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65 pages, 1650 KB  
Review
Decoding the Functional Proteome of Vitis: Past, Present, and Future
by Ivana Tomaz, Ana Jeromel, Darko Vončina, Ivanka Habuš Jerčić, Boris Lazarević, Iva Šikuten, Simona Hofer Geušić and Darko Preiner
Plants 2026, 15(9), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091314 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2026
Abstract
Proteomic research in the genus Vitis has progressed from early biochemical studies of soluble proteins to high-resolution, quantitative analyses encompassing all major organs and derived products. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of advances in grapevine and wine proteomics. In leaves, studies have [...] Read more.
Proteomic research in the genus Vitis has progressed from early biochemical studies of soluble proteins to high-resolution, quantitative analyses encompassing all major organs and derived products. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of advances in grapevine and wine proteomics. In leaves, studies have revealed extensive remodeling of photosynthetic, antioxidant, and defense pathways under biotic (e.g., Plasmopara viticola, Erysiphe necator, Xylella fastidiosa, Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis) and abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, heat, light). Bud proteomics elucidated hormonal regulation and mechanisms of dormancy release, while root studies identified nitrate-dependent metabolic shifts and adaptive protein networks. Cell culture models enabled controlled investigation of elicitor responses, stilbene biosynthesis, and temperature-induced proteome changes. In berries, proteomics clarified developmental transitions from fruit set to ripening, emphasizing proteins related to secondary metabolism, vacuolar transport, and stress tolerance. Comparative analyses across cultivars and environments identified biomarkers linked to aroma, color, and texture. The wine proteome revealed selective persistence of grape-derived proteins (e.g., thaumatin-like proteins, chitinases) and yeast peptides influencing stability and sensory properties, while Botrytis cinerea infection significantly alters this balance by degrading PR proteins and introducing fungal enzymes. Altogether, the Vitis proteome emerges as a dynamic, multifunctional system crucial for understanding plant adaptation, enological quality, and biomarker discovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics in Plant Development and Stress Responses)
13 pages, 1960 KB  
Article
Effect of Baicalin on the Proliferation of Nosema ceranae in Apis cerana
by Xu Han, Jin-Hua Xiao, Wu-Jun Jiang and Zhi-Jiang Zeng
Insects 2026, 17(5), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050454 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2026
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a common and highly contagious fungal pathogen that primarily infects the gut of adult honeybees, causing nosemosis. As a chronic disease of the digestive system, it poses a global threat to honeybee health and colony sustainability. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Nosema ceranae is a common and highly contagious fungal pathogen that primarily infects the gut of adult honeybees, causing nosemosis. As a chronic disease of the digestive system, it poses a global threat to honeybee health and colony sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Scutellaria baicalensis aqueous extract on N. ceranae in the intestines of infected Apis cerana through feeding experiments. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of its major active component, baicalin, was evaluated, and its potential molecular mechanisms of action were explored. The results showed that, compared with the control group, administration of S. baicalensis aqueous extract at concentrations of 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL significantly reduced midgut spore loads (p < 0.05). Further experiments showed that a 0.5 mg/mL baicalin sucrose solution, prepared with 0.5% (v/v) DMSO as co-solvent, exhibited optimal solubility and significantly inhibited the proliferation of spores in the honeybee midgut. Transcriptomic analysis of A. cerana revealed varying numbers of significantly differentially expressed genes among the baicalin-treated (HG) group, the co-solvent control (DMSO) group, and the blank control (C) group. Four candidate DEGs associated with the effects of baicalin were further identified, namely LOC108003965, LOC108000905, LOC107996681, and CYP4G11. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that, in the comparison between the HG group and the C group, these DEGs were significantly enriched in six functional categories: iron ion binding, phosphoric ester hydrolase activity, heme binding, tetrapyrrole binding, hydrolase activity (acting on ester bonds), and oxidoreductase activity (acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen). Collectively, these results demonstrate that S. baicalensis aqueous extract effectively inhibits the proliferation of N. ceranae within the host, and its active component, baicalin, exhibits a similar inhibitory effect. The present study proposes a novel strategy in which baicalin may enhance host endogenous chitinase-related activity to target and disrupt the spore wall, offering a new perspective for the prevention and control of honeybee nosemosis. Full article
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16 pages, 2878 KB  
Article
Genomic Features of the Micropredator Lysobacter sp. Hz25 Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Hedysarum zundukii
by Ivan S. Petrushin, Yulia V. Nurminskaya and Yulia A. Markova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093800 - 24 Apr 2026
Abstract
Lysobacter antibioticus Hz25 is a novel strain that was isolated from the rhizosphere of the relict endemic plant Hedysarum zundukii Peschkova (Fabaceae), which grows on carbonate soils in the Baikal region of Russia. This work presents the complete genome sequence of Hz25 (5.98 [...] Read more.
Lysobacter antibioticus Hz25 is a novel strain that was isolated from the rhizosphere of the relict endemic plant Hedysarum zundukii Peschkova (Fabaceae), which grows on carbonate soils in the Baikal region of Russia. This work presents the complete genome sequence of Hz25 (5.98 Mb, 66.94% GC), which was obtained using a hybrid assembly method combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis based on 47 Lysobacter genomes and an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 96% confirmed its affiliation with L. antibioticus. A comparative pan-genome analysis with three closely related strains (13-6, 76, and ATCC 29479) identified 554 strain-specific genes. This significant genomic plasticity likely reflects adaptation to the sharply continental climate, high insolation, and low free iron content of the native soil. The genome encodes a comprehensive micropredator arsenal, including: seven chitinase genes (GH18 and GH19 families); bacteriolytic enzymes (Blp, L1, L4, Ami); a complete type III secretion system (T3SS) with predicted effectors; type IV pili (including the PilZ-PilB regulatory complex); and siderophore biosynthesis genes (lysochelin). The genome contains genes ars of an arsenic resistance system, but lacks the ACR3 efflux pump, suggesting that these genes may have alternative functions. Genes involved in calcium homeostasis (Excalibur domain, Na+/Ca2+ antiporter) were also identified. These features make Hz25 a promising candidate for biocontrol applications in cold climates and metal-contaminated environments. Full article
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12 pages, 1868 KB  
Article
Association Between Renal Fat Fraction and Early Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Eisha Adnan, Lina Mao, Lingjun Sun, Yao Qin, Yangmei Zhou, Zhuo Chen, Tinghua Zan, Yun Mao, Tingting Luo, Shichun Huang, Xiangjun Chen and Zhihong Wang
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(8), 3025; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15083025 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Background: Ectopic fat deposition has been demonstrated to play a critical role in the onset and progression of renal dysfunction. However, research on renal parenchymal fat deposition and its association with renal dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains limited, particularly regarding [...] Read more.
Background: Ectopic fat deposition has been demonstrated to play a critical role in the onset and progression of renal dysfunction. However, research on renal parenchymal fat deposition and its association with renal dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains limited, particularly regarding its association with early kidney injury. The present study aimed to further investigate the relationship between renal fat fraction (FF) and biomarkers of kidney injury, thereby providing new evidence for the potential link between intrarenal fat accumulation and early renal impairment in T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 60 patients with T2DM. Renal FF was quantitatively assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical characteristics, body composition parameters, and biochemical indices were collected. Levels of kidney injury biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 (TNF-R1), tumor necrosis factor receptors 2 (TNF-R2), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate the correlations between fat distribution and inflammatory biomarkers, Pearson correlation analysis was performed. Furthermore, linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the associations between renal FF and kidney injury biomarkers with adjustments for potential confounders such as smoking status, diabetes duration, and visceral fat. Lasso regression was used to screen variables. Results: The results demonstrated that renal FF was significantly positively correlated with serum YKL-40 (r = 0.3, p = 0.021), TNF-R1 (r = 0.246, p = 0.042), and urinary KIM-1 (r = 0.396, p = 0.004), indicating a close association between renal fat accumulation and early kidney injury biomarkers. In regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, the associations between renal FF and these biomarkers remained significant. After further adjustment for potential confounders, including smoking history, alcohol consumption, hypertension, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and lipid-lowering drugs, renal FF remained significantly associated with TNF-R1 (β = 0.327, p = 0.015), KIM-1 (β = 0.352, p = 0.021), and YKL-40 (β = 0.275, p = 0.025). Moreover, even after additional adjustment for visceral fat, the associations of renal FF with TNF-R1 and KIM-1 persisted. After using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure for false discovery rate, the relationship between renal FF and KIM-1 had a significant difference. Variables of age and gender were excluded to build the parsimonious modeling using Lasso regression. It suggested that renal fat accumulation may contribute to kidney injury independently of visceral adiposity. Conclusions: The study systematically demonstrates a significant association between renal FF and early biomarkers of kidney injury in T2DM, which may suggest the potential role of renal fat accumulation in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. These findings provide clinical data support for the development of a fat-targeted intervention study. Future research should further elucidate the long-term mechanistic role of renal FF in diabetic nephropathy, as well as its potential value in early diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Full article
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17 pages, 2880 KB  
Article
Functional Study of the Chitinase CaChi93 Gene from the Mycoparasitic Cladosporium sp. SYC23
by Chen Chen, Mingjiao Li, Ruotian Gao, Mengling Yan, Ting Zhou, Yanping Tang and Jing Li
J. Fungi 2026, 12(4), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12040237 - 26 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 592
Abstract
To identify chitinase genes from the genome of the mycoparasitic Cladosporium sp. strain SYC23, bioinformatical analyses and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were employed to screen mycoparasitism-associated genes at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post-induction with Aecidium pourthiaea rust spores. A total of [...] Read more.
To identify chitinase genes from the genome of the mycoparasitic Cladosporium sp. strain SYC23, bioinformatical analyses and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were employed to screen mycoparasitism-associated genes at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post-induction with Aecidium pourthiaea rust spores. A total of eight chitinase genes were identified from SYC23 via bioinformatics analysis and designated CaChi34, CaChi40, CaChi45, CaChi67, CaChi82, CaChi92, CaChi93, and CaChi286 based on sequence and phylogenetic analyses. Analysis of the chitinase protein sequence characteristics revealed molecular weights ranging from 33.86 to 286.03 kDa and theoretical isoelectric points from 4.48 to 7.7. All CaChi genes contained the conserved GH18 domain, and promoter analysis showed that each harbored MYB-binding sites and pathogen-responsive elements. Mycoparasitism-related sequence clustering analysis indicated that the chitinase sequences of SYC23 shared the closest phylogenetic relationship with those from Trichoderma sp. RT-qPCR results following rust spore induction showed that five CaChi genes reached their highest expression levels at 24 h post-induction, CaChi45 was most highly expressed at 72 h post-induction, CaChi93 was continuously upregulated, and CaChi82 was continuously downregulated throughout the induction period. His-tagged recombinant CaChi93 protein was purified from E. coli and characterized. The results demonstrate that the enzymatic activity of CaChi93 was 0.929 U/mg, with optimal reaction conditions at 65 °C and pH 7. Treatment of A. pourthiaea rust spores with the recombinant CaChi93 chitinase confirmed that CaChi93 could effectively dissolve rust spore walls. In conclusion, this study confirms that the mycoparasitic Cladosporium sp. strain SYC23 can secrete chitinase to degrade the rust spore wall and induce spore death, thereby providing novel gene resources and a theoretical basis for the biological control of A. pourthiaea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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15 pages, 266 KB  
Article
Preliminary Investigation on Salivary Enzymes of Massese Sheep
by Simona Sagona, Alessia Di Rosso, Francesca Coppola, Chiara Benedetta Boni, Claudia Russo, Lionella Palego, Laura Betti, Gino Giannaccini, Antonio Felicioli and Lucia Casini
Animals 2026, 16(7), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071008 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 394
Abstract
Saliva is an important biological matrix that allows the investigation of various welfare parameters; in ruminants, it is abundant and can be easily collected without requiring professional veterinary intervention. The aim of the investigation was to provide additional information on both digestive and [...] Read more.
Saliva is an important biological matrix that allows the investigation of various welfare parameters; in ruminants, it is abundant and can be easily collected without requiring professional veterinary intervention. The aim of the investigation was to provide additional information on both digestive and antioxidant enzymes of sheep farmed in good welfare conditions, assessed with the Animal welfare indicators (AWIN) protocol. Small surgical forceps holding a Salivette® device (Sarstedt, Nümbrecht, Germany) were gently inserted into the sheep’s mouths without any force. The sheep chewed the swabs independently for a few seconds, allowing saliva collection. Seventeen enzymes from the saliva of 15 sheep were analyzed: antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione S transferase), proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, N-aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidase A and B), carbohydrases (glucose oxidase, amylase, cellulase, lignin peroxidase, chitinase and α-glycosidase), and esterases (alkaline and acidic phosphatases, lipase and esterase). Esterase activity showed the highest value (12.95 ± 1.25 U/mg of proteins), whereas lignin peroxidase activity showed the lowest (2.23 ± 0.37 µU/mg of proteins). The activity of all enzymes was observed except for glutathione S transferase and α-glycosidase. Among the enzymes, lipase activity has already been identified as a biomarker of stress in sheep saliva. This investigation may represent a basis for further investigations into the diet and adaptive responses of sheep to different environmental conditions. Furthermore, samples collected using the Salivette® device can be easily obtained without requiring specialized staff and without causing any stress to the animals. Further investigations into the origin of individual enzymes using a proteomic approach are desirable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)
39 pages, 5196 KB  
Article
Harnessing the Enzymatic Potential of Indigenous Yeast Strains: Screening and Evaluation for Biocontrol and Oenological Advancements
by Rowland Adetayo Adesida, Jan Reščič, Lorena Butinar and Melita Sternad Lemut
Microorganisms 2026, 14(3), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14030705 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1145
Abstract
The growing emphasis on sustainability, regional distinctiveness, and spontaneous fermentation in winemaking necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of local yeast populations and their functional mechanisms. In total, 115 indigenous yeast strains were examined for their enzymatic activities of potential vitivinicultural significance. The yeasts [...] Read more.
The growing emphasis on sustainability, regional distinctiveness, and spontaneous fermentation in winemaking necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of local yeast populations and their functional mechanisms. In total, 115 indigenous yeast strains were examined for their enzymatic activities of potential vitivinicultural significance. The yeasts were screened for chitinase activity (biocontrol potential), glycosidase activity (terpene release), β-lyases (thiol release), and sulfite reductases (off-flavor formation), followed by quantitative analysis of the selected subsets. Yeasts were further evaluated for inhibition of fungal mycelial growth, VOC-mediated inhibition, and tolerance to commonly applied fungicides. Pre-field selection was refined using the niche overlap index and grapevine leaf disc assay. The results confirmed chitinolytic activity in four species; all strains exhibited hydrolase activities, with H. uvarum 116 displaying the highest cell-associated activity (6.32 U/g), while T. delbrueckii Sut94 showed the highest extracellular activity (1.36 U/g). β-glucosidase and β-lyase activities were widespread, whereas hydrogen sulfide production was infrequent. P. guilliermondii ZIM 624 showed the most comprehensive overall enzymatic profile, together with strong inhibition patterns. A field trial on Pinot cultivars (V. vinifera L.) further evaluated P. guilliermondii ZIM 624 within an integrated disease management approach, with responses being more pronounced in ‘Pinot noir’ than in ‘Pinot gris’. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
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18 pages, 3384 KB  
Article
Key Amino Acids Controlling pH Optima in Avian Chia Paralogs: Mechanistic Insights into Functional Divergence
by Eri Tabata, Keita Suzuki, Yuki Suzuki, Kazuaki Okawa, Yuri Usui, Akinori Kashimura, Peter O. Bauer and Fumitaka Oyama
Molecules 2026, 31(6), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31060999 - 16 Mar 2026
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Acidic chitinase (Chia) degrades chitin, a structural polysaccharide in insect exoskeletons, and plays important roles in omnivorous and insectivorous mammals and birds. In birds, gene duplications have generated multiple Chia paralogs with functional divergence, but the molecular basis for this diversification remains unclear. [...] Read more.
Acidic chitinase (Chia) degrades chitin, a structural polysaccharide in insect exoskeletons, and plays important roles in omnivorous and insectivorous mammals and birds. In birds, gene duplications have generated multiple Chia paralogs with functional divergence, but the molecular basis for this diversification remains unclear. Here, we characterized three chicken Chia paralogs (Chia1–3) and identified distinct pH-dependent enzymatic profiles. Chia1 is enzymatically inactive but was captured by chitin-affinity resin despite lacking a canonical chitin-binding domain, suggesting residual substrate interaction through the catalytic domain or a non-catalytic role. Chia2 exhibits maximal activity at pH 2.0, whereas Chia3 peaks at pH 5.0 and displays broader activity. Exon swapping and site-directed mutagenesis identified residues 104 (Ala in Chia2, Asp in Chia3) and 269 (His vs. Asn) as key contributors to pH-dependent activity differences. Reciprocal substitutions shifted pH profiles accordingly. Structural modeling and computational pKa predictions suggested that D213 and residue 269 may function as a pKa-regulating module influencing catalytic ionization. Comparative sequence analysis revealed lineage-specific conservation of these residues, consistent with adaptive divergence. Our findings show that limited amino acid substitutions can markedly modify pH-dependent enzymatic activity, providing mechanistic insight into how local residue variation contributes to the functional diversification of duplicated genes. Full article
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18 pages, 1928 KB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis of Postharvest Lentinula edodes Cell Wall Metabolism During Storage Indicating a Laccase-Mediated Regulatory Network
by Yuan Gao, Qimeng Liang, Yanyan Liu, Tinging Ma, Ziwei Hou, Hongxu Zhu and Jun Huang
Foods 2026, 15(6), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15061039 - 16 Mar 2026
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Postharvest Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) undergoes rapid textural deterioration, which is primarily driven by complex cell wall remodeling. This study investigates the physiological and transcriptomic changes in L. edodes during storage at 4 °C for 8 days. Results showed that cellulose content significantly [...] Read more.
Postharvest Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) undergoes rapid textural deterioration, which is primarily driven by complex cell wall remodeling. This study investigates the physiological and transcriptomic changes in L. edodes during storage at 4 °C for 8 days. Results showed that cellulose content significantly decreased, while chitin and β-glucan levels exhibited anomalous increases, accompanied by a surge in the activities of cellulase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase. Concurrently, intensifying membrane lipid peroxidation and an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis were observed. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2204 and 1808 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the middle (4 d) and late (8 d) storage stages, respectively. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) identified a core module of nine key regulatory genes (VIP > 1.0), including β-glucanase, laccase, and catalase, which significantly contributed to the physiological shifts. The results suggest that an upstream ROS imbalance may contribute to the dysregulation of midstream laccases, potentially reducing the oxidative cross-linking of phenolic components and loosening the cell wall matrix. These alterations may increase the accessibility of structural polysaccharides to downstream cell wall-degrading enzymes, which could contribute to structural collapse, although functional validation is required to establish causality. These findings provide a gene-level framework for understanding postharvest edible fungi physiology. Full article
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13 pages, 2270 KB  
Article
Molecular Insights into Exoskeletal Remodeling: Transcriptomic Profiling of the Molting Cycle in the Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii
by Yunkuan Zhu, Yu Xu, Suwan Lu, Yuning Hu, Hui Xu, Jiajia Li, Hai Lin, Xuguang Li and Zhiqiang Xu
Fishes 2026, 11(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11030166 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 360
Abstract
The molting of crustaceans is accompanied by exoskeleton reconstruction. To reveal the molecular regulation mechanism of exoskeleton remodeling, the transcriptomic profiles of the exoskeleton across the entire molting process in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii were investigated by RNA sequencing, yielding a [...] Read more.
The molting of crustaceans is accompanied by exoskeleton reconstruction. To reveal the molecular regulation mechanism of exoskeleton remodeling, the transcriptomic profiles of the exoskeleton across the entire molting process in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii were investigated by RNA sequencing, yielding a total of 7671 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across five different molting stages. Notably, the key DEGs were those related to cuticular exoskeleton synthesis (cuticular proteins), degradation (chitinase 2, chitinase 10) and hardening (chitin deacetylase 1), and their expression abundance varied by 10-fold or greater across the molting cycle. Analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed that significantly enriched pathways included the structural constituents of the cuticle, structural molecule activity, chitin binding of chitin metabolism, and hormone biosynthesis. The expression profiles of nine selected molting-related DEGs were further validated via real-time RT-PCR assays. The acquired unique temporal expression patterns involved in exoskeleton remodeling provide a preliminary insight into the regulation of gene expression during the molting cycle in the red swamp crayfish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Crayfish)
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9 pages, 218 KB  
Article
Serum Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) Has Good Correlation with Fecal Calprotectin Levels in Pregnant IBD Patients
by Hagai Schweistein, Rachel Gingold-Belfer, Adi Rave, Ahinoam Glusman-Bendersky, Hadar Amir-Barak, Jacob E. Ollech and Ariella Bar-Gil Shitrit
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(3), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16030145 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Background: Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy is challenging due tolimited use of invasive tools. While fecal calprotectin is considered reliable, its use is limited by patient adherence and availability. Blood-based markers, such as serum chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1), offer a promising alternative. [...] Read more.
Background: Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy is challenging due tolimited use of invasive tools. While fecal calprotectin is considered reliable, its use is limited by patient adherence and availability. Blood-based markers, such as serum chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1), offer a promising alternative. Aim: To evaluate whether serum CHI3L1 reflects disease activity in pregnant IBD patients, compared to standard markers and clinical questionnaires. Methods: Pregnant IBD patients were recruited from a multidisciplinary clinic. Blood samples were collected to assess inflammatory markers. Stool samples were used to measure calprotectin levels. Each visit was classified as a distinct sample for analysis. Correlations between CHI3L1 and disease activity markers were examined. Results: A total of 124 samples from 80 pregnant IBD patients were analyzed: 90 from Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and 34 from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. CHI3L1 levels showed a significant positive correlation with fecal calprotectin (rp = 0.366, p = 0.008), ESR (rp = 0.358, p = 0.001), CRP (rp = 0.478, p < 0.001) and standardized clinical scoring questionnaires. Elevated CHI3L1 (>56.6 ng/mL) is a risk factor for active disease (OR 8.78, 95% CI 1.54–49.83, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Serum CHI3L1 is positively associated with established markers of inflammation and may serve as a useful non-invasive biomarker for monitoring IBD activity during pregnancy, a medical condition in which invasive procedures are not recommended. Based on CHI3L1 levels, personalized treatment for pregnant IBD patients can be tailored. However, further validation is recommended. Full article
16 pages, 1041 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Proteomic Profiling Reveals Dysregulation of Angiogenesis and Inflammatory Pathways in the Brains of SIRT3 Knockout Mice
by Qingping He, Samia Khan, Linlin Wang, Gordon C. Ibeanu and P. Andy Li
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(3), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16030270 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 589
Abstract
Background: Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial NAD+-dependent deacetylase, plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell survival. Although SIRT3 has been implicated in angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammation, its global proteomic impact on the brain remains unclear. This [...] Read more.
Background: Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial NAD+-dependent deacetylase, plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell survival. Although SIRT3 has been implicated in angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammation, its global proteomic impact on the brain remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically characterize alterations in angiogenesis-, apoptosis-, chemokine-, and cytokine-related proteins in the brains of SIRT3 knockout (SIRT3 KO aka SIRT3/) mice compared with wild-type (WT) controls. Methods: Adult male C57BL/6 WT and SIRT3 KO mice were analyzed using proteome profiler antibody microarrays covering 53 angiogenesis factors, 21 apoptosis markers, 28 chemokines, and 111 cytokines. Protein expression changes were quantified by chemiluminescence imaging and densitometric analysis. Results: The results showed a distinct suppression of angiogenic proteins (amphiregulin, angiogenin, DPPIV, GM-CSF, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IL-1β, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, proliferin, serpin F1, thrombospeondin-2, TIMP-4, and VEGF-B), activation of both pro-apoptotic (BAD, cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO, HIF-1α, Fas, TNF R1, and TRAILR2) and anti-apoptotic, stress-related proteins (Bcl-x, catalase, HO/HMOX2, HSP27, HSP70, and MCL1) in the SIRT3 KO animals compared with the WT controls. Notably, SIRT3 deficiency was associated with increased expression of inflammatory mediators linked to glial activation and neurodegeneration (BLC/CCL13, LIX/CXCL5, MIG/CXCL9, chitinase 3-like 1, CCL22/MDC, IL-6, myeloperoxidase, osteopontin, RBP4, Reg3G, and TNF-α), alongside disturbed proteins involved in immune surveillance and vascular remodeling (6Ckine/CCL21, chemerin, DF, EGF, fractalkine/CX3CL1, HGF, IGFBP-6, IL-16, and I-TAC). Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SIRT3 is a key regulator of mitochondrial-dependent vascular, apoptotic, and neuroimmune pathways in the brain, and that its loss creates a molecular environment consistent with heightened vulnerability to neurodegenerative processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuroinflammation and Immune Response)
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20 pages, 14756 KB  
Article
Identification and Biological Control of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Cactus Pear Diseases in Morocco
by Asmae Azzouzi, Oumaima El Ayssaly, Mohammed Baala, Hamza Anejjar, Ait Chitt Mustapha, Abdelmalek Boutaleb Joutei, Abdessalem Tahiri, Rachid Lahlali, Moussa El Jarroudi and Taoufiq Benziane
Plants 2026, 15(5), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050733 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 524
Abstract
The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a crop of major economic and ecological importance in arid and semi-arid regions. However, with its domestication and intensification, symptoms of fungal diseases have begun to emerge in different cultivation areas. This study was conducted to [...] Read more.
The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a crop of major economic and ecological importance in arid and semi-arid regions. However, with its domestication and intensification, symptoms of fungal diseases have begun to emerge in different cultivation areas. This study was conducted to identify the pathogenic fungi associated with symptoms observed on cladodes in different regions of Morocco and to evaluate the effectiveness of bacterial and fungal antagonists. The study enabled the isolation and identification of several fungal agents from symptomatic cladodes, namely Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Aspergillus tubingensis. Among these pathogens, A. alternata proved to be the most aggressive and was therefore selected for in vitro and in vivo antagonism assays. Twelve bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas, as well as one isolate of Trichoderma harzianum, were evaluated for their antifungal activity. All antagonists showed significant inhibitory effects against A. alternata in vitro preliminary assay. However, the bacterial isolates B. siamensis, B. halotolerans, and P. peli, as well as T. harzianum, exhibited the highest efficacy. This efficacy was confirmed through direct confrontation tests in vivo on one-year-old cladodes for the three bacterial isolates. In contrast, T. harzianum showed significant pathogenic potential on cladodes of O. ficus-indica and O. megacantha. Investigation of the mechanisms of action of the three most effective bacterial isolates revealed their ability to produce antifungal volatile organic compounds. Enzymatic analyses showed differential production of amylase, chitinase, cellulase and protease among the three isolates, while genes associated with the biosynthesis of antifungal lipopeptides were detected only in P. peli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies for Managing Plant Diseases, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 3252 KB  
Article
CHI3L1 Expression in Neutrophils and Plasma of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Implications for Pathogenesis and a Potential Biomarker
by Izabela Jatczak-Pawlik, Alicja Ewiak-Paszyńska, Małgorzata Domowicz, Bartosz Bielecki, Mariola Świderek-Matysiak, Mariusz Stasiołek and Anna Jurewicz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052186 - 26 Feb 2026
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Abstract
This study investigated the expression and subcellular localization of chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in neutrophils and plasma from untreated and dimethyl fumarate (DMF)-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and healthy controls. Intracellular CHI3L1 expression was assessed in CD66b+ neutrophils and CD16+ cells using flow [...] Read more.
This study investigated the expression and subcellular localization of chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in neutrophils and plasma from untreated and dimethyl fumarate (DMF)-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and healthy controls. Intracellular CHI3L1 expression was assessed in CD66b+ neutrophils and CD16+ cells using flow cytometry. Subcellular localization was analyzed by confocal microscopy using markers for various neutrophil granules, while ELISA measured plasma CHI3L1 and lactoferrin levels. We found that both intracellular CHI3L1 levels (expressed as mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) and the proportion of CD66b+ cells were significantly increased in MS patients compared to healthy controls. CHI3L1 was found to colocalize with CD66b+ specific granules. While plasma CHI3L1 levels in untreated MS patients remained comparable to those of healthy controls, a significant increase in both intracellular and plasma CHI3L1 was observed in DMF-treated MS patients. The lack of correlation between plasma lactoferrin and CHI3L1 might suggest selective release mechanisms or differential synthesis of these proteins, despite their common storage in specific granules. These findings highlight the role of neutrophils as a peripheral source of CHI3L1 and suggest a complex association between neutrophil-derived CHI3L1 and the differences observed in DMF-treated MS patients. Full article
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30 pages, 2530 KB  
Article
Insights into the Transcriptomic Response of Two Aspergillus Fungi Growing in the Presence of Microplastics of Polyethylene Terephthalate Residues Unveil the Presence of Fungal Machinery for Possible PET Bioconversion into High-Value Chemicals
by Leticia Narciso-Ortiz, Carolina Peña-Montes, Cristina Escobedo-Fregoso, Manuel A. Lizardi-Jiménez, Eliel Ruíz-May, Belkis Sulbarán-Rangel, Arturo García-Bórquez, Graciela Espinosa-Luna and Rosa M. Oliart-Ros
Environments 2026, 13(3), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030127 - 25 Feb 2026
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Abstract
PET biodegradation remains limited due to its intrinsic properties—high crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and strong chemical stability. These characteristics lead to extremely slow degradation rates and contribute to PET’s persistence in the environment. Understanding how microorganisms respond at the molecular level when exposed to such [...] Read more.
PET biodegradation remains limited due to its intrinsic properties—high crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and strong chemical stability. These characteristics lead to extremely slow degradation rates and contribute to PET’s persistence in the environment. Understanding how microorganisms respond at the molecular level when exposed to such a recalcitrant polymer is therefore essential. Living organisms express genes in response to their needs during development. When microbes are under critical conditions, such as when contaminants are present, they express genes encoding specific enzymes that attack the pollutant. In this study, a fungus isolated from the infected fruit of the plant Randia monantha was identified as Aspergillus terreus. It was tested for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation, and the fungus Aspergillus nidulans was evaluated due to its previously reported recombinant cutinases for PET degradation. A microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET-MP) particle size of <355 μm for degradation was established, and a PET weight loss of 1.62% for A. nidulans and 1.01% for A. terreus was found. Additionally, the degradation of PET was confirmed by FTIR and SEM. This study also compares the transcriptomic profiles of Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus terreus during cultivation with PET-MP residues, which serve as a replacement for the carbon source. We present the first evidence of chitinase overexpression during direct exposure of PET to Aspergillus fungi. Interestingly, chitinase expression was detected in the crude extracts of A. nidulans and A. terreus during culture in the presence of PET residues, which replaced the carbon source. The chitinase produced by each fungus has a similar molecular weight of approximately 44 kDa. Chitinase activity was monitored over a 14-day cultivation period; from day 2, chitinase activity was detected in both cultures and continued to increase until day 14, when the highest values reported in this work were 24.88 ± 4.17 U mg−1 and 10.41 ± 0.47 U mg−1 for A. nidulans and A. terreus, respectively. Finally, we proposed a pathway for PET degradation by Aspergillus fungi that involves mycelial adherence and the secretion of hydrophobins, followed by the production of intermediates and monomers via esterase hydrolysis, and ultimately, the entry of monomers to the ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalic acid (TPA) pathways, further suggesting these Aspergillus as candidates to produce valuable compounds under these conditions, such as muconic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
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