Biology

14 pages, 6680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Vascular Developmental Toxicity and Underlying Mechanisms of 1-Bromo-3,6-dichlorocarbazole (1-B-36-CCZ) in Zebrafish Larvae

by Jie Gu, Ziyu Gong, Yue Fan, Jun Hu, Liguo Guo, Wenming Pei and Daqiang Yin

Biology 2025, 14(6), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060659 - 6 Jun 2025

Abstract

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging persistent organic pollutants that have attracted widespread attention due to their environmental occurrence and potential ecological risks. 1-Bromo-3,6-dichlorocarbazole (1-B-36-CCZ), which is a typical homolog of PHCZs produced as a byproduct in the dye industry, has been widely detected [...] Read more.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging persistent organic pollutants that have attracted widespread attention due to their environmental occurrence and potential ecological risks. 1-Bromo-3,6-dichlorocarbazole (1-B-36-CCZ), which is a typical homolog of PHCZs produced as a byproduct in the dye industry, has been widely detected in various environmental media. In this study, we employed an integrated approach using an in vivo zebrafish model and network toxicology methods to systematically evaluate the vascular developmental toxicity of 1-B-36-CCZ and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The experimental results revealed that the 96 h-LC₅₀ of 1-B-36-CCZ in zebrafish larvae was 4.52 mg/L. Sublethal exposures (0.045–45 μg/L) significantly induced an increase in heart rate (p < 0.05) and an enlargement of the pericardial edema area (p < 0.01). Using Tg(flk:eGFP) transgenic zebrafish embryos to assess vascular toxicity at concentrations of 0, 0.045, 0.45, 4.5, and 45 μg/L, we observed that 1-B-36-CCZ exposure significantly reduced the length and anastomosis rate of intersegmental vessels (ISVs) at 30 hpf, and inhibited the development of the common cardinal vein (CCV) at 48 and 72 hpf as well as the subintestinal vessel (SIV) at 72 hpf. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis further revealed that the expression of key angiogenic genes (flk, kdr, and vegfa) was significantly downregulated, thus corroborating the phenotypic observations. Moreover, a “compound–target–pathway” network model predicted that SRC kinase is a key molecular target for 1-B-36-CCZ action. Enrichment analysis of target protein-coding genes and verapamil replication experiments indicated that 1-B-36-CCZ may cause damage to early vascular development in zebrafish larvae by altering intracellular calcium ion content through the activation of the SRC-mediated calcium ion signaling pathway. This study provides new experimental evidence for elucidating the toxic mechanisms of PHCZ-type pollutants and offers a theoretical basis for environmental health risk assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aquatic Ecological Disasters and Toxicology)

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14 pages, 1680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Superovulated Embryo Quality in Simmental Cattle Inseminated with 0 °C-Refrigerated and Liquid Nitrogen-Frozen Semen

by Jie-Ru Wang, Fei Huang, Peng Niu, Hong Cheng, Hui-Min Qu, Xiao-Peng Li, Xue-Yan Wang, Jie Wang, Jia-Jia Suo, Di Fang and Qing-Hua Gao

Biology 2025, 14(6), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060658 - 6 Jun 2025

Abstract

Semen quality plays a crucial role in bovine in vivo embryo production. This study aimed to compare the effects of 0 °C-refrigerated semen and liquid nitrogen-frozen semen on embryo quality in Simmental cattle. Semen collected from five bulls was equally divided into two [...] Read more.

Semen quality plays a crucial role in bovine in vivo embryo production. This study aimed to compare the effects of 0 °C-refrigerated semen and liquid nitrogen-frozen semen on embryo quality in Simmental cattle. Semen collected from five bulls was equally divided into two groups: one diluted with a 0 °C refrigeration solution and stored at 0 °C, and the other diluted with a cryopreservation solution and stored in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. We evaluated sperm motility, progressive motility (assessed via a computer-assisted sperm analyzer), acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity in both groups. Fifty superovulated Simmental cows were artificially inseminated with semen from both groups. Embryos were non-surgically flushed on day seven, followed by BrdU proliferation staining and TUNEL apoptosis staining. Proliferation and apoptosis levels were quantified using marker genes. Results showed that 0 °C-refrigerated semen exhibited significantly higher sperm motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity compared to liquid nitrogen-frozen semen (p < 0.05). While total embryo numbers showed no significant difference between groups (p ≥ 0.05), embryos from 0 °C-refrigerated semen contained significantly more proliferative cells (p < 0.05) and fewer apoptotic cells (p < 0.05) than those from frozen semen. These findings demonstrate that 0 °C-refrigerated semen outperforms liquid nitrogen-frozen semen in both sperm quality parameters and resultant embryo quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biology of Animal Reproduction)

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23 pages, 3020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Monoterpene-Based Biostimulants on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Plants: Functional and Molecular Insights

by Lamyae Et-Tazy, Riccardo Fedeli, Oussama Khibech, Abdeslam Lamiri, Allal Challioui and Stefano Loppi

Biology 2025, 14(6), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060657 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to foliar application of cineole, carvacrol, and thymol at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm. Carvacrol at 1000 ppm significantly enhanced fresh biomass (+15.4%) and aerial biomass (+46.2%), whereas [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to foliar application of cineole, carvacrol, and thymol at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm. Carvacrol at 1000 ppm significantly enhanced fresh biomass (+15.4%) and aerial biomass (+46.2%), whereas thymol significantly reduced plant height (−20.2%) and overall biomass, yet notably increased chlorophyll content (+23.3%) and vitamin C levels (+41.4%) at the same concentration. Cineole significantly improved antioxidant capacity by increasing total phenolic content (+15.5% at 1000 ppm) and total flavonoid content (+19.1% at 500 ppm), but simultaneously decreased soluble protein synthesis and chlorophyll content (−39% at 500 ppm). Mineral analysis showed notable increases in calcium content following treatment with cineole (+30.5% at 1000 ppm) and carvacrol (+32% at 500 ppm), while thymol at 1000 ppm significantly reduced phosphorus, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc accumulation. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed strong interactions of thymol and carvacrol with essential enzymes, specifically ascorbate peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, which are involved in antioxidant and phenolic metabolism pathways. These molecular interactions suggest potential contributions of thymol and carvacrol to plant stress resilience mechanisms, although further experimental validation is needed to confirm their roles in vivo. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing monoterpene concentrations, indicating that carefully calibrated treatments could effectively enhance chickpea growth, nutritional quality, and stress tolerance within sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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17 pages, 3655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Ubiquitome Analysis of Nicotiana benthamiana Leaves Infected with Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

by Jiali Yang, Donghai Wang, Boshen Zhang, Mangle Chen, Jianping Chen, Fei Yan and Shaofei Rao

Biology 2025, 14(6), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060656 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an important emerging virus that poses a serious threat to the global agricultural economy. Ubiquitination is one of the key post-translational protein modification types in plant responses to biotic stress, but the extent to which ToBRFV [...] Read more.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an important emerging virus that poses a serious threat to the global agricultural economy. Ubiquitination is one of the key post-translational protein modification types in plant responses to biotic stress, but the extent to which ToBRFV infection alters the overall ubiquitination status has not been reported. This study conducted integrated ubiquitome and proteome analyses of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves infected with ToBRFV and identified differentially ubiquitinated proteins. A total of 346 lysine sites on 302 identified proteins were found to be affected, with 260 sites exhibiting upregulated ubiquitination levels in 224 proteins and 86 sites showing downregulated ubiquitination levels in 80 proteins. The differentially ubiquitinated proteins were primarily localized in the cytoplasm (29%), nucleus (18%), plasma membrane (8.9%), mitochondria (5.1%), and chloroplasts (4.6%). Fourteen conserved ubiquitination motifs, including ENNNK, ENNK, SK, and KNG, were identified. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that ToBRFV infection induces an increase in the ubiquitination levels of proteins associated with ion transport, MAPK signaling pathways, and plant hormone signal transduction, while the ubiquitination levels of proteins related to carbon metabolism and secondary metabolite synthesis decreased. Functional analysis of the three differentially ubiquitinated proteins revealed that a RING/U-box superfamily protein negatively regulates ToBRFV infection. Our work provides the first systematic analysis of the ubiquitination profile in N. benthamiana leaves following ToBRFV infection, providing important resources for further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination in plant responses to ToBRFV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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18 pages, 1787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Lethal Effects of Combined P-tert-Butylcatechol and L-Lysine on Microcystis aeruginosa

by Heyun Jiao, Gangwei Jiao, Ruitong Jiang, Yifei Shen, Peimin He and Liu Shao

Biology 2025, 14(6), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060655 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

Allelochemicals are recognized as promising algaecides due to their environmental safety. Para-tert-butylcatechol (TBC) and L-lysine exhibit significant potential in suppressing harmful algal blooms (HABs); however, their combined effects and algae inhibition mechanisms remain unelucidated. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the growth inhibition of [...] Read more.

Allelochemicals are recognized as promising algaecides due to their environmental safety. Para-tert-butylcatechol (TBC) and L-lysine exhibit significant potential in suppressing harmful algal blooms (HABs); however, their combined effects and algae inhibition mechanisms remain unelucidated. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the growth inhibition of Microcystis aeruginosa by TBC and L-lysine individually and in combination, while simultaneously examining their combined effects on algal growth, cell membrane integrity, photosynthetic activity, antioxidant responses, and microcystin production. The results revealed a significant interactive effect between TBC (0.04 mg/L) and L-lysine (1 mg/L), achieving over 90% growth inhibition within 96 h. The combined treatment significantly inhibited M. aeruginosa growth through impaired photosynthetic efficiency and elevated oxidative stress. Compared to the control group, the treatment group exhibited a continuous decline in chlorophyll-a content, phycobiliprotein levels, F_v/F_m, YII, α, and rETR_max, while phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity decreased by 96.48% by day 8. And antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), showed a progressive increase in activity. In addition, the structure and integrity of the cell membrane of M. aeruginosa were damaged after treatment, and the conductivity of the treatment groups increased continuously from 2.32 to 4.63 μs/cm. In addition, under combined treatment, intra- and extracellular microcystin levels initially increased (peaking at day 2) but sharply declined thereafter, becoming significantly lower than controls by day 8. These findings highlight the potential of combining TBC and L-lysine as an eco-friendly and cost-effective strategy for mitigating M. aeruginosa-dominated harmful algal blooms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aquatic Ecological Disasters and Toxicology)

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20 pages, 1115 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genomic and Molecular Mechanisms of Goat Environmental Adaptation

by Ying Lu, Ruoshan Ma, Dongfang Li, Yuyang Gao, Zhengmei Sheng, Jinpeng Shi, Yilong Peng, Zhengdong Gao, Weidong Deng and Xiaoming He

Biology 2025, 14(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060654 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

Goats (Capra hircus) are a widely distributed livestock known for their exceptional environmental adaptability. This review presents an integrated overview of recent advances in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying goat adaptation to heat, cold, and high-altitude hypoxia. We first [...] Read more.

Goats (Capra hircus) are a widely distributed livestock known for their exceptional environmental adaptability. This review presents an integrated overview of recent advances in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying goat adaptation to heat, cold, and high-altitude hypoxia. We first discuss the development of high-quality reference genomes, including recent telomere-to-telomere assemblies. We then examine major adaptive genes such as HSP70, ACTHR, EPAS1, SLC2A1, FGF12, and UCP1, and their roles in thermoregulation, oxygen metabolism, and stress resistance. Additionally, the review explores the synergistic role of immune signaling pathways in environmental adaptation, as well as the regulatory effects of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. Future efforts should focus on integrating multi-omics data to uncover the complex molecular networks involved in goat adaptation. This comprehensive synthesis offers valuable insights for precision breeding and long-term sustainability in the context of environmental challenges and climate change. Full article

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14 pages, 1967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Evolution of White Spot Syndrome Virus in Shrimp: Insights from Transposon Dynamics

by Zhouquan Li, Guanghua Huang, Jingyi Zhang, Mingyou Li, Zhizhi Liu, Sihua Peng, Rui Wang and Dong Liu

Biology 2025, 14(6), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060653 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has emerged as a significant threat to global shrimp aquaculture, causing economic losses because of its rapid spread and high mortality rates. This study aims to elucidate the genetic and evolutionary dynamics of WSSV through a comprehensive genome [...] Read more.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has emerged as a significant threat to global shrimp aquaculture, causing economic losses because of its rapid spread and high mortality rates. This study aims to elucidate the genetic and evolutionary dynamics of WSSV through a comprehensive genome analysis. Utilizing 27 complete genome sequences sourced from public databases, this study investigates the genetic variability, potential recombination events, and evolutionary patterns of WSSV. Our results identified multiple genomic deletions, 14 novel single-nucleotide polymorphism sites, and variable number tandem repeats across different strains, underscoring the virus’s genetic diversity. A recombination event between freshwater and marine strains highlights a complex transmission pathway, potentially facilitated by aquaculture practices. A phylogenetic tree constructed using ancestral genes suggests that WSSV originated in Southeast Asia and subsequently globally spread, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Genomic shrinkage of the virus occurred in time series, while the host’s viral infection induced transposon transposition and insertion into the earlier virus genome to provide a basis for genomic shrinkage. Our research emphasizes the importance of advanced molecular characterization and evolutionary models of the virus in understanding the spread of viral pathogens in aquaculture environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Defense System and Evolution of Aquatic Animals)

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17 pages, 2067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pro-Arrhythmic Effect of Chronic Stress-Associated Humoral Factors in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

by Shi Su, Jinglei Sun, Suhua Qiu, Wenting Wu, Jiali Zhang, Yi Wang, Chenxia Shi and Yanfang Xu

Biology 2025, 14(6), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060652 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Under chronic stress, the pro-arrhythmic effect and mechanism of circulating humoral factors in human cardiomyocytes remain unknown. In the present study, we observed the effect of serum from chronic-stress mice on the electrical activity of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Male C57/BL6J [...] Read more.

Under chronic stress, the pro-arrhythmic effect and mechanism of circulating humoral factors in human cardiomyocytes remain unknown. In the present study, we observed the effect of serum from chronic-stress mice on the electrical activity of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Male C57/BL6J mice were subjected to 35 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The serum from CUMS mice induced arrhythmia-like events (cell arrhythmias) in hiPSC-CMs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Patch clamp recordings in the heterologous expression system demonstrated that the serum derived from CUMS mice exerted an inhibitory effect on the cloned human potassium currents (I_to, I_Kr, I_Ks) that mediate action potential repolarization. In addition, serum from CUMS reduced the expression of relevant channel proteins. Moreover, both heat-inactivated serum and deproteinized serum evoked similar severity of cell arrhythmias in hiPSC-CMs as the untreated serum, indicating that circulating substances with small molecules were mainly involved in the occurrence of arrhythmias. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis showed that 90 small-molecule metabolites increased and 390 decreased in CUMS serum. We concluded that circulating humoral substances under chronic stress conditions have direct arrhythmogenic effects by inducing ion channel dysfunction in myocardial cells. Full article

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28 pages, 2194 KiB

Open AccessReview

AI-Driven Transcriptome Prediction in Human Pathology: From Molecular Insights to Clinical Applications

by Xiaoya Chen, Huinan Xu, Shengjie Yu, Wan Hu, Zhongjin Zhang, Xue Wang, Yue Yuan, Mingyue Wang, Liang Chen, Xiumei Lin, Yinlei Hu and Pengfei Cai

Biology 2025, 14(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060651 - 4 Jun 2025

Abstract

Gene expression regulation underpins cellular function and disease progression, yet its complexity and the limitations of conventional detection methods hinder clinical translation. In this review, we define “predict” as the AI-driven inference of gene expression levels and regulatory mechanisms from non-invasive multimodal data [...] Read more.

Gene expression regulation underpins cellular function and disease progression, yet its complexity and the limitations of conventional detection methods hinder clinical translation. In this review, we define “predict” as the AI-driven inference of gene expression levels and regulatory mechanisms from non-invasive multimodal data (e.g., histopathology images, genomic sequences, and electronic health records) instead of direct molecular assays. We systematically examine and analyze the current approaches for predicting gene expression and diagnosing diseases, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Machine learning algorithms and deep learning models excel in extracting meaningful features from diverse biomedical modalities, enabling tools like PathChat and Prov-GigaPath to improve cancer subtyping, therapy response prediction, and biomarker discovery. Despite significant progress, persistent challenges—such as data heterogeneity, noise, and ethical issues including privacy and algorithmic bias—still limit broad clinical adoption. Emerging solutions like cross-modal pretraining frameworks, federated learning, and fairness-aware model design aim to overcome these barriers. Case studies in precision oncology illustrate AI’s ability to decode tumor ecosystems and predict treatment outcomes. By harmonizing multimodal data and advancing ethical AI practices, this field holds immense potential to propel personalized medicine forward, although further innovation is needed to address the issues of scalability, interpretability, and equitable deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Genomics)

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19 pages, 1701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preclinical Investigation of Estrogenic Bone Protection in a Hypertensive Rat Model Under Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

by Lucas Streckwall, Germán A. Colareda, Daiana Escudero, Romina G. Diaz and Juan M. Fernández

Biology 2025, 14(6), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060650 - 3 Jun 2025

Abstract

The goal of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is to align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity by suppressing endogenous sex hormones and replacing them with those consistent with their gender. Transgender women undergoing GAHT are at higher risk of cardiovascular complications, [...] Read more.

The goal of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is to align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity by suppressing endogenous sex hormones and replacing them with those consistent with their gender. Transgender women undergoing GAHT are at higher risk of cardiovascular complications, and since clinical evidence suggests that hypertension is associated with increased bone loss, we investigated the effects of estrogen treatment on bone health in a hypertensive transgender animal model. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats were orchiectomized (Orch), and half of them received estrogen treatment (Orch + Es), while a third group remained intact as controls. Bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs) were isolated to assess osteogenic potential, and femurs were collected for histological and mechanical analysis. BMPCs from Orch + Es rats exhibited enhanced osteogenic potential compared to those from Orch rats. Histological analysis revealed a higher number of osteocytes and fewer adipocytes in the Orch + Es group. Mechanical testing showed reduced bone strength in Orch rats, which was partially preserved in Orch + Es animals. In conclusion, estrogen administration mitigated the deleterious effects of testosterone depletion on BMPCs and provided protective effects on bone structure and strength in this preclinical model of GAHT in hypertensive rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osteoblast Differentiation in Health and Disease)

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23 pages, 2579 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of C-Jun N-Terminal Kinases on a Stressed Epithelium: Time for Testing Isoform Specificity

by Nitesh Shashikanth, Osama Alaidi, Lohitha Basa, Shreya Taank, RadhaKrishna Rao and Jayaraman Seetharaman

Biology 2025, 14(6), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060649 - 3 Jun 2025

Abstract

Biological, physiological, and psychological stressors cause a “stress response” in our bodies. Stressors that are sensorily perceived (either acute or chronic) trigger hormonal responses from the sympathetic nervous system—the SAM and HPA axis—that effect intended organs to alert the individual. Other stressors have [...] Read more.

Biological, physiological, and psychological stressors cause a “stress response” in our bodies. Stressors that are sensorily perceived (either acute or chronic) trigger hormonal responses from the sympathetic nervous system—the SAM and HPA axis—that effect intended organs to alert the individual. Other stressors have a direct effect on the target organ(s) of the body—e.g., physical injury and wounds, toxins, ionizing, and UV radiation. Both kinds of stressors change cell equilibrium, often leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cellular damage. Among the signaling pathways involved in fighting these stressors, the c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNK) respond to diverse kinds of stressors. This review focuses on JNK1 and JNK2, both of which are ubiquitously present in all cell types, and attention is paid to gastrointestinal tract epithelial cells and their response—including tight junction disruption and cytoskeletal changes. We discuss the seemingly opposite roles of JNK1 and JNK2 in helping cells choose pro-survival and pro-apoptotic pathways. We examine the common features of the JNK protein structure and the possibilities of discovering JNK-isoform-specific inhibitors since, although JNK1 and JNK2 are involved in multiple diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal and liver disease, no cell-specific or isoform-specific inhibitors are available. Full article

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

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19 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Assessment and Trading Mechanism of Carbon Sink in China’s Marine Aquaculture

by Xuan Yu, Haonan Guo and Qi Chen

Biology 2025, 14(6), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060648 - 3 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study develops species-specific assessment models for carbon sink in marine aquaculture (CSMA) using provincial data from China’s coastal regions (2004–2023). Key findings are as follows: (1) Cumulative CSMA reached 46.3618 million tonnes, exhibiting three growth phases—initial fluctuations (2004–2008), rapid growth (2008–2015), and [...] Read more.

This study develops species-specific assessment models for carbon sink in marine aquaculture (CSMA) using provincial data from China’s coastal regions (2004–2023). Key findings are as follows: (1) Cumulative CSMA reached 46.3618 million tonnes, exhibiting three growth phases—initial fluctuations (2004–2008), rapid growth (2008–2015), and optimization and maturation (2015–2023). (2) Species contributions were heterogeneous: shellfish dominated at 45%, followed by shrimp (24%), fish (15%), crab (11%), and algae (5%). (3) Spatially, Guangdong, Fujian, and Shandong consistently lead in CSMA; Guangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang form a second tier, whereas Hebei, Hainan, and Jiangsu remain at the lower end. (4) Province-specific dominance patterns were observed: shellfish-dominant pattern in Shandong, Fujian, and Liaoning; shrimp-dominant pattern in Hebei and Hainan; shellfish-and-shrimp dual-cores in Guangdong and Guangxi; and a multifaceted profile in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. To facilitate the realization of CSMA’s value, we propose a dedicated trading mechanism. Based on the derivations from the effect analysis model and the illustrative case studies, we explore the potential economic and ecological benefits of CSMA trading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biology)

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15 pages, 4171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Microalgae’s Physiological Responses to Fibrous and Layered Clay Minerals

by Zhongquan Jiang, Tianyi Wei, Sijia Wu, Zhongyang Wang, Zhonghua Zhao, Lu Zhang, Ying Ge and Zhen Li

Biology 2025, 14(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060647 - 3 Jun 2025

Abstract

Microalgae interact with mineral particles in an aqueous environment, yet how clay minerals affect physiological processes in algal cells remains unexplored. In this study, we compared the effects of palygorskite (Pal) and montmorillonite (Mt), which respectively represent fibrous and layered clay minerals, on [...] Read more.

Microalgae interact with mineral particles in an aqueous environment, yet how clay minerals affect physiological processes in algal cells remains unexplored. In this study, we compared the effects of palygorskite (Pal) and montmorillonite (Mt), which respectively represent fibrous and layered clay minerals, on the physiological processes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. It was observed that C. reinhardtii responded differently to the treatments of Pal and Mt. The Pal particles bound tightly to and even inserted themselves into cells, resulting in a significant decrease in cell numbers from 27.35 to 21.02 × 10⁷ mL⁻¹. However, Mt was only loosely attached to the cell surface. The photosynthesis in the algal cells was greatly inhibited by Pal, with the rETR_max significantly reduced from 103.80 to 56.67 μmol electrons m⁻²s⁻¹ and the downregulation of IF2CP, psbH and OHP1, which are key genes involved in photosynthesis. In addition, Pal reduced the quantities of proteins and polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the P uptake by C. reinhardtii when the P level in the culture was 3.15 mg/L. However, no significant changes were found regarding the above EPS components or the amount of P in algal cells upon the addition of Mt. Together, the impacts of fibrous Pal on C. reinhardtii was more profound than those of layered Mt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Fisheries Resources, Fisheries, and Carbon-Sink Fisheries)

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19 pages, 4294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermentation Products Originated from Bacillus subtilis Promote Hepatic–Intestinal Health in Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides

by Kaifang Liu, Shubin Liu, Dexiang Feng, Pengwei Xun, Hanjun Jiang, Yanwei Zhang, Gaoliang Yuan and Xusheng Guo

Biology 2025, 14(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060646 - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

The fermentation product FP-WeiGuangSu is regarded as a novel, green and efficient antibiotic substitute. Such products constitute one of the principal strategies for addressing bacterial diseases in aquaculture in the future. This study investigates the effects of FPs derived from Bacillus subtilis on [...] Read more.

The fermentation product FP-WeiGuangSu is regarded as a novel, green and efficient antibiotic substitute. Such products constitute one of the principal strategies for addressing bacterial diseases in aquaculture in the future. This study investigates the effects of FPs derived from Bacillus subtilis on the antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). Experimental diets containing 0, 1%, 3% and 5% FPs (Control, H1, H2 and H3) were fed to M. salmoides. Although short-term administration of FPs exerted no significant influence on the growth performance of Largemouth Bass, serological findings demonstrated that supplementation with FPs decreased the contents of the liver injury markers ALT, AST and AKP, along with liver MDA content, and enhanced antioxidant capacity (SOD, CAT and GSH-px). Notably, the addition of 1% FPs significantly improved the systemic antioxidant performance (SOD, CAT, GSH-px and T-AOC). Moreover, the FP supplementation increased the expression levels of il-10 and IgM, and lipolysis-related genes. The results of gut microbiota analysis revealed that FPs significantly altered the diversity and structure of gut microbiota. The LEfSe results indicated that the microbial marker of the control group was Cetobacterium, those of the H1 group were Bacillus and Mycoplasma, those of the H2 group were Acinetobacter, Paenibacillus and g_unclassified_Rhizobiaceae, and that of the H3 group was Enterococcus. The most significant microbial marker upon the addition of FPs was Paenibacillus, and the pathways for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, biosynthesis of antibiotics, and biosynthesis of amino acids were significantly activated. The Bugbase analysis results suggested that, compared with the control group, the abundance of anaerobic bacteria in the FP group decreased, while the abundance of microorganisms with mobile-element-containing and oxidative-stress-tolerant phenotypes increased. Hence, this study demonstrated that 1–3% FP dietary supplementation can be used to enhance antioxidant ability, and liver and intestine health of M. salmoides in the aquaculture industry and can be regarded as a promising feed additive in aquaculture. Full article

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33 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessReview

Maternal Overnutrition in Beef Cattle: Effects on Fetal Programming, Metabolic Health, and Postnatal Outcomes

by Borhan Shokrollahi, Myungsun Park, Gi-Suk Jang, Shil Jin, Sung-Jin Moon, Kyung-Hwan Um, Sun-Sik Jang and Youl-Chang Baek

Biology 2025, 14(6), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060645 - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

Maternal overnutrition and targeted supplements during pregnancy strongly affect fetal development in beef cattle, influencing gene expression, tissue development, and productivity after birth. As modern feeding practices often result in cows receiving energy and protein above requirements, understanding the balance between adequate nutrition [...] Read more.

Maternal overnutrition and targeted supplements during pregnancy strongly affect fetal development in beef cattle, influencing gene expression, tissue development, and productivity after birth. As modern feeding practices often result in cows receiving energy and protein above requirements, understanding the balance between adequate nutrition and overconditioning is critical for sustainable beef production. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies on maternal overnutrition and supplementation, focusing on macronutrients (energy, protein, methionine) and key micronutrients (e.g., selenium, zinc). It evaluates the timing and impact of supplementation during different gestational stages, with emphasis on fetal muscle and adipose tissue development, immune function, and metabolic programming. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, is also discussed in relation to maternal dietary inputs. Mid-gestation supplementation promotes muscle growth by activating muscle-specific genes, whereas late-gestation diets enhance marbling and carcass traits. However, maternal overnutrition may impair mitochondrial efficiency, encourage fat deposition over muscle, and promote collagen synthesis, reducing meat tenderness. Recent evidence highlights sex-specific fetal programming differences, the significant impact of maternal diets on offspring gut microbiomes, and breed-specific nutritional responses, and multi-OMICs integration reveals metabolic reprogramming mechanisms. Targeted trace mineral and methionine supplementation enhance antioxidant capacity, immune function, and reproductive performance. Precision feeding strategies aligned with gestational requirements improve feed efficiency and minimize overfeeding risks. Early interventions, including protein and vitamin supplementation, optimize placental function and fetal development, supporting stronger postnatal growth, immunity, and fertility. Balancing nutritional adequacy without excessive feeding supports animal welfare, profitability, and sustainability in beef cattle systems. Full article

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

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19 pages, 2592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Behavioral Characteristics of Lutjanus erythropterus on the Basis of the Distance and Structure of Artificial Reefs

by Manju Jiang, Yu Guo, Chuanxin Qin, Jia Zhang and Ankai Zhang

Biology 2025, 14(6), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060644 - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyze the preferences of rocky reef fish for different types of artificial reefs and to determine the distances between reefs that lead to the production of independent effects. In this study, the aggregation behavior of juvenile [...] Read more.

The aims of this study were to analyze the preferences of rocky reef fish for different types of artificial reefs and to determine the distances between reefs that lead to the production of independent effects. In this study, the aggregation behavior of juvenile Lutjanus erythropterus was observed under different reef spacings (0.5 L (distances of 0.5 times the reef length), 1.0 L, 1.5 L, 2.0 L, 2.5 L, and 3.0 L). The results revealed that when the distance between the reefs was 0.5 L, the juvenile fish presented frequent between-reef activity, and their attraction to the reefs was significant. When the distance between the reefs was 2.5 L or 3.0 L, the number of juvenile fish appeared to significantly differ between the areas. The number of juvenile fish farther from the reefs was relatively low, and the value tended to plateau. The results revealed that the two reefs had a combined effect when the reef distance was 0.5 L, 1.0 L, 1.5 L, or 2.0 L, whereas the two reefs had independent effects when the distance was 2.5 L or 3.0 L. In addition, to determine the distance at which the reefs had independent effects, the preference of juvenile L. erythropterus for different reef types was investigated, and the behavior of L. erythropterus was observed when two or four reefs (room-shaped artificial reef, RAR; lobe-shaped artificial reef, LAR; cubic artificial reef, CAR; and stacked artificial reef, SAR) were placed in an experimental tank at the same time. The results showed that in the experiments where two or four different reef models were present, juvenile L. erythropterus preferred the cubic artificial reef. At this reef, the fish exhibited the strongest reefing behavior and stayed for the longest time. This study reveals the reefing behaviors of juvenile L. erythropterus under different reef spacings and their preferences for various artificial reef models, providing a theoretical basis and reference for the design and selection of habitats for related species and of artificial reef models for marine pastures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Behavioural Biology)

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23 pages, 1243 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on the Interaction Between SIRT1 and Mitochondrial Biochemistry in the Aging of the Reproductive System

by Yang Li, Kai Kang, Huimingda Bao, Siqi Liu, Bangyi Zhao, Guangdong Hu and Jiang Wu

Biology 2025, 14(6), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060643 - 2 Jun 2025

Abstract

The protein associated with the silencing information regulator 2-associated enzyme1 (SIRT1) is a highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent deacetylase and a key member of the sirtuin family. SIRT1 plays an essential role in various cellular physiological processes, primarily localized in [...] Read more.

The protein associated with the silencing information regulator 2-associated enzyme1 (SIRT1) is a highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent deacetylase and a key member of the sirtuin family. SIRT1 plays an essential role in various cellular physiological processes, primarily localized in the nucleus but also active in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. Recent studies have demonstrated its capacity to delay aging in multiple organs and tissues, although its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Additionally, SIRT1 exerts a significant influence on metabolic regulation and genetic processes. As the primary source of cellular energy, mitochondria are central to numerous biological functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the onset and progression of various diseases and is increasingly recognized for its role in aging-related processes. This article investigates the interaction between SIRT1 and mitochondria in regulating reproductive system aging and elucidates their potential mechanisms of action, providing insights for clinical research into reproductive system aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Aging)

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23 pages, 2217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabinoid Modulation of Excitability and Short-Term Neuronal Dynamics in the Dorsal and Ventral Hippocampus

by Giota Tsotsokou, Ioanna-Maria Sotiropoulou, Klearchos Stampolitis, George D. Oikonomou, Aikaterini-Paraskevi Avdi and Costas Papatheodoropoulos

Biology 2025, 14(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060642 - 31 May 2025

Abstract

Endocannabinoids, acting primarily through CB1 receptors, are critical modulators of neuronal activity, influencing cognitive functions and emotional processing. CB1 receptors are highly expressed in the hippocampus, primarily on GABAergic interneurons, modulating the excitation/inhibition balance. Previous evidence suggests the functional heterogeneity of CB1 receptors [...] Read more.

Endocannabinoids, acting primarily through CB1 receptors, are critical modulators of neuronal activity, influencing cognitive functions and emotional processing. CB1 receptors are highly expressed in the hippocampus, primarily on GABAergic interneurons, modulating the excitation/inhibition balance. Previous evidence suggests the functional heterogeneity of CB1 receptors along the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus. However, it is not known whether CB1 receptors differentially modulate basic aspects of the local neuronal network along the hippocampus. This study investigated how CB1 receptor activation modulates excitability, paired-pulse inhibition (PPI), and short-term neuronal dynamics (STND) in the dorsal and ventral CA1 hippocampus under physiologically relevant conditions. Using extracellular recordings from hippocampal slices of male Wistar rats, we compared the effects of two CB1 receptor agonists, ACEA and WIN55,212-2, on network activity in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. We found that both agonists significantly increased excitability and reduced PPI in the dorsal, but not the ventral, hippocampus. Similarly, CB1 receptor activation modulated STND more prominently in the dorsal hippocampus, reducing facilitation at low frequencies and reversing depression at high frequencies, whereas effects on the ventral region were minimal. These dorsoventral differences in the actions of cannabinoid receptor agonists occurred despite similar CB1 receptor expression levels in both regions, suggesting that functional differences arise from downstream mechanisms rather than receptor density. Pre-application of the GIRK channel blocker Tertiapin-Q occluded the effects of WIN55,212-2 on STND, indicating a significant role of GIRK channel-mediated signaling in CB1 receptor actions. These findings demonstrate that CB1 receptors modulate hippocampal circuitry in a region-specific manner, with the dorsal hippocampus being more sensitive to cannabinoid signaling, likely through differential engagement of intracellular signaling pathways such as GIRK channel activation. These results provide novel insights into how endocannabinoid signaling differentially regulates neuronal dynamics along the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus. They also have important implications for understanding the role of cannabinoids in hippocampus-dependent behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neuroscience)

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22 pages, 4298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses of the Salt Stress Response Mechanism in Lonicera caerulea

by Dandan Zang, Yadong Duan, Hengtian Zhao, Ning Wang, Yiming Zhang, Yanmin Wang and Huizi Liu

Biology 2025, 14(6), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060641 - 31 May 2025

Abstract

Lonicera caerulea is a wild fruit species with high edible and medicinal value. However, the molecular regulation and metabolic mechanisms of L. caerulea under salt stress are still unclear. Salt stress causes damage to the cell membrane of L. caerulea and induces changes [...] Read more.

Lonicera caerulea is a wild fruit species with high edible and medicinal value. However, the molecular regulation and metabolic mechanisms of L. caerulea under salt stress are still unclear. Salt stress causes damage to the cell membrane of L. caerulea and induces changes in malondialdehyde content, relative electrolyte leakage, leaves’ stomatal opening, and the water loss rate. It also increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of soluble sugars. A comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of L. caerulea exposed to salt stress at four different (treatment) time intervals yielded a total of 99,574 unigenes and 1375 metabolites. Among these, 4081, 4042, and 4403 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in 12 transcriptomes, while 776, 832, and 793 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected in 12 metabolomes. The DEGs play important roles in several signaling pathways, including MAPK signaling, fatty acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs and DAMs are associated with flavonoid and lipid biosynthesis pathways. The combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggest that flavonoid and fatty acid compounds may be involved in regulating plant responses to salt stress. These findings will lay the foundation for the selection of L. caerulea germplasm resources and the expansion of its cultivation area. These research findings will lay the foundation for the cultivation of salt-tolerant new varieties of L. caerulea and their planting in saline–alkali soils. Full article

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

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