Search Results (2,104)

Chlorophyll biosynthesis is essential for photosynthesis and plant development. Disruptions in this pathway often manifest as pigment-deficient phenotypes. This study characterizes the morphological, anatomical, and physiological consequences of a chlorophyll-deficient rice mutant (yellow seedling, YS) caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the OsCHLI gene, which encodes the ATPase subunit of magnesium chelatase. Comparative analyses between YSs and wild-type green seedlings (GSs) revealed that YSs exhibited severe growth retardation, altered mesophyll structure, reduced xylem and bulliform cell areas, and higher stomatal and papillae density. These phenotypes were strongly light-dependent, indicating that OsCHLI plays a crucial role in light-mediated chloroplast development and growth. Transcriptome analysis further revealed global down-regulation of photosynthesis-, TCA cycle-, and cell wall-related genes, alongside selective up-regulation of redox-related pathways. These results suggest that chlorophyll deficiency induces systemic metabolic reprogramming, prioritizing stress responses over growth. This study highlights the multifaceted role of OsCHLI in plastid maturation, retrograde signaling, and developmental regulation, providing new insights for improving photosynthetic efficiency and stress resilience in rice. Full article

Background: Pancreatic lipase (PL), the principal enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of dietary triacylglycerols in the intestinal lumen, is pivotal for efficient lipid absorption and plays a central role in metabolic homeostasis. Enhanced PL activity promotes excessive lipid assimilation and contributes to positive energy balance, key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the escalating global prevalence of obesity—a complex, multifactorial condition strongly associated with metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PL) constitutes a well-established therapeutic approach for attenuating dietary lipid absorption and mitigating obesity. Methods: With the aim to identify putative PL inhibitors, a Structure-Based Virtual Screening (SBVS) of PhytoHub database naturally occurring derivatives was performed. A refined library of 10,404 phytochemicals was virtually screened against a crystal structure of pancreatic lipase. Candidates were filtered out based on binding affinity, Lipinski’s Rule of Five, and structural clustering, resulting in six lead compounds. Results: In vitro, enzymatic assays confirmed theoretical suggestions, highlighting Pinoresinol as the best PL inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations, performed to investigate the stability of protein–ligand complexes, revealed key interactions, such as persistent hydrogen bonding to catalytic residues. Conclusions: This integrative computational–experimental workflow highlighted new promising natural PL inhibitors, laying the foundation for future development of safe, plant-derived anti-obesity therapeutics. Full article

A recent study challenges a fundamental principle of eukaryotic biology that each nucleus houses a complete genome. Two plant pathogenic fungi, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea, exhibit a segregated pattern of haploid chromosome distribution across two or more nuclei within each cell. The unequal distribution of the genome between nuclei suggests a coordinated system of internuclear recognition and regulation of cellular functions, a phenomenon previously associated with communication between nuclei of opposite mating type in both ascomycetes and basidiomycetes. Thus, the new study not only shatters expectations about genome biology but also opens new research avenues for understanding fungal adaptation and nuclear behavior. Full article

Artificial afforestation plays a critical role in ecological restoration, but its implementation involves multiple strategies—such as new afforestation, densification, and replacement afforestation. Long-term spatial and temporal identification of these tree planting program scenarios (TPPSs) is key to evaluating ecological restoration policies, yet existing pixel-based time series change detection methods still face challenges in discriminating these patterns on a large scale. To address these challenges, we propose CFDC, the first framework that synergistically integrates Continuous Change Detection (CCD) for temporal spectral trajectories and Focal Context (FC) analysis for spatial neighborhood context. A Spatiotemporal Coupling Index (STCI) is proposed to abstractly summarize the two modules, and a rule-based model classifies TPPSs by their unique temporal–spatial signatures. Implemented on Google Earth Engine (GEE) for Bayi District, Tibet, CFDC delivered overall accuracies of 76.0–82.5% from 2007 to 2022, with user’s accuracies for all TPPS types exceeding 75% in most years. Detected TPPS timelines coincide with documented ecological restoration projects within a ±1-year tolerance. Overall, CFDC offers a novel mechanism that fuses spatiotemporal features to effectively distinguish new afforestation, densification, and replacement afforestation scenarios, addressing the limitations of previous methods and enabling more accurate and scalable TPPS monitoring, thereby supporting scalable artificial forest management and ecological restoration planning. Full article

Studying comprehensive performance is fundamental for the effective utilisation of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) germplasm resources and breeding of new varieties. However, compared with other major crops, research on broomcorn millet germplasm resources is limited, and the trait variations of broomcorn millet are unclear. In this study, three qualitative and seven quantitative traits of 933 broomcorn millet core collections were analysed to provide the basis for improving utilisation of broomcorn millet germplasm resources. The seed colour was a strong phenotypic trait and had eight variants. The 933 resources exhibited three panicle types: lateral (74.5%), scattered (18.4%), and compact (7.1%). They exhibited two inflorescence colours: green (54.7%) and purple (45.3%). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that 1000-seed weight significantly correlated with plant height, length of panicle, and number of main stem segments. The period of duration positively correlated with 1000-seed weight but negatively correlated with the number of uniserial panicles. Cluster analysis based on the quantitative traits indicated that all resources were divided into three groups, and each group had its respective characteristics. The analysis of core germplasm resources of broomcorn millet in this study provided a basis to explore excellent genes and for breeding of excellent varieties. Full article

The column photobioreactor has become the predominant approach for carbon sequestration by microalgae in power plant settings, owing to its capacity for high-density cultivation and efficient light energy utilization. Due to the dense arrangement of the columnar photobioreactor and its height, insufficient light became one of the main factors limiting the carbon sequestration rate of microalgae growth. In this paper, a light resource optimization method of reflective baffle and top diffusing glass was proposed. When the angle of reflective baffle on the north and east walls was 35°, and the angle of reflective baffle on the west and south floors was 0°, the overall light radiation intensity of the reactor array became the largest, reaching up to 916.81 W/m², which was 14.39% higher than that before the optimization. The replacement of the top glass with diffusing material converted the direct radiation of solar radiation into scattered radiation. When the transmittance was 95% and the haze was 95%, the overall average light radiation intensity of the algal solution reached 830.93 W/m², which was an increase of 3.7%. Four new exhaust air distribution methods were proposed, in which the three-entrance staggered-arrangement type glasshouse had the lowest algal liquid temperature. Full article

This study focused on the response mechanism of plants in karst ecosystems under rock stress, and explored the influence of aboveground rocks on the root phenotype and leaf water potential of plants. By quantifying the root characteristics of a total of 9 plant species in 3 types of vegetation areas, this study found: (1) The root biomass of grassland plants (Heteropogon contortus, Bidens pilosa, and Imperata cylindrical) in the near-rock area was on average 17.2% higher than that in the far-rock area. The lateral extension of roots was 27.8% lower, the vertical extension was on average 16.9% higher, and the total root bifurcation ratio (Rb) was on average 11.5% higher, respectively, compared to the far-rock area. (2) The root biomass of shrubland plants (Rubus mesogaeus, Spiraea martini, and Pyracantha fortuneana) in the near-rock area was on average 14.5% higher than the far-rock area. The average lateral extension of the root system was on average 17.5% lower, while there was no significant difference in the vertical extension. The Rb was on average 10.5% higher. (3) The root characteristics of forestland trees (Pistacia weinmanniifolia, Pinus yunnensis, and Carpinus turczaninowii) were significantly different from those of grassland and shrubland (p < 0.001), but the differences between the near-rock area and the far-rock area were not significant. The predawn and midday leaf water potential data showed that the plants in near-rock area of the grassland were 0.07 ± 0.03 (mean ± SD) MPa and 0.16 ± 0.07 MPa higher than those in the far-rock area, respectively, and the shrubland area was 0.12 ± 0.06 MPa and 0.20 ± 0.08 MPa higher, while there was no significant difference in the forestland. This study confirmed that aboveground rocks significantly enhanced the leaf water status of plants in arid environments by influencing root biomass, extension, and bifurcation ratio. This discovery provides a new perspective for understanding the survival mechanism of plants in karst areas. Full article

Studies utilizing cell-based systems to investigate plant-based diets for diabetes management are gaining attention due to the adverse effects associated with commercially available drugs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic effects of specific plant-derived products remain inadequately explored. The major aim of our study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive compounds in the fruit of Solanum spp. influence key proteins associated with type 2 diabetes. The expressions of genes such as glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4), myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF-2A), and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) were investigated in a palmitate-induced C2C12 cell model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The structures of these proteins were retrieved from the protein database, while bioactive compounds previously identified in Solanum spp. were obtained from PubChem site. Drug-likeness properties of these compounds (ligands) were assessed. The docked protein-ligand complexes were further analyzed using the Protein-Ligand Profiler web server. Our results showed that the studied compounds from Solanum spp. profoundly upregulated GLUT4 expression (9–19-fold increase) in the C2C12 cell line, thus surpassing the effects of the standard anti-diabetic drug metformin. Additionally, activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were elevated. Molecular docking showed that rutin, an abundant flavonoid from Solanum spp., had the highest binding affinity for the active sites of the target proteins. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-diabetic effects of Solanum spp., primarily due to its high rutin content, which plays a major role in the plant’s glucose-regulating and antioxidant actions. Our findings underscore the potential use of Solanum spp. as an affordable functional food for managing type 2 diabetes, especially in developing countries with limited resources for purchasing drugs. Although promising, our findings should be further validated by clinical studies. Full article

In the context of the global response to climate change and the active promotion of energy transformation, a number of low-carbon policies coupled with the development of synergies to help power system transformation is an important initiative. However, the insufficient articulation of the green power market, tradable green certificate (TGC) market, and carbon emission trading (CET) mechanism, and the ambiguous policy boundaries affect the trading decisions made by its market participants. Therefore, this paper systematically analyses the composition of the main players in the electricity-CET-TGC markets and their relationship with each other, and designs the synergistic mechanism of the electricity-CET-TGC markets, based on which, it constructs the optimal profit model of the thermal power plant operators, renewable energy manufacturers, power grid enterprises, power users and load aggregators under the electricity-CET-TGC markets synergy, and analyses the behavioural decision-making of the main players in the electricity-CET-TGC markets as well as the electric power system to optimise the trading strategy of each player. The results of the study show that: (1) The synergistic mechanism of electricity-CET-TGC markets can increase the proportion of green power grid-connected in the new type of power system. (2) In the selection of different environmental rights and benefits products, the direct participation of green power in the market-oriented trading is the main way, followed by applying for conversion of green power into China certified emission reduction (CCER). (3) The development of independent energy storage technology can produce greater economic and environmental benefits. This study provides policy support to promote the synergistic development of the electricity-CET-TGC markets and assist the low-carbon transformation of the power industry. Full article

Fertilization is a critical measure for vegetation restoration and ecological reconstruction in degraded grasslands. However, little is known about the long-term effects of different combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) on plant and microbial communities in degraded grasslands. This study conducted a four-year (2017–2020) N, P, K addition experiment in the Khorchin Grassland, a degraded typical grassland located in Zhalute Banner, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia, to investigate the effects of fertilization treatment on plant functional groups and microbial communities after grazing exclusion. Our results showed that the addition of P, NP, and NPK compound fertilizers significantly increased aboveground biomass of the plant community, which is mainly related to the improvement of nutrient availability to promote the growth of specific plant functional groups, especially annual and biennial plants and perennial bunchgrasses. However, the addition of N, P, and NP fertilizers significantly reduced the species diversity of the plant community. At the same time, the addition of N, P, and NP fertilizers and the application of N and NP significantly reduced fungal species diversity but had no significant effect on soil bacteria. Our study provides new insights into the relationships between different types of fertilization and plant community productivity and biodiversity in degraded grasslands over four years of fertilization, which is critical for evaluating the effect of fertilization on the restoration of degraded grassland. Full article

Contact unmodified antisense DNA biotechnology (CUADb), developed in 2008, employs short antisense DNA oligonucleotides (oligos) as a novel approach to insect pest control. These oligonucleotide-based insecticides target pest mature rRNAs and/or pre-rRNAs and have demonstrated high insecticidal efficacy, particularly against sap-feeding insect pests, which are key vectors of plant DNA viruses and among the most economically damaging herbivorous insects. To further explore the potential of CUADb, this study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of short 11-mer antisense DNA oligos against Coccus hesperidum, in comparison with long 56-mer single-stranded and double-stranded DNA sequences. The short oligos exhibited higher insecticidal activity. By day 9, the highest mortality rate (97.66 ± 4.04%) was recorded in the Coccus-11 group, while the most effective long sequence was the double-stranded DNA in the dsCoccus-56 group (77.09 ± 6.24%). This study also describes the architecture of the DNA containment (DNAc) mechanism, highlighting the intricate interactions between rRNAs and various types of DNA oligos. During DNAc, the Coccus-11 treatment induced enhanced ribosome biogenesis and ATP production through a metabolic shift from carbohydrates to lipid-based energy synthesis. However, this ultimately led to a ‘kinase disaster’ due to widespread kinase downregulation resulting from insufficient ATP levels. All DNA oligos with high or moderate complementarity to target rRNA initiated hypercompensation, but subsequent substantial rRNA degradation and insect mortality occurred only when the oligo sequence perfectly matched the rRNA. Both short and long oligonucleotide insecticide treatments led to a 3.75–4.25-fold decrease in rRNA levels following hypercompensation, which was likely mediated by a DNA-guided rRNase, such as RNase H1, while crucial enzymes of RNAi (DICER1, Argonaute 2, and DROSHA) were downregulated, indicating fundamental difference in molecular mechanisms of DNAc and RNAi. Consistently, significant upregulation of RNase H1 was detected in the Coccus-11 treatment group. In contrast, treatment with random DNA oligos resulted in only a 2–3-fold rRNA decrease, consistent with the normal rRNA half-life maintained by general ribonucleases. These findings reveal a fundamental new mechanism of rRNA regulation via complementary binding between exogenous unmodified antisense DNA and cellular rRNA. From a practical perspective, this minimalist approach, applying short antisense DNA dissolved in water, offers an effective, eco-friendly and innovative solution for managing sternorrhynchans and other insect pests. The results introduce a promising new concept in crop protection: DNA-programmable insect pest control. Full article

Aizoon africanum (L.) Klak (Synonym Galenia africana L.) is traditionally used for a variety of medicinal purposes; however, it has been reported to cause liver damage and severe ascites, particularly in sheep and Angora goats in the arid regions of the Western Cape. This study explores its cytotoxic properties to identify potential cytotoxic compound(s) in the plant. The methanolic extract of A. africanum was re-investigated and subjected to various chromatographic techniques, including preparative HPLC, resulting in the isolation of eight compounds (1–8). Structural elucidation was primarily based on NMR data. Among the isolated compounds, four were flavanones, one was a flavonone, and three were chalcones. Notably, compound 8 was identified as a new chalcone, while compounds 2 and 3 were reported for the first time from this plant. The toxicity of these isolated compounds was evaluated against the HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. We further investigated markers of cell death using spectrophotometric and luminometric methods. Among the isolated compounds, 7 and 8 exhibited cytotoxic activities within the range of 3.0–20.0 µg/mL. Notably, the compounds demonstrated greater cytotoxicity towards liver-derived HepG2 cells compared to the neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line. Compound 7 (2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone) was identified as inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway without causing overt necrosis. The findings indicate that the phytochemicals derived from A. africanum exhibit differential cytotoxic effects based on cell type, suggesting potential for developing novel anticancer agents, particularly compound 7. Additionally, the identification of compound 8 provides insight into the liver toxicity of this plant observed in sheep in South Africa. Full article

Background: The typification of the name Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae: Triticeae) is revisited. Several authors cited a gathering from Iberia as the locality and Buxbaum as the collector of as the type, but no actual specimens from this collection have been located, nor is there evidence that such a gathering existed. In 1994, van Slageren designated as lectotype an illustration from Buxbaum’s Plantarum minus cognitarum centuria I (1728), which, although original material, is not the only element cited in the protologue. The protologue mentions several gatherings, some of which are represented by identifiable herbarium specimens qualifying as syntypes. Methods: This work is based on the analysis of the protologue of Aegilops tauschii and the study of specimens conserved in several herbaria. According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN, Shenzhen Code 2018), an illustration does not hold the same nomenclatural weight as preserved specimens cited in the protologue. Therefore, van Slageren’s lectotypification does not comply with Art. 9.12 of the ICN and must be superseded. Results: The original material includes multiple elements, and a new lectotype is designated from a specimen at PRC from Azerbaijan. Full article

Pseudo-persistent organic pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), and organic dyes, are a major issue in current environmental engineering. Considering the limitations of traditional wastewater treatment plant methods and degradation technologies for organic pollutants, the search for new technologies more suitable for treating these new types of pollutants has become a research hotspot in recent years. Membrane filtration, adsorption, advanced oxidation, and electrochemical advanced oxidation technologies can effectively treat new organic pollutants. The electro-advanced oxidation process based on sulfate radicals is renowned for its non-selectivity, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness, and it can improve the dewatering performance of sludge after wastewater treatment. Therefore, in this study, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) was selected as the target pollutant. A new type of electrochemical filtration device based on the advanced oxidation process of sulfate radicals was designed, and a new type of modified carbon nanotube material electrode was synthesized to enhance its degradation effect. In a mixed system of water and acetonitrile, the efficiency of the electrochemical filtration device loaded with the modified electrode for degrading OMC is 1.54 times that at room temperature. The experimental results confirmed the superiority and application prospects of the self-designed treatment scheme for organic pollutants, providing experience and a reference for the future treatment of PPCP pollution. Full article

Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori is a tropical tree in southern Iran known as the most important natural coagulant in the world. Today, plant tissue culture is a new method that has a very high potential to produce valuable medicinal compounds on a commercial level. Advances in in vitro cultivation methods have increased the usefulness of plants as renewable resources. In this study, in addition to the phytochemical analysis of the extract of M. peregrina using HPLC, the interaction effect of different concentrations of aqueous extract of M. peregrina (0, 1, 1.5, and 3 mg/L) in two types of MS and ½ MS basal culture media over three weeks on the in vitro growth of Staurogyne repens (Nees) Kuntze was studied. The amounts of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and myricetin in the aqueous extract of M. peregrina were 64.9, 374.8, 42, and 4.6 mg/g, respectively. The results showed that using M. peregrina leaf aqueous extract had a positive effect on the length of the branches, the percentage of green leaves, rooting, and the fresh and dry weight of S. repens samples. The highest increase in growth indices was observed in the MS culture medium supplemented with 3 mg/L of M. peregrina leaf aqueous extract after three weeks of cultivation. Of course, this effect was significantly greater in the MS medium and at higher concentrations compared to the ½ MS medium. Three weeks after cultivation at a concentration of 3 mg/L of the extract, the length of the S. repens branches was 5.3 and 1.8 cm in the two basic MS and ½ MS culture media, and the percentage of green leaves was 14 and 4 percent, respectively. Also, rooting was measured at 9.6 and 3.6 percent, fresh weight at 6 and 1.4 g, and dry weight at 1.1 and 0.03 g, respectively. Therefore, adding M. peregrina leaf aqueous extract as a stimulant significantly increased the in vitro growth of S. repens. Full article