Search Results (52)

Visceral white-nodules disease (VWND), caused by Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, poses a severe threat to the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) aquaculture industry. Although breeding resistant strains is a promising strategy, the molecular basis of disease resistance in this host remains poorly understood. Here, 1500 fish were artificially infected, and extreme phenotypes (30 resistant, RL; 30 susceptible, SL) were selected based on survival time and liver pathogen load. Liver histopathology revealed that RL fish maintained intact architecture with only mild vacuolation, whereas SL fish exhibited widespread necrosis, inflammation, and hemosiderin deposition. Consistently, RL fish showed lower MDA levels and higher GSH-Px activity and TAC. Transcriptomic analysis identified 172 differentially expressed genes (DEGs): RL fish were characterized by upregulation of anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective genes (Epo, CAV3) and downregulation of pro-coagulant factors (PAI1, K1kb1). Proteomic analysis identified 111 differentially expressed proteins, with significantly enriched pathways including the peroxisome, pentose phosphate, and phagosome pathways. Integrated cross-omics analysis revealed eight co-enriched KEGG pathways; among them, arginine/proline metabolism, phagosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and focal adhesion were consistently upregulated in the RL group. These findings suggest that effective resistance to VWND in L. crocea may involve a coordinated, multi-layered defense program encompassing redox balance, regulated immune responses, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular homeostasis. Cross-omics-supported candidate factors (e.g., P4ha1, COX6B, RAB5A, CAV3) represent promising targets for functional validation via DNA-level experiments in independent sample sets, and the prominent enrichment of arginine-proline metabolism indicates a potential target for dietary intervention that merits further investigation. Full article

Trained immunity refers to the functional reprogramming of innate immune cells—such as monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells—those results in a modulated, and often heightened, response to secondary stimuli. This phenomenon challenges the traditional view that immunological memory is restricted to the adaptive immune system and has emerged as a concept linking host defense, vaccination, and inflammatory disease. This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular basis of trained immunity, including chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and metabolic rewiring, and examines how bacteria, viruses, and fungi induce, evade, or exploit these programs. The dual contribution of trained immunity to protective host defense and to immunopathology is discussed, along with its implications for vaccine design—including heterologous protection reported after BCG vaccination—and its potential as a therapeutic target in infectious and inflammatory disease. Key gaps, particularly the duration and reversibility of the trained state, the distinction between trained immunity and related processes such as innate tolerance, and the need for validated biomarkers, are highlighted, together with priorities for future translational research. Full article

Insect–microbe symbioses play pivotal roles in host ecology and plant–insect interactions, yet their species-specific functions in agricultural pests remain less understood. This study elucidates the functional role of symbiotic microbial communities in mediating insect host fitness and plant defense responses in two economically important whitefly species, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Using integrated molecular and physiological approaches, we characterized species-specific responses to antibiotic treatments (rifampicin and tetracycline) and their cascading effects on tripartite plant–insect–microbe interactions. In B. tabaci, antibiotic exposure induced significant depletion of the obligate symbiont Portiera and facultative Rickettsia (except for tetracycline-mediated Portiera proliferation), correlating with enhanced plant immune responses. In parallel, antibiotic treatments increased the titers of Hamiltonella and Rickettsia alongside constitutive plant defense suppression in T. vaporariorum, though tetracycline uniquely induced AOS expression elevation. Developmental assays revealed stage-specific vulnerabilities, with late nymphal and pupal stages showing high sensitivity to symbiont disruption, culminating in complete mortality within 40–50 d post-treatment. These findings show that microbial symbionts are essential to whitefly nutrition and evasion of plant anti-herbivore defenses. Our results provide a mechanistic basis for understanding symbiont-assisted invasion success in these whitefly species and underscore the potential of microbiome-targeted approaches for sustainable whitefly management. Full article

Mouthbrooding is a specialized parental care strategy that enhances offspring survival in many cichlid fishes; however, the molecular characteristics of the maternal buccal environment remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared embryonic performance between artificial incubation and natural mouthbrooding in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and characterized the buccal fluid proteome associated with mouthbrooding using LC–MS/MS-based proteomics. Naturally mouthbrooded embryos exhibited significantly higher survival rates and lower morphological abnormality rates than artificially incubated embryos. Proteomic analysis revealed extensive remodeling of buccal fluid protein composition during mouthbrooding and identified numerous differentially abundant proteins among mouthbrooding females, pre-mouthbrooding females, and males. Functional enrichment analyses showed that mouthbrooding-associated proteins were predominantly involved in immune regulation, epithelial organization, and host–pathogen interaction pathways. Proteins enriched during mouthbrooding were mainly associated with epithelial barrier maintenance and immune defense functions. These findings suggest that mouthbrooding females establish a distinct buccal microenvironment that may contribute to embryonic survival and developmental success. This study provides new insights into the molecular basis of parental care in mouthbrooding fishes and offers potential targets for improving artificial incubation strategies in tilapia aquaculture. Full article

Salmonella is a globally significant foodborne intracellular pathogen, and invasive salmonellosis poses a major global public health threat. The NLR family CARD-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome, a pivotal cytosolic innate immune sensor, specifically recognizes Salmonella flagellin and type III secretion system (T3SS) components via the NAIP (NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein) family. Upon activation, it triggers pyroptosis, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and infected intestinal epithelial cell extrusion, serving as a central pathway for host defense against Salmonella colonization and systemic spread. This work systematically summarizes the structural composition, activation mechanisms, post-translational modifications, and regulatory protein network of the NLRC4 inflammasome, and highlights the molecular mechanisms by which Salmonella evades NLRC4 surveillance through multiple strategies: transcriptional downregulation of immunogenic ligands, structural modification of T3SS components, secretion of effector proteins, and chemotaxis-virulence synergy. A comprehensive delineation of the co-evolutionary arms race between Salmonella and the NLRC4 inflammasome provides an integrated mechanistic framework for understanding host–pathogen immune interplay. Deciphering the mechanisms of bacterial immune evasion on this basis holds critical importance for identifying novel anti-infective targets and advancing translational preventive and therapeutic strategies against salmonellosis. Full article

The formation of biofilms on medical devices is a major public health challenge, associated with persistent infections, increased antimicrobial resistance and device failure. Biofilms are structured microbial communities, integrated into an extracellular matrix that they produce, giving them protection against antibiotics and host immune defenses. This review provides a synthesis of the mechanisms of biofilm formation, the molecular basis of their resistance, and current and emerging strategies for their prevention and control. This narrative review summarizes (i) the bacterial composition of device-associated biofilms, (ii) the sequential mechanisms of biofilm formation (initial adhesion, maturation, dispersion), (iii) the molecular and physiological basis of biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance, and (iv) prevention and control strategies, with particular emphasis on antibacterial and anti-adhesive coatings for orthopedic and dental implants. Surface engineering (anti-adhesive, antimicrobial, nanostructured and biomimetic coatings), anti-biofilm agents (enzymes, quorum sensing inhibitors, bacteriophages), physical approaches (ultrasound, photodynamic therapy) and combined multimodal strategies emerge as the most promising directions. No single strategy ensures complete prevention or eradication of biofilm-associated infections; multidisciplinary multimodal approaches integrating smart biomaterials, controlled antimicrobial release, and artificial intelligence-assisted surface design represent the most realistic clinical pathway forward. Full article

Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) is a major pathogen associated with summer mortality in bivalve mollusks, but the host-side determinants of susceptibility remain poorly characterized outside oysters. In this study, we compared the responses of Chinese (CS) and Korean (KS) populations of the ark clam Scapharca broughtonii to experimental OsHV-1 challenge. The results showed that OsHV-1 established a markedly strong infection in the CS population but not the KS population, as indicated by high viral DNA loads, severe tissue pathology, detection of viral particles by transmission electron microscopy, broad viral transcription, and substantially high mortality. To explore the molecular basis of this contrasting outcome, we further performed comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Transcriptomic analysis identified two membrane-associated genes, atrial natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor (TYRO3-like), that were more highly expressed in the susceptible CS population, suggesting that early host–virus interaction may differ between populations as a result of differentially expressed membrane molecules. Proteomic analysis identified 94 differentially abundant proteins between CS and KS populations; notably, ferritin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were highly expressed in the less susceptible KS population, leading to stronger basal antioxidant and stress-defense capacity. Taken together, these findings definitively confirmed the significant differential susceptibility to OsHV-1 infection between the two S. broughtonii geographic populations and revealed that this divergent phenotype might involve both population-biased expression of candidate membrane-associated factors and differences in defense-related protein abundance. This study provides candidate markers for future disease-resistance evaluation and breeding in ark clam and offers a basis for further investigation of population-level variation in bivalve–virus interactions. Full article

Huanglongbing (HLB), primarily caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), threatens global citrus production. Deciphering the molecular interplay between citrus and CLas is crucial for successful control. This review synthesizes current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying citrus-CLas interactions, providing a comprehensive overview that spans immune signaling, hormonal and metabolic reprogramming, non-coding RNA-mediated regulation, pathogen effector biology, and emerging biotechnological interventions. We detail the hierarchical host response: initial immune recognition via pattern recognition receptors, triggering reactive oxygen species bursts and calcium signaling. Moreover, hormonal network reprogramming and their complex interplay in defense/susceptibility are examined. Transcriptomic studies have revealed key features of metabolic reprogramming, including suppression of photosynthesis and impairment of phloem function. Additionally, long-term strategies like cell wall reinforcement, accumulation of defensive compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids, and roles of post-transcriptional regulation of microRNAs are discussed. Conversely, CLas counter-defense, notably effector-mediated immunity suppression and host metabolism manipulation, is also considered. Comparative transcriptomics between tolerant and susceptible varieties identifies tolerance or resistance genes/pathways for breeding and engineering. Despite this progress, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the precise molecular mechanisms of CLas immune evasion and effector-mediated suppression, the genetic basis of natural tolerance, and the field-level efficacy of defense priming strategies. Future research directions should integrate single-cell omics, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, nano-enabled delivery, and microbiome engineering to bridge these gaps and accelerate HLB-tolerant/resistant citrus development. This review synthesizes how molecular profiling advances understanding of citrus defense mechanisms against HLB, and underscores the imperative for interdisciplinary research and global collaboration. Full article

Cucurbit crops—including cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and melon (Cucumis melo)—are of major economic and nutritional importance worldwide. Yet their productivity and quality are severely compromised by foliar fungal diseases, particularly powdery mildew (PM), downy mildew (DM), and target leaf spot (TLS). While PM and DM have been extensively studied, TLS has emerged as an increasingly prevalent and damaging disease in key production regions, yet it remains comparatively understudied—especially with respect to its molecular basis and comparative pathobiology relative to PM and DM. Current reliance on chemical fungicides is hampered by escalating pathogen resistance and concerns over residual toxicity, whereas conventional breeding approaches face inherent limitations in pyramiding durable, broad-spectrum resistance against multiple pathogens. In this context, cucumber has emerged as a pivotal model species for dissecting foliar disease resistance mechanisms in cucurbits, supported by a high-quality reference genome, extensive resequencing datasets, diverse germplasm collections, and an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. Despite these advantages, existing reviews predominantly address PM or DM resistance in isolation; comprehensive syntheses integrating TLS resistance advances—and critically, cross-disease comparisons of genetic architecture, transcriptional reprogramming, and defense signaling—are notably scarce. Furthermore, the translational pipeline—from gene discovery and functional validation to deployment in marker-assisted or genome-edited breeding—lacks systematic evaluation. Here, we provide a focused, cucumber-centered review that (i) synthesizes recent progress in mapping QTLs and GWAS loci, and characterizing key resistance-associated gene families (such as NLRs, RLKs, PR genes) conferring resistance to PM, DM, and TLS; (ii) integrates transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic evidence to delineate conserved versus pathogen-specific host responses; (iii) highlights breakthroughs and unresolved questions in TLS resistance research, including the roles of novel susceptibility factors and non-canonical immune regulators; and (iv) critically assesses bottlenecks in translating resistance genes into practical breeding outcomes—such as linkage drag, functional redundancy, and genotype-by-environment interactions—and proposes empirically grounded strategies for accelerating molecular design of multi-disease-resistant cultivars. Collectively, this review aims to bridge fundamental insights with applied breeding goals, offering a conceptual and strategic framework for integrated management of foliar fungal diseases and the development of durable, broad-spectrum resistance in cucurbits. Full article

Phelipanche aegyptiaca is a root parasitic weed that causes severe yield losses in tomato production. Current control methods are constrained by limited efficacy and environmental concerns. Although biocontrol microbes and amino acids have each been reported to suppress broomrape parasitism individually, their synergistic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated the biocontrol performance of Bacillus velezensis strain N35, applied alone or in combination with five amino acids (methionine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, and proline), against P. aegyptiaca parasitism in tomato using pot experiments coupled with transcriptomic profiling of host roots. Both individual and combined treatments significantly reduced the number and fresh weight of P. aegyptiaca parasitic tubercles. Notably, the combinations of methionine + N35 and isoleucine + N35 achieved near-complete suppression of parasitism. Transcriptomic analysis revealed extensive reprogramming of gene expression in tomato roots, with significant enrichment in pathways associated with plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. The synergistic treatments coordinately activated ethylene, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid-mediated signaling, while suppressing auxin and abscisic acid signaling. Moreover, key strigolactone biosynthesis genes (CCD7 and CCD8) were strongly downregulated, and specific genes involved in the biosynthesis of defense-related secondary metabolites were selectively upregulated. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a pronounced synergy between B. velezensis N35 and specific amino acids in suppressing P. aegyptiaca parasitism. This enhanced host resistance is achieved through the coordinated reprogramming of hormonal and metabolic networks, particularly via interference with strigolactone-mediated germination signal secretion. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of microbe–metabolite synergistic strategies as sustainable and environmentally benign alternatives for broomrape management. Full article

Potato virus Y (PVY), widely regarded as one of the world’s most important plant viruses, seriously threatens global potato production and food security. PVY deploys its proteins to interact with key host factors, thereby enabling viral replication, accumulation, and systemic infection. PVY also exhibits high genetic diversity and frequent recombination, which promote host adaptation and immune evasion. In response, potato plants perceive viral effectors through intracellular immune receptors and activate antiviral defenses. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in elucidating PVY–host defense and counter-defense mechanisms. Here, we summarize the molecular basis of PVY pathogenicity and highlight recent advances in PVY resistance genes (e.g., Ry_sto and Ry_chc). Finally, we integrate emerging insights from plant virology and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) biology to discuss prospective, multi-pronged strategies for PVY management. Full article

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta, is a devastating invasive pest that threatens global tomato production, while entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) represent promising biocontrol agents. Because a detailed understanding of the molecular basis of the insect immune response is crucial for uncovering how hosts detect and counteract nematode infection, such knowledge may reveal weaknesses exploitable for improved control strategies. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the immune interaction between this pest and EPNs remain poorly understood This study investigated the biocontrol potential of a native Chinese EPN strain, Heterorhabditis indica CQ7-2, against T. absoluta and delineated the host’s molecular immune responses via a time-course transcriptomic analysis. Bioassays revealed that H. indica CQ7-2 LC₅₀ was 1.35 IJs per larva. Comparative transcriptome profiling of larvae revealed that the EPN infection was associated with transcriptional patterns consistent with immunosuppression. Key genes involved in humoral and cellular immunity were significantly suppressed during the early and middle infection stages. Although a widespread upregulation of immune genes occurred after 18 h post-infection (hpi), it was insufficient to prevent host mortality. These findings demonstrate that the virulence of H. indica CQ7-2 is underpinned by associated with modulation of key immune pathways, leading to an ineffective defense response. This work provides deep insights into the molecular arms race between an invasive pest and a native EPN, supporting CQ7-2 as a promising biocontrol agent and providing a framework for understanding host-EPN interactions. Full article

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause big crop losses globally. Safe/reliable methods for their durable management strategies can harness various beneficial relationships among the plant immune system and related microbiomes. Molecular mechanisms basic to these relations reveal wide arrays of significant roles for plant-healthy growth. This review focuses on such relations of microbiomes to prime and immunize plants against PPNs. It also highlights molecular issues facing PPN-resistant varieties with possible solutions such as genetic breeding/engineering, grafting, PPN-antagonistic root exudates, and novel resistant cultivars. These issues call for optimal uses of various widespread groups of microbiomes. Related plant signaling hormones and transcription factors that regulate gene expression and modulate nematode-responsive genes to ease positive/negative adaptation are presented. Exploring PPN-resistance genes, their activation mechanisms, and signaling networks offers a holistic grasp of plant defense related to biotic/abiotic factors. Such factors relevant to systemic acquired resistance (SAR) via plant–microbe interactions to manage PPNs are stressed. The microbiomes can be added as inoculants and/or steering the indigenous rhizosphere ones. Consequently, SAR is mediated by the accumulation of salicylic acid and the subsequent expression of pathogenesis-related genes. To activate SAR, adequate priming and induction of plant defense against PPNs would rely on closely linked factors. They mainly include the engaged microbiome species/strains, plant genotypes, existing fauna/flora, compatibility with other involved biologicals, and methods/rates of the inoculants. To operationalize improved plant resistance and the microbiome’s usage, novel actionable insights for research and field applications are necessary. Synthesis of adequate screening techniques in plant breeding would better use multiple parameters (molecular and classical ones)-based ratings for PPN-host suitability designation. Sound statistical analyses and interpretation approaches can better identify genotypes with high-level, stable resistance to PPNs than the commonly used ones. Linking molecular mechanisms to consistent field relevance can be progressed via dissemination of many advanced techniques. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been effective in knocking out both the OsHPP04 gene in rice to confer resistance against Meloidogyne graminicola and the GhiMLO3 gene in cotton to minimize the Rotylenchulus reniformis reproduction. Its genetic modifications in crops synthesized “transgene-free” PPN-resistant plants without decreased growth/yield. Characterizing microbiome species/strains needed to prime and immunize plants requires better molecular tools for fine-scale taxonomic resolution than the common ones used. The former can distinguish closely related ones that exhibit divergent phenotypes for key attributes like stability and production of enzymes and secondary metabolites. As PPN-control strategies via tritrophic interactions are more sensitive to the relevant settings than chemical nematicides, it is suggested herein to test these settings on a case-by-case basis to avoid erratic/contradictory results. Moreover, expanding the use of automated systems to expedite detection/count processes of PPN and related microbes with objectivity/accuracy is discussed. When PPNs and their related microbial distribution patterns were modeled, more aspects of their field distributions were discovered in order to optimize their integrated management. Hence, the feasibility of site-specific microbiome application in PPN–hotspot infections can be evaluated. The main technical challenges and controversies in the field are also addressed herein. Their conceptual revision based on harnessing novel techniques/tools is direly needed for future clear trends. This review also engages raising growers’ awareness to leverage such strategies for enhancing plant resistance and advancing the microbiome role. Microbiomes enjoy wide spectrum efficacy, low fitness cost, and inheritance to next generations in durable agriculture. Full article

Sometimes, crop breeding varieties demonstrate high resistance to target insects under laboratory conditions but exhibit significantly low resistance in the field. This research aimed to explain this phenomenon based on inter-species interactions among insects, as herbivory by one insect species can trigger physiological changes in plants that enhance their attraction to other insect species. The striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis (Walker), and the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), are pests of rice (Oryza sativa L.) that cause major losses in grain production. In this study, we investigated BPH performance and behavior on the planthopper-resistant rice variety “Mudgo” with pre-feeding of SSB. BPHs showed better growth and development, as well as feeding behavior, on SSB-damaged plants compared to undamaged plants. Then, gene expression and phytohormone analysis revealed that jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis was induced by SSB feeding. The JA pathway is a central defense signaling hub in rice responding to chewing herbivores like SSB; however, our findings reveal that its induction can have contrasting ecological consequences, inadvertently reducing resistance to a subsequent piercing-sucking pest (BPH). Finally, we discovered that volatile emissions induced by SSB damage attracted BPH and benefited its development. In summary, we found that JA biosynthesis triggered by SSB herbivory played a vital role in rice defense against BPH. This provides insight into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying BPH preferences for SSB-damaged rice plants. Our study emphasizes the crucial role of inter-species interactions in enhancing host plant resistance to insect pests and evaluating germplasm resistance. These findings can serve as a basis for controlling BPH. Full article

Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death globally, and there is continuing interest in adjunct, diet-based strategies that may support vascular health alongside guideline-directed pharmacotherapy. Anthocyanin-rich berries are one such option: they are widely consumed, generally safe, and can provide substantial amounts of polyphenols in habitual diets. This narrative review focuses on two anthocyanin-rich species, blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) and haskap/blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), and examines the extent to which their intake may influence vascular endothelial function and cardiometabolic risk markers. For blueberries, which are typically dominated by malvidin- and delphinidin-based anthocyanins together with flavonols, phenolic acids and stilbenes such as pterostilbene, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have reported improvements in flow-mediated dilation, with modest effects on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in at-risk populations. Haskap berries, characterized by high levels of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and enriched in iridoids and vitamin C, have been studied mainly in cell and animal models, with early human data suggesting potential effects on vascular function, blood pressure and physical performance. Across both berries, emerging evidence indicates that vascular actions are mediated largely by gut- and host-derived phenolic metabolites rather than by transient circulating parent anthocyanins. We synthesize current knowledge on the phytochemical composition of blueberries and haskap, on molecular pathways implicated in endothelial protection (including NO/eNOS signaling, NRF2-mediated antioxidant defense, NF-κB-driven inflammation, lipoprotein metabolism and platelet activation), and on clinical outcomes related to vascular and cardiometabolic health. On this basis, we outline a mechanistic hypothesis that combined blueberry–haskap interventions could provide additive or synergistic effects on vascular function. This hypothesis is currently supported primarily by preclinical and indirect clinical evidence and should be regarded as hypothesis-generating, highlighting priorities for future mechanism-aware trials rather than constituting a practice-changing recommendation. Full article