The developmental protein Numb is a major determinant of binary cell fates. It is also required for the differentiation of cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) at a stage of development responsive to the morphogenic glycoprotein Hedehog. Hedgehog signalling is crucial for the physiological maintenance and self-renewal of neural stem cells and its deregulation is responsible for their progression towards tumorigenesis. The mechanisms that inhibit this pathway during the differentiation stage are poorly understood. Here, we identify Numb as a Hedgehog-pathway inhibitor that is downregulated in early GCPs and GCP-derived cancer cells. We demonstrate that the Hedgehog transcription factor Gli1 is targeted by Numb for Itch-dependent ubiquitination, which suppresses Hedgehog signals, thus arresting growth and promoting cell differentiation. This novel Numb-dependent regulatory loop may limit the extent and duration of Hedgehog signalling during neural-progenitor differentiation, and its subversion may be a relevant event in brain tumorigenesis.

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A technological characterization of Oenococcus oeni strains isolated from Aglianico wines was performed to select starter cultures for malolactic fermentation (MLF). One hundred and fifty six O. oeni isolates were extracted from Aglianico wines, and identified by using speciesspecific PCR. Malolactic activity (MLA), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) resistance, acetaldehyde metabolism and other technological characteristics were tested. Differences in the technologically relevant characteristics were observed. All O. oeni strains were able to grow at low temperature and none in presence of 14% of ethanol. About 80% of O. oeni degraded more than 80% of acetaldehyde, producing ethanol and acetic acid as final products. Among nine O. oeni chosen, four isolates were sensitive to 60 mg of SO 2 l -1 , while the other five had high resistance. Considering their technological characteristics, five O. oeni strains could be selected starter cultures for MLF in Aglianico.

Oenococcus oeni strains from traditional Italian red wines of the Basilicata region were investigated on the basis of their physiological and molecular response to different temperatures and ethanol concentrations. All strains were highly resistant to different ethanol concentrations and it has been observed that 7% ethanol was able to stimulate the growth of strains in wine, and 12-13% of ethanol allowed their proliferation. Moreover, strain tolerances to 18 and 42 degrees C were observed. Fingerprinting analysis with fluorescent differential display-PCR and investigation of changes in gene expression during the tolerance process were carried out. The expression gene pattern reflects mechanisms involved in tolerance to environmental conditions. This study establishes and validates a method that enables, with a high reproducibility, different gene expression identification under stress conditions in lactic acid bacteria.

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