Search Results (11,759)

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that threatens global food security by significantly inhibiting seed germination and early seedling establishment. Salinity disrupts all three phases of seed germination: Phase I (imbibition), where reduced water absorption capacity reduces seed hydration and delays metabolic reactivation; Phase II (lag phase), where ionic toxicity and oxidative stress impair enzyme activity, reserve mobilization, and cellular metabolism; and Phase III (radicle protrusion), where limited cell division and length prevent radicle emergence and seedling establishment. These disturbances reduce germination percentage, germination rate, germination index, germination energy, and plant vigor, while increasing average germination time. At the morpho-physiological level, salinity impairs water absorption, membrane stability, photosynthetic pigment accumulation, and root–shoot development. Biochemically, excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) causes cellular damage and metabolic dysfunction. At the molecular level, salinity alters the expression of the aquaporin gene family (PIPs, TIPs, NIPs, and SIPs), suppresses starch mobilization by reducing α-amylase, enhances abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, and inhibits gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis, all of which cause inhibition of germination and early growth. As a result, an effective strategy is needed to improve seed germination under saline conditions. Therefore, the second focus of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanobiochar (NBC) as emerging tools to mitigate salinity stress during seed germination. Current evidence suggests that NPs and NBC enhance water absorption, maintain membrane strength, improve nutrient availability, promote antioxidant defense systems, and regulate osmotic adjustment in saline environments. Furthermore, these nanomaterials alter key molecular pathways involved in aquaporin expression, hormonal homeostasis, and reserve mobilization, thereby promoting successful germination and seedling establishment. By combining recent advances in physiological, biochemical, and molecular research, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of salinity-induced germination disruption and highlights the potential of NP- and NBC-based approaches to improve crop establishment under saline conditions. Full article

Elucidating the evolutionary trajectories and genetic basis of critical agronomic traits in regional rice germplasm is paramount for discovering elite allelic variations for crop improvement. Here, we systematically characterized a panel of 109 rice accessions from Zhejiang Province through whole-genome resequencing (~10× coverage) coupled with two years of rigorous field phenotypic evaluations. A total of 4,753,071 high-quality genomic variants, including 4,147,316 SNPs, were identified across the genome. Population structure and evolutionary analyses revealed sharp genetic differentiation at the subspecies level, partitioning the panel into distinct indica and japonica clusters accompanied by intricate subpopulation stratification and historical gene flow. Through a joint scanning of the fixation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (Pi) ratios, three prominent selective sweep regions (qSS1, qSS10, and qSS12) driving subspecific differentiation were captured on chromosomes 1, 10, and 12. Notably, the qSS12 locus harbors the sucrose transporter gene OsSUT2, indicating that carbohydrate transport and energy metabolism served as core genomic targets driving the indica–japonica divergence. Furthermore, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) successfully mapped 9 significant loci modulating heading date, effective tiller number, and grain size. Subsequent gene-based haplotype analyses within these target intervals pinpointed elite allelic variations in core candidate genes, including OsSPX1 (phosphate homeostasis, 1000-grain weight), Chl9 (chlorophyll synthesis, grain width), and OsCER1 (wax biosynthesis, panicle length). Collectively, this study deciphers the genomic landscape and subspecies differentiation patterns of Zhejiang rice germplasm, providing pivotal molecular targets and invaluable genomic resources for germplasm conservation and precision molecular breeding. Full article

With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic–heavy metal co-contamination in agricultural wastewater, elucidating the antibiotic removal capacity of degrading bacteria under heavy metal stress, as well as their adaptive mechanisms, is of considerable theoretical significance and practical value. In this study, the highly efficient TYL-degrading strain TYL-A1 was selected as a model organism, and the effects of Pb²⁺ exposure on its TYL removal performance, oxidative stress response, cell surface characteristics, and transcriptional regulation were systematically investigated. The results showed that TYL removal remained above 85% after 72 h under a nominal Pb²⁺ concentration of 100 mg/L in the phosphate-containing MSM system. The phosphate may have reduced Pb²⁺ bioavailability. Nominal Pb²⁺ exposure increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), accompanied by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. This indicates that the strain experienced pronounced oxidative stress and altered energy metabolism. Meanwhile, cell membrane permeability increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses showed that the overall cellular morphology remained intact, whereas the membrane surface structure and related cellular components underwent adaptive changes. According to a transcriptomic analysis, the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in pathways associated with primary metabolism, transmembrane transport, ABC transporters, and two-component systems. In summary, strain TYL-A1 maintained high TYL removal performance under the tested nominal Pb²⁺ concentrations in the present phosphate-containing culture system, suggesting its potential applicability in the bioremediation of water bodies co-contaminated with antibiotics and heavy metals. Full article

Bacteria in the human intestinal tract express more than 46 million genes, suggesting that interbacterial communication and communication with human cells are well-controlled and synchronized. Many papers have been published on quorum sensing (QS) and other forms of bacterial communication, e.g., nanotubes, nanovibrations, and electromagnetism. Autoinducers (AIs) such as AI-1 N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), AI-2 boron-containing furanosyl borate diesters, AI-3 pyrazinone derivatives, a combination of AI-3/Epi (epinephrine)/NE (norepinephrine), auto-inducer peptides (AIPs), and SdiA (suppressor of division inhibition), along with their receptors, have been well-studied. However, little is known about the roles of quantum mechanics, quantum tunneling, and quantum entanglement in bacterial communication. Most proposals are hypothetical and remain conceptual frameworks supported by indirect evidence rather than validated experiments. The wave-like behavior of ions (quantum tunneling) may facilitate crossing potential energy barriers, such as cell membranes, in concert with protein channels. If this is indeed the case, ions in a quantum-tunneling state would, hypothetically, be able to pass through any part of the cell membrane and cell wall. This would, in theory, enhance biochemical reactions, interbacterial communication, and interactions with human cells. The long-range signaling ability of quanta could allow bacterial cells to maintain contact over long distances, modify their metabolic activities, and activate DNA repair systems. The wave-like behavior of subatomic particles and molecules may cause nanovibrations and generate electromagnetic fields. We argue that electrical signals generated within a biofilm by quanta may attract distant cells and enable cross-species communication. We propose a hypothetical “two-pillar” bacterial communication system, i.e., QS and quantum mechanics/tunneling/entanglement (QMTE), and discuss the advantages of combining both. Full article

The study analysed the effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation, either alone or in combination, with fumaric acid on the zootechnical performance and bioenergetics parameters of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. A dose–response trial was conducted with 0, 10, 60, 110, and 160 mg·kg⁻¹ of resveratrol. Subsequently, a second experiment was performed with shrimp from the control group and the best-performing resveratrol group. The treatments were control (C), fumaric acid 8.47 g·kg⁻¹ (F), resveratrol (R) and R + F (RF). Growth performance (final weight gain (g), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER)) and the concentration of energy-yielding molecules evaluated. Shrimp fed with 60 mg·kg⁻¹ of resveratrol showed higher weight gain, SGR, protein and glucose concentrations in the muscle, increased PER, and lower FCR (ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). Combined supplementation (RF) further enhanced growth performance and protein, glucose, and glycogen concentrations (p < 0.05) (ANCOVA test; p < 0.05). The zootechnical responses were also improved, where in 14 days the animals gained almost three grams of weight, with an FCR of 1.14 ± 0.03 and SGR of 6.99 ± 0.17% per day (p < 0.05). Overall, the combined supplementation of resveratrol and fumaric acid acted as an effective metabolic modulator, improving metabolic status of L. vannamei. Full article

Examining the relationship between an animal’s diet and physiology is crucial to understanding their responses to environmental change. Dietary-induced physiological variation can influence key life history processes, including growth and reproduction, ultimately affecting individual fitness. Reported here are the plasma biochemical parameters related to energy storage, use and nutritional condition in juvenile white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Eastern Australia. Specifically, we used plasma metabolites (triglyceride, cholesterol and β-hydroxybutyrate), thyroid hormone thyroxine and fatty acid profiles from 50 juvenile white sharks (152–340 cm total length) captured on SMART drumlines in Eastern Australia to examine blood biochemistry and nutritional ecology. Concentrations of triglycerides and β-hydroxybutyrate indicated high energy expenditure likely associated with the broad-scale migration of white sharks along the Australian coast, highlighting the importance of β-hydroxybutyrate as an energy source. Seasonal variation in the triglyceride/cholesterol and ω3/ω6 fatty acid ratio, in conjunction with lower docosahexaenoic acid, suggests that lower-quality prey is consumed during winter months, thereby influencing the nutritional condition of these sharks. Additionally, the positive correlation between thyroxine concentrations and water temperature suggests reduced metabolic activity during cooler months. Such fluxes in food quality and nutritional condition may affect juvenile white sharks’ growth and development rate and future reproductive success. Full article

Gut lactic acid bacteria are emerging as potential targets for modulating host purine metabolism and alleviating hyperuricemia-related disorders. This study aimed to isolate purine-degrading lactic acid bacterial strains from porcine intestine and systematically evaluate their probiotic potential through both in vitro and in vivo approaches. A strain designated Pedio6-1 was isolated and identified as Pediococcus acidilactici based on 16S rRNA sequencing. In vitro assays demonstrated that P. acidilactici Pedio6-1 exhibited nearly complete adenine clearance (approaching 100%) and a total purine clearance rate of 30.73%, along with strong tolerance to acidic conditions, bile salts, and gastrointestinal enzymes. To further assess its in vivo efficacy, a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model was employed. After 8 weeks of intervention, Pedio6-1 supplementation significantly reduced the final body weight and liver index, and markedly decreased hepatic guanine levels (p < 0.05), with a trend toward lower total purine content compared to the obese control group. Mechanistically, Pedio6-1 treatment significantly downregulated the hepatic mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TLR4 (p < 0.05). Serum untargeted metabolomics revealed that Pedio6-1 treatment shifted the metabolic profile toward that of normal diet-fed mice, with differential pathways predominantly enriched in porphyrin metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Notably, key metabolites with antioxidant and metabolic regulatory functions, including bilirubin, biliverdin, glutathione, citrate, L-cystathionine, and 4-pyridoxic acid, were significantly elevated following treatment, while N-acetylornithine and methylmalonate ester were decreased, indicating coordinated remodeling of oxidative stress defense, vitamin B6 homeostasis, and energy metabolism. Collectively, these findings indicate that Pedio6-1 not only possesses direct purine-degrading activity in vitro, but also ameliorates purine metabolic disturbances, inflammation, and oxidative stress in obese mice, likely through the modulation of porphyrin and amino acid metabolic pathways, highlighting its promise as a functional probiotic candidate for managing obesity-associated purine metabolic disorders. Full article

Acidifiers are functional feed additives that may improve egg quality by modulating intestinal microbiota and host metabolism. This study investigated the effects of dietary acidifier supplementation on laying performance, yolk fatty acid composition, eggshell ultrastructure, intestinal function, cecal microbiota, serum metabolome, and antioxidant status in laying hens. Sixty 52-week-old Jingfen No. 6 laying hens were randomly assigned to either a control group or an acidifier-supplemented group for 6 weeks. Acidifier supplementation increased laying rate and egg mass while reducing the feed-to-egg ratio. It also increased the concentrations of seven yolk fatty acids, including tetradecanoic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, cis-vaccenic acid, and arachidic acid. In addition, acidifier supplementation resulted in a denser eggshell microstructure, improved cecal mucosal morphology, and enhanced the activities of lipase, chymotrypsin, amylase, and trypsin. Although cecal microbial alpha diversity remained unchanged, acidifier supplementation altered the overall microbial community structure and enriched several genera, including Slackia_A, Megasphaera_A, Veillonella_A, Merdimonas, and Caccocola. Serum metabolomic analysis identified 395 differential metabolites, primarily associated with lipid, amino acid, energy, and bile acid metabolism. Representative altered metabolites included taurodeoxycholic acid 3-glucuronide, LysoPE (0:0/20:0), 15-HETE, cholic acid, malic acid, and succinic acid. Acidifier supplementation also favorably affected serum HDL-C, LDL-C, and calcium concentrations and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Collectively, these findings indicate that dietary acidifier supplementation improves laying performance, yolk fatty acid deposition, eggshell structure, intestinal function, and antioxidant status, accompanied by alterations in cecal microbiota and serum metabolism. These coordinated changes may contribute to the observed improvements in egg quality. Full article

Natural plant extracts rich in polyphenols are increasingly being studied as multifunctional food ingredients with antioxidant and stabilizing properties. In this study, Ocimum basilicum L. extracts were evaluated as biological cryoprotective agents for Streptococcus thermophilus. The extracts contained high levels of phenolic compounds (~1350–2200 mg GAE equivalents/L) and exhibited strong antioxidant activity (up to 5.6 mM Trolox equivalents). Density functional theory calculations showed low O–H bond dissociation energies (~72–74 kcal/mol in ethanol) for key components, including luteolin and rosmarinic acid. These calculations indicate a high hydrogen donation capacity comparable to or exceeding that of ascorbic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the preferential localization of major phenolic compounds at the membrane–water interface in a POPC bilayer membrane. The interaction of molecules with POPC increased membrane thickness and formed stable hydrogen-bond networks with lipid head groups. Experiments showed that systems based on basil extract significantly increased the survival of bacteria after storage at −25 °C, with the number of viable cells reaching (1.5–2.75) × 10⁸ CFU/mL. This effect was observed in comparison with control groups that used saline or sucrose. Fluorescent analysis of live/dead cells confirmed the improvement in cell membrane preservation. At the same time, no signs of metabolic inhibition were detected. Taken together, the experimental and computational results support the hypothesis that the cryoprotective effect may involve complementary antioxidant and membrane-associated interactions. However, direct biophysical validation of the proposed membrane mechanism is still required. These results emphasize that polyphenol extracts are promising natural functional ingredients for improving the stability and shelf life of probiotic and starter cultures in food systems. Full article

Integrated proteomics and untargeted metabolomics were employed to systematically characterize molecular differences between Acipenser schrenckii embryos with normal versus abnormal 24 h post-fertilization (24 hpf), which were classified as high-quality (HQ) and poor-quality (PQ) groups. Among 1636 proteins and 1102 metabolites, 220 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 365 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified. Functional enrichment demonstrated that HQ samples were predominantly enriched in pathways associated with amino acid biosynthesis, glycolysis/tricarboxylic acid cycle, nucleotide metabolism, and mRNA surveillance, which collectively supported material accumulation, energy supply, and embryonic developmental competence. In contrast, PQ samples were mainly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial stress response, arachidonic acid metabolism, and immune and inflammatory signaling pathways, indicating severe lipid metabolic disorders and excessive oxidative stress. Spearman correlation analysis identified L-pyroglutamic acid and ascorbic acid as core correlated metabolic hubs associated with high-quality eggs, while natamycin and tetrahydrocorticosterone were correlated characteristic metabolic signatures enriched in deteriorated eggs. Key protein nodes showing strong correlations with 24 hpf developmental phenotypes included GAPDH, glutathione S-transferase, and CYP450 2E1. Collectively, this study reveals divergent correlated molecular profiles linked to normal versus abnormal 24 hpf development and screens correlative multi-omics candidate signatures for distinguishing well-developed and deteriorated oocytes. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide, and metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as an important feature of its progression. Among these changes, fatty acid metabolism (FAM) has drawn growing attention because it supports energy supply, membrane synthesis, redox balance, and stress adaptation in tumor cells. CRC cells can increase fatty acid uptake, activate de novo synthesis, adjust fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and alter lipid droplet (LD) dynamics according to metabolic demand. These processes are strongly influenced by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Under hypoxic conditions, signaling pathways centered on hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) reshape lipid uptake, synthesis, oxidation, and storage, allowing CRC cells to maintain survival and adapt to limited oxygen and nutrient availability. Increasing evidence suggests that this metabolic shift is closely linked to invasion, metastasis, stem-like behavior, and resistance to therapy. In this review, we provide an integrated overview of the hypoxia–FAM axis in CRC. We first summarize the major steps of FAM reprogramming, then highlight how hypoxia reshapes these processes through HIF-dependent and related pathways. We also discuss FAM crosstalk with stromal and immune cells, experimental models, and metabolic heterogeneity between primary CRC and liver metastases. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies targeting FAM and hypoxia-associated signaling in CRC. Full article

In response to the growing problem of immune decline in honeybees (Apis mellifera), we investigated the potential of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract as a natural dietary supplement. The experiment was conducted under constant laboratory conditions, and worker bees were divided into three groups: a control group fed standard sugar syrup without additives, experimental group A1 receiving syrup supplemented with a low concentration of Ashwagandha extract, and experimental group A2 receiving a higher concentration of the extract. Hemolymph samples were analyzed at regular intervals for total protein concentration, protease and protease inhibitor activities, as well as non-enzymatic markers such as glucose and triglycerides. Ashwagandha supplementation increased total protein concentration and stimulated the proteolytic system in both experimental groups, with generally stronger effects in bees receiving the higher dose. At the same time, the balance between proteases and their inhibitors was maintained, indicating a coordinated and controlled physiological response. The supplemented bees also showed higher levels of glucose and triglycerides, suggesting improved energy status and metabolic support. Overall, the results indicate that Ashwagandha extract may act as a promising natural supplement supporting honeybee physiological resistance and immune homeostasis. Full article

Iron-sulfur clusters are a class of functionally diverse protein cofactors. In recent years, significant progress has been made in insect research on iron-sulfur clusters, revealing that they serve as a core molecular hub that integrate multiple physiological processes. This review systematically summarizes the structural characteristics and biosynthetic pathways of iron-sulfur clusters, with an emphasis on insect-specific features in the stability of iron-sulfur cluster assembly proteins, cluster transfer mechanisms, and functional differentiation of ferredoxins. On this basis, it further elucidates the central roles of insect iron-sulfur clusters in energy homeostasis, reproductive capacity, ecdysis, detoxification metabolism, and magnetoreception, and revealed the potential regulatory mechanisms of iron–sulfur proteins in the aforementioned physiological processes in insects, including the electron transport chain, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the AMPK/TOR signaling axis, cell cycle regulation, and P450 enzyme activity. These findings provide important theoretical foundations and potential molecular targets for the development of environmentally friendly pest control strategies with low resistance risk. Full article

Background: Imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, is routinely applied to control pests in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, a crucial medicinal herb producing Astragali Radix. However, the early short-term transcriptional and metabolic responses of its seedlings under imidacloprid gradient stress remain poorly characterized. Methods: In this study, 80-day seedlings were subjected to three foliar spray treatments: blank control (CK), the recommended imidacloprid concentration (2000-fold dilution, 475 mg·L⁻¹), and an excessively high concentration (500-fold dilution, 1900 mg·L⁻¹). Leaf samples were harvested 24 h post-treatment for untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) metabolomics (6 biological replicates) and RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing (3 biological replicates). Results: The low- and high-dose treatments induced 1076 and 860 differential metabolites and 6818 and 7283 differentially expressed genes, respectively. Flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, amino acid metabolites, and energy-related pathways were prominently affected. KEGG enrichment indicated activation of flavone/flavonol biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, MAPK signaling, cutin/suberin/wax biosynthesis, and ABC transporter pathways, whereas high-dose exposure was associated with stronger changes in genes related to DNA replication and cell wall remodeling. Integrated network analysis highlighted CHS, PAL, MYC2, KCS, and ABCG40 as candidate regulators linking stress signaling, secondary metabolism, and metabolite transport. Conclusions: Seedlings of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus exhibit dose-dependent acute responses to imidacloprid. Moderate pesticide exposure primarily activates defensive secondary metabolism, whereas excessive dosage triggers genome-wide transcriptional reprogramming. This work identifies key metabolic pathways and hub genes, offering candidate molecular markers for investigating pesticide stress adaptation in medicinal Astragalus and guiding standardized pesticide application in cultivation. Full article

Integrated rice–fish farming is increasingly promoted as a sustainable aquaculture model, yet its effects on flesh quality and gut microbial assembly in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco remain insufficiently understood. Here, we compared pond-cultured (PP) and rice-field-cultured (PR) individuals using growth measurements, muscle amino acid and fatty acid profiling, untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Body weight and length did not differ significantly between groups, whereas PP fish showed greater body width and height. PR fish contained higher levels of Ser, Val, Ile and total essential amino acids, together with amino acid and energy-related metabolites. In contrast, PP fish showed higher concentrations of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, total fatty acids and lipid-associated metabolites. The gut microbiota also differed markedly between culture systems. PP fish exhibited higher α-diversity and enrichment of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Pseudomonas and Ralstonia, whereas PR fish were characterized by Verrucomicrobiota, Fusobacteriota, Akkermansia and Cetobacterium. Predicted functions suggested enhanced carbohydrate and energy metabolism in PR fish and stronger environmental-response-related functions in PP fish. These findings indicate that pond and rice-field culture promote distinct quality-forming pathways in yellow catfish, providing a basis for optimizing rice–yellow catfish co-culture toward quality-oriented production. Full article