Adaptive evolution of Toll-like receptors in birds Hana Velová, PhD thesis 6 Abstract Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of the key and presumably also evolutionary most original components of animal immune system. As Pattern recognition receptors they form the first line of innate immune defence against various pathogens. The proper receptor binding of pathogenic ligands is crucial for their correct recognition and for subsequent triggering of an appropriate immune response. Because there exists a direct interaction between the receptor surface and the pathogenic ligand, host-pathogen coevolution on molecular level can be predicted. Thus, through variability of their ligands, TLRs are exposed to extensive selective pressures that may be detected on both genetic and protein levels. Surprisingly, the variability we revealed in birds is even higher than previously expected based on the reports from other vertebrates, mainly mammals. In my doctoral thesis I summarise the results of my contribution to the avian TLR research. We were the first who experimentally verify the absence of functional TLR5 in several avian species and duplication of TLR7 in others. We finally resolved the origin of duplication in TLR1 and in TLR2 family. An important part of my research project focused on the prediction of potentially...

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T16:24:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcos F Oliveira.pdf: 565936 bytes, checksum: 18bd41ea7085a64e38785d2f152d4eab (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-26 / Bemisia tabaci biotype B presently constitutes a great threat not only for the tomato crop but to several other cultures. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the nutrition of tomato in the resistance induction for shelter, feeding and oviposition of B. tabaci biotype B. The experiments were driven in Escola de Agronomia e Engenharia de Alimentos (EA/UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Three experiments were accomplished outdoors in temperature conditions, humidity and natural photoperiod. In the first different sources of nitrogen were tested, in the second different ratios nitrogen/potassium and in the third party different associations between corrected soil and earthworm manure. Each experiment was subdivided in: with choice chance and without chance of choice of the insect, the first one was carried out on randomized blocks design and the second one completely randomized design. Each treatment had four replications, with one plant per pot. In the first experiment the treatments used were: corrected soil (without addition of fertilizers); potassium saltpeter; urea; phosphate monoamonic; nitrate of calcium; sulfate of ammonium; chicken manure; bone flour; castor oil plant pie; composed organic; and earthworm manure. In the second experiment the ratios were compared N/K: 1/1; 2/1; 4/1; 8/1; 1/2; 1/4; and 1/8. In the third experiment the associations corrected soil were compared + earthworm manure: 100% + 0%; 80% + 20%; 60% + 40%; 40% + 60%; 20% + 80%; 0% + 100%. Five evaluations on the observation of the behavior of B. tabaci biotype B in relation to the feeding preference and shelter were accomplished: 3, 27, 51, 75 and 99 hours after the insect infestation. Leaves were collected at four days after the insect infestation, and appraised in laboratory for oviposition analysis. The different sources of nitrogen, ratios nitrogen/potassium, and associations between corrected soil and earthworm manure used in the tomato fertilization did not induce any effect at the feeding or oviposition of B. tabaci biotype B behavior. / A Bemisia tabaci biótipo B constitui-se atualmente uma grande ameaça não só a cultura do tomateiro mais a diversas outras culturas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a influência da nutrição do tomateiro na indução de resistência para abrigo, alimentação e oviposição de B. tabaci biótipo B. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na Escola de Agronomia e Engenharia de Alimentos (EA/UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Foram realizados três experimentos ao ar livre em condições de temperatura, umidade e fotoperíodo naturais. No primeiro foram testadas diferentes fontes de nitrogênio, no segundo diferentes relações nitrogênio (N)/potássio (K) e no terceiro diferentes associações entre solo corrigido e esterco de minhoca. Cada experimento foi subdividido em: com chance de escolha e sem chance de escolha do inseto, para o primeiro foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos casualizados e para o segundo o delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Cada tratamento foi composto por quatro repetições, com uma planta por vaso. No primeiro experimento os tratamentos utilizadas foram: solo corrigido (sem adição de adubos); salitre de potássio; uréia; fosfato monoamônico; nitrato de cálcio; sulfato de amônio; esterco de galinha; farinha de osso; torta de mamona; composto orgânico; e esterco de minhoca. No segundo experimento foram comparadas as relações nitrogênio/potássio: 1/1; 2/1; 4/1; 8/1; 1/2; 1/4; e 1/8. No terceiro experimento foram comparadas as associações solo corrigido + esterco de minhoca: 100% + 0%; 80% + 20%; 60% + 40%; 40% + 60%; 20% + 80%; 0% + 100%. Para observação do comportamento de B. tabaci biótipo B em relação à preferência alimentar e abrigo foram realizadas cinco avaliações às 3, 27, 51, 75 e 99 horas após a infestação dos insetos. Para a análise da oviposição, foram coletadas folhas quatro dias após a infestação dos insetos, e avaliadas em laboratório. As diferentes fontes de nitrogênio, relações nitrogênio/potássio e associações entre solo corrigido e esterco de minhoca, utilizadas na adubação de plantas de tomateiro, não foram capazes de induzir a expressão de nenhum efeito inibidor de alimentação, abrigo ou oviposição de B. tabaci biótipo B.