Geographical focus. Proteomics initiatives in Spain: ProteoRed.

The Spanish National Network of Proteomic Facilities--ProteoRed has been created as an initiative for the coordination, integration and development of the proteomics facilities and laboratories distributed throughout Spain. ProteoRed's main objective is to give support to the scientific community allowing them wide access to emerging proteomics technologies and thus encouraging the science of proteomics. In addition, standardization of protocols and robustness of workflows are addressed by multi-centric laboratory activities.

Stress-induced legume root nodule senescence. Physiological, biochemical, and structural alterations.

Nitrate-fed and dark-stressed bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and pea (Pisum sativum) plants were used to study nodule senescence. In bean, 1 d of nitrate treatment caused a partially reversible decline in nitrogenase activity and an increase in O(2) diffusion resistance, but minimal changes in carbon metabolites, antioxidants, and other biochemical parameters, indicating that the initial decrease in nitrogenase activity was due to O(2) limitation. In pea, 1 d of dark treatment led to a 96% decline in nitrogenase activity and sucrose, indicating sugar deprivation as the primary cause of activity loss.

N2 Fixation, Carbon Metabolism, and Oxidative Damage in Nodules of Dark-Stressed Common Bean Plants.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were exposed to continuous darkness to induce nodule senescence, and several nodule parameters were investigated to identify factors that may be involved in the initial loss of N2 fixation. After only 1 d of darkness, total root respiration decreased by 76% and in vivo nitrogenase (N2ase) activity decreased by 95%.

Molecular characterisation of a thermoactive beta-1,3-glucanase from Oerskovia xanthineolytica.

Molecular characterisation of a lytic thermoactive beta-1,3-glucanase from Oerskovia xanthineolytica LL-G109 has been performed. A molecular mass of 27 195.6 +/- 1.

Involvement of Activated Oxygen in Nitrate-Induced Senescence of Pea Root Nodules.

The effect of short-term nitrate application (10 mM, 0-4 d) on nitrogenase (N2ase) activity, antioxidant defenses, and related parameters was investigated in pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Frilene) nodules. The response of nodules to nitrate comprised two stages.