Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (76)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = movement gene module

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
13 pages, 1251 KiB  
Article
Behavioral Fever in Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectu) Enhances the Immune Response to Vibrio harveyi Infection
by Siping Li, Xin Liu, Tingting Lin and Dong Zhang
Animals 2025, 15(11), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111509 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Ectotherms can elevate their body temperature in response to infection by seeking warmer environments, a phenomenon known as behavioral fever. This adaptive response, widely documented in fish, activates immune defenses and improves survival. To explore an eco-friendly approach for managing Vibrio-induced enteritis in [...] Read more.
Ectotherms can elevate their body temperature in response to infection by seeking warmer environments, a phenomenon known as behavioral fever. This adaptive response, widely documented in fish, activates immune defenses and improves survival. To explore an eco-friendly approach for managing Vibrio-induced enteritis in lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) aquaculture, we investigated whether Vibrio harveyi infection triggers behavioral fever and enhances immune function. Seahorses were intraperitoneally injected with V. harveyi (1 × 107 cfu/fish) and placed in a thermal gradient tank (19–31 °C), allowing free movement between chambers. Challenged seahorses exhibited a significant preference (p < 0.05, 1.31-fold) for warmer zones compared to unchallenged controls, whereas no such difference (p > 0.05) was observed in a constant temperature (25 °C) tank, confirming behavioral fever. Furthermore, fevered seahorses showed significantly elevated plasma cytokine levels (PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α; p < 0.05), which normalized (p > 0.05) to baseline levels, except for TNF-α, compared to unfevered individuals. In kidney tissue, challenged seahorses expressing behavioral fever exhibited gene expression levels (tnf-α, il-6, ifn-g, and il-10) similar to unchallenged controls (p > 0.05) but significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those kept at constant temperature. These findings suggest that behavioral fever in H. erectus modulates core temperature to regulate cytokine release and immune-related gene expression. This study provides foundational insights for developing practical, non-invasive strategies to mitigate enteritis in seahorse aquaculture through thermal behavior manipulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Behavioral Ecology of Aquatic Animals)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1326 KiB  
Review
Nitric Oxide and Melatonin Cross Talk on Photosynthetic Machinery
by Moon-Sub Lee, Nusrat Jahan Methela, Gun-Ho Lee and Bong-Gyu Mun
Molecules 2025, 30(10), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102148 - 13 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 628
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) and melatonin (MT) significantly influence photosynthetic processes by modulating redox homeostasis, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and gene expression, particularly under abiotic stress conditions. This review summarizes the intricate crosstalk between NO and melatonin, focusing on their coordinated roles in regulating [...] Read more.
Nitric oxide (NO) and melatonin (MT) significantly influence photosynthetic processes by modulating redox homeostasis, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and gene expression, particularly under abiotic stress conditions. This review summarizes the intricate crosstalk between NO and melatonin, focusing on their coordinated roles in regulating photosynthetic efficiency. Evidence from various plant species indicates that the application of exogenous NO and melatonin enhances chlorophyll content, photosystem efficiency (particularly PSII), and photosynthetic performance, mitigating stress-induced damage. Molecular analysis demonstrates that both molecules influence key photosynthetic gene modulating photosystems I and II, and Calvin cycle activities. Moreover, NO and melatonin collaboratively regulate stomatal movements through ABA, Ca2⁺, and H2O2 signaling pathways, involving genes such as PMRT1, CIPKs, and OST1. Experimental data from diverse plant species under stress conditions, including drought, salinity, heavy metals, and flooding, highlight their synergistic protective effects. Exploring these mechanisms further may enable practical agricultural strategies involving combined NO and melatonin treatments to improve crop resilience and productivity under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. Future research directions should emphasize unraveling detailed molecular interactions, enabling targeted biotechnological applications in crop improvement programs for enhanced global food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Review Papers in Analytical Chemistry, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2977 KiB  
Article
Adipokinetic Hormones and Their Receptor Regulate the Locomotor Behavior in Tribolium castaneum
by Rui-Han Lu, Xu-Dong Pang, Shuang-Qin Wen, Guy Smagghe, Tong-Xian Liu and Shun-Hua Gui
Insects 2025, 16(4), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040407 - 12 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 786
Abstract
The regulation of locomotor behavior is essential for insects to perform their life activities. The central nervous system plays a pivotal role in modulating physiological behaviors, particularly movement, with neuropeptides serving as key modulators of these processes. Among these, adipokinetic hormone (AKH) was [...] Read more.
The regulation of locomotor behavior is essential for insects to perform their life activities. The central nervous system plays a pivotal role in modulating physiological behaviors, particularly movement, with neuropeptides serving as key modulators of these processes. Among these, adipokinetic hormone (AKH) was originally identified in insects as a neurohormone involved in lipid mobilization. This study investigates the functional role of AKHs (AKH1 and AKH2) and their receptor (AKHR) in regulating locomotion in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Using functional calcium reporter assays, we demonstrated that AKHR is activated by two mature AKH peptides from T. castaneum, with half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) falling within the nanomolar range. Gene expression analysis confirmed the presence of AKH1 and AKH2 transcripts in the brain, while AKHR expression was localized to the fat body and carcass. The silencing of AKHs or AKHR through RNA interference resulted in a significant reduction in both movement distance and duration. Collectively, these findings highlight the regulatory influence of AKH/AKHR signaling in locomotor activity in T. castaneum, thereby advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying locomotor control in this economically important insect species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Molecular Biology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4805 KiB  
Article
A Computational Analysis Based on Automatic Digitization of Movement Tracks Reveals the Altered Diurnal Behavior of the Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, Suppressed in PKG Expression
by Chunlei Xia, Gahyeon Jin, Falguni Khan, Hye-Won Kim, Yong-Hyeok Jang, Nam Jung, Yonggyun Kim and Tae-Soo Chon
Insects 2025, 16(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030320 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 546
Abstract
The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, a worldwide insect pest with its polyphagous feeding behavior and capacity to transmit viruses, follows a diurnal rhythmicity driven by expression of the circadian clock genes. However, it remained unclear how the clock signal triggers the [...] Read more.
The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, a worldwide insect pest with its polyphagous feeding behavior and capacity to transmit viruses, follows a diurnal rhythmicity driven by expression of the circadian clock genes. However, it remained unclear how the clock signal triggers the thrips behaviors. This study posed a hypothesis that the clock signal modulates cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity to mediate the diurnal behaviors. A PKG gene is encoded in F. occidentalis and exhibits high sequence homologies with those of honeybee and fruit fly. Interestingly, its expression followed a diel pattern with high expression during photophase in larvae and adults of F. occidentalis. It is noteworthy that PKG expression was clearly observed in the midgut during photophase but not in scotophase from our fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. A prediction of protein–protein interaction suggested its functional association with clock genes. To test this functional link, RNA interference (RNAi) of the PKG gene expression was performed by feeding a gene-specific double-stranded RNA, which led to significant alteration of the two clock genes (Clock and Period) in their expression levels. The RNAi treatment caused adverse effects on early-life development and adult fecundity. To further analyze the role of PKG in affecting diurnal behavior, the adult females were continuously observed for a 24 h period with an automatic digitization device to obtain movement parameters and durations (%) in different micro-areas in the observation arena. Diel difference was observed with speed in RNAi-control females at 0.16 mm/s and 0.08 mm/s, in photo- and scotophase, respectively, whereas diel difference was not observed for the PKG-specific RNAi-treated females, which showed 0.07 mm/s and 0.06 mm/s, respectively. The diel difference was also observed in durations (%) in the control females, more strongly in the intermediate area in the observation arena. Speed and durations in the different micro-areas in mid-scotophase were significantly different from most photophase in the control females, while speed was significantly different mainly during late photophase when comparing effects of control and RNAi treatments in each light phase. Three sequential stages consisting of high activity followed by feeding and visiting of micro-areas were observed for the control females. For RNAi-treated females, the three phases were disturbed with irregular speed and visits to micro-areas. These results suggest that PKG is associated with implementing the diurnal behavior of F. occidentalis by interacting with expressions of the circadian clock genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2621 KiB  
Article
Identification of Salivary Exosome-Derived miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers of Bone Remodeling During Orthodontic Tooth Movement
by Nikolaos Kazanopoulos, Constantinos D. Sideris, Yong Xu, Dimitrios Konstantonis, Heleni Vastardis, Elizabeth R. Balmayor, Michael Wolf and Christian Apel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031228 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1388
Abstract
Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a complex process involving bone remodeling, and is regulated by various molecular factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). These small, non-coding RNAs are critical in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been implicated in the modulation of osteoclast and osteoblast activity [...] Read more.
Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a complex process involving bone remodeling, and is regulated by various molecular factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). These small, non-coding RNAs are critical in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been implicated in the modulation of osteoclast and osteoblast activity during OTM. This study aimed to explore the expression profiles of salivary exosome-derived miRNAs during OTM to identify potential biomarkers that could provide insights into the biological processes involved in orthodontic tooth movement. Saliva samples were collected from 15 patients at three time points: before treatment (Day 0), 7 days after the treatment’s onset (Day 7), and 40 days after the treatment’s onset (Day 40). The exosomes were isolated, and the miRNAs were extracted and sequenced. A differential expression analysis and gene ontology (GO) enrichment were performed to identify the miRNAs involved in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Out of the 1405 detected miRNAs, 185 were analyzed. Several miRNAs were associated with bone-remodeling processes. The statistically significant finding was the downregulation of hsa-miR-4634 after 40 days of treatment. These findings contribute to the understanding of miRNA regulation in orthodontics and may have broader implications for skeletal disorders, such as osteoporosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8167 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Analysis of the PYL Gene Family in Betula platyphylla and Its Responses to Abiotic Stresses
by Jiajie Yu, Ruiqi Wang, Xiang Zhang and Su Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13728; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413728 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key phytohormone that participates in various plant biological processes, such as seed germination, senescence, stomatal movement, and flowering. In the ABA signal transduction pathway, Pyrabactin Resistance 1 (PYR1)/PYR1-Like (PYL)/Regulatory Component is the core module for ABA perception. In [...] Read more.
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key phytohormone that participates in various plant biological processes, such as seed germination, senescence, stomatal movement, and flowering. In the ABA signal transduction pathway, Pyrabactin Resistance 1 (PYR1)/PYR1-Like (PYL)/Regulatory Component is the core module for ABA perception. In this study, a total of 12 PYL family members were identified in birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.) from a genome-wide range that can be divided into 3 subgroups according to their evolutionary relationships. The physiochemical properties of the 12 BpPYLs were characterized, and the members of the same subgroups share more similar exon–intron and motif patterns. The results of synteny analysis showed two syntenic gene pairs within BpPYL family members and 12, 8, 19, and 6 syntenic gene pairs between BpPYLs and AtPYLs, OsPYLs, PtPYLs, and ZmPYLs, respectively. Multiple cis-acting elements were identified in the promoters of BpPYLs, including stress response, phytohormone signaling, and growth and development. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that BpPYLs were enriched in the pathways mainly related to ABA signaling and cell communication. The results of RT-qPCR verified the expressional responses of BpPYLs to ABA, salt, and PEG treatments. Furthermore, the positive roles of BpPYL3 and BpPYL11 were proven by using salt-tolerant yeast transformation. This study provides a reference for research on ABA signal transduction and forest tree responses upon abiotic stresses. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7261 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Analysis of the CAM Species Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi Under Low- and High-Temperature Regimes
by Rongbin Hu, Jin Zhang, Sara Jawdy, Avinash Sreedasyam, Anna Lipzen, Mei Wang, Vivian Ng, Christopher Daum, Keykhosrow Keymanesh, Degao Liu, Alex Hu, Jin-Gui Chen, Gerald A. Tuskan, Jeremy Schmutz and Xiaohan Yang
Plants 2024, 13(23), 3444; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233444 - 8 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1338
Abstract
Temperature stress is one of the major limiting environmental factors that negatively impact global crop yields. Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi is an obligate crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant species, exhibiting much higher water-use efficiency and tolerance to drought and heat stresses than C3 or [...] Read more.
Temperature stress is one of the major limiting environmental factors that negatively impact global crop yields. Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi is an obligate crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant species, exhibiting much higher water-use efficiency and tolerance to drought and heat stresses than C3 or C4 plant species. Previous studies on gene expression responses to low- or high-temperature stress have been focused on C3 and C4 plants. There is a lack of information about the regulation of gene expression by low and high temperatures in CAM plants. To address this knowledge gap, we performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of leaf and root tissues of K. fedtschenkoi under cold (8 °C), normal (25 °C), and heat (37 °C) conditions at dawn (i.e., 2 h before the light period) and dusk (i.e., 2 h before the dark period). Our analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under cold or heat treatment in comparison to normal conditions in leaf or root tissue at each of the two time points. In particular, DEGs exhibiting either the same or opposite direction of expression change (either up-regulated or down-regulated) under cold and heat treatments were identified. In addition, we analyzed gene co-expression modules regulated by cold or heat treatment, and we performed in-depth analyses of expression regulation by temperature stresses for selected gene categories, including CAM-related genes, genes encoding heat shock factors and heat shock proteins, circadian rhythm genes, and stomatal movement genes. Our study highlights both the common and distinct molecular strategies employed by CAM and C3/C4 plants in adapting to extreme temperatures, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying temperature stress responses in CAM species. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1271 KiB  
Article
Xanthohumol: Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Mechanically Stimulated Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells
by Christian Niederau, René H. Tolba, Joachim Jankowski, Nikolaus Marx, Michael Wolf and Rogerio Bastos Craveiro
Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2688; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122688 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1070
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Initial sterile inflammation is an essential molecular process in the periodontium during orthodontic tooth movement. A better understanding and possible modulations of these processes are of great interest to develop individual therapies for special patient groups. The prenylated plant polyphenol xanthohumol (XN) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Initial sterile inflammation is an essential molecular process in the periodontium during orthodontic tooth movement. A better understanding and possible modulations of these processes are of great interest to develop individual therapies for special patient groups. The prenylated plant polyphenol xanthohumol (XN) could have modulating effects as it has shown anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis-inhibiting effects in various cell lines. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of XN in an in vitro model of compressively stimulated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), which have a different function in the periodontium than the previously used cementoblasts. Methods: The expression of inflammatory markers at the mRNA and protein levels and the regulation of central kinases were investigated. Results: XN showed a dose-dependent influence on cell viability. Low concentrations between 0.2 and 4 µM showed positive effects, while 8 µM caused a significant decrease in viability after 24 h. Mechanical stimulation induced an upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene (IL-6, COX2) and protein (IL-6) expression. Here, XN significantly reduced stimulation-related IL-6 mRNA and gene expression. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK was upregulated by mechanical stimulation, and XN re-established phosphorylation at a level similar to the control. Conclusions: We demonstrated a selective anti-inflammatory effect of XN in hPDLSCs. These findings provide the basis for further investigation of XN in the modulation of inflammatory responses in orthodontic therapy and the treatment of periodontal inflammation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3043 KiB  
Article
NMDAR-CaMKII Pathway as a Central Regulator of Aggressiveness: Evidence from Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis in Swimming Crabs Portunus trituberculatus
by Qihang Liang, Dapeng Liu, Boshan Zhu and Fang Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312560 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 860
Abstract
Aggressiveness is one of the personality traits of crustaceans, playing a crucial role in their growth, life history, and adaptability by influencing resource acquisition. However, the neuroregulatory mechanisms of aggressiveness in crustaceans remain poorly understood. The thoracic ganglion offers valuable insights into complementary [...] Read more.
Aggressiveness is one of the personality traits of crustaceans, playing a crucial role in their growth, life history, and adaptability by influencing resource acquisition. However, the neuroregulatory mechanisms of aggressiveness in crustaceans remain poorly understood. The thoracic ganglion offers valuable insights into complementary aspects of aggression control. This study identified the aggressiveness of swimming crabs Portunus trituberculatus, conducted transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the thoracic ganglia, and confirmed the neural regulatory effects on aggressiveness. Behavioral analyses showed that highly aggressive individuals exhibited increased frequency and duration of chela extension, more frequent attacks, approaches and retreats, as well as extended movement distances. Omics analysis revealed 11 key candidate genes and three metabolites associated with aggressiveness, which were primarily enriched in pathways related to energy metabolism and neurodegeneration. Injection of an NMDAR activator significantly decreased aggressiveness in highly aggressive crabs, accompanied by a significant increase in NMDAR protein fluorescence intensity and downregulation of NR2B, CaMKII, and CREB genes. Conversely, when lowly aggressive crabs were injected with an NMDAR inhibitor, they showed increased aggressiveness alongside significantly decreased NMDAR protein fluorescence intensity, upregulated NR2B expression, and downregulated CaMKII and CREB genes. These results suggest that NMDAR within the thoracic ganglia serves as a key receptor in modulating aggressiveness in P. trituberculatus, potentially by influencing neural energy state via the NMDAR-CaMKII pathway, which in turn affects oxidative phosphorylation, cAMP, and FoxO pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 6053 KiB  
Review
Role of Neurotransmitters (Biomediators) in Plant Responses to Stress
by Zahra Dehghanian, Mohammad Ahmadabadi, Behnam Asgari Lajayer, Nazila Bagheri, Masoud Chamani, Vahideh Gougerdchi, Mohsen Hamedpour-Darabi, Weixi Shu, G. W. Price and Bernard Dell
Plants 2024, 13(22), 3134; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13223134 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 3304
Abstract
Plants possess a complex signaling system that enables them to sense and adapt to various environmental stressors, including abiotic factors like extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, and toxic heavy metals. While the roles of hormones and signaling molecules in plant stress responses are well [...] Read more.
Plants possess a complex signaling system that enables them to sense and adapt to various environmental stressors, including abiotic factors like extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, and toxic heavy metals. While the roles of hormones and signaling molecules in plant stress responses are well established, the involvement of neurotransmitters—traditionally linked to animal nervous systems—in plant stress physiology is a relatively underexplored area. Recent findings indicate that neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine play crucial roles in several physiological processes within plants. They regulate ion channels, adjust stomatal movements, modulate the production of reactive oxygen species, and influence gene expression. Evidence suggests that these neurotransmitters enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms and regulate stress-responsive pathways vital for plant stress tolerance. Additionally, under stressful conditions, neurotransmitters have been shown to impact plant growth, development, and reproductive activities. This review aims to illuminate the emerging understanding of neurotransmitters as key biomediators in plant responses to abiotic stress. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 891 KiB  
Review
Immunology of Stress: A Review Article
by Amna Alotiby
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(21), 6394; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13216394 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 24690
Abstract
Stress significantly impacts the immune system, affecting susceptibility to illness and overall health. This review examines the intricate relationship between stress and the immune system, offering insights having practical implications for health and disease prevention. Stress can significantly trigger molecular and immune modulation, [...] Read more.
Stress significantly impacts the immune system, affecting susceptibility to illness and overall health. This review examines the intricate relationship between stress and the immune system, offering insights having practical implications for health and disease prevention. Stress can significantly trigger molecular and immune modulation, affecting the distribution and trafficking of immune cells in various organs and altering their composition in the blood. The review delves into two key pathways connecting stress and immunity: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Stress activates the neuroendocrine system and triggers microglia in the brain, releasing stress hormones and neurotransmitters that modulate the function and movement of immune cells. Acute stress can temporarily strengthen immunity and promote protection during infection; in contrast, chronic stress dysregulates or inhibits immune functions. Chronic stress causes an increase in cortisol levels through the HPA axis, ultimately suppressing the immune response. Recognizing stress triggers and implementing effective stress management techniques can significantly impact individuals’ well-being. This review indicates that immune cells express genes differentially in response to stress, suggesting individual variabilities in the immune response against stress. This underscores the need for a personalized approach to stress management. This review also highlights the potential link between chronic stress and autoimmune disorders and warrants further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Immunology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
Circadian Rhythm Genes and Their Association with Sleep and Sleep Restriction
by Marcin Sochal, Marta Ditmer, Aleksandra Tarasiuk-Zawadzka, Agata Binienda, Szymon Turkiewicz, Adam Wysokiński, Filip Franciszek Karuga, Piotr Białasiewicz, Jakub Fichna and Agata Gabryelska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910445 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2331
Abstract
Deprivation of sleep (DS) and its effects on circadian rhythm gene expression are not well understood despite their influence on various physiological and psychological processes. This study aimed to elucidate the changes in the expression of circadian rhythm genes following a night of [...] Read more.
Deprivation of sleep (DS) and its effects on circadian rhythm gene expression are not well understood despite their influence on various physiological and psychological processes. This study aimed to elucidate the changes in the expression of circadian rhythm genes following a night of sleep and DS. Their correlation with sleep architecture and physical activity was also examined. The study included 81 participants who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and DS with actigraphy. Blood samples were collected after PSG and DS. Expression levels of brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1), circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK), neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2), period 1 (PER1), cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) and nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1) were analyzed using qRT-PCR. DS decreased the expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 while increasing PER1. PER1 expression correlated positively with total sleep time and non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep duration and negatively with sleep latency, alpha, beta and delta waves in the O1A2 lead. Physical activity during DS showed positive correlations with CLOCK, BMAL1, and CRY1. The findings highlight the role of PER1 in modulating sleep patterns, suggesting potential targets for managing sleep-related disorders. Further research is essential to deepen the understanding of these relationships and their implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
18 pages, 12284 KiB  
Article
Defense Responses Induced by Viral Movement Protein and Its Nuclear Localization Modulate Virus Cell-to-Cell Transport
by Anastasia K. Atabekova, Ekaterina A. Lazareva, Alexander A. Lezzhov, Sergei A. Golyshev, Boris I. Skulachev, Sergey Y. Morozov and Andrey G. Solovyev
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182550 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1431
Abstract
Movement proteins (MPs) encoded by plant viruses are essential for cell-to-cell transport of viral genomes through plasmodesmata. The genome of hibiscus green spot virus contains a module of two MP genes termed ‘binary movement block’ (BMB), encoding the proteins BMB1 and BMB2. Here, [...] Read more.
Movement proteins (MPs) encoded by plant viruses are essential for cell-to-cell transport of viral genomes through plasmodesmata. The genome of hibiscus green spot virus contains a module of two MP genes termed ‘binary movement block’ (BMB), encoding the proteins BMB1 and BMB2. Here, BMB1 is shown to induce a defense response in Nicotiana benthamiana plants that inhibits BMB-dependent virus transport. This response is characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, callose deposition in the cell wall, and upregulation of 9-LOX expression. However, the BMB1-induced response is inhibited by coexpression with BMB2. Furthermore, BMB1 is found to localize to subnuclear structures, in particular to Cajal bodies, in addition to the cytoplasm. As shown in experiments with a BMB1 mutant, the localization of BMB1 to nuclear substructures enhances BMB-dependent virus transport. Thus, the virus transport mediated by BMB proteins is modulated by (i) a BMB1-induced defense response that inhibits transport, (ii) suppression of the BMB1-induced response by BMB2, and (iii) the nuclear localization of BMB1 that promotes virus transport. Collectively, the data presented demonstrate multiple levels of interactions between viral pathogens and their plant hosts during virus cell-to-cell transport. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2617 KiB  
Review
Canonical and Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Generates Molecular and Cellular Asymmetries to Establish Embryonic Axes
by De-Li Shi
J. Dev. Biol. 2024, 12(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb12030020 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5147
Abstract
The formation of embryonic axes is a critical step during animal development, which contributes to establishing the basic body plan in each particular organism. Wnt signaling pathways play pivotal roles in this fundamental process. Canonical Wnt signaling that is dependent on β-catenin regulates [...] Read more.
The formation of embryonic axes is a critical step during animal development, which contributes to establishing the basic body plan in each particular organism. Wnt signaling pathways play pivotal roles in this fundamental process. Canonical Wnt signaling that is dependent on β-catenin regulates the patterning of dorsoventral, anteroposterior, and left–right axes. Non-canonical Wnt signaling that is independent of β-catenin modulates cytoskeletal organization to coordinate cell polarity changes and asymmetric cell movements. It is now well documented that components of these Wnt pathways biochemically and functionally interact to mediate cell–cell communications and instruct cellular polarization in breaking the embryonic symmetry. The dysfunction of Wnt signaling disrupts embryonic axis specification and proper tissue morphogenesis, and mutations of Wnt pathway genes are associated with birth defects in humans. This review discusses the regulatory roles of Wnt pathway components in embryonic axis formation by focusing on vertebrate models. It highlights current progress in decoding conserved mechanisms underlying the establishment of asymmetry along the three primary body axes. By providing an in-depth analysis of canonical and non-canonical pathways in regulating cell fates and cellular behaviors, this work offers insights into the intricate processes that contribute to setting up the basic body plan in vertebrate embryos. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers from Journal of Developmental Biology Reviewers)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 9675 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Dietary Consumption of Grapes Affects Kidney Health in C57BL/6J Mice
by Asim Dave, Eun-Jung Park, Paulette Kofsky, Alexandre Dufresne, Soma Chakraborty and John M. Pezzuto
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142309 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3368
Abstract
Starting at 4 weeks of age, male and female C57BL/6J mice were provided with a semi-synthetic diet for a period of one year and then continued on the semi-synthetic diet with or without grape supplementation for the duration of their lives. During the [...] Read more.
Starting at 4 weeks of age, male and female C57BL/6J mice were provided with a semi-synthetic diet for a period of one year and then continued on the semi-synthetic diet with or without grape supplementation for the duration of their lives. During the course of the study, no variation of body weights was noted between the groups. At 2.5 years of age, the body-weight-to-tissue-weight ratios did not vary for the liver, colon, muscle, prostate, or ovary. However, relative to the standard diet, the body/kidney weight ratio was significantly lower in the male and female groups with grape-supplemented diets. With the mice provided with the standard diet, the BUN/creatinine ratios were 125 and 152 for males and females, respectively, and reduced to 63.7 and 40.4, respectively, when provided with the grape diet. A histological evaluation suggested that this may be due to enhanced/improved perfusion in the kidney as a preventive/protective effect. In response to the dietary grapes, an RNA seq analysis revealed up-regulation of 21 and 109 genes with male and female mice, respectively, with a corresponding down-regulation of 108 and 65 genes. The downward movement of the FPKM values in the males (alox5, btk, fga, fpr1, hmox1, lox, ltf, lyve1, marco, mmp8, prg4, s100a8/9, serpina3n, and vsig4) and upward movement of the FPKM values in the females (camp, cd300lf, cd72, fcgr4, fgr, fpr2, htra4, il10, lilrb4b, lipg, pilra, and tlr8) suggest beneficial kidney effects. The expression of some genes related to the immunological activity was also modulated by the grape diet, mainly downward in the males and upward in the females. The reactome pathway analysis, KEGG analysis, and GSEA normalized enrichment scores illustrate that several pathways related to immune function, collagenase degradation, extracellular matrix regulation, metabolism of vitamins and cofactors, pancreatic secretion, aging, and mitochondrial function were enriched in both the males and females provided with the grape diet. Overall, these results indicate that the long-term dietary consumption of grapes contributes to renal health and resilience against fibrosis and related pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytonutrients in Inflammation and Metabolic Health)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop