Search Results (216)

CSN2, a highly conserved subunit of the COP9 signalosome (CSN), serves as the primary binding site for Cullin in the CSN complex. This interaction, dependent on lysine residues, positions CSN2 as a key player in approximately 20% of CRL-mediated ubiquitination reactions, a critical regulatory pathway for growth, development, and cellular processes in eukaryotes. While the role of CSN2 in human cells has been partially characterized, its function in rice (OsCSN2) remains poorly understood. Building on our previous findings regarding OsCSN2 function under natural light, this study investigates its regulatory mechanisms in rice seedlings under red and far-red light conditions. We demonstrate that under natural light, OsCSN2 mainly affects rice GA homeostasis by regulating the expression of SLR1 and influences rice photomorphogenesis by regulating the expression of the COP1-HY5 complex, thereby controlling rice growth through two pathways. Unlike under natural light, under red light, OsCSN2 promotes the expression of OsGID1, enhances the interaction between OsGID1 and OsSLR1, and promotes GA accumulation and OsPIL14 expression, leading to rice stem growth and inhibition of coleoptile elongation. Under far-red light, OsCSN2 mainly promotes the expression of OsCOP1, increasing the formation of the COP1-HY5 complex, which inhibits photomorphogenesis and coleoptile elongation. Lysine site mutations in OsCSN2 affect the interaction between the OsCSN complex and CRLs, regulating CRL-mediated ubiquitination reactions, promoting the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of OsSLR1 and OsCOP1, and thus promoting rice growth. These findings not only elucidate the functional roles of OsCSN2 in rice growth regulation but also provide valuable genetic resources for breeding rice varieties with enhanced agronomic traits. Full article

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) with defined degrees of polymerization (DP) exhibit distinct bioactivities with promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. However, the specific and sustainable production of COSs remains challenging due to the broad product distribution of wild-type chitosanases and the difficulties in enzyme recovery and reuse. In this study, we employed rational design to engineer a GH46 chitosanase (CsnB) from Bacillus sp. BY01 for chitobiose production. Through homology modeling and molecular docking analysis, 15 mutants were designed by targeting key residues structurally critical for substrate stabilization, product release, and active-site geometry in the substrate-binding subsites. The D78Y mutant exhibited exclusive specificity for chitobiose, demonstrating a specific activity of 102.4 U/mg and yielding chitobiose with a purity exceeding 98%, thereby surpassing the previously reported enzymes for chitobiose production. To address the challenges of enzyme stability, purification costs, and product separation, we developed a ReELP system by integrating elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with a ReverseCatcher/ReverseTag peptide pair. This system enabled one-step purification and co-immobilization of CsnB-D78Y directly from cell lysate onto biomimetic silica nanoparticles, achieving 96.8% immobilization efficiency and 90.7% activity recovery. The immobilized enzyme exhibited enhanced thermal and pH stability, retaining approximately 50% activity after 12 h at 40 °C compared to only 5.7% for the free enzyme. In reusability assays, the immobilized CsnB-D78Y maintained efficient chitobiose production over 5 consecutive cycles. This work provides a green and cost-effective strategy for the specific and sustainable production of chitobiose, offering new insights into enzyme engineering and immobilization for industrial COS production. Full article

Stalk lodging is one of the major constraints limiting global maize yield. Chemical regulation and fertilization are essential agronomic practices that play critical roles in improving maize yield and lodging resistance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilization methods on maize plant morphology, stem mechanical properties and chemical composition, and yield under spraying chemical regulator (EDAH, consist of 27% ethephon and 3% DA-6). The experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025, using Jiangyu668 (JY668) and Jiangyu877 (JY877) with different plant heights. Three fertilization methods (no fertilization, N0; conventional fertilization, N15; and slow-release fertilization, SN15) were set up. Chemical regulation and fertilization methods had significant effects on plant morphology, stem mechanical properties and chemical composition, lodging rate, and grain yield. The combination of spraying EDAH and slow-release fertilization optimized ear position coefficient and gravity center, decreased stem–leaf angle, and increased leaf orientation value, which was beneficial for improving leaf photosynthetic capacity. EDAH and slow-release fertilization also increased the stem internode diameter and aerial root layers; enhanced bending resistance and puncture strength; and increased cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents and the lodging resistance index. These changes synergistically increased grain number and weight, ultimately increased maize yield, and decreased the lodging rate. CSN15 had highest yield and lowest lodging rate in different years and varieties. SN15 increased yield by 10.58% compared with N15, and CSN15 increased yield by 10.53% compared with CN15. JY877, as a medium- to high-stem maize variety, had better performance in plant morphology and yield than JY668 (dwarf maize variety) under EDAH and slow-release fertilization. These findings demonstrate that the strategy of combining chemical regulation and slow-release fertilization represents an optimal management approach for enhancing grain yield by optimizing plant morphology and improving stem mechanical properties and stem chemical composition in maize production. This strategy can increase agricultural productivity by enhancing yield and lodging resistance and provide significant environmental benefits and a scientific basis for agronomic practice recommendations. Full article

CSN5 is one of the subunits of the COP9 signalosome, which can regulate plant life activities by participating in the ubiquitination process. It is also positively correlated with JA signal intensity in plants and regulates JA-dependent plant defense responses. In this study, a total of three CSN5 family genes were identified in tomatoes and a systematic bioinformatics analysis was performed to clarify their similarities and differences. In addition, by analyzing the publicly available transcriptome data and qRT-PCR experiments, it was found that SlCSN5-2 and SlCSN5-3 were up-regulated under gray mold disease stress, and the potential key gene SlCSN5-3 was up-regulated most significantly. Silencing SlCSN5-3 in tomatoes resulted in reduced resistance to gray mold disease, and it was clear that SlCSN5-3 positively regulates tomatoes’ resistance to gray mold disease through the JA pathway. Full article

Hemarthria compressa is a valuable C₄ forage grass, prized for its high biomass (dry weight, DW) and palatability, that plays a significant role in forage production and ecological restoration. Improving its nutritional quality and productivity remains a key objective. Although compound sodium nitrophenolate (CSN) is known to promote growth and stress tolerance in crops, its impact on forage grasses is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of foliar-applied CSN on the photosynthesis, growth, and nutritional quality of H. compressa and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that CSN significantly improved the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), increased the chlorophyll and carotenoid content, enhanced carbon fixation, and promoted biomass (DW) accumulation. Additionally, the crude protein content rose while the acid detergent fiber content decreased. Transcriptome analysis revealed the enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in photosynthesis antenna proteins, carbon fixation, and starch/sucrose metabolism. Consequently, CSN reduced the lignin content while improving both biomass and forage quality. These findings provide molecular insights and practical strategies for forage cultivation and breeding. Full article

This study investigates how global monetary and oil shocks propagate across advanced and pegged oil economies, focusing on the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates over the period 2015–2023. It examines which transmission channels—liquidity, credit, or equity—serve as the dominant conduits of spillovers under fixed exchange rate regimes. To address this question, this paper develops a hybrid causal–computational framework that integrates high-frequency identification of monetary and oil shocks with econometric benchmarks (Local Projections and Time-Varying Parameter VARs) and a Graph Neural Network-based Causal Shock Network (GNN-CSN) enhanced with SHAP explainability. The results show that global monetary shocks significantly raise interbank funding costs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while sovereign credit spreads remain largely stable, indicating that liquidity—not credit—constitutes the main transmission channel. Equity markets absorb much of the external adjustment, reflecting sectoral sensitivity to global cycles. By combining causal identification, dynamic estimation, and explainable machine learning, the framework improves predictive accuracy and transparency, offering new evidence on how external shocks shape financial dynamics in resource-dependent, dollar-pegged economies. Full article

In recent decades, chemotherapy has significantly improved cancer survival, yet its adverse effects on non-cancerous tissues raise increasing concerns. In this context, growing attention has been focused on natural compounds that may be useful in mitigating the undesirable effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we aimed to demonstrate that Cytosporone B (CsnB) is a potent agent for counteracting the cardiovascular effects induced by Imatinib. To this end, 12-week-old male Wistar rats were studied; they were divided into three groups as follows: (1) control, (2) Imatinib-treated (Imatinib: 60 mg/kg/day, per os), (3) Imatinib + CsnB-treated (CsnB: 5 mg/kg/day, i.p.). After the two-week-long experimental period, rats were euthanized. Their hearts were used for the following biochemical measurements: NADPH oxidase (NOX4), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Imatinib caused a marked upregulation of key inflammatory and oxidative markers, including HMGB1, TNF-α, MPO, iNOS, PAD4, and NOX4 in cardiac tissue; however, CsnB treatment mitigated these elevations, implying its role in opposing Imatinib-induced inflammatory and oxidative processes in the heart. Our findings suggest that CsnB holds promise as a cardioprotective agent capable of modulating Imatinib-induced adverse cardiac effects. Full article

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is a highly conserved eukaryotic protein complex that plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress responses by modulating the ubiquitination pathway. Emerging evidence underscores its significance in plant immunity, where it orchestrates diverse defense mechanisms, including hormone signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS), homeostasis, and secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthesis. As a key regulator, CSN influences multiple layers of immune responses, such as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI), and systemic acquired resistance (SAR). However, the intricate interplay between CSN and immune regulatory networks remains incompletely understood, and a comprehensive model of its mechanistic framework is still lacking. This review systematically consolidates current knowledge on CSN-mediated immune regulation in plant–pathogen interactions and highlights its role in disease resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: We investigated whether cervical sensitive nerves (CSN) provide motor input to the trapezius muscle and how this relates to short-term functional outcomes after neck dissection. Methods: A total of 22 neck dissections were performed in 17 patients; the SAN was preserved. CSN roots (C2–C4) were stimulated intraoperatively using IONM. Shoulder and neck function were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 months in 15 operated necks using goniometry, an IMU-based motion analysis system (iSen), trapezius isometric strength, the Modified Constant–Murley Score (MCMS), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: CSN-evoked trapezius responses were detected in 10/22 (45.5%) dissections (C2: 6/22, 27.2%; C3: 4/22, 18.2%; C4: 0/22). Postoperatively, neck extension/rotation and shoulder abduction/external rotation decreased significantly within groups; upper and middle trapezius strength and MCMS also declined. Shoulder flexion loss was smaller when CSN motor participation was present. Median shoulder flexion (goniometry) changed from 162°→140° in CSN(+) vs. 170°→131° in CSN(−) (between-group p = 0.024). With iSen, shoulder flexion changed 120°→116° in CSN(+) vs. 122°→97° in CSN(−) (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Approximately half of the neck dissections exhibited CSN-related motor responses. Short-term shoulder flexion was better preserved when CSN motor participation was present, suggesting that documenting CSN motor input intraoperatively may inform early rehabilitation planning. Full article

The A1 and A2 variants of bovine β-casein (CSN2) have gained attention in the dairy industry due to potential health effects. The A1 variant, prevalent in Holstein-Friesian cattle, is a major source of β-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7)—an opioid-like peptide released during digestion and associated with lower digestive comfort. In this study, β-casein A1 and A2 variants and BCM-7 levels were quantified in raw milk and three commonly consumed dairy products (pasteurized milk, UHT milk, and milk powder) using ELISA. The samples came from dairy plants within a single operating zone. The A1 variant was significantly more frequent (13.69–22.41 ng/mL) than the A2 variant (8.10–12.60 ng/mL), although the local Holstein cattle population had a higher frequency of the A2 allele (63%) than A1 (37%). This discrepancy could be due to a more efficient expression of the A1 allele in cows with heterozygous or A1A1 genotypes. BCM-7 levels were low and did not vary significantly with CSN2 genotype or processing method. These results provide new insights into the composition of dairy products and contribute to the ongoing debate on the health implications and consumer acceptance of milk with the A1 β-casein variant. Full article

Splicing regulatory sequences are cornerstones for exon recognition. Mutations that modify them can severely compromise mRNA maturation and protein production. A wide range of mutations, including SNPs and InDels, can influence splicing regulatory signals either directly (e.g., altering canonical donor and acceptor dinucleotides) or indirectly (e.g., creating cryptic splice sites). CSN1S1 and CSN1S2 genes encode for the two main milk proteins, αs1 and αs2 caseins, respectively. They represent a remarkable and unique example of the possibilities for alternative splicing of individual genes, both due to the high number of alternative splices identified to date and for recognized allele-specific splicing events. To date, at least 13 alleles of CSN1S1 originating from mutations that affect canonical splice sites have been described in Bos taurus (CSN1S1 A, A1, and H), Ovis aries (E, H, and I), Capra hircus (D and G), Bubalus bubalis (E, F) and Camelidae (A, C, and D). Similarly, allele-specific splicing events have been described at the CSN1S2 locus in B. taurus. (CSN1S2 D), C. hircus (CSN1S2 D), B. bubalis (CSN1S2 B, B1, and B2), Equus asinus (CSN1S2 I B), and Camelidae. This review highlights that mutations affecting canonical splice sites, particularly donor sites, are significant sources of genetic variation impacting the casein production of the main dairy livestock species. Currently, a key limitation on this topic is the lack of detailed functional and proteomic studies. Future research should leverage advanced omics technologies like long-read transcriptomics and allele-resolved RNA sequencing to characterize these splicing mechanisms, guiding precision breeding strategies. Full article

The Cultural STEM Night (CSN) initiative was developed to address the persistent lack of culturally relevant STEM teaching materials, which often contributes to student disengagement—particularly among underrepresented populations. This study examined the impact of the CSN program on enhancing STEM affinity and cultural intelligence (CQ) among American and Korean teacher candidates. Over six weeks, participants engaged in synchronous workshops, virtual cultural exchanges, and collaborative STEM lesson design integrating Korean cultural contexts. Quantitative analysis of pre- and post-program surveys using the STEM Affinity Test and Cultural Intelligence Scale revealed statistically significant improvements across all subdomains of STEM affinity (identity, interest, self-concept, value, and attitudes) and in most dimensions of CQ (metacognitive, cognitive, and behavioral). However, motivational CQ did not show significant gains, likely due to limited student interaction time during the event. Qualitative data from written reflections and focus group discussions supported these findings, indicating increased instructional adaptability, cultural awareness, and confidence in designing inclusive STEM lessons. These results demonstrate the transformative potential of interdisciplinary, culturally immersive programs in teacher education. The CSN model, supported by digital collaboration tools, offers a scalable and effective approach to preparing educators for diverse classrooms. Findings underscore the importance of integrating culturally responsive teaching into STEM education to promote equity, engagement, and global competence. Full article

Halide perovskite-based memristors are promising neuromorphic devices due to their unique ion migration and interface tunability, yet their conduction mechanisms remain unclear, causing stability and performance issues. Here, we engineer interstitial Ag⁺ ions within a quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) halide perovskite ((C₆H₅C₂H₄NH₃)₂Cs_n−1Pb_nI_3n+1) to enhance device stability and controllability. The introduced Ag⁺ ions occupy organic interlayers, forming thermodynamically stable structures and introducing deep-level energy states without structural distortion, which do not act as non-radiative recombination centers, but instead serve as efficient charge trapping centers that stabilize intermediate resistance states and facilitate controlled filament evolution during resistive switching. This modification also leads to enhanced electron transparency near the Fermi level, contributing to improved charge transport dynamics and device performance. Under external electric fields, these Ag⁺ ions act as mobile ionic species, facilitating controlled filament formation and stable resistive switching. The resulting devices demonstrate exceptional performance, featuring an ultrahigh on/off ratio (∼10⁸) and low operating voltages (∼0.31 V), surpassing existing benchmarks. Our findings highlight the dual role of Ag⁺ ions in structural stabilization and conduction modulation, providing a robust approach for high-performance perovskite memristor engineering. Full article

The two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite exhibits superior chemical stability but suffers from compromised photoelectric properties due to the van der Waals gap. This study presents a novel investigation of surface passivation effects on quasi-2D perovskite X₂Cs_n−1Pb_nI_3n+1 (n = 1–6; X = MA, FA, PEA) using DFT methods, revealing three key advances: First, we demonstrate that organic cation passivation (MA⁺, FA⁺, PEA⁺) enables exceptional stability improvements, with FA-passivated structures showing optimal stability—a crucial finding for materials design. Second, we identify a critical thickness effect (n > 3) where bandgaps converge to <1.6 eV (approaching bulk values) while maintaining strong absorption, establishing the minimum layer requirement for optimal performance. Third, we reveal that effective masses balance and absorption strengthens significantly when n > 3. These fundamental insights provide a transformative strategy to simultaneously enhance both stability and optoelectronic properties in quasi-2D perovskites. Full article

The state path optimization model, alongside strategies like slowing down and waiting, aims to identify optimal aircraft routes that minimize the total taxi time and prevent conflicts. Optimization reduces taxiing times for aircraft YZR7537, CES2558, and CSZ9806, while slightly increasing the times for CSN6310 and CSN3210 due to conflict hotspot avoidance measures. This approach also decreases the number of aircraft passing through key conflict hotspots, effectively reducing both conflicts and risk levels in these areas. Consequently, the total taxiing time for the optimized aircraft is cut by 53 s, enhancing airport operational efficiency. The proposed model serves as a theoretical foundation for developing an intelligent airport operation management system. Full article