Search Results (118)

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is a devastating global disease. Its control through the deployment of host resistance genes relies on a detailed knowledge of the pathogen’s race structure and the corresponding avirulence (Avr) genes. To guide effective rice breeding for blast resistance, this study investigated the population dynamics of M. oryzae in Jilin Province from 2022 to 2024. The distribution frequencies of seven Avr genes were detected using PCR and Avr gene-specific primers, and the physiological race structure of 193 isolates was characterized using a set of Chinese differential cultivars, which contains seven cultivars. The results revealed a high prevalence and stability of specific Avr genes, with Avr-Pi9, Avr-Pias, Avr-Piz-t, and Avr-Pib all exhibiting detection frequencies exceeding 80%. In particular, Avr-Pib showed a high frequency (80.83%) and a very low disease incidence (0.64%) on the differential variety Sifeng 43 (which carries Pib), confirming its low mutation rate and the ongoing effectiveness of the corresponding resistance gene. Conversely, the significant decline in Avr-co39 suggests that its corresponding resistance gene should be avoided. Race diversity increased over the three-year period, characterized by a shift toward a more complex structure dominated by ZG1, ZA17, ZA43, and ZB31. Based on the gene-for-gene interactions and pathogen population structure, we recommend a breeding strategy that prioritizes the incorporation of the highly effective Pib, Pi54, and Pik genes, utilizing resistant donors like Sifeng 43. These results can help inform the design of sustainable management strategies adapted to the changing pathogen population. Full article

High-Mobility Group B (HMGB) proteins are conserved non-histone nuclear proteins involved in DNA replication, transcription, recombination, repair; plant growth and development; and stress responses. In this study, we identified nine ClHMGB genes in watermelon using genome-wide search. Phylogenetic and homology analyses classified them into four distinct classes. Synteny analysis revealed that ClHMGB genes share closer evolutionary relationships with dicots than with monocots. Tissue-specific expression profiling showed that eight ClHMGB members exhibit higher transcript levels in female and/or male flowers, suggesting that they play essential roles in floral organ development. Under drought, low-temperature, and salt stresses, ClHMGB members displayed distinct expression patterns. For instance, ClHMGB4 and ClHMGB8 were downregulated under drought and low-temperature stress but upregulated under salt stress, indicating potential functional specialization in response to different abiotic stresses. The highly virulent Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum race 2 (Fon R2) induced the upregulation of more ClHMGB genes than the less virulent race 1 (Fon R1). Four members (ClHMGB1, 4, 6, and 7) were consistently upregulated by both races, suggesting that they may play fundamental roles in disease resistance. This study provides a foundation for further investigation into the roles of ClHMGB genes in growth, development, and stress responses of watermelon. Full article

Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a critical therapeutic challenge. This review establishes a conceptual framework analyzing ferroptosis vulnerability through two principles: “robustness through redundancy” in defense systems and the “evolutionary arms race” between androgen receptor (AR) signaling and oxidative resistance. We traced the evolutionary trajectory of hormone-sensitive diseases, where the AR coordinates ferroptosis defenses via SLC7A11, MBOAT2, and PEX10 regulation through progressive adaptations: AR-V7 splice variants that maintain defense independently of androgens, AR amplification conferring hypersensitivity, and AR-independent JMJD6-ATF4 bypass in SPOP-mutated tumors. This transforms ferroptosis from a static vulnerability to a stage-specific strategy. Novel approaches include menadione-based VPS34 targeting, which induces triaptosis through an oxidative endosomal catastrophe. We categorized the rational combinations mechanistically as vertical inhibition (multi-step targeting of single pathways), horizontal inhibition (synthetic lethality across parallel defenses), and vulnerability induction (creating exploitable dependencies). Ferroptosis-induced immunogenic cell death enables synergy with checkpoint inhibitors, potentially transforming immunologically “cold” prostate tumors. This review establishes ferroptosis targeting as a precision medicine paradigm exploiting the tension between the oxidative requirements of cancer cells and their evolved, yet architecturally vulnerable, defense systems, providing a framework for stage-specific, biomarker-guided interventions. Full article

This paper explores racialization as a historical-sociological concept and an ongoing, contemporary material praxis, using a Global Critical Race and Racism (GCRR) framework. Racialization is an ideological and material practice of colonial conquest that requires constant reification and maintenance. This paper examines how racialization and racial practices are positioned within Egyptian state tourism campaigns, through a media content and discourse analysis, as a function of contemporary national-racial identity formation. Histories of colonial archaeology, race science, and the European colonial domination and imagination of Egypt heavily contextualize this analysis. First, the paper outlines how the identity of ancient Egyptians was a racing project fundamental to white supremacy and global race and racism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in ways that are intricately tied to contemporary nationalism, national identity formation, and nation-building in modern Egypt. The focus of this paper is Egypt’s agency in its national identity formation practices, wherein it acknowledges, negotiates, and markets aspects of its racialization that are economically and geopolitically advantageous, specifically within the tourism industry and in relation to Pharaonic Egypt. In this way, Egypt’s racialization is not simply externally imposed; the Egyptian state is engaging with global structures of race and racism by maintaining racial mythologies for Western imaginaries. Egypt’s contemporary national identity formation includes an engagement with its past that negotiates its position within a global hierarchy of nations across the racial-modern world system. This study explores notions of autonomy, acquiescence, and resistance under racialization by examining how nation-states engage with, resist, or leverage racialization. Full article

Protein kinase R (PKR) is an antiviral protein that is involved in molecular “arms races” with viral antagonists. As a result, some PKR inhibitors, including the vaccinia virus (VACV) protein K3 and its orthologs from other poxviruses only inhibit PKRs of selected species. We previously reported contrasting inhibition patterns of human, sheep, and cow PKRs by VACV K3 and the sheeppox virus (SPPV) K3 ortholog, SPPV 011. Here we show that the differential sensitivities of cow and sheep PKRs to VACV K3 were mediated by only two residues in PKR helix αG. In contrast, SPPV 011 sensitivities were governed by additional residues and regions. Analysis of the PKR sensitivities from 20 mammalian species to VACV K3 and SPPV 011 revealed four different sensitivity patterns: some PKRs were inhibited by only one K3 ortholog, as previously reported, whereas other PKRs were either resistant or sensitive to both inhibitors. Furthermore, we characterized a residue (K45) in VACV K3 that is involved in the species-specific inhibition of PKR. Mutating this residue increased the inhibition of sheep but not human PKR, whereas it decreased the inhibition of mouse PKR, highlighting that a single mutation in a viral protein can result in distinct species-dependent inhibition changes. Full article

A strong body of evidence indicates that social determinants impact health. While this research has identified a range of risk factors for health, health equity goals require recalibration further “upstream” towards structural drivers of health and aging inequities. Recognizing how systems of power and chronic exposures are embodied and facilitate differential risks and opportunities is important for expanding research at the gender–race–age nexus. Specifically, adopting a structural aging approach can help contextualize health outcomes for older Black women. Drawing from previous research, we explore how structural drivers shape health, examine their impact on Black women’s life experiences, stress exposures, and present a model for interpreting social trajectories of oppression, resistance, and marginalization (i.e., the STORM model) across the lifespan. Extending research on strength, resistance, resilience, and coping may open new opportunities to reframe and understand older Black women’s health. Importantly, developing structural competence can facilitate “seeing structures” and advocating for structural interventions leading to critically minded theory, practice, and policy that properly situate aging processes within broader, intersectional contexts. Full article

Modern head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) breeding is based on the application of molecular markers through marker-assisted selection (MAS). In hybrid breeding, critical markers are deployed to assess cytoplasmic male sterility (CAPS and SSR for orf138), genic male sterility (KASP markers for Ms-cd1, InDel for ms3, and BoCYP704B1), fertility restoration (InDel marker for Rfo), combining ability and genetic diversity (using SSR and KASP marker sets), and to ensure F₁ hybrid seed genetic purity (RAPD and SSR markers sets). Disease resistance, a well-developed category due to frequent monogenic control, includes markers for major pathogens, including those for Fusarium wilt (for Foc-Bo1 gene), black rot (race 1–7 specific SSR and InDel markers), clubroot (Kamogawa, Anno, and Yuki isolates), and downy mildew (BoDMR2 InDel marker). Markers have also been identified for key agronomic and morphological traits, such as those governing petal color (InDel markers for BoCCD4), leaf waxiness (BoGL1, BoGL-3, Cgl1, Cgl2, BoWax1, and BoCER2), and leaf color (ygl-1, BoMYB2, BoMYBL2-1). The review also included markers for resistance to abbioticaly induced negative physiological processes, such as head splitting (QTL SPL-2-1, Bol016058), bolting (resistance loci-associated SSR marker), prolonged flowering time (BoFLC1,2 genes), and high- and low-temperature tolerance (BoTPPI-2, BoCSDP5, BoCCA1). Despite these advancements, the review highlights that the marker repertoire for cabbage remains limited compared with other Brassicaceae species, particularly for complex polygenic traits. This synthesis is a valuable resource for breeders and researchers, facilitating the development of superior head cabbage cultivars and hybrids. Full article

Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), poses a major threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivation, particularly in South America and Bangladesh. The rapid evolution and spread of the pathogen necessitate the development of durable and broad-spectrum resistance in wheat cultivars. This review summarizes current insights into the multi-layered defense mechanisms of wheat, encompassing resistance (R) genes, pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) against MoT. The R-genes provide race-specific resistance through ETI, while both ETI and PTI are required to form integral layers of the plant immune system that synergistically reinforce host defense network. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular breeding have facilitated the discovery and deployment of key R-genes and signaling components involved in PTI and ETI pathways. Integrating these immune strategies through gene pyramiding, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and genome editing offers a promising route towards enhanced and durable resistance in hosts. Harnessing and optimizing these multilayered immune systems will be pivotal to securing wheat productivity amid the growing threat of wheat blast. Full article

In plants, resistance genes (R) are key players in combatting diseases caused by various phytopathogens. Typically, resistance relies on detecting a single pathogen-derived molecular pattern. However, R-gene-mediated resistance is often race specific, follows the gene-for-gene hypothesis, and can be overcome in field conditions as pathogens evolve. On the contrary, altering plant susceptibility genes (S-genes) facilitates compatibility and results in broad and durable resistance. S-genes are negative regulators present in plants and exploited by pathogens to facilitate their growth and cause infection. Several studies across crop species have reported manipulation of S-genes using genome editing to confer broad spectrum resistance. This review focuses on the plant defense mechanism against biotic stress, R-genes vs. S-genes, different types/classes of S-genes, different tools for S-gene discovery, and the use of gene editing technologies to target S-genes in addition to their applications, challenges, and future perspectives. Full article

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a training method that has garnered increasing attention due to the rise in hybrid competitions such as CrossFit or Hyrox, a race format combining strength and endurance tasks in a fixed structure. Therefore, an integrative approach is needed to help us understand which physiological capacities this training method enhances. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map the current scientific literature related to HIFT, with a particular focus on physiological and psychobiological determinants of performance in hybrid competition contexts. Methods: Following the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Thirty-nine studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Results: HIFT was found to improve key physical attributes such as aerobic capacity, muscular strength, anaerobic power, and fatigue tolerance. Increases in VO₂max ranging from 8% to 15% and strength gains of 10% to 20% in major lifts were commonly reported. Improvements in local muscular endurance, power output, and recovery capacity were also observed. The physiological benefits appeared more pronounced in trained individuals, especially those with greater resistance training volume. In addition, psychobiological responses, including perceived exertion, cognitive control, and motivation, were explored in several studies, with more experienced athletes showing higher fatigue tolerance and better performance consistency under stress. Conclusions: HIFT enhances essential physical attributes applicable to hybrid events. The findings support the use of HIFT as a foundational method for training athletes involved in demanding multi-domain fitness settings, without attributing these benefits specifically to any single competitive event. Full article

Bacterial spot of the pepper (BSP) and the tomato (BST) caused by multiple Xanthomonas spp. remains a major constraint to production of both crops worldwide. The widespread breakdown of dominant resistance genes, such as Bs2, due to the emergence of virulent races, like Xanthomonas euvesicatoria P6, has underscored the need for more durable, non-race-specific resistance. The recessive genes, bs5; bs6; and bs8, have emerged as promising alternatives, conferring broad-spectrum resistance without triggering a hypersensitive response. In this study, we systematically evaluated the individual and combinatorial effects of these three recessive resistance genes against three Xanthomonas species, X. euvesicatoria (Xe), X. hortorum pv. gardneri (Xhg), and X. perforans (Xp). Using near-isogenic lines (NILs) developed in the susceptible Early Calwonder (ECW) background, we assessed the in planta bacterial population growth and symptom development across a panel of eight genotypes carrying different gene combinations. Our results demonstrate that bs5, particularly when combined with either bs6 or bs8, significantly reduces bacterial growth and disease severity across all three Xanthomonas species. The triple-stacked line (ECW568 (i.e., bs5, bs6, and bs8)) consistently displayed the strongest suppression of pathogen proliferation and symptom development. By contrast, bs6 and bs8, alone or in combination, were largely ineffective. In some cases, combining bs6 with bs8 was less effective than bs8 alone. These findings reinforce the central role of bs5 in conferring quantitative resistance and highlight the additive benefit of pyramiding recessive resistance genes. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that these recessive resistance genes are effective in limiting the ability of the emerging pathogen, X. perforans, to grow in planta, and thus are predicted to offer a high level of resistance in the field. Our work provides key insights for breeding durable, broad-spectrum resistance into commercial pepper cultivars and offers a framework for integrated disease management strategies in the face of rapidly evolving bacterial pathogens Full article

Cancer metabolic reprogramming plays a critical role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance, underscoring the need for advanced analytical strategies. Metabolomics, leveraging mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, offers a comprehensive and functional readout of tumor biochemistry. By enabling both targeted metabolite quantification and untargeted profiling, metabolomics captures the dynamic metabolic alterations associated with cancer. The integration of metabolomics with machine learning (ML) approaches further enhances the interpretation of these complex, high-dimensional datasets, providing powerful insights into cancer biology from biomarker discovery to therapeutic targeting. This review systematically examines the transformative role of ML in cancer metabolomics. We discuss how various ML methodologies—including supervised algorithms (e.g., Support Vector Machine, Random Forest), unsupervised techniques (e.g., Principal Component Analysis, t-SNE), and deep learning frameworks—are advancing cancer research. Specifically, we highlight three major applications of ML–metabolomics integration: (1) cancer subtyping, exemplified by the use of Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) and LASSO regression to classify triple-negative breast cancer into subtypes with distinct survival outcomes; (2) biomarker discovery, where Random Forest and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) models have achieved >90% accuracy in detecting breast and colorectal cancers through biofluid metabolomics; and (3) prognostic modeling, demonstrated by the identification of race-specific metabolic signatures in breast cancer and the prediction of clinical outcomes in lung and ovarian cancers. Beyond these areas, we explore applications across prostate, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers, where ML-driven metabolomics is contributing to earlier detection, improved risk stratification, and personalized treatment planning. We also address critical challenges, including issues of data quality (e.g., batch effects, missing values), model interpretability, and barriers to clinical translation. Emerging solutions, such as explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approaches and standardized multi-omics integration pipelines, are discussed as pathways to overcome these hurdles. By synthesizing recent advances, this review illustrates how ML-enhanced metabolomics bridges the gap between fundamental cancer metabolism research and clinical application, offering new avenues for precision oncology through improved diagnosis, prognosis, and tailored therapeutic strategies. Full article

Rowing is a cyclic sport that consists of repetitive biomechanical actions, with performance being influenced by the balance between propulsive and resistive forces. The current study aimed to assess the relationships between intracycle velocity variation (IVV) and key biomechanical and performance variables in male and female single scullers. Twenty-three experienced rowers (10 females) completed a 2000 m rowing competition, during which boat position and velocity were measured using a 15 Hz GPS, while cycle rate was derived from the integrated triaxial accelerometer sampling at 100 Hz. From these data, it was possible to calculate distance per cycle, IVV, the coefficient of velocity variation (CVV), and technical index values. Males presented higher mean, maximum and minimum velocity, distance per cycle, CVV, and technical index values than females (15.40 ± 0.81 vs. 13.36 ± 0.88 km/h, d = 0.84; 21.39 ± 1.68 vs. 18.77 ± 1.52 km/h, d = 1.61; 11.15 ± 1.81 vs. 9.03 ± 0.85 km/h, d = 1.45; 7.68 ± 0.32 vs. 6.89 ± 0.97 m, d = 0.69; 14.13 ± 2.02 vs. 11.64 ± 1.93%, d = 2.06; and 34.25 ± 4.82 vs. 26.30 ± 4.23 (m²/s·cycle), d = 4.56, respectively). An association between mean velocity and intracycle IVV, CVV, and cycle rate (r = 0.68, 0.74 and 0.65, respectively) was observed in males but not in female single scullers (which may be attributed to anthropometric specificities). In female single scullers, mean velocity was related with distance per cycle and was associated with technical index in both males and females (r = 0.76 and 0.66, respectively). Despite these differences, male and female single scullers adopted similar pacing strategies and CVV remained constant throughout the 2000 m race (indicating that this variable might not be affected by fatigue). Differences were also observed in the velocity–time profile, with men reaching peak velocity first and having a faster propulsive phase. Data provided new information on how IVV and CVV relate to commonly used biomechanical variables in rowing. Technical index (r = 0.87): distance per cycle was associated with technical index in both males and females (r = 0.76 and 0.66, respectively). Future studies should include other boat classes and other performance variables such as the power output and arc length. Full article

Wheat leaf rust (Lr), caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt), is one of the most important diseases affecting wheat production worldwide. Using resistant wheat cultivars is the most economic and environmentally friendly way to control leaf rust. The Chinese wheat cultivar Xinong1163-4 has shown good resistance to Lr in field trials. To identify the genetic basis of Lr resistance in Xinong1163-4, 195 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the Xinong1163-4/Thatcher cross were phenotyped for Lr severity in three environments: the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, and 2019/2020 growing seasons in Baoding, Hebei Province. Bulked segregant analysis and simple sequence repeat markers were then used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Lr adult plant resistance (APR) in the population. As a result, six QTLs were detected, designated as QLr.hbau-1BL.1, QLr.hbau-1BL.2, and QLr.hbau-1BL.3. These QTLs were predicted to be novel. QLr.hbau-4BL, QLr.hbau-4BL.1, and QLr.hbau-3A were identified at similar physical positions to previously reported QTLs. Based on chromosome positions and molecular marker testing, QLr.hbau-1BL.3 shares similar flanking markers with Lr46. Lr46 is a non-race-specific APR gene for leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew. Similarly, QLr.hebau-4BL showed resistance to multiple diseases, including leaf rust, stripe rust, Fusarium head blight, and powdery mildew. The QTLs identified in this study, as well as their closely linked markers, can potentially be used for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding. Full article

To identify the key genes conferring resistance to soybean cyst nematode race 4 (SCN4, Heterodera glycines), this study utilized 280 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the resistant cultivar Huipizhiheidou (HPD) and the susceptible cultivar Jindou23 (JD23). Through phenotypic characterization and a genome-wide association study (GWAS), a genomic region (Gm18:1,223,546–1,782,241) on chromosome 18 was mapped, yielding 14 candidate genes. GmPDH1 was validated as a critical resistance gene using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker M0526. RT-qPCR revealed that GmPDH1 expression in HPD roots was upregulated 9 days post-inoculation with SCN4 compared to uninoculated controls. KASP genotyping showed that marker M0526 efficiently distinguished between resistant and susceptible plants in natural populations: 71.05% of the resistant accessions exhibited resistant or moderately resistant genotypes, whereas 81.03% of the susceptible accessions showed susceptible or highly susceptible genotypes. Functional validation demonstrated that overexpression of GmPDH1 significantly enhanced SCN4 resistance in the susceptible cultivars JD23 and Jack, whereas CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of GmPDH1 in HPD attenuated its resistance. This study confirmed GmPDH1 as a key gene governing SCN4 resistance and developed an efficient molecular marker, M0526, providing theoretical insights and technical tools for dissecting nematode resistance mechanisms and advancing soybean disease-resistant breeding. Full article