Search Results (197)

Zinc (Zn) deficiency poses a major global health challenge, and wheat grains generally contain low Zn concentrations. In this study, the wheat cultivar ‘Zhongmai 175’ was identified as zinc-efficient. Hydroponic experiments demonstrated that Zn deficiency induced the secretion of oxalic acid and malic acid in root exudates and significantly increased total root length in ‘Zhongmai 175’. To elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms, transcriptome profiling via RNA sequencing was conducted under Zn-deficient conditions. A total of 2287 and 1935 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in roots and shoots, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were primarily associated with Zn ion transport, homeostasis, transmembrane transport, and hormone signaling. Key DEGs belonged to gene families including VIT, NAS, DMAS, ZIP, tDT, HMA, and NAAT. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, particularly lignin synthesis genes, was significantly downregulated in Zn-deficient roots. In shoots, cysteine and methionine metabolism, along with plant hormone signal transduction, were the most enriched pathways. Notably, most DEGs in shoots were associated with the biosynthesis of phytosiderophores (MAs, NA) and ethylene. Overall, genes involved in Zn ion transport, phytosiderophore biosynthesis, dicarboxylate transport, and ethylene biosynthesis appear to play central roles in wheat’s adaptive response to Zn deficiency. These findings provide a valuable foundation for understanding the molecular basis of Zn efficiency in wheat and for breeding Zn-enriched varieties. Full article

Rye regeneration in anther cultures is problematic and affected by albino plants. DNA methylation changes linked to Cu²⁺ ions in the induction medium affect reprogramming microspores from gametophytic to sporophytic path. Alternations in S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), glutathione (GSH), or β-glucans and changes in DNA methylation in regenerants obtained under different in vitro culture conditions suggest a crucial role of biochemical pathways. Thus, understanding epigenetic and biochemical changes arising from the action of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ that participate in enzymatic complexes may stimulate progress in rye doubled haploid plant regeneration. The Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism approach was implemented to identify markers related to DNA methylation and sequence changes following the quantification of variation types, including symmetric and asymmetric sequence contexts. Reverse-Phase High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) connected with mass spectrometry was utilized to determine SAM, GSH, and glutathione disulfide, as well as phytohormones, and RP-HPLC with a fluorescence detector to study polyamines changes originating in rye regenerants due to Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺ presence in the induction medium. Multivariate and regression analysis revealed that regenerants derived from two lines treated with Cu²⁺ and those treated with Zn²⁺ formed distinct groups based on DNA sequence and methylation markers. Zn²⁺ treated and control samples formed separate groups. Also, Cu²⁺ discriminated between controls and treated samples, but the separation was less apparent. Principal coordinate analysis explained 85% of the total variance based on sequence variation and 69% of the variance based on DNA methylation changes. Significant differences in DNA methylation characteristics were confirmed, with demethylation in the CG context explaining up to 89% of the variance across genotypes. Biochemical profiles also demonstrated differences between controls and treated samples. The changes had different effects on green and albino plant regeneration efficiency, with cadaverine (Cad) and SAM affecting regeneration parameters the most. Analyses of the enzymes depend on the Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺ ions and are implemented in the synthesis of Cad, or SAM, which showed that some of them could be candidates for genome editing. Alternatively, manipulating SAM, GSH, and Cad may improve green plant regeneration efficiency in rye. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sweet potato is a tropical and subtropical crop and its growth and yield are susceptible to low-temperature stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the low temperature stress of sweetpotato are unknown. Methods: In this work, combined transcriptome and metabolism analysis was employed to investigate the low-temperature responses of two sweet potato cultivars, namely, the low-temperature-resistant cultivar “X33” and the low-temperature-sensitive cultivar “W7”. Results: The differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) of X33 at different time stages clustered in five profiles, while they clustered in four profiles of W7 with significant differences. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in X33 and W7 at different time points clustered in five profiles. More DEGs exhibited continuous or persistent positive responses to low-temperature stress in X33 than in W7. There were 1918 continuously upregulated genes and 6410 persistent upregulated genes in X33, whereas 1781 and 5804 were found in W7, respectively. Core genes involved in Ca²⁺ signaling, MAPK cascades, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway, and transcription factor families (including bHLH, NAC, and WRKY) may play significant roles in response to low temperature in sweet potato. Thirty-one common differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified in the two cultivars in response to low temperature. The KEGG analysis of these common DEMs mainly belonged to isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, ABC transporters, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Five DEMs with identified Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were selected for correlation analysis. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the carbohydrate metabolism, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism pathways were significantly enriched and played vital roles in low-temperature resistance in sweet potato. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant cold tolerance and offer targets for molecular breeding efforts to enhance low-temperature resistance. Full article

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

It is necessary to explore possibilities to increase agricultural production in environmentally friendly ways while maintaining the quality standards of plant raw materials. The effect of amino acids on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) development may stimulate biomass accumulation and enhance the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Investigated varieties “Rosie”, “Red Opal”, “Bordeaux”, “Dark Opal”, “Red Rubin”, “Genovese”, “Cinamon”, “Italiano Classico”, “Marseillais”, and “Thai” were cultivated in a controlled-environment growth chamber and the impact of isoleucine, methionine, glutamine, tryptophan, phenylalanine was studied on biomass accumulation, chlorophyll and phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Five to six true leaves plants were treated once with an aqueous solution containing 100 mg L⁻¹ of the mentioned amino acids or received no treatment. Our results show that methionine or tryptophan improved the most fresh and dry weight of shoot system of sweet basil plants. Methionine increased chlorophyl a content in 6 of 10 sweet basil varieties, while glutamine had the greatest results in chlorophyl b content. Phenylalanine increased total phenolic content in most treated plants, as well as antioxidant activity. Amino acids may be applied as useful biostimulants in modern agriculture, as they play an important role in ensuring sustainable crop productivity, fostering beneficial plant properties. Full article

Neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, as well as epilepsy, affect millions of people. Due to their impact on patients’ quality of life, they represent a major health issue. Natural compounds are arising as new treatments for these diseases. Particularly, glucosinolates (GLS) are secondary metabolites found in Cruciferae family plants. Their basic structure consists of a glucose unit linked to a thiohydroximate-O-sulfonate group and an aliphatic, aralkyl, or indolyl side chain, depending on their precursor amino acid. Specifically, aliphatic GLS derive from methionine, aromatic ones from phenylalanine, and indolic ones from tryptophan. Myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase) is the crucial enzyme for GLS degradation, leading to the production of isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs attracted considerable scientific interest for their protective effects against various diseases, thanks to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Here, we collected the latest evidence regarding ITC effects in neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, including preclinical and clinical studies published in the last decade. These studies evidenced ITCs’ neuroprotective effects, exerted mainly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, ITCs’ integration, also through the diet, may represent a safe and efficacious strategy to improve health and limit the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, new large-scale trials are needed to determine their therapeutic potential, particularly for diseases with no clinical evidence. Full article

Background: With growing interest in healthy lifestyles, protein bars have gained popularity. However, many commercial bars contain excessive calories, sugar, and artificial additives that undermine their health benefits. This study aimed to develop a protein bar using natural ingredients with a balanced macronutrient profile. Method: The protein bar formulation used soy protein extract, a plant-based protein source, known for its complete amino acid profile but limited in methionine, which was complemented by oats to nutritionally balance this deficiency. A database was created to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of commercially available protein bars based on consumer feedback. The experimental bar was tested for nutritional value, shelf life, and physiological impact, using only natural ingredients for texture, flavor, and stability. Results: The experimental protein bar had higher protein and fiber content than a selected commercial bar but a shorter shelf life (7 days vs. 90 days) due to the absence of preservatives. The database helped identify target consumer groups and ensure the product was affordable and nutritionally effective. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that using natural, complementary ingredients can create a protein bar with a more balanced nutrient profile while avoiding harmful additives. The final product supports muscle protein synthesis through its high-quality protein content and promotes glycemic control and satiety via its fiber-rich, low-sugar formulation and metabolic processes, offering a healthier alternative to commercial options, with a focus on consumer health and cost-effectiveness. Full article

Saccharina japonica (S. japonica) is a large-scale intertidal aquatic plant that exhibits characteristics such as rhizoid, holdfast, and blade differentiation. It demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. However, compared with higher plants, details about its phytohormone content, distribution, synthesis, and accumulation remain poorly understood. In this study, the phytohormone contents distribution and expression patterns of synthetic genes in different parts of S. japonica, including the rhizoid, petiole, basis, middle, and tip, were analyzed in detail by combining targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses. A total of 20 phytohormones were detected in S. japonica, including auxin, abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin (CTK), ethylene (ETH), gibberellin (GA), jasmonate acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA), with significant site-differentiated accumulation. ABA and JA were significantly enriched in the tips (28.01 ng·g⁻¹ FW and 170.67 ng·g⁻¹ FW, respectively), whereas SA accumulated specifically only in the rhizoid. We also identified 12 phytohormones, such as gibberellin A1, methyl jasmonate, and trans-zeatin for the first time in S. japonica. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the tissue-specific expression of phytohormone biosynthesis genes, such as CYP735A (CTK synthesis), in the rhizoids and LOX/NCED (JA/ABA synthesis) in the tips. Key pathways, such as carotenoid biosynthesis and cysteine methionine metabolism, were found to be differentially enriched across tissues, aligning with hormone accumulation patterns. Additionally, an enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes between various parts indicated that different parts of S. japonica performed distinct functions even though it does not have organ differentiation. This study is the first to uncover the distribution characteristics of phytohormones and their synthetic differences in different parts of S. japonica and elucidates how S. japonica achieves functional specialization through non-specific phytohormone regulation despite lacking organ differentiation, which provides an important theoretical basis for research on the developmental biology of macroalgae and their mechanisms of response to adversity. Full article

Background: Melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, has seen significant therapeutic advances with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, many patients fail to respond or develop resistance, creating the need for adjunct strategies. Objective: The objective of this study is to critically evaluate how specific dietary patterns and nutrient-derived metabolites modulate melanoma metabolism and immunotherapy outcomes, emphasizing translational implications. Methods: We performed an integrative review of preclinical and clinical studies investigating dietary interventions in melanoma models and ICI-treated patients. Mechanistic insights were extracted from studies on nutrient transport, immunometabolism, and microbiome–immune interactions, including data from ongoing nutritional clinical trials. Results: Diets rich in fermentable fibers, plant polyphenols, and unsaturated lipids, such as Mediterranean and ketogenic diets, seem to contribute to the reprogramming of tumor metabolism and enhance CD8+ T-cell activity. Fasting-mimicking and methionine-restricted diets modulate T-cell fitness and tumor vulnerability via nutrient stress sensors (e.g., UPR, mTOR). High fiber intake correlates with favorable gut microbiota and improved ICI efficacy, while excess protein, methionine, or refined carbohydrates impair immune surveillance via lactate accumulation and immunosuppressive myeloid recruitment. Several dietary molecules act as network-level modulators of host and microbial proteins, with parallels to known drug scaffolds. Conclusions: Integrating dietary interventions into melanoma immunotherapy can significantly influence metabolic reprogramming by targeting metabolic vulnerabilities and reshaping the tumor–immune–microbiome axis. When combined with AI-driven nutrient–protein interaction mapping, this approach offers a precision nutrition paradigm that supports both physicians and patients, emerging as a novel layer to enhance and consolidate existing therapeutic strategies. Full article

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the molecular mechanism of methionine supplementation on the growth of gibel carp. In the study, the following five groups were included: the control group (FM) was fed with a high-plant protein diet as basal diet, and four treatment groups were supplemented with 0.25% crystalline methionine (CM₅₀), 0.50% crystalline methionine (CM₁₀₀), 0.25% coated methionine (HM₅₀) or 0.50% coated methionine (HM₁₀₀), respectively. Each group consisted of four replicates of 25 fish each. The weight gain rate and specific growth rate of gibel carp in the HM₁₀₀ group were significantly higher than the FM group. The hepatopancreas transcriptomic (n = 4) and metabolomic (n = 6) analysis for the FM group and HM₁₀₀ group showed that the significantly differential metabolites mainly related to amino acid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Additionally, some genes that were significantly different in these two groups were involved in energy metabolism and transmembrane transporter activity. Therefore, the improvement of fish growth by 0.50% coated methionine supplementation might be achieved through altering amino acid and energy-related metabolism in hepatopancreas, which provides new insights for understanding the impact of methionine on the growth of fish. Full article

The failure to promptly eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to the oxidation of biological macromolecules such as proteins, which is a key factor in chilling injury (CI) in harvested fruits and vegetables. Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) is a class of redox proteins that reduce methionine sulfoxide (MetSO) in oxidized proteins back to methionine (Met), thereby restoring protein function. In recent years, the role of Msr in protecting fruits and vegetables from CI has attracted increasing research interest. This review summarizes the classification, distribution, and subcellular localization of Msr in plants and examines its roles and regulatory mechanisms in mitigating CI. The discussion focuses on postharvest CI, ROS dynamics, and Msr-related regulatory pathways. This review provides insights into improving plant quality and enhancing cold resistance through genetic engineering. Full article

Sulfur is an intermediate element in plants. It plays an important role in the growth and development of plants. Plant roots absorb sulfate from their external environment and produce cysteine under the catalysis of cysteine synthase. Cysteine is a synthetic precursor of sulfur-containing metabolites and critical molecules including glutathione (GSH), methionine, vitamins, coenzymes, and antioxidants. It also plays a central role in plant stress resistance. In this study, we identified the Cys family genes in tomato and analyzed the expression of SlCys genes under cold stress. A bioinformatics analysis showed that the SlCys gene promoters were rich in cis-acting elements related to stress response. Transcriptome data analysis and qRT-PCR (real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction) experiments showed that SlCys5 may be the key gene in the Cys gene family for cold tolerance in tomato. After cold stress treatment, the SlCys5-silenced tomato plants were more sensitive to cold stress, and wilting was more severe than in control plants. Thus, SlCys5 is a positive regulator of cold tolerance in tomato. In this study, we elucidated the evolutionary pattern and functional differentiation of the Cys gene family in tomato, deepening our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of cold stress tolerance in plants. Full article

Acid rain has many negative effects on the ecological environment and poses serious abiotic stress onto plants, resulting in substantial ecological and economic impairments annually. Ilex chinensis, a well-known medicinal plant, is sensitive to acid rain, but its response mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we simulated sulfuric acid rain (SAR), mixed acid rain (MIX), and nitric acid rain (NAR) at different pH values to investigate their effects on growth condition, photosynthesis, antioxidants, and nitrogen metabolites. We also explored the metabolic pathways and key genes involved in the response of I. chinensis to acid rain through transcriptome analysis. Physiological analysis showed that I. chinensis suffered the most significant inhibition at pH 3.0, which is manifested in the decrease in height growth rate, specific leaf weight, photosynthetic pigments content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate; the increase in MDA content and SOD activity; and the reduction in glutamine synthetase activity, nitrogen content, and proline content. Transcriptome analysis isolated 314 and 21 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from I. chinensis treated with acid rain at pH 3.0 for 5 d and 15 d, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis found that different types of acid rain caused changes in multiple metabolic pathways of I. chinensis, and the shared DEGs in 5 d treatment were mainly enriched in ribosomes, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis/glycolysis, etc. The shared DEGs in 115 d treatment were mainly enriched in sulfur metabolism, RNA polymerase, cysteine and methionine metabolism, etc. Further research on gene regulatory networks at the two time points showed that the key pathways of I. chinensis, in response to acid rain stress, include plant–pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, etc., in which 6 hub genes were identified, including TRINITY_DN13584_c0_g1, TRINITY_DN164_c0_g4, TRINITY_DN654_c0_g1, TRINITY_DN13611_c1_g2, TRINITY_DN21290_c0_g2, TRINITY_DN44216_c0_g1. Our findings provide a basis for exploring the regulatory mechanisms of I. chinensis in response to acid rain at the physiological and molecular levels, and for identifying candidate genes with acid tolerance potential. Full article

Saline-alkali stress is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening crop growth. Cotton, as a “pioneer crop” that can grow in saline and alkali lands, is of great significance for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of plant response to stresses. Upland cotton has thus become a model plant for researchers to explore plant responses to saline-alkali stresses. In this study, RNA sequencing was employed to analyze tissue-specific expression of root tissues of TM-1 seedlings 20 min after exposure to compound saline-alkali stress. The RNA-Seq results revealed significant molecular differences in the responses of different root regions to the stress treatment. A total of 3939 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from pairwise comparisons between the non-root tip and root tip samples, which were primarily enriched in pathways including plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Combined with the expression pattern investigation by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments, a key gene, GhERF2 (GH_A08G1918, ethylene-responsive transcription factor 2-like), was identified to be associated with saline-alkali tolerance. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), the GhERF2-silenced plants exhibited a more severe wilting phenotype under combined salt-alkali stress, along with a significant reduction in leaf chlorophyll content and fresh weights of plants and roots. Additionally, these plants showed greater cellular damage and a lower ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to the stress. These findings suggest that the GhERF2 gene may play a positive regulatory role in cotton responses to salt-alkali stress. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cotton response to compound saline-alkali stress, but also provide a foundation for future molecular breeding efforts aimed at improving cotton saline-alkali tolerance. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the potential of a nitrogen-fixing endophyte, Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23, as a sustainable biofertilizer in peach (Prunus persica) cultivation. We compared three treatments: a control with soil application of ammonium sulfate (250 kg ha⁻¹) and two endophyte foliar applications at different doses: a single high-dose application (M.SYM500 at 500 kg ha⁻¹) and a split half-dose application (M.SYM250 at 250 kg ha⁻¹ applied twice). The first application was made at the fruit stage’s appearance, and the second when the fruits were fully developed. Key assessments included chlorophyll content and shoot growth, which were evaluated at 52 and 100 days after application (DAA), with continued growth benefits observed through 193 DAA. Evaluations were conducted of fruit characteristics, amino acid profiles, and plant tissues of leaves for nitrogen and phosphorus at 107 DAA (harvest). The M.SYM500 treatment notably enhanced fruit weight and increased specific amino acids, such as glutamic acid, methionine, and phenylalanine, contributing to improved fruit quality and resistance properties. No significant differences in °Brix (total soluble solid) levels were observed among treatments, indicating that photosynthetic gains were likely directed towards biomass and structural growth rather than sugar accumulation. This study demonstrates that nitrogen-fixing endophytes can be effective in reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers while sustaining or improving peach growth and fruit quality. Full article