Search Results (1,483)

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect and lyse bacterial cells. Since their discovery 110 years ago, they have held a unique place in microbiology, medicine, and agriculture as both scientific tools and potential therapeutic agents. The concept of employing phages to combat bacterial infections, known as phage therapy, predates the antibiotic era and has undergone cycles of enthusiasm, neglect, and revival. Initially explored in the early 20th century, phage therapy offered a targeted biological approach to bacterial disease control. However, the widespread adoption of antibiotics led to a significant reduction in phage research, which only regained momentum in recent decades owing to the global rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increasing demand for environmentally sustainable disease management strategies. This review traces the complete timeline of this history, highlighting key milestones in phage discovery, molecular microbiology, the antibiotic era, and the resulting critical events that spurred the modern phage renaissance in plant disease management. Finally, the significance of cutting-edge integration of synthetic biology, advanced phage delivery systems, and artificial intelligence (AI), which could drive the development of next-generation biopesticides, is also discussed. Full article

Understanding the formation mechanisms of plant hydrothermal niches is a core issue in ecology. This study focused on 362 woody plant species in eastern China to investigate the effects of leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and their ratio (N/P) on hydrothermal niches and to assess the role of phylogenetic signals. Our results showed that all niche parameters exhibited significant yet varying strengths of phylogenetic signals, with thermal niche signals generally stronger than those of hydric niches. Leaf N and P were significantly correlated with thermal niche dimensions (e.g., breadth and lower limits), whereas leaf N/P and P primarily drove variation in hydric niche dimensions (e.g., breadth and upper limits). This study confirms the asymmetric and dimension-specific influences of leaf nutrients on hydrothermal niches, highlights the necessity of controlling for phylogenetic history in trait-niche research, and provides new perspectives for understanding plant environmental adaptation and evolution. Full article

Tenthredinidae (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinoidea), the most species-rich sawfly family, features a controversial subfamily classification, particularly regarding Eriocampa Hartig, 1837, Conaspidia Konow, 1898, and their relatives. In this study, we sequenced and characterized 15 complete mitochondrial genomes from Eriocampa, Eriocampopsis Takeuchi, 1952, and Conaspidia, and reconstructed the phylogeny of Tenthredinidae using a mitogenomic dataset including 69 species from 16 subfamilies. The mitochondrial genomes of these genera exhibited genus-specific tRNA rearrangements within the IQM and ARNS1EF clusters. Phylogenetic analyses using both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference consistently recovered (Eriocampa + Eriocampopsis + Conaspidia) as a monophyletic lineage distinct from other subfamilies of Tenthredinidae. Divergence-time estimates indicate that the Eriocampa lineage diverged from other tenthredinids around the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene boundary (~70 Ma) and diversified during the Eocene. This timing coincides with the radiation of their host plants (Araliaceae, Betulaceae, and Juglandaceae). We also compared the morphology of Eriocampinae with that of other subfamilies of Tenthredinidae and summarized the diagnostic characters of Eriocampinae. Integrating morphological and mitogenomic evidence supports the recognition of Eriocampinae Rohwer, 1911 stat. nov. This study not only clarifies the phylogenetic position of these genera but also provides new insights into the coevolutionary history between sawflies and angiosperms. Full article

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with a rising global prevalence. Mulberry leaf (ML), a traditional medicinal and edible plant, possesses notable hypoglycemic effects and has a long history of usage. This review aims to systematically consolidate the research progress on the hypoglycemic constituents derived from ML, including their chemical structure, extraction methods, quality analysis techniques, and hypoglycemic mechanisms. (2) Methods: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science and PubMed databases to find relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025. (3) Results: This review evaluates both conventional and modern techniques such as water extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), highlighting their advantages and limitations when applied on ML. Additionally, this review examines the analytical techniques applied in the quality control of ML and its constituents. This is complemented by a summary of hypoglycemic mechanisms, focusing on the inhibition of oxidative stress, amelioration of insulin resistance, regulation of related enzyme activity, and modulation of gut microbiota. (4) Conclusions: ML demonstrates considerable potential for treating diabetes. However, further studies are needed for new drug discovery based on new ML-derived bioactive constituents, highly efficient extraction methods, quality analysis techniques, and underlying mechanisms. Full article

AIG1 (avrRpt2-induced gene 1)-like proteins are a class of GTPases that play crucial roles in plants, functioning both in chloroplast protein import and disease resistance. However, their evolutionary history and the mechanisms driving this functional diversification remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a comprehensive genomic and evolutionary analysis of this gene family across the plant kingdom. We identified 90 AIG1-like genes from 11 sequenced plant species, representing major lineages from green algae to angiosperms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that plant AIG1-like proteins form three monophyletic lineages corresponding to the Toc34, Toc159, and IAN subfamilies, which originated via two ancient duplications predating the divergence of green algae and land plants. These lineages exhibit dramatically divergent evolutionary patterns. The Toc34 subfamily is evolutionarily conserved, maintaining stable copy numbers and gene structure, indicative of strong functional constraints in its core role in plastid import. In contrast, the Toc159 and IAN subfamilies have undergone dynamic expansion via lineage-specific duplication mechanisms, including segmental duplication and prolific tandem duplication, respectively. Notably, we uncovered a novel mechanism for generating head-to-head tandem duplicates in the IAN subfamily, mediated by recombination between inverted repeats. Our analysis of ancestral gene numbers and gene gain/loss dynamics further highlights that functional diversification was driven by both the acquisition of distinct C-terminal targeting domains (M and TM domains) and profound differences in evolutionary rates and duplication modes among subfamilies. This study provides the first full-scale evolutionary framework for plant AIG1-like genes, establishing that functional specialization is rooted in distinct modes of sequence and genomic evolution. Full article

Squamosa promoter binding protein (SBP) plays a vital role in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses. The genus Notopterygium is an endangered perennial herbaceous plant mainly distributed in the high-altitude Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent areas, which possibly occurred the adaptive evolution to the extreme environmental conditions. In this study, we firstly determined the genome-wide structural characteristics, evolutionary history, and expression profiles of the SBP family genes in Notopterygium species by using genome, transcriptome, and DNA resequencing data. We have also investigated the response patterns of SBPs of N. franchetii to the drought and high-temperature stresses. The 21, 18, and 18 SBP family genes of three Notopterygium species, N. incisum, N. franchetii, and N. forrestii, were, respectively, identified and classified into eight subfamilies, with four subfamily members regulated by miR156. The structure analysis showed that the members of the same SBP subfamily had similar structures and conserved motif composition. Cis-element analysis suggested that those SBP genes may have been essential to the growth and environmental adaptation of Notopterygium. The expansion of the SBP gene family was mainly caused by the whole genome duplication/segmental duplication and transposable element duplication. Evolutionary analysis showed the SBP gene family experienced severe contraction events and most of the gene copies underwent purification selection. Population genetics analysis based on SBPs variations suggested that the genus Notopterygium species have obvious genetic structure and interspecific differentiation. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR experiments demonstrated that the expressions of SBPs genes in Notopterygium were not species-specific, but tissue-specific. NinSBP08 and NinSBP10/12 may have played the key roles in heat tolerance and drought resistance, respectively. These results provided novel insights into the evolutionary history of the SBP gene family in the endangered herb Notopterygium species in the high-altitude Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent areas. Full article

Insect pollination, a critical ecological process, pre-dates the emergence of angiosperms by nearly 200 million years, with fossil evidence indicating pollination interactions between insects and non-angiosperm seed plants during the Late Paleozoic. This review examines the symbiotic relationships between insects and gymnosperms in pre-angiosperm ecosystems, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. Fossil records suggest that the mutualistic relationships between insects and gymnosperms, which facilitated plant reproduction, were as intricate and diverse as the modern interactions between angiosperms and their pollinators, particularly bees. These early pollination systems likely involved specialized behaviors and plant adaptations, reflecting a sophisticated evolutionary dynamic long before the advent of flowering plants. The Anthropocene presents a dichotomy: while climate change and anthropogenic pressures threaten insect biodiversity and risk disrupting angiosperm reproduction, such upheaval may simultaneously generate opportunities for novel plant–insect interactions as ecological niches are vacated. Understanding the deep evolutionary history of pollination offers critical insight into the mechanisms underlying the resilience and adaptability of these mutualisms. The evolutionary trajectory of bees—originating from predatory wasps, diversifying alongside angiosperms, and reorganizing after mass extinctions—exemplifies this dynamic, demonstrating how pollination networks persist and reorganize under environmental stress and underscoring the enduring health, resilience, and adaptability of these essential ecological systems. Full article

Investigating plant responses to climate change is critical for understanding phylogeography and devising conservation strategies. This study focuses on the Lycoris aurea (L’Hér.) Herb. complex in East Asia, a system characterized by high cytotype diversity (2n = 12–16), to test whether ecological niche differentiation drives its spatio-temporal evolution. We integrated dynamic niche modeling to reconstruct distribution dynamics from the Last Interglacial (LIG) to the future (2100). Results indicate that mainland China populations have expanded northward since the LIG, establishing their current patterns, while island populations (Taiwan, Ryukyu) remained relatively stable due to geographic constraints. Under future warming scenarios, the complex is projected to further expand northward. We identified key migration corridors, with high inter-cytotype connectivity in the Sichuan-Hubei region and intra-cytotype migration in the Yunnan Plateau and Nanling region. Although the two dominant cytotypes currently exhibit niche equivalency, they show distinct climatic sensitivities—Cytotype II is driven by precipitation and Cytotype IV by temperature—and are projected to diverge spatially in the future. These findings elucidate the evolutionary history of L. aurea and provide a reference for the conservation and utilization of Lycoris germplasm. Full article

Worldwide, prostate cancer (PC) has a rising incidence and is the sixth leading cause of death globally, especially with increasing cases in developing countries. Risk factors for PC include genetic predisposition, family history, race/ethnicity, and various occupational factors like diet, obesity, smoking, and transmitted diseases. The Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway can be activated by hormones, cytokines, and growth factors, and it plays a role in many vital biological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, immune regulation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT3 can lead to cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. In cancers, including PC, STAT3 promotes cell survival, progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Inhibitors targeting JAK and STAT3 tested in vivo have shown potential to inhibit malignant cell growth. Additionally, flavonoids are bioactive plant compounds that are important in preventing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer. Research indicates that natural flavonoids can be developed into cancer-preventive and therapeutic agents. Experimental studies have demonstrated that some flavonoids can inhibit PC development. The main goal of this review is to present the incidence and risk factors of PC, the JAK/STAT3 pathway and its inhibitors, and how flavonoids may influence this pathology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly diet, are important for preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the evidence regarding this from prospective studies is limited in the Asian population. We therefore evaluated whether a diet-inclusive healthy lifestyle score (HLS) predicts incident T2D in a community-based cohort. Methods: We analyzed 7185 T2D-free adults from the KoGES Ansan–Ansung cohort, constructing the HLS (range: 0–5) based on five lifestyle factors: non-smoking, ≥30 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, low-risk alcohol consumption (≤40 g/day for men; ≤20 g/day for women), BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m², and a healthy diet, defined as a healthy plant-based diet index within the top 40th percentile. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to examine the association between HLS and incident T2D risk. Results: During a median follow-up of 17.5 years, 1223 cases of T2D were identified. Compared to individuals with a score of 0 or 1, those with a score of 5 had a 56% lower risk of T2D after adjustment for potential confounders (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.32–0.62), and these associations remained consistent across subgroups stratified by age, sex, family history of T2D, hypertension, and residential area. However, the association was stronger among non-users of anti-diabetic medication than among users. Conclusions: Adherence to a healthier lifestyle, as indicated by a higher HLS, was significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing T2D among Korean adults. These findings underscore the importance of promoting integrated healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent T2D. Full article

In this study, we investigate the Suvarṇabhūmi area, corresponding to central–southern Mainland Southeast Asia. We test the hypothesis that this region, located to the south of the Himalayan foothills, can be characterised as a convergence zone in which diverse entities involving humans, animals, and artefacts have significantly diverged from their related counterparts outside the area. We argue that this process of convergence was facilitated by the Maritime Silk Road trade networks, which were particularly active between the 3rd century BCE and the 9th century CE. Comparative data are derived from multiple scientific disciplines, including linguistic typology, onomastics, epigraphy, archaeology, and evolutionary biology. This includes typological features of language, toponyms, inscriptions, glass bead chemistry and related material culture, and phylogenetic data from patterns of endemism to illustrate parallel convergence scenarios observed for each data type. The results reveal recurring patterns of convergence. Linguistic, technological, and biological entities tend to diverge from their original forms and realign with predominant regional types when entering the Suvarṇabhūmi area. The spread of Indic and Sinitic linguistic and cultural elements, the adaptation and development of Brāhmī scripts into distinct local forms, the secondary manufacturing of glass beads, and unique genetic lineages in mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and plants all point to the region’s role as a dynamic interaction sphere. We argue that Suvarṇabhūmi functions as an ecological system, in which trajectories of convergence are notable across a number of individual aspects of cultural and biological diversity. Altogether, these components have contributed to shaping the region’s distinctive natural and cultural history. Full article

The phenomenon of transgene silencing was first observed shortly after the generation of the initial transgenic plants. The vast body of experimental data accumulated since then constitutes an invaluable resource for dissecting the mechanisms of epigenetic gene regulation. Silencing operates at either the transcriptional (TGS) or post-transcriptional (PTGS) level and is predominantly mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Although these two epigenetic pathways involve distinct sets of proteins and enzymes, they share fundamental mechanistic features: the generation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), its processing into siRNAs by DICER-LIKE (DCL) enzymes, and the assembly of an Argonaute-centered effector ribonucleoprotein complex (RISC). Guided by sequence-specific siRNAs, this complex identifies complementary target sequences with high precision. A comprehensive understanding of these regulatory pathways enables the targeted induction or suppression of specific plant genes. This review traces the history of experimental findings regarding the loss of recombinant gene activity in transformants and their progeny, which collectively established the foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of transgene silencing. Full article

Exposure to plant protection products (pesticides) is common among agricultural workers and may represent an underrecognized cause of mucocutaneous disease. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey in agricultural communities in southern Thailand (August–November 2025) to estimate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and dermatology-specific quality-of-life impact of pesticide-attributed symptoms. Agricultural workers with pesticide use or exposure within the preceding 12 months were recruited via convenience sampling; participants provided consent and completed standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing demographics, pesticide exposure history and application practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, self-reported cutaneous and mucosal symptoms (ocular and oral/nasal), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Of the 354 eligible individuals, 228 participated in the study, and 226 were included in the analyses. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR], 15), and 82.7% were male. Overall, 14.6% reported pesticide-attributed cutaneous symptoms, 5.3% reported ocular mucosal symptoms, and 0.4% reported oral/nasal mucosal symptoms. Cutaneous manifestations were predominantly symptoms occurring after exposure, with pruritic, erythematous eruptions affecting the arms and hands that typically resolved within 1–7 days after cessation of exposure. Among symptomatic participants, the median DLQI was 0.5 (IQR 3.0); however, DLQI scores were significantly higher among participants who reported pesticide-attributed cutaneous symptoms (p < 0.001) and ocular symptoms (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that pesticide-associated mucocutaneous effects are generally mild yet clinically meaningful, underscoring the need to strengthen PPE training, risk communication, and occupational health surveillance in agricultural settings. Full article

Murundus fields (wetland earth-mounds) represent a relatively understudied physiognomy in the Cerrado biome. This study aimed to evaluate the composition, life history, phytosociology, endemism, and conservation status of woody plant species in murundus fields in a forestry-dominated landscape in the Brazilian savanna. We established 40 plots, each measuring 50 × 20 m, where all live shrub-arboreal plants with a trunk diameter at the base of ≥1 cm and a height > 0.5 m were identified. Using these data, we calculated the absolute and relative values of density, dominance, and frequency, as well as the importance value index. In addition, we estimated Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices and Pielou’s equability index. Our findings included 155 species, 69 genera, and 38 families in the study area. The invasive exotic species Pinus caribaea Morelet showed the highest importance value, followed by Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) DC., Miconia albicans (Sw.) Steud., Erythroxylum suberosum A.St.-Hil., and Miconia fallax DC. The pronounced presence of P. caribaea is a matter of concern and highlights the need for control measures, given its potential to hinder the regeneration of native species. We identified species occurring in various Cerrado phytophysiognomies, suggesting that murundus fields function as transitional habitats. This study underscores the importance of conserving species within the inadequately studied Cerrado physiognomy. Full article

Lavender is a perennial Mediterranean plant that has been cultivated throughout history for medicinal, aromatic, and cosmetic purposes. Due to its high economic and commercial value, it has become an important agricultural product worldwide. The low production cost, adaptability to environmental conditions, and demand for its versatile use in the global market make it a significant potential source of income for developing Mediterranean countries. This study aims to identify commercially suitable cultivation sites for Lavandula angustifolia Mill. using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies to support rural development. Within this scope, suitable cultivation habitat parameters for the species in open fields and natural conditions were determined; these parameters were weighted according to their importance using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and thematic maps were created for each parameter. The created maps were combined using weighted overlay analysis, and a final map was generated according to the suitability class. The results indicate that within the study area, 75,679.45 ha is mostly suitable, 388,832.71 ha is moderately suitable, 24,068.43 ha is marginally suitable, and 229,327.20 ha is not suitable. As a result, it has been observed that Lavandula angustifolia Mill., which is currently cultivated on approximately 4045 ha of land and contributes 429 tons of product to the regional economy, covers only a relatively small portion of the suitable cultivation sites identified in the study and is not utilized to its full potential. It is understood that the expansion of lavender cultivation in determined suitable sites has significant potential to substantially develop the region and its rural population in terms of both yield and production volume, and to involve women and youth entrepreneurs in agricultural employment. Full article