Search Results (140)

The study evaluated the effects of dietary compound enzyme preparations (CEPs) supplementation on antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal health of pigeons. A total of 288 White King parent pigeons were randomly assigned to four treatments, with six replications of 12 pigeons each. The control (CK) group received a basal diet, whereas the CEP groups were fed a basal diet with 0.25 g/kg (low compound enzyme preparation group, LCEP), 0.5 g/kg (middle compound enzyme preparation group, MCEP), and 1.0 g/kg (high compound enzyme preparation group, HCEP) CEPs. Results showed that supplementation with 0.25 g/kg of CEPs significantly increased duodenal crypt depth (CD), as well as jejunal villus height (VH) and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) (p < 0.05). It also increased the immunoglobulins of serum, such as IgA, IgG, and IgM, as well as enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of serum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that CEPs altered ileum content microbiota composition, increasing the relative abundance of p_Bacteroidota and g_Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis identified 92 upregulated and 95 downregulated metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis of these differential metabolites revealed that CEP supplementation altered the metabolomic profile of the ileum contents, with differential metabolites mainly enriched in alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. These results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CEPs at different doses improved antioxidant capacity to varying degrees and maintained intestinal immune balance by modulating microbiota, which provides a theoretical basis for the rational application of compound enzyme preparations in breeding pigeon feed. Moreover, this study provides mechanistic evidence that CEPs can improve intestinal health, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. It also fills a key knowledge gap in pigeon nutrition by linking enzyme use with gut microbiota and metabolic regulation. Full article

Gut lactic acid bacteria are emerging as potential targets for modulating host purine metabolism and alleviating hyperuricemia-related disorders. This study aimed to isolate purine-degrading lactic acid bacterial strains from porcine intestine and systematically evaluate their probiotic potential through both in vitro and in vivo approaches. A strain designated Pedio6-1 was isolated and identified as Pediococcus acidilactici based on 16S rRNA sequencing. In vitro assays demonstrated that P. acidilactici Pedio6-1 exhibited nearly complete adenine clearance (approaching 100%) and a total purine clearance rate of 30.73%, along with strong tolerance to acidic conditions, bile salts, and gastrointestinal enzymes. To further assess its in vivo efficacy, a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model was employed. After 8 weeks of intervention, Pedio6-1 supplementation significantly reduced the final body weight and liver index, and markedly decreased hepatic guanine levels (p < 0.05), with a trend toward lower total purine content compared to the obese control group. Mechanistically, Pedio6-1 treatment significantly downregulated the hepatic mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TLR4 (p < 0.05). Serum untargeted metabolomics revealed that Pedio6-1 treatment shifted the metabolic profile toward that of normal diet-fed mice, with differential pathways predominantly enriched in porphyrin metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Notably, key metabolites with antioxidant and metabolic regulatory functions, including bilirubin, biliverdin, glutathione, citrate, L-cystathionine, and 4-pyridoxic acid, were significantly elevated following treatment, while N-acetylornithine and methylmalonate ester were decreased, indicating coordinated remodeling of oxidative stress defense, vitamin B6 homeostasis, and energy metabolism. Collectively, these findings indicate that Pedio6-1 not only possesses direct purine-degrading activity in vitro, but also ameliorates purine metabolic disturbances, inflammation, and oxidative stress in obese mice, likely through the modulation of porphyrin and amino acid metabolic pathways, highlighting its promise as a functional probiotic candidate for managing obesity-associated purine metabolic disorders. Full article

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids. Following exogenous substance regulation, its sprouts can achieve efficient flavonoid enrichment. This study investigates the regulatory effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the physiological metabolism, oxidative stress response, and flavonoid biosynthesis of finger millet sprouts subjected to 5 mM zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) stress. Compared to treatment solely with ZnSO₄, the application of both 50 μM salicylic acid (SA) and 1 mM gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) markedly enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis, with respective yields of 8.53 μg/sprout and 8.85 μg/sprout observed by 6 days post-germination. Concurrently, SA and GABA attenuated ZnSO₄-induced oxidative damage. During days 4 and 6 post-germination, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels in sprouts were significantly reduced, with levels at 6 days showing a particularly notable decrease. Moreover, the catalytic activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly upregulated. Further analysis revealed that both treatments significantly activated the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. The activities of key rate-limiting enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase, along with the expression levels of their corresponding genes, were markedly upregulated. Concurrently, the expression of genes and transcription factors, specifically myeloblastosis and NAC transcription factors, involved in regulating reactive oxygen species homeostasis also increased. These findings suggest that exogenous SA, GABA, and ZnSO₄ cotreatment can effectively enhance the accumulation of flavonoids and the nutritional quality of finger millet sprouts by bolstering antioxidant capacity and modulating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. This investigation establishes a theoretical framework for the production of superior, bioactive finger millet sprout ingredients. Full article

Marine algae are emerging as important biological resources for the discovery and development of bioactive compounds with applications across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, aquaculture, environmental, and biotechnological systems. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on macroalgae and microalgae as sources of sulfated polysaccharides, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, proteins, peptides, vitamins, mycosporine-like amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between algal source, cultivation conditions, compound structure, extraction strategy, formulation, and biological activity. Key mechanisms of action are discussed, including antioxidant defense, modulation of inflammatory signaling, inhibition of metabolic enzymes, antimicrobial and antiviral activity, interactions with the gut microbiota, and regulation of cell-cycle-related pathways. Recent progress in biotechnological production, green extraction, purification, analytical characterization, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and delivery systems is evaluated in the context of real product development. The review further highlights the use of algal bioactives in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, aquafeeds, crop biostimulants, and environmental remediation. Current limitations, including biomass variability, compound instability, limited human validation, regulatory complexity, safety concerns, and scale-up costs, are also addressed. Overall, marine algae provide a sustainable and multifunctional platform for developing bioactive products when discovery, processing, validation, and commercialization are integrated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Melatonin is a multifunctional indoleamine with recognized antitumor activity; however, its subtype-specific effects in breast cancer remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of melatonin on cellular and metabolic processes associated with tumor progression in two human breast cancer cell lines representing distinct molecular subtypes: MCF-7 (luminal A) and MDA-MB-468 (triple-negative). Methods: Breast cancer cells were treated with micromolar concentrations of melatonin, and assays were performed to evaluate cell viability, migration, invasion, mitochondrial status, redox balance, protein expression, and biogenic amine profiles. Results: Melatonin significantly reduced cell viability, migration, and invasion in both cell lines, with more pronounced effects in MCF-7 cells. At the molecular level, melatonin downregulated key metabolic and hypoxia-related proteins, including GAPDH and HIF-1α, while citrate synthase was selectively reduced in MCF-7 cells, indicating suppression of mitochondrial metabolic capacity. This was accompanied by a reduction in mitochondrial status, reflected by decreased MitoGreen staining. Melatonin also induced redox imbalance, as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, along with subtype-dependent modulation of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, alterations in biogenic amine profiles were observed, suggesting broader metabolic remodeling. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that melatonin exerts subtype-dependent antitumor effects by targeting metabolic, mitochondrial, and redox pathways, supporting further investigation of melatonin as a potential therapeutic adjuvant in breast cancer, while recognizing that the concentrations used in this study exceed physiological circulating levels. Full article

This study used Poacynum hendersonii (Hook. f.) Woods. seedlings as experimental material. A soil drought group (gradual soil drying) and a PEG-simulated drought group (15% PEG-6000 treatment) were established. By combining physiological measurements, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, we investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms of P. hendersonii in response to drought stress. The results showed that under drought stress, P. hendersonii alleviated oxidative damage by activating the antioxidant enzyme system (catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD), and enzyme activities recovered significantly after rehydration. In the osmotic stress group (PEG), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased significantly in the later stages, whereas membrane damage was milder in the soil drought group. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant enrichment of starch and sucrose metabolism pathways during early drought, shifting to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and carbon metabolism in later stages. PEG-simulated drought specifically induced the accumulation of arachidonic acid, which may be associated with ferroptosis-like processes, although direct evidence is lacking. Transcriptomics analysis identified 23,623 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with transcription factor families such as bHLH, MYB, and NAC playing key roles in drought response. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) further revealed gene modules significantly correlated with physiological traits, indicating that enhanced respiratory metabolism (glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle) is an important strategy for P. hendersonii to adapt to drought. The study also found that while PEG-simulated drought could simulate the physiological effects of soil drought, significant differences existed in molecular pathways, particularly during later stress stages. This research provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the drought resistance mechanisms of P. hendersonii and offers potential targets for crop drought resistance breeding. Full article

Awns are crucial spike traits in Poaceae plants and are closely associated with seed development. Elymus nutans Griseb. is a high-quality alpine forage and an essential grass species for ecological restoration. To reveal the regulatory mechanism of awns on thousand seed weight in E. nutans, 20 E. nutans germplasm accessions were used as experimental materials in this study. Superior germplasms were screened via phenotypic correlation analysis. The screened superior germplasm was subjected to awned and de-awned treatments. Physiological indicators during seed development under the two treatments were measured at the milk stage, dough stage, and full ripe stage, and transcriptome sequencing was further used to identify the core regulatory pathways and key genes. The results showed that awn length was extremely significantly positively correlated with thousand seed weight (p < 0.01), and the optimal germplasm PI 655186 with superior awn length and thousand seed weight was obtained. Compared with the de-awned treatment, the awn-retained treatment significantly increased the contents of soluble sugar and starch in seeds from the milk stage to the dough stage and enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT, and POD to maintain redox homeostasis. Transcriptome analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways including starch and sucrose metabolism and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, among which UGDH, GLCAK, VTC2_5, and APX were identified as key genes regulating seed development, and WGCNA showed that the brown module was significantly correlated with soluble sugars and starch, with hub genes consisting of seven 60S ribosomal proteins and one prolyl 4-hydroxylase. In conclusion, awns positively affect the thousand seed weight of E. nutans seeds by promoting the synthesis of storage substances, optimizing the antioxidant enzyme system, and regulating the ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathway and the expression of hub genes. These findings clarify the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which awns regulate seed thousand seed weight and provide a theoretical basis and gene resources for the innovation of high-yield and high-quality germplasms of alpine forage grasses. Full article

Squalene is a triterpene with potent biological activities. Squalene (C₃₀H₅₀) is a linear polyunsaturated hydrocarbon composed of six isoprene units and six carbon–carbon double bonds. It serves as an essential precursor for sterols, steroid hormones, and vitamin D in humans and exhibits antioxidant, anti-tumor, and lipid-regulating properties. In plants, squalene is produced via the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathways. The key rate-limiting enzymes in these pathways include 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), and squalene synthase (SQS). Camellia oleifera, a unique woody oil crop native to China, is valued for its high-quality edible oil and as a rich natural source of squalene. This review provides a systematic overview of recent progress in squalene biosynthesis in C. oleifera. It summarizes the structural characteristics and biosynthetic routes. It further elaborates on the multi-level regulatory network modulated by transcription factors (WRKY, bHLH, MYB, and ERF), phytohormones (jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and gibberellin), and abiotic factors (light and drought). Notably, this review distinguishes earlier foundational studies from recent breakthroughs and integrates emerging progress on squalene’s non-canonical functions and pathway crosstalk. It further highlights novel regulatory mechanisms unique to C. oleifera (e.g., CoWRKY15, CoMYB1, and CoMYC2). By bridging molecular regulation with practical breeding and metabolic engineering, this review lays a solid theoretical foundation for cultivating high-squalene C. oleifera varieties. It represents a prominent innovation relative to previously published studies. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital food and oil crop in China, yet its yield and quality are severely threatened by piercing–sucking damage caused by Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) to soybean pods. Under global climate warming and expanded soybean cultivation, temperature has become a key environmental factor driving the spread of and aggravated damage caused by R. pedestris. We investigated the effects of temperature (32, 36, 40, 42, and 44 °C) and exposure duration (1–4 h) on the energy substances and antioxidant enzyme activities in adult R. pedestris. These two factors also had significant effects on the pest’s energy substances and antioxidant defense. Under short-term high-temperature stress, the water loss rate and fat, total sugar, and glycogen contents increased significantly, while protein content showed a fluctuating upward trend, with distinct sexual differences in these responses; the water loss and energy substance levels within the lethal high-temperature range, around 44 °C, were generally higher than those in the sublethal range (36–42 °C). R. pedestris showed physiological changes consistent with enhanced heat tolerance and adaptability, including water balance regulation, carbohydrate and lipid accumulation, and modulation of protein synthesis and degradation. In the sublethal high-temperature range, antioxidant enzyme activity patterns were altered, and SOD activity was increased; meanwhile, the MDA content also rose, and POD and CAT activities decreased. In the lethal high-temperature range, the overall antioxidant enzyme activities were lower than in the suitable temperature range, with the POD activities and MDA content still rising. These results suggest that the dynamic adjustment of antioxidant enzyme activities may contribute to alleviating oxidative damage and rapid adaptation to temperature-induced oxidative stress in R. pedestris. These findings indicate that R. pedestris possesses physiological plasticity to cope with sublethal heat stress through metabolic reallocation and antioxidant defense activation, but extreme temperatures cause severe physiological disruption. This study provides insights into the thermal biology and heat resistance mechanisms of this pest under climate warming scenarios. Full article

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound generated mainly as a byproduct of glycolysis. Excess accumulation of MG can promote protein glycation and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which have been associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular damage. These processes are implicated in the development of several chronic conditions, including diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and age-related decline. The glyoxalase system, comprising Glyoxalase I (Glo1) and Glyoxalase II (Glo2), serves as a key cellular defense mechanism that detoxifies MG and helps maintain dicarbonyl homeostasis. Among these enzymes, Glo1 catalyzes the conversion of MG into less reactive intermediates in a glutathione (GSH)-dependent manner. A range of natural compounds and dietary phytochemicals, including sulforaphane, resveratrol, α-lipoic acid, selenium, vitamin D3, and N-acetylcysteine, have been reported to modulate Glo1 activity through transcriptional regulation, antioxidant effects, or support of intracellular GSH levels. Evidence from preclinical and limited human studies suggests that these compounds may help reduce MG burden and AGE formation, although their effects are often indirect and context-dependent. However, several challenges remain, including variable bioavailability, dose-dependent responses, disease-specific differences in Glo1 regulation, and the lack of standardized biomarkers and adequate clinical validation. This review examines the MG–Glo1 axis as a mechanistic framework linking metabolic stress to disease and evaluates natural compounds as context-dependent modulators of this pathway. By integrating mechanistic insights with emerging in vivo and clinical evidence, this work highlights the potential, while acknowledging the limitations, of targeting Glo1 as a translational strategy for managing glycation-associated disorders. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, and oxidative stress plays a key role in tissue damage in this syndrome. This study aimed to investigate this role in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) expression in skeletal muscle and to evaluate the effects of quercetin. A high-sucrose-diet-induced MeS model was established in Wistar albino rats (n = 32), and skeletal muscle tissues were analyzed. Biochemical parameters were measured, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) and NKA protein expression levels were evaluated using Western blot analysis. In the MeS group, AST, TAS, TRX1, and NKA expression significantly decreased, while LDH, TOS, SOD, and MDA levels increased, indicating disrupted redox balance, elevated oxidative stress, and impaired antioxidant defense. Increased MDA and TOS levels reflected enhanced lipid peroxidation, whereas decreased TAS and TRX1 suggested reduced antioxidant capacity. Elevated SOD activity may indicate a compensatory response to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reduction in NKA expression may contribute to impaired ion transport and potential skeletal muscle dysfunction. Quercetin administration improved oxidative stress markers and partially restored NKA expression. These findings suggest that oxidative stress contributes to NKA dysfunction in MeS, and quercetin may have therapeutic potential by modulating oxidative stress and preserving enzyme function. Full article

Adropin, a peptide hormone first identified by microarray analysis of gene expression in mice’s liver, is expressed in multiple organs, including the brain, liver, and heart. It is a key regulator of carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. It enhances blood vessel dilation and is essential for the normal development and function of the cerebellum. It acts through binding to multiple receptors, primarily the orphan G protein-coupled receptor, which is expressed in various tissues, including the central nervous system, liver, heart, kidneys, and testis, suggesting a direct role of adropin in modulating the function of multiple organs. This review discusses recently identified testicular functions regulated by adropin. Some studies have demonstrated that adropin can stimulate testosterone synthesis in testicular Leydig cells by enhancing the expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Moreover, it increases germ cell proliferation and sperm formation by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress. Current evidence remains limited, and further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms of adropin in reproductive physiology. Moreover, its potential role in conditions associated with altered testosterone levels or impaired spermatogenesis remains speculative and requires validation in well-designed clinical studies. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by complex interactions between lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, there is growing interest in nutraceutical compounds with multi-target effects. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-modulating properties. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the effects of TQ on the key pathophysiological mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Methods: A narrative review of preclinical studies, including in vitro and in vivo experimental models, was conducted to assess the biological activity of TQ and its potential anti-atherosclerotic effects. Results: TQ exhibits multi-target activity by modulating several molecular pathways associated with atherogenesis. It reduces oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and decreasing reactive oxygen species production. TQ also suppresses inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and COX-2, leading to decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, it influences lipid metabolism by lowering total cholesterol and LDL-C levels while improving lipid profiles. TQ has also been shown to inhibit foam cell formation, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation. Additionally, nanocarrier-based formulations of TQ may improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Conclusions: Current preclinical evidence suggests that TQ may play a significant role in the prevention and modulation of atherosclerosis through its multi-mechanistic action. However, the lack of well-designed clinical trials, limited bioavailability, and insufficient data on long-term safety highlight the need for further research to establish its clinical efficacy and optimal therapeutic use. Full article

Low-light (LL) stress is a major abiotic limiting factor in protected cherry tomato production, adversely affecting vegetative growth, inducing oxidative damage, and disrupting fruit sugar metabolism. To clarify the regulatory role of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in mitigating LL stress, we examined the effects of varying ABA concentrations on plant growth, antioxidant capacity, and fruit sugar metabolism in cherry tomatoes under low-light conditions. A two-factor randomized complete block design, with two light regimes—normal light (NL, 100% natural sunlight) and low light (LL, 25% natural sunlight)—and three ABA concentrations (CK: 0 mg·L⁻¹, T1: 10 mg·L⁻¹, T2: 20 mg·L⁻¹). Fruits were sampled at three typical ripening stages (green mature, breaker, and red ripe) to evaluate vegetative and reproductive physiological responses. The results showed that exogenous ABA application effectively suppressed LL-induced excessive stem elongation and alleviated LL-caused reductions in stem diameter and biomass accumulation. ABA treatment significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, thereby relieving LL-triggered oxidative damage. In addition, ABA regulated key sugar-metabolizing enzymes (soluble acid invertase (SAI), sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and amylase (Amy)) and the transcript levels of related functional genes (HXK1, SPS, SS, AI), thereby mediating stage-dependent fruit sugar metabolism under LL stress. In conclusion, exogenous ABA effectively modulates vegetative growth, antioxidant homeostasis, and stage-specific fruit sugar metabolism, ultimately alleviating low-light stress damage in cherry tomato. Among the tested treatments, 20 mg·L⁻¹ ABA exhibited the most pronounced mitigation effects, which can be recommended as an optimal foliar application concentration for cherry tomato cultivation in low-light protected facilities. Full article

Seed aging is a critical biological process that leads to progressive loss of seed vigor, thereby constraining germplasm conservation and agricultural productivity. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this process in grass species, we performed transcriptomic analyses to characterize regulatory networks underlying seed aging in Elymus sibiricus, a dominant forage species on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Seeds were subjected to artificial accelerated aging (45 °C, 80% relative humidity, 1–6 days), followed by physiological evaluation and RNA sequencing. Seed vigor and germination percentage declined markedly with aging, accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming. Integrative analyses identified pyruvate metabolism, MAPK signaling, and peroxisome function as key processes associated with vigor loss during late-stage aging. WGCNA further revealed that genes encoding heat shock proteins and glutathione metabolism-related enzymes were co-localized within the same module, suggesting a possible synergistic role in preserving seed viability during aging. In addition, WRKY24, ARF9, and ARF19 were identified as candidate hub transcription factors. WRKY24 may contribute to aging by modulating antioxidant defense-related genes (e.g., TRX1 and NRPC1), while ARF9 and ARF19 may regulate ROS homeostasis through predicted downstream targets, including FQR1, PER2, MAO1B, ANN5, and MT2B. Together, these findings support a hypothetical regulatory model in which WRKY and ARF transcription factors coordinate redox homeostasis and hormone signaling to regulate seed longevity in E. sibiricus. This study provides a systems-level framework for understanding seed aging in perennial grasses and identifies potential genetic targets for improving seed storability, with implications for germplasm conservation and alpine grassland sustainability. Full article