Biology

24 pages, 4557 KB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Associated NAD+ Decline and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Predispose Cells to a Reversible Tumor-Permissive Metabolic State

by Bibi Amina, Zainab Nasir, Rida Nasir Butt, Ashar Alban Chanan-Khan and Safee Ullah Chaudhary

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161443 - 21 Aug 2026

Viewed by 476

Abstract

Age-associated mitochondrial decline reduces NAD⁺ availability, impairs oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby reshaping cellular metabolism. However, the regulatory logic coupling mitochondrial aging to metabolic dysregulation resulting in tumorigenic cell-fate transitions has not been modeled [...] Read more.

Age-associated mitochondrial decline reduces NAD⁺ availability, impairs oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby reshaping cellular metabolism. However, the regulatory logic coupling mitochondrial aging to metabolic dysregulation resulting in tumorigenic cell-fate transitions has not been modeled systematically. In this work, we propose a Boolean biomolecular network model of mitochondrial aging and integrate it with metabolic, cell-cycle, and apoptotic biomolecular networks comprising 94 nodes and 370 edges. We then examined how NAD⁺ decline, hypoxia and extracellular ROS shifts the balance between OXPHOS and glycolysis. To this end, the consolidated network model underwent dynamical analysis to elucidate the system-level outcomes as well as its molecular triggers. In particular, we investigated whether the metabolic phenotypes are reversible and how cancer-driver perturbations act in the absence of extracellular pyruvate. The model recapitulates a quiescent, OXPHOS-leaning baseline and predicts that progressive NAD⁺ decline lowers OXPHOS propensity (0.686 to 0.186) while raising glycolysis (0.256 to 0.426). Hypoxia and extracellular ROS synergize glycolytic and hybrid oxidative–glycolytic (W/O) states. Furthermore, these two triggers, together with elevated mitogenic signaling, give rise to a hyperproliferative, glycolytic, and apoptosis-resistant cellular state. Interesting, this state is conditionally reversible wherein receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibition redirects this cell fate toward apoptosis and collapses the W/O state. Cancer-driver analysis further indicates that, without extracellular pyruvate, VHL loss and RAS, PI3K, or AKT activation preferentially stabilizes glycolytic and hybrid states. Age-resolved TCGA-BRCA analysis provided expression-level support for the predicted remodeling, with declining OXPHOS-associated expression and concurrent OXPHOS/glycolysis activity in older Basal-like tumors. Together, our results show that mitochondrial aging is a priming condition whose tumor-permissive metabolic output is gated by microenvironmental and nutrient inputs. The model provides a novel framework for evaluating age-associated metabolic reprogramming and predicting early tumorigenic cell fates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signalling Pathways in Cancer and Disease)

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15 pages, 27014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variation and Demographic History of Green Weevil Hypomeces pulviger (Herbst, 1795) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Thailand Examined by Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

by Nakorn Pradit, Warayutt Pilap, Chavanut Jaroenchaiwattanachote, Jatupon Saijuntha, Wittaya Tawong, Watee Kongbuntad, Panida Laotongsan, Komgrit Wongpakam, Khamla Inkhavilay, Isara Thanee, Weerachai Saijuntha and Chairat Tantrawatpan

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161442 - 21 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The population genetic diversity and demographic history of Hypomeces pulviger in Thailand were examined based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequence data. A total of 171 and 104 individuals from multiple populations [...] Read more.

The population genetic diversity and demographic history of Hypomeces pulviger in Thailand were examined based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequence data. A total of 171 and 104 individuals from multiple populations were analyzed using CO1 and 16S rDNA sequences, respectively. The CO1 sequence dataset revealed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.999) and moderate nucleotide diversity (Nd = 0.0323), whereas the 16S rDNA showed lower diversity (Hd = 0.750, Nd = 0.0026). Population structure analyses showed low to moderate differentiation in CO1 sequences with a significant isolation-by-distance pattern, suggesting distance-limited gene flow, while 16S rDNA sequences showed weaker structure. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analyses supported a recent population expansion, as indicated by significantly negative Fu’s Fs and a unimodal distribution. Haplotype network and phylogenetic analyses further demonstrated greater resolution in the CO1 gene compared to the 16S rRNA gene. Collectively, H. pulviger populations in Thailand are genetically diverse, connected, and expanding, likely facilitated by both natural dispersal and agricultural activities. These findings provide important insights for understanding pest dynamics and developing effective management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Advances on Insect Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function)

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28 pages, 18387 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Bioinformatic Identification and Experimental Validation of a Prognostic Transcriptional Signature Derived from Asparagine Metabolism-Related Genes in Breast Cancer

by Tianyang Liu, Guijuan Zhang, Jialin Li, Xianxin Yan and Min Ma

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161441 - 21 Aug 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

Breast cancer (BRCA) possesses prominent molecular heterogeneity, where aberrant expression of genes annotated to asparagine metabolism networks drives malignant progression and therapeutic resistance. However, systematic construction of prognostic signatures from a holistic asparagine metabolic pathway perspective remains scarce, limiting the clinical translation of [...] Read more.

Breast cancer (BRCA) possesses prominent molecular heterogeneity, where aberrant expression of genes annotated to asparagine metabolism networks drives malignant progression and therapeutic resistance. However, systematic construction of prognostic signatures from a holistic asparagine metabolic pathway perspective remains scarce, limiting the clinical translation of metabolic insights into prognostic tools. We integrated TCGA and GEO BRCA transcriptomic datasets to screen asparagine metabolism-related differentially expressed genes and build a prognostic model. Six biomarkers, SLC35A2, SRD5A2, NT5E, CEL, IFNG and CNR1, were selected via univariate Cox, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression. SRD5A2 and IFNG were enriched in low-risk patients, while the other four genes were upregulated in high-risk subgroups. This signature reliably stratifies patient prognosis, with risk scores correlating strongly with pathway activity, immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, mutation landscapes and drug responsiveness. Bioinformatic results were validated via TCGA cohort analysis, in vitro cellular assays and Western blot. Two in vivo models were established: 4T1 xenografts in 6-week-old BALB/c mice and DMBA/hormone-induced spontaneous breast tumors in 8-week-old SD rats. Tumors were generated by cell injection or DMBA gavage plus cyclic hormone treatment, and tissue sections were processed for immunohistochemistry. Consistent differential expression of the six core genes was validated across all in vitro and in vivo systems. In conclusion, this asparagine metabolism-associated signature offers candidate biomarkers for personalized prognosis and provides preclinical evidence for metabolism-targeted BRCA therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics)

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Graphical abstract

3 pages, 3925 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Chai et al. Exploring Novel Therapeutic Targets in Breast Cancer via Comprehensive Omics Profiling and Experimental Verification. Biology 2025, 14, 405

by Shengjun Chai, Jiayong Cui, Yinuo Sun, Xiaowu Wang and Chunmei Cai

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161440 - 21 Aug 2026

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Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-omics Data Integration in Complex Diseases)

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17 pages, 553 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Graded Dietary L-Carnitine Levels on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Physiological Responses in Pekin Ducklings

by Assem Safwat, Asmaa Elnaggar, Osama Elghalid, Mahmoud El-Kelawy, Ibrahim Mankola, Birendra Mishra and Karim El-Sabrout

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161439 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 368

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary LC inclusion (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) in Pekin ducklings from 7 to 65 days of age on growth performance, carcass traits, metabolic profile, immune status, and economic efficiency. A total of 250 unsexed [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary LC inclusion (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) in Pekin ducklings from 7 to 65 days of age on growth performance, carcass traits, metabolic profile, immune status, and economic efficiency. A total of 250 unsexed 7-day-old Pekin ducklings were randomly allocated to five dietary treatment groups, each comprising five replicates of 10 ducklings. The linear response plateau analysis estimated LC breakpoints of approximately 50 mg/kg diet for body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additionally, LC significantly improved carcass yield and crude protein content of the meat, as well as enhanced its antioxidant capacity. Physiologically, LC enhanced hematological indices, lipid metabolism, and thyroid hormone activity, without adversely affecting liver function. Moreover, LC favorably modulated the intestinal microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and reducing pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it improved immune status, as indicated by higher immunoglobulin levels, lysozyme and phagocytic activities, and lymphocyte proliferation. LC significantly enhanced the mentioned parameters without inducing any adverse effects; however, the magnitude of the response plateaued and subsequently declined at higher inclusion levels (200–400 mg/kg). The improvements in performance and health status were attributed to the enhanced fatty acid oxidation, energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and immunomodulatory effects of LC. In conclusion, including 50 mg L-carnitine/kg in the diet represents an effective and appropriate nutritional strategy under the conditions of the present study to optimize growth performance, carcass quality, nutrient digestibility, health status, and economic profitability in Pekin duck production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Zoology)

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21 pages, 2540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Yeast-Derived Postbiotics as Emerging Candidates Against Enteric Bacterial Pathogens: Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Mechanisms Explored In Vitro

by Michelle Cerdán-Alduán, David García-Yoldi, Ana Ceniceros, Yadira Pastor and Raquel Conde-Álvarez

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161438 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Among the many concerns surrounding global health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely recognized as a major threat, especially critical within livestock production, where restrictions on antibiotic use demand effective preventive alternatives. The documented health benefits and structural stability have positioned yeast-derived postbiotics as [...] Read more.

Among the many concerns surrounding global health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely recognized as a major threat, especially critical within livestock production, where restrictions on antibiotic use demand effective preventive alternatives. The documented health benefits and structural stability have positioned yeast-derived postbiotics as an attractive alternative, but research has largely focused on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, leaving non-Saccharomyces yeast species underexplored. To this end, in this study nine non-conventional yeast strains were selected and subjected to different thermal and chemical inactivation methods to determine the most suitable conditions for postbiotic obtention. Based on their physicochemical characterization and scalability potential, heat-treated postbiotics were selected for subsequent in vitro evaluation. Immunomodulatory assays demonstrated that heat-inactivated postbiotics from the different yeast strains were internalized by macrophages and induced dose-and-species-dependent expression of maturation markers CD40 and CD86, as well as TNF-α production, eliciting a proinflammatory response in vitro. Moreover, among all the species evaluated in this work, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Wickerhamomyces anomalus stood out for their ability to significantly reduce the adhesion of the enteropathogen enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) to intestinal cells in vitro. These results highlight the species-dependent immunomodulatory and anti-infective properties of selected yeast-derived postbiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Yeast Biotechnology)

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22 pages, 3102 KB

Open AccessReview

Protein Structure, Evolution and Regulation of CER3, a Core Enzyme Partitioning Carbon into Two Specific Wax Biosynthetic Pathways

by Qingqing Niu, Limei Liu, Chang Liu, Shiyou Lü and Hui Zhang

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161437 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Cuticular wax is a critical component of the plant cuticle, playing an indispensable role in plant growth, development, and defense against environmental stresses. ECERIFERUM3 (CER3), a very-long-chain fatty acyl-CoA reductase, serves as a pivotal hub channeling carbon resources into the alkane- and alcohol-forming [...] Read more.

Cuticular wax is a critical component of the plant cuticle, playing an indispensable role in plant growth, development, and defense against environmental stresses. ECERIFERUM3 (CER3), a very-long-chain fatty acyl-CoA reductase, serves as a pivotal hub channeling carbon resources into the alkane- and alcohol-forming pathways respectively. Here, we systematically characterized the protein structural features and evolutionary patterns of CER3. We also comprehensively reviewed the multiple regulatory mechanisms governing CER3, encompassing transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and epigenetic modifications, with particular emphasis on the definitive finding that CER3 modulates cuticular wax biosynthetic flux by assembling distinct protein complexes. Finally, existing knowledge gaps and future research directions are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Abiotic Stress in Plants and Resilience: Recent Advances)

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15 pages, 8854 KB

Open AccessProtocol

Protocol of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cell Generation from Pluripotent Stem Cells in 2D and 3D Culture Systems

by Vepa K. Abdyev, Polina I. Sirotkina, Evgeniia D. Erofeeva, Mariia A. Erokhina, Nikita Y. Grudinin, Ekaterina A. Vorotelyak and Andrey V. Vasiliev

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161436 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Because human infertility can arise from genetic, molecular, cellular, anatomical, and endocrine abnormalities, in vitro gametogenesis has become an important area of reproductive research. New developing technology involving the generation of human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) [...] Read more.

Because human infertility can arise from genetic, molecular, cellular, anatomical, and endocrine abnormalities, in vitro gametogenesis has become an important area of reproductive research. New developing technology involving the generation of human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) might assist with understanding early germ cell development (specification, migration, gametogenesis, and epigenetic reconstitution), as well as provide a solution for infertility and hereditary disorders. Given that human primordial germ cells (PGCs) are still not well characterized at a molecular level, we present a practical workflow to robustly and efficiently induce hPGCLCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) XX and XY cell lines. This protocol describes the hPGCLC specification of hPSCs through sequential induction with Activin A for 2 days and BMP4 for 6 days in 2D and 3D culture systems. Induction of hPSCs into hPGCLCs demonstrated expression of early primordial germ cell markers, including PRDM1, NANOS3, DAZL, STELLA, SOX17, SSEA1, and cKIT, on the 8th day of hPGCLC generation. We described the protocol for generating early hPGCLCs, which provides an opportunity for further investigations into maturation into late germ cells and a chance to overcome a meiotic block to obtain haploid gametes in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental and Reproductive Biology)

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13 pages, 856 KB

Open AccessReview

The Role of ZNF598 in Translational Quality Control: Mechanisms and Emerging Biological Functions

by Siyuan Wu, Zhiqian Liu and Guodong Chen

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161435 - 20 Aug 2026

Viewed by 347

Abstract

During protein synthesis, ribosome stalling, collision, and aberrant elongation can lead to the accumulation of defective nascent polypeptides and compromise cellular homeostasis. To counteract such translational disturbances, eukaryotic cells have evolved a highly conserved translational quality control network, in which the ribosome-associated quality [...] Read more.

During protein synthesis, ribosome stalling, collision, and aberrant elongation can lead to the accumulation of defective nascent polypeptides and compromise cellular homeostasis. To counteract such translational disturbances, eukaryotic cells have evolved a highly conserved translational quality control network, in which the ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) pathway plays a central role in the recognition and elimination of aberrant translation complexes. Zinc Finger Protein 598 (ZNF598), a key E3 ubiquitin ligase in mammalian cells, functions as an essential factor in the early recognition and signal transduction steps of the RQC pathway. Accumulating evidence indicates that ZNF598 senses aberrant translational states, and particularly in the context of ribosome collision, mediates site-specific ubiquitination of 40S ribosomal proteins, thereby promoting ribosome splitting, nascent chain clearance, and subsequent processing of defective mRNAs. Beyond its canonical role in RQC, ZNF598 has also been implicated in the translational repression of defective mRNAs, regulation of inflammatory signaling, antiviral responses, and control of toxic translation products associated with neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the structural features, molecular mechanisms, regulatory networks, and physiological as well as pathological functions of ZNF598. We also discuss current controversies and future directions in the field, with the aim of providing a broader framework for understanding translational quality control and its therapeutic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

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17 pages, 20920 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of GASA Protein Family Expression Levels in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Affected by Verticillium wilt

by Cong-Hua Feng, Yi Liu, Suen Liu, Junyi Geng, Hui Sun, Hongwei Cao, Ruixuan Liu, Yuyuan Qian and Baosheng Guo

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161434 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a major constraint on cotton production. The GASA (Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated in Arabidopsis) proteins are cysteine-rich peptides induced by gibberellin signaling; however, their systemic role in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) resistance to [...] Read more.

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a major constraint on cotton production. The GASA (Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated in Arabidopsis) proteins are cysteine-rich peptides induced by gibberellin signaling; however, their systemic role in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) resistance to Verticillium wilt remains elusive. Here, we identified 40 GhGASA members from the G. hirsutum genome, which were clustered into three subfamilies. All members possessed a typical gibberellin-regulated domain, and segmental duplication was the primary driver of family expansion. Transcriptomic analyses revealed tissue-specific expression, with high abundance in pistils and roots, and distinct responsive patterns to salt, drought, and cold stresses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that multiple GhGASA genes were significantly upregulated following V. dahliae inoculation, with transcript levels being much higher in roots and stems than in leaves. Notably, GhGASA17, harboring ethylene-responsive elements, was identified as a key candidate involved in the defense response. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive characterization of the GhGASA gene family, offering a theoretical foundation for understanding its regulatory functions in Verticillium wilt resistance and delivering potential genetic resources for molecular breeding in cotton. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Abiotic Stress in Plants and Resilience: Recent Advances)

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14 pages, 4164 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Tissue Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies Anther Preferentially Expressed Candidate Genes in Cotton

by Juanjuan Feng, Hexuan Zhang, Xuexian Zhang, Huini Tang, Bingbing Zhang, Tingxiang Qi, Liping Guo, Chaozhu Xing and Jianyong Wu

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161433 - 20 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Anther development is a complex and highly regulated process essential for pollen formation and reproductive development. However, systematic identification of genes exhibiting anther-preferential expression patterns through multi-tissue transcriptomic comparisons remains limited in cotton. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed using root, [...] Read more.

Anther development is a complex and highly regulated process essential for pollen formation and reproductive development. However, systematic identification of genes exhibiting anther-preferential expression patterns through multi-tissue transcriptomic comparisons remains limited in cotton. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed using root, stem, leaf, and anther tissues of the cotton D8R line to identify candidate genes associated with anther development. Transcriptomic comparisons revealed extensive transcriptional differences between anthers and vegetative tissues, with 11,255 differentially expressed genes commonly identified among the three pairwise comparisons. Through stringent expression filtering, 843 putative anther-preferentially expressed candidate genes were identified, showing predominant expression in anthers and minimal expression in vegetative tissues. Nine representative genes, including GhGDSL_A08, GhGDSL_D08 esterase/lipase, GhPRX (class III peroxidase), GhAGL (MADS-box transcription factor), and GhTKPR1-like reductase genes, were further validated by qRT-PCR, confirming their anther-preferential expression patterns. Promoter analysis of the nine validated genes identified three recurrent sequence motifs among seven selected promoters, including CG-rich and G-rich sequences, which showed similarity to reported binding motifs of CAMTA, bHLH, and TCP transcription factors. Collectively, this study provides a valuable transcriptomic resource of anther-preferentially expressed candidate genes and potential cis-regulatory features, offering genetic resources for further investigation of cotton anther development and related reproductive processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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11 pages, 5467 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Death Feigning Behaviour on the Survival of Grass Snake (Natrix natrix): A Study with Plasticine Models

by Zsuzsanna Gedai, Dávid Szép and Jenő J. Purger

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161432 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Death feigning (thanatosis) is the antipredator behaviour of grass snake (Natrix natrix) which can contribute to its survival. Since this is difficult to study under natural conditions, in our experiment we used four types of plasticine models of grass snake to [...] Read more.

Death feigning (thanatosis) is the antipredator behaviour of grass snake (Natrix natrix) which can contribute to its survival. Since this is difficult to study under natural conditions, in our experiment we used four types of plasticine models of grass snake to mimic its different behaviour types. The advantage of using plasticine models is that they preserve the traces of the predators. The study was conducted at two different locations in Kis-Balaton, one of the largest wetlands in the Carpathian Basin. Only 8.75% (n = 21) of all grass snake models (n = 240) were damaged by predators. The predation activity of birds (76%) was significantly higher than that of mammals (24%), the latter left imprints only on models imitating live (uncoiled, coiled) grass snakes. Among predated models, 62% showed injuries on the midbody, 24% on the tail tip, and 14% on the head. Predation rates were similar in spring and autumn periods, and on the abandoned railway and road. Comparisons of daily survival rates between different model types suggested that the coiled (basking and death feigning) pose may provide an advantage in survival. In some cases, the visible colour pattern of the models may have affected their detectability. The higher survival rates of the grass snake models imitating death feigning indicate the adaptive value of this antipredator behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Behavioural Biology)

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27 pages, 778 KB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticles: Small Interventions for Major Challenges in Aquaculture

by Laura González-Rodríguez, Patricia Pereiro, Beatriz Novoa and Antonio Figueras

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161431 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors of global food production, driven by population growth, consumer demand, and technological innovation. Despite this expansion, the industry continues to face persistent challenges, including disease management, optimizing growth and product quality, maintaining water quality, [...] Read more.

Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors of global food production, driven by population growth, consumer demand, and technological innovation. Despite this expansion, the industry continues to face persistent challenges, including disease management, optimizing growth and product quality, maintaining water quality, and mitigating environmental impacts. Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising tool to tackle these issues, offering both direct applications, such as antimicrobial agents, immunostimulants, and optimized drug delivery to enhance fish health, and indirect applications, including post-harvest processing, environmental monitoring, and contaminant removal. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanoparticle applications in aquaculture from 2020 to early 2026, covering the various types of nanoparticles, their mechanisms of action, and the specific materials investigated during this period. The discussion also addresses potential benefits, limitations, and biosafety concerns, emphasizing the need for further in vivo and field studies to ensure the safe and sustainable integration of nanotechnologies into aquaculture practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine and Freshwater Biology)

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22 pages, 28871 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification of the ASMT Gene Family and Expression Analysis of Wheat ASMTs Under Abiotic and Biotic Stress

by Baoyue Cui, Tianle Ji, Peisen Su and Jun Yan

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161430 - 19 Aug 2026

Viewed by 209

Abstract

Melatonin is an important stress-protective agent in plant growth. Methyltransferase (ASMT) is an important enzyme in the concluding phase of melatonin production in plants. In this study, we performed the genome-wide identification and functional investigation of the ASMT gene family in hexaploid wheat [...] Read more.

Melatonin is an important stress-protective agent in plant growth. Methyltransferase (ASMT) is an important enzyme in the concluding phase of melatonin production in plants. In this study, we performed the genome-wide identification and functional investigation of the ASMT gene family in hexaploid wheat and 14 other plants. ASMT genes in 15 plants were identified by using HMM scanning against the proteomes derived from a single representative reference genome for each species. They were classified into three subfamilies I-III by constructing four types of phylogenetic trees (Neighbour-joining with p-distance model, Neighbour-joining with JTT model, Maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference). Based on exon–intron structure and domain diagrams, a conserved structural pattern characterized by successive intron phases 1 and 0 (the “1-0” pattern) was found in ASMT genes during evolution. Collinear events analysis indicated that polyploidization and tandem duplication synergistically promote the expansion of T. aestivum ASMT members. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that numerous stress- and hormone-responsive motifs (such as ABRE and LTR) were present in ASMTs of wheat, suggesting a role for ASMTs in adaptive signal transduction. Transcriptome analysis revealed that specific T. aestivum ASMT genes were strongly responsive to stress; for instance, II_TraesCS2B02G041200 and II_TraesCS2B02G606200 were strongly upregulated under drought and salt stress, respectively. To independently confirm the stress responsiveness of these candidates in a different genetic background, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) on selected genes under drought and salt treatments. The result showed that the expression trends of transcriptome and qRT-PCR were almost the same, identifying these ASMT genes as strong stress-responsive candidates under drought and salt treatments. In this study, we performed identification, classification, evolution analysis and expression pattern analysis of ASMTs in wheat and 14 other plants. Our study will provide a framework for the targeted genetic improvement of melatonin-mediated stress resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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18 pages, 3177 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Water Stress Response of the WRKY Gene Family in Annamocarya sinensis: An Endangered Plant with an Extremely Small Population

by Youxue Chen, Shengjie Sun and Dan Li

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161429 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Annamocarya sinensis is a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP) of great ecological and research value. Water conditions serve as a key environmental factor that profoundly shapes its growth, physiological homeostasis and stress adaptation. WRKY transcription factor families constitute the core molecular [...] Read more.

Annamocarya sinensis is a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP) of great ecological and research value. Water conditions serve as a key environmental factor that profoundly shapes its growth, physiological homeostasis and stress adaptation. WRKY transcription factor families constitute the core molecular regulatory modules orchestrating plant responses to water-related stresses and environmental fluctuations. This study performs a systematic identification and bioinformatics analysis of the WRKY gene family in A. sinensis, combined with RT-qPCR to verify and analyze its expression patterns under water stress. The results identified a total of 92 WRKY genes unevenly distributed across 16 chromosomes, classified into three distinct subfamilies with obvious conservation of conserved motifs; the gene promoters were enriched with drought cis-elements, and fragment duplication drove the expansion of the family; this family had a high collinearity with the homologous genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, and its evolutionary function was conserved. RT-qPCR confirmed that AsWRKY3, AsWRKY11, AsWRKY17, AsWRKY53 and AsWRKY72 showed differential expression under water stress and were involved in regulating the processes of drought and waterlogging tolerance. Under drought stress, all five genes exhibited an upregulation trend, albeit with slightly varying response intensities; under waterlogging stress, AsWRKY3 and AsWRKY17 demonstrated strong enhanced responses, AsWRKY11 and AsWRKY53 showed early-response patterns, whereas AsWRKY72 exhibited a downregulation trend. In summary, fragment duplication and family differentiation enhanced the functional diversity of the WRKY family, providing a genetic basis for the adaptation of A. sinensis to changes in water availability. The research findings not only provide crucial theoretical clues for exploring the potential environmental adaptation and molecular evolution mechanisms of extremely small population plants, but also offer essential genetic resources and scientific foundations for species conservation, restoring wild populations, and conducting stress-resistant molecular breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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20 pages, 2558 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Stipagrostis plumosa (Poaceae): Potential Implications for Human and Veterinary Health

by Rehab M. A. El-Desoukey, Mashail N. AlZain and Fawziah M. Albarakaty

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161428 - 19 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Stipagrostis plumosa is a desert grass that remains relatively underexplored with respect to its phytochemical composition and biological activities, particularly against pathogens of veterinary relevance. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of S. plumosa and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic [...] Read more.

Stipagrostis plumosa is a desert grass that remains relatively underexplored with respect to its phytochemical composition and biological activities, particularly against pathogens of veterinary relevance. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of S. plumosa and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of its extracts and solvent fractions. Aerial parts of S. plumosa were collected during the flowering season from Al-Quwai’iyah, Saudi Arabia, and subjected to methanolic extraction followed by solvent fractionation. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains, and cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and A549 cells were evaluated. GC–MS was used to characterize the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions. The crude methanolic extract contained 72.1 mg GAE/g extract of total phenolics and 13.6 mg QE/g extract of total flavonoids. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 72.48 µg/mL) and the most pronounced antimicrobial activity, whereas the chloroform fraction showed the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and A549 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 173.52 and 194.17 µg/mL, respectively. GC–MS profiling revealed diverse phenolic derivatives, fatty acids and their esters, oxygenated compounds, and phytosterol-related constituents. Stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one (14.70%) and vanillic acid (7.18%) predominated in the ethyl acetate fraction, while hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (5.28%) was among the major constituents of the chloroform fraction. Overall, the fraction-dependent biological activities and diverse phytochemical profiles highlight S. plumosa as a promising source of natural bioactive compounds with potential relevance to veterinary health and the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils and Natural Extracts: In Vitro and In Vivo Microbiological Activities and Mechanisms of Action)

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17 pages, 12287 KB

Open AccessArticle

NARVGA: A Hybrid Framework Integrating Matrix Factorisation and Adversarial Graph Learning for circRNA-Disease Association Prediction

by Mian-Shuo Lu, Meng-Meng Wei, Chang-Chun Liu, Lei Wang and Cheng-Wei Ruan

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161427 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in gene regulation and disease progression, but experimental mapping of circRNA-disease associations (CDAs) remains costly and incomplete. We developed NARVGA, a hybrid prediction framework that combines non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF) with an adversarially regularised variational graph autoencoder (ARVGA). Functional, [...] Read more.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in gene regulation and disease progression, but experimental mapping of circRNA-disease associations (CDAs) remains costly and incomplete. We developed NARVGA, a hybrid prediction framework that combines non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF) with an adversarially regularised variational graph autoencoder (ARVGA). Functional, semantic and Gaussian interaction-profile kernel similarities are integrated; K-means-derived co-membership graphs reduce diffuse similarity connections; ARVGA learns nonlinear topological embeddings; and NMF captures complementary low-rank association patterns. An Extra Trees classifier then scores candidate circRNA-disease pairs. In the original transductive stratified five-fold benchmark on CircR2Disease, NARVGA achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9868, an area under the precision–recall curve (AUPR) of 0.9887, 94.32% accuracy and a 94.44% F1-score. Ablation analysis identified cluster sparsification as the largest individual contributor, with additional gains from adversarial regularisation and low-rank augmentation. Without task-specific retuning, the model obtained AUCs of 0.9503 on LncRNADisease and 0.9700 on HMDDv4. Performance was stable across GCN depths and cluster settings, and 19 of the 20 highest-ranked hepatocellular carcinoma candidates had supporting published evidence. NARVGA provides a within-network prioritisation tool for RNA-disease association studies, although prospective validation, hard-negative assessment and independent-cohort testing remain necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Gene Expression Profiling in Human Disease)

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41 pages, 16234 KB

Open AccessReview

Stratodynamics: A New Theory of Layered Biological Response

by Burim N. Ametaj

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161426 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Physiology has long explained organismal stability through homeostasis, allostasis, feedback regulation, and related systems concepts. These frameworks remain essential, but each is most precise at a particular scale or mode of response. This manuscript proposes stratodynamics as a new theory of layered biological [...] Read more.

Physiology has long explained organismal stability through homeostasis, allostasis, feedback regulation, and related systems concepts. These frameworks remain essential, but each is most precise at a particular scale or mode of response. This manuscript proposes stratodynamics as a new theory of layered biological response in vertebrate physiology. The framework holds that biological response is organized through seven functional layers: molecular, subcellular, cellular, tissue, organ, systemic, and organismal. The layer names denote the compositional scale of the focal response unit rather than fixed anatomical compartments; layer assignment is functional and response-specific. Each layer reduces its own form of mismatch between actual and required state through a scale-appropriate architecture: molecular-state transition, intracellular integration, cellular-state transition, tissue program, organ output, systemic feedback, or organismal anticipation. The layers are coupled upward, downward, and laterally, allowing local events to become systemic responses and allowing organismal state to shape lower-layer readiness. Stratodynamics locates rather than replaces previous theories: homeostasis is preserved as the canonical systemic architecture, allostasis as organismal predictive regulation, and tissue repair, resolution biology, bioelectricity, and thermodynamic self-organization as complementary layer-specific contributors. The framework is presented as a theoretical synthesis and research program for veterinary and medical sciences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology)

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15 pages, 2519 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fetal Cortical Layers and Midline Histological Alterations in the BTBR Mouse Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

by Joanna Czyrska, Piotr Poznański, Agnieszka Bernat, Dawid Winiarczyk, Marta Marlena Ziętek and Silvestre Sampino

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161425 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) strain is a widely used model of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by an altered neuroanatomy, including a full-penetrant agenesis of the corpus callosum. While the adult BTBR brain has been studied thoroughly, less is known about how its brain [...] Read more.

The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) strain is a widely used model of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by an altered neuroanatomy, including a full-penetrant agenesis of the corpus callosum. While the adult BTBR brain has been studied thoroughly, less is known about how its brain develops prenatally and about when neurodevelopmental trajectories begin to differ from neurotypical strains. Here, we conducted a comparative histological analysis of fetal brain development across multiple developmental stages in BTBR and C57BL/6J (B6) mice, focusing on neocortical and midline development. BTBR mice showed lower fetal weight but comparable somite counts (assessed at 12.5 days post coitum, dpc) compared to B6 controls, indicating similar developmental timing. Neocortical layering showed a reduced ventricular zone fraction in BTBR fetuses at 15.5 dpc, without a change in overall cortical thickness. Concurrently, midline cell populations immunoreactive for the glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) failed to undergo remodeling in subsequent stages, resulting in the failure to form a GLAST+ indusium griseum and the lack of callosal projections crossing the midline at 17.5 dpc, which instead develop normally in B6 fetuses. These findings offer structural correlates for the early neuropathology of the BTBR brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Bench to Molecular Mechanisms)

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33 pages, 4648 KB

Open AccessArticle

Propionic Acid Remodels Mitochondrial Metabolism in SH-SY5Y Cells

by Caitlyn Mahony, Erin Buchanan and Colleen O’Ryan

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161424 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Mitochondrial mechanisms are increasingly implicated in complex neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Propionic acid (PPA) is widely used to study mitochondrial dysfunction in preclinical models of ASD. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive PPA-induced neurotoxicity are unresolved. Here, we examined mitochondrial [...] Read more.

Mitochondrial mechanisms are increasingly implicated in complex neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Propionic acid (PPA) is widely used to study mitochondrial dysfunction in preclinical models of ASD. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive PPA-induced neurotoxicity are unresolved. Here, we examined mitochondrial remodeling under PPA-induced stress in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. PPA systemically altered the transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and disrupted canonical proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion (L-OPA1, MFN2), fission (DRP1) and quality control (LC3-II). Confocal microscopy revealed an upregulation of both fission and fusion events and impairments to mitochondrial integrity, connectivity and turnover. Live-cell respirometry demonstrated consequent deficits in both oxidative and glycolytic energy production, while respiratory chain electron flow assays illustrated a shift in TCA cycle flux driven by a remodeling of mitochondrial substrate utilization. This work describes a molecular signature of metabolic stress in the SH-SY5Y system, providing novel insights into the mechanisms and manifestations of PPA-induced neurotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Emerging Role of Mitochondria in Neurobiology)

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30 pages, 4047 KB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Homocysteine and Choroid Plexus Volume Across the Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum: Cross-Sectional and Progression-Related Associations

by Chenjie Feng, Tian Zhang, Xianglong Liu, Zhe Liu, Yu Zhao and Peng Zhang

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161423 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Background: Elevated plasma homocysteine (HCY) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but its relationship with structural brain changes across the AD continuum remains unclear. The choroid plexus (CP) regulates cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis and may interface with peripheral metabolic signals. Whether HCY [...] Read more.

Background: Elevated plasma homocysteine (HCY) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but its relationship with structural brain changes across the AD continuum remains unclear. The choroid plexus (CP) regulates cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis and may interface with peripheral metabolic signals. Whether HCY relates to CP structural alterations and disease progression remains unknown. Methods: We analyzed 819 Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants (229 cognitively normal (CN), 397 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 193 with AD dementia). Multinomial logistic regression assessed associations between HCY and diagnosis under stepwise covariate adjustment. Phenotype-wide structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) mapping identified HCY-associated signals. Cox models evaluated associations of CP volume (CPV) with CN-to-MCI and MCI-to-AD dementia conversion and whether CPV added prognostic discrimination beyond baseline disease-severity markers. Independent human CP single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomic datasets were reanalyzed to characterize epithelial expression states and their spatial organization in a hypothesis-generating analysis. Results: Higher HCY was associated with MCI and AD dementia; however, the AD association attenuated after adjustment for renal function, vitamin B12, and medications, whereas the MCI association remained stable. CPV was among the HCY-associated MRI signals that persisted after progressive covariate adjustment. Right and bilateral CPV showed model-dependent associations with MCI-to-AD dementia conversion. In the disease-severity sensitivity analysis, larger right and bilateral CPV remained associated with a higher risk of progression from MCI to AD dementia. Single-nucleus analysis identified two CP epithelial states with relatively high expression of one-carbon metabolism-related genes, termed one-carbon metabolism-enriched epithelial state A (OCM-Epi-A) and state B (OCM-Epi-B). Donor-level pseudobulk analysis did not identify pathway enrichment after false discovery rate correction, whereas OCM-Epi-A–like spots were located near endothelial spots more often than expected by chance in three of the four spatial samples. Conclusions: Circulating HCY was associated with larger CPV, and larger CPV showed model-dependent associations with MCI-to-AD dementia progression. Independent transcriptomic reanalysis identified one-carbon metabolism-enriched epithelial states and their spatial organization in postmortem CP tissue, providing hypothesis-generating tissue-level context for the ADNI associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on Metabolic Pathways in Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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14 pages, 1142 KB

Open AccessReview

Maternal Exercise and Offspring Cardiac Regenerative Potential: Roles of Apelin and α-Ketoglutarate

by Guanfeng Qin, Fan Li and Haiwang Shi

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1422; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161422 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease causes the largest number of deaths across the world. The weak regenerative ability of adult hearts originates from limited cell proliferation and polyploidization of postnatal cardiomyocytes, which severely hinders tissue repair after myocardial injury. Fetal development represents a critical window during [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease causes the largest number of deaths across the world. The weak regenerative ability of adult hearts originates from limited cell proliferation and polyploidization of postnatal cardiomyocytes, which severely hinders tissue repair after myocardial injury. Fetal development represents a critical window during which maternal physiological and metabolic status can shape long-term offspring cardiac structure and function. Maternal exercise represents a safe nonpharmacological prenatal intervention that confers long-term benefits to offspring health. Available evidence indicates that maternal exercise enhances placental apelin secretion and elevates α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) levels in fetal brown adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle. The apelin and α-KG signaling cascade participates in epigenetic regulation and confers protective effects on offspring metabolic health. Independent animal experiments have further validated that supplementation with either apelin or α-KG alleviates myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac injury in adult mice, with α-KG showing direct evidence of reactivating cardiomyocyte proliferation. Nevertheless, it remains poorly elucidated whether maternal exercise could modulate fetal cardiomyocyte proliferative capacity in offspring through apelin- or α-KG-associated signaling. This narrative review integrates current evidence and proposes a testable framework in which maternal exercise influences fetal cardiac growth and regenerative potential through placental, metabolic, and epigenetic signaling. Because direct evidence remains limited, this model should be regarded as a hypothesis that requires further experimental validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Biology)

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16 pages, 3586 KB

Open AccessArticle

Latent Epstein–Barr Virus Infection Correlates with Glycosphingolipid Enrichment and Morphological Remodeling of Extracellular Particles

by Alen Zollo, Lucia Centofanti, Valentina Citro, Andrea Corona, Alessandra Mingione, Corinne Monzani, Domenica Giannandrea, Elisa Adele Colombo, Graziano Serrao, Cristina Gervasini, Valentina Massa, Antonino Neri, Alberto Priori, Monica Rosa Miozzo, Paola Signorelli, Raffaella Chiaramonte, Michele Dei Cas and Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161421 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is causally associated with various malignancies and autoimmune diseases. It establishes a lifelong latent infection in host B-lymphocytes, and can strategically manipulate host cell metabolism and cell-to-cell communication via extracellular particles (EPs). While EBV-induced changes in fatty acid and mevalonate [...] Read more.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is causally associated with various malignancies and autoimmune diseases. It establishes a lifelong latent infection in host B-lymphocytes, and can strategically manipulate host cell metabolism and cell-to-cell communication via extracellular particles (EPs). While EBV-induced changes in fatty acid and mevalonate pathways are documented, the role of the sphingolipid network in this process remains poorly understood. In this study, we characterized both the EP and the cellular sphingolipid signatures of three EBV-infected (EBV+) lymphoblastoid cell lines compared to three EBV-negative (EBV−) counterparts. Lipidomic analysis revealed a profound metabolic redirection in EBV+ cells, characterized by reduced ceramide and sphingomyelin levels, and a significant upregulation of glycosphingolipids (GSLs), particularly hexosylceramide and globotrialosylceramide. Furthermore, EBV+ cells released larger, more heterogeneous EPs that are significantly enriched in GSLs and in the viral non-coding RNA EBER1. Our findings suggest that EBV-induced reshaping of sphingolipid metabolism correlates with altered physical properties of the secretome, potentially contributing to viral pathogenesis and microenvironmental manipulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

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15 pages, 11776 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

CD14-Positive Cells Support Osteoblast Viability and Mineralization Without Altering Proinflammatory Cytokine Responsiveness

by Juliana F. Bousch, Jannes Klenzendorf, Christoph V. Suschek, Carl Neuerburg and Christoph Beyersdorf

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161420 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Bone-resident macrophages are increasingly recognized as regulators of bone metabolism, yet their contribution to primary human osteoblast cultures remains poorly understood. We investigated the functional relevance of CD14-positive cells in primary human osteoblast cultures obtained using two isolation methods. CD14-positive cells were depleted [...] Read more.

Bone-resident macrophages are increasingly recognized as regulators of bone metabolism, yet their contribution to primary human osteoblast cultures remains poorly understood. We investigated the functional relevance of CD14-positive cells in primary human osteoblast cultures obtained using two isolation methods. CD14-positive cells were depleted by magnetic-activated cell sorting, and non-depleted and depleted cultures were compared regarding cell viability, matrix mineralization, osteogenic and macrophage-associated marker expression, and responses to IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. CD14 depletion reduced cell viability under growth conditions and significantly impaired matrix mineralization in cultures obtained with both isolation protocols. Depletion markedly decreased CD14 and other monocyte/macrophage-associated markers, while the osteogenic cell population was largely preserved, although marker-specific changes suggested altered osteoblast maturation. Despite reduced basal mineralization, IL-1β and TNF-α significantly enhanced mineralization in both non-depleted and CD14-depleted cultures, whereas IL-6 had no significant effect. These findings indicate that CD14-positive cells support basal osteoblast viability, maturation, and mineralization but are not required for the mineralization-promoting effects of IL-1β and TNF-α. Primary human osteoblast cultures should therefore be considered multicellular systems in which macrophage-like cells contribute substantially to basal osteogenic function. Full article

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17 pages, 6433 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification, Evolutionary Analysis, and Expression Profiling of the β-D-Xylosidase Gene Family in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Under PEG-Simulated Osmotic and Salt Stress

by Zhenzhen Wei, Anxing Zhu, Yang Liu, Fangjie Xiong, Zhi Wang, Yihan Xue and Fei Wei

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161419 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

β-D-Xylosidases (BXLs) are members of glycoside hydrolase family 3. They play essential roles in cell wall remodeling, plant development, and abiotic stress responses. BXL gene families have been systematically characterized in several crop species. However, a comprehensive analysis of BXL genes in cotton [...] Read more.

β-D-Xylosidases (BXLs) are members of glycoside hydrolase family 3. They play essential roles in cell wall remodeling, plant development, and abiotic stress responses. BXL gene families have been systematically characterized in several crop species. However, a comprehensive analysis of BXL genes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), a globally important fiber and oilseed crop, is still lacking. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification of BXL genes in allotetraploid cotton. A total of 25 GhBXL genes were identified and classified into six phylogenetic clades. Gene structure and conserved domain analyses showed that all GhBXL proteins possess the characteristic tripartite GH3 domain architecture. Chromosomal distribution and synteny analyses indicated that the expansion of the cotton BXL family may be associated with whole-genome duplication and allopolyploidization. Promoter cis-element analysis detected stress-responsive regulatory motifs in the GhBXL promoters, including STRE, W-box, DRE core, and as-1 elements. Under PEG-simulated drought and salt stress, expression profiling, independently confirmed by qRT-PCR, showed distinct temporal response patterns among GhBXL members. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further identified GhBXL-8, GhBXL-9, and GhBXL-20 as hub genes in stress-responsive modules. Their co-expressed partners were enriched in transcription factors, kinases, and stress-related proteins. These findings provide a systematic foundation for understanding the evolutionary dynamics and functional roles of BXL genes in cotton. They also highlight candidate genes for future functional investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Genetics and Plant Breeding in Crop Improvement)

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17 pages, 9046 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptomic Profiling in Two Widely Used Human Cell Lines Delineates Their Shared and Distinct Patterns of Interferon Responses

by Jiayao Jiang, Liangliang Zhang, Qianyi Yang, Shuai Chen and Ming-An Sun

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161418 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines which serve as the first line of defense against pathogen infections while also exerting critical immunomodulatory roles. IFNs can induce hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) with cell-specificity, yet a high-resolution comparison of time-serial ISG induction across [...] Read more.

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines which serve as the first line of defense against pathogen infections while also exerting critical immunomodulatory roles. IFNs can induce hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) with cell-specificity, yet a high-resolution comparison of time-serial ISG induction across cell types is lacking. By using RNA sequencing, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic profiling during time-serial IFN-γ stimulation for up to 24 h in HeLa and HEK293T cells, the two most widely used immortalized human cell lines. We uncovered remarkably stronger IFN responses in HeLa cells, regarding the global transcriptomic dynamics, the number of induced ISGs, and the level of ISG expression. Both cell lines share a core set of ISGs associated with canonical JAK-STAT signaling, yet HeLa uniquely activates additional inflammatory and adaptive immunity-related pathways. Despite the much weaker IFN response in HEK293T cells, we also identified a few HEK293T-specific ISGs, including several with crucial immune-related functions. Notably, transposable elements—including many adjacent to ISGs—are also highly up-regulated in HeLa cells, implying their potential links to ISG induction. Collectively, this study provides a high-resolution temporal atlas of IFN-γ-stimulated transcriptomic dynamics in HeLa and HEK293T cells, revealing the shared core module and cell-specific patterns of their interferon responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Differential Gene Expression and Coexpression (3rd Edition))

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14 pages, 1895 KB

Open AccessArticle

Super-Cooling Point and Effects of Temperature, Moisture, and Habitat on Overwintering Survival of the Threatened American Burying Beetle Nicrophorus americanus

by William Wyatt Hoback, Amelea Jones, Leonardo Vieira Santos, Rafael Hayashida and Michael Cavallaro

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161417 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Most species within the genus Nicrophorus (Staphylinidae: Silphinae: Necrophorini) overwinter as adults during cold months. However, species that were once widely distributed, such as the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier, experience different overwintering conditions, altered by increasing climate variability, making cold periods [...] Read more.

Most species within the genus Nicrophorus (Staphylinidae: Silphinae: Necrophorini) overwinter as adults during cold months. However, species that were once widely distributed, such as the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier, experience different overwintering conditions, altered by increasing climate variability, making cold periods less predictable. In this study, we determined the mean super-cooling point of Oklahoma N. americanus to be −1.98 °C, a value that suggests that beetles rely on behavioral avoidance of freezing soils rather than on physiological freeze tolerance or super-cooling. We conducted a series of field experiments in Oklahoma to test the effects of habitat and burial depth on the overwintering survival of N. americanus. Correlations were found between burial depth and the survival of beetles. Highly fluctuating winter temperatures and periods without precipitation increased mortality rates, with adults emerging from overwintering much earlier than previously documented. As climates become warmer and more variable, with temperature fluctuations and altered precipitation patterns, populations of the federally designated threatened N. americanus are at risk of extirpation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Habits, Habitats and Interactions)

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20 pages, 13939 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Reversal in Sulfate Transporter Involves Abiotic Stress in Sesuvium portulacastrum L.

by Yingyi Yu, Minghua Luo, Yan Leng, Xuwen Shen, Zijun Zhao, Changwei Zhou, Wei Li and Shugang Hui

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161416 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Sulfur is an essential nutrient involved in plant growth, redox regulation, and responses to environmental stresses. Sulfate transporters (SULTRs) control sulfate uptake and distribution, thereby affecting sulfur availability for metabolic processes and stress adaptation. However, the characteristics and stress-responsive functions of SULTRs in [...] Read more.

Sulfur is an essential nutrient involved in plant growth, redox regulation, and responses to environmental stresses. Sulfate transporters (SULTRs) control sulfate uptake and distribution, thereby affecting sulfur availability for metabolic processes and stress adaptation. However, the characteristics and stress-responsive functions of SULTRs in the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum remain unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized the SULTR family in S. portulacastrum through phylogenetic analysis, gene structure comparison, conserved motif analysis, promoter characterization, synteny analysis, and expression profiling. A total of 22 SpSULTRs were identified and classified into three subfamilies. Most SpSULTRs contained conserved Sulfate_transp and STAS domains and were predicted to localize to the plasma membrane. Transcriptome analysis combined with qRT-PCR validation revealed that SpSULTRs displayed diverse tissue-specific expression patterns under salt, cadmium, and copper stresses. Of these, SpSULTR3;1 and SpSULTR3;2 showed strong responses to salt stress and were mainly expressed in leaves. Protein interaction predictions suggested that these two transporters may be associated with sulfur assimilation, antioxidant metabolism, and stress-related pathways. These results reveal the structural diversification and stress-responsive characteristics of the SULTR family in S. portulacastrum and provide a basis for further investigation of sulfur transport mechanisms underlying halophyte adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics)

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27 pages, 1615 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Weak Temporal Association Between Multi-Week Geomagnetic Activity and Satellite-Derived Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Anomalies

by Andrey V. Kitashov

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161415 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Magnetic-field effects have been reported in controlled biological systems, but the relevance of weak geomagnetic variability to vegetation under natural conditions remains uncertain. We examined temporal associations between satellite-derived solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and geomagnetic disturbance derived from the Disturbance Storm Time (Dst) [...] Read more.

Magnetic-field effects have been reported in controlled biological systems, but the relevance of weak geomagnetic variability to vegetation under natural conditions remains uncertain. We examined temporal associations between satellite-derived solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and geomagnetic disturbance derived from the Disturbance Storm Time (Dst) index. We defined the sign-inverted Dst index, SII, as the sign-inverted daily mean Dst, so that stronger negative Dst excursions corresponded to larger positive SII values. The primary exposure was the trailing 28-day mean SII, excluding the day of the SIF observation. The primary analysis used Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) SIF at 771 nm with leave-one-year-out harmonic adjustment for the annual cycle and linear calendar-time trend. Sensitivity and robustness analyses examined a 21-day exposure, a more flexible cyclic-spline seasonal adjustment, spatial cluster bootstrap, and three temporal-surrogate null models. We also examined temperature and vegetation strata, land-cover and geographic controls, adjustment for an ECMWF Reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) surface solar radiation downwards (SSRD)-derived photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) energy proxy and vapour-pressure deficit, and comparisons with planetary Kp index, 10.7 cm solar radio flux index (F10.7), and supplementary SIF wavelengths. In the primary analysis, the 28-day trailing mean of SII was weakly negatively associated with SIF anomalies (Spearman ρ = −0.051; 95% cluster-bootstrap CI, −0.053 to −0.050), with an estimated linear change of −0.0381 residual-SIF units per 100 nT. Empirical p-values were 0.084 for year permutation, 0.011 for circular shift, and 0.001 for 30-day block permutation. The association remained negative at 21 days and in persistently vegetated cells, but its magnitude was substantially reduced with cyclic-spline adjustment (ρ = −0.013 in the pairwise-matched sample). Negative estimates were found in several vegetated land-cover classes, whereas estimates for the Barren land-cover class and Sahara geographic control were close to zero. The contribution of SII to explained variance remained below one percentage point across the examined temperature regimes. Overall, the results show a weak temporal association whose magnitude depends on analytical choices. Independent observational replication and controlled experiments are needed to determine whether it reflects a biological response to natural geomagnetic variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Theoretical Biology and Biomathematics)

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20 pages, 3728 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modular Sensory and Morphological Adaptations Underlying Fresh-Fruit Exploitation in Drosophilid Flies

by Shan He, Sumeng Wei, Xiaonan Yang, Guangtong Gao, Hongrun Liu, Hui Zhang and Yibo Luo

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161414 - 18 Aug 2026

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Abstract

(1) Background: Drosophilid flies oviposit in damaged or fermenting substrates, whereas D. suzukii prefers to lay eggs in ripening fruits. This ecological shift requires females to recognize fruit-stage cues while overcoming the mechanical barrier imposed by fresh-fruit surfaces. Whether fresh-fruit exploitation requires a [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Drosophilid flies oviposit in damaged or fermenting substrates, whereas D. suzukii prefers to lay eggs in ripening fruits. This ecological shift requires females to recognize fruit-stage cues while overcoming the mechanical barrier imposed by fresh-fruit surfaces. Whether fresh-fruit exploitation requires a complete specialist syndrome or can arise through partial combinations of sensory and morphological traits remains unclear. (2) Methods: We combined field surveys with behavioral, chemical, biomechanical and morphological analyses across multiple drosophilid species to investigate potential mechanisms underlying the diversification of fresh-fruit exploitation. (3) Results: Field surveys indicated that the phylogenetically distant species D. immigrans exploits fruit-associated breeding substrates that overlap with those used by D. suzukii in natural habitats. Females of D. suzukii preferred ripe strawberry cues and avoided fermentation-associated substrates, whereas D. immigrans showed an intermediate behavioral profile. Volatile profiling revealed that fruit decay drives chemical similarity across fruits, with rotten substrates enriched in ethyl acetate and acetic acid. Firmness measurements confirmed that decay reduces the mechanical resistance of fruit substrates, while morphological comparisons revealed divergent ovipositor architectures. (4) Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with a modular framework for fresh-fruit exploitation, in which specialist and facultative strategies reflect different combinations of fermentation-cue avoidance, substrate access, and ovipositor morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Evolutionary Biology)

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