Search Results (1,197)

Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a metabolite of the L-kynurenine pathway of L-tryptophan degradation, is an endogenous blocker of glutamate ionotropic excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). KYNA plays a significant role in various neuropsychiatric disorders and the aging process. Some researchers have suggested that KYNA may contribute to memory impairment. In this study, we examined the impact of L-kynurenine (a KYNA substrate) and the anti-dementia drugs D-cycloserine and Cerebrolysin on kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) activity, an enzyme forming KYNA, in liver homogenates of Helix pomatia snails. Furthermore, a memory model was established using these snails, wherein tentacle shortening served as an indicator of learning activity. In vitro experiments on Helix pomatia demonstrated the significant impact of L-kynurenine and anti-dementia drugs on KYNA synthesis. KYNA levels increased significantly in the presence of L-kynurenine in liver homogenate. However, KYNA formation decreased when anti-dementia drugs, including Cerebrolysin or D-cycloserine, were administered to the snails’ liver homogenate. L-kynurenine has been shown to impair the learning process in vivo in snails, but an anti-dementia drug has been demonstrated to reverse this effect. Significant inhibition of tentacle lowering was observed in response to L-kynurenine treatment, which corresponded with elevated KYNA levels in the central nervous system. Administering D-cycloserine or Cerebrolysin alongside L-kynurenine reversed its effects. The Helix pomatia memory model is a valuable tool for studying learning and memory formation in various conditions and in the presence of different pharmacological agents. A drug or natural extract that blocks KYNA synthesis has the ability to increase tentacle lowering and could be considered an anti-dementia agent. Furthermore, this metabolite may also protect against aging and delay damage to the central nervous system related to memory. Full article

Although extensive research has been conducted on peristaltic robots, early designs are often constrained by mechanical configurations and material constraints, which restrict kinematic capability, particularly steering control. In contrast, snails steer by modulating mucus secretion to redistribute ventral friction along the foot. Inspired by this strategy, we propose a friction-differential steering mechanism and develop a novel crawler that implements it. The crawler is integrated with a peristaltic robot, and three experiments are conducted to evaluate steering performance. We further establish a physical model of friction-differential steering, including cases identified from the experiments. The proposed model captures the experimentally observed trend that the steering response increases with the friction differential and provides a qualitative physical interpretation of the steering mechanism. Finally, the method is generalized by analyzing its limiting behavior, thereby clarifying the operating bounds of the proposed approach. This work provides a principled framework for steering control in peristaltic robots and offers a promising direction for improving their motion controllability. Full article

Boule is the ancestral member of the Deleted in Azoospermia (DAZ) family and is pivotal for gametogenesis and male fertility in most animals. However, there is a dearth of information on molluscan boule. Here, we identified a counterpart (Pcbol) from the genome of Pomacea canaliculata, which has emerged as a cosmopolitan alien species and notorious pest that causes devastating damage to aquatic biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems and crop production in invaded ranges. This study aimed to investigate the biological roles of Pcbol in male reproduction and to decipher the molecular mechanisms underpinning its modulation via dsRNA-delivered RNA interference (RNAi). The bioinformatic analysis showed that the Pcbol genomic sequence is 12,934 nt in length, harboring an open reading frame of 294 nt that encodes 97 aa residues, with an RRM domain evolutionarily conserved among molluscan orthologues. Spatiotemporal expression profiling indicated the predominant abundance of Pcbol in adult males and testis tissues. dsPcbol, injected at a dose of 4 μg/per snail for 5 days, yielded optimal silencing at both transcript and translation levels of Pcbol, as revealed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence echoed a pronounced reduction in Pcbol signal intensity following RNAi. In addition to the arrested reproductive gland phenotype, the number of sperm cells substantially dwindled upon dsPcbol treatment relative to the dsGFP control. In biochemical and fecundity assays, Pcbol depletion triggered a significant decrease in Te/SP/Arg content and suppressed the number of deposited eggs and hatchability. Furthermore, spermatogenic genes like CDC25/TSSK1/SPATA17/DDX4/Dmrt2/Sox2/Kelch10/SPO11 displayed considerable downregulation post Pcbol silencing, with molecular docking predicting a strong affinity between CDC25 and Pcbol. These molecular modules may interact with Pcbol to mediate knockdown effects on spermatogenesis dysfunction. Collectively, our findings not only confirmed that boule was indispensable for spermatogenesis and male fertility in a mollusk, but also highlighted the Pcbol-based male sterile technique (MST), which can be incorporated into precision pest management (PPM) strategies for sustainable control of P. canaliculata. Full article

Desulfovibrio spp. are sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that are linked to intestinal barrier dysfunction (leaky gut). Previously, we reported that Desulfovibrio vulgaris (DSV) caused increased intestinal permeability by upregulating nuclear transcription factor Snail. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that maintains intestinal barrier integrity and negatively regulates Snail and promotes its degradation by proteasomes. Rapamycin has been shown to protect the intestinal barrier and is also known to activate GSK-3. In this study, we investigated whether DSV disrupts intestinal barrier function through modulation of GSK-3 signaling and whether rapamycin could counteract these effects. Using a previously established DSV-induced paracellular permeability model using polarized Caco-2 monolayers, here, we showed that DSV induced inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3. Pretreatment of cells with rapamycin prevented DSV- induced phospho- inactivation of GSK-3, suppressed Snail expression and nuclear localization, and significantly reduced DSV-induced barrier permeability. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation with MG132 abolished the protective effects of rapamycin on barrier permeability, supporting a role for GSK-3–mediated proteasomal regulation of Snail. Together, these findings identify GSK-3 signaling as a novel mechanism underlying DSV-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and highlight rapamycin as a potential therapeutic approach strategy to protect intestinal barrier integrity in response to DSV. Specifically, targeting the GSK-3/Snail pathway may represent a promising strategy to mitigate SRB-associated intestinal barrier disruption. Full article

Pomacea canaliculata, as a significant invasive alien species, poses severe threats to agricultural development. Currently, chemical applications demonstrate notable efficacy in controlling this pest. However, metaldehyde exhibits overly singular toxicity towards P. canaliculata; niclosamide sulfate is not a molluscicide; and fentin acetate is a fungicide. Currently, these findings fail to elucidate the physiological and biochemical effects of the compounds after they enter the P. canaliculata’s body. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of metaldehyde (ME), niclosamide sulfate (NS), and fentin acetate (FA) against P. canaliculata and analyzed the morphological and physiological changes in response to chemical stress. The results indicated that three chemicals exhibited potent molluscicidal activity, especially in the NS treatment group. After 12 h exposure to LC₅₀ concentrations (48 h LC₅₀), the surface area of livers was reduced significantly by 12.1%, 13.9%, and 2.8% compared to the control group, while the kidneys expanded significantly by 6.4%, 3.2%, and 16.7%, respectively. The heart showed marked enlargement by 152.1% and 44.2% under niclosamide sulfate and metaldehyde treatments. The pulmonary sac significantly contracted by 23.6% under niclosamide sulfate stress but expanded by 6.1% under fentin acetate exposure. The stomach enlarged significantly after niclosamide sulfate treatment, whereas it shrank by 2.1% and 5.7% under metaldehyde and fentin acetate treatments, respectively. Metabolomic analysis of liver tissues revealed 553, 99, and 585 differential metabolites compared to the control group, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the metabolism pathway, lysine degradation, and bile secretion are likely related to the response to chemical stress in P. canaliculata. Further examination showed a significant decrease in total protein content and the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) under chemical stress. These findings enhance our understanding of the targeted mechanisms of molluscicides against P. canaliculata. Metaldehyde may exert neurotoxic effects on the P. canaliculata, while niclosamide sulfate may interfere with its respiratory system. Additionally, both chemicals affect metabolic pathways in the snail’s liver, including lipid metabolism and metabolic pathways associated with energy metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights for designing a novel snail control agent and formulating scientific management strategy. Full article

Schistosomiasis japonicum transmission in Indonesia has declined substantially over recent decades, placing it in the last miles of elimination in the Western Pacific Region. As programmes transition from control to interruption of transmission, surveillance systems must be capable of detecting residual transmission. This study synthesised routine epidemiological data from 2015 to 2025 to assess Indonesia’s readiness for elimination and to identify key surveillance gaps in near-elimination settings. Descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted using national surveillance data from two endemic districts in Central Sulawesi, complemented by programme reports on mass drug administration, human diagnosis, animal reservoir surveillance, and snail surveys. Results showed that while prevalence in humans has remained low and responsive to mass drug administration, transmission persists through infected animal reservoirs and intermediate snail hosts. Surveillance performance is constrained by limited diagnostic capacity, inconsistent snail survey coverage, fragmented paper-based reporting systems, and weak integration across human, animal, and environmental sectors. These findings indicated that low prevalence in humans alone is insufficient to demonstrate interruption of transmission, particularly in zoonotic schistosomiasis. In conclusion, Indonesia’s experience highlights the need to strengthen near-elimination surveillance through sensitive diagnostics, integrated One Health approaches, and digitally enabled data systems to sustain elimination and support future verification of schistosomiasis transmission interruption. Full article

Parasitic diseases involving invertebrate hosts, notably leishmaniasis (transmitted by sandflies) and schistosomiasis (transmitted via aquatic snails), remain public health concerns in China. Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, the age-standardized prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates for both diseases declined significantly from 1990 to 2021. Men consistently experienced a higher burden than women. The age distribution of disease burden differed between the two conditions. Projections to 2036 suggest a continued decrease in schistosomiasis burden and in leishmaniasis mortality and DALYs, but a potential slight rise in leishmaniasis prevalence. Sustained control efforts have been effective, yet challenges persist due to demographic disparities, climate-related invertebrate host/intermediate host expansion, and imported cases. Future strategies require enhanced surveillance, targeted interventions, and multi-sectoral collaboration to advance toward elimination. Full article

Bellamya limnophila is a mollusk of significant medical and economic value in China. Understanding the complete mitochondrial genome of this species will better establish a foundation for systematic classification research on Viviparidae. Therefore, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of B. limnophila, conducted a comprehensive analysis of its structural characteristics, and constructed a phylogenetic tree using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The results showed that the genome sequence is 16,991 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 20 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 1 non-coding region (D-loop). In summary, the Ka/Ks ratios of all PCGs were <1, indicating that purifying selection dominated the evolutionary process of these snails. The entire genome structure exhibited conservative features, such as the majority of start codons being the standard ATG codon and the majority of tRNA genes having the standard cloverleaf secondary structure. B. limnophila and B. quadrata showed collinearity in terms of sequence homology. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the clade formed by the genera Margarya, Cipangopaludina, and Bellamya is the sister group of the genus Viviparus; Bellamya limnophila is more closely related to B. quadrata than to other species. This study contributes to the mitochondrial genome database of the family Viviparidae and provides valuable insights into the phylogenetic relationships of related snails. Full article

One of the strategies for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis is the control of its snail vectors in an endemic area, as is done in other tropical diseases like malaria. However, the strategy currently practiced for the control of the disease in Nigeria is the annual mass administration of preventive chemotherapy (Praziquantel) among school-age children while neglecting the control of its snail intermediate host and other control components. The neglect of malacology and vector control will slow the elimination targets and timeline of 2030 set by the WHO. In this study, we investigated the abundance and seasonal variations in the snail vectors of schistosomiasis and the relationship between the disease among humans and infected snail vectors. A total of 21,282 snails were collected from 13 sites across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Of the collected snails, 1451 (6.8%) belong to three species: Biomphelaria pfeifferi (0.5%), Bulinus truncatus (2.1%) and Bulinus globosus (4.2%), which are known to be vectors of Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis, respectively. These three species were all shedding cercariae both at the time of collection and afterwards, when they were induced to shed cercariae. The association between the reported prevalence of the disease and the percentage of snails shedding cercaria were heterogenous across different communities. While Takushara, with a disease prevalence of 46%, had 60% of the cercaria shedding snails, Kwaita sabo pukafa and Guduji, with disease prevalences of 56% and 26% respectively, had no cercaria shedding snails. Similarly, Dagiri rafin shahu and Gwako 1, with disease prevalences of 60% and 38%, had cercaria shedding snails of less than 1%. Nonetheless, the presence of Bulinus and Biomphelaria species in these communities indicates a potential risk of infection for humans and other animals who may come in contact with the water. Consequently, integrated multisectoral control and elimination measures that combine malacological monitoring with behavioral, environmental, and historical epidemiological assessments with a deliberate health orientation of the people through sensitization and health education is advocated to reduce exposure to the disease risk factors and contribute towards elimination of the disease. Full article

The freshwater snail Bellamya purificata is both ecologically and economically significant, exhibiting notable sexual dimorphism in growth and nutritional traits that underscore the importance of breeding of monosex stocks. However, the genetic basis of sex determination remains unclear. Herein, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) combined with transcriptomic analysis were conducted to identify sex-linked markers and candidate genes for this species. GWAS generated 571 significantly sex-associated SNPs and 1853 InDels, corresponding to 44 candidate genes. Multiple significant SNP peaks were detected on chromosomes 1 and 2, with mrc2 and mis18bp1 as key candidate genes. A sex-linked InDel marker located within mis18bp1 can distinguish males and females cost-effectively. Genotype analysis of the sex-associated loci revealed that most females were homozygous while males were heterozygous, suggesting that B. purificata has a primarily XX/XY sex determination system. Comparative gonadal transcriptome analyses identified 2996 female-biased and 4281 male-biased genes. Among them, sry, sox8, dmrt1 and dmrt2 may be critical in male sex differentiation, while β-catenin, foxl2, esr1 and nr5a2 may be important in female sex differentiation. Integration of GWAS and transcriptomic data highlighted four pronounced sex-associated candidate genes, including mis18bp1, rnf216, tbx1 and mrc2. These results provide a valuable foundation for elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and for the development of monosex stocks in B. purificata. Full article

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, while albumin nanoparticles enable effective drug delivery. This study compares the antitumor and cytotoxic effects of albumin-coated AgNPs (AgNPs-Alb) versus AgNPs on human prostate cancer cell lines. Method: AgNPs-Alb were synthesized and tested against PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. Characterization via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy confirmed their properties. IC50 values were determined using MTT assay, with apoptosis assessed by Annexin-V/PI staining. DNA cell cycle was analyzed by PI staining. Migration, proliferation, and nuclear morphology were evaluated through scratch-wound, colony-forming, and Hoechst staining assays. Gene expression of Snail, E-cadherin, VEGF-C, VEGF-A, Bcl2, Bax, and P53 was analyzed using real-time PCR. Results: The IC50 values for AgNPs and AgNPs-Alb were 48 μM and 32 μM in PC3 cells, and 110 μM and 95 μM in LNCaP cells, respectively. AgNPs-Alb significantly inhibited PC3 cell migration compared to AgNPs (p < 0.001) and Bicalutamide (p < 0.0001). In both cell lines, AgNPs-Alb significantly reduced colony formation compared to AgNPs and Bicalutamide (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed a higher percentage of apoptotic cells in PC3 with AgNPs-Alb treatment compared to AgNPs and Bicalutamide. In LNCaP cells, AgNPs-Alb induced a significantly higher percentage of Sub-G1 cells. AgNPs-Alb treatment caused greater mRNA suppression of VEGF-A and a higher Bax/Bcl2 ratio in PC3 and LNCaP cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in P53 and E-cadherin, alongside a decrease in VEGF-C expression in LnCAP cells, was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that AgNPs-Alb have stronger anticancer and cytotoxic effects compared to AgNPs alone against PCa cell lines and higher effects were observed on PC3 cells compared to LnCAP cells. Full article

Pomacea canaliculata, a pervasive invasive gastropod, inflicts significant ecological and economic damage in Chinese rice ecosystems. With the limitations of chemical molluscicides, sustainable biological control solutions are urgently required. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the biocontrol potential of larvae of the endemic aquatic firefly, Aquatica leii, against Pomacea canaliculata. Through controlled laboratory experiments, we evaluated the feeding preference of larvae when offered a choice between Pomacea canaliculata and a native snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), and systematically quantified the predatory efficiency (lethal time and consumption amount) across the 3rd to 6th larval instars. Furthermore, the lethal activity of crude extracts from distinct anatomical regions of the larval digestive tract (mouthpart, foregut, midgut, and hindgut) was assayed via injection into Pomacea canaliculata. The larvae accepted Pomacea canaliculata as a viable prey source. Predatory performance varied markedly among instars; 4th-instar larvae exhibited optimal efficacy, characterized by the shortest mean lethal time (7.37 min) and the highest mean consumption (1.23 g). Midgut extract was identified as the principal causative agent of mortality, inducing a 96.7% mortality rate in Pomacea canaliculata, which was significantly superior to the minimal effects observed from other extract types. This points to the midgut secretion as a likely source of potent bioactive compounds responsible for rapid snail lethality, warranting further investigation. responsible for rapid snail lethality. Our results conclusively demonstrate, from both behavioral and physiological vantage points, the feasibility of Aquatica leii larvae as a highly effective native biocontrol agent. This work establishes a critical foundation for future research aimed at the isolation and characterization of the midgut-specific active substances, paving the way for the development of novel, target-selective biogenic molluscicides. Full article

Apple snail infestation poses a persistent threat to rice production in open-field environments, where long-term coexistence with this species is unavoidable. This study presents a drone-based precision control approach that integrates high-resolution micro-topographic mapping with site-specific pesticide application. A lightweight mapping unmanned aerial vehicle was deployed to produce centimeter-level microtopographic data across paddy fields, facilitating the identification of deep-water areas preferred by apple snails. From these elevation-derived water risk patterns, prescription maps were generated to guide downstream management decisions, and agricultural drones equipped for granular application subsequently performed targeted pesticide delivery only in these high-risk areas. Over 2 years of field experiments, the proposed method achieved rice yields comparable to those under conventional management while reducing pesticide use by 44.1–63.0%, with lower estimated crop damage in regions with high apple snail occurrence. Designed with robustness and scalability in mind, the system demonstrated considerable potential for practical implementation in general farming households and broader applications in precision pest management. Full article

The identification of species complexes in freshwater snails remains challenging due to limited diagnostic morphological characters and incomplete taxonomic knowledge in many taxa. Within the family Bithyniidae, species have traditionally been classified using shell morphology and genital anatomy to distinguish intraspecific variation from interspecific differences. However, extensive morphological plasticity has hindered reliable species delimitation, and the presence of cryptic diversity further complicates taxonomy. Recent DNA barcoding studies of Hydrobioides have provided evidence of such cryptic diversity, highlighting the need for taxonomic reassessment within the genus. In the present study, we examined morphological variation in Hydrobioides nassa from Thailand in conjunction with mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) sequences revealed three well-supported genetic lineages within H. nassa, accompanied by high levels of pairwise genetic divergence. Morphological comparisons of shell, operculum, and radular characters further supported differentiation among these lineages, although some characters showed overlap. While Hydrobioides has previously been regarded as comprising a single morphologically defined species, our results demonstrate that H. nassa represents a complex of genetically distinct lineages with subtle but consistent morphological differences. This study highlights the importance of integrating molecular approaches with traditional morphological analyses to improve taxonomic resolution and to better understand biodiversity within freshwater snail groups exhibiting cryptic diversity. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most general cancer in men and is often linked with distant metastasis in its later stages. The caffeic acid (CA) derivative, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)methylcaffeamide (MPMCA), demonstrates superior liver-protective effects compared to CA. Nevertheless, the functions of MPMCA on prostate cancer metastasis remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that MPMCA blocks migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells without affecting cell viability. By suppressing the production of mesenchymal markers Vimentin, N-cadherin and β-catenin and upregulating the production of the epithelial marker Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), MPMCA also controls Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Protein kinase B (AKT) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been documented to regulate MPMCA-inhibited cell motility. Transfection with Snail and Slug cDNA reverses MPMCA’s suppression of EMT, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer cells. Importantly, our in vivo data indicates that MPMCA reduces Snail and Slug expression and prostate cancer metastasis. Our evidence suggests that MPMCA is a novel therapeutic candidate for treating metastatic prostate cancer. Full article