Saved Queries

Over the past decade, an increasing number of functional microbial-like terpene synthases (MTPSLs) have been reported in non-seed plants. However, whether the traditional Chinese medicinal plant H. serrata harbors such enzymes and their corresponding functions remains unexplored. In this study, we mined the transcriptome of H. serrata and identified a microbial-like terpene synthase, HsMTPSL1, which produces multiple diterpene products. Following isolation and structural elucidation, seven distinct compounds were obtained, representing three skeletal types: spatane, prenylkelsoene-type, and biflorane. Among these, compound 7 is a novel biflorane diterpene. Structural analysis and subsequent mutagenesis revealed critical residues governing the formation of distinct skeletons, uncovering the multifunctional nature of this enzyme. Notably, the S224A mutation significantly enhanced the production of spatane diterpene compound 1 by 11.6-fold, demonstrating the potential for protein engineering to improve the yield of this bioactive marine-specific diterpene. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that HsMTPSL1 is highly expressed in sporangia, and co-expression analysis with cytochrome P450s identified the CYP781 subfamily as candidates potentially involved in the downstream modification of these skeletons. Collectively, we report the first MTPSL from H. serrata and characterize it as a multifunctional diterpene synthase. Through structure-guided mutagenesis, we uncovered the molecular basis of its functional versatility, with the S224A mutation providing a powerful tool for enhancing the yields of all three diterpene skeletons, thereby laying a foundation for future protein engineering and synthetic biology applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Biology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4385 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Climate Warming on Cropland Water Use Efficiency in Northeast China Based on BESS Satellite Data

by Fenfen Guo, Haoran Wu, Zhan Su, Yanan Chen, Jiaoyue Wang and Xuguang Tang

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(8), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18081223 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Understanding the long-term dynamics of cropland water use efficiency (WUE) and its underlying environmental drivers is essential for ensuring food and water security, particularly for regions facing intensified climate change. Here, we investigated the spatial patterns and long-term trends of gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), and WUE in cropland ecosystems across Northeast China during the past two decades as the nation’s primary commodity grain base using the time-series Breathing Earth System Simulator (BESS) products. Subsequently, the ridge regression method was used to quantitatively disentangle the relative contributions of key climatic variables to the observed WUE trends of cropland. Our results revealed a pronounced decreasing gradient in both GPP and ET along the southeast–northwest direction. A significant increase in GPP was observed over the 20-year period (p < 0.01), with 95.94% of the cropland area showing positive trends. ET showed a slight, non-significant increase (p > 0.05), though 82.77% of pixels exhibited positive trends, particularly in the northwest. Consequently, WUE showed a widespread and significant enhancement (p < 0.01), with approximately 98% of cropland pixels exhibiting increasing trends. Attribution analysis identified air temperature as the dominant environmental variable, accounting for 92.4% of the observed WUE increase, while solar radiation and precipitation contributed modestly (3.4% and 3.2%, respectively). Our findings underscore the predominant role of thermal conditions in shaping the carbon–water coupling efficiency of agroecosystems in semi-arid to semi-humid transition zones. This study provides quantitative evidence that warming climate, rather than changes in water availability or radiation, has been the primary climatic factor driving the improved cropland WUE over the past two decades. These insights have important implications for developing adaptive water management strategies to enhance agricultural climate resilience in Northeast China and similar regions worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Vegetation)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 1631 KB

Open AccessReview

Phosphorus Recovery from Wastewater in the Circular Economy: Focus on Struvite Crystallization

by Gergana Peeva

Biomass 2026, 6(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass6020032 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Phosphorus is an essential and finite resource critical for global food production, yet its inefficient use and discharge from wastewater systems contribute to eutrophication and resource depletion. The transition from conventional wastewater treatment plants to water resource recovery facilities has intensified interest in technologies that enable phosphorus recovery within a circular economy framework. This review provides a critical and up-to-date synthesis of phosphorus recovery strategies from wastewater, with primary emphasis on struvite (MgNH₄PO₄·6H₂O) crystallization as one of the most mature and practically implemented recovery routes. The occurrence and chemical forms of phosphorus in wastewater streams are discussed alongside conventional approaches, such as enhanced biological phosphorus removal and chemical precipitation, in order to position struvite recovery within the broader phosphorus management landscape. In addition to struvite crystallization, selected competing and complementary recovery pathways, including electrochemical systems, biochar-assisted processes, and sludge ash recovery, are discussed to compare technological maturity, recovery potential, and practical applicability. Particular attention is given to reactor configurations, full-scale applications, and commercial technologies to assess operational reliability, recovery performance, and fertilizer product quality. Life-cycle assessment results and regulatory developments are also discussed to contextualize sustainability claims, technology selection, and market integration. The review identifies key technical and economic challenges, particularly regarding magnesium supply, competing ions, wastewater matrix effects, and the feasibility of mainstream application. Overall, controlled sidestream struvite crystallization appears to offer the most favorable balance between recovery efficiency, operational reliability, and fertilizer product quality under suitable plant conditions. Full article

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3835 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reinforcement of Thermo-Compressed Sodium Alginate Films with Calcium Alginate Powder

by Prasong Srihanam, Wilaiwan Simchuer, Vanseng Chounlamany, Kesiny Phomkeona, Phengxay Deevanhxay and Yodthong Baimark

Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24040142 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Alginate is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer derived from seaweed. It has been extensively researched and developed for various applications. However, its poor mechanical properties present a significant drawback that limits its use in multiple fields. Furthermore, the fabrication of reinforced alginate films using conventional melt processing has the potential for scaling up production. This study aimed to enhance the mechanical properties of sodium alginate (SA) films by incorporating calcium alginate (CA) powder. The SA/CA biocomposite films were created using a thermo-compression technique, with glycerol acting as a plasticizer for the SA matrix. Various CA contents—2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt%—were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed good interfacial adhesion between the SA film matrix and the CA powder. As the CA content increased, the moisture content of SA/CA biocomposite films decreased. The addition of CA powder significantly improved the tensile properties of the SA films. Based on the tensile test, SA/CA biocomposite films with 20 wt% CA powder exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 11.7 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 234.7 MPa. These results indicate a substantial increase of 208% in maximum tensile strength and 907% in Young’s modulus compared to SA films without CA. These findings indicated that the CA powder serves as an effective reinforcing filler for thermo-compressed SA films, which could lead to the development of high-strength alginate-based products for potential use in various applications, including biomedical, agricultural, and packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Polysaccharides-Based Biomaterials)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 690 KB

Open AccessArticle

The In Vitro Multifaceted Biological Activity of Catechins in Relation to Their Oxidation Potentials

by Małgorzata Wronkowska, Danuta Zielińska, Małgorzata Starowicz, Mateusz Szydłowski, Mariusz Konrad Piskuła and Henryk Zieliński

Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081328 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

In this study, the rank of multifaceted activity of catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was addressed. Their antioxidant activity was determined by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), whereas their ability to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), and formation of the advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) was performed in a model system to show their importance against hypertension, Alzheimer-type dementia, and diabetic’s complication, respectively. The order of the antioxidant potential of catechins in comparision to gallic acid (GA) was EGCG > ECG > EC > EGC ≈ C > GA, whereas the order of the ACE inhibitory activity was EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC > C, thus indicating the importance of the structure–activity relationship. The correlation between IC₅₀ for ACE inhibition of catechins and their antioxidant activity had the value r = −0.60. The order of the AChE enzyme inhibitory activity was EGCG ≈ EGC > ECG > EC > C, and the weak positive correlation between IC₅₀ and the first anodic peak potential (E_pa1) values was noted (r = 0.67). The ranking of the anti-AGE activities was EGCG ≈ ECG > EGC > EC > C, and a negative correlation between the inhibitory activity of catechins against AGE formation and their antioxidant activity was r = −0.82, whereas a positive correlation (r = 0.88) was noted between their first anodic peak potential (E_pa1) values. The provided results expand our knowledge on the multifaceted activity of catechins, indicating EGCG and ECG as the most active antioxidants against inhibition of ACE and AChE as well as towards AGE formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Disease and Health, 4th Edition)

24 pages, 1558 KB

Open AccessReview

Zeolite-Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production: Recent Progress in the Valorization of Waste-Derived and Next-Generation Feedstocks

by Shahina Riaz, Ziyauddin S. Qureshi, Muhammad Naseem Akhtar, Essra Altahir, Abdullah H. Albin Saad, Aaron C. Akah, Mohammad A. Alkhunaizi, Rashed M. Aleisa and Omar Y. Abdelaziz

Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040365 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Biodiesel is a sustainable and promising alternative energy source produced from renewable raw materials using various methods. One effective approach is simultaneous esterification and transesterification, which relies on suitable catalysts that can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous. Homogeneous catalysts (acid or base) offer high activity but are corrosive and difficult to recover, necessitating energy-intensive processes such as aqueous quenching and neutralization, which can lead to soap formation and stable emulsions. By comparison, heterogeneous catalytic systems overcome many of these challenges due to their ease of recovery, reusability, and simplified product separation, which collectively enhance economic viability and environmental sustainability. This review highlights recent progress in the application of zeolite-based solid catalysts for biodiesel synthesis, with particular emphasis on their use in converting waste cooking oil and other low-cost feedstocks, including non-edible oils, non-food biomass sources, algal resources, and genetically engineered microorganisms. Key factors such as catalytic activity, selectivity, catalyst loading, and reusability are discussed, highlighting the advantages of zeolites due to their unique crystal structure, high thermal stability, and ease of product recovery. Overall, this review underscores the challenges and opportunities in zeolite-based catalysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of its potential to enhance the efficiency and scalability of biodiesel production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for Sustainable Energy: Biodiesel and Biolubricant Innovations)

18 pages, 5141 KB

Open AccessArticle

Balanced Ammonium–Nitrate Supply During Tillering Stage by Drip Fertigation Improves Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Winter Wheat

by Zhanhong Hao, Kun Wang, Songlin Ye, Dongyu Cai, Yinghao Tian and Guohua Mi

Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080828 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Optimizing nitrogen form under drip fertigation may improve wheat productivity by regulating the root-zone inorganic N environment during early vegetative growth. A two-year field experiment evaluated nitrate-dominant (N1), balanced ammonium–nitrate (N2), and ammonium-enriched nitrogen strategies (N3) during GS13–GS31, with conventional farmer practice (CK) and a zero-N control (N0) for comparison. Nitrogen-form regulation markedly altered the soil NH₄⁺-N ratios, especially in the 0–20 cm soil layer, with N3 highest, N1 lowest, and N2 intermediate. Compared with the nitrate- or ammonium-dominant strategy, the balanced treatment N2 improved spike formation rate and maintained relatively higher N accumulation at GS31 and GS65, and showed greater N translocation and contribution of translocated N to grain N than N1. Correlation analyses indicated that spike formation rate was closely related to spike number (R² = 0.764) and N accumulation at GS31 was positively related to Ntrans (R² = 0.588). N2 showed the most favorable overall performance, with the highest numerical values for grain yield, nitrogen recovery efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency, and net profit among the fertigation treatments. However, the advantages of N2 over N3 in grain yield and SPAD-AUC were modest and not consistently significant. These results indicate that balancing ammonium and nitrate supply during GS13–GS31 under drip fertigation can improve root-zone N conditions and support better overall agronomic performance in winter wheat under the alkaline soil conditions of the North China Plain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 5074 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Structural Characterization and In Vitro Immunosuppressive Activity of Quinoa Bran Soluble Dietary Fiber–Gallium Complex

by Hongyang Shu, Yichen Ai, Huajie Yin, Qiyuan Zhang, Sangguan You, Ruijuan Yang and Yunfei Ge

Foods 2026, 15(8), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081415 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

The biological effects of dietary fiber (DF) are often associated with its chemical structure and interactions with the immune system. In this study, soluble DF (SDF) from quinoa bran was modified via gallium ion (Ga³⁺) chelation to form SDF-Ga. Results showed that gallium chelation reduced molecular weight, homogenized the polymer, and increased chain branching, forming a compact three-dimensional network. The cytotoxicity of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells mediated by NK cells was significantly influenced by SDF-Ga, reaching 45.32% at 100 μg/mL. Key immune factors exhibited notable upregulation. Co-culture assays indicated that SDF-Ga inhibited cancer cell proliferation and migration (p < 0.01). In vitro assays suggested a concentration-dependent inhibition of HCT-116 cell viability, exhibiting enhanced anticancer potential compared with unmodified SDF. In summary, our results highlight that gallium chelation is an effective strategy to improve the functional properties of dietary fibers. The dual immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of the SDF-Ga complex position it as a valuable candidate for the development of novel nutraceuticals and health-promoting food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 881 KB

Open AccessArticle

Elevation of Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ Above a Plateau Level Impairs Force Production and Accelerates Fatigue in Mouse Soleus Muscle

by Joseph Bruton and Kent Jardemark

Cells 2026, 15(8), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15080713 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Soleus muscle fibres display modest changes in tetanic force and [Ca²⁺]_i during repeated contractions. In this study, we investigate whether increasing mitochondrial Ca²⁺ load during repeated contractions could induce premature fatigue. Intact, single fibres were dissected from the soleus muscles of adult mice. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ was measured with rhod-2 in intact fibres. Fatigue was induced by 70 Hz, 350 ms tetani given at 2 s intervals in the absence and presence of 10 µM CGP-37157, a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na⁺-Ca²⁺ exchanger. In soleus fibres fatigued in the absence of CGP-37157, tetanic force was significantly reduced by about 30% at the end of the fatiguing stimulation, while mitochondrial [Ca²⁺] increased to a maximum after about 50 tetani and returned to its resting level within 20 min after the end of the stimulation. In the presence of CGP-37157, the maximal mitochondrial [Ca²⁺] increase was more than twice that in control fibres. In addition, fatigue developed more rapidly and force remained depressed after the end of the stimulation. No difference in mitochondrial membrane potential or ROS production was seen between control and CGP-37157 conditions. We conclude that while modest increases in mitochondrial Ca² may be beneficial, excessive mitochondrial Ca² loading depresses muscle function. Full article

12 pages, 244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Strategies and Youth Perception of Sustainability Commitment

by Fatine El Ghali Ghorafi

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4021; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084021 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Corporate sustainability has emerged as a critical strategic imperative for organizations seeking to mitigate their environmental impacts amid escalating climate pressures and growing stakeholder demands. This study examines corporate strategies aimed at reducing environmental footprints—including circular economy models, energy efficiency measures, and digitalization—and investigates how young adults perceive and evaluate corporate sustainability commitments, with particular emphasis on greenwashing skepticism. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was administered to 150 university students and young professionals aged 18–25 years in Spain. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression to examine the influence of prior sustainability knowledge, academic background, age, and sectoral context on perceived corporate sustainability commitment, greenwashing perception, and willingness to consume sustainable products. The findings reveal that prior sustainability knowledge significantly and positively predicts higher evaluations of corporate environmental commitment, while age and academic background—particularly among students in Economics and Business—are associated with heightened greenwashing skepticism. Perceived corporate sustainability commitment is found to exert a significant positive influence on sustainable consumption intention, and production-intensive sectors are consistently perceived as more environmentally harmful than service-oriented industries. These findings underscore the importance of transparent, credible, and verifiable sustainability strategies in building legitimacy and trust among younger generations, and contribute to the growing literature on stakeholder perceptions of corporate environmental responsibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Sustainability: Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience and Environmental Performance)

22 pages, 1164 KB

Open AccessReview

Sulfur-Mediated Autotrophic Denitrification for Sustainable Water Treatment: A Review on Principles, Materials, Progress, and Practices

by Qingyue Wang, Aiqi Sang, Yimin Sang, Bingyu Zhou, Tingyu Yang, Jiapei Sun, Shanshan Li, Yanhe Han, Dekun Ji and Huiying Li

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3927; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083927 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Sulfur-mediated autotrophic denitrification (SAD) is an innovative and sustainable water treatment technology, which operates without an external carbon source and achieves lower sludge production. Firstly, this review provides a detailed examination of sulfur-based fillers, encompassing their respective types, preparation methods, advantages and drawbacks. Subsequently, it reviews the mainstream functional microbial communities across various process stages, such as Thiobacillus, Sulfurimonas, and Ignavibacterium. Moreover, the process characteristics of mainstream SAD reactor types, such as fluidized bed, fixed bed, and moving bed biofilm reactors, are reviewed, and the effects of key process parameters like pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen on treatment efficiencies are further analyzed. Additionally, the applications cases of SAD in advanced wastewater treatment, river remediation, wetland restoration, and groundwater purification are summarized, demonstrating its broad and diverse application potential in environmental engineering. Finally, key challenges of SAD are identified, including the complexity of microbial metabolic interactions, the accumulation of intermediate products, and the need for improved fillers and reactor configurations. Future research priorities are discussed in three areas: microbial community regulation, control and utilization of intermediate products, and development of advanced fillers and reactor configurations. Overall, this review integrates key technical parameters and operational experience of SAD, providing a consolidated reference for researchers and practitioners interested in the development and application of this technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)

24 pages, 20420 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution and System Constraints Diagnosis of Medium- and Low-Yield Farmlands in Northern China Based on Remote Sensing

by Xiangyang Sun, Zhenlin Tian, Zhanqing Zhao, Yuping Lei, Wenxu Dong, Chunsheng Hu, Chaobo Zhang and Xiuping Liu

Agriculture 2026, 16(8), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16080896 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Accurately identifying medium- and low-yield farmlands (MLYF) and diagnosing their constraints are essential for targeted improvement of productivity and national food security. However, traditional evaluation is usually limited by coarse spatial resolution and high labor costs, and a methodological gap remains between large-scale MLYF classification and system constraints diagnosis. To address the current methodological gaps, this study developed a comprehensive framework to determine the spatial distribution of MLYF in northern China and clarify their key constraints. The framework combined the Spatio-Temporal Random Forest (STRF) algorithm with vegetation indices (VIs), climate, and soil data to delineate MLYF and uses interpretable machine learning to diagnose major constraints. The model showed high explanatory power and ensured the reliability of attribution results. The results showed that MLYF exhibited obvious spatial heterogeneity, accounting for 48.66% of the total cultivated land in the study area. These MLYF are primarily concentrated in the northwestern Loess Plateau (LP), the central Along the Great Wall (ATGW) region, and the peripheries of the Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) Plain. In addition to spatial classification, our analysis revealed significant differences in constraint mechanisms: soil structural, nutrient, and salinization constraints predominantly restrict productivity in the HHH Plain, whereas water stress and soil erosion are the primary drivers of yield gaps in the LP and ATGW regions. These findings provide new data and insights for understanding the spatial heterogeneity of farmland quality in typical dryland agricultural regions in northern China, and offer a scientific basis for targeted land improvement and regional agricultural sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote and Proximal Sensing for Arable Crops Monitoring and Yield Assessment)

11 pages, 1960 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Murine Disseminated Candidiasis, Serum Amyloid P Component Inhibits Inflammation and C-Reactive Protein Potentiates Inflammation

by Stephen A. Klotz, Richard E. Sobonya and Peter N. Lipke

Pathogens 2026, 15(4), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15040436 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Candida albicans is a ubiquitous commensal fungus that may be lethal once it gains access to the bloodstream, following a breach in protective barriers such as skin or gut lining. Intravenous injection of C. albicans (4.5 × 10⁴ yeasts/gm of mouse) leads reproducibly to systemic infection with a median survival of about 75 h. We studied the effects of two human innate immune effectors on the course of systemic infections. The soluble human pentraxin serum amyloid P component (hSAP) retards death in murine disseminated candidiasis. In contrast, another soluble pentraxin, human C-reactive protein (hCRP), hastens death. To examine the pathological basis for these differences, necropsies were performed, and the right kidney was removed for study. Candidiasis caused abundant collagen deposition (the precursor to fibrosis) and loss of contrast between the kidney medulla and cortex. Daily administration of subcutaneous hSAP following the intravenous injection of C. albicans preserved the discrete histological difference between cortex and medulla and lessened host collagen deposition. Yeasts and hyphae within abscesses were decorated with hSAP. Contrastingly, kidneys from animals administered C. albicans and hCRP showed extensive collagen deposition and loss of the boundary between the cortex and the medulla of the kidney. hCRP did not bind to fungi but bound to damaged tissue surrounding abscesses, leading to a more destructive infection with loss of tissue. Staining cells with antibodies to CD45 (to detect T-lymphocytes, myelocytes, monocytes, and macrophages) and antibodies to Ly-6G (neutrophils, and granulocytes) showed that hSAP retarded infiltration of inflammatory cells into diseased areas. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that early administration of hSAP represses the migration of inflammatory cells, dampens the production of collagen by fibroblasts, and dampens the overall immune response of the host to infection. In doing so, hSAP prolonged life, whereas hCRP facilitated the infectious process and hastened death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Side of Fungi: Exploring Pathogenesis in Candida and Other Fungal Pathogens)

20 pages, 1568 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Highly Conserved Glycine in a Hotspot for Neurological Disease Mutations in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase Is Critical to Na⁺ and K⁺ Occlusion

by Mads S. Toustrup-Jensen, Rikke Holm, Jens Peter Andersen and Bente Vilsen

Biomolecules 2026, 16(4), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16040601 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase possesses a highly conserved glycine (G358 in the α3 isoform) that—together with a nearby isoleucine (I363 in α3)—is targeted by mutations causing some of the most severe neurological phenotypes of the clinical spectrum of α3-Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase mutations. The disease mutations α3-G358V and α3-I363N affect Na⁺ and K⁺ transport to an extent incompatible with cell growth. However, alanine replacement of the corresponding glycine G363 in the α1 isoform is compatible with cell growth, allowing the effects on Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase function to be addressed using enzymatic assays on plasma membranes isolated from transfected cells. Occlusion of Na⁺ appears to be defective in mutant G363A, resulting in a reduced rate of phosphorylation from ATP. Furthermore, the mutation displaces the major conformational equilibrium of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase such that the K⁺-occluded state is destabilized and occluded K⁺ is released faster, thereby leading to accumulation of a non-productive state without bound Na⁺ or K⁺. The critical function of the glycine can be ascribed to a strategic location at the bending point between an α helix and a β strand, where it connects the catalytic ATP hydrolysis site in the cytoplasmic P domain with the ion-binding region in the membrane and coordinates important intramolecular domain movements during the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase transport cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Biochemistry)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 23037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Small Subset, Big Impact: Regulatory Function of γδ T Cells in Arteriogenesis

by Kira-Sofie Wimmer, Carolin Baur, Matthias Kübler, Christoph Arnholdt, Konda Kumaraswami, Franziska Heim, Katharina Elbs, Michael Reha Rohrmoser, Daphne Merkus and Elisabeth Deindl

Cells 2026, 15(8), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15080709 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Despite the identification of several mediators of arteriogenesis, the growth of natural bypass, the role of lymphocytes, particularly T cells, in this process remains poorly defined. Among these, γδ T cells, which express alternative T cell receptors, have emerged as a key immune component. This study examined the roles of αβ and γδ T cells in arteriogenesis using a murine hindlimb model. While the absence of αβ T cells did not affect arteriogenesis, γδ T cell depletion markedly reduced vascular cell proliferation and perfusion recovery. Early phase analyses revealed impaired mast cell activation, whereas platelet–neutrophil aggregates and neutrophil extravasation were unaffected. In the later proliferative phase, γδ T cell depletion hindered perivascular M2-like (MRC1⁺) macrophage accumulation. Flow cytometric analysis of whole blood in wildtype mice revealed a temporal shift in γδ T cell populations from a CD27⁺/CD39⁻ phenotype, commonly associated with pro-inflammatory functions and IFNγ production, to CD39⁺ phenotypes, which have been linked to anti-inflammatory properties and IL-10 production. In rescue experiments, administration of IFNγ to γδ T cell-depleted mice restored mast cell activation, whereas IL-10 treatment reestablished M2-like (MRC1⁺) macrophage accumulation. These findings collectively identify γδ T cells as critical regulators of both early and late phases of arteriogenesis through coordinated inflammatory and regenerative mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decoding the Complexity of Angiogenesis: Insights into Vascular Formation and Disease)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Displaying article 1-50 on page 1 of 2000.

Go to page 1 2 3 4 5

Search Results (291,484)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI