Search Results (84)

Olive knot disease, caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi, is a significant economic threat to olive cultivation in Mediterranean regions. This study focused on the polyphasic characterization of fifty-five P. savastanoi (Psav) isolates from various hosts (olive, oleander, myrtle, and jasmine) isolated in Crete, employing phenotypic, molecular, and copper resistance analyses. Biochemical profiling using LOPAT and API20 NE tests confirmed 100% similarity between olive, jasmine and oleander isolates and the type strain CFBP1670^T. Molecular characterization (BOX- and iaaL-PCR) revealed limited genetic variation among most isolates, with minor variations in myrtle, oleander, and Spanish broom strains. Multilocus sequence analysis further supported the close genetic relatedness of the Cretan isolates, while revealing limited internal differentiation. Copper resistance assays showed that most isolates were moderately sensitive (0.4 mM), while one oleander and one jasmine isolate were resistant (≥0.8 mM). In vitro evaluation of copper formulations showed that copper hydroxide, Bordeaux mixture, and tribasic copper sulfate effectively inhibited Psav growth, while copper oxide and copper oxychloride were largely ineffective. Finally, the copper resistance genes copA, copB, copD, copR, copS, and cusA were identified in all tested isolates regardless of their individual copper sensitivity levels, whereas copC, cusB, and cusC were not detected. This suggests that phenotypic variations in copper sensitivity likely stem from differences in gene expression rather than the mere presence or absence of these specific genes. These findings enhance the understanding of Psav diversity and provide a robust framework for optimizing sustainable management strategies for olive knot disease in Crete. Full article

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) holds a prominent place in Mediterranean cultural and agricultural landscapes, including Italy, which hosts a vast germplasm of almost 600 cultivars. Characterising this biodiversity is important for conservation, sustainable use, and breeding programmes. This study provides a characterisation of leaf morpho-anatomical and physiological traits in 24  Mediterranean olive cultivars grown under uniform agronomic conditions, allowing the assessment of genotype-driven variability. The research investigates leaf morpho-anatomical characteristics, from macroscopic traits (leaf size, shape, and colour) to anatomical traits of tissues, trichomes (including the trichome area index, TAI), and stomata, together with physiological parameters (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence). Significant differences were observed among cultivars in almost all measured traits. The main results include substantial variation in leaf area (339–872 mm²), lamina thickness (331–489 µm), and ratio of palisade to spongy tissue. Trichome density had a wide range of variation (a threefold increase from the lowest to the highest value, 71–206 mm⁻²), and TAI values revealed that some cultivars possess up to three overlapping trichome layers. This multifunctional phenotypic approach proves to be a useful tool for discriminating cultivars and understanding their functional strategies. Multivariate analysis (PCA) showed patterns of association among structural and physiological traits, highlighting different trait combinations across the germplasm. These results indicate a linkage between leaf structure and function and help to interpret differences in gas exchange and water-use efficiency among cultivars. Overall, the results highlight the value of germplasm collections and provide useful insights for cultivar selection and the sustainable management of olive germplasms. Full article

Investigating genetic diversity is a prerequisite for the management and utilization of germplasm resources. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 103 olive (Olea europaea) varieties in the Liangshan region, Sichuan Province, China, based on fruit phenotypic traits and 48 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. There were high positive correlations between various fruit phenotypic indicators, while a few indicators showed negative correlations (e.g., stone longitudinal diameter was significantly negatively correlated with the fruit shape index and kernel shape index). Fresh fruit oil content was significantly negatively correlated with fruit longitudinal diameter, stone transverse diameter, stone longitudinal diameter, and fruit volume. The number of allelic variations at SSR loci in the population ranged from 2 to 22, with an average of 10.7. The mean Shannon’s information index (I), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and expected heterozygosity (He) of the 103 varieties were 1.529, 0.54, and 0.685, respectively, indicating relatively high genetic diversity between these olive varieties. Structure analysis, PCA, and PCoA consistently classified the varieties into two ancestral populations, with mean fixation index (F_ST) = 0.052 and gene flow (Nm) = 4.544, suggesting moderate genetic differentiation and extensive gene flow between the populations. Based on phenotypic clustering and phylogenetic analysis, eight varieties exhibiting synonymy or homonymy were successfully identified. Furthermore, molecular fingerprint profiles were established using seven pairs of SSR primers, which could effectively identify all varieties. This study provides a valuable reference for the management and breeding of olive germplasm resources in the Liangshan region. Full article

Emaciation disease, primarily caused by the myxosporean parasite Enteromyxum leei, poses a significant economic threat to the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) aquaculture industry. Research on E. leei has been severely restricted by its status as an unculturable obligate parasite and its extreme sensitivity to cryopreservation. In this study, we developed a standardized in vitro culture system that achieved stable maintenance of E. leei for over 12 months for the first time. To overcome the challenges of primary isolation, a physical aggregation technique was implemented, which effectively concentrated the parasites while reducing bacterial contamination by 99.1%, as validated by qPCR. The established culture, maintained in minimum essential medium supplemented with 30% FBS at 25 °C, exhibited a consistent 20-day asexual proliferative cycle consisting of six distinct developmental stages. Morphological stability and genetic identity were rigorously monitored, showing no phenotypic drift or genetic divergence throughout the 12-month period. Our results demonstrate that the entire proliferative phase of E. leei can be recapitulated in vitro without host intervention. Given that cryopreservation remains non-viable, this continuous culture system provides a critical, unique platform for high-throughput drug screening and myxozoan developmental biology, offering a robust tool to mitigate emaciation syndrome in marine fish farms. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are regarded as systemic illnesses, mainly characterized by long-term neuroinflammation, metabolic dysregulation and barrier dysfunction. All these factors interact through the gut–immune–brain axis. The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, olive oil, and fish, has been consistently associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of neurodegeneration in observational studies and some clinical trials. This review provides a systems-level synthesis that distinguishes itself from previous narratives by integrating disease-specific mechanistic frameworks with multi-omics-guided precision nutrition strategies. We summarize recent evidence showing that this dietary pattern can remodel gut microbiota composition and enhance the production of bioactive metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites are associated with improved intestinal barrier integrity, reduced systemic inflammation, and potential modulation of brain functions. Within the central nervous system, diet-related metabolites have been linked to reduced neuroinflammation via modulation of microglial and astrocytic states. They have been linked to protection of mitochondrial function, maintenance of proteostasis, and preservation of blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. In AD and PD patients, adherence to this diet is associated with favorable changes in pathological hallmarks, including amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein accumulation. Nowadays, multi-omics tools, including single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics and microbiome analysis, are widely used in this field, which helps researchers explore these complicated effects more deeply. Importantly, individual responses to the diet vary considerably due to differences in genetic background, gut microbial composition, and metabolic phenotypes, which underscore the need to move from generalized dietary guidelines toward personalized precision nutrition. The Mediterranean diet is not only a dietary pattern but also an effective way to modulate neuro-immune and metabolic networks. However, current evidence remains largely observational, and we critically discuss the need for more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and standardized multi-omics data analysis frameworks. To sum up, the Mediterranean diet plays a neuroprotective role via the gut–immune–brain axis, and multi-omics techniques promote the development of precision nutrition. More trials and improved multi-omics systems are required to apply these research results in clinical practice. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective loss of dopamine-containing neurons (DCNs) in the substantia nigra. Oxidative stress and impaired neurotrophic signalling contribute to PD pathogenesis. Oleuropein (Ole), a phenolic compound found in olives and olive leaves, exhibits antioxidant and cytoprotective properties that may counteract neuronal injury. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Ole in differentiated dopaminergic neurons (dDCNs) derived from the human ReNcell VM model exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Ole significantly attenuated 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity, restoring cell viability following post- and pre-treatment compared with toxin-treated cells. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression was preserved, indicating maintenance of the dopaminergic phenotype. Ole also reduced lipid peroxidation and restored total antioxidant capacity, supporting a role in redox homeostasis. Molecular docking suggested a stable interaction between Ole and the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, suggesting a potential involvement of RET-associated survival signalling pathways that requires further experimental validation. In addition, 6-OHDA altered extracellular vesicle (EV) release and EV-associated transcripts related to Wnt signalling (Wnt3a, Wnt5a, GSK3), while Ole partially restored EV release profiles and EV-associated Wnt signalling-related transcripts. Collectively, these findings indicate that Ole protects dDCNs from oxidative stress and highlight its potential as a neuroprotective agent against dopaminergic neuronal injury. Full article

Anxiety symptomatology and excess weight are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Olive leaf extract (OLE) contains polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have shown anxiolytic-like effects in experimental models; however, evidence in humans remains limited. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial evaluated the effects of OLE supplementation on anxiety symptomatology, inflammatory markers, and metabolic parameters in women with excess weight and mild to moderate anxiety symptoms. Participants received OLE (750 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Anxiety symptomatology was assessed using HAM-A, BAI, and STAI, while inflammatory and metabolic parameters were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. Since the expected sample size was not achieved, our results are preliminary. No effect was observed from OLE supplementation. However, some differences within groups can direct future researchers interested in evaluating these parameters. OLE supplementation correlated with a particular reduction phenotype in anxious symptomatology (HAM-A, BAI and STAI-Trait) with inflammatory (hs-CRP) and metabolic parameters (c-HDL) that may open the possibility of an anti-inflammatory effect. In contrast, the observations in the Pb group seemed more associated with a pro-inflammatory state and a placebo effect related to somatic symptoms of anxiety. These preliminary observations need to be confirmed with larger randomized clinical trials that may help clarify these results and the possible underlying mechanisms. Full article

Ancient olives are considered a major resource of gene pool, adapted across ages to ever changing environments. The ancient ‘Mehras’ olive is the only cultivar inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Humanity as recognized for its longevity and historical significance. However, detailed genetic and phenotypic analyses are still missing. Nineteen ‘Mehras’ accessions were collected from northern Jordan and subjected to inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker analysis and to a set of phenotypic parameters (leaf, fruit, and stone). ISSR analysis revealed similarity values ranging between 0.53 and 1.00, indicating moderate to high genetic diversity. Bayesian clustering and dendrogram analyses identified two major genetic clusters with limited admixture, indicating extended clonal propagation in addition to the transport of planting material. Phenotypic parameters revealed tangible variation among accessions, with major influence of fruit and stone traits followed by leaf traits. Strong correlations were observed between key traits, including fruit width and flesh thickness, while an inverse relationship was observed between flesh and stone percentages. Multivariate analysis further revealed clear separation among investigated accessions. The Mantel test showed a moderate correlation between genetic and phenotypic distances. Spatial analysis suggested weak geographic structuring of diversity, indicating exchange of plant material. ‘Mehras’ olive harbors structured genetic and phenotypic diversity influenced mainly by adaptation and traditional cultivation practices. These findings provide a foundation for conservation, breeding, and sustainable utilization of this ancient and culturally significant cultivar. Full article

This study analyzes the olive tree in the Menara Garden (Marrakech) to elucidate its role in the resilience of semi-arid urban agroecosystems. By combining hyperspectral remote sensing, bioeconomic modeling, and biophysical analyses, it quantifies the ecosystem services provided by the park (100 ha, 10000 trees). The results demonstrate optimal microclimate regulation (evapotranspiration accounting for 53.21% of the water balance), significant pollutant sequestration (carbon dioxide (CO₂), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter (PM)), soil stabilization, and circular valorization of 268 t/year of biomass. These performances stem from adaptive traits (adjustable stomatal conductance, phenotypic plasticity), enabling water savings of 35 ± 5%. The study proposes a framework integrating plant physiology, ecosystem services, and SDGs, advocating for urban policies refocused on green infrastructure as pillars of sustainability in semi-arid zones. Full article

Background: Parkinsonism entails pronounced basal ganglia dysfunction, but emerging research suggests that broader subcortical networks, specifically the cerebellum, play a vital role in functional motor compensation following circuit-level destabilization. This study sought to characterize the electrophysiological dynamics of Multi-Unit Activity (MUA) amplitude in Crus II, the dentate nucleus (DN), and the inferior olive (IO) following a focal mechanical lesion of the ventrolateral striatum (VLS) as a circuit-level perturbation model during spontaneous behaviors. Methods: Bilateral mechanical VLS lesions were induced in 24 male Wistar rats. MUA signals were chronically recorded over a four-week protocol during self-grooming, horizontal locomotion, and rearing behaviors. Results: Crus II and the IO exhibited a structure-specific “dynamic transition,” shifting from early-stage hyperexcitability to significant late-stage attenuation by W4 (p < 0.001), reflecting a divergence from control trajectories rather than internal temporal drift within the lesioned state. Conversely, the DN showed sustained hypoactivity compared to healthy controls throughout the recording period (p < 0.05). Despite these robust neurophysiological shifts, the syntactic organization of grooming and exploratory patterns remained phenotypically preserved, indicating functional sufficiency despite underlying circuit noise. Conclusions: VLS injury triggers a rapid distributed reorganization across the striato-cerebellar network. The cerebellum acts as an active adaptive node, recalibrating internal network gain to mask early Parkinsonian-like circuit dysfunction at the level of functional sufficiency and maintain motor performance through active homeostatic gain regulation. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Adams–Oliver syndrome type 3 (AOS3) is a rare congenital disorder typically characterised by terminal transverse limb defects and variable involvement of other organ systems. Although pathogenic variants in RBPJ are well established in AOS3, associated neurodevelopmental or psychiatric features have been only sporadically documented. Case Presentation: We describe a male patient first evaluated at the age of 10 years and subsequently re-evaluated at 14 years, with AOS3 presenting terminal limb defects together with autistic-like behaviour, cognitive difficulties, dyslexia, and recurrent depressive symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a heterozygous pathogenic variant in RBPJ (c.505A>G; p.Lys169Glu), confirming the molecular diagnosis of autosomal dominant AOS3. Additional findings included a heterozygous missense variant in CACNA1A (p.Arg1678Cys), a gene linked to neurological disorders with broad phenotypic variability. Because of elevated homocysteine levels, the patient was also tested for MTHFR variants and was found to be heterozygous for C677T and A1298C. Conclusions: This case illustrates a rare combination of a validated AOS3-associated RBPJ variant, along with additional CACNA1A and MTHFR variants that may influence the patient’s neurocognitive and psychiatric characteristics. The results underscore the importance of comprehensive genetic testing in atypical AOS presentations and highlight the complexity of interpreting overlapping genetic factors. Full article

The olive tree hosts diverse endophytic fungi that may contribute to plant protection and growth. In this study, a preliminary screening of olive-associated fungal endophytes was conducted. A total of 67 fungal endophytes were isolated from the leaves and roots of the Greek cultivars Amfissa and Kalamon and identified using morphological and molecular approaches; 28 representative strains were selected for functional evaluation. Dual culture assays revealed substantial antagonistic activity against major phytopathogens, with growth inhibition ranging from 19.05% to 100%. Notably, strains F.KALl.8 and F.AMFr.15 showed the strongest suppression across pathogens. Interaction phenotyping revealed all major interaction types (A, B, C) and subtype C1/C2, with several strains producing pigmentation zone lines or hyphal ridges at contact sites. The assessment of plant growth-related effects using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system showed that three strains (F.AMFr.15, F.KALr.4, F.KALr.38A) significantly increased seedling biomass (up to ~16% above the control), whereas nine strains caused severe growth reduction and disease symptoms. Beneficial strains also altered root architecture, inhibiting primary root elongation while inducing extensive lateral root formation. Collectively, these findings highlight the functional diversity of olive-associated fungal endophytes and identify promising candidate strains, particularly F.AMFr.15 (identified as Clonostachys sp.), for further host-specific validation as potential biological control and plant growth-promoting agents. Full article

Background/Objectives. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the United States. Treatment with second-generation androgen receptor (AR) inhibitors, such as enzalutamide, can trigger lineage plasticity, promoting the transdifferentiation of PCa cells into an AR-independent, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine phenotype (NEPC). The receptor tyrosine kinase EPHA3 is a critical driver for NEPC. It is overexpressed in PCa, particularly in androgen-independent and neuroendocrine subtypes. EPHA3 activates c-Myc signaling to enhance EZH2 expression, promoting histone H3K27 trimethylation. The neural transcription factor BRN2 functions upstream of both EZH2 and ASCL1. The latter regulates the Notch pathway ligand DLL3, thereby orchestrating neuroendocrine differentiation. Elevated expression of classical neuroendocrine markers CHGA and SYP is characteristic of the NEPC phenotype. This study reports the novel usage of the olive phenolic S-(-)-hydroxyoleocanthal (HOC, oleacein) to effectively control NEPC by targeting the EPHA3–BRN2–EZH2–ASCL1–DLL3–SYP–CHGA oncogenic network. Methods. Cell viability assays were conducted to assess in vitro effects. To model NEPC progression and recurrence, NCI-H660-Luc cells were xenografted into male athymic nude mice. RNA-sequencing was performed to compare the differentially expressed genes between placebo control and treated tumors. Results. HOC significantly attenuated the proliferation of NEPC NCI-H660 cells in vitro. Daily oral administration of HOC at 10 mg/kg body weight markedly suppressed the progression of NEPC NCI-H660-Luc tumors. Continued HOC treatments after surgical excision of the primary tumors substantially reduced locoregional recurrence. HOC significantly downregulated the expression of EPHA3, BRN2, EZH2, ASCL1, DLL3, SYP, and CHGA in treated primary and recurrence tumors versus placebo control. Conclusions. These findings establish HOC as a multifaceted therapeutic entity capable of disrupting key NEPC oncogenic networks, highlighting its potential as a novel lead intervention for aggressive NEPC. Full article

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is a keystone species in Mediterranean agroecosystems, where it plays a central economic and cultural role. However, the Mediterranean Basin is increasingly exposed to climate change, with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts threatening the long-term sustainability of olive cultivation. Understanding the adaptive responses of olive trees to water scarcity is critical for ensuring resilience in olive-based agroecosystems. This study investigates the functional responses of the Moroccan Menara olive cultivar under different controlled deficit irrigation (DI) strategies, namely regulated (RDI) and sustained (SDI) deficit irrigation. By analyzing key leaf functional and biochemical traits, we assessed how varying levels of water stress influence resource allocation and stress mitigation mechanisms. Under full irrigation (100% of crop water evapotranspiration) throughout the growing season and during sensitive growth periods, trees exhibited increased stomatal density, leaf area, and higher leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents, traits associated with enhanced growth and photosynthetic capacity. Meanwhile, under RDI treatments, with a 20% water reduction during sensitive periods and 40% during non-sensitive periods, Menara trees showed increased leaf tissue density and accumulation of polyphenols. SDI treatments, however, triggered higher concentrations of osmoprotectants (glycine, sugars, and proline), reduced stomatal density, and smaller leaf area associated with increased stomatal size. Principal component analysis revealed a major trade-off between growth-related and stress-protective traits, primarily driven by water availability during phenological growth stages. Notably, the strength of this trade-off was positively associated with olive fruit yield, underscoring the importance of strategically timed irrigation in balancing physiological resilience and productivity. These findings emphasize the crucial role of irrigation strategy in modulating functional responses of olive trees to water deficit, offering insights into optimizing water use under future climate scenarios. Full article

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols are recognized for their beneficial effects on human health, yet how their concentration shapes biological outcomes remains insufficiently explored. While a daily intake of 25 mL EVOO is generally regarded as beneficial for cardiovascular protection, the high-phenolic EVOO examined in this study contains markedly higher levels of polyphenols than most EVOOs reported previously. This suggests that oils richer in polyphenols may exert distinct biological effects. To investigate this, we compared extracts from a standard EVOO and a naturally high-phenolic EVOO, along with their key phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol (Tyr). Antioxidant effects were assessed by quantifying intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in THP-1-derived macrophages stimulated with LPS by analyzing inflammatory surface markers’ expression, cytokines’ production, and the NLRP3-inflammasome pathway. Atheroprotective potential was investigated by measuring cholesterol efflux in J774 macrophages. Both EVOO polyphenols extracts and (HT and Tyr) significantly reduced ROS and lipid peroxidation. High phenolic EVOO extract (EVOOPE+) displayed superior antioxidant activity at lower concentrations, while standard EVOO phenolic extract (EVOOPE) showed more consistent effects across doses. Both extracts favored an anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype, as indicated by increased CD163 and IL-10 expression and reduced CD86, IFN-α, and NLRP3. Moreover, all treatments enhanced cholesterol efflux in a dose-dependent manner, with EVOOPE+ and HT producing the strongest effects. Collectively, these results highlight the capacity of EVOO polyphenols to modulate, through key bioactivity mechanisms, cardioprotective effects and emphasize the importance of polyphenols concentration in their biological efficacy. Full article