Search Results (4,843)

Drosophila melanogaster has been a cornerstone of biological research, offering critical insights into genetics, neurobiology, and disease modelling. This review examines Drosophila feeding research, including the diverse assays available to study feeding behaviour, and explores its biomedical and entomological applications. We highlight studies that have advanced our understanding of human feeding and eating disorders, vector-borne infectious diseases, and agricultural pest control. In clinical applications, we discuss a two-pronged approach: using Drosophila to model human feeding and eating disorders, as well as to study insect vectors that contribute to human disease transmission. We explore how feeding studies in Drosophila provide valuable insights into energy homeostasis, metabolic regulation, pathogen–host interactions, and vector biology. Beyond clinical relevance, the entomological applications of Drosophila feeding research extend to sustainable pest management and insecticide resistance. Finally, we identify gaps in current research and suggest promising directions for further exploration. By leveraging the genetic and behavioural tools available in this model, researchers can continue to uncover conserved mechanisms with broad implications for human health, disease control, and agricultural sustainability. Full article

Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is an economically important fish species along China’s southern coast. However, infections by Cryptocaryon irritans severely constrain the healthy and sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. To investigate the genetic basis of resistance to this parasite in golden pompano, this study employed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to compare differences between susceptible (ES) and resistant (RS) groups following C. irritans challenge. Transcriptome analysis identified 2031 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EST and RST groups, comprising 1004 up-regulated and 1027 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed that these DEGs were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways. Untargeted metabolomics detected 461 significantly differentially abundant metabolites (295 up-regulated, 166 down-regulated), confirming pronounced metabolic differences between ES and RS groups, particularly in lipid and amino acid metabolism. Further, KEGG enrichment highlighted steroid hormone biosynthesis, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism as the most significantly altered pathways upon infection. This integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic study reveals substantial differences in gene expression and metabolite profiles between susceptible and resistant golden pompano in response to C. irritans. These changes predominantly involve lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, suggesting that these processes are critical in determining host resistance/susceptibility. Full article

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is a problematic pathogen due to its high-risk infections and resistance mechanisms. To fight against this bacterium, novel antimicrobial sources and new delivery systems must be developed. Antimicrobial polyurethanes for developing biomaterials can function as preventive strategies. In this study, we explore the synthesis of partially renewable polyurethanes as biomaterial carriers of novel antimicrobials. An antibacterial extract from a Streptomyces sp. strain and its inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin, used as an additional protective approach, were incorporated into castor oil-based polyurethane films through bulk or surface loading. The inclusion complexes were characterized to confirm host–guest interactions. The films were characterized by FTIR, XRD spectra, surface SEM images, hydrophilicity, thermal stability, and mechanical performance. FTIR suggested successful polyurethane synthesis. The polymers were semicrystalline and thermally stable until 260 °C, and Tg ranged between −16.9 and −9 °C. Bulk modification decreased the mechanical performance of the films. Surface modification promoted good antibacterial performance but cytotoxic potential against HDFa cells. However, PU active films showed favorable properties and hemocompatibility, making them a promising alternative for applications such as short-term dressings, serving as an antimicrobial delivery system and a preventive strategy against methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Full article

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic filamentous fungus that primarily affects the respiratory tract of the human body. Depending on its host’s immune response, the pathogen can cause invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Biofilm formation by A. fumigatus increases virulence and resistance against antifungals and immune response and is one important factor in IPA development. Here, two human-like models, precision cut lung slices (PCLS) and a biofilm co-culture model, have been developed to test the anti-biofilm activity of voriconazole, amphotericin B, as well as luliconazole against A. fumigatus. In both assays, metabolically active A. fumigatus biofilms were examined at different biofilm developmental stages using an XTT assay. A decrease in the metabolic activity of the fungal biofilms was detected for each of the tested agents in both assays. Significant anti-biofilm effects exist against early-stage biofilm in the co-culture model. In the PCLS assay, amphotericin B showed the strongest inhibition after 24 h. In conclusion, the applied PCLS ex vivo model can be used to study the property and activity of certain antifungal compounds against Aspergillus biofilm. With its close resemblance to human conditions, the PCLS model has the potential for improving the current understanding of biofilm treatments in laboratory settings. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients and contributing to global food security. Fungal pathogens that interact with fruits and vegetables reduce their quality and shelf life and lead to economic losses and risks to human health through the production of mycotoxins. Chemical fungicides, used to control postharvest pathogens, are posing serious environmental and health risks, driving interest in safer alternative strategies. Biocontrol methods using antagonistic microbes, such as yeasts, are eco-friendly, sustainable, and the most promising, but they often have limited efficacy and specificity in diverse produce. There is growing interest in the innovative enhancement of biocontrol strategies. The present review shows that inducing, enhancing, co-application, encapsulation, and post-application treatments are common enhancement techniques, while environmental, host, and pathogen characteristics, antagonistic microbial traits, and chemical inputs are the major gearing factors for the best application methods. These methods do not involve genetic modification, which is adequate to reduce the proliferation of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) while optimizing antagonistic microbial performance by promoting growth, inducing host resistance, enhancing antifungal properties, improving adhesion, and boosting stress tolerance. Most enhancers fall under groups of nutritional additives, protective carriers, growth stimulants, and encapsulants. Integrating these enhancers and best methods promises reduced postharvest losses, supports sustainable agriculture, and addresses economic losses and food security challenges. This study highlights the role of organic and natural elicitors, their application methods, their mechanisms in improving BCAs (Biological Control Agents), and their overall efficiency. This review concisely compiles recent strategies, calling for further research to revolutionize fungal pathogen management, reduce food waste, and promote responsible farming practices. Full article

Penaeus vannamei aquaculture production accounts for the majority of total shrimp aquaculture output, but it has suffered a severe decline in production and economic losses due to WSSV disease. Therefore, elucidating the relationship between the host immune system and pathogens is crucial for shrimp disease prevention and control. Integrins, as receptor-related molecules, have been shown to participate in various physiological functions, including cell migration, organismal development, and the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms of integrin genes in the shrimp immune system remain unclear. This study reports that integrins may regulate the Toll, IMD, and STAT signaling pathways in P. vannamei by influencing Spätzle, TLR, and Domeless, thereby affecting the shrimp’s innate immune system against diseases. Additionally, integrins can inhibit viral entry and replication. Through RNA interference (RNAi) experiments, it was found that knocking down Pv-Integrin β increases the viral load of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), making shrimp more susceptible to WSSV and giving rise to increasing mortality. Further research indicates that Pv-Integrin β acts as an upstream recognition receptor in the disease resistance immune pathway, influencing other signaling pathway receptors to regulate the innate immune system. Importantly, knocking down Pv-Integrin β upregulates the expression of antimicrobial peptides such as ALF1 and ALF2, but reduces the expression of Crustin1, Crustin2 and prophenoloxidase. In conclusion, this study reveals that Pv-Integrin β regulates the disease resistance immune signaling pathways by affecting the related receptors. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small-molecule polypeptides with broad-spectrum antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. As feed additives, they have demonstrated synergistic effects in aquaculture by enhancing growth performance and maintaining host health. Its negligible drug resistance makes it an ideal additive to replace antibiotics in the “antibiotic-free breeding” system. Antimicrobial peptides were added to the basic diet of the crucian carp (Carassius auratus) to assess their impacts on growth, muscle quality, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and key gene expression in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Crucian carp were fed with experimental diets containing antimicrobial peptides for 49 days, namely four treatments: L0 (0 g/kg), L1 (0.2 g/kg), L2 (0.4 g/kg), and L3 (0.6 g/kg), with three repetitions of each treatment. The findings indicated that AMPs had the potential to improve growth performance and muscle quality. The final weight, WGR, and SGR of crucian carp of group L1 significantly increased compared with groups L0 and L3 (p < 0.05). The condition factor of group L2 significantly increased compared with group L0(p < 0.05). The FCR of groups L0, L1, and L2 was significantly reduced compared with group L3 (p < 0.05). The muscle redness of group L1 was significantly higher compared with groups L0, L2, and L3 (p < 0.05). The muscle shear force of groups L0, L1, and L2 was significantly lower compared with group L3 (p < 0.05). The crude protein content of groups L0, L1, and L2 showed significantly higher crude protein content than group L3 (p < 0.05). Conversely, the crude fat content was significantly lower in groups L1, L2, and L3 compared with group L0 (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of group L1 was significantly higher compared with groups L0, L2, and L3 (p < 0.05). The catalase (CAT) activity of groups L0 and L1 was significantly increased compared with groups L2 and L3 (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content of groups L1 and L2 was significantly reduced compared with groups L0 and L3 (p < 0.05). The acid phosphatase (ACP) activity of groups L1 and L2 was significantly increased compared with group L0 (p < 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity of group L1 was significantly increased compared with groups L0 and L3 (p < 0.05). Compared with groups L2 and L3, the lysozyme activity of group L1 was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The C3 content of groups L1, L2, and L3 was significantly higher compared with group L0 (p < 0.05). Similarly, C4 levels of groups L2 and L3 significantly exceeded group L0 (p < 0.05). For inflammatory cytokines, the IL-1 levels of groups L1 and L2 were significantly higher than those of group L0 (p < 0.05). The IL-6 and IL-12 levels of groups L0, L1, and L2 significantly increased compared with group L3 (p < 0.05). Compared with group L0, the levels of TNF and IFN-γ of groups L1, L2, and L3 were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Compared with group L0, the relative expression levels and protein expression levels of key genes TLR4, MyD88, IRAK4, TRAF6, and NF-κB of groups L1, L2, and L3 were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 0.2–0.4 g/kg antimicrobial peptides promoted the growth of crucian carp, improved muscle quality, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and boosted immunity through modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Full article

Candida albicans is the primary etiological agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a widespread fungal infection affecting millions of women worldwide. Although often self-limiting, VVC can become recurrent or severe, significantly impacting quality of life. The pathogenesis of C. albicans is driven by key virulence factors, including hyphal transformation, biofilm formation, and immune evasion, which all facilitate persistence and resistance to host defenses. Epidemiological data indicate that up to 75% of women experience at least one episode of VVC, with 5–10% developing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. The condition typically presents with vaginal itching, burning, erythema, edema, and an abnormal discharge. Diagnosis relies on both clinical presentation and microbiological confirmation; however, misdiagnosis remains common due to symptom overlap with other vaginal infections and conditions in general. Azole antifungals remain the cornerstone of treatment; however, increasing resistance (particularly in non-albicans Candida species) poses substantial therapeutic challenges. Consequently, the emergence of antifungal-resistant strains underscores the need for novel treatment strategies, including probiotics and natural antifungal agents. Preventive measures—including maintaining vaginal microbiota balance, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic usage, and improving hygiene practices—play a pivotal role in reducing disease burden due to C. albicans. Given the rising incidence of VVC and the burden of recurrent cases, further research is essential to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review highlights the evolving epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical challenges of C. albicans-associated VVC, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic strategies, alternative therapeutic approaches, and targeted preventive measures to reduce disease burden and enhance patient outcomes. Full article

Mobile genetic elements such as integrons are key drivers of microbial evolution, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental pressures through the acquisition and rearrangement of gene cassettes. In this study, we explored the structural diversity and synteny of class 1 integrons (intI1) across a set of agroecosystem-related environments, including digestate, compost, and rhizosphere soils from wheat crops (Triticum durum and T. aestivum). Our results reveal distinct gene cassette architectures shaped by the origin of the samples: digestate harbored the most diverse and complex arrays, while compost displayed streamlined structures. Rhizosphere soils exhibited intermediate configurations, reflecting a dynamic balance between environmental exposure and host influence. Genes associated with resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals, such as qacEΔ1 and ebrA, were differentially distributed, suggesting site-specific selective pressures. The observed patterns of cassette organization and diversity underscore the role of integron synteny as a molecular fingerprint of microbial adaptation. These findings position class 1 integrons as promising bioindicators of soil health and functional resilience, supporting a One Health approach to sustainable agriculture and microbial risk monitoring. Full article

Enteroviruses, a diverse genus within the Picornaviridae family, are responsible for a wide range of human infections, including hand, foot, and mouth disease, respiratory disease, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, and acute flaccid paralysis. Despite their substantial global health burden and the frequent emergence of outbreaks, no specific antiviral therapies are currently approved for clinical use against non-polio enteroviruses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of antiviral strategies targeting enteroviruses, including direct-acting antivirals such as capsid binders, protease inhibitors, and viral RNA polymerase inhibitors. We also examine the potential of host-targeting agents that interfere with virus–host interactions essential for replication. Emerging strategies such as immunotherapeutic approaches, RNA interference, CRISPR-based antivirals, and peptide-based antivirals are also explored. Furthermore, we address key challenges, including viral diversity, drug resistance, and limitations in preclinical models. By highlighting recent advances and ongoing efforts in antiviral development, this review aims to guide future research and accelerate the discovery of effective therapies against enterovirus infections. Full article

Tritrichomonas foetus is an anaerobic flagellated protozoan that infects multiple animal hosts, primarily cattle and cats, with occasional isolation from pigs. It causes bovine trichomonosis, a venereal disease associated with infertility, abortion, and economic losses in cattle herd. In cats, T. foetus infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing chronic diarrhea which can be difficult to treat. Despite its broad impact, the pathogen is difficult to control because it evades immune responses and persists in host tissues. Recent advances in omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have contributed to a better understanding of the parasite’s genetic structure, virulence, drug resistance mechanisms, and metabolic pathways. These findings have identified potential drug targets and paved the way for targeted therapies. However, the biology, pathogenicity, and host interactions with T. foetus are still not fully understood, and many aspects of its life cycle and molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This review summarizes the latest omics research on T. foetus, highlighting its genetic diversity and host-specific adaptations, and outlines the gaps in our understanding. Full article

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a tick-borne bunyavirus with a mortality rate of up to 30%. There is no specific treatment for SFTSV. This article systematically reviews the progress of major anti-SFTSV drugs. The nucleotide analogues (favipiravir, 4′-fluorouridine diphosphate prodrug VV261) have shown clinical potential. Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, etc.) block virus invasion by inhibiting calcium influx. Monoclonal antibody (S2A5/SNB02) has achieved targeted therapy, and SNB02 nanoantibody has entered clinical trials. However, many candidate agents predominantly focus on a single target, such as viral RdRp or host calcium channels, which makes it difficult to block the entire viral replication cycle and may accelerate the accumulation of resistant mutations. In addition, the low bioavailability of small-molecule drugs, the obstacles to industrial-scale production of antibody-based therapies, and the lack of Phase III clinical evidence severely restrict their clinical translation. Future research should focus on exploring viral replication mechanisms, developing drugs against key viral proteins, and designing multi-target combination therapies and novel drug delivery systems. Full article

The pathogenic plant fungus Bipolaris maydis is responsible for southern corn leaf blight (SCLB), a widespread agricultural disease that significantly reduces maize yield in various agroecological zones. The present research focuses on characterizing the role of Trichoderma harzianum cellobiohydrolase (CBH) Thph2 in induced maize resistance to SCLB by triggering the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leaves. First of all, we demonstrated the potential activities of Thph2 in triggering ROS burst and PDC in a model plant, Nicotiana benthamiana. Cell death, ROS burst, and programmed cell death (PCD) were observed in N. benthamiana leaves following transient expression of Thph2, indicating its defensive role against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection. The removal of the signal peptide from Thph2 resulted in the complete loss of the cell death phenotype and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), confirming that Thph2 functions as a microbial elicitor that primes host plant immunity through ROS-mediated signaling, thereby inducing systemic resistance (ISR). Furthermore, the Thph2 protein conferred resistance against B. maydis in maize, significantly increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation (1.5-fold compared to the control) at 48 h post-inoculation (hpi),and leading to the reduction in the lesion area of SCLB by 15.9% at 2 days post-inoculation (dpi). Our results demonstrated that the Thph2 protein markedly enhanced the expression of lox5, aos, and hpl in maize leaves, thereby confirming its function in triggering plant defense mechanisms primarily via the jasmonic acid signaling pathway. This research reveals new molecular mechanisms by which T. harzianum enhances plant defense and showcases the biocontrol efficacy of Thph2 against southern corn leaf blight (SCLB). Full article

Apolygus lucorum is one of the main pests affecting tea quality. Chemical control is the primary method for managing this pest, but issues such as pesticide residues and the development of resistance are inevitable. The pest’s extensive host range holds significant practical implications for developing novel food baits. This study first investigated the preference of adult A. lucorum for tea branches under different conditions and various host plants by using the Y-tube olfactometer. Subsequently, the trapping efficacy of active tea volatile components and food baits was tested. The results revealed that adult A. lucorum exhibited a stronger preference for healthy and mechanically damaged tea branches, while they avoided branches infested with high densities of conspecifics. Adult A. lucorum showed significantly higher selection rates for Gossypium hirsutum, Vigna radiata leaf, Glycine max leaf, Phaseolus vulgaris, Lablab purpureus, and Brassica pekinensis compared with healthy tea branches. In field trials, three tea volatile baits showed effective trapping performance, (E,E)-α-farnesene, nonanal, and (Z)-3-hexenol. Three mixture baits of foods and tea plant volatiles, B. pekinensis + (Z)-3-hexenol, P. vulgaris + (E,E)-α-farnesene, and S. melongena + (Z)-3-hexenol, not only demonstrated high attractiveness but also maintained a residual effect period as long as 20 days. This study provides new insights and approaches for the integrated management of A. lucorum and offers technical support for the development of novel green pest control technologies in tea plantations. Full article

Breast cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) posing unique clinical complexities. Characterized by its aggressive nature and limited number of specific therapeutic targets, this breast cancer subtype disproportionately affects African American women, highlighting critical disparities in care. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a critical role in breast cancer development and response to immunotherapy, and it is essential in fostering an immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory niche. Inflammation, primarily mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway and chemokine signaling, particularly involving CCL2, plays a pivotal role in TNBC progression and therapy resistance. This review describes some of the molecular mechanisms of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds abundant in various dietary sources, and their potential use as therapeutic agents in the management of TNBC. Polyphenolic compounds have been described as modulating the TIME through the inhibition of tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance, due to their diverse bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, making them attractive candidates for combating the aggressiveness of TNBC and addressing treatment disparities. Polyphenols, such as curcumin, gossypol, butein, epigallocatechin gallate, cardamonin, and resveratrol, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating several signaling pathways within the TIME, which are implicated in the progression of TNBC. This review highlights the potential effects of polyphenols on inflammatory cytokine release, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which is associated with immune evasion by the host cell, and various intracellular signaling cascades, demonstrating their potential use in personalized therapeutic interventions for TNBC. This study also describes differential responses of TNBC cell lines to polyphenol treatment, highlighting the importance of considering genetic variability in therapeutic strategies, as well as the importance of the interaction of polyphenols with the gut microbiome, which may establish the bioavailability and effectiveness of these compounds toward therapeutic outcomes. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of polyphenols and translate these findings into clinical practice, thereby improving outcomes for patients with TNBC worldwide. Full article