Search Results (7,300)

The epidemic expansion of maize white leaf spot (WLS) is a substantial threat to the secure and sustained production of maize. Given its diversity and strong environmental adaptability, WLS has the potential to emerge as a globally prevalent disease affecting maize crops. A detailed exploration of genetic segments and genes that are significantly associated with resistance to WLS in maize, an analysis of the genetic mechanisms underlying maize’s response to this disease, as well as the identification and development of resistant germplasm resources and their promotion and application, are of great practical significance for ensuring the safe production of maize. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 11 related traits in 141 maize accessions was conducted, and a total of 1174 significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites were identified. BSA-Seq (Bulked Segregant Analysis Sequencing) identified 6319 sites and 79 candidate genes. Through comprehensive analysis of GWAS and RNA-Seq data, a total of 13 candidate genes associated with maize white spot resistance, including Zm00001eb093900 and Zm00001eb078490, were identified. This study systematically explored genetic regions and genes significantly linked to white spot resistance in maize, thereby providing novel genetic resources for future molecular design-based breeding and improvement of resistance traits. Furthermore, by correlating field disease incidence with the expression of immune response-related gene products, we developed a rapid evaluation system for maize WLS resistance, in which soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, Fm, SSC, and POD served as key indicators. Using this system, 5 immune germplasm resources such as QB2229 and NP5366 and 89 highly resistant materials such as QB1923 and Chang7-2 were identified. The accurate evaluation of maize WLS resistance will provide essential resistance sources for subsequent breeding programs. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that systemic acquired resistance to maize WLS involves key pathways, including phenylpropanoid metabolism, as well as the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and glutathione. Further analysis of race-specific resistance indicated that the response of highly resistant maize varieties to WLS is primarily characterized by the accumulation of defense-related substances and enhanced activity across multiple energy metabolism pathways. In contrast, highly susceptible maize lines exhibited more pronounced enrichment in hormone signaling, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and the metabolism of various amino acids. Full article

Microbiome diversity varies significantly across countries and social groups due to geographic, ethnic, lifestyle, and dietary factors, with populations in traditional and rural settings tending to harbor more diverse microbial communities than those in industrialized urban environments. In Saudi Arabia, the influx of migrant workers from regions with distinct health and ecological backgrounds represents a public health concern. In particular, these workers may carry novel microbial species from their places of origin, thereby increasing the risk of infectious diseases spreading in the local population. This may also result in disruption of gut microbial homeostasis, thereby elevating risks related to infection, metabolic disorders, and disease susceptibility. Furthermore, the potential emergence of drug-resistant or locally uncommon microbial strains is particularly concerning. In this study, bacterial diversity was assessed in 28 fecal samples collected from migrant workers living in Saudi Arabia, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 regions. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were clustered at 97% sequence similarity, and alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, ACE) were calculated to evaluate microbial richness and evenness. The results revealed considerable inter-individual variability, with Segatella copri, Peptostreptococcus, and Lachnospiraceae identified as dominant taxa across multiple samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated distinct patterns of inter-individual variation, indicating compositional heterogeneity within the cohort. Functional predictions using PICRUSt2 suggested enrichment in metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate and amino acid processing. These findings offer a comprehensive characterization of the gut microbiome structure and predicted functionality in a population characterized by diverse geographic origins. Full article

Ginsenoside Rh2, a protopanaxadiol-type saponin derived from Panax ginseng, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, its specific mechanisms in asthma remain elusive. In this study, we systematically evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Rh2 against asthma using both in vitro and in vivo models. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro cell model was established and treated with low, medium, and high doses of Rh2 (1, 5, and 10 μg/mL). Concurrently, an in vivo asthma model was constructed via ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and administered with three doses of Rh2 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). The results demonstrated that Rh2 significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4 [IL-4], interleukin-5 [IL-5], interleukin-13 [IL-13], interleukin-33 [IL-33], and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) and upregulated anti-inflammatory factors (interferon-γ [IFN-γ] and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) in both experimental models. Furthermore, Rh2 inhibited the expression of key inflammatory pathway proteins, including suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that Rh2 primarily modulates the TNF-α signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, pyrimidine metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Integrated analysis further identified significant correlations between differentially expressed genes (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 [CXCL2], C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 17 [CXCL17], and leukemia inhibitory factor [LIF]) and differential metabolites (cytosine, L-histidine, and creatine). Collectively, these findings suggest that ginsenoside Rh2 ameliorates asthma by modulating cytokine interactions and amino acid metabolism. Full article

Drying is an important processing method for extending the shelf life of aquatic products; however, different drying methods may exert distinct effects on protein quality. At present, the effects of sun drying and vacuum freeze-drying on the protein quality of Hippocampus abdominalis remain unclear. This study compared the protein content, amino acid composition, and physicochemical properties of Hippocampus abdominalis subjected to the two drying methods and further characterized changes in the proteomic profile using proteomic analysis. The results showed that the sun-dried group had a higher crude protein content (68.57% vs. 61.86%), whereas the freeze-dried group exhibited greater total amino acid retention (58.79% vs. 48.87%), water-holding capacity(WHC), and oil-holding capacity(OHC). However, no significant differences were observed in protein solubility or surface hydrophobicity between the two groups. Proteomic analysis further revealed that most differentially abundant proteins showed higher relative abundance in the freeze-dried group and were mainly associated with muscle structural stability, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. Overall, the two drying methods affected the protein quality of Hippocampus abdominalis at multiple levels, including nutritional composition and physicochemical properties, while proteomic analysis provided further molecular-level insights into these quality differences. Full article

Musk, a precious traditional Chinese medicine, is secreted by the male forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). The gut microbiota plays an essential role in host metabolism, yet its relationship with musk traits remains poorly understood. Here, 16S rRNA sequencing of 89 fecal samples was integrated with musk quality (color and moisture) and yield data to investigate how fecal bacterial communities influence these traits. Distinct microbial consortia were associated with musk traits. Aromatic and sulfur-metabolizing taxa (norank_f_Actinomycetaceae, Nocardioides, Rhodococcus, and Mailhella) were associated with degradation of aromatic compounds and sulfur-containing amino acids, potentially contributing to muscone and other bioactive aroma components. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing taxa (Blautia, Phascolarctobacterium, Oscillospiraceae UCG-005, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Anaerovorax, Parabacteroides, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and Bacteroides) were capable of fiber decomposition and may supply energy for steroid synthesis via SCFAs, favoring high-quality musk formation. Ketogulonicigenium vulgare was linked to anti-inflammatory polypeptides and steroids. These potential indicators may facilitate early selection of high-yielding deer, inform probiotic/prebiotic interventions, and support dietary strategies to improve gut health and musk productivity, thereby reducing poaching and promoting the sustainable conservation of this endangered species. Full article

Molasses is an abundant and low-cost fermentation feedstock, but its direct utilization is often constrained by its complex composition and inhibitory components. In this study, a molasses-utilizing yeast strain, M0, was isolated from tea rhizosphere soil and identified as Pichia ethanolica. M0 grew directly in untreated molasses diluted only with water, and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was performed under stepwise increasing molasses concentrations. After 70 transfers, the evolved population reached an OD₅₆₀ of 26.41, representing a 73.1% increase relative to the parental strain, and a superior isolate was designated M70. M70 showed lower residual sucrose after 48 h in 100 g/L molasses medium (16.02 vs. 21.11 g/L) and improved growth under high-molasses, -temperature, and -NaCl conditions, with additional growth advantages under selected ethanol and oxidative-stress conditions. Genome resequencing identified five small candidate variants and one interchromosomal duplicative insertion, including alterations involving RIB1, SOL3, and a CET1-like/REX2-like region. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified 179 differentially expressed genes and 169 differentially accumulated metabolites. Integrated analysis highlighted coordinated changes in D-amino acid, arginine and proline, beta-alanine, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. These findings indicate multilevel genomic, transcriptional, and metabolic remodeling associated with improved molasses adaptation in P. ethanolica. Full article

Background: The transcobalamin receptor, encoded by the CD320 gene, mediates the cellular uptake of the transcobalamin–cobalamin complex (vitamin B₁₂). Pathogenic variants in CD320 impair the intracellular transport, resulting in methylmalonic acid (MMA) and propionylcarnitine (C3) level, despite normal circulating vitamin B₁₂ levels, with variable clinical phenotypes. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for a newborn screening positive proband. Further plasma metabolic investigation and blood gas analysis were carried out for the proband. Sanger sequencing was carried out to confirm the candidate variant and identify the familial segregation. Results: The proband presented with elevated C3 and MMA levels and exhibited an expanded clinical phenotype that included severe microcephaly, metabolic acidosis, low bicarbonate and pancytopenia. WES identified a homozygous missense candidate variant in the last amino acid of exon 1 in the CD320 gene (NM_016579.3: c.142G>C, p.Gly48Arg). Another adjacent synonymous homozygous candidate variant was identified (NM_016579.3: c.141A>C, p.Ala47=). Both variants were identified in a male proband from a consanguineous family. Both variants were confirmed by Sanger and segregated within the family members. During one year of follow-up, the patient showed persistent microcephaly while receiving a specialized metabolic formula and levocarnitine supplementation. Conclusions: This study identified a novel recessive missense candidate variant and an adjacent synonymous candidate variant in CD320, supported with biochemical and clinical features of CD320-associated cobalamin transport deficiency. This suggests microcephaly may be a previously unrecognized phenotype with possible association of impaired intracellular cobalamin transport, while elevated C3 detected through routine newborn screening may be the earliest biochemical indicator of CD320-associated cobalamin transport deficiency. Full article

Plant biostimulants have emerged as key tools for sustainable agriculture by improving crop productivity, resource-use efficiency, stress resilience, and food quality while reducing dependence on external agricultural inputs. Despite their remarkable diversity in origin and composition, increasing evidence suggests that structurally distinct biostimulants may influence overlapping conserved regulatory networks controlling plant growth and environmental adaptation. This review proposes a mechanistic convergence framework to explain how structurally distinct plant biostimulants may influence overlapping regulatory networks controlling plant growth and environmental adaptation. We examine how humic substances, seaweed extracts, protein hydrolysates, amino acids, chitosan, silicon, and microbial biostimulants regulate extracellular perception, intracellular signalling, phytohormonal crosstalk, transcriptional reprogramming, and metabolic integration, ultimately enhancing root development, nutrient and water use efficiency, photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, redox homeostasis, stress tolerance, crop productivity, and food quality. We further discuss how transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and computational biology are identifying recurring signalling and metabolic responses that may help define conserved regulatory processes and potential molecular biomarkers associated with the physiological responses induced by chemically diverse biostimulants. This systems-level framework provides a conceptual basis for the rational development of evidence-based precision biostimulants for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Full article

Chronic liver diseases are frequently accompanied by metabolic dysfunction, making precision nutrition relevant for prevention, diagnosis, risk stratification, and management. This review summarizes nutritional omics evidence in hepatology, emphasizing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease as a prevalent model. Nutrigenetics provides information on inherited susceptibility by identifying genetic variation affecting hepatic lipid handling, triglyceride export, phospholipid remodeling, and glucose-driven lipogenesis. Nutrigenomics characterizes transcriptional programs involved in hepatic lipogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrogenesis. Nutriepigenetics captures exposure memory through DNA methylation, histone regulation, and small-RNA signaling, including miR-122, miR-21, miR-34a, and miR-192; diet may modulate this layer through one-carbon metabolism, methyl-donor availability, oxidative stress, acetyl-CoA and NAD+-dependent pathways, and lipid peroxidation. Nutrimetagenomics highlight taxa such as Ruminococcus, Faecalibacterium, Veillonella, Bacteroides, Escherichia, and Klebsiella, but translation requires functional characterization beyond stool taxa. Nutrimetabolomics and lipidomics, including OWL-liver platforms, track dietary adherence, lipid species, bile acids, amino acids, lipoproteins, and biological non-response. Future progress will require AI-supported, phenotype-first integrated models tested in multiethnic longitudinal studies with standardized dietary assessment, biospecimen collection, meaningful liver endpoints, realistic workflows, and adaptive lifestyle-care strategies. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible visual impairment, yet identifying effector proteins and tissue-specific mechanisms underlying genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci remains challenging. This study aimed to systematically prioritize candidate causal circulating proteins and delineate their cellular and transcriptional dynamics in AMD. We integrated plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) summary statistics from the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP; $N=\mathrm{53,022}$) with FinnGen AMD GWAS data using proteome-wide association studies (PWAS), summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) with the HEIDI test, and Bayesian colocalization analysis. Prioritized candidates were mapped across human and murine retinal single-cell/single-nucleus RNA sequencing atlases. Transcriptional responsiveness was validated in an independent clinical microarray dataset (GSE103060) and in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) via in vitro inflammatory stimulation and RT-qPCR. Target tractability was assessed using pharmacological databases. Multi-stage genetic screening prioritized five candidate proteins stratified into two confidence tiers: three Tier 1 causal drivers supported by colocalization (PP4 > 0.80)—including risk factors CSF2, IL20RB, and WARS1 (also known as WARS)—alongside two Tier 2 candidates supported by SMR and HEIDI, comprising risk factor PILRA and inversely associated metabolic factor ACADSB. Retinal transcriptomic mapping localized PILRA specifically to microglia, ACADSB to inner retinal neurons, and WARS1 to photoreceptors, RPE, and vascular compartments, while IL20RB and CSF2 exhibited low baseline expression. In independent validation cohorts, IL20RB and WARS1 were significantly up-regulated in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) membrane-derived RPE from patients with AMD ($p<0.01$). Exposure of ARPE-19 cells to TNF-$\alpha$ markedly induced mRNA levels of IL20RB ($P=0.0025$) and WARS1 ($p<0.0001$). Dual normalization against ACTB as a secondary internal reference yielded consistent significant induction. Pathway enrichment highlighted cytokine-driven receptor cascades (JAK-STAT signaling) and mitochondrial substrate catabolism (branched-chain amino acid and fatty acid metabolism). Drug–target profiling identified small molecules and nutraceuticals interacting with ACADSB, CSF2, and WARS1. By combining large-scale plasma proteomic genetics with single-cell mapping and experimental validation, this study identifies a prioritized set of candidate causal proteins linking neuroimmune activation, vascular remodeling, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in AMD, providing candidate entry points for mechanistic and therapeutic exploration. Full article

The increasing incidence of herbicide-resistant weeds and concerns over synthetic herbicides are driving the search for natural alternatives. This study evaluated the post-emergence bioherbicidal activity and mode of action of Santolina chamaecyparissus L. essential oil against Bidens pilosa L. seedlings. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed a chemically complex oil dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes, including cuminic alcohol, cis-carveol, cis-pinocarveol, α-phellandrene, and limonene. A preliminary dose–response assay identified an ED₅₀ of 0.82% (v/v). At this concentration, visible injury reached 75.9% at 72 h, while leaf relative water content declined to 40.0%. Electrolyte leakage reached 77.6% at 24 h, accompanied by a threefold increase in malondialdehyde, indicating severe membrane damage and lipid peroxidation. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging showed impaired photosystem II function, reduced electron transport, altered energy dissipation, and loss of photosynthetic vitality. Photosynthetic pigments declined after 24 h, with chlorophyll a reduced by approximately 32.5%. Untargeted metabolomics revealed time-dependent depletion of soluble sugars, organic acids, ascorbate, and shikimate, together with accumulation of proline, γ-aminobutyric acid, trehalose, and branched-chain amino acids. Network analysis indicated loss of metabolic coordination. Overall, under the controlled experimental conditions used here, S. chamaecyparissus essential oil exhibited a rapid contact-type phytotoxic action characterised by membrane disruption, oxidative damage, dehydration, photosynthetic impairment, and extensive metabolic perturbation. Full article

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a risk factor for cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic dysfunctions in humans, has been recapitulated in murine models by genetic and dietary modifications. The relevance of HHcy in clinical and experimental settings has led to the development of various analytical techniques with varying sensitivity and sample volume requirements. This study uses a fit-for-purpose, small-volume LC-MS/MS workflow to quantify plasma homocysteine (Hcy), methionine (Met), and cysteine (Cys) in a diet-induced HHcy mouse model. Using these assays that overcome limitations imposed by sample availability in small animals, our study evaluated circulating levels of these amino acids in C57BL/6 mice fed a HHcy-inducing diet rich in Met and lacking vitamins B6, B9, and B12. The increased Hcy and decreased Cys plasma concentrations observed in these mice correlated with decreased glutathione concentrations in brain homogenates and concomitant increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme Glutathione-S-Transferase and in the levels of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde. Overall, our work links plasma HHcy to the induction of brain oxidative stress, supporting the role of dietary modifications as complementary therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative conditions. Full article

Background: Cinnamomum chago (C. chago) B.S.Sun et H.L.Zhao, a rare tree species endemic to Yunnan Province of China, produces fruit kernels that are rich in fatty oils (CCKF); however, the potential health benefits of CCKF have not been previously reported. Method: We characterized the chemical composition of CCKF and evaluated its therapeutic potential in a rat model of loperamide-induced functional constipation (FC). Results: CCKF contained an abundance of dodecanoic acid, accounting for 70.18%. CCKF alleviated constipation by increasing fecal pellet output and moisture content, enhancing small intestinal propulsion rate, and ameliorating colonic pathological damage. Additionally, CCKF modulated gastrointestinal hormone levels and enhanced the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin. Furthermore, CCKF increased gut microbial diversity, altered the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio, enriched potentially beneficial bacteria (including Kineothrix, Roseburia, Lacrimispora, and Lawsonibacter), and reduced Segatella abundance. CCKF may affect Arginine and proline metabolism, Biosynthesis of amino acids, D-Amino acid metabolism, etc. Conclusion: The present results provide a scientific basis for the potential application of CCKF as a functional food to alleviate functional constipation. Full article

Tibetan pigs exhibit remarkable adaptability to hypoxic high-altitude conditions. However, metatranscriptomics has not been used to investigate the transcriptional activity and functional responses of the gastrointestinal microbiota as part of their adaptation to high altitude. We collected 57 samples of the contents of the stomach, jejunum, cecum, colon, and rectum of six high-altitude Tibetan pigs (n = 6, elevation 3750 m) and six low-altitude black pigs (n = 6, elevation 500 m) for metatranscriptomic analysis. We identified 79 differentially abundant bacterial genera and 69 differentially abundant bacterial species. In particular, Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii were significantly more abundant in the gastrointestinal microbiota of the high-altitude Tibetan pigs than in that of the low-altitude black pigs. Functional analysis revealed differences in transcripts associated with energy, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism. The microbial correlation network of Tibetan pigs contained more nodes and edges than that of black pigs. Consistent with this, within the CAZyme database, the CBM32 family of carbohydrate-binding modules and GH27 glycosidases were significantly enriched in the Tibetan pig samples, suggesting that these enzymes may play a crucial role in energy acquisition and carbon source metabolism in these pigs. These findings provide insights into the gastrointestinal microbial characteristics of Tibetan pigs and black pigs. In summary, these changes may enhance the stability of the gut ecosystem of Tibetan pigs and improve their energy utilization in nutrient-deficient high-altitude environments. These findings suggest that the gut microbiota may contribute to metabolic regulation in Tibetan pigs at high altitude and provide important clues regarding the gastrointestinal adaptations of high-altitude animals. Full article

Acute inflammatory challenge can impair intestinal barrier function and bile acid homeostasis in weaned piglets. Glutamate serves as an important energy substrate and functional amino acid for intestinal epithelial cells, yet the epitranscriptomic mechanisms underlying its potential protective effects remain poorly defined. This study investigated whether dietary glutamate supplementation is associated with m⁶A-dependent regulation of SLC10A2 and bile acid signaling in weaned piglets subjected to an acute LPS challenge, with supporting validation in IPEC-J2 cells. LPS challenge (100 μg/kg body weight) impaired ileal morphological structure, activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and aggravated intestinal inflammatory responses in piglets. In contrast, glutamate supplementation was associated with restored ileal mucosal morphology, up-regulated expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, and suppressed TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation. Further metabolomic analysis indicated that LPS stimulation and glutamate intervention altered ileal bile acid metabolism: LPS decreased total bile acid (TBA) content in ileal tissue while increasing TBA accumulation in ileal chyme, whereas glutamate treatment partially reversed this pattern, by elevating ileal tissue TBA and reducing chyme TBA, suggesting a facilitatory effect of glutamate on intestinal bile acid reabsorption. Glutamate supplementation was also associated with increased ileal ASBT (SLC10A2) and FXR (NR1H4) expression. The SLC10A2 transcript exhibited detectable m⁶A modification; glutamate supplementation rescued the LPS-induced downregulation of m⁶A demethylases FTO and ALKBH5, which was associated with reduced global and SLC10A2-specific m⁶A modification. In vitro experiments in IPEC-J2 cells suggested that inhibition of FTO or glutamate dehydrogenase attenuated the effects of glutamate on m⁶A modification and SLC10A2 expression, and that YTHDF2 may contribute to the degradation of hyper-m⁶A-modified SLC10A2 mRNA. Glutamate-derived α-KG may serve as a cofactor supporting demethylase expression and activity after LPS stimulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that glutamate may alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in weaned piglets through a pathway involving α-KG-dependent maintenance of m⁶A demethylase expression, reduced m⁶A modification of SLC10A2, and preserved ASBT/FXR signaling. This study provides evidence for a nutritional–epitranscriptomic axis that may contribute to intestinal protection under acute inflammatory stress. Full article