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17 pages, 8342 KB  
Article
Probiotics Alleviate Nonylphenol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Silurus meridionalis via Reprogramming Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and Suppressing Ferroptosis: A Preliminary Study
by Deqin Luo, Fanglian Lu, Lian Yang, Zhenbo Gan, Xianbo Zhang and Ranran Dong
Fishes 2026, 11(8), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11080473 - 13 Aug 2026
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP), a typical emerging pollutant, is widely detected in water bodies, yet its hepatotoxic mechanisms and mitigation strategies remain underexplored. This study evaluated the protective effects of a mixed probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis) against NP-induced hepatotoxicity in Silurus [...] Read more.
Nonylphenol (NP), a typical emerging pollutant, is widely detected in water bodies, yet its hepatotoxic mechanisms and mitigation strategies remain underexplored. This study evaluated the protective effects of a mixed probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis) against NP-induced hepatotoxicity in Silurus meridionalis by integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, with validation by RT-qPCR and ELISA. The results showed that NP exposure disrupted the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway (activating pro-inflammatory COX and LOX pathways while the suppressing anti-inflammatory CYP450 branch), promoted ferroptosis via iron dyshomeostasis and oxidative damage, and impaired triglyceride (TG) synthesis. Probiotic pretreatment reversed these toxic effects by modulating AA metabolism, suppressing COX (ptgs2a↓ → PGE2↓) and LOX (alox12↓ → MDA↓) pathways, while upregulating the CYP450 pathway (cyp2j↑ → 11,12-EET↑). Probiotics also enhanced Fe3+ sequestration (steap4↑) and antioxidant defense (CAT↑, gpx4a↑), limiting Fenton reaction-mediated oxidative injury, and restored hepatic TG synthesis through upregulation of the DHAP-to-TG cascade (DHAP—(gpd1b↑) → G3P↑—(gpat3↑) → LPA—(agpat6↑) → PA—(plpp7↑) → DAG↑—(dgat2↑) → TG↑). These findings suggest that NP induces hepatotoxicity in S. meridionalis, involving ferroptosis, AA metabolism disruption and impaired TG synthesis as interconnected pathological events. Probiotics likely counteract this toxicity through systemic metabolic reprogramming. Collectively, these findings elucidate the hepatotoxic mechanisms of NP in S. meridionalis and offer toxicological data for its risk assessment, supporting the potential of probiotic-based strategies to mitigate emerging pollutant impacts in aquatic organisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Feeding)
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26 pages, 16447 KB  
Article
Identification and Functional Characterization of the GPAT Gene Family in Regulating Oil Biosynthesis in Olive
by Shengjia Huang, Lihua Wang, Min Ye, Wanbo Wu, Hui Luo, Lingfan Yu, Pijun Li, Yang Huang and Jincheng Du
Plants 2026, 15(15), 2295; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152295 - 27 Jul 2026
Viewed by 382
Abstract
Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the oldest woody oil crops. Previous studies, by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics, have identified glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4 (GPAT4) as a key regulatory gene involved in oil biosynthesis in olive fruits. Although GPAT4 was [...] Read more.
Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the oldest woody oil crops. Previous studies, by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics, have identified glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4 (GPAT4) as a key regulatory gene involved in oil biosynthesis in olive fruits. Although GPAT4 was identified as a key regulator, the overall function of the GPAT gene family in olive remains largely unknown. As a critical rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing triacylglycerol production, GPAT plays an important role in oil synthesis in oil crops. However, the function of the GPAT gene in olive remains unclear. A systematic analysis of the olive GPAT gene family showed that 12 OeGPAT proteins can be divided into four subclasses, all containing the conserved GPAT domain. These genes are distributed across chromosomes and scaffolds, with highly conserved motifs and variable gene structures. Functional studies revealed that overexpression of OeGPAT1.1, OeGPAT1.2, OeGPAT2, OeGPAT3, OeGPAT4, OeGPAT7, and OeGPAT8 significantly increased total oil content in transgenic Arabidopsis leaves and seeds. Further experiments in olive fruit at maturity stages II, III, and IV demonstrated that overexpression of the same set of OeGPAT genes elevated total oil content, while their silencing resulted in a decrease. In summary, this study reveals that OeGPATs can serve as ideal targets in metabolic engineering to regulate oil content in oil crops, providing a theoretical foundation for further research on oil biosynthesis in olive fruit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Quality Regulation in Horticultural Crops)
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17 pages, 963 KB  
Article
Alpine Meadow Habitat Is Associated with Characteristic Flavor Formation in Bayinbuluke Sheep Meat Through Metabolic Reprogramming
by Yaling Yang, Wujun Liu and Hang Cao
Foods 2026, 15(14), 2515; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15142515 - 16 Jul 2026
Viewed by 360
Abstract
This study elucidates the biochemical mechanisms by which extreme high-altitude environments are associated with the remodeling of the skeletal muscle flavor profile in sheep. Using Bayinbuluke (high-altitude) and Turpan Black (low-altitude) sheep, we integrated volatilomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to map flavor precursor [...] Read more.
This study elucidates the biochemical mechanisms by which extreme high-altitude environments are associated with the remodeling of the skeletal muscle flavor profile in sheep. Using Bayinbuluke (high-altitude) and Turpan Black (low-altitude) sheep, we integrated volatilomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to map flavor precursor networks. Odor activity value analysis revealed that high-altitude meat exhibited sub-threshold suppression of animal off-flavors, such as p-cresol, while significantly amplifying premium fruity esters. Targeted metabolomics attributed this sensory inversion to a structural shift in the precursor pool, specifically the enrichment of highly reactive polyunsaturated fatty acids, L-cysteine, and rhamnose. Multi-omics integration demonstrated that cold and hypoxic stresses are associated with metabolic reprogramming. The synergistic downregulation of the GPAT3 gene and APOC3 protein was associated with redirected lipid flux, suggesting a mechanism for functional fatty acid accumulation. Simultaneously, the pronounced upregulation of the CTH gene, potentially driven by antioxidant defense needs, coincided with substantial L-cysteine accumulation. Correlation networks suggested that this precursor shift is negatively correlated with off-flavor generation, possibly via competitive thermal degradation. In conclusion, extreme ecological stress is associated with convergent metabolic reprogramming, contributing to the reconstruction of the flavor precursor pool to alter the characteristic lipid aroma of plateau meat. While these findings provide a comprehensive structural blueprint of plateau meat characteristics, the proposed mechanisms remain hypothetical and warrant future functional and sensory validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meat)
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30 pages, 7181 KB  
Article
Molecular Mechanisms of Oil and Saponin Accumulation and the Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Sapindus mukorossi Fruit
by Xiao Zhou, Changzhu Li, Yunzhu Chen, Yan Yang, Qiang Liu, Wenbin Zeng, Luhong Zhang, Lijuan Jiang, Zhihong Xiao, Yuena Ji, Li Li, Hao Wang, Peiwang Li and Jingzhen Chen
Plants 2026, 15(14), 2173; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15142173 - 15 Jul 2026
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Sapindus mukorossi, known as soapberry, is a multipurpose woody species with oil-rich kernels and saponin-rich pulp, and its kernel oil and pulp saponins have important applications in oleochemicals, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. However, the mechanism by which carbohydrate-derived carbon is differentially [...] Read more.
Sapindus mukorossi, known as soapberry, is a multipurpose woody species with oil-rich kernels and saponin-rich pulp, and its kernel oil and pulp saponins have important applications in oleochemicals, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. However, the mechanism by which carbohydrate-derived carbon is differentially allocated to kernel oil biosynthesis and pulp saponin biosynthesis within the same fruit remains unclear. In this study, we integrated morphological, physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the developmental accumulation patterns of oil and saponins and their relationship with carbohydrate metabolism in S. mukorossi fruit. The fruit reached maturity at approximately 130 days after flowering and was divided into four developmental stages: slow growth, rapid expansion, color transition, and maturation. Kernel oil accumulated in a typical S-shaped pattern and increased rapidly during the middle-to-late developmental stages, whereas pulp saponins increased continuously before maturity and remained stable. At maturity, soluble sugars mainly accumulated in the pulp, while starch was relatively enriched in the kernels, indicating different carbohydrate storage and utilization patterns between the two tissues. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed tissue-specific metabolic regulation: lipid metabolism was preferentially enriched in kernels, whereas terpenoid and secondary metabolic pathways were more active in pulp. Several genes related to fatty acid assembly and oil accumulation, including SmACC, SmLACS, SmGPAT, and SmLPAT, showed kernel-biased expression, while genes involved in the mevalonate (MVA)-dependent triterpenoid saponin pathway, including SmACCT, SmMVK, SmIDI, SmSQE, and SmLUP2, were closely associated with pulp saponin accumulation. Hormone-related transcription factors, such as GRAS and BES1 in kernels and MYC2 in pulp, may contribute to the coordination between carbohydrate metabolism and oil or saponin biosynthesis. Overall, these findings suggest that oil and saponin accumulation in S. mukorossi fruit are regulated by distinct tissue-specific metabolic programs closely linked to carbohydrate metabolism. This study provides new insights into carbon allocation between kernel oil and pulp saponin biosynthesis and identifies candidate pathways and genes for the genetic improvement and resource utilization of S. mukorossi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Value of Plant Metabolites)
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16 pages, 2332 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Cellular Synthesis of Structured Triacylglycerols
by Jiayi Yang, Siyang Liu and Junfeng Liu
Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050471 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 332
Abstract
Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are essential energy reservoirs and industrial raw materials, while structured TAGs (STAGs) with tailored fatty acid distributions possess unique nutritional and functional values but low natural abundance. Enzymatic synthesis is strictly limited by feedstock and cost, making microbial de novo synthesis [...] Read more.
Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are essential energy reservoirs and industrial raw materials, while structured TAGs (STAGs) with tailored fatty acid distributions possess unique nutritional and functional values but low natural abundance. Enzymatic synthesis is strictly limited by feedstock and cost, making microbial de novo synthesis via metabolic engineering a promising alternative. This review summarizes advances in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway and its regulation, key enzymes in TAG synthesis (GPAT, LPAAT, and DGAT), and microbial production of major STAGs (OPO, MLM, CBEs, and PUFA-rich STAGs). Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed, promoting the shift toward rational design of functional STAGs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biocatalysis)
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17 pages, 2790 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Analysis of High and Low Lipid Droplet Deposition Subpopulations of Chicken Preadipocytes Based on SSC Sorting
by Boyu Wang, Yantao Li, Yake Wang, Jiayi Chen, Jiali Wang, Xiaoping Li and Zhenhui Li
Animals 2026, 16(6), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16060885 - 12 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
Fat deposition plays a crucial role in regulating the production performance and meat quality of broilers. Although the heterogeneity of mammalian adipocytes has been extensively studied, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying differences in lipid droplet accumulation in avian adipocytes remains limited. This [...] Read more.
Fat deposition plays a crucial role in regulating the production performance and meat quality of broilers. Although the heterogeneity of mammalian adipocytes has been extensively studied, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying differences in lipid droplet accumulation in avian adipocytes remains limited. This study confirmed a significant positive correlation (R2 > 0.81, p < 0.001) between the SSC signal and lipid droplet content via fluorescence staining of lipid droplets, Oil Red O staining, and triglyceride (TG) quantification. Based on this, a label-free sorting strategy using SSC signals was established to sort differentiated chicken preadipocytes, obtaining high lipid droplet (H) and low lipid droplet (L) subpopulations, which were subsequently subjected to transcriptome sequencing and differential gene expression (DEG) analysis, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The results indicated no significant differences in the expression of adipogenesis marker genes (PPARG, LPL, CD36, PLIN1, PLIN2) between the high lipid droplet (H) and low lipid droplet (L) groups, suggesting that both groups are at similar stages of differentiation. KEGG analysis revealed that both the H vs. NC and L vs. NC comparisons were enriched in common pathways, including the PPAR signaling pathway, ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cytokine–receptor interaction, and calcium–Apelin signaling pathway, suggesting that both groups of cells had activated the adipogenesis program. GO analysis showed that, in both H vs. NC and L vs. NC comparisons, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in biological processes (BPs) related to cell adhesion, nucleosome assembly, chromatin remodeling, and receptor activity, as well as cellular components (CCs) such as the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and nucleosome organization, indicating extensive gene reprogramming and activation of signaling transduction during differentiation. In the H vs. L comparison, enriched pathways included ABC transporters, ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, gap junctions, microtubule-related processes, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, involving lipid transmembrane transport, cytoskeleton stabilization, and signal transduction regulation, suggesting that high lipid droplet cells are more mature in lipid droplet transport, storage, and homeostasis maintenance. GO enrichment results further supported this conclusion, as H vs. L specifically enriched processes related to microtubule-related processes, cell cycle, and redox reactions (BPs), as well as chromosome organization, cytoskeleton, and motor activity (CC/MF), indicating that high lipid droplet cells maintain lipid droplet fusion and metabolic homeostasis via enhanced microtubule transport and antioxidant regulation. Differential gene analysis revealed that the L group upregulated genes associated with fatty acid synthesis and elongation (ACACA, FASN, SCD, FADS2, ELOVL1), cholesterol and isoprenoid biosynthesis (HMGCR, SQLE, MSMO1, DHCR7, DHCR24, FDPS, LSS), and fatty acid oxidation (PPARA, PPARD, ACAD11, SIRT5), reflecting a metabolic characteristic of concurrent lipid synthesis and mobilization; the H group, conversely, upregulated genes associated with lipid droplet formation and storage (G0S2, MOGAT1, GPAT4, PLIN4, AUP1), lipid transport (ABCA1, ABCA2, ABCG1, OSBPL3, VLDLR), and antioxidant defense (GPX3, GPX4, HMOX1), exhibiting a storage and homeostasis-oriented metabolic state. In the NC, L, and H groups, the expression of five genes—GEM, SPP1, ABCA1, PDLIM3, and ITGA8—showed a gradual increase, suggesting that these genes were associated with preadipocyte differentiation and lipid droplet deposition. In summary, although the high and low lipid droplet subpopulations of chicken preadipocytes exhibit similar differentiation states, they form distinct metabolic orientations. The L group is characterized by active lipid synthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and membrane lipid remodeling, while the H group predominantly features lipid droplet storage, lipid transport, and antioxidant homeostasis. This study highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic heterogeneity of avian adipocytes and provides a theoretical basis for poultry fat deposition regulation and genetic improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)
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16 pages, 3662 KB  
Article
Using Integrated Microbiome–Metabolome–Genome Axis Data to Elucidate the Mechanism by Which Polyphenol Content in the Extract from C. osmantha Leaves (PECOL) Regulates Broiler Flavor
by Manting Ma, Wanxi He, Xiajin Lin, Yibing Wang, Shouqun Jiang, Li Yang, Guizhen Li and Yao Gu
Foods 2026, 15(5), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15050862 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 557
Abstract
The quality and flavor of chicken meat are the key factors that influence consumers’ purchase decisions. Recent studies have demonstrated that polyphenol can modulate meat quality. In this study, an integrated multi-omics approach was utilized to systematically identify the regulatory effect of dietary [...] Read more.
The quality and flavor of chicken meat are the key factors that influence consumers’ purchase decisions. Recent studies have demonstrated that polyphenol can modulate meat quality. In this study, an integrated multi-omics approach was utilized to systematically identify the regulatory effect of dietary supplementation with polyphenols extracts of C. osmantha leaves (PECOL) on chicken flavor. It was found that dietary PECOL supplementation enhanced breast meat flavor and increased fatty acid ethyl ester compounds in the breast muscle. Moreover, PECOL supplementation reshaped the composition and proportions of gut microbiota across multiple taxonomic levels, with a notable enrichment of taxa within the phylum Firmicutes (e.g., g_Massilistercora). Furthermore, the addition of PECOL altered the contents of cecal metabolites related to lipid and glucose metabolism, such as PC (14:1(9Z)/21:0), PC (P-16:0/15:1(9Z)), LysoPE (20:4(8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)/0:0), and glycerol 3-phosphate. Notably, we found that g_Massilistercora was significantly correlated with the content of these metabolites related to lipid and glucose metabolism. Further analysis revealed that these metabolites might interact with GPAT4 to jointly regulate chicken flavor. These findings further clarify the regulatory role played by PECOL in shaping the flavor of broiler meat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Foodomics)
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20 pages, 8840 KB  
Article
Characterization of the Soybean GPAT Gene Family Identifies GmGPAT1 as a Key Protein in Salt Stress Tolerance
by Xin Li, Yunlong Li, Yan Sun, Sinan Li, Quan Cai, Shujun Li, Minghao Sun, Tao Yu, Xianglong Meng and Jianguo Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(18), 2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14182862 - 13 Sep 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2327
Abstract
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) catalyze the initial and rate-limiting step of glycerolipid biosynthesis, yet their contribution to salt tolerance in the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, a total of 27 GmGPAT genes were identified, and their [...] Read more.
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) catalyze the initial and rate-limiting step of glycerolipid biosynthesis, yet their contribution to salt tolerance in the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, a total of 27 GmGPAT genes were identified, and their evolutionary relationships, chromosomal distribution, conserved motifs, and cis-regulatory elements were comprehensively analyzed. Through transcriptomic and qPCR analyses, many GmGPATs were found to be predominantly expressed in roots, with GmGPAT1, a plastid-targeted isoform, displaying the most rapid and pronounced transcriptional activation under salt stress. GFP-fusion experiments in transient expression assays confirmed plastid localization of GmGPAT1. Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli together with enzyme kinetics analyses validated its enzymatic function as a GPAT family member. The soybean hairy-root lines overexpressing GmGPAT1 exhibited enhanced root elongation, increased biomass, and improved photosynthetic efficiency under 120 mM NaCl stress, while CRISPR/Cas9 knockout mutants showed pronounced growth inhibition. Physiological assays demonstrated that GmGPAT1 overexpression mitigated oxidative damage by limiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and lipid peroxidation, increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD), and elevating the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG. These changes contributed to redox homeostasis and improved Na+ extrusion capacity. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 288 soybean accessions identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the GmGPAT1 promoter that was significantly correlated with salt tolerance, and the beneficial Hap1 allele emerged as a promising molecular marker for breeding. Together, these analyses emphasize the status of GmGPAT1 as a major regulator of salt stress adaptation through the coordinated modulation of lipid metabolism and redox balance, extend the functional annotation of the soybean GPAT family, and highlight new genetic resources that can be leveraged to enhance tolerance to salt stress in soybean cultivars. Full article
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17 pages, 4295 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Regulatory Responses of Fatty Acid Positional Distribution in Triacylglycerols and Lipid Composition to Dietary n-3 HUFA in the Muscle of Trachinotus ovatus
by Xin Gao, Mengmeng Li, Junfeng Guan, Zhiyi Cheng, Dizhi Xie and Yuanyou Li
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162427 - 19 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1250
Abstract
The nutritional value of lipids depends not only on their fatty acid composition but also on their stereospecific positioning on the glycerol backbone. This study investigated the fatty acid composition and sn-2 positional distribution of triacylglycerols (TAG), as well as the composition [...] Read more.
The nutritional value of lipids depends not only on their fatty acid composition but also on their stereospecific positioning on the glycerol backbone. This study investigated the fatty acid composition and sn-2 positional distribution of triacylglycerols (TAG), as well as the composition of major phospholipids in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) juveniles (initial weight: 10 g) fed five diets including graded levels of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA; 0.64–2.10%) for 56 days. With increasing dietary n-3 HUFA levels, the proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 HUFA in muscle TAG, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) significantly increased. Phospholipids, especially PC and PE, were preferentially enriched with n-3 HUFA, and the sn-2 positions of TAG showed a significantly increased deposition of DHA and reduced n-6/n-3 ratios. RNA-Seq analysis was performed on muscle tissues of T. ovatus subjected to different dietary n-3 HUFA levels to further investigate the molecular mechanisms of lipid compositional and structural changes. A total of 126,792 unigenes were obtained, of which 47.78% were successfully annotated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis implicated the glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, and sphingolipid metabolism pathways in lipid composition and distribution regulation, identifying gpat4, agpat3, agpat8, lpeat1, and lpgat1 as potential regulators. These findings offer insights into lipid remodeling in marine fish and support strategies to enhance aquaculture product quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)
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18 pages, 3855 KB  
Article
Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Mitigate Fatty Liver Syndrome in Laying Hens: Association with Cecal Microbiota Remodeling and Lipid Metabolic Homeostasis
by Dongdong Li, Binlong Chen, Yi Zhang, Zengwen Huang, Zhiqiu Huang, Xi Chen, Caiyun Sun, Yunxia Qi, Yaodong Hu, Ting Chen and Silu Wang
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152210 - 27 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2369
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBF) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD) on fatty liver syndrome (FLS) in laying hens. A total of 450 35-wk-old Lohmann laying hens were selected and randomly divided into five [...] Read more.
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBF) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD) on fatty liver syndrome (FLS) in laying hens. A total of 450 35-wk-old Lohmann laying hens were selected and randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates per treatment and 15 laying hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The FLS group was fed a high- energy–low-protein (HELP) diet, and the other three experimental groups were fed HELP diets supplemented with 60 mg/kg TBF, 69 μg/kg 25-OHD, and 60 mg/kg TBF plus 69 μg/kg 25-OHD, respectively. The experiment lasted 8 weeks. The results demonstrated that feeding laying hens with a HELP diet led to a significant accumulation of fat in their livers, liver enlargement and yellowing, as well as a decline in liver antioxidant capacity and an aggravation of inflammation. TBF alone, 25-OHD alone, and their combination had no effect on the laying performance of laying hens fed with a HELP diet. However, 25-OHD significantly enhanced the albumin content, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness of eggs (p < 0.05). Compared with the HELP group, TBF, 25-OHD, or their combination reduced serum LDL-C and TG (p < 0.05). The combined treatment further lowered serum NEFA and MDA, enhanced liver SOD activity (p < 0.05), and unlike TBF alone (which reduced hepatic TG) or 25-OHD alone (which decreased liver index), reduced both liver index and hepatic TG (p < 0.05). Liver gene expression analysis showed that combined TBF and 25-OHD significantly inhibited the expression of fat synthesis-related genes (ACC, FAS, GPAT1, ChREBP1, LXRα, SREBP-1C, SREBP-2, FABP) as well as inflammation-related genes (IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, TLR4) (p < 0.05). At the phylum level of the cecal microbiota, TBF increased the abundance of Bacteroidota (p < 0.05), and combined TBF and 25-OHD tended to increase the abundance of Firmicutes_D. At the genus level, TBF increased the abundance of Phocaeicola_A (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TBF, 25-OHD, or their combination reduced the abundance of Faecalibacterium (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that combined TBF and 25-OHD mitigates FLS in laying hens potentially through remodeling gut microbiota and maintaining lipid metabolic homeostasis. Full article
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19 pages, 4208 KB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Metabolic Pathways and Key Genes Involved in Oleic Acid Formation of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
by Yingnan Mu, Ying Sun, Yang Wu, Liuxi Yi, Haifeng Yu and Shaoying Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146757 - 15 Jul 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1682
Abstract
Sunflower is one of the four most important oilseed crops in the world, and its edible oil is of high nutritional quality. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of oil accumulation in sunflowers is still unclear. In this study, we selected two inbred lines [...] Read more.
Sunflower is one of the four most important oilseed crops in the world, and its edible oil is of high nutritional quality. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of oil accumulation in sunflowers is still unclear. In this study, we selected two inbred lines with significant differences in oleic acid content and similar agronomic traits: the high oleic acid content (82.5%) inbred line 227 and the low oleic acid content (30.8%) inbred line 228. Sunflower seeds were selected for transcriptome experiments at 10, 20, and 30 days after full bloom (DAFB). There were 21, 225, and 632 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified at the three times, respectively. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEGs from two sunflower cultivars at three stages were significantly enriched in the activities of omega-6 fatty acid desaturase and glucosyltransferase. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis found that at 10, 20, and 30 DAFB, DEGs were significantly enriched in the unsaturated fatty acid synthesis pathway, glutathione metabolism pathway, and pyruvate metabolism pathway. Through mapping analysis of GO in the KEGG pathway, it was found that the omega-6 fatty acid desaturase gene FAD6/FAD2, diacylglyceroyltransferase gene DGAT, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase gene GPAT, and long-chain acyl-CoA synthase gene LACS may play important roles in regulating sunflower oleic acid content. Our research provides candidate genes and a research basis for breeding high oleic sunflowers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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16 pages, 8753 KB  
Article
High Co-Expression of GPAT4 and SLC7A11 as a Predictor of Platinum Resistance and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
by Ping Yu, Chunliang Shang, Zhongyu Liu, Yuan Li, Tianhui He, Yuan Xue, Jian Lin, Yuan Li, Yu Wu, Tong Liu and Hongyan Guo
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071664 - 8 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1352
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether the expression levels of GPAT4 and SLC7A11 are associated with survival outcomes and platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of EOC patients. EOC samples obtained during surgery were [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether the expression levels of GPAT4 and SLC7A11 are associated with survival outcomes and platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of EOC patients. EOC samples obtained during surgery were stained for GPAT4 and SLC7A11. Cox regression and Kaplan—Meier analyses were performed to assess the impact of GPAT4 and SLC7A11 expression on overall survival (OS). Results: We found that GPAT4 and SLC7A11 expression levels were greater in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer tissues than in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer tissues. High expression of both GPAT4 and SLC7A11 was associated with an increased risk of platinum resistance compared with low expression of both factors. High expression of both SLC7A11 and GPAT4 was independently correlated with poor OS, highlighting the significance of this integrated metric as a prognostic factor in ovarian cancer. The GPAT inhibitor (GPAT-IN-1) and an SLC7A11 inhibitor (erastin) attenuated platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells, and their combined application increased cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the combination of GPAT-IN-1, erastin, and cisplatin significantly improved the chemotherapeutic effects on platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Conclusions: High expression of both SLC7A11 and GPAT4 is related to platinum resistance in EOC patients. The high expression of both SLC7A11 and GPAT4 serves as an important independent prognostic factor and indicates potential therapeutic targets for patients with platinum-resistant EOC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biology and Oncology)
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24 pages, 7117 KB  
Article
Transforming Properties of E6/E7 Oncogenes from Beta-2 HPV80 in Primary Human Fibroblasts
by Francisco Israel Renteria-Flores, Andrea Molina-Pineda, Ruben Piña-Cruz, Sayma Vizcarra-Ramos, Alejandra Natali Vega-Magaña, Mariel García-Chagollán, María Teresa Magaña-Torres, Rodolfo Hernández-Gutiérrez, Adriana Aguilar-Lemarroy and Luis Felipe Jave-Suárez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115347 - 2 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2669 | Correction
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Mexico, primarily due to persistent infection with high-risk Alpha-papillomavirus genotypes, such as HPV16 and 18. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revealed a high prevalence of Beta- and Gamma-HPVs, mainly Beta-2 types 38b, 80, [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Mexico, primarily due to persistent infection with high-risk Alpha-papillomavirus genotypes, such as HPV16 and 18. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revealed a high prevalence of Beta- and Gamma-HPVs, mainly Beta-2 types 38b, 80, 107, and 122, in cervical cancer samples from Mexico. Our group previously reported that HPVs 38b, 107, and 122 possess transforming properties in primary fibroblasts; however, the oncogenic potential of E6/E7-HPV80 has not yet been elucidated. For this purpose, primary human fibroblasts were transduced with E6/E7-HPV80 (FB-E6/E7-HPV80), and functional assays were conducted to evaluate changes in proliferation, metabolic activity, and cell migration. RNA-seq analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. Fibroblasts transduced with E6/E7-HPV16 (FB-E6/E7-HPV16) or empty vector (FB-pLVX) served as controls. FB-E6/E7-HPV80 extended their lifespan and exhibited increased proliferation, metabolic activity, and migration capacity. RNA-seq analysis identified 196 upregulated DEGs (such as GPAT2, MST1R, ACAN, SLCO4A1, and CHRNA3) and 887 downregulated DEGs (such as KLHDC7B, TRIM58, CST1, FBLL1, INHBE, and TMEM132D) shared between FB-E6/E7-HPV80 and FB-E6/E7-HPV16. Enriched pathways included p53, TNF, IL-17, apoptosis, cell cycle, etc. These findings suggest that E6/E7-HPV80 exhibits transforming capabilities that could play an important role in cervical carcinogenesis. Full article
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25 pages, 8600 KB  
Article
Integrated Metabolomics and Lipidomics Analysis Reveals the Mechanism Behind the Action of Chiglitazar on the Protection Against Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury
by Liu-Liu Lu, Yu-Li Cao, Zhen-Chen Lu, Han Wu, Shan-Song Hu, Bing-Qing Ye, Jin-Zhi He, Lei Di, Xu-Lin Chen and Zhi-Cheng Liu
Metabolites 2025, 15(5), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15050290 - 25 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2110
Abstract
Background: Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI) is a critical clinical challenge with high mortality. Metabolic dysregulation drives SALI pathogenesis, disrupting lung function and energy metabolism. Despite proven benefits, metabolic restoration is underused in sepsis. This study explores chiglitazar’s role in balancing metabolism to [...] Read more.
Background: Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI) is a critical clinical challenge with high mortality. Metabolic dysregulation drives SALI pathogenesis, disrupting lung function and energy metabolism. Despite proven benefits, metabolic restoration is underused in sepsis. This study explores chiglitazar’s role in balancing metabolism to protect against SALI. Methods: The protective effects of chiglitazar in CLP rats were demonstrated by the survival curve, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis in the lung tissue. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses of lung tissue samples using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed to evaluate metabolic shifts induced by CLP surgery and chiglitazar pretreatment. The mRNA and protein levels of the underlying targets directing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and triglyceride synthesis were analyzed by qPCR and Western blotting. To validate the mechanism by which chiglitazar protected against SALI, the SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 was applied to human normal lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells and another batch of rats to observe its reverse effect against chiglitazar’s action. Results: Chiglitazar pretreatment significantly restored NAD+ and improved dysregulated lipid metabolism by enhancing the synthesis of triglycerides (TGs) and suppressing accumulated fatty acids (FAs). The metabolic modulation mediated by chiglitazar was associated with the upregulations of the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARα/GPAT3 axis. Co-treatment with EX-527 in LPS-stimulated BEAS-2B cells and CLP rats inhibited the effects of chiglitazar on the aforementioned signaling pathways and worsened the protective effects of chiglitazar on lung injury, respectively. Conclusions: Chiglitazar alleviates SALI by restoring NAD+ and TG synthesis, highlighting the balancing of metabolism as a promising therapeutic strategy in the management of SALI. Full article
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15 pages, 1624 KB  
Communication
Genetic Diversity Estimation and Genome-Wide Selective Sweep Analysis of the Bazhou Yak
by Baigao Yang, Hang Zhang, Xiaoyi Feng, Zhou Yu, Jianhua Cao, Yifan Niu, Pengcheng Wan, Gang Liu and Xueming Zhao
Animals 2025, 15(6), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060849 - 15 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1783
Abstract
The Bazhou yak, a major native meat yak breed in Xinjiang, China, is renowned for its fast growth rate, strong adaptability, and particularly high intramuscular fat (IMF) content. However, limited knowledge regarding its phylogenetic history and genomic composition has hindered its long-term conservation [...] Read more.
The Bazhou yak, a major native meat yak breed in Xinjiang, China, is renowned for its fast growth rate, strong adaptability, and particularly high intramuscular fat (IMF) content. However, limited knowledge regarding its phylogenetic history and genomic composition has hindered its long-term conservation and utilization. This study evaluated the genetic diversity, population phylogenetics, and genome-wide selective sweep analysis (GWSA) of 100 newly obtained Bazhou yaks through genome resequencing, as well as 340 public yak genomes from nine other populations on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The results revealed moderate diversity, lower genomic inbreeding levels, and rapid linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay in Bazhou yaks. Principal component analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic analysis showed a clear separation of Bazhou yaks from other yak populations, indicating the Bazhou yak as an independent genetic population. Furthermore, less genetic differentiation was found between the Bazhou yak and the Huanhu yak, while ADMIXTURE analysis revealed a common ancestral lineage between Bazhou yaks and Huanhu yaks, indicating an important genetic contribution of the Qinghai yak population to Bazhou yaks. The GWSA identified a total of 833 selected genes in Bazhou yaks using the top 5% interaction windows of both parameters (FST, Pi ratio, and XP-EHH). A significant number of these genes are related to fat synthesis and deposition, such as MTOR, APOA1, and GPAT4. In summary, this study sheds light on the phylogenetic status and distinctive genomic features of Bazhou yaks, which facilitates our understanding of the genetic basis of the IMF phenotype in Bazhou yaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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