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9 pages, 1640 KB  
Communication
Differences in RNA Binding Between Segmented and Non-Segmented Negative-Strand Virus Nucleocapsids
by Rob W. H. Ruigrok, Allison Ballandras-Colas, Thibaut Crépin, Hélène Malet and Dan Kolakofsky
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061194 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Segmented and non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses share the same general pathway for genome transcription, which generates messenger RNA, and genome replication which duplicates the viral RNA. These processes are performed by the viral polymerase and necessitate the viral RNA to be coated by [...] Read more.
Segmented and non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses share the same general pathway for genome transcription, which generates messenger RNA, and genome replication which duplicates the viral RNA. These processes are performed by the viral polymerase and necessitate the viral RNA to be coated by a non-covalent polymer of nucleoproteins known as nucleocapsid. The non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs) have rigid nucleocapsids covering the entire tightly bound genome and require a phosphoprotein cofactor for proper replication and transcription by the polymerase, while the segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (sNSVs) have very flexible nucleocapsids with only few nucleotides tightly bound to each nucleoprotein, and their viral RNA genome ends are directly bound to the polymerase. We discuss here how the differences in RNA binding are likely to be crucial for proper replication and transcription in both nsNSVs and sNSVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Studies of RNA Virus Replication)
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19 pages, 1962 KB  
Article
YAP1 Upregulates Cytoskeleton Regulator ARHGEF1 and Tissue Regeneration Factor NEDD9 in a Multiplex Proteomic Study
by Dinesh Devadoss, Juliet Akkaoui, Arti Vashist, Adriana Yndart Arias, Adel Nefzi and Madepalli K. Lakshmana
Neurol. Int. 2026, 18(5), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint18050096 - 21 May 2026
Viewed by 404
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional cofactor that coordinates the complex interplay between cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, metabolism, biomechanics, and tissue regeneration. Previous studies have shown that YAP1 activity is reduced during aging, and replacing YAP1 function has been shown [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional cofactor that coordinates the complex interplay between cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, metabolism, biomechanics, and tissue regeneration. Previous studies have shown that YAP1 activity is reduced during aging, and replacing YAP1 function has been shown to rejuvenate old cells by mitigating senescence and its associated inflammation. Methods: As YAP1 is now confirmed to exert a profound regenerative influence on multiple organs, we wanted to gain more insight into the molecular signature of YAP1 expression relevant to brain cells. Since proteomics is a very powerful tool for discoveries, we generated SH-SY5Y cells stably expressing GFP-YAP1 and screened 8000 human proteins using multiplex arrays that utilize biotin-label-based antibody arrays. Results: We found YAP1 expression in astrocytes, microglia, neuronal and neuroblastoma cell lines, as well as human neurons. Importantly, YAP1 protein levels were significantly reduced selectively in the nuclear fractions of the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) relative to normal control (NC) subjects. The screen resulted in the identification of 283 differentially expressed proteins. In line with YAP1’s known role in the regulation of actin and cytoskeleton, we found a 2.53-fold upregulated level of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (ARHGEF1), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the RhoA GTPase, which is crucial for dendritic spine regulation. A 6.19-fold upregulated level of NECAP endocytosis-associated 2 (NECAP2), the highest known increase for any protein in this screen, plays an essential role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Most importantly, another upregulated protein was Neudesin Neurotrophic Factor (NENF) (3.07-fold increase), also known as Neudesin, which primarily acts as a neurotrophic factor, and it promotes neuronal survival, enhances cell proliferation, and neurogenesis in neural progenitor cells. Neural Precursor Cell Expressed, Developmentally Down-Regulated 9(NEDD9) levels were also upregulated by 2.46-fold, and it affects neuronal cell number and synaptic connections through its role in neurite formation. However, it should be noted that these proteomic results are preliminary in nature as they are derived from single-sample data. The upregulated levels of ARHGEF1 and NEDD9 were confirmed by immunoblots. We also found a drastic reduction in the levels of p16INK4a, a marker of senescence. Conclusions: Thus, the anti-senescence effect of YAP1 may be mediated through p16INK4a, which in turn may be crucial for YAP1’s regenerative functions through NENF and NEDD9. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research of CNS Diseases and Neurological Disorders)
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17 pages, 2282 KB  
Article
Odd-Chain Fatty Acids-Enriched Algal Oil Improves Locomotor Function and Modulates Metabolic Pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Qin Mu, Yiwei Ma, Tao Zhang, Fang Cong, Jun Jin, Qingzhe Jin and Xingguo Wang
Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101734 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder with extremely low drug development success rates, making nutritional intervention a promising strategy. Cerebral energy metabolism dysfunction is a core pathological feature of AD. Odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) can generate propionyl-CoA via β-oxidation to [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder with extremely low drug development success rates, making nutritional intervention a promising strategy. Cerebral energy metabolism dysfunction is a core pathological feature of AD. Odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) can generate propionyl-CoA via β-oxidation to replenish the impaired tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This study characterized the lipid composition of OCFAs-enriched algal oil by UPC2-Q-TOF-MS, evaluated its neuroprotective effects on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models with AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD), and explored the metabolic mechanism of its key component pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) using untargeted metabolomics. Results showed that triglycerides (TAGs) represented the predominant lipid class, accounting for 97.3% of the total lipid content in the algal oil. Among all the identified TAG molecular species, TAGs containing C15:0/C17:0 accounted for more than 90%. OCFAs-enriched algal oil exhibited disease-selective neuroprotection. It significantly improved locomotor function in AD nematodes, moderately ameliorated PD-related deficits, whereas showed no efficacy in HD nematodes. Metabolomics revealed that C15:0 produced propionyl-CoA to rescue TCA cycle dysfunction and energy deficits, upregulated membrane phospholipids to repair membrane integrity, and reduced abnormal metabolites to restore metabolic homeostasis. KEGG analysis confirmed that C15:0 globally regulated core metabolic pathways including amino acid, cofactor, nucleotide, and carbon metabolism. OCFAs-enriched algal oil exerted selective anti-AD effects by repairing energy metabolism, remodeling membrane phospholipids, and restoring metabolic homeostasis, providing a novel nutritional candidate for AD intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Functional Lipids in Food Chemistry)
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34 pages, 2162 KB  
Review
Extracellular Vesicles Associated Metabolites as Intercellular Signalling Mediators in Disease and Therapy
by Abdul Qadeer, Abd Ullah, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Khalaf F. Alsharif, Fuad M. Alzahrani, Khalid J. Alzahrani and Abdulwahab A. Abuderman
Metabolites 2026, 16(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16030207 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1708
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication, yet the metabolite fraction of their cargo remains substantially underexplored relative to proteins and nucleic acids. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the exosomal metabolome as a functionally distinct intercellular [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication, yet the metabolite fraction of their cargo remains substantially underexplored relative to proteins and nucleic acids. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the exosomal metabolome as a functionally distinct intercellular signaling system with unique biophysical properties. We review the mechanisms proposed to govern metabolite encapsulation into exosomes, encompassing membrane transporter involvement, lipid raft partitioning, and binding to luminal proteins, and discuss the unresolved question of whether metabolite loading is selective or stochastic. Critically, we present a quantitative framework evaluating whether delivered metabolite quantities are sufficient to alter recipient cell metabolic pools, distinguishing receptor-mediated signaling from bulk substrate delivery. We also address methodological considerations including contamination artifacts and isolation-method biases that complicate interpretation of EV metabolomics data. Exosomal metabolites are reviewed across four functional categories: energy substrates (ATP, lactate, amino acids), signaling molecules (TCA cycle intermediates, eicosanoids, nucleotides), redox cofactors and antioxidants (NADH, glutathione), and oncometabolites. For each category, available evidence is critically appraised, distinguishing metabolites with direct mass spectrometric detection from those whose roles are inferred from parent-cell biology. The review examines the roles of exosomal metabolites in tumor-stroma metabolic symbiosis, immunometabolic regulation, inter-organ crosstalk in metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer metastasis, viral infections, and immune evasion. A quantitative framework is discussed to evaluate whether delivered metabolite quantities are sufficient to alter recipient cell metabolic pools, distinguishing receptor-mediated signaling from bulk substrate delivery. Technical challenges in exosomal metabolomics are reviewed, including the impact of isolation method on data quality, contamination artifacts, and current standardization gaps. Therapeutic implications of exosomal metabolite signaling are discussed, encompassing metabolite-loaded exosomes as therapeutic vehicles and exosomal metabolite loading as a pharmacological target. Integration of single-vesicle technologies with systems biology approaches is highlighted as a promising direction for advancing this field toward precision medicine applications in oncological and metabolic disorders. Full article
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42 pages, 1858 KB  
Review
Crosstalk Between Cis-Regulatory Elements and Metabolism Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Yuqing Ren, Di Tang, Xiaofan Ding and Mian He
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18061002 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, arising from profound metabolic reprogramming and widespread epigenetic dysregulation. However, the role of epigenetic aberrations in modulating metabolic reprogramming and the interplay between cis-regulatory elements (CREs), such as promoters, enhancers and [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, arising from profound metabolic reprogramming and widespread epigenetic dysregulation. However, the role of epigenetic aberrations in modulating metabolic reprogramming and the interplay between cis-regulatory elements (CREs), such as promoters, enhancers and super-enhancers, and metabolic adaptation have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this review aims to integrate current evidence to elucidate the mechanisms of how cis-regulatory elements (CREs) drive oncogenic and metabolic signals in HCC progression. For instance, enhancers and super-enhancers transcriptionally activate key metabolic genes involved in aerobic glycolysis (GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA), de novo lipogenesis (ACLY, FASN, ACC), glutaminolysis (SLC1A5, GLS), and nucleotide synthesis. Meanwhile, many metabolic intermediates, including acetyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA and lactate, act as cofactors or substrates for epigenetic modifiers, creating bidirectional feedback loops that reinforce CRE-driven malignant phenotypes. Therefore, aberrant CREs acts as “metabolic switches” that sense and respond to various metabolic conditions to sustain HCC growth. Consequently, targeted intervention against oncogenic CREs, such as super-enhancers or their co-activators, to disrupt CRE-mediated metabolic vulnerabilities, has emerged as a highly promising new paradigm for precision therapy in HCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomic and Epigenomic Aberrations in Cancer)
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16 pages, 1790 KB  
Article
Divergent Rumen Metabolic Profiles Underlying Breed-Specific Variations in Slaughter Performance and Visceral Organ Development in Beef Cattle
by Chenbo Zhou, Zhou Yang, Zhi Ren, Yongchen Liu, Ning Zhang, Yupeng Zhang, Zongrui Zhang, Yangqi Miao, Shuo Zhang, Dandan Zhang, Bo Li, Sujun Wu, Jing Cheng, Yawei Zhang, Yanjie Liu and Yuanqing Zhang
Agriculture 2026, 16(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16050598 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Slaughter performance is a critical economic trait that varies across breeds, yet the rumen metabolic mechanisms driving these phenotypic differences remain unclear. The study involved 30 healthy 12-month-old beef cattle, with 10 animals from each of the three breeds: Chinese Simmental (ST), Taihang [...] Read more.
Slaughter performance is a critical economic trait that varies across breeds, yet the rumen metabolic mechanisms driving these phenotypic differences remain unclear. The study involved 30 healthy 12-month-old beef cattle, with 10 animals from each of the three breeds: Chinese Simmental (ST), Taihang Yun (TY), and Charolais (CL). The cattle were randomly assigned into three groups using a completely randomized design, and the average initial body weight was 549.78 ± 59.45 kg. A 130-day feeding trial (10-day pre-feeding period, 120-day main trial period) was conducted. By comparing the slaughter performance, relative organ weight, and rumen fluid metabolomic profiles, the study investigated breed-specific differences in meat quality and potential underlying metabolic patterns. The results showed that CL exhibited a superior carcass yield, with a significantly higher dressing percentage (62.38%, p = 0.013) and net meat percentage (56.54%, p = 0.028) than ST and TY, and a significantly lower backfat thickness (p = 0.006); ST had the highest proportion of premium cuts, relative to carcass weight (72.97%, p = 0.014), with prominent economic value, while TY had significantly higher weights of visceral organs, such as liver, kidney, small intestine and omasum, than CL (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that CL and ST had elevated levels of purine metabolism, nucleotide synthesis and cofactor biosynthesis compared to TY. In conclusion, CL and ST possess advantages in carcass yield supported by upregulated anabolic metabolism in the rumen, whereas TY prioritizes visceral organ development. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological and metabolic divergences regulating the slaughter performance and regional adaptability across cattle breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)
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25 pages, 1193 KB  
Review
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in the Plant Metabolomics Toolbox: GC-MS in Multi-Platform Metabolomics and Integrated Multi-Omics Research
by Nadezhda Frolova, Tatiana Bilova, Svetlana Silinskaia, Anastasia Orlova, Anastasia Gurina and Andrej Frolov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031343 - 29 Jan 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1923
Abstract
Innovative developments of GC-MS over the last two decades made this methodology a powerful tool for profiling a broad range of volatile metabolites and non-volatile ones of non-polar, semi-polar and even polar nature after appropriate derivatization. Indeed, the high potential of GC-MS in [...] Read more.
Innovative developments of GC-MS over the last two decades made this methodology a powerful tool for profiling a broad range of volatile metabolites and non-volatile ones of non-polar, semi-polar and even polar nature after appropriate derivatization. Indeed, the high potential of GC-MS in the analysis of low molecular weight metabolites involved in essential cellular functions (energy production, metabolic adjustment, signaling) made it the method of choice for the life and plant scientists. However, despite these advances, due to their intrinsic thermal lability, multiple classes of hydrophilic low-molecule weight metabolites (like nucleotides, sugar phosphates, cofactors, CoA esters) are unsuitable under the high-temperature conditions of the split–splitless (SSL) injection and GC separation, which makes the analysis of such compounds by GC-MS challenging. Therefore, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the plant metabolome, the GC-MS-based metabolomics platform needs to be efficiently combined with other metabolomics techniques and instrumental strategies. Moreover, to get a deeper insight into dynamics of plant cell metabolism in response to endogenic and exogenic clues, integration of the metabolomics data with the output obtained from other post-genomics techniques is desired. Therefore, here, we overview different strategies for the integration of the GC-MS-based metabolite profiling output with the data, acquired by other metabolomics techniques in terms of the multi-platform metabolomics approach. Further, we comprehensively discuss the implementation of the GC-MS-based metabolomics in multi-omics strategies and the data integration strategies behind this. This approach is the promising strategy, as it gives deep and multi-level insight into physiological processes in plants in the systems biology context, with consideration of all levels of gene expression. However, multiple challenges may arise in the way of integrating data from different omics technologies, which are comprehensively discussed in this review. Full article
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40 pages, 84713 KB  
Article
Bulleidia extructa PP_925: Genome Reduction, Minimalist Metabolism, and Evolutionary Insights into Firmicutes Diversification
by Peter V. Evseev, Irina V. Podoprigora, Andrei V. Chaplin, Zurab S. Khabadze, Artem A. Malkov, Lyudmila I. Kafarskaia, Dmitriy A. Shagin, Yulia N. Urban, Olga Yu. Borisova and Boris A. Efimov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010448 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Bulleidia extructa strain PP_925, isolated from the periodontal pocket of a patient with periodontitis, is a Gram-positive Bacillota with an unusually compact genome of 1.38 Mb. Phylogenomic analyses place PP_925 within Erysipelotrichales and show close relatedness of Bulleidia to Solobacterium and Lactimicrobium, as [...] Read more.
Bulleidia extructa strain PP_925, isolated from the periodontal pocket of a patient with periodontitis, is a Gram-positive Bacillota with an unusually compact genome of 1.38 Mb. Phylogenomic analyses place PP_925 within Erysipelotrichales and show close relatedness of Bulleidia to Solobacterium and Lactimicrobium, as well as the existence of previously undescribed related clades. The metabolic repertoire of PP_925 is strongly reduced: it retains glycolysis, the phosphotransacetylase–acetate kinase pathway, and arginine catabolism but lacks the tricarboxylic acid cycle and most de novo biosynthetic pathways for amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, cofactors, and vitamins, implying reliance on salvage and cross-feeding. Phylogenetic inference indicates independent peptidoglycan losses in multiple mycoplasma Erysipelotrichia-related lineages, while PP_925 has retained an ancestral Gram-positive cell wall despite extensive genomic reduction. The genome preserves systems crucial for host interaction and adaptability, including a horizontally acquired tad locus encoding type IV pili, a comG competence system, and several adherence-associated virulence factors. Defense mechanisms are diverse and include a CRISPR-Cas II-A system, a type II restriction–modification module adjacent to Gao_Qat-like genes, and the Wadjet system in a genome without prophages; CRISPR spacers indicate repeated encounters with Bacillota phages. Comparative genomics of PP_925 and related strains reveals a small core genome with lineage-specific adhesion and defense modules, indicating recent shared ancestry combined with adaptive flexibility under substantial genome reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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17 pages, 6458 KB  
Article
Effects of Different Feed Types on Intestinal Microbial Community Diversity and Intestinal Development of Newborn Siamese Crocodiles
by Xinxin Zhang, Jie Wu, Chong Wang, Fuyong You, Peng Liu, Yuan Zhang, Shaofan Li, Yongkang Zhou, Yingchao Wang, Xiaobing Wu and Haitao Nie
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2026, 7(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg7010001 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 878
Abstract
Conventional alligator farming, characterized by reliance on chilled fish meat, faces significant challenges, including risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. These issues heighten increasing disease susceptibility and threaten industry sustainability, underscoring the critical need for developing nutrient-dense, low-pathogenicity compound feeds. This study [...] Read more.
Conventional alligator farming, characterized by reliance on chilled fish meat, faces significant challenges, including risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. These issues heighten increasing disease susceptibility and threaten industry sustainability, underscoring the critical need for developing nutrient-dense, low-pathogenicity compound feeds. This study conducted a comparative analysis of newborn Siamese crocodiles fed either chilled fish meat or compound feed formulation. Intestinal microbial samples from both cohorts underwent 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing to evaluate differences in microbial composition, diversity, and predicted functionality. The compound feed, specifically formulated for this investigation, possessed the following nutritional composition: crude protein 52.42%; digestible crude protein/digestible energy 16 mg/kcal; crude fat 12.31%; ash 17.42%; crude fiber 0.45%; starch 7.69%; digestible energy 3450 kcal/kg; lysine 3.66%; threonine 1.92%; methionine 1.27%; arginine 3.07%; total essential amino acids 22.97%; calcium 2.51%; total phosphorus 1.8%; available phosphorus 0.98%. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the compound feed group exhibited numerically higher richness and alpha diversity indices within the intestinal microbiota compared to the chilled fish group. The microbial communities in both groups were dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteriota, and Firmicutes, collectively representing over 50% of the relative abundance. Functional prediction indicated that the compound feed group possessed the highest relative abundance in metabolic pathways associated with cofactor and vitamin metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, terpenoid and polyketide metabolism, lipid metabolism, and replication and repair. In contrast, the chilled fish group exhibited significant functional alterations in glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, translation, nucleotide metabolism, transcription, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. Histomorphological analysis demonstrated greater villus height and crypt depth in the compound diet group compared to chilled fish group, although no significant differences were observed in crypt depth or the villus-to-crypt depth ratio. Collectively, these findings indicate that the compound feed enhances intestinal microbial diversity and optimizes its functional structure. Furthermore, while no statistically significant difference in small intestinal villus height was detected, the results suggest a potential positive influence on intestinal development. This investigation provides a scientific foundation for compound feed development, supporting sustainable breeding practices for Siamese crocodiles. Full article
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21 pages, 3233 KB  
Review
Synthetic Pentatricopeptide Repeat Proteins: Building a Toolkit for Precise RNA Control
by Jose M. Lombana, Maureen R. Hanson and Stephane Bentolila
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 12033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262412033 - 14 Dec 2025
Viewed by 946
Abstract
In plants, cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) and uridine-to-cytidine (U-to-C) editing events are directed by pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, modular RNA-binding factors that recognize their RNA targets through a predictable amino acid–nucleotide recognition code. Deciphering this code has enabled the rational design of synthetic PPR (synPPR) [...] Read more.
In plants, cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) and uridine-to-cytidine (U-to-C) editing events are directed by pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, modular RNA-binding factors that recognize their RNA targets through a predictable amino acid–nucleotide recognition code. Deciphering this code has enabled the rational design of synthetic PPR (synPPR) proteins with programmable RNA-binding specificity and robust stability in heterologous systems. Recent advances have extended these synthetic scaffolds to active RNA editors by fusing them to catalytically competent DYW deaminase domains, generating customizable enzymes capable of precise base conversion in bacteria, plants, and even human cells. This review summarizes current understanding of the structural and mechanistic principles underlying PPR-mediated RNA editing and highlights recent progress in the design and application of synPPR proteins. We discuss how synthetic PPR proteins have been used as programmable RNA stabilizers, translational regulators, and targeted C-to-U or U-to-C editors, as well as their emerging therapeutic potential in RNA-mediated diseases. The development of compact, cofactor-independent editors derived from early-diverging plant lineages further expands the versatility of this platform. Together, these efforts establish synthetic PPR proteins as a powerful and flexible class of RNA engineering tools with applications spanning basic research, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Continued refinement of targeting specificity, catalytic efficiency, and effector modularity will propel PPR-based editors toward broader use in synthetic biology and therapeutic RNA modulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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16 pages, 2129 KB  
Review
Predictive Analysis and Validation of Critical Missense SNPs of the ABH2 Gene Using Structural Bioinformatics
by Anastasiia T. Davletgildeeva, Timofey E. Tyugashev, Viktoriia V. Sagalakova, Mingxing Zhao and Nikita A. Kuznetsov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311593 - 29 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 783
Abstract
Human DNA dioxygenase ABH2 is a key enzyme of the AlkB family of Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenases, which is specialized in removing alkyl groups from damaged DNA bases in the cell nucleus. At the same time, the occurrence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human [...] Read more.
Human DNA dioxygenase ABH2 is a key enzyme of the AlkB family of Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenases, which is specialized in removing alkyl groups from damaged DNA bases in the cell nucleus. At the same time, the occurrence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human ABH2 gene can lead to amino acid substitutions that, in turn, may disrupt the normal functioning of the ABH2 enzyme. Currently, databases contain information about more than 2500 nucleotide substitutions in the ABH2 gene. Using a comprehensive bioinformatics approach, in this review, we analyzed over 200 non-synonymous ABH2 SNPs with eleven prediction programs to identify variants capable of negatively affecting its enzymatic activity. The combination of various programs with different evaluation algorithms and scoring approaches allows us to more reliably identify potentially deleterious amino acid substitutions. Moreover, the differences between the programs used allowed for comparison of their tendency to predict amino acid substitutions as deleterious. Structural analysis of the ABH2-substrate complex showed that selected functionally significant SNPs often affect the organization of the active site, reduce the efficiency of substrate binding, and/or disrupt the coordination of Fe2+ and α-ketoglutarate cofactors, leading to changes in catalytic efficiency. The data obtained from the conducted analysis suggest that naturally occurring polymorphisms in the ABH2 gene found in the human population may reduce the repair efficiency of DNA dioxygenase ABH2 and, consequently, modulate susceptibility to oncogenesis and influence the effectiveness of antitumor therapy for carriers of these SNPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genes and Human Diseases: 3rd Edition)
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21 pages, 2678 KB  
Article
Potassium-Hydroxide-Based Extraction of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotides from Biological Samples Offers Accurate Assessment of Intracellular Redox Status
by Tamas Faludi, Daniel Krakko, Jessica Nolan, Robert Hanczko, Akshay Patel, Zach Oaks, Evan Ruggiero, Joshua Lewis, Xiaojing Wang, Ting-Ting Huang, Ibolya Molnar-Perl and Andras Perl
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110371 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1371
Abstract
The reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is a primary electron donor for both antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione reductase, and pro-oxidant enzymes, such as NADPH oxidases that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide synthases that generate nitric oxide [...] Read more.
The reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is a primary electron donor for both antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione reductase, and pro-oxidant enzymes, such as NADPH oxidases that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide synthases that generate nitric oxide which act as signaling molecules. Monitoring NADPH levels, NADPH/NADP+ ratio, and especially distinguishing from NADH, provides vital information about cellular redox status, energy generation, survival, lineage specification, and death pathway selection. NADPH detection is key to understanding metabolic reprogramming in cancer, aging, and cardiovascular, hormonal, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. Liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is crucial for NADPH detection in redox signaling because it offers the high sensitivity, specificity, and comprehensive profiling needed to quantify this vital but labile redox cofactor in complex biological samples. Using hepatoma cell lines, liver tissues, and primary hepatocytes from mice lacking transaldolase or nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase, or having lupus, this study demonstrates that accurate measurement of NADPH depends on its preservation in reduced form which can be optimally achieved by extraction of metabolites in alkaline solution, such as 0.1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) in comparison to 80% methanol (MeOH) alone or 40:40:20 methanol/acetonitrile/formic acid solution. While KOH extraction coupled with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and mass spectrometry most reliably detects NADPH, NADP, NADH, NAD, polyamines, and polyols, MeOH extraction is best suited for detection of glutathione and overall discrimination between complex metabolite extracts. This study therefore supports performing parallel KOH and MeOH extractions to enable comprehensive metabolomic analysis of redox signaling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ROS Signalling and Cell Turnover)
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34 pages, 17846 KB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics of Dairy Cows as Influenced by the Combinations of Essential Oil Blends and Fumaric Acid as Natural Feed Additives Using RUSITEC
by Joel O. Alabi, Deborah O. Okedoyin, Michael Wuaku, Chika C. Anotaenwere, Oludotun O. Adelusi, Kelechi A. Ike, DeAndrea Gray, Olatunde A. Oderinwale, James M. Enikuomehin, Kingsley A. Ekwemalor, Yewande O. Fasina, Hamid D. Ismail, Ahmed E. Kholif and Uchenna Y. Anele
Metabolites 2025, 15(10), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15100681 - 21 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The potential of essential oils (EOs) and fumaric acid (FA) to modulate ruminal fermentation and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cows has attracted significant attention. However, little is known about the specific metabolites produced as a result of their [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The potential of essential oils (EOs) and fumaric acid (FA) to modulate ruminal fermentation and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cows has attracted significant attention. However, little is known about the specific metabolites produced as a result of their interaction. This study investigated the combined effects of essential oil blends (EOBs) and FA on rumen metabolites using a rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. Materials and Methods: Three rumen-cannulated, non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows served as inoculum donors. The total mixed ration (TMR; CON) comprised corn silage (60%), alfalfa hay (20%), and concentrate (20%). Three distinct EOBs were formulated: EOB1 [Garlic, Lemongrass, Cumin, Lavender, and Nutmeg; at 4:2:2:1:1, respectively], EOB2 [Anise, Clove, Oregano, Cedarwood, and Ginger; at 4:2:2:1:1, respectively], and EOB3 [Clove, Anise, Peppermint, and Oregano; at 4:3:2:1, respectively]. Four treatments evaluated were control (CON), EFA1 (EOB1 + FA), EFA2 (EOB2 + FA), and EFA3 (EOB3 + FA). EOBs and FA were included at 10 µL/g feed and 3% of TMR, respectively. Rumen effluents were collected over 5 days for metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Results: A total of 661 metabolites were detected and identified. Volcano plot analysis revealed 13 differentially abundant metabolites for EFA1, 41 for EFA2, and 19 for EFA3 compared to CON group. PLS-DA analysis showed clear separation of treatments, indicating modifications in the rumen fluid metabolome. Conclusions: The treatments led to the enrichment of pathways involved in amino acid, nucleotide, cofactor, and energy metabolism. These additives have the potential to optimize nutrient utilization and overall animal health. Therefore, in vivo studies should be conducted to validate their efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Responses to Ruminant Nutrition and Production Practices)
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11 pages, 1329 KB  
Article
Active Inclusion Bodies in the Multienzymatic Synthesis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine
by Romana Köszagová, Klaudia Palenčárová and Jozef Nahálka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9679; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199679 - 4 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Bacterial inclusion bodies (IBs) are still generally considered to be waste products of recombinant protein production, despite various studies that have challenged this conventional view in the last two decades, and have been proposed for use as immobilized enzymes in vivo for biocatalysis. [...] Read more.
Bacterial inclusion bodies (IBs) are still generally considered to be waste products of recombinant protein production, despite various studies that have challenged this conventional view in the last two decades, and have been proposed for use as immobilized enzymes in vivo for biocatalysis. Current advances in genetic and molecular biology make it possible to perform multienzymatic reactions or enzymatic cascades to synthesize valuable products. When cascades need cofactor regener tion, it is difficult to use “cheap” whole cells or their lysates, and “expensive” enzyme purification is required. The capture of enzymatic activity into active IBs (aIBs), well-separable protein aggregates from cell lysate, could represent a usable compromise between purified enzymes and cell lysates. It is shown here that the combination of two polyphosphate kinases (PPKs) in the form of aIBs leads to almost 10-fold ATP regeneration and 100% UTP utilization without degradation into adenosine or uridine. PPKs have been combined with N-acetylhexosamine 1-kinase and N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate uridyltransferase to produce valuable UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, but the described approach could be used in various multienzymatic syntheses to avoid enzyme purification and ensure nucleotide triphosphate regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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20 pages, 2219 KB  
Article
Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Distinct Signatures in Primary and Secondary Polycythemia
by Murat Yıldırım, Batuhan Erdoğdu, Selim Sayın, Ozan Kaplan, Emine Koç, Mine Karadeniz, Bülent Karakaya, Mustafa Güney, Mustafa Çelebier and Meltem Aylı
Metabolites 2025, 15(9), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15090630 - 22 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1716
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The differential diagnosis between primary polycythemia vera (PV) and secondary polycythemia (SP) presents significant clinical challenges owing to substantial phenotypic overlap. This investigation utilized untargeted metabolomic approaches to elucidate disease-specific metabolic perturbations and evaluate the metabolic consequences of cytoreductive therapeutic interventions. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The differential diagnosis between primary polycythemia vera (PV) and secondary polycythemia (SP) presents significant clinical challenges owing to substantial phenotypic overlap. This investigation utilized untargeted metabolomic approaches to elucidate disease-specific metabolic perturbations and evaluate the metabolic consequences of cytoreductive therapeutic interventions. Methods: Plasma specimens obtained from PV patients (n = 40) and SP patients (n = 25) underwent comprehensive metabolomic profiling utilizing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms. Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), were employed in conjunction with pathway enrichment analyses to characterize disease-associated metabolic dysregulation. Additionally, receiving treatment (tPV) (n = 25) and not receiving treatment (ntPV) (n = 15) PV patients were compared to assess therapeutic metabolic effects. Results: Comprehensive metabolomic analysis identified 67 significantly altered metabolites between PV and SP patients, with 36 upregulated and 31 downregulated in PV. Key upregulated metabolites in PV included thyrotropin-releasing hormone, 3-sulfinoalanine, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide, and protoporphyrin IX, while 4-hydroxyretinoic acid and deoxyuridine were notably downregulated. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed disruptions in taurine, glutamate, nicotinate, and cysteine metabolism in PV. ntPV patients exhibited higher glucose and octanoyl-CoA levels compared to treated patients, indicating the normalization of glucose and fatty acid metabolism with cytoreductive therapy. ntPV was also associated with altered B-vitamin metabolism, including decreased nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide and increased nicotinamide ribotide levels. Cross-comparison analysis revealed overlapping pathway enrichment in glutamate metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and cysteine metabolism between both comparisons. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PV and SP exhibit fundamentally distinct metabolic signatures, providing novel insights into disease pathogenesis and potential diagnostic biomarkers. The identification of oxidative stress signatures, disrupted energy metabolism, and altered B-vitamin cofactor pathways distinguishes PV from SP at the molecular level. Cytoreductive therapy significantly normalizes metabolic dysregulation, particularly glucose and nucleotide metabolism, validating current therapeutic approaches while revealing broader systemic treatment effects. The metabolic signatures identified, particularly the combination of deoxyuridine, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and oxidative stress metabolites, may serve as complementary diagnostic tools to traditional morphological and molecular approaches. These findings advance our understanding of myeloproliferative neoplasm pathophysiology and provide a foundation for developing metabolically targeted therapeutic strategies and precision medicine approaches in PV management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research)
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