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21 pages, 5271 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Pseudomonas with Different Adhesion Abilities on Tilapia Decay
by Liumin Zhuang, Chen Song, Yunru Wei, Jinzhi Han, Li Ni, Chengxu Ruan and Wen Zhang
Foods 2025, 14(5), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050795 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 81
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of Pseudomonas with varying adhesion capabilities to Tilapia’s intestinal mucus influence the spoilage potential of Tilapia. Sodium chloride(NaCl) was used as an environmental factor to regulate Pseudomonas’ adhesion ability. After being exposed [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of Pseudomonas with varying adhesion capabilities to Tilapia’s intestinal mucus influence the spoilage potential of Tilapia. Sodium chloride(NaCl) was used as an environmental factor to regulate Pseudomonas’ adhesion ability. After being exposed to 3.5% NaCl stress, the PS01 strain with low adhesion showed an enhancement in adhesion ability, while the LP-3 strain with high adhesion exhibited a decrease. Correspondingly, the expression of critical adhesion genes, such as flgC, fliC, and cheB, was found to be altered. LP-3, with high adhesion ability, was observed to promote a relative increase in Nocardioides and Cloacibacterium in fish intestines. This led to the production of more volatile compounds, including 2-octen-1-ol Z, 2,3-Octanedione, and Eicosane, thus deepening the spoilage of tilapia. LP-3, with reduced adhesion ability after NaCl regulation, showed a diminished capacity to cause fish spoilage. Transcriptomics analysis was used to examine two Pseudomonas strains that exhibited different adhesion abilities, leading to the identification of an adhesion regulatory network involving flagellar assembly regulation, bacterial chemotaxis, quorum sensing, two-component systems, biofilm formation, and bacterial secretion systems. This study identified the Pseudomonas adhesion regulatory pathway and determined 10 key adhesion-related genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
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18 pages, 10535 KiB  
Article
Finerenone Alleviates Over-Activation of Complement C5a-C5aR1 Axis of Macrophages by Regulating G Protein Subunit Alpha i2 to Improve Diabetic Nephropathy
by Zi-Han Li, Zi-Jun Sun, Sydney C. W. Tang, Ming-Hui Zhao, Min Chen and Dong-Yuan Chang
Cells 2025, 14(5), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050337 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 92
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), accounts for a major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide, with a complicated pathogenesis and limited effective strategies nowadays. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a classical ligand-activated nuclear transcription [...] Read more.
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), accounts for a major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide, with a complicated pathogenesis and limited effective strategies nowadays. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a classical ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor. It is expressed in the renal intrinsic and immune cells, especially macrophages. Over-activation of the MR was observed in patients with DN and was associated with DN prognosis. The renoprotective role of a new generation of non-steroidal selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), finerenone, has been confirmed in DM and CKD patients. However, the mechanism by which finerenone improves renal inflammation in DN has yet to be completely understood. It was found in this research that the oral administration of finerenone attenuated the kidney injuries in established DN in db/db mice, and particularly improved the pathological changes in the renal tubulointerstitia. Specifically, finerenone inhibited the over-activation of the MR in macrophages, thereby reducing the expression of G protein subunit alpha i2 (GNAI2, Gnαi2), a key downstream component of the C5aR1 pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that C5aR1 knockout alleviated renal injuries, confirming the critical pathogenic role of C5aR1 in DN. Moreover, finerenone mitigated inflammatory and chemotaxis responses by downregulating Gnαi2 in macrophages. These effects were reflected by reduced expressions of the pro-inflammatory chemokines CXCL15 and CCL2, the regulation of macrophage polarization and improvements in apoptosis. This study intends to understand the protective role of finerenone in DN, which is conducive to revealing the pathophysiological mechanism of DN and further optimizing the treatment of DN patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis of Diabetic Kidney Disease)
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13 pages, 3006 KiB  
Article
Microfluidic Biosensors for the Detection of Motile Plant Zoospores
by Peikai Zhang, David E. Williams, Logan Stephens, Robert Helps, Irene Patricia Shamini Pushparajah, Jadranka Travas-Sejdic and Marion Wood
Biosensors 2025, 15(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15030131 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 121
Abstract
Plant pathogen zoospores play a vital role in the transmission of several significant plant diseases, with their early detection being important for effective pathogen management. Current methods for pathogen detection involve labour-intensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, lacking real-time feedback capabilities. Methods that [...] Read more.
Plant pathogen zoospores play a vital role in the transmission of several significant plant diseases, with their early detection being important for effective pathogen management. Current methods for pathogen detection involve labour-intensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, lacking real-time feedback capabilities. Methods that can be deployed in the field and remotely addressed are required. In this study, we have developed an innovative zoospore-sensing device by combining a microfluidic sampling system with a microfluidic cytometer and incorporating a chemotactic response as a means to selectively detect motile spores. Spores of Phytophthora cactorum were guided to swim up a detection channel following a gradient of attractant. They were then detected by a transient change in impedance when they passed between a pair of electrodes. Single-zoospore detection was demonstrated with signal-to-noise ratios of ~17 when a carrying flow was used and ~5.9 when the zoospores were induced to swim into the channel following the gradient of the attractants. This work provides an innovative solution for the selective, sensitive and real-time detection of motile zoospores. It has great potential to be further developed into a portable, remotely addressable, low-cost sensing system, offering an important tool for field pathogen real-time detection applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 4264 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Influences on Human Placental Transcriptomes Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Birth
by Khondoker M. Akram, Eleanor Dodd and Dilly O. C. Anumba
Cells 2025, 14(4), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14040303 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Demographic studies have revealed a strong association between exposure to high ambient temperatures during pregnancy and increased risks of preterm birth (PTB). The mechanism underlying this association is unclear, but it is plausible that altered placental function may contribute to it. In this [...] Read more.
Demographic studies have revealed a strong association between exposure to high ambient temperatures during pregnancy and increased risks of preterm birth (PTB). The mechanism underlying this association is unclear, but it is plausible that altered placental function may contribute to it. In this study, we conducted differential gene expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and gene ontology (GO) analysis on bulk RNA-seq data from human placentas delivered at term and preterm during the warmer months compared to placentas delivered at term and preterm during the colder months in the UK. We detected 48 differentially expressed genes in preterm placentas delivered during the warmer months compared to preterm placentas delivered during the colder months, the majority of which were inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including SERPINA1, IL1B, CCL3, CCL3L3, CCL4, CCL4L2, CCL20, and CXCL8. The GSEA positively enriched 17 signalling pathways, including the NF-κB, IL17, Toll-like receptor, and chemokine signalling pathways in preterm placentas delivered during warmer months. These results were not observed in the placentas delivered at term during the same times of the year. The GO analysis revealed several enhanced biological processes, including neutrophil, granulocyte, monocyte, and lymphocyte chemotaxis, as well as inflammatory and humoral immune responses in preterm placentas, but not in placentas delivered at term in the summer. We conclude that maternal exposure to warm environmental temperatures during pregnancy likely alters the placental transcriptomes towards inflammation and immune regulation, potentially leading to PTB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insight into the Pathogenesis of Spontaneous Preterm Birth)
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23 pages, 1467 KiB  
Review
MiR-451 in Inflammatory Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Applications—A Comprehensive Review Beyond Oncology
by Fei-Xiang Wang, Guo Mu, Zi-Hang Yu, Zhen-Shan Qin, Xing Zhao, Zu-An Shi, Xin Fan, Li Liu, Ye Chen and Jun Zhou
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020127 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 242
Abstract
MicroRNAs play crucial roles in regulating inflammatory responses and disease progression. Since its identification on chromosome 17q11.2 in 2005, miR-451 has emerged as a key regulator of multiple physiological and pathological processes. While its role in cancer has been extensively documented, accumulating evidence [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs play crucial roles in regulating inflammatory responses and disease progression. Since its identification on chromosome 17q11.2 in 2005, miR-451 has emerged as a key regulator of multiple physiological and pathological processes. While its role in cancer has been extensively documented, accumulating evidence reveals miR-451’s broader significance in inflammatory conditions through the regulation of NF-κB, AMPK, and PI3K signaling pathways. This comprehensive review systematically analyzes miR-451’s multifaceted functions in inflammatory diseases, with particular focus on ischemia–reperfusion injury, arthritis, and acute organ injuries. We present compelling evidence for miR-451’s potential as a diagnostic biomarker, demonstrating its distinctive expression patterns across various biological specimens and disease states. Furthermore, we elucidate how miR-451 modulates inflammatory responses through the regulation of immune cell populations, including microglia activation, macrophage polarization, and neutrophil chemotaxis. By integrating current evidence and bioinformatic analyses, we establish a theoretical framework linking miR-451’s molecular mechanisms to its therapeutic applications. This review not only synthesizes the current understanding of miR-451 in inflammatory diseases but also provides critical insights for developing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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16 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Gliadin-Rich Diet Worsens Immune and Redox Impairments in Prematurely Aging Mice
by Estefanía Díaz-Del Cerro, Antonio Garrido, Julia Cruces, Noemí Ceprián and Mónica De la Fuente
Cells 2025, 14(4), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14040279 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Gliadin is one of the most important fractions of gluten, a glycoprotein closely linked to the development of negative effects on physiological functions and the development of gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease (CD). Research suggests that inadequate stress responses and anxiety states [...] Read more.
Gliadin is one of the most important fractions of gluten, a glycoprotein closely linked to the development of negative effects on physiological functions and the development of gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease (CD). Research suggests that inadequate stress responses and anxiety states may trigger or at least contribute to the development of these pathological conditions. Peritoneal leukocytes from Prematurely Aging Mice (PAM), which are chronologically adult mice with compromised responses to stress and anxiety, exhibit functional changes when exposed in vitro to gliadin peptides, resembling some immune alterations found also in CD patients. This observation prompted us to investigate the effects of a gliadin-rich diet on immune function and redox state in PAM. In this study, adult female PAM were fed either a gluten-enriched diet (PAMD, 120 g/kg) or a standard diet (PAMC) for four weeks. Immune function parameters in peritoneal, splenic, and thymic leukocytes (phagocytosis, chemotaxis, Natural Killer activity, lymphoproliferation) and redox markers (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced/oxidized glutathione, xanthine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation) were evaluated. The results showed that PAMD exhibited more impaired immune function, lower antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced glutathione concentrations, as well as higher oxidized glutathione and increased xanthine oxidase activity compared to PAMC. These findings suggest that a gliadin-rich diet worsens immune and redox impairments in PAM, resembling some of the alterations previously described in CD, and indicating the potential of this animal for studying gluten-induced immune dysregulation. Full article
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22 pages, 2642 KiB  
Article
Molecular Insights into Cell-Mediated Immunity in Atypical Non-Ulcerated Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
by Luís Fábio S. Batista, Carmen M. Sandoval Pacheco, Gabriela V. Araujo Flores, Frederico M. Ferreira, André N. A. Gonçalves, Wilfredo H. Sosa-Ochoa, Vânia L. R. da Matta, Claudia M. C. Gomes, Concepción Zúniga, Carlos E. P. Corbett, Daniel C. Jeffares, Helder I. Nakaya, Fernando T. Silveira and Márcia D. Laurenti
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020413 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi infections range from asymptomatic (AS) to severe visceral leishmaniasis (VL). One of the manifestations is an atypical non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL), which occurs in some locations of Central America with few cases of VL. We conducted a [...] Read more.
Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi infections range from asymptomatic (AS) to severe visceral leishmaniasis (VL). One of the manifestations is an atypical non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL), which occurs in some locations of Central America with few cases of VL. We conducted a transcriptomic analysis of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) on blood samples from NUCL, AS, VL patients from Amapala, Honduras, and healthy controls. RNA-seq revealed a similar perturbation of gene expression in NUCL and AS. Eight gene signatures of CMI were found in NUCL involved in CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration, reactive oxygen species generation, PD-1 receptor ligand, inflammasome assembly, chemotaxis, complement receptor and suppressor immune cell infiltration. NUCL was distinguished from VL by its up-regulation of differently expressed genes (DEGs) related to T lymphocyte exhaustion, adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes, and down-regulation of oxidative stress genes. In contrast, VL exhibited up-regulated DEGs involved in antigen cross-presentation, and similar to VL from Brazil, down-regulated DEGs involved in innate immunity. Corroborating the transcriptome findings, both the Leishmanin skin test, and the immunopathology of NUCL skin lesion defined NUCL as a proinflammatory condition, intermediate between the AS and VL clinical outcomes. That condition may be the underlying element for the benign nature of the NUCL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Infections and Host Immunity)
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11 pages, 1148 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Partial Purification of Bacillus cereus Enzyme Expression for Bio-Pulping of Lignin Degraders Isolated from Coptotermus curvignathus
by Sharfina Mutia Syarifah, Ashuvila Mohd Aripin, Nadiah Ishak, Nosa Septiana Anindita, Mohd Firdaus Abdul-Wahab and Angzzas Sari Mohd Kassim
Eng. Proc. 2025, 84(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025084041 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 167
Abstract
Despite extensive research on Bacillus sp. as lignin degraders, the enzyme mechanisms involved, particularly in Bacillus cereus isolated from termite guts, remain unclear. In this study, the selected Bacillus cereus was fermented to extract the lignin-degrading enzymes to identify the enzymes responsible for [...] Read more.
Despite extensive research on Bacillus sp. as lignin degraders, the enzyme mechanisms involved, particularly in Bacillus cereus isolated from termite guts, remain unclear. In this study, the selected Bacillus cereus was fermented to extract the lignin-degrading enzymes to identify the enzymes responsible for lignin degradation using the sample substrate empty fruit bunch (EFB) as their sole carbon source. After 7 days of submerged fermentation (SmF), the crude enzyme was extracted, and SDS-PAGE gel was used to determine the weight of the proteins, and bands with sizes of 20 kDa–97 kDa were extracted for further analysis. The extracted proteins were partially characterized and sequenced using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The results identified 11 enzymes that are responsible for lignin degradation, such as 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABA), amidohydrolase, chemotaxis protein, serine hydrolase, GMC family protein, glycosyltransferase, phosphate binding protein PstS, ABC transporter ATP-binding protein, heme peroxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase. The value of the mutual relationships between all the enzymes in Bacillus cereus indicates the synergistic mechanism under carbon scrutinization. Also, the peptides sequenced in this study identified various uncharacterized proteins and hypothetical proteins that might not be discovered for their protein functions. Further analysis is essential to uncover more lignin degradation enzymes that can work synergically for paper and pulp bioprocessing. Full article
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24 pages, 4906 KiB  
Review
Modulating PAK1: Accessory Proteins as Promising Therapeutic Targets
by Amin Mirzaiebadizi, Rana Shafabakhsh and Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
Biomolecules 2025, 15(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15020242 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase (PAK1), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is critical in regulating various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, neutrophil chemotaxis, neuronal polarization, and endothelial barrier function. Aberrant PAK1 activity has been implicated in the progression of several human diseases, including cancer, heart disease, [...] Read more.
The p21-activated kinase (PAK1), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is critical in regulating various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, neutrophil chemotaxis, neuronal polarization, and endothelial barrier function. Aberrant PAK1 activity has been implicated in the progression of several human diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Increased PAK1 expression is often associated with poor clinical prognosis, invasive tumor characteristics, and therapeutic resistance. Despite its importance, the cellular mechanisms that modulate PAK1 function remain poorly understood. Accessory proteins, essential for the precise assembly and temporal regulation of signaling pathways, offer unique advantages as therapeutic targets. Unlike core signaling components, these modulators can attenuate aberrant signaling without completely abolishing it, potentially restoring signaling to physiological levels. This review highlights PAK1 accessory proteins as promising and novel therapeutic targets, opening new horizons for disease treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Signaling in Cancer)
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26 pages, 1979 KiB  
Article
Scheduling Optimization of Emergency Resources to Chemical Industrial Parks Based on Improved Bacterial Foraging Optimization
by Xiaohui Yan, Yukang Zhang, Junwei Luo, Zhicong Zhang, Liangwei Zhang, Zhengmin Zhang and Shi Cheng
Symmetry 2025, 17(2), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17020251 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Emergency resource scheduling is a critical facet of disaster management, particularly within the complex environments of chemical parks. A model with multiple disaster sites, multiple rescue sites, and multiple emergency resources was constructed considering the problem of resource scheduling in chemical parks during [...] Read more.
Emergency resource scheduling is a critical facet of disaster management, particularly within the complex environments of chemical parks. A model with multiple disaster sites, multiple rescue sites, and multiple emergency resources was constructed considering the problem of resource scheduling in chemical parks during disasters. The optimization objectives include minimizing the emergency rescuing time and the total scheduling expense. An improved bacterial foraging optimization (IBFO) algorithm was proposed to satisfy these two objectives simultaneously. This algorithm leverages the symmetry inherent in the structure of resource scheduling problems, particularly in balancing the trade-off between local exploitation and global search. The loop structure was enhanced, information interaction between bacteria was incorporated to provide better guidance in the chemotaxis operator, and the migration operator was reconstructed to strengthen the local exploitation in potential optima areas while maintaining global searching capability. The symmetrical nature of the problem allows for more efficient optimization by better exploiting patterns within the solution space. The experimental results show that the IBFO algorithm demonstrates improved convergence accuracy and faster convergence speed compared with the original bacterial foraging optimization, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithm. These findings confirm that the IBFO algorithm effectively solves the emergency resource scheduling problem in chemical industry parks by utilizing symmetries to enhance performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computer)
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15 pages, 5468 KiB  
Article
Regulatory Role of a Hydrophobic Core in the FliG C-Terminal Domain in the Rotary Direction of a Flagellar Motor
by Tatsuro Nishikino, Akihiro Hatano, Seiji Kojima and Michio Homma
Biomolecules 2025, 15(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15020212 - 1 Feb 2025
Viewed by 505
Abstract
A flagellar motor can rotate either counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW), and rotational switching is triggered by conformational changes in FliG, although the molecular mechanism is still unknown. Here, we found that cheY deletion, which locks motor rotation in the CCW direction, restored [...] Read more.
A flagellar motor can rotate either counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW), and rotational switching is triggered by conformational changes in FliG, although the molecular mechanism is still unknown. Here, we found that cheY deletion, which locks motor rotation in the CCW direction, restored the motility abolished by the fliG L259Q mutation. We found that the CCW-biased fliG G214S mutation also restored the swimming of the L259Q mutant, but the CW-biased fliG G215A mutation did not. Since the L259 residue participates in forming the FliG hydrophobic core at its C-terminal domain, mutations were introduced into residues structurally closer to L259, and their motility was examined. Two mutants, D251R and L329Q, exhibited CW-biased rotation. Our results suggest that mutations in the hydrophobic core of FliGC collapse its conformational switching and/or stator interaction; however, the CCW state of the rotor enables rotation even with this disruption. Full article
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22 pages, 2771 KiB  
Article
Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Polyploidy Cyst Nematode, Heterodera trifolii, and Heterodera schachtii
by Parthiban Subramanian, Daegwan Kim, Hyoung-Rai Ko, Joon-Soo Sim, Vimalraj Mani, Chang-Muk Lee, Seon-Kyeong Lee, Soyoung Park, Dong-Gwan Kim, Yeisoo Yu and Bum-Soo Hahn
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030948 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Cyst nematodes remain a major threat to global agricultural production, causing huge losses. To understand the parasitism of the cyst nematodes Heterodera trifolii (HT) and Heterodera schachtii (HS), we constructed whole-genome assemblies using short- and long-read sequencing technologies. The nematode genomes were 379 [...] Read more.
Cyst nematodes remain a major threat to global agricultural production, causing huge losses. To understand the parasitism of the cyst nematodes Heterodera trifolii (HT) and Heterodera schachtii (HS), we constructed whole-genome assemblies using short- and long-read sequencing technologies. The nematode genomes were 379 Mb and 183 Mb in size, with the integrated gene models predicting 40,186 and 18,227 genes in HT and HS, respectively. We found more than half of the genes predicted in HT (64.7%) and HS (53.2%) were collinear to their nearest neighbor H. glycines (HG). Large-scale duplication patterns in HT and segmental duplications of more than half of the orthologous genes indicate that the genome of HT is polyploid in nature. Functional analysis of the genes indicated that 65.6% of the HG genes existed within the HT genome. Most abundant genes in HT and HS were involved in gene regulation, DNA integration, and chemotaxis. Differentially expressed genes showed upregulation of cuticle structural constituent genes during egg and female stages and cytoskeletal motor activity-related genes in juvenile stage 2 (J2). Horizontal gene transfer analyses identified four new vitamin biosynthesis genes, pdxK, pdxH, pdxS, and fabG, of bacterial origin, to be first reported in HT and HS. Mitogenomes of HT, HS, and HG showed similar structure, composition, and codon usage. However, rates of substitution of bases in the gene nad4l were significantly different between HT and HS. The described genomes, transcriptomes, and mitogenomes of plant-parasitic nematodes HT and HS are potential bio-resources used to identify several strategies of control of the nematode. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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25 pages, 4455 KiB  
Article
Chemical Screening and Nematicidal Activity of Essential Oils from Macaronesian and Mediterranean Plants for Controlling Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
by Rui Ferreira, Carla Maleita, Luís Fonseca, Ivânia Esteves, Ivo Sousa-Ferreira, Raimundo Cabrera and Paula Castilho
Plants 2025, 14(3), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030337 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes are highly damaging pests responsible for heavy losses in a considerable number of plant crops. Common pest management strategies rely on the use of synthetic chemical nematicides, which have led to serious concerns regarding their impact on human health and the [...] Read more.
Plant-parasitic nematodes are highly damaging pests responsible for heavy losses in a considerable number of plant crops. Common pest management strategies rely on the use of synthetic chemical nematicides, which have led to serious concerns regarding their impact on human health and the environment. The essential oils (EOs) obtained from aromatic plant species can provide a good source of agents for the sustainable control of nematodes, due to higher biodegradability, generally low toxicity for mammals, fish, and birds, and lower bioaccumulation in the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the nematicidal and nematostatic properties of EOs extracted from plant species relevant to Macaronesia flora or with widespread use as culinary herbs in Mediterranean cuisine. Eighteen EOs were chemically characterized and evaluated by direct contact and hatching bioassays on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. The EOs that showed a significant effect on M. javanica second-stage juveniles’ (J2) mortality (≥40%) were also used in chemotaxis assays. From the eighteen EOs, seven showed strong nematicidal activity (>80%) and hatching inhibition. The chemotaxis assays revealed that only Mentha pulegium exhibited repellent behavior for M. javanica J2, and the rest of EOs had attractive behavior. Furthermore, EOs were assessed against the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Cinnamomum burmanni was the EO with the highest nematicidal activity for the three nematode species. Among the terpene-rich EOs, high mortality values and hatching inhibition for M. javanica were observed for the carvacrol chemotype Origanum vulgare, albeit with low activity for P. penetrans and B. xylophilus. Mentha pulegium, mainly composed of monoterpene ketones and monoterpenoids, demonstrated moderate-to-high mortality activity (from 30% for P. penetrans to 99% for M. javanica) for the three nematode species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Horticultural Plants)
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17 pages, 3426 KiB  
Review
Decoding Bacterial Motility: From Swimming States to Patterns and Chemotactic Strategies
by Xiang-Yu Zhuang and Chien-Jung Lo
Biomolecules 2025, 15(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15020170 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 625
Abstract
The bacterial flagellum serves as a crucial propulsion apparatus for motility and chemotaxis. Bacteria employ complex swimming patterns to perform essential biological tasks. These patterns involve transitions between distinct swimming states, driven by flagellar motor rotation, filament polymorphism, and variations in flagellar arrangement [...] Read more.
The bacterial flagellum serves as a crucial propulsion apparatus for motility and chemotaxis. Bacteria employ complex swimming patterns to perform essential biological tasks. These patterns involve transitions between distinct swimming states, driven by flagellar motor rotation, filament polymorphism, and variations in flagellar arrangement and configuration. Over the past two decades, advancements in fluorescence staining technology applied to bacterial flagella have led to the discovery of diverse bacterial movement states and intricate swimming patterns. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nano-filament observation methodologies, swimming states, swimming patterns, and the physical mechanisms underlying chemotaxis. These novel insights and ongoing research have the potential to inspire the design of innovative active devices tailored for operation in low-Reynolds-number environments. Full article
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25 pages, 1927 KiB  
Review
Understanding Host–Pathogen Interactions in Congenital Chagas Disease Through Transcriptomic Approaches
by Tatiana M. Cáceres, Luz Helena Patiño and Juan David Ramírez
Pathogens 2025, 14(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14020106 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 760
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a parasitic zoonosis with significant health impacts, particularly in Latin America. While traditionally associated with vector-borne transmission, increased migration has expanded its reach into urban and non-endemic regions. Congenital transmission has become a critical route [...] Read more.
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a parasitic zoonosis with significant health impacts, particularly in Latin America. While traditionally associated with vector-borne transmission, increased migration has expanded its reach into urban and non-endemic regions. Congenital transmission has become a critical route of infection, involving intricate maternal–fetal immune interactions that challenge diagnosis and treatment. This review synthesizes findings from three RNA-seq studies that explore the molecular underpinnings of congenital Chagas disease, emphasizing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) implicated in host–pathogen interactions. The DAVID tool analysis highlighted the overexpression of genes associated with the innate immune response, including pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive chemotaxis and neutrophil activation. Additionally, calcium-dependent pathways critical for parasite invasion were modulated. T. cruzi exploits the maternal–fetal immune axis to establish a tolerogenic environment conducive to congenital transmission. Alterations in placental angiogenesis, cellular regeneration, and metabolic processes further demonstrate the parasite’s ability to manipulate host responses for its survival and persistence. These findings underscore the complex interplay between the host and pathogen that facilitates disease progression. Future research integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches is essential to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital Chagas disease, with a particular focus on the contributions of genetic diversity and non-coding RNAs in immune evasion and disease pathogenesis. Full article
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