Search Results (5,495)

Saline-alkali stress seriously affects the growth and development of crops. Sorghum bicolor (L.), a C4 plant, is an important cereal crop in the world, and its growth and geographical distribution are limited by alkali conditions. In this study, sorghum genotypes with different alkaline resistance (alkaline-sensitive Z1 and alkaline-tolerant Z14) were used as experimental materials to explore the effects of alkali on sorghum seedlings. RNA-seq technology was used to examine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in alkali-tolerant Z14 to reveal the molecular mechanism of sorghum response to alkali stress. The results showed that plant height, root length, and biomass of both cultivars decreased with time under 80 mM NaHCO₃ treatment, but Z14 showed better water retention abilities. The photosynthetic fluorescence parameters and chlorophyll content also decreased, but the Fv/Fm, ETH, ΦPSII, and chlorophyll content of Z14 were significantly higher than those of Z1. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased in both sorghum varieties under alkali stress, while the enzyme activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX were also significantly increased, especially in Z14, resulting in lower ROS compared with Z1. Transcriptome analysis revealed around 6000 DEGs in Z14 sorghum seedlings under alkali stress, among which 267 DEGs were expressed in all comparison groups. KEGG pathways were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, and RNA transport. bHLHs, ERFs, NACs, MYBs, and other transcription factor families are actively involved in the response to alkali stress. A large number of genes involved in photosynthesis and the antioxidant system were found to be significantly activated under alkali stress. In the stress signal transduction cascades, Ca²⁺ signal transduction pathway-related genes were activated, about 23 PP2Cs in ABA signaling were upregulated, and multiple MAPK and other kinase-related genes were triggered by alkali stress. These findings will help decipher the response mechanism of sorghum to alkali stress and improve its alkali tolerance. Full article

The Auxin-Regulated Gene Involved in Organ Size (ARGOS) proteins have crucial regulatory effects on organ size and responses to environmental stresses. Despite their importance, Brassica oleracea ARGOS gene members and their functions in response to abiotic stresses have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we identified 40 ARGOS genes via a genome wide analysis of cauliflower and two other B. oleracea morphotypes as well as Brassica rapa, Brassica nigra, and Raphanus sativus. Expression pattern analyses indicated that these genes are responsive to multiple abiotic stresses, including salinity, heat, cold, and diverse hormones. Notably, the expression of an ARGOS-like gene (BobARL2) was upregulated in cauliflower treated with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). Moreover, the overexpression of BobARL2 decreased ethylene sensitivity, resulting in less inhibition of root elongation compared to the wild-type. Additionally, the overexpression lines exhibited enhanced salt tolerance. A yeast two-hybrid assay and luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) assay confirmed that BobARL2 can interact with Reversion-to-ethylene sensitivity Like4 (BobRTL4), which negatively regulates ethylene signal transduction. These findings advance our understanding of the evolution and functional roles of ARGOS genes in cauliflower and other Brassicaceae species, particularly in relation to abiotic stress responses, while also offering valuable insights relevant to the genetic improvement and breeding of novel varieties. Full article

Calcium is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, and there is an optimal calcium concentration for plant growth. Calcium ion concentration changes create “calcium signals” that regulate plant growth through perception, decoding, transduction, and response processes. However, the mechanisms by which calcium signaling regulates photosynthesis are still not fully understood. In this study, Quercus acutissima seedlings were used to investigate the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of the calcium channel blocker lanthanum chloride (LaCl₃) on photosynthesis and the underlying mechanisms. The results show that increasing LaCl₃ concentration significantly decreased photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigment contents, and photosynthetic product accumulation. Long-term water use efficiency decreased with increasing LaCl₃ concentration, while instantaneous water use efficiency initially increased and then decreased. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that LaCl₃ concentration was significantly positively correlated with leaf calcium concentration in Quercus acutissima seedlings, while it was significantly negatively correlated with stomatal conductance, carotenoids, and soluble sugar content. The study concludes that LaCl₃ directly inhibits the photosynthetic physiological processes of Quercus acutissima seedlings by blocking calcium signaling, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms of calcium signaling in plant photosynthesis and a theoretical basis for the cultivation and application of Quercus acutissima under varying environmental conditions. Full article

Wnt signaling is an ancient developmental mechanism that drives the initial specification and patterning of the primary axis in many metazoan embryos. Yet, it is unclear how exactly the various Wnt components interact in most Wnt-mediated developmental processes as well as in the molecular mechanism regulating adult tissue homeostasis. Recent work in invertebrate deuterostome sea urchin embryos indicates that three different Wnt signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Wnt/JNK, and Wnt/PKC) form an interconnected Wnt signaling network that specifies and patterns the primary anterior–posterior (AP) axis. Here, we detail our current knowledge of this critical regulatory process in sea urchin embryos. We also illustrate examples from a diverse group of metazoans, from cnidarians to vertebrates, that suggest aspects of the sea urchin AP Wnt signaling network are deeply conserved. We explore how the sea urchin is an excellent model to elucidate a detailed molecular understanding of AP axis specification and patterning that can be used for identifying unifying developmental principles across animals. Full article

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins in eukaryotic cells are essential for regulating proteome function and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Among these, the methylation modification of arginine has received much attention in recent years. The enzymatic process of arginine methylation is catalyzed by a family of approximately nine known protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) in humans, which utilize S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl group donor. PRMTs are involved in biological processes such as gene transcription, signal transduction, and DNA damage repair. Their role in normal cellular functions and pathological disease states is becoming increasingly clear with the advancement of research. This paper provides a review of the numerous roles of members of the PRMT family in normal cellular function and disease pathophysiology, with a focus on their association with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and discusses their broad impact on various physiological processes and pathological conditions. Full article

Cadmium (Cd), a pervasive and highly phytotoxic metal pollutant, poses severe threats to agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and human health through its entry into the food chain. Plants have evolved intricate defense mechanisms, among which the strategic manipulation of nutrient elements emerges as a critical physiological and biochemical strategy for mitigating Cd stress. This comprehensive review delves deeply into the multifaceted roles of essential macronutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur), essential micronutrient elements (zinc, iron, manganese, copper) and non-essential beneficial elements (silicon, selenium) in modulating plant responses to Cd toxicity. We meticulously dissect the physiological, biochemical, and molecular underpinnings of how these nutrients influence Cd bioavailability in the rhizosphere, Cd uptake and translocation pathways, sequestration and compartmentalization within plant tissues, and the activation of antioxidant defense systems. Nutrient elements exert their influence through diverse mechanisms: competing with Cd for root uptake transporters, promoting the synthesis of complexes that reduce Cd mobility, stabilizing cell walls and plasma membranes to restrict apoplastic flow and symplastic influx, modulating redox homeostasis by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant pools, regulating signal transduction pathways, and influencing gene expression profiles related to metal transport, chelation, and detoxification. The complex interactions between nutrients themselves further shape the plant’s capacity to withstand Cd stress. Recent advances elucidating nutrient-mediated epigenetic regulation, microRNA involvement, and the role of nutrient-sensing signaling hubs in Cd responses are critically evaluated. Furthermore, we synthesize the practical implications of nutrient management strategies, including optimized fertilization regimes, selection of nutrient-efficient genotypes, and utilization of nutrient-enriched amendments, for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency and developing low-Cd-accumulating crops, thereby contributing to safer food production and environmental restoration in Cd-contaminated soils. The intricate interplay between plant nutritional status and Cd stress resilience underscores the necessity for a holistic, nutrient-centric approach in managing Cd toxicity in agroecosystems. Full article

Root exudates are critical signaling molecules in belowground plant–plant interactions, regulating physiological and ecological responses in adjacent plants through kinship recognition and self-/non-self-discrimination systems. This review systematically synthesizes the compositional diversity of root exudates, with particular emphasis on elucidating the ecological foundations of plant recognition modalities (kin recognition, allelopathy, plant self-/non-self-identification, and growth regulation). The analyses demonstrate that exudate composition is dynamically modulated by plant species identity, rhizosphere microbial communities, and environmental stressors, with signaling functions mediated through both physical signal transduction and chemical signal decoding. This chemical communication system not only drives species-specific interaction strategies but redefines the theoretical frameworks of plant community assembly by establishing causal linkages between molecular signaling events and ecological outcomes. Full article

Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a widely used ornamental grass worldwide. Drought is an important limiting factor for the growth and development of blue fescue; therefore, cultivating new strains of blue fescue with a strong drought tolerance is of great significance for its production practice. To investigate the drought tolerance mechanism of ds-1, this study subjected both ds-1 and “Festina” to a natural drought treatment and measured their physiological and biochemical indicators. A transcriptomic analysis was also conducted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that, after the drought treatment, the relative water content (RWC), water use efficiency (WUE), and photosynthetic rate (Pn) of ds-1 leaves were significantly higher than those of “Festina”; in addition, the contents of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻, the relative electrical conductivity (REC), the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the gas conductance (Gs), and the transpiration rate (Tr) were significantly lower than those of “Festina”. The peroxidase (POD) activity of ds-1 was significantly higher than that of “Festina”, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of ds-1 was significantly lower than that of “Festina”. The transcriptome data analysis showed that there were a total of 9475 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ds-1 and “Festina”. A Venn plot analysis showed 692 DEGs between ds-1—8d vs. “Festina”—8d and ds-1—16d vs. “Festina”—16d. A KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these 692 genes were mainly enriched in 86 pathways, including those related to the photosynthesis antenna protein, plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, starch and sucrose metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. Further screening identified genes that may be associated with drought stress, including PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, ABF, BRI1, JAZ, MYC2, Lhc, and MPK6. The qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression trends of the DEGs were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. Our research results can provide a basis for exploring candidate genes for drought tolerance in blue fescue. In addition, our research results provide valuable genetic resources for the development of drought-resistant ornamental grass varieties, which can help reduce water consumption in cities and decrease labor and capital investment. Full article

Yield components are the most important breeding objectives, directly determining maize high-yield breeding. It is well known that these traits are controlled by a large number of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Therefore, deeply understanding the genetic basis of yield components and identifying key regulatory candidate genes can lay the foundation for maize marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding. In this study, our aim was to identify the key genomic regions that regulate maize yield component formation through bioinformatic methods. Herein, 554 original QTLs related to 11 yield components, including ear length (EL), hundred-kernel weight (HKW), ear weight (EW), cob weight (CW), ear diameter (ED), cob diameter (CD), kernel row number (KRN), kernel number per row (KNR), kernel length (KL), grain weight per plant (GW), and kernel width (KW) in maize, were collected from the MaizeGDB, national center for biotechnology information (NCBI), and China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) databases. The consensus map was then constructed with a total length of 7154.30 cM. Approximately 80.32% of original QTLs were successfully projected on the consensus map, and they were unevenly distributed on the 10 chromosomes (Chr.). Moreover, 44 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) were identified by the meta-analysis. Among them, 39 MQTLs controlled two or more yield components, except for the MQTL4 in Chr. 1, which was associated with HKW; MQTL11 in Chr. 2, which was responsible for EL; MQTL19 in Chr. 3, which was related to KRN; MQTL26 in Chr. 5, which was involved in HKW; and MQTL36 in Chr. 7, which regulated EL. These findings were consistent with the Pearson correlation results, indicating that these traits exhibited co-linked heredity phenomena. Meanwhile, 159 candidate genes were found in all of the above MQTLs intervals, of which, 29 genes encoded E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, which was related with kernel size and weight. Other genes were involved in multiple metabolic processes, including plant hormones signaling transduction, plant growth and development, sucrose–starch synthesis and metabolism, and reproductive growth. Overall, the results will provide reliable genetic resources for high-yield molecular breeding in maize. Full article

ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) and AS2 play essential roles in regulating leaf development in plants. However, their functional roles in soybean remain poorly understood. Here, we identified two members of the soybean AS1 gene family, GmAS1a and GmAS1c, which exhibit high expression levels in stem and leaf tissues. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we targeted four GmAS1 and three GmAS2 genes, generating mutant lines with distinct leaf development phenotypes, including wrinkling (refers to fine lines and creases on the leaf surface, like aged skin texture), curling (describes the inward or outward rolling of leaf edges, deviating from the typical flat shape), and narrow. We found that functional redundancy exists among the four GmAS1 genes in soybean. GmAS1 and GmAS2 cooperatively regulate leaf curling, leaf crinkling phenotypes, and leaf width in soybean, with functional redundancy also observed between these two genes. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of w3 mutant (as1b as1c as1d as2a as2b as2c) identified 1801 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 192 transcription factors (TFs). Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of DEGs in pathways associated with plant hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction. A detailed examination of the DEGs showed several genes involved in the development of leaf lateral organs, such as KNOX (SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM), KNAT1, KNAT2, and KNAT6), LOB (LBD25, LBD30), and ARP5, were down-regulated in w3/WT (wild-type) comparison. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis of the GmAS1/2 genes significantly impairs leaf development and polarity establishment in soybean, providing valuable germplasm resources and a theoretical framework for future studies on leaf morphogenesis. Full article

Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) is one of the most devastating enteric pathogens causing gastroenteritis in pigs, particularly the sudden occurrence in recent years in China. To elucidate host–pathogen interactions and molecular mechanisms underlying PoRV pathogenesis, four-dimensional (4D) data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomic (4D-DIA) analysis was performed to comprehensively quantify the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in PoRV-infected IPEC-J2 cells. A total of 8725 cellular proteins were identified with 279 more abundant and 356 down abundant proteins. A Western blot showed that the abundance of SA100A8, DAPK2, and FTL were in accordance with the acquired proteomic data using 4D-DIA analysis. Bioinformatics analyses of GO and KEGG demonstrated that various DAPs are involved in crucial biological processes and signaling pathways, such as immune response, signal transduction, metabolic pathways, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, inflammatory features of host response upon PoRV infection were highlighted, with RT-qPCR confirming the significant upregulation of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, STAT1, and IRF9 transcript levels during infection. Altogether, our preliminary findings advance our understanding of PoRV pathogenesis and may shed light on identifying potential targets for the prevention and control of PoRV-associated gastroenteritis. Full article

Sialic acid, typically positioned at the terminal ends of glycoprotein or glycolipid chains via glycosyltransferase activity, is indispensable for intercellular recognition and signal transduction. Aberrant sialylation has been implicated in disrupted cell communication and oncogenic signaling, contributing to carcinogenesis. Consequently, targeting sialic acid metabolism has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer diagnosis and therapy. This review first delineates the physiological biosynthesis of sialic acid and molecular mechanisms underlying its pathological dysregulation. We then examine the sialic acid–Siglec axis as an immune checkpoint in cancer immunotherapy, highlighting its functional convergence and divergence from the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Furthermore, we elucidate how aberrant sialylation drives malignant transformation. Finally, we synthesize current therapeutic strategies targeting the sialic acid–Siglec axis, with particular emphasis on implementing nanomaterial-based platforms in clinical translation. These advances may yield novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for glycobiology-guided precision medicine. Full article

Anthocyanins are key antioxidants that play a significant role in plant responses to adverse stresses, including nitrogen deficiency. However, research on the metabolic and transcriptional regulation of anthocyanins in black soybean seed coats under low-nitrogen conditions remains limited. Here, we report that low-nitrogen treatment significantly alters the accumulation of anthocyanin metabolites and the gene expression profiles in black soybeans. Specifically, a greater number of differential anthocyanin metabolites are induced under low-nitrogen conditions, which contributes to the accumulation of anthocyanins in the seed coat. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are mainly enriched in multiple antioxidant pathways involved in responding to low-nitrogen stress; in flavonoid and phenylalanine metabolic pathways, as well as protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, which are associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis; and in plant hormone signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation. The expressions of genes encoding key enzymes in anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and O-methyltransferase (OMT), as well as genes encoding the blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome (CRY) and proteins related to cellular autophagy, were upregulated under low-nitrogen treatment. This suggests that these genes may play a key role in low-nitrogen-induced anthocyanin accumulation. This study provides a theoretical basis and novel perspective for understanding the regulatory mechanism underlying low-nitrogen-induced anthocyanin accumulation in black soybeans. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study developed a targeted drug delivery nanoplatform for treating HER2-positive breast cancer. The nanoplatform encapsulated two hydrophobic anticancer agents, neratinib (NTB) and docetaxel (DTX), within nanoparticles (DTX+NTB−NP) functionalized for conjugation to trastuzumab to form trastuzumab-tagged nanoparticles (TRZ−NP). Trastuzumab is a HER2-specific monoclo-nal antibody that binds to HER2 receptors, blocking signal transduction and inducing an-tibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Upon receptor-mediated endocytosis, neratinib inhibits cytosolic HER2 signaling, while docetaxel disrupts mitotic cell division, collectively leading to tumor cell death. Methods: Nanoparticles were fabricated by the nanoprecipitation technique, followed by surface modification with a crosslinker and a targeting moiety. DTX+NTB−NP, TRZ−NP, and singly loaded nanoparticles (NTB−NP and DTX−NP) were characterized and their effects evaluated in HER2-positive cancer cell line and xenograft model. Results: In vitro antiproliferation assay in SKBR-3 cell line re-veals a dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity. There was no significant difference in cyto-toxicity observed between DTX+NTB−NP and its free form (DTX+NTB) [p = 0.9172], and between TRZ−NP and its free form (TRZ+DTX+NTB) [p = 0.6750]. However, TRZ−NP, at half the concentration of the singly loaded nanoparticles, significantly reduced the viabil-ity of SKBR-3 cells compared to pure trastuzumab (TRZ) [p < 0.001], NTB−NP [p = 0.0019], and DTX−NP [p = 0.0002]. In vivo evaluation in female athymic nude mice showed sig-nificant log relative tumor volume (%) reduction in groups treated with TRZ−NP and DTX+NTB−NP compared to PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) controls (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Notably, TRZ−NP demonstrated a statistically significant regression in the log relative tumor volume (%) compared to DTX+NTB−NP (p = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential and suitability of these nanoplatforms for the precise and controlled targeting of HER2-positive tumors. This study is the first to synchronize the delivery of multiple agents-docetaxel, neratinib, and trastuzumab-within a nanoparticle system for treating HER2-positive tumors, offering a promising strategy to enhance treatment outcomes for HER2 positive breast cancer patients. Full article

Lycoris longituba produces a single flower bearing six tepals. The double-petaled phenotype of L. longituba has gained significant interest in China due to its ornamental and commercial value in tourism industries. This double-petal phenotype, characterized by stamen petalization, shows improved esthetic characteristics compared with conventional single-petal form. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this floral trait remain largely undefined. In this study, RNA-based comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed between single- and double-petaled flowers of L. longituba at the fully opened flower stage. Approximately 13,848 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (6528 upregulated and 7320 downregulated genes). Functional annotation through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed several DEGs potentially involved in double-petal development. Six candidate genes, including the hub genes LlbHLH49, LlNAC1, LlSEP, LlTIFY, and LlAGL11, were identified based on DEG functional annotation and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Transcription factors responsive to phytohormonal signaling were found to play a pivotal role in modulating double-petal development. Specifically, 123 DEGs were involved in phytohormone biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways, including those associated with auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, ethylene, brassinosteroid, and jasmonic acid. Moreover, 521 transcription factors (TFs) were identified, including members of the MYB, WRKY, AP2/ERF, and MADS-box families. These results improve the current understanding of the genetic regulation of the double tepal trait in L. longituba and offer a base for future molecular breeding strategies to enhance ornamental characteristics. Full article