Search Results (64)

Background/Objectives: The STAT (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) family of seven transcription factors mediates cytokine and growth-factor signaling, regulating proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. While STAT3/STAT5 are established oncogenes and STAT1/STAT2 are classically viewed as tumor suppressors, emerging evidence indicates context-dependent roles in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to integrate evolutionary analysis with bulk transcriptomic, regulon, single-cell, and exploratory chromatin-binding analyses of the STAT family in human solid tumors. Methods: Orthologs and paralogs of human STAT genes (81 sequences total) were retrieved across vertebrates and invertebrates; a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MUSCLE alignment and Neighbor-Joining in MEGA12. Differential expression was assessed in TCGA solid tumors versus GTEx normal tissues. Master-regulator activity was inferred using the corto algorithm. Single-cell RNA-seq datasets were used to compare malignant and non-malignant cell populations. STAT1 chromatin binding was examined via ChIP-seq in interferon-stimulated HeLa and K562 cells. Results: Phylogeny resolved seven conserved vertebrate clades, with endocrine-responsive STAT3/STAT5 showing higher conservation and immune-associated STAT1/STAT2/STAT4/STAT6 exhibiting faster divergence. The majority of STAT genes were frequently upregulated across multiple solid tumors, with activated regulons confirming functional transcriptional engagement. Single-cell analysis demonstrated tumor-cell-autonomous upregulation of STAT1 and STAT2 in the HNSCC dataset. STAT1 ChIP-seq revealed asymmetric forward/reverse-strand read density around peak summits, supporting non-canonical DNA recognition. Conclusions: The STAT family operates as an evolutionarily conserved, broadly activated transcriptional module in human solid cancers, combining quantitative upregulation with qualitative shifts in DNA-binding dynamics. These findings refine our understanding of JAK/STAT signaling in oncology and highlight opportunities for network-targeted therapies. Full article

Propylparaben (PP) is a widely used preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products, and its potential toxicity to non-target aquatic invertebrates remains a concern. This study used the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata as a model organism to evaluate the toxic effects of PP through acute and chronic exposures at embryonic, newly hatched, and adult stages. Acute exposure experiments showed concentration-dependent mortality and developmental inhibition, with LC₅₀ values of 36.69 mg/L (embryos, 168 h), 33.48 mg/L (newly hatched snails, 96 h), and 57.05 mg/L (adults, 72 h). Chronic exposure of adult snails to 10–49 mg/L PP for 21 days significantly reduced growth and reproductive output, and no embryo masses were observed at concentrations ≥ 25 mg/L. Histological observations revealed progressive damage to the hepatopancreas and gonads. These results demonstrate that PP induces multiple toxic effects in B. glabrata, affecting survival, growth, reproduction, and tissue structure under both acute and chronic exposure conditions. The findings provide experimental evidence for evaluating the ecological risks of paraben contamination in freshwater ecosystems. Full article

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has become a powerful, non-invasive method for detecting aquatic organisms. However, optimal sampling strategies for benthic taxa in lentic ecosystems remain unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding in detecting freshwater Unionidae mussels in lake water columns and examined their spatial and seasonal distribution patterns. We validated a mini-barcode primer targeting the mitochondrial 16S rDNA of unionid mussels through controlled laboratory experiments and field tests, confirming reliable amplification and accurate taxonomic assignment of freshwater bivalve DNA. Field surveys were conducted in four lakes within the Nakdong River basin, where eDNA samples were collected from littoral zones and from surface, mid-, and bottom layers of central lake areas during autumn and winter. Metabarcoding analysis identified 79 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) representing four unionid taxa, with Cristaria plicata and Sinanodonta lauta comprising the majority of reads and ASVs. Overall, the number of Unionidae eDNA reads showed no significant seasonal differences, but there was notable spatial variation among sampling locations. Read numbers were significantly lower in littoral zones compared to central lake areas, with no significant differences detected among depth layers within the central zones. Species-specific analyses revealed contrasting spatial patterns: C. plicata had higher read abundance in mid- and bottom layers, while S. lauta was more frequently detected in surface and littoral samples. These findings suggest that the distribution of freshwater mussel eDNA in lakes is primarily influenced by spatial factors related to habitat preference and hydrodynamic mixing, rather than by seasonal variation during stable periods. This study offers practical insights for designing effective eDNA sampling strategies for benthic invertebrates in lentic ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) was structurally similar to mRNAs, yet they could not be translated into proteins. While an increasing number of reports have systematically identified and described lncRNA in model species, information about non-model species remains scarce. Sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota could be used for both medicinal and food purposes, which have high economic value, gradually attracting the attention of researchers. Methods: In this research, we constructed lncRNA library and compared the difference in lncRNA expression profiles between testis and ovary of sea cucumber H. leucospilota. To elucidate the molecular interactions between lncRNA and mRNA, we computationally predicted potential complementary binding sites through analysis of both cis- and trans-acting antisense mechanisms. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses demonstrated that the identified target genes are potentially involved in the regulatory pathways governing gonad development. Results: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that MSTRG.32831.1-sox9 and MSTRG.57315.1-mthfr exhibited a high expression pattern in testis; while MSTRG.11041.1-mafa and MSTRG.11074.1-macf1 showed a high expression pattern in the ovary. Conclusions: Deciphering lncRNA–mRNA expression patterns may uncover fundamental principles governing reproductive regulation in marine invertebrates. This discovery not only deepens understanding in this field but also provides valuable comparative insights for developmental biology. Full article

As a common substitute for brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have been insufficiently studied in terms of their ecotoxicological impacts on plastic biodegradation processes in invertebrate systems. This study investigated the impact of an OPFR, tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), on the dietary behavior and gut microbiota of Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae during the biodegradation of rigid polyurethane (RPU), as well as the fate of TCPP. The results show that TCPP interfered with larval feeding activity, hindered the nutritional conversion of food, and triggered metabolic compensation through lipid reserve catabolism. Notably, mass balance analysis revealed that bioaccumulation of TCPP was negligible, with most of it excreted through frass, indicating limited biodegradation of this organophosphate ester. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that TCPP drove the reconstruction of gut microbiota in larvae and identified three dominant bacteria of Morganellaceae, Enterobacteriaccae, and Staphylococcaceae families, as well as non-dominant bacteria of Klebsiella and Vagococcaceae families, as characteristic microbiota contributing to RPU and TCPP biotransformation. This study serves as a reminder to pay attention to the toxicity, migration, and transformation of OPFRs in biodegradable plastics. Notably, TCPP, a dominant chlorinated OPFR, exhibits environmental persistence with limited biodegradability and low bioaccumulation, traits which hinder the spontaneous attenuation of plastic waste in ecosystems and undermine the sustainability of the plastic lifecycle. This work emphasizes the need to integrate risk assessments of specific additives into the plastic waste management framework and to develop targeted detoxification strategies for promoting a sustainable material lifecycle. Full article

Subterranean ecosystems represent some of the most unique and fragile habitats on Earth, yet they remain poorly understood and highly vulnerable to human-induced disturbances. Despite their ecological significance, these systems are rarely integrated into conservation planning, and surface-level protected areas alone are insufficient to safeguard their biodiversity. In southeastern Brazil, a karst landscape spanning approximately 1200 km², recognized as the region with the highest cave density in South America (approximately 2600 caves), is under increasing pressure from urban expansion, agriculture, and mining, all of which threaten the ecological integrity of subterranean habitats. This study sought to identify caves of high conservation priority by integrating species richness of non-troglobitic invertebrates, occurrence of troglobitic species, presence of endemic troglobitic taxa, and the degree of anthropogenic impacts, using spatial algebra and polygon-based mapping approaches. Agriculture and exotic forestry plantations (54%) and mining operations (15%) were identified as the most prevalent disturbances. A total of 32 troglobitic species were recorded, occurring in 63% of the 105 surveyed caves. Notably, seven caves alone harbor 25% of the region’s known cave invertebrate diversity and encompass 50% of its cave-restricted species. The findings highlight the global significance of this spot of subterranean biodiversity and reinforce the urgent need for targeted conservation measures. Without immediate action to mitigate unsustainable land use and resource exploitation, the persistence of these highly specialized communities is at imminent risk. Full article

Abalone are highly susceptible to haliotid herpesvirus 1 (HaHV1), the causative agent of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG), a re-emerging disease responsible for significant mortality events in both wild and farmed populations. Currently, there are no effective antiviral treatments or preventive measures available against HaHV1, which is partly due to the limited understanding of the immune responses and viral pathogenesis in this non-model marine invertebrate. This highlights the urgent need for novel intervention strategies, including investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying HaHV1 infection. In other herpesviruses, the large tegument protein UL36 plays a crucial role in transporting the viral capsid to the host cell’s nuclear pore complex (NPC), mediated by N-terminal nuclear localization signals (NLSs). However, the nuclear import mechanism of UL36 homologue (UL36h) in HaHV1 remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the NLS motif within HaHV1 UL36h and elucidated its interactions with the importin alpha (IMPα) nuclear import receptor. Through a combination of high-resolution crystallography and quantitative binding assays, we determined the key residues responsible for binding to IMPα and demonstrated isoform-specific variations in binding affinity. Our biochemical and structural analyses confirmed key interactions within the NLS that are essential for IMPα interactions. These findings advance our molecular understanding of HaHV1 host interactions and pave the way for the development of targeted antiviral strategies against abalone herpesvirus infection. Full article

Brazil leads tropical agriculture, yet annual yield losses from insect pests and concerns over water contamination, non-target impacts, and resistance sustain demand for safer, more efficient control tools. This review synthesizes advances in nanopesticides for Brazil’s major crops (soybean, sugarcane, coffee, and citrus) and is organized into five parts, comprising concepts and definitions; formulation families; modes of action; efficacy evidence from laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies; and environmental and human health risk considerations. Evidence indicates that nano-enabled delivery can increase on-target deposition, prolong residual activity, and match or exceed control at reduced active ingredient loads by improving foliar adhesion, transcuticular transport, plant uptake, and spatiotemporal targeting with pheromone-releasing nanofibers and other dispensers. Because nanoformulations can alter exposure pathways and environmental fate, this review emphasizes nano-specific physicochemical characterization under use conditions, fate and transport in Oxisols and Ultisols, and tropical waters, ecotoxicity panels that include pollinators, aquatic invertebrates, soil biota, and vertebrate surrogates, and scenario-based exposure assessment for applicators, residents, and consumers. The review closes with practical guidance for Brazil: head-to-head efficacy benchmarks against commercial standards, the standardized reporting of release and characterization data, and a nano-specific environmental risk assessment checklist to help realize efficacy gains while protecting environmental and human health. Full article

Pharmaceuticals such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and mianserin occur in aquatic environments at low yet persistent concentrations due to their incomplete removal in wastewater treatment plants. Although frequently detected, these neuroactive compounds remain underrepresented in ecotoxicological assessments. Given their pharmacodynamic potency, environmentally relevant concentrations may induce sublethal effects in non-target organisms. In this study, we applied untargeted LC-MS-based metabolomics to investigate the sublethal effects of four widely used antidepressants—paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine (SSRIs), and mianserin (TeCA)—on two ecologically relevant freshwater invertebrates: S. ambiguum and D. magna. Organisms were individually exposed to each compound for 48 h at a concentration of 100 µg/L and 25 µg/L, respectively. Untargeted metabolomics captured the sublethal biochemical effects of these antidepressants, revealing both shared disruptions—e.g., in glycerophospholipid metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism—and species-specific responses. More pronounced pathway changes observed in D. magna suggest interspecies differences in metabolic capacity or xenobiotic processing mechanisms between taxa. Among the four antidepressants tested, sertraline in D. magna and fluoxetine in S. ambiguum exerted the most extensive metabolomic perturbations, as evidenced by the highest number and pathway impact scores. In D. magna, fluoxetine and mianserin produced similar metabolic profiles, largely overlapping with those of sertraline, whereas paroxetine affected only a single pathway, indicating minimal impact. In S. ambiguum, paroxetine and mianserin elicited comparable responses, also overlapping with those of fluoxetine, while sertraline triggered the fewest changes. These results suggest both compound-specific effects and a conserved metabolic response pattern among the antidepressants used. They also underscore the considerable potential of metabolomics as a powerful and sensitive tool for ecotoxicological risk assessments, particularly when applied across multiple model organisms to capture interspecies variations. However, further research is essential to identify which specific pathway disruptions are most predictive of adverse effects on organismal health. Full article

Deep-sea trawling in the Mediterranean Sea, while economically significant, has profound ecological implications due to high discard rates and the practice’s impact on deep-sea biodiversity. This study examines the composition of discards and bycatch in Antalya Bay, a key deep-sea fishing area in the Eastern Mediterranean, during a commercial fishing season, focusing on seasonal and depth-related variations. Data were collected from deep-sea bottom trawl operations conducted between September 2016 and April 2017, analyzing species diversity and catch composition in terms of discarded and bycatch species. The results revealed an average discard rate of 70.7% of the total catch, with significant seasonal fluctuations. In total, 75 species were identified, comprising 48 Osteichthyes, 11 Elasmobranchii, 10 Crustacea, 4 Mollusca, 1 Brachiopoda, and 1 Echinodermata. Discarded species primarily consisted of juveniles of commercially valuable species (Merluccius merluccius and Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis), endangered elasmobranchs, and non-target benthic invertebrates. Depth-stratified analysis indicated that higher discard ratios and greater biodiversity loss occur at depths between 200 and 700 m, where slow-growing species and vulnerable deep-sea assemblages dominate. CPUE estimates for target, bycatch, and discarded species were calculated as 72.26, 145.12, and 385.52 kg/h, and CPUA values were calculated as 0.79, 1.59, and 2.92, respectively. These findings underscore the disproportionate impact of bottom trawling on deep-sea ecosystems and highlight the need for sustainable fisheries management strategies. Full article

Preserving natural enemies in agricultural landscapes is a cornerstone of biological pest control, and avoiding insecticides and miticides that harm non-target species is a key strategy to support naturally occurring populations in the field. Current research on the impacts of these chemicals is often biased toward a small number of commercially cultured species, leaving important knowledge gaps for those groups that naturally occur at local scales. Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae), both globally important invertebrates in agricultural systems, have been under-researched due to challenges in the field collection and laboratory cultivation of local species. This study helps to address these gaps by evaluating the effects of several widely used chemicals on Australian hoverflies (Melangyna sp.) and wolf spiders (Venatrix spp.) as case study species, with detailed descriptions of laboratory rearing and testing methodologies. The results from standardised chemical toxicity testing showed Venatrix spp. were relatively tolerant to various chemicals, highlighting their potential role in Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine chemical and biological control methods. In contrast, Melangyna sp. was sensitive to numerous chemicals tested, including some that are widely regarded as safe for non-target species. These findings emphasise the need to expand research on underrepresented natural enemy groups to effectively support biological control efforts at local scales. Specifically, the methodologies developed in this study can be adapted to facilitate further research on locally occurring hoverfly and spider species in other regions. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungus-based biopesticides are an excellent alternative to synthetic pesticides and are widely used in insect pest control. With the transformations of the agri-food system, it is important to consider the One Health approach, which recognizes that health threats are shared at the interface between people, animals, plants, and the environment. The safety and environmental impact of fungi-based insecticides should be assessed comprehensively, taking into account not only their effects on non-target organisms and human health but also their environmental fate. This includes how these substances degrade, persist, or dissipate in soil, water, and air and their potential to bioaccumulate or leach into groundwater. Such assessments are essential to ensure that their long-term use does not pose unintended risks to ecosystems or public health. This systematic review aims to identify and analyze available studies on the potential One Health hazards associated with fungal biopesticides. A total of 134 articles were selected: 84 bioassay articles (63%), 36 case reports (27%), 10 field studies (7%), and 4 other types of studies (3%). Of these articles, 59 were studies on vertebrate animals and 65 studies on invertebrate animals, 6 studies on diverse organisms, 2 studies focused specifically on risk assessment for non-target organisms in the environment, while 2 other studies looked at the toxicological hazards associated with human exposure to the metabolites of the fungus present in air. The United States had the highest number of publications (33). Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae followed by the fungi Cordyceps fumosorosea (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) and B. brongniartii were the most prevalent fungal species in the studies. This review highlights that case reports of infections in humans and other vertebrates by fungi are not related to the use of fungal biopesticides. A predominance of studies with bees was identified due to the importance of these insects as pollinators. The findings indicate that fungal biopesticides pose minimal risks when used appropriately. Nevertheless, the necessity for standardized safety assessments is emphasized. In order to ensure greater effectiveness, it is essential to develop unified protocols and bioassays with specific risk indicators aligned with the One Health approach. This includes evaluating potential effects on pollinators, vertebrate toxicity, and the environmental persistence of metabolites. In future research, the development of integrated guidelines that simultaneously consider human, animal, and environmental health is recommended. Full article

Ivermectin, an anthelmintic used in livestock, is excreted in faeces and can therefore affect non-target organisms. While its effects on coprophagous insects have been well studied, recent research suggests that it can be taken up by plants, raising the possibility that it may affect a much wider range of invertebrates than previously known. Our study investigated the effects of ivermectin on insects from different feeding guilds. First, we tested its effects on the larvae of the noctuid moths Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera (chewing herbivores) using an artificial diet. Secondly, we investigated the effects of its presence in the soil of pea plants Pisum sativum on the pea-feeding aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (phloem-feeding herbivore). Thirdly, we tested ivermectin in an artificial diet for Drosophila melanogaster used as a host for the parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Our results showed that ivermectin reduced pupal weight and survival in moth larvae, inhibited aphid colony establishment and reduced parasitoid emergence rates from ivermectin-exposed Drosophila pupae. These results highlight the potential of ivermectin to affect multiple trophic levels and emphasise the need for sustainable veterinary practices in the use of anthelmintics in free-ranging livestock and companion animals. Full article

Osteoclasts (OCs) are important therapeutic targets in the treatment of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to explore a novel therapeutic approach for osteoporosis using Arcyriaflavin A (ArcyA), a natural compound derived from the marine invertebrate Eudistoma sp. We systematically evaluated the effects of ArcyA on OC differentiation and function in mouse models using molecular biology assays, cellular function analyses and in vivo animal experiments. We also evaluated the efficacy of ArcyA in human cells. The TRAP staining results provide the first clear evidence of the drug’s inhibitory effect, whereby the administration of ArcyA led to a significant reduction in TRAP-positive cells compared to the control group at concentrations that were non-toxic to bone marrow macrophages. Meanwhile, a significant reduction in the number of multinucleated giant cells with more than ten nuclei was observed. Furthermore, similar TRAP staining results were reproduced in human OCs, suggesting that ArcyA has the same effect on OCs derived from human PBMCs. At the molecular level, ArcyA treatment resulted in the downregulation of genes relevant to OC differentiation (NFATc1, cFos and TNFrsf11α), fusion and survival (DCstamp and ATP6v0d2) and resorption function (CTSK, MMP9, integrin β3 and ACP5). A western blot analysis of the corresponding proteins (NFATc1, cFos, CTSK and integrin β3) further confirmed the PCR results. Furthermore, ArcyA-treated OCs produced significantly fewer resorption pits, indicating suppressed bone resorption activity. Consistent with this, in vivo experiments using an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis mouse model showed that ArcyA treatment significantly alleviated bone loss. Mice in the treatment groups had higher BV/TV values, and this therapeutic effect was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, our research also showed that IκB could be a potential target for the inhibitory effect of ArcyA. In conclusion, these findings suggest that ArcyA has significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical applications. Full article

Herbicides are synthetic chemicals that are extensively employed in agricultural practices with the objective of enhancing crop yield and quality. Despite their selectivity for plant systems and being generally regarded as non-toxic to animals, there is a paucity of understanding surrounding the sublethal effects on non-target organisms, including animals. This gap underscores the necessity for ecotoxicological research that prioritizes the identification of suitable models and develops reliable biomarkers for the early assessment of environmental impact. In this context, hemocytes—circulating immune cells found in invertebrates—have been identified as a crucial system for assessing sublethal toxicological effects, given their role in immune defense and overall organism health. Tenebrio molitor, a beetle pest of stored grain, was used as a model for the assessment of the effects of a metribuzin-based herbicide (MTB, Feinzin DF 70, 70% metribuzin, 0.25 kg ha⁻¹). Following a 96 h exposure to MTB, the males (7–10 days post-eclosion) were examined for multiple biomarkers in their hemocytes, including cell density, phagocytic activity, lysosomal membrane stability, and cytological changes. Although no mortality was observed, exposure to MTB resulted in a reduction in the phagocytic index and an increase in blast-like cells, indicating the potential for immunotoxicity. Lysosomal membrane stability was reduced, though no significant changes in hemocyte density or nuclear morphology were observed. These responses indicate potential immune system impairment, which could affect the beetle’s fitness and reproductive potential. This study highlights the potential of hemocytes for assessing sublethal herbicide effects, raising concerns about the ecological impact of herbicides in agroecosystems and their potential risks to both wildlife and human health. Full article