Search Results (27)

Unconventional yeasts, most notably those belonging to the genus Yarrowia, are garnering mounting interest from the scientific community due to their considerable promise in biotechnological applications. In the scientific literature, most attention is devoted to the species Y. lipolytica. The present work focuses on presenting the detailed phenotypic and metabolic characteristics of other less studied species, such as Y. bubula, Y. deformans, Y. phangngensis, and Y. alimentaria. The review includes a comprehensive analysis of Yarrowia species, focusing on their taxonomy, ecology, physiology, and industrial potential. These yeasts demonstrate significant variability in terms of temperature tolerance, substrate utilization, enzymatic activity, and lipid accumulation. A comparative analysis of strain collections, genomic features, and published biochemical studies is conducted. Several described species possess characteristics that are suitable for many applications, including protease production, adaptation to low temperatures, and synthesis of valuable lipids and sugar alcohols. This review also presents a regulatory framework supporting the safe use of Yarrowia yeast species in food, feed, and pharmaceuticals, and discusses the genetic background of those microorganisms. Although Y. lipolytica is the most prevalent species in current applications, the growing knowledge of other Yarrowia species suggests significant untapped potential. It is imperative that further comparative, safety application, and genomic studies be conducted in order to fully exploit this diversity for the purpose of sustainable biotechnological innovation. Full article

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a toxin-producing cyanobacterium that is easy to overlook. It has strong environmental adaptability and is currently spreading around the world and gradually dominating to form a persistent bloom, causing ecological and environmental risks and drinking water safety issues. In this study, we systematically investigated the inhibitory effects of oleic acid on C. raciborskii and elucidated the underlying mechanisms through morphological observation, physiological assays, and bioinformatics analysis. Our results demonstrated that oleic acid strongly inhibits the growth of C. raciborskii, with a 72 h half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 0.903 mg·L⁻¹. At 1.6 mg·L⁻¹, oleic acid achieved an inhibition rate of 99.5% within 48 h, indicating rapid suppression of cyanobacterial growth. Physiological analyses revealed that oleic acid severely impaired photosynthetic activity, as evidenced by significant reductions in key parameters (rETRmax, α, Fv/Fm, and Fv/Fo) and altered photosynthetic pigment composition, suggesting structural and functional damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Morphological observations further showed that oleic acid disrupted filament integrity, inducing cell shrinkage, cytoplasmic vacuolation, cell wall detachment, membrane rupture, and eventual cellular disintegration. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis indicated that oleic acid interferes with multiple metabolic processes, including nutrient and cofactor synthesis, membrane transport, and signal transduction, ultimately triggering algal cell death. This study highlights oleic acid as a promising eco-friendly agent for mitigating C. raciborskii blooms, offering potential applications in ecological prevention and emergency bloom control. Full article

Cotinus coggygria is a widespread medicinal and aromatic species known for its ecological plasticity, pharmacological potential, and cultivation prospects. Despite its broad distribution across heterogeneous habitats, little is known about how local ecological and pedochemical factors influence its physiological traits and secondary metabolite production. This study addresses this knowledge gap by analyzing the eco-physiological and phytochemical variability of C. coggygria across six natural populations differing in substrate type and geochemical conditions. The research reveals significant inter-population variability in element accumulation, oxidative stress markers, morphometric traits, and the qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils and phenolic compounds. Soil analyses demonstrated notable differences in element concentrations (e.g., Ca, Fe, Co, Zn) across localities, correlating with geochemical conditions. Morphological traits, such as leaf size and petiole length, varied significantly, with pronounced differences observed in plants from thermophilous and metalliferous habitats. Oxidative stress, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was highest in populations from thermophilous habitats. Phenolic compound analysis revealed locality-specific differences, with plants from thermophilous habitats exhibiting the highest concentrations of gallic acid, catechin, and rutin. Essential oil yield and composition also varied: leaves from metalliferous habitats had the highest monoterpene hydrocarbon content, while bark samples from thermophilous habitats showed elevated sesquiterpene levels. This comprehensive analysis underscores the interplay between habitat-specific conditions and the physiological and biochemical processes of C. coggygria. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing substrate conditions and ecological management, with implications for the cultivation of the species to enhance the synthesis of bioactive compounds. These results support sustainable land use practices and the development of high-value plant-based products, offering significant implications for agriculture, pharmacology, and ecosystem restoration. Future studies should further explore the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying this species’ adaptability and resource optimization in heterogeneous environments. Full article

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are one of the most widespread enzyme superfamilies in the biological world. In insects, P450 proteins play a crucial role in the synthesis of endogenous substances and the metabolism of xenobiotics. To date, extensive research has been conducted on P450 gene-mediated detoxification and metabolism across multiple insect species. While Chironomidae species—dominant benthic organisms inhabiting diverse ecological niches and playing critical ecological roles—remain largely uncharacterized in terms of P450 protein annotation, with the exception of a single study on Propsilocerus akamusi. In this study, we expanded the annotation scope by identifying the P450 protein genes in eight additional Chironomidae species. A total of 577 P450 protein genes were annotated across the eight species, which could be classified into the following four distinct clans: 50 belonging to the CYP2 clan, 258 to the CYP3 clan, 198 to the CYP4 clan, and 71 to the Mito clan. Phylogenetic analysis using Drosophila melanogaster as an outgroup revealed that the CYP2 clan and the Mito clan are highly conserved during evolution, while the CYP3 clan and the CYP4 clan have undergone significant expansion. Most P450 proteins in Chironomidae species exhibit clear orthologous relationships with their D. melanogaster counterparts. Our research contributes to a better understanding of the evolutionary processes and the physiological functions of P450 proteins in Chironomidae species and lays the foundation for elucidating the role of P450 in environmental adaptability among the Chironomidae species inhabiting diverse habitats. Full article

Liriope muscari is a medicinal and ornamental herbaceous plant with significant economic value, as its tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. However, the current production of medicinal plants is characterized by wasteful use of resources and ecological risks caused by the unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizers. In this study, based on uniform application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, six nitrogen application levels were set in pot experiments (expressed as N): N0: 0 kg/ha, N1: 208.33 kg/ha, N2: 416.66 kg/ha, N3: 625 kg/ha, N4: 833.33 kg/ha, N5: 1041.66 kg/ha). The morphological characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, tuber yield and quality, and seven nitrogen fertilizer utilization indices of L. muscari were analyzed and measured. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to investigate the mechanism by which nitrogen influences its growth and development, photosynthetic characteristics, tuber yield and quality, and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. The results showed that (1) nitrogen significantly promoted plant height, crown width, tiller number, and chlorophyll synthesis, with the N3 treatment (625 kg/ha) reaching the peak value, and the crown width and tiller number increasing by 26.44% and 38.90% compared to N0; the total chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate increased by 39.67% and 77.04%, respectively, compared to N0; high nitrogen (N5) inhibited photosynthesis and increased intercellular CO₂ concentration; (2) Fresh weight of tuberous roots, polysaccharide content, and saponin C content peaked at N3 (34.67 g/plant, 39.89%, and 0.21%), respectively, representing increases of 128.69%, 28.37%, and 33.66% compared to N0; (3) Nitrogen uptake, nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, agronomic utilization efficiency, and apparent utilization efficiency were optimal at N3, while high nitrogen (N4–N5) reduced nitrogen fertilizer efficiency by 40–60%; (4) SEM analysis indicated that tiller number and transpiration rate directly drive yield, while stomatal conductance regulates saponin C synthesis. Under the experimental conditions, 625 kg/ha is the optimal nitrogen application rate balancing yield, quality, and nitrogen efficiency. Excessive nitrogen application (>833 kg/ha) induces photosynthetic inhibition and “luxury absorption”, leading to source-sink imbalance and reduced accumulation of secondary metabolites. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the precise management of nitrogen in Liriope-type medicinal plants. It is expected to alleviate the contradictions of “high input, low output, and heavy pollution” in traditional fertilization models. Full article

As emerging contaminants increasingly detected in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, environmental estrogens (EEs) pose significant ecological risks to marine ecosystems, particularly affecting photosynthetic microorganisms occupying fundamental roles in marine food webs. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the toxicological effects of EEs in marine microalgae through a systematic analysis of dose-dependent physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses. Experimental evidence reveals a biphasic response pattern characterized by growth promotion and photosynthetic enhancement in microalgae under low-concentration EE exposure (0.1–10 μg/L), while marked inhibition of both growth and photosynthetic activity was observed at elevated EE concentrations (>50 μg/L). Notably, sustained EE exposure induces metabolic reprogramming, manifested through reduced protein and polysaccharide biosynthesis concurrent with accelerated lipid accumulation. Cellular stress responses include significant ultrastructural alterations such as chloroplast membrane disruption, cell wall thickening, and the formation of multicellular aggregates. The study further elucidates the concentration-dependent modulation of toxin metabolism, with sublethal doses stimulating intracellular microcystin synthesis (1.5–2.3-fold increase), while acute exposure triggers toxin release through membrane permeabilization. At molecular levels, transcriptomic analyses identify the up-regulation of heat shock proteins (HSP70/90) and the differential expression of genes governing cell cycle progression (cyclin-D), apoptotic pathways (caspase-3), photosynthetic electron transport (psbA), and oxidative stress responses (SOD, CAT). These findings demonstrate that EEs exert multilevel impacts on microalgal physiology through interference with fundamental metabolic processes, potentially disrupting marine primary productivity and biogeochemical cycles. The identified response mechanisms provide critical insights for environmental risk assessment and establish a conceptual framework for investigating estrogenic pollutant effects in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

The sustainable growth of finfish farming relies heavily on reducing the high ecological footprint of sourcing and producing fish feeds that accounts for almost 50% of the total ecological footprint of finfish farming. Sustainable alternatives to fishmeal often pose challenges due to the presence of antinutritional factors and nutrient imbalances that impair fish health and growth. Screening for alternative nutrient sources and adapting to global commodity fluctuations requires modern tools that can predict the physiological responses of fish early and reliably. The present study explores for the first time the potential of fish red blood cell (RBC) transcriptome as a minimally invasive biomarker of physiological responses in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed either a fishmeal-based (FM) or a plant-protein-based (PP) diet. Blood samples were collected at multiple time points (15, 20, and 30 days post-diet initiation) from genetically diverse full-sib families reared under commercial conditions, integrating transcriptomic analysis with long-term growth assessments. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significant dietary effects on oxidative phosphorylation, ribosomal capacity, and lipid metabolism pathways, highlighting metabolic plasticity and cellular adaptations to plant-based feeds. The downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation genes suggests a metabolic shift in response to altered nutrient composition, while ribosomal pathway modulation indicates potential constraints on protein synthesis. These transcriptomic shifts, conserved across two independent experiments, reinforce the utility of RBCs as a real-time indicator of fish physiological status, offering a tool for monitoring dietary impacts and optimizing feed formulations. Such insights are essential for advancing sustainable, nutritionally balanced aquaculture feeds that support fish welfare and productivity. The minimally invasive sample collection respects the 3Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace) principle in animal experimentation and allows for frequent screening and generation of refined data. Full article

The long-term coexistence of sea cucumber-associated microorganisms with their host enables them to jointly withstand the unique marine ecological environment, and possess great potential for producing various natural products. However, under conventional laboratory conditions, most biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in these microorganisms remain silent, necessitating the establishment of effective activation strategies for exploring bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs). Histone acetylation status regulates chromatin structure and plays a crucial role in cellular physiology and fungal secondary metabolism. Penicillium sclerotiorum SD-36 was isolated from sea cucumbers in our previous study. Genome sequencing results indicate that this strain harbors as many as 52 BGCs, suggesting it holds a wealth of genetic resources essential for synthesizing diverse SMs. Here, we describe the impact of a class 1 histone deacetylase (HDAC), PsHos2, on secondary metabolism of sea cucumber-associated Penicillium sclerotiorum SD-36. The colony morphology and SM profile of ΔPsHos2 exhibited significant changes, with the emergence of multiple new compound peaks. Six compounds, including five azaphilones, which are characterized by a pyranoquinone core structure, were isolated from ΔPsHos2, and seventeen unreported potential azaphilone-related nodes were obtained using molecular networking based on LC-MS/MS. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PsHos2 influenced the expression of 44 BGC core genes. Specifically, seven genes within cluster 86.1, the putative BGC for azaphilones, were upregulated, including two polyketide synthase (PKS) genes. The results indicate that regulation based on class 1 HDACs is an important strategy for enhancing SM synthesis in sea cucumber-associated fungi and expanding the resources of marine natural products. Full article

Based on the homemade Physiological and Ecological Comprehensive Analysis System for Aquatic Animals (PECA-BES01), this study compared the behavioral responses of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) at three temperature gradients using two behavioral monitoring techniques as follows: infrared tracking and quadrupole impedance. The experiment employed comprehensive behavioral strength monitoring and infrared tracking (with tracked coordinates converted to swimming velocity data) to reflect behavioral changes. Within a certain temperature range, the behavioral strength and swimming velocity of carp increased with increasing temperature, which indicated heightened activity. The average behavioral strength and swimming velocity during light conditions (over three temperature gradients) were greater than during dark conditions. The circadian rhythm of carp becomes unstable at high temperatures, which shows abnormal periodicity with earlier occurrences of diurnal time points. Results from the system’s two behavioral monitoring methods were largely consistent and confirmed the reliability of PECA-BES01 in monitoring aquatic organism behavior. Simultaneously, each of the two technologies has its own characteristics. Quadrupole impedance can be used to monitor the behavioral response of fish to different water depths, whereas infrared tracking can be used to monitor the behavioral response of fish to different flow velocities. Therefore, both behavioral strength monitoring and infrared tracking monitoring are effective techniques for monitoring fish behavior and can be widely applied. This study provides scientific support for koi carp cultivation and other aquatic species aquaculture, while also aiming to deliver high-quality methodology for online monitoring of aquatic organisms. Full article

Broussonetia papyrifera is a deciduous tree with significant economic and medicinal value. It demonstrates notable physiological adaptability to mining areas with severe manganese contamination and is a pioneering species in the field of ecological restoration. Flavonoids are vital secondary metabolites that improve plant resilience to environmental stresses. In the study presented herein, immature and mature fruits of B. papyrifera grown in normal and high manganese environments were used as the test materials. B. papyrifera fruit was subjected to transcriptome sequencing via high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze its flavonoid metabolic pathways and related genes. Transcriptome sequencing identified a total of 46,072 unigenes, with an average length of 1248 bp and a percentage of Q30 bases ranging from 92.45 to 93.17%. Furthermore, 31,792 unigenes (69% of the total) were annotated using eight databases, including the GO and KEGG. Analysis of KEGG metabolic pathways and flavonoid content trends in B. papyrifera fruits revealed four unigenes with strong links to the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway under manganese stress: flavone 3-hydroxylase, flavonoids 3′,5′-O-methyltransferase, chalcone synthase, and flavonol synthase. These unigenes may play important roles in regulating flavonoid synthesis in B. papyrifera fruits under manganese stress. This study lays the groundwork for functional gene research in B. papyrifera. Full article

Camellia drupifera, a valuable woody oil crop, holds significant ecological, economic, and medicinal importance. Its seed maturation involves intricate physiological changes, particularly the interplay between oil biosynthesis and sugar metabolism. This study investigates sugar accumulation and the expression dynamics of sugar metabolism-related unigenes during three key developmental stages of C. drupifera fruit: the nutrient synthesis stage (NS), fat accumulation stage (FA), and maturation stage (MS). The findings reveal distinct differences in sugar content and regulatory mechanisms across the stages. The NS stage emerges as a critical period for sugar metabolism, characterized by peak levels of soluble sugars and fructose alongside a significantly elevated expression of sugar metabolism-related unigenes. The significant correlation between sucrose content and gene expression suggests a crucial role of carbohydrates in fruit maturation. Transcriptomic analysis identified key differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) in sugar metabolism pathways, which qRT-PCR further validated. These results offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating sugar metabolism during C. drupifera fruit development. At the same time, it provides a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement and effective utilization of other oil crops, supporting their broader agricultural and industrial applications. Full article

The ion adsorption rare earth (IARE) mining areas in southern China frequently experience severe seasonal drought, posing significant challenges to plant growth. This study investigates the hypothesis that rare earth elements (REEs) present in these mining areas induce drought resistance in Dicranopteris pedata (D. pedata). An experiment was designed with three drought stress intensities (0%, 5%, and 10% PEG6000) and three levels of rare earth element (REE) addition (none, low, and high). After 72 h of drought stress, physiological indices and metabolomic profiles of D. pedata were examined. The results showed that under drought conditions, the REE additions increased the catalase and peroxidase activities of D. pedata by 99.04% and 81.25%, respectively, and the contents of proline, soluble proteins, and soluble sugars by 97.52%, 71.24%, and 61.81%, respectively. Metabolomic analysis revealed up-regulation of lipid and lipid-like molecules, as well as flavonoid metabolism, which contribute to improved drought resistance in D. pedata under stress. Furthermore, REE addition further up-regulated flavonoid and anthocyanin synthesis compared to drought stress alone, enhancing the plant’s resilience to drought. These findings suggest that D. pedata responds to drought stress by modulating enzyme activities, osmoregulatory substances, and metabolic pathways upon REE exposure. This study underscores the dual role of REEs in enhancing both the drought tolerance and enrichment capacity of D. pedata in IARE mining areas, which is crucial for sustaining plant growth amidst drought stress, and provides new ideas for the ecological restoration and sustainable development of IARE mining areas. Full article

Blue fescue is a widely used ornamental grass because of its strong ecological adaptability. To maintain the optimal ornamental plant shape, blue fescue requires many nutrients and labor. Using dwarf varieties with slow growth is an effective way to fulfill these requirements. In this study, we investigated the dwarfing mechanism of dw-1, a blue fescue dwarfing mutant, using physiological, transcriptomic, and proteomic methods. The peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity and chlorophyll content of dw-1 significantly increased, while the lignin, gibberellin (GA), and indoleacetic acid (IAA) content significantly decreased. A total of 7668 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected using RNA-seq, of which 2543 were upregulated and 5125 were downregulated. A total of 165 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected using iTRAQ, of which 68 were upregulated and 97 were downregulated. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the diterpene biosynthesis pathway, tryptophan metabolism pathway, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway were significantly enriched at both the transcriptional and protein levels. As a result, we can formulate the following hypothesis about the dw-1 dwarfing phenotype: the downregulation of genes and proteins related to IAA and GA biosynthesis is associated with the dwarf phenotype’s formation, and metabolic pathways related to lignin synthesis, such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, also play an important role. Our work will contribute to a new understanding of the genes and proteins involved in the blue fescue dwarf phenotype. Full article

Krascheninnikovia arborescens, an endemic shrub in China, thrives in desertification-prone environments due to its robust biomass, hairy leaves, and extensive root system. It is vital for ecological restoration and serves as a valuable forage plant. This study explored the molecular mechanisms underlying K. arborescens’ adaptation to desert conditions, focusing on its physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic responses to drought, salt, and alkali stresses. The results revealed that the three stresses have significant impacts on the photosynthetic, antioxidant, and ion balance systems of the plants, with the alkali stress inducing the most pronounced changes and differential gene expression. The clustering and functional enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) highlighted the enrichment of the induced genes in pathways related to plant hormone signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and transcription factors following stress treatments. In these pathways, the synthesis and signal transduction of abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene, as well as the flavonoid and lignin synthesis pathways, and transcription factors such as MYB, AP2/ERF, bHLH, NAC, and WRKY responded actively to the stress and played pivotal roles. Through the WGCNA analysis, 10 key modules were identified, with the yellow module demonstrating a high correlation with the ABA and anthocyanin contents, while the turquoise module was enriched in the majority of genes related to hormone and phenylpropanoid pathways. The analysis of hub genes in these modules highlighted the significant roles of the bHLH and MYB transcription factors. These findings could offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms that enable the adaptation of K. arborescens to desert environments, enhancing our understanding of how other desert plants adapt to harsh conditions. These insights are crucial for exploring and utilizing high-quality forage plant germplasm resources and ecological development, with the identified candidate genes serving as valuable targets for further research on stress-resistant genes. Full article

The escalating impact of human activities has led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in marine environments, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems. As essential components of oceanic ecosystems, large seaweeds such as Caulerpa lentillifera play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This study investigated the effects of MPs and cadmium (Cd) on the growth, physiology, biochemistry, and Cd accumulation in C. lentillifera while elucidating the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. The results demonstrated that exposure to MPs alone significantly promoted the growth. In contrast, exposure to Cd either alone or in combination with MPs significantly suppressed growth by reducing stem and stolon length, bud count, weight gain, and specific growth rates. Combined exposure to MPs and Cd exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effect on growth. MPs had negligible impact while Cd exposure either alone or combined with MPs impaired antioxidant defenses and exacerbated oxidative damage; with combined exposure being the most detrimental. Analysis of Cd content revealed that MPs significantly increased Cd accumulation in algae intensifying its toxic effects. Gene expression analysis revealed that Cd exposure down-regulated key genes involved in photosynthesis, impairing both photosynthetic efficiency and energy conversion. The combined exposure of MPs and Cd further exacerbated these effects. In contrast, MPs alone activated the ribosome pathway, supporting ribosomal stability and protein synthesis. Additionally, both Cd exposure alone or in combination with MPs significantly reduced chlorophyll B and soluble sugar content, negatively impacting photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation. In summary, low concentrations of MPs promoted C. lentillifera growth, but the presence of Cd hindered it by disrupting photosynthesis and antioxidant mechanisms. Furthermore, the coexistence of MPs intensified the toxic effects of Cd. These findings enhance our understanding of how both MPs and Cd impact large seaweed ecosystems and provide crucial insights for assessing their ecological risks. Full article