Search Results (387)

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) is the primary regulator of carbon fixation in the plant kingdom. Although the large subunit (RBCL) is the site of catalysis, RuBisCO efficiency is also influenced by the sequence divergence of the small subunit (RBCS). This project compared the RBCS gene family in C3 and C4 grasses to identify genetic targets for improved crop photosynthesis. Triticeae/Aveneae phylogeny groups exhibited a syntenic tandem duplication array averaging 326.1 Kbp on ancestral chromosomes 2 and 3, with additional copies on other chromosomes. Promoter analysis revealed a paired I-box element promoter arrangement in chromosome 5 RBCS of H. vulgare, S. cereale, and A. tauschii. The I-box pair was associated with significantly enhanced expression, suggesting functional adaptation of specific RBCS gene copies in Triticaeae. H. vulgare-derived pan-transcriptome data showed that RBCS expression was 50.32% and 28.44% higher in winter-type accessions compared to spring types for coleoptile (p < 0.05) and shoot, respectively (p < 0.01). Molecular dynamics simulations of a mutant H. vulgare Rubisco carrying a C4-like amino acid substitution (G59C) in RBCS significantly enhanced the stability of the Rubisco complex. Given the known structural efficiency of C4 Rubisco complexes, G59C could serve as an engineering target for enhanced RBCS in economically crucial crop species which, in comparison, possess less efficient Rubisco complexes. Full article

Cell proliferation plays a pivotal role in multiple physiological processes, including osteoporosis alleviation, wound healing, and immune enhancement. Numerous novel peptides with cell proliferation-promoting activity have been identified. These peptides exert their functions by modulating key cellular signaling pathways, thereby regulating diverse biological processes related to cell proliferation. This work summarizes peptides derived from animals and plants that stimulate cell proliferation, focusing on their amino acid composition, physicochemical properties, and preparation techniques. Furthermore, we highlight the major signaling pathways—such as the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways—that have been implicated in the mechanistic studies of food-derived peptides. Through the analysis and summary of previous studies, we observe a notable lack of in vivo animal models and clinical trials, indicating that these may represent promising directions for future research on food-derived bioactive peptides. Meanwhile, the potential safety concerns of proliferation-enhancing peptides—such as immunogenicity, appropriate dosage, and gastrointestinal stability—warrant greater attention. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the sources and mechanisms of cell proliferation-promoting peptides and addresses the challenges in industrializing bioactive peptide-based functional foods; therefore, further research in this area is encouraged. Full article

Dietary protein is an essential macronutrient derived from both plant and animal sources required for muscle building, immune function, and wound healing. However, in the United States, protein consumption worsens as individuals age, with 30% of men and 50% of women over 71 consuming inadequate dietary protein due to a variety of factors, including changes in gut function, loss of appetite, tooth loss, financial concerns, and social isolation. The aim of this review is to underscore the need for increased protein requirements in aging populations, highlight potential barriers, synthesize these protein requirements, and also recommend strategies to meet these increased protein needs. Achieving adequate protein status, especially when facing chronic or acute health concerns, is essential to promote muscle and bone strength (because aging is associated with significant decreases in postprandial muscle protein synthesis), to support immune health (due to immunosenescence), and to maintain a good quality of life. For older adults, the literature suggests that a dietary protein intake of at least 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day is required in healthy, aging populations, and intakes of 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day are necessary for those with chronic or acute conditions. These protein intake recommendations can increase to 2.0 g/kg/day in more severe cases of illness, malnutrition, and chronic conditions. The reviewed literature also suggests that evenly balanced protein distributions of 25–30 g of dietary protein (0.4 g/kg) per meal from animal and plant protein sources alike are sufficient to maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates in older populations. Additionally, pre-sleep protein feeds of 40 g/night may be another strategy to improve daily MPS and amino acid utilization. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable pet-food solutions has driven interest in alternative protein sources, as researchers seek to avoid allergenic foods while maintaining optimal pet nutrition. This review explores recent scientific publications, patent trends, and market trends relating to various alternative protein sources, including plant-based, aquatic, insect-derived, and cell-based sources. Their nutritional composition, functional properties, and potential benefits for pet health were assessed. Plant-based proteins, such as soy, pea, and lentils, provide essential amino acids and functional properties suitable for meat analogues. Microalgae and seaweed offer rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Insect-based proteins such as black-soldier-fly larvae and mealworms are highly digestible and rich in essential nutrients, with additional benefits for gut health. Emerging cell-based proteins present a novel, lab-grown alternative with promising sustainability and nutritional advantages. While these protein sources offer significant benefits, challenges related to digestibility, palatability, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance must be addressed. The emphasis of the present research is on current developments for industry uses and future potential. The analysis sheds light on the contributions of alternative protein sources to the promotion of sustainable and nutrient meals for pets. Full article

Soybean meal (SBM) is extensively used as a predominant protein source in animal feed. However, raw soybean cannot be directly utilized in animal feed, due to the presence of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTi) and the Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor (BBi). These antinutritional factors inhibit the digestive enzymes in animals, trypsin and chymotrypsin, resulting in poor animal performance. To inactivate the activity of protease inhibitors, SBM is subjected to heat processing, a procedure that can negatively impact the soybean protein quality. Thus, it would be beneficial to develop soybean varieties with little or no trypsin inhibitors. In this study, we report on the creation of experimental soybean lines with significantly reduced levels of Bowman–Birk protease inhibitors. RNA interference (RNAi) technology was employed to generate several transgenic soybean lines. Some of these BBi knockdown soybean lines showed significantly lower amounts of both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities. Western blot analysis revealed the complete absence of BBi in selected RNAi-derived lines. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis demonstrated a drastic reduction in the seed-specific expression of BBi genes in the transgenic soybean lines during seed development. Confocal fluorescence immunolabeling studies showed that the accumulation of BBi was drastically diminished in BBi knockdown lines compared to wild-type soybeans. The absence of BBi in the transgenic soybean did not alter the overall protein, oil, and sulfur amino acid content of the seeds compared to wild-type soybeans. The seed protein from the BBi knockdown lines were more rapidly hydrolyzed by trypsin and chymotrypsin compared to the wild type, indicating that the absence of BBi enhances protein digestibility. Our study suggests that these BBi knockdown lines could be a valuable resource in order for plant breeders to incorporate this trait into commercial soybean cultivars, potentially enabling the use of raw soybeans in animal feed. Full article

The tea tree root system is an important tissue for nutrient uptake, accumulation, and transport, and pH is an important environmental factor regulating the growth of tea tree (Camellia sinensis). However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of how the tea tree root system responds to pH are unclear. In this study, Tieguanyin tea tree was used as the research object, and treated with different pH values to determine the morphological indexes of the tea plant root system and systematically study the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the effect of pH on the growth of the tea plant root system using transcriptomics in combination with metabolomics. The results showed that total root length, root surface area, root volume, total root tips, root fork number, and root crossing number of root crosses of the tea plant root system increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing pH. Transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 2654 characteristic genes were obtained in response to pH regulation in the root system of the tea plant, which were mainly enriched in six metabolic pathways. Metabolomics analysis showed that the metabolites with the highest contribution in differentiating tea plant responses to different pH regulations were mainly heterocyclic compounds, amino acids and derivatives, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Interaction network analysis showed that pH positively regulated the metabolic intensity of the MAPK signaling pathway (plant, plant hormone signal transduction, and RNA degradation pathway), positively regulated the content of the heterocyclic compound, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids, and positively regulated tea plant root growth. However, it negatively regulated ribosome, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway intensity, and negatively regulated the flavonoid content. This study reveals the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the tea plant root system in response to pH changes and provides an important theoretical basis for the cultivation and management of tea plants in acidified tea plantations. 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

The escalating environmental and health concerns regarding conventional meat consumption have intensified the global search for sustainable dietary alternatives. Plant-based foods and meat substitutes have emerged as promising solutions. These products aim to replicate the sensory and nutritional attributes of meat while mitigating ecological impacts. This review examined the current scenario of plant-based foods and meat substitutes, focusing on their environmental footprints, health implications, innovative ingredient developments, consumer acceptance, and the use of analytical tools in quality control. Life cycle assessments indicate that plant-based foods and meat substitutes significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to animal-based products. These alternatives offer benefits like lower saturated fat. However, they still struggle to match the amino acid composition of meat. Consumer acceptance is influenced by factors including taste, texture, and cultural perceptions, and still requires sensory improvement. Innovations in ingredient sourcing, like the use of legumes, mycoproteins, and fermentation-derived components, are enhancing product quality and diversity. Furthermore, analytical tools such as electronic noses, electronic tongues, spectroscopy, and chemometric methods ensure product consistency and fulfill consumer expectations. By synthesizing interdisciplinary insights, this review offers an integrated perspective to guide future research and development in the field of meat alternatives. Full article

Microbial contamination is the leading cause of foodborne diseases and spoilage in food and personal care products. Previous studies by our group have demonstrated that vine tea extract (VTE) and dihydromyricetin (DMY) inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. In this study, we further explored the inhibitory mechanisms of VTE and DMY against E. coli through a label-free proteomics approach. The proteomic analysis detected 130 and 81 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in E.coli following VTE and DMY treatment, respectively. The analysis indicated that VTE and DMY inhibit bacterial growth through multiple-target mechanisms. Specifically, they inhibit E. coli growth by disrupting the cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance pathway, amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Additionally, VTE disrupts various secondary metabolic pathways, while DMY interferes with E. coli ribosome assembly and function, and disrupts cell membrane lipid homeostasis by interfering with fatty acid metabolism. RT-qPCR validation confirmed transcriptional alterations in genes encoding key target proteins. Molecular docking results indicated that DMY may affect bacterial protein synthesis, cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance, and transcriptional regulation by binding to target proteins such as RplB, RplV, LpxA, and YafC. In conclusion, this study systematically deciphered the multi-target inhibitory mechanisms of VTE and DMY against E. coli, providing a theoretical basis for developing plant-derived antimicrobial agents. Full article

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because of the risks it poses to native plant communities. Life history traits, such as high growth and reproductive rates, and a high capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions may contribute to its invasive properties. Biotic stressors, such as herbivores, pathogens, and competing plant species are known to exert significant selective pressure on the plant’s survival, distribution, and abundance. L. leucocephala has been reported to contain several compounds involved in the defense functions against these biotic stressors. A large amount of L-mimosine, a non-protein amino acid, was found in all plant parts of L. leucocephala, including its flowers. L-Mimosine is toxic to herbivorous mammals and insects, parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and neighboring competing plant species by inactivating various essential enzymes and blocking DNA replication, and/or inducing oxidative stress conditions. Several flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, and/or derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids are toxic to parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and competing plant species by disrupting plasma membrane structures and functions, and various metabolic processes. These compounds may represent the invasive traits of L. leucocephala that have undergone natural selection during the evolution of the species. They may contribute to the defense functions against the biotic stressors, and increase its survival, distribution, and abundance in the introduced ranges. This is the first review to focus on the compounds involved in the defense functions against biotic stressors. Full article

Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary plant extracts can inhibit the development of lipid droplets (LDs) and oxidized LDs (oxLDs) in hepatic cells. These findings suggest that such extracts may be beneficial in combating metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its more advanced stage, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We examined nine Allium extracts (ALs: AL1–9) to assess their capacity to decrease lipid droplet accumulation (LDA) and oxidative stress by suppressing lipid formation and oxidation in liver cells. Among the Allium extracts tested, AL6 exhibited significant inhibitory effects against LDA. Furthermore, we employed our lipidomic method to assess the accumulation and suppression of intracellular triacylglycerol (TAG) and oxidized TAG hydroperoxide [TG (OOH) n = 3] by AL6 in liver cells under oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA) loading conditions. These findings indicate that foods derived from Allium species prevent the formation of lipid droplets by decreasing intracellular lipids and lipid hydroperoxides in the hepatocytes. Analysis of the metabolome of bioactive lipid droplet accumulation inhibition (LDAI) AL6 using LC-MS/MS and 1D-NMR [¹H, ¹³C, DEPT 90, and 135] techniques revealed that AL6 is primarily composed of carbohydrates, glucosidic metabolites, and organosulfur compounds, with small amounts of polyols, fatty acyls, small peptides, and amino acids. This implies that AL6 could be a valuable resource for developing functional foods and drug discovery targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and related disorders. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable dietary options has intensified the development of plant-based meat analogues. Despite growing market availability, these products often fail to replicate conventional meat’s sensory and nutritional properties. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has emerged as a promising biotechnological approach to enhance the quality of plant-derived protein ingredients. This review summarizes recent findings on the use of SSF in meat analogue production, focusing on microbial strains, substrate selection, and fermentation conditions. The reviewed studies indicate that SSF improves protein digestibility, enhances essential amino acid profiles, reduces anti-nutritional factors, and generates desirable flavour compounds. Furthermore, SSF offers advantages over submerged fermentation in energy and water efficiency, supporting its application in sustainable food processing. The findings highlight SSF’s potential to address key limitations of current meat alternatives and its relevance for developing nutritionally adequate and sensory-appealing products. Integration of SSF into plant-based protein processing may play a critical role in advancing environmentally friendly protein systems. Full article

Vicia species are of great value in ecological restoration, soil improvement, and the development of a forage resource. In 2024, a novel pod disease affecting four-seeded vetches (Vicia tetrasperma) emerged in Rongchang District, China, leading to severe yield loss. After obtaining the main pathogenic strain, FVS1, through the tissue isolation method, which was verified according to Koch’s postulates, and by combining morphological characteristics with multigene phylogenetic analysis, FVS1 was identified as Fusarium proliferatum. The biological properties indicated that the most suitable culture medium of the fungus was oatmeal agar (OA), with the optimum growth temperature 25 °C and the lethal temperature being 35 °C. FVS1 exhibited insensitivity within a pH range of 7 to 9, as well as high adaptability to variations in light duration. To elucidate the physiological and biochemical changes in four-seeded vetches in response to FVS1 infection, non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified 379 differential metabolites, mainly comprising organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and phenylpropanoids and polyketides. The results demonstrated that F. proliferatum primarily induced the disease by influencing alterations in the secondary metabolites associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and flavonoid biosynthesis. Four-seeded vetches improved tolerance to the fungus by accumulating histidine, aspartic acid, arginosuccinate, ethanolamine, glycerophosphocholine, naringenin, and catechin. Trichoderma harzianum (M3) had the best control effectiveness, and the inhibition rate was 60.68%. This study, for the first time, revealed that F. proliferatum caused a pod disease in four-seeded vetches. We analyzed the mechanism of plant–pathogen interaction and screened potential biocontrol strains, providing a theoretical basis for regional disease management. Full article

The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical quality of cauliflower cultivated in soil types typical of the Campania region: loam and clay. Three fertilization treatments were tested, an unfertilized control, vermicompost (140 kg N ha⁻¹), and mineral fertilizer (MIN), at the same nitrogen rate. The results showed that vermicompost more significantly improved plant growth compared to the unfertilized control, particularly in loam soil, where the biomass and the leaf number increased by 160% and 335%, respectively. In clay soil, vermicompost enhanced nutrient availability, leading to a 159% biomass increase relative to the control. While mineral fertilization resulted in the highest yields, vermicompost improved the antioxidant capacity and influenced the amino acid composition, particularly in clay soil, where it enhanced the total amino acid content by 35% over that of the control. Additionally, vermicompost increased the quantity of soil organic matter and moderated the oxidative stress responses, suggesting long-term benefits for soil health. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost as an effective and sustainable soil amendment, particularly in regions with intensive livestock farming and nitrate-sensitive environments. Further research is needed to optimize its integration with conventional fertilization strategies to maximize the agronomic and environmental benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived secondary metabolites have long contributed to the discovery of novel therapeutic agents, especially in the treatment of parasitic and infectious diseases in developing countries. Metabolomics provides a systems-level approach to understanding plant biochemistry, enabling the discovery of secondary metabolites with pharmacological relevance. Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), widely known for its rubber-producing capabilities, remains underexplored as a medicinal plant. Given the well-established therapeutic properties of Taraxacum officinale and the emerging pharmacological profiles of related species, this study investigates the metabolic composition of TKS roots and leaves to uncover bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or hepatoprotective potential. Methods: Widely targeted metabolomics was conducted on 10-month-old field-grown Kultevar™ TKS plants using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Samples were hand-harvested and preserved on dry ice to maintain biochemical integrity. Metabolite identification and classification were performed using the MWDB and KEGG databases. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate metabolic variation between tissues. Results: A total of 1813 metabolites were identified, including flavonoids, alkaloids, lipids, amino acids, and phenolic compounds. Differential analysis revealed 964 significantly altered metabolites—609 downregulated and 355 upregulated in roots relative to leaves. Multivariate analysis confirmed clear tissue-specific metabolic profiles. KEGG pathway enrichment highlighted the involvement of flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism pathways, suggesting bioactive potential. This study presents the first comprehensive metabolic profile of TKS, highlighting its potential value beyond rubber production. The detection of numerous therapeutic secondary metabolites supports its promise as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical resource. Further functional validation of identified compounds is warranted. Full article