviolet fluorescence, gas-phase chemiluminescence and gravimetric methods respectively. STATA (version 9, College Station, TX, USA) was used for data analysis. Multiple logistic models and Pearson's chi-squared tests were used to evaluate the association between asthma, BHR, atopy and genotype. Covariate-adjusted generalised estimating equations (GEE) with lags of 1-5 days were used to evaluate genotype effect modification of exposure-response. The GSTM1 gene deletion (GSTM1null) was detected in 28.9% of the study population while the distribution of GSTP1 AG/GG and the NQO1 CT/IT polymorphisms were 64.9% and 36.0% respectively. Multiple regression with the adjustment for relevant covariates indicated that individuals carrying one or more copies of the GSTP 1 minor allele had a statistically significant risk for persistent asthma. GSTM1 and NQO1 genotypes showed no significant association with any of the respiratory outcomes tested. However, we found a protective effect for those individuals carrying the GSTM1null genotype and at least one Ser allele (NQO1 CT/TT) for persistent asthma and marked BHR (OR = 0.7, Cl: 0.3-1.5 and OR= 0.3, Cl: 0.0-1.9 respectively). This protective effect is consistent with the role of NQO1 in metabolic activation. Children from the south schools had almost twice the risk of persistent asthma (OR=2.0, Cl: 1.2-3.2, p<.005) and 3 times the risk of BHR (OR=3.5, Cl: 1.4-8.4, p<.005) than those from the schools in the north. Based on symptoms, 20.4% of children from the random sample had persistent asthma and 10.3% had marked BHR (PC20< 2mg/ml). The GEE model results were consistent with modification of air pollutant-pulmonary function relationships by oxidative stress associated genotypes. Statistically significant gene*environment interactions with NO2, NO, and PM10 using FEV1 and PEF outcomes in the expected direction were more frequent for GSTP1 AA and NQO1 CC genotypes (interaction p-values <0.05). There were very few gene*environment interactions for SO2 and any of the 3 SNPs tested. The most striking finding in our study was that pollutant exposure, especially oxides of nitrogen and PM10, even at levels below the recommended limits of South African guidelines, is associated with poorer lung function and that this association is significantly modified by an individual's genotype, particularly the GSTMlnull, GSTPIAA and NQOICC genotypes. Children with the GSTMlnull GSTPI AG/GG, GSTPI AG/GG NQOI CC and GSTMlpos NQOICC gene-gene combinations showed a significant interaction with NO2, NO, and PM10 with decrement in lung function measures. The increased risk to air pollution conferred by the GSTPI and GSTMl genotypes may have clinical and public health importance because this variant is common in most populations. The findings suggest that the risk of developing respiratory symptoms is increased when genetic susceptibility is included with environmental exposures. Our models suggest significant gene*environment interactions i.e the response to the level of air pollutants, as indicated by variability in pulmonary function measures, is modified by genotype. The heightened allergic airway response may be a consequence of a decreased capacity to mount an effective cytoprotective response to oxidative stress. Studying genes may inform us about the biology of asthma which may lead to new therapies or preventative strategies. This study supports the importance of further investigation on these and other genotype variants involved in oxidative stress and respiratory phenotypes in larger cohorts. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

Experiments were conducted to assess the variation for resistance to Fusarium graminearum ear rot among selfed lines from the Zapalote Chico corn population. It was already known that Zapalote Chico possesses some resistance to corn earworm (Heliothis zeae) and variation in Fusarium graminearum ear rot symptom severity had been observed within the population. During two years of experiments, 47 S4- and S5-generation lines were inoculated and ear rot severity was assessed. In addition, eight pigmentation traits and eight morphological traits were recorded. Lines showed significant differences for all recorded traits. Associations were not strong among morphological traits, but were fairly strong among pigmentation traits. Ear rot symptom severity did not seem to be associated with any other trait. The source population and inbred lines exhibited broad ranges of variation and similar bimodal distributions of ear rot symptom severity ratings. Despite significant differences among lines within experiments none of the lines showed distinct and consistent resistance over two years of experiments. It seems that Zapalote Chico lines do not have environmental stability and sufficient potential to be considered worthwhile source of resistance for ear rot.

The objective of this thesis was to determine the molecular basis of neonatal multiple carboxylase deficiency (MCD) produced by an impairment in holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) activity and the origin of the biotin-responsiveness that characterizes this disease. To determine HCS activity, I developed a peptide substrate and used the biotinylation system of E: coli to determine its properties. C-terminal fragments of the $ alpha$ subunit of human propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC-$ alpha$) were expressed in E. coli and site-directed mutagenesis was used to define the residues required for biotinylation by the bacterial biotin ligase, BirA. These experiments showed that the biotin region of PCC-$ alpha$ can act as an autonomous domain for biotinylation and suggested its use as substrate for human HCS. For the molecular characterization of MCD, I isolated several cDNA clones encoding human HCS by functional complementation of an E. coli mutant with a temperature-sensitive BirA. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequence of HCS with bacterial biotin ligases allowed the identification of the putative biotin-binding domain of this protein. Mutation analysis of DNA from HCS deficient patients showed that most of the changes in the HCS sequence are clustered in the biotin-binding domain. All the patients tested in this study showed deficiency of HCS activity as determined using the PCC-$ alpha$ peptide as substrate for biotinylation. The biotin-responsiveness was demonstrated by obtaining a stimulation of HCS activity of MCD cells at high biotin concentrations while remaining unstimulated in extracts of normal cells. Together with the mutation studies, these results showed that neonatal MCD is caused by mutations in the biotin binding domain of HCS which reduce the affinity of the enzyme towards biotin. This change in the kinetic properties of HCS results in the inefficient biotinylation of carboxylases at physiological concentrations of biotin. The defect can be over

The dopamine transporter, the principle binding site for such drugs of abuse as cocaine and amphetamines, has a critical role in limiting dopamine availability. Several lines of evidence, including variation of DAT density in human alcoholics and in vervet monkeys with a preference for alcohol, have implicated this locus as a candidate gene, which might increase vulnerability to alcoholism. The objective of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the dopamine transporter and determine whether there was an association between any of the alleles and alcoholism. Five polymorphisms were identified: three in humans and two in vervet monkey subjects. Mutation analysis of this locus may be a critical step in identifying alleles which increase susceptibility to alcohol abuse in humans and vervet monkeys.