University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

4 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Environment

A Flexible Low Cost Hydroponic System for Assessing Plant Responses to Small Molecules in Sterile Conditions

Carolina C. Monte-Bello^*1,2, Elias F. Araujo^*1,3, Marina C.M. Martins¹, Valeria Mafra⁴, Viviane C.H. da Silva^1,2, Viviane Celente¹, Camila Caldana^1,5

¹Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE), Brazilian Center for Research in energy and materials (CNPEM), ²University of Campinas (UNICAMP), ³University of Viçosa (UFV), ⁴CTBE, CNPEM, ⁵Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE/CNPEM), Max Planck Partner Group

A simple, versatile, and low-cost in vitro hydroponic system was successfully optimized, enabling large-scale experiments under sterile conditions. This system facilitates the application of chemicals in a solution and their efficient absorption by roots for molecular, biochemical, and physiological studies.

Chemistry

Mass Spectrometry-Guided Genome Mining as a Tool to Uncover Novel Natural Products

Renata Sigrist¹, Bruno S. Paulo¹, Célio F. F. Angolini², Luciana G. De Oliveira¹

¹Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), ²Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (UFABC)

A mass spectrometry-guided genome mining protocol is established and described here. It is based on genome sequence information and LC-MS/MS analysis and aims to facilitate identification of molecules from complex microbial and plant extracts.

Use of LeishGEdit CRISPR-Cas9 Technology for Genetic Manipulation of Protozoan Parasite Leishmania

Suellen Rodrigues Maran¹, Bruno Souza Bonifácio¹, Myrna Zanchetta¹, Miguel Antonio do Nascimento Garcia¹, Carolina M. C. Catta-Preta², Nilmar Silvio Moretti¹

¹Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Pathogens - Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), ²Center of Medicinal Chemistry (CQMED), University of Campinas (Unicamp)

The establishment of a robust CRISPR-Cas9 methodology for genetic manipulation of Leishmania has accelerated the understanding of key biological processes of this parasite. Here, we describe in detail all the steps to generate knockout or in situ fluorescent-tagged parasites of virtually any gene of interest using LeishGEdit methodology.

Biology

Microscopy Techniques for Interpreting Fungal Colonization in Mycoheterotrophic Plants Tissues and Symbiotic Germination of Seeds

Matheus Pena-Passos¹, Laís Soêmis Sisti¹, Juliana Lischka Sampaio Mayer¹

¹LabPlaM - Mycoheterotrophic Plants Research Lab, Department of Plant Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

This protocol aims to provide detailed procedures for collecting, fixing, and maintaining mycoheterotrophic plant samples, applying different microscopy techniques such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy, light, confocal, and fluorescence microscopy to study fungal colonization in plants tissues and seeds germinated with mycorrhizal fungi.