Search Results (5,534)

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

Phelipanche aegyptiaca is a root parasitic weed that causes severe yield losses in tomato production. Current control methods are constrained by limited efficacy and environmental concerns. Although biocontrol microbes and amino acids have each been reported to suppress broomrape parasitism individually, their synergistic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated the biocontrol performance of Bacillus velezensis strain N35, applied alone or in combination with five amino acids (methionine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, and proline), against P. aegyptiaca parasitism in tomato using pot experiments coupled with transcriptomic profiling of host roots. Both individual and combined treatments significantly reduced the number and fresh weight of P. aegyptiaca parasitic tubercles. Notably, the combinations of methionine + N35 and isoleucine + N35 achieved near-complete suppression of parasitism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed extensive reprogramming of gene expression in tomato roots, with significant enrichment in pathways associated with plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. The synergistic treatments coordinately activated ethylene, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid-mediated signaling, while suppressing auxin and abscisic acid signaling. Moreover, key strigolactone biosynthesis genes (CCD7 and CCD8) were strongly downregulated, and specific genes involved in the biosynthesis of defense-related secondary metabolites were selectively upregulated. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a pronounced synergy between B. velezensis N35 and specific amino acids in suppressing P. aegyptiaca parasitism. This enhanced host resistance is achieved through the coordinated reprogramming of hormonal and metabolic networks, particularly via interference with strigolactone-mediated germination signal secretion. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of microbe–metabolite synergistic strategies as sustainable and environmentally benign alternatives for broomrape management. Full article

Tiankeng ecosystems are characterized by strong microenvironmental gradients that influence plant adaptation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to altitudinal variation remain poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were conducted to investigate the environmental adaptation mechanisms of three representative plant species (Hydrangea strigosa Rehder, Pilea martini, and Pilea sinofasciata) distributed along the vertical gradient of the Hanzhong Tiankeng in Shaanxi Province, China. Differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed to explore transcriptional responses under different altitude conditions. The results showed that flower coloration in Hydrangea strigosa Rehder was associated with the activation of sugar metabolism and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, suggesting potential indirect roles in modulating cellular metabolism and physiological conditions linked to flower coloration, while poor growth at the tiankeng bottom was associated with enhanced cellular respiration under low-light conditions, suggesting a potential link between energy metabolism and growth performance. In contrast, Pilea martini and Pilea sinofasciata exhibited better growth in the pit-bottom environment. Pilea martini promoted growth through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, whereas Pilea sinofasciata responded to environmental stress through hormone signaling, triterpenoid biosynthesis, and light signaling pathways. These findings reveal species-specific molecular strategies for plant adaptation to altitude-related environmental gradients in tiankeng ecosystems and provide insights into plant survival mechanisms in karst habitats. Full article

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is an important fruit crop, but its production is severely threatened by ripe rot, a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. However, V. pseudoreticulata ‘Dongan-1’ has been reported to have significant resistance to ripe rot. To investigate the molecular basis of this resistance, we employed RNA-Seq to profile transcriptome changes in the leaves and berry skins of ‘Dongan-1’ following infection. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly linked to stress response, cellular processes, and metabolic processes. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that DEGs in both tissues were predominantly enriched in the plant MAPK signaling pathway, peroxisome pathway, plant–pathogen interaction pathway, and plant hormone signal transduction pathway. Notably, VpCML41 was identified as a highly induced gene. Functional characterization through heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana and transient expression in ‘Thompson Seedless’ grape leaves demonstrated that VpCML41 enhances resistance to C. gloeosporioides. This enhanced resistance involves the coordinated regulation of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling cascades. Our findings provide valuable genetic resources for understanding ripe rot resistance and offer a foundation for developing resistant grape varieties. Full article

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a central role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in gynecological malignancies, including ovarian cancer (OC), cervical cancer (CC), and endometrial cancer (EC). This review systematically summarizes common regulatory mechanisms and tumor-specific variations in TAMs across these three malignancies, emphasizing the dual-origin developmental trajectories of tissue-resident macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages, the CCL2-CCR2 and CSF1-CSF1R core signaling axes, and the regulation of TAMs’ functional polarization by hypoxia and metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms through which TAMs mediate immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance via physical barrier construction, metabolic competition, and antigen presentation impairment are analyzed, and the specific characteristics of the peritoneal microenvironment in OC, HPV-driven mechanisms in CC, and hormonal regulation in EC are compared. Therapeutic strategies targeting TAM recruitment, survival, and phenotypic reprogramming are discussed, along with TAM markers, and may provide a theoretical foundation and clinical indications for overcoming immune therapeutic resistance in gynecological malignancies. Full article

Some actinobacterial species have been reported to improve plant growth due to their roles as biostimulants and biological control agents. In this study, the effect of actinobacterial isolate 27, obtained from the rhizospheric soil of melon plants and identified as Streptomyces calvus, was evaluated on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato plants. In Arabidopsis, in vitro assays showed that after seven days of interaction, isolate 27 increased fresh weight by 1.4-, 1.5-, and 2.3-fold and lateral root number by 1.7-, 1.3-, and 2.5-fold under physical contact and split-plate systems (MS and ISP2 media), respectively, compared with non-inoculated plants. An increased β-glucuronidase (GUS, encoded by the uidA gene) signal was observed in primary and lateral roots of the Arabidopsis DR5::uidA reporter line during both interaction types, suggesting the activation of auxin-responsive pathways. In addition, isolate 27 rescued the rhd6 (root hair defective 6) mutant phenotype, restoring root hair formation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that isolate 27 emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including an alcohol and several sesquiterpenes, and that this profile changed during interaction with Arabidopsis plantlets. In soil-based pot assays, inoculation with isolate 27 significantly enhanced the development of Arabidopsis plants after 23 days, both when applied alone and in co-inoculation with Trichoderma atroviride. Furthermore, isolate 27 stimulated tomato plant growth, leading to significant increases in fresh and dry biomass, as well as shoot and root lengths after 28 days. Overall, these results demonstrate that S. calvus isolate 27 promotes plant growth and development through the production of bioactive compounds that modulate plant growth pathways, including hormonal responses, highlighting its potential as a bioinoculant for sustainable and productive agricultural systems. Full article

Serotoninomics, a nascent emerging discipline within the field of omics, provides a transdisciplinary framework for understanding reproductive toxicology via serotonergic signalling. This research investigates the neuroendocrine effects of permethrin, a commonly used pyrethroid insecticide often considered to pose a low risk to humans, and positions it as a model compound for evaluating reproductive susceptibility beyond conventional endocrine endpoints. It is hypothesized that serotonin, traditionally examined in neuropsychiatric contexts, plays an essential role in gonadal function, hormonal regulation, and emotional resilience. Although permethrins are generally regarded as safe, acute exposure may subtly interfere with serotonergic pathways, potentially resulting in molecular, biochemical, behavioural, and reproductive alterations. These effects could extend beyond immediate exposure, including during gestation, considering permethrins’ ability to cross the placental barrier and influence foetal development. By synthesizing evidence across molecular, organismal, and environmental domains, we advocate for a serotonergic approach to facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of risk and resilience. We emphasize the importance of fostering a transdisciplinary dialogue to redefine reproductive health through the perspectives of serotonergic vulnerability and systemic resilience. Full article

Jasmonates (JAs) are a diverse group of jasmonic acid (JA)-linked metabolites, including the biosynthetic intermediate 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA). Although changes in JAs have been associated with plant responses to abiotic stress, the involvement and kinetics of specific forms such as JA, JA-Ile and OPDA require further clarification. This study analyzed jasmonate profiles in roots and leaves of two oat genotypes differing in drought tolerance. Jasmonates were quantified using UPLC-MS/MS, expression of key biosynthetic genes was assessed by qRT-PCR, and JA/OPDA treatments were applied to evaluate their effects on physiological and morphological responses to drought. Drought induced contrasting jasmonate dynamics in roots and leaves, with overall JA levels increasing in leaves and decreasing in roots, with genotype- and compound-specific differences. JA and JA-Ile ((+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine) showed similar trends, whereas OPDA displayed a distinct pattern. The tolerant genotype exhibited an early and marked reduction in root OPDA, while the susceptible one showed minimal change. Exogenous OPDA increased drought symptoms, reduced leaf relative water content and strongly decreased root length by limiting the formation of new thin roots. In contrast, JA application alleviated drought symptoms, reflected in a lower area under the drought progress curve, without affecting root length. Results suggest that under water deficit, reduced OPDA, likely due to its conversion into JA and JA-Ile, is associated with the development of small-diameter roots essential for maintaining water status in oat. Together, these results highlight tissue-specific differences in jasmonate dynamics during drought and show that OPDA and JA treatments lead to distinct drought-related responses in both leaves and roots. Full article

Uterine microbiome homeostasis and antioxidant capacity are critical for sow fertility. While high-fiber diets and N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) individually enhance sow fertility, their synergistic effects on the antioxidant status, microbiota, metabolites, and transcriptome remain unclear. Here, sows were assigned to the low-fiber (3.73%) or high-fiber (7.46% crude fiber) group, each without or with 0.05% NCG, throughout the 114-day gestation. Sex hormones and antioxidants in serum were detected. Multi-omics approaches were employed to investigate the impact of a high-fiber diet supplemented with NCG (H + N) on uterine microbiota, metabolites, and gene expression profiles. The study revealed that H + N significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level in serum. Metagenomic analysis revealed an increased abundance of Clostridium disporicum in the uterine microbiota. Plasma metabolomics identified hydroxylysine as a key metabolite mediating this effect, and this metabolite was positively correlated with elevated abundance of Clostridium disporicum. Subsequent transcriptomic profiling revealed activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, closely linked to improved T-AOC level. Overall, these findings demonstrated that H + N could modulate the uterine microbiota (specifically Clostridium disporicum), increase hydroxylysine production, and activate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. These effects further enhanced hormonal activity and antioxidant capacity, ultimately improving sow reproductive efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) provokes neuroendocrine dysregulation and oxidative injury that compromise neuronal integrity and plasticity. Disruption of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been increasingly linked to stress-induced neurobiological dysfunction. Vitamin D3, a neuroactive hormone with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, may exert neuroprotection through modulation of this pathway and attenuation of oxidative damage. The study aims to investigate whether vitamin D3 mitigates CMS-induced alterations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, oxidative stress markers, and oxidative DNA damage in male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8/group): control, CMS only, CMS + vitamin D3 (1000 IU/kg), and CMS + vitamin D3 (10,000 IU/kg). Vitamin D3 was administered intramuscularly three times weekly for 28 days. Hippocampal mRNA expression of Wnt pathway components and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was quantified by RT-qPCR using the 2^−ΔΔCt method. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, while DNA damage was assessed via 8-OHdG ELISA. Results: CMS significantly downregulated Wnt1, β-catenin, and Axin2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05) while markedly upregulating GSK-3β (p < 0.001). Expression of BDNF was also reduced (p < 0.05). Biochemically, CMS increased MDA and 8-OHdG levels (both p < 0.001) and decreased glutathione (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reversed these transcriptional and biochemical alterations, restoring β-catenin signaling, improving antioxidant defenses, and reducing oxidative and genotoxic damage. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 confers significant neuroprotection under chronic stress by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and attenuating oxidative and DNA damage, thereby enhancing neuronal resilience to prolonged stress exposure. Full article

Environmental chemicals are rarely considered stressors in the way that psychological or physical stressors are. Yet many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interact with the body’s core stress response system. This review examines how EDCs alter hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) regulation and how biological sex influences those responses. Drawing on human epidemiological data and experimental models, we describe how EDC exposure affects cortisol dynamics, feedback sensitivity, and adrenal signaling, with a particular focus on sex-dependent outcomes. We propose the concept of endocrine noise to describe how low-dose, often mixed EDC exposures introduce persistent interference into hormone signaling without necessarily causing overt endocrine deficiency or excess. In this framework, EDCs act as chronic, low-grade stressors that reset the timing, feedback precision, and rhythmic organization of the HPA axis rather than as isolated reproductive toxicants. We argue that EDCs should be understood as chronic, context-dependent stress modifiers that reshape sex-specific “risk architectures” for affective, metabolic, and immune disorders. Recognizing sex-specific HPA architecture and endocrine noise has immediate implications for study design and regulation, including the need for sex-stratified analyses, circadian-sensitive sampling of cortisol, and risk assessments that consider how the same exposure can push female and male stress systems in divergent directions. Full article

Low temperatures severely restrict tea plant (Camellia sinensis) growth and yield stability, yet how brassinosteroid (BR) signaling modulates cold acclimation at a systems level remains insufficiently defined. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and UHPLC–MS metabolomic profiling of tea leaves under Control, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), Cold, and Cold + EBR treatments to delineate BR-potentiated cold responses. Principal component analyses revealed clear treatment-specific separation and tight clustering of biological replicates at both omics levels. Quantitatively, cold stress induced extensive reprogramming (4075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 298 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs)), whereas EBR alone exerted relatively modest effects (231 DEGs and 50 DAMs). Notably, EBR under cold conditions further reshaped cold-responsive networks (371 BR-modulated DEGs and 17 BR-modulated DAMs), consistent with a potentiating role for BR signaling. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted phenylpropanoid metabolism and hormone signal transduction as core responsive modules, with coordinated activation of key gateway genes (PAL, C4H, and 4CL) and concurrent engagement of lignin-, flavonoid-, and catechin-associated branches under Cold + EBR. Metabolomic analyses identified flavonoids as the dominant responsive metabolite class (49.31%), particularly anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides. Integrative TF–metabolite–gene correlation networks prioritized WRKY transcription factors (TEA001162, TEA027058) and a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene (TEA025792) as candidate hub genes linking hormone signaling to phenylpropanoid outputs. Collectively, this work provides a systems-level framework of co-regulated transcript–metabolite modules and candidate molecular targets, offering a foundation for functional validation and practical improvement of cold resilience in tea production. Full article

Fruit anthocyanins are primary determinants of color, sensory quality, and nutritional value in grapes; however, their endogenous biosynthesis is governed by complex interactions among genetic, environmental, agronomic, and postharvest factors. This review elaborates recent advances in physiology and molecular biology to clarify the biosynthetic mechanisms in grapes, including the coordinated action of structural enzymes, MYB–bHLH–WD40 regulatory complexes, hormone-mediated signaling pathways, and vacuolar transport processes. Key environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, water availability, and soil properties, regulate these networks, contributing to significant variation in pigmentation profiles across cultivars and growing regions. Strategic agronomic practices, including canopy management, regulated deficit irrigation, balanced nutrient management, and temperature-mitigation techniques, further influence pigmentation by modifying the microclimate of the fruit zone during development. Based on these mechanistic insights, this review evaluates targeted strategies for enhancing anthocyanin accumulation, highlighting recent progress in genetic improvement through CRISPR/Cas genome editing, transgenic approaches, and marker-assisted selection (MAS), which enable precise modulation of biosynthetic and regulatory genes. Complementary postharvest interventions, such as optimized cold storage, modified-atmosphere packaging, hormonal elicitors, and controlled oxidative technologies, provide additional opportunities to maintain or enhance pigment stability after harvest. Collectively, these advances establish a comprehensive framework linking molecular regulation with practical vineyard, breeding, and postharvest strategies, offering an integrated pathway to improve anthocyanin consistency, berry quality, and the phenolic characteristics of grape-derived products. Full article

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system and represents a biologically heterogeneous disease driven by the interplay between endocrine regulation, oncogenic signaling pathways, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Although most follicular cell-derived thyroid cancers follow an indolent clinical course, a subset progresses toward aggressive, therapy-refractory phenotypes, underscoring the need for refined molecular understanding and improved biomarkers. This review comprehensively examines the molecular determinants of thyroid cancer progression, with particular emphasis on Thyroid Hormone (TH) signaling, the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, and the emerging role of microRNAs (miRNAs). We discuss how oncogenic alterations, most notably the ^V600EBRAF mutation, act as central drivers of tumor initiation and aggressiveness by sustaining MAPK/ERK signaling, promoting dedifferentiation, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, and resistance to targeted therapies. The cooperative role of PI3K/AKT signaling in reinforcing survival, invasion, and treatment resistance is highlighted, emphasizing the network-level integration of oncogenic pathways rather than linear dependency on single drivers. In parallel, thyroid hormones exert context-dependent effects on tumor biology through both genomic actions mediated by nuclear thyroid hormone receptors and non-genomic mechanisms initiated at the integrin αvβ3 receptor, linking endocrine status to cancer progression and therapeutic response. Finally, we review the expanding evidence supporting miRNAs as critical regulators of thyroid carcinogenesis and as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. The clinical validation of miRNA-based panels and circulating miRNAs offers new opportunities to improve preoperative risk stratification, reduce overtreatment, and guide personalized therapeutic strategies. Collectively, these insights support a multidimensional framework for understanding thyroid cancer progression and highlight future directions for precision oncology. Full article

Miscanthus lutarioriparius exhibits strong potential for cadmium (Cd) accumulation, making it a promising candidate for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils. However, its full remediation potential remains underexploited, highlighting the need for targeted genetic improvement This study presents a comprehensive genome-wide identification and systematic characterization of 20 Ml4CL (4-coumarate: CoA ligase genes) in the M. lutarioriparius. Results indicate that the Ml4CL gene family has undergone substantial evolutionary divergence and expansion. Phylogenetic classification is highly consistent with gene structures ad conserved motifs suggesting potential functional diversification. Promoter analysis revealed a complex cis-regulatory landscape enriched in n ABA- and light-responsive elements, frequently co-occuring with hormone-responsive elements associated with jasmonic acid (JA), gibberellins (GAs), salicylic acid (SA), and strigolactones (SLs) signaling. This pattern suggests that the Ml4CL family may function as an integrative regulatory node linking multiple stress and hormonal signaling pathways. Importantly, under Cd stress, Ml4CL genes exhibited diverse expression dynamics, including gene-specific repression and dose-dependent biphasic responses. Notably, Ml4CL4 showed strong repression, while other members displayed “induction-then-repression” or “repression-then-induction” patterns, suggesting a staged or hierarichical transcriptional response. These findings further suggest that Cd-responsive signaling networks may involve non-linear or threshold-dependent mechanismsthat activate distinct transcriptional programs depending on stress levels. Collectively, this study highlights the regulatory role of the Ml4CL family in plant adaptation to complex environments and identifies candidate dose-resonsive regulatory elements and key allelic variations. These findings provide valuable targets for molecular breeding and synthetic biology aimed at improving crop stress resilience. Full article