Astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression impairs learning and memory ability in ischemic stroke via altered hippocampal neurogenesis and lipid metabolism

Vascular etiology is the second most prevalent cause of cognitive impairment globally.Endothelin-1,which is produced and secreted by endothelial cells and astrocytes,is implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke.However,the way in which changes in astrocytic endothelin-1 lead to poststroke cognitive deficits following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion is not well understood.Here,using mice in which astrocytic endothelin-1 was overexpressed,we found that the selective overexpression of endothelin-1 by astrocytic cells led to ischemic stroke-related dementia(1 hour of ischemia;7 days,28 days,or 3 months of reperfusion).We also revealed that astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression contributed to the role of neural stem cell proliferation but impaired neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus after middle cerebral artery occlusion.Comprehensive proteome profiles and western blot analysis confirmed that levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and peroxiredoxin 6,which were differentially expressed in the brain,were significantly increased in mice with astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression in comparison with wild-type mice 28 days after ischemic stroke.Moreover,the levels of the enriched differentially expressed proteins were closely related to lipid metabolism,as indicated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry nontargeted metabolite profiling of brain tissues showed that astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression altered lipid metabolism products such as glycerol phosphatidylcholine,sphingomyelin,and phosphatidic acid.Overall,this study demonstrates that astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression can impair hippocampal neurogenesis and that it is correlated with lipid metabolism in poststroke cognitive dysfunction.

基于PCIE的多嵌入式人工智能处理器低延迟数据交换技术

针对多嵌入式人工智能(Artificial Intelligence,AI)处理器板卡之间的任务调度和数据交换冲突以及提高多板卡堆叠扩展时的可靠性和运行效率问题,文中提出了一种虫洞交换结构多嵌入式人工智能处理器高速数据交换技术和数据帧结构的解决方法。该方法基于PCIE(PCI Express)高速数据接口,将数据以数据单元的形式进行信息传递,并设计多重权重决策算法避免数据传输中的冲突,实现任务的并发多线程处理。搭建FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array)平台进行设计和测试,结果表明PCIE的传输带宽利用效率达到了85%以上,数据交换延迟小于20μs,系统中断任务响应平均最大延迟时间为8.775μs。该技术适用于多处理器协同的高速交换电路,可扩展至混合PCIE和RapidIO交换电路结构。

Smart prediction of liquefaction-induced lateral spreading

The prediction of liquefaction-induced lateral spreading/displacement(Dh)is a challenging task for civil/geotechnical engineers.In this study,a new approach is proposed to predict Dh using gene expression programming(GEP).Based on statistical reasoning,individual models were developed for two topographies:free-face and gently sloping ground.Along with a comparison with conventional approaches for predicting the Dh,four additional regression-based soft computing models,i.e.Gaussian process regression(GPR),relevance vector machine(RVM),sequential minimal optimization regression(SMOR),and M5-tree,were developed and compared with the GEP model.The results indicate that the GEP models predict Dh with less bias,as evidenced by the root mean square error(RMSE)and mean absolute error(MAE)for training(i.e.1.092 and 0.815;and 0.643 and 0.526)and for testing(i.e.0.89 and 0.705;and 0.773 and 0.573)in free-face and gently sloping ground topographies,respectively.The overall performance for the free-face topology was ranked as follows:GEP>RVM>M5-tree>GPR>SMOR,with a total score of 40,32,24,15,and 10,respectively.For the gently sloping condition,the performance was ranked as follows:GEP>RVM>GPR>M5-tree>SMOR with a total score of 40,32,21,19,and 8,respectively.Finally,the results of the sensitivity analysis showed that for both free-face and gently sloping ground,the liquefiable layer thickness(T_(15))was the major parameter with percentage deterioration(%D)value of 99.15 and 90.72,respectively.

Selenium Differentially Regulates Flavonoid Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacities in Sprouts of Twenty Diverse Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)Genotypes

Seed germination with selenium(Se)is promising for producing Se-biofortified foods.Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)sprout is freshly eaten as a salad dressed with sauce,making it superior for Se biofortification.Since the Se safety range for the human body is extremely narrow,it is imperative to evaluate the genotypic responses of mungbean sprouts to Se.This study evaluated the Se enrichment capacity and interaction withflavonoids and antioxidant systems in sprouts of 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment was done by immersing mung-bean seeds in 20μM sodium selenite solution for 8 h.Afterward,the biomass,Se amounts,flavonoid(particularly vitexin and isovitexin)contents,antioxidant capacity,and key biosynthetic gene expressions were measured.Sprout Se content was 2.0-7.0μg g^(-1) DW among the 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment differentially affected the biomass,totalflavonoid,vitexin,isovitexin,antioxidant enzyme activities,and antioxidant capacities of the mungbean germplasms.Eight germplasms showed increased biomass(p<0.05),the highest increasing by 127%,but 13 did not phenotypically respond to Se treatment.Seven and six germplasms showed varied levels of vitexin and isovitexin increment after Se treatment,the highest measuring 2.67-and 2.87-folds for vitexin and isovitexin,respectively.Two mungbeanflavonoid biosynthesis genes,chalcone synthase(VrCHS)and chalcone isomerase(VrCHI)were significantly up-regulated in the germplasms with increased vitexin and isovitexin levels(p<0.05).Moreover,Se enrichment capacity was significantly correlated with the vitexin,isovitexin,and antiox-idant capacities.In conclusion,mungbean sprouts could be a useful Se-biofortified food,but the Se enrichment capacity and nutritional response must be determined for each germplasm before commercialization.

Construction of an immune-related gene signature for overall survival prediction and immune infiltration in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Treatment options for patients with gastric cancer(GC)continue to improve,but the overall prognosis is poor.The use of PD-1 inhibitors has also brought benefits to patients with advanced GC and has gradually become the new standard treatment option at present,and there is an urgent need to identify valuable biomarkers to classify patients with different characteristics into subgroups.AIM To determined the effects of differentially expressed immune-related genes(DEIRGs)on the development,prognosis,tumor microenvironment(TME),and treatment response among GC patients with the expectation of providing new biomarkers for personalized treatment of GC populations.METHODS Gene expression data and clinical pathologic information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA),and immune-related genes(IRGs)were searched from ImmPort.DEIRGs were extracted from the intersection of the differentially-expressed genes(DEGs)and IRGs lists.The enrichment pathways of key genes were obtained by analyzing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGGs)and Gene Ontology(GO)databases.To identify genes associated with prognosis,a tumor risk score model based on DEIRGs was constructed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and multivariate Cox regression.The tumor risk score was divided into high-and lowrisk groups.The entire cohort was randomly divided into a 2:1 training cohort and a test cohort for internal validation to assess the feasibility of the risk model.The infiltration of immune cells was obtained using‘CIBERSORT,’and the infiltration of immune subgroups in high-and low-risk groups was analyzed.The GC immune score data were obtained and the difference in immune scores between the two groups was analyzed.RESULTS We collected 412 GC and 36 adjacent tissue samples,and identified 3627 DEGs and 1311 IRGs.A total of 482 DEIRGs were obtained.GO analysis showed that DEIRGs were mainly distributed in immunoglobulin complexes,receptor ligand activity,and signaling receptor activators.KEGG pathway analysis showed that the top three DEIRGs enrichment types were cytokine-cytokine receptors,neuroactive ligand receptor interactions,and viral protein interactions.We ultimately obtained an immune-related signature based on 10 genes,including 9 risk genes(LCN1,LEAP2,TMSB15A mRNA,DEFB126,PI15,IGHD3-16,IGLV3-22,CGB5,and GLP2R)and 1 protective gene(LGR6).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,and risk curves confirmed that the risk model had good predictive ability.Multivariate COX analysis showed that age,stage,and risk score were independent prognostic factors for patients with GC.Meanwhile,patients in the low-risk group had higher tumor mutation burden and immunophenotype,which can be used to predict the immune checkpoint inhibitor response.Both cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen4+and programmed death 1+patients with lower risk scores were more sensitive to immunotherapy.CONCLUSION In this study a new prognostic model consisting of 10 DEIRGs was constructed based on the TME.By providing risk factor analysis and prognostic information,our risk model can provide new directions for immunotherapy in GC patients.

Advances in the study of waterlogging tolerance in plants

Waterlogging is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening crop yields globally.Under waterlogging stress,plants suffer from oxidative stress,heavy metal toxicity and energy deficiency,leading to metabolic disorders and growth inhibition.On the other hand,plants have evolved waterlogging-tolerance or adaptive mechanisms,including morphological changes,alternation of respiratory pathways,antioxidant protection and endogenous hormonal regulation.In this review,recent advances in studies on the effects of waterlogging stress and the mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance in plants are presented,and the genetic differences in waterlogging tolerance among plant species or genotypes within a species are illustrated.We also summarize the identified QTLs and key genes associated with waterlogging tolerance.

Effects of pyraclostrobin on growth,oxidative stress,and gene expression in relation to stress and ATP-binding cassette transporters in Tetrahymena thermophila

Pyraclostrobin(PYR),a widely used fungicide,has negative effects on fish and algae,but its toxicity in protozoa remains unclear.In this study,the effects of PYR on the growth,oxidative stress,and gene expression related to stress and ATP-binding cassette(ABC)transporters in Tetrahymena thermophila were investigated.The result showed that the 96-h IC_(50)of PYR against T.thermophila was 17.2 mg/L.Moreover,PYR inhibited the growth of T.thermophila in concentration-or time-dependent manner.A morphological study revealed that the shape and size of T.thermophila changed,and damage of cell membrane surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy after 96 h of PYR exposure.The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)increased throughout the experiment.In contrast,the glutathione(GSH)content was increased at 24 h and 48 h of exposure and decreased at 96 h.Moreover,a significant increase in malondialdehyde(MDA)level was observed in T.thermophila after96 h of exposure.Furthermore,PYR upregulated the HSP703,HSP705,GPx2,and ABAC15 gene expression in the 0.1–5-mg/L groups and downregulated the HSP704,HSP90,TGR,and ABCC52 mRNA levels at 96 h of exposure.These results suggest that PYR may exert adverse effects on T.thermophila by inducing oxidative stress and changing the gene expression related to ABC transporters and stress,which may enrich the understanding of the toxicity mechanism of PYR in aquatic organisms and provide reference data for aquatic ecological risk assessments.

Effects of antioxidant‑rich Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculated alfalfa silage on rumen fermentation, antioxidant and immunity status, and mammary gland gene expression in dairy goats

Background Milk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism,which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress(OS)on the animals.To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation,a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.Methods Twenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats(38.1±1.20 kg)were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments:one containing silage inoculated with L.plantarum MTD/1(RSMTD-1),and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L.plantarum 24-7(ES24-7).Results ES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1.The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxi-dase(GSH-Px),and catalase(CAT)activities in milk,serum,and feces of lactating goats(with the exception of T-AOC in milk).Additionally,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield,milk free fatty acid(FFA)content,and vitamin A level in the goats’milk.Furthermore,an increase of immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,IgM,inter-leukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 concentrations were observed,coupled with a reduction in IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,interferon(IFN)-γ,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αconcentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7.Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid(VFA),acetate,and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage.Moreover,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2(NFE2L2),beta-carotene oxygenase 1(BCO1),SOD1,SOD2,SOD3,GPX2,CAT,glu-tathione-disulfide reductase(GSR),and heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1)genes in the mammary gland,while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),TNF,and interferon gamma(IFNG).Conclusions These findings indicated that feeding L.plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.

Analysis and Characterization of the GABA Transaminase and Succinate Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Genes in the Microalga Isochrysis zhanjiangensis in Response to Abiotic Stresses

Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA),widely existing in different organisms,is rapidly accumulated in plants in response to environmental stresses.The main biosynthesis and degradation pathways of GABA constitute the GABA shunt,which is tied to the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle.GABA transaminase(GABA-T)and succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase(SSADH)are two essential enzymes for the GABA degradation pathway.While there are abundant studies on GABA shunt in higher plants at the physiological and genetic levels,research on its role in microalgae remains limited.This study aimed at exploring the function of GABA-T and SSADH genes in Isochrysis zhanjiangensis,an important diet microalga,under different stresses.We cloned two GABA-T genes,IzGABA-T1 and IzGABA-T2,and one SSADH gene IzSSADH from Isochrysis zhanjiangensis and conducted heterologous expression experiments.The results showed that the overexpression of IzGABA-T1 or IzGABA-T2 enhanced the survival rates of yeast transformants under heat or NaCl stress,while the overexpression of IzSSADH improved yeast tolerance to NaCl stress but had no obvious effect on heat stress.Additionally,the results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)showed that IzGABA-T1 transcription increased in the HT(salinity 25,35℃)and LS(salinity 15,25℃)groups.At 24 h,the IzGABA-T2 transcriptions increased in the HT,LS,and HS(salinity 35,25℃)groups,but their transcription levels decreased in all groups at 48 h.IzSSADH transcription increased in the LS group.These results suggest that IzGABA-T1,IzGABA-T2,and IzSSADH are associated with temperature and salinity stresses and possess a certain preference for different stresses.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis provides insights into lignin biosynthesis and accumulation and differences in lodging resistance in hybrid wheat

The use of hybrid wheat is one way to improve the yield in the future.However,greater plant heights increase lodging risk to some extent.In this study,two hybrid combinations with differences in lodging resistance were used to analyze the stem-related traits during the filling stage,and to investigate the mechanism of the difference in lodging resistance by analyzing lignin synthesis of the basal second internode(BSI).The stem-related traits such as the breaking strength,stem pole substantial degree(SPSD),and rind penetration strength(RPS),as well as the lignin content of the lodging-resistant combination(LRC),were significantly higher than those of the lodgingsensitive combination(LSC).The phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway was significantly and simultaneously enriched according to the transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis at the later filling stage.A total of 35 critical regulatory genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway were identified.Moreover,42%of the identified genes were significantly and differentially expressed at the later grain-filling stage between the two combinations,among which more than 80%were strongly up-regulated at that stage in the LRC compared with LSC.On the contrary,the LRC displayed lower contents of lignin intermediate metabolites than the LSC.These results suggested that the key to the lodging resistance formation of LRC is largely the higher lignin synthesis at the later grain-filling stage.Finally,breeding strategies for synergistically improving plant height and lodging resistance of hybrid wheat were put forward by comparing the LRC with the conventional wheat applied in large areas.

A 48-bp deletion upstream of LIGULELESS 1 alters rice panicle architecture

Panicle architecture is an agronomic determinant of crop yield and a target for cereal crop improvement.To investigate its molecular mechanisms in rice,we performed map-based cloning and characterization of OPEN PANICLE 1(OP1),a gain-of-function allele of LIGULELESS 1(LG1),controlling the spread-panicle phenotype.This allele results from a 48-bp deletion in the LG1 upstream region and promotes pulvinus development at the base of the primary branch.Increased OP1 expression and altered panicle phenotype in chimeric transgenic plants and upstream-region knockout mutants indicated that the deletion regulates spread-panicle architecture in the mutant spread panicle 1(sp1).Knocking out BRASSINOSTEROID UPREGULATED1(BU1)gene in the background of OP1 complementary plants resulted in compact panicles,suggesting OP1 may regulate inflorescence architecture via the brassinosteroid signaling pathway.We regard that manipulating the upstream regulatory region of OP1 or genes involved in BR signal pathway could be an efficient way to improve rice inflorescence architecture.

Single-cell manipulation by two-dimensional micropatterning

Cells are highly sensitive to their geometrical and mechanical microenvironment that directly regulate cell shape,cytoskeleton and organelle,as well as the nucleus morphology and genetic expression.The emerging two-dimensional micropatterning techniques offer powerful tools to construct controllable and well-organized microenvironment for single-cell level investigations with qualitative analysis,cellular standardization,and in vivo environment mimicking.Here,we provide an overview of the basic principle and characteristics of the two most widely-used micropatterning techniques,including photolithographic micropatterning and soft lithography micropatterning.Moreover,we summarize the application of micropatterning technique in controlling cytoskeleton,cell migration,nucleus and gene expression,as well as intercellular communication.

Transcriptome analysis reveals immune-related genes in tissues of Vibrio anguillarum-infected turbot Scophthalmus maximus

Turbot Scophthalmus maximus is an important mariculture fish species with high economic value.However,the bacterial diseases caused by Vibrio anguillarum infection bring huge economic losses to the turbot aquaculture industry.To understand the immune response of the turbot against V.anguillarum infection and to explore novel immune-related genes,the transcriptome analysis of turbot spleen and gills were conducted after V.anguillarum infection.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in spleen and gill of the turbot amounted to 17261 and 16436,respectively.A large number of immunerelated DEGs were enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathway,and the others by the kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment.The gene ontology(GO)classification analysis revealed that V.anguillarum infection had the greatest effect on biological processes and cellular components.Twelve immune-related DEGs were identified in the spleen(cstl.1,egfl6,lamb21,v2rx4,calcr,and gpr78a)and gills(ghra,sh3gl2a,cst12,inhbaa,cxcl8,and il-1b)by heat map.The proteinprotein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed to analyze the immune mechanism.The results demonstrate that the maturation and antigen processing of major histocompatibility complex(MHC)class II molecule,and calcitonin-or adrenomedullin-regulated physiological activity were important events in the immunity of turbot against V.anguillarum infection.In the gills,the protein interactions in TGF-βsignaling pathway,production of inflammatory factors,and endocytosis regulation were most significant.Our research laid a foundation for discovering novel immune-related genes and enriching the knowledge of immune mechanisms of turbot against V.anguillarum infection.

Salinity Acclimation Induces Reduced Energy Metabolism,Osmotic Pressure Regulation and Transcriptional Reprogramming in Hypotrichida Ciliate Gastrostyla setifera

Coastal and estuarine protists are frequently exposed to salinity undulation.While the tolerance and stress responses of microalgae to salinity have been extensively studied,there have been scarce studies on the physiological response of heterotrophic protists to salinity stressing.In this study,we investigated the physiological response of the heterotrophic ciliate Gastrostyla setifera to a salinity of 3,via a transcriptomic approach.The first transcriptome of genus Gastrostyla was obtained utilizing a group of manually isolated ciliate individuals(cells)and RNA-seq technique.The completeness of the transcriptome was verified.Differentially expressed gene(DEG)analysis was performed among the transcriptomes of G.setifera acclimated in saline water(salinity 3)and those cultured in fresh water.The results demonstrated a significant alternation in gene transcription,in which the ciliate exhibits a transcripttomic acclimation in responding salinity stressing.The up-regulated DEGs were enriched in the pathways of cytoskeleton proteins,membrane trafficking,protein kinases and protein phosphatases.These may represent enhanced functions of ion transport,stress response and cell protections.Pathways involved in energy metabolism and biosynthesis were markedly down-regulated,reflecting decreased cell activity.Particularly,we detected significantly down-regulated genes involved in several pathways of amino acid catabolism,which may lead to accumulation of amino acids in the ciliate cell.Amino acid could act as compatible solutes in the cytoplasm to maintain the osmotic balance in saline water.Overall,this work is an initial exploration to the molecular basis of the heterotrophic protist responding to salinity stressing.The result sheds light on the mechanisms of enhancement of cell protection,reduction of cell activity,and osmotic pressure regulation in ciliates acclimated to salinity.

Rational Engineering of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in a Heterologous Host to Enable the Biosynthesis of Hibarimicin Derivatives with Enhanced Anti-Melanomic Activity

A 61-kb biosynthetic gene cluster(BGC),which is accountable for the biosynthesis of hibarimicin(HBM)B from Microbispora rosea subsp.hibaria TP-A0121,was heterologously expressed in Streptomyces coelicolor M1154,which generated a trace of the target products but accumulated a large amount of shunt products.Based on rational analysis of the relevant secondary metabolism,directed engineering of the biosynthetic pathways resulted in the high production of HBM B,as well as new HBM derivates with improved antitumor activity.These results not only establish a biosynthetic system to effectively synthesize HBMs-a class of the largest and most complex Type-Ⅱpolyketides,with a unique pseudo-dimeric structure-but also set the stage for further engineering and deep investigation of this complex biosynthetic pathway toward potent anticancer drugs.

A growth-regulating factor 7(GRF7)-mediated gene regulatory network promotes leaf growth and expansion in sugarcane

Knowledge of the function of growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum and S.spontaneum)growth and development could assist breeders in selecting desirable plant architectures.However,limited information about GRFs is available in Saccharum due to their polyploidy.In this study,22 GRFs were identified in the two species and their conserved domains,gene structures,chromosome location,and synteny were characterized.GRF7 expression varied among tissues and responded to diurnal rhythm.SsGRF7-YFP was localized preferentially in the nucleus and appears to act as a transcriptional cofactor.SsGRF7 positively regulated the size and length of rice leaves,possibly by regulating cell size and plant hormones.Of seven potential transcription factors binding to the SsGRF7 promoter in S.spontaneum,four showed positive expression patterns,and two showed negative expression patterns relative to SsGRF7.

Global analysis of basic leucine zipper transcription factors in trifoliate orange and the function identification of PtbZIP49 in salt tolerance

As one of the most widely distributed and highly conserved transcription factors in eukaryotes,basic leucine zipper proteins(bZIPs)are involved in a variety of biological processes in plants,but they are largely unknown in citrus.In this study,56 bZIP family members were identified genome-wide from an important citrus rootstock,namely trifoliate orange(Poncirus trifoliata L.Raf.),and these putative bZIPs were named PtbZIP1—PtbZIP56.All PtbZIPs were classified into 13 subgroups by phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana bZIPs(AtbZIPs),and they were randomly distributed on nine known(50 genes)chromosomes and one unknown(6 genes)chromosome.Sequence analysis revealed the detailed characteristics of PtPZIPs,including their amino acid length,isoelectric point(pI),molecular weight(MW),predicted subcellular localization,gene structure,and conserved motifs.Prediction of promoter elements suggested the presence of drought,low-temperature,wound,and defense and stress responsive elements,as well as multiple hormone-responsive cis-acting elements.Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed the transcriptional patterns of PtbZIPs in different tissues and under dehydration,high salt,ABA,and IAA treatments.In addition,21 PtbZIPs were predicted to have direct or indirect protein—protein interactions.Among these,PtbZIP49 was experimentally proven to interact with PtbZIP1 or PtbZIP11 by using a yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC).Subcellular localization analysis further revealed that PtbZIP1,PtbZIP11,and PtbZIP49 were localized in the nucleus.Moreover,PtbZIP49 was functionally identified as having an important role in salt stress via ectopic expression in A.thaliana and silenced in trifoliate orange using virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS).This study provided comprehensive information on PtbZIP transcription factors in citrus and highlights their potential functions in abiotic stress.

Advances in DNA methylation and its role in cytoplasmic male sterility in higher plants

The impact of epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation on plant phenotypes has expanded the possibilities for crop development.DNA methylation plays a part in the regulation of both the chromatin structure and gene expression,and the enzyme involved,DNA methyltransferase,executes the methylation process within the plant genome.By regulating crucial biological pathways,epigenetic changes actively contribute to the creation of the phenotype.Therefore,epigenome editing may assist in overcoming some of the drawbacks of genome editing,which can have minor off-target consequences and merely facilitate the loss of a gene’s function.These drawbacks include gene knockout,which can have such off-target effects.This review provides examples of several molecular characteristics of DNA methylation,as well as some plant physiological processes that are impacted by these epigenetic changes in the plants.We also discuss how DNA alterations might be used to improve crops and meet the demands of sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming.

Metabolic profiles and morphological characteristics of leaf tips among different sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas Lam.)varieties

Sweet potato leaf tips have high nutritional value,and exploring the differences in the metabolic profiles of leaf tips among different sweet potato varieties can provide information to improve their qualities.In this study,a UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS-based untargeted metabolomics method was used to evaluate the metabolites in leaf tips of 32 sweet potato varieties.Three varieties with distinct overall metabolic profiles(A01,A02,and A03),two varieties with distinct profiles of phenolic acids(A20 and A18),and three varieties with distinct profiles of flavonoids(A05,A12,and A16)were identified.In addition,a total of 163 and 29 differentially expressed metabolites correlated with the color and leaf shape of sweet potato leaf tips,respectively,were identified through morphological characterization.Group comparison analysis of the phenotypic traits and a metabolite-phenotypic trait correlation analysis indicated that the color differences of sweet potato leaf tips were markedly associated with flavonoids.Also,the level of polyphenols was correlated with the leaf shape of sweet potato leaf tips,with lobed leaf types having higher levels of polyphenols than the entire leaf types.The findings on the metabolic profiles and differentially expressed metabolites associated with the morphology of sweet potato leaf tips can provide useful information for breeding sweet potato varieties with higher nutritional value.

Monogenic features of urolithiasis: A comprehensive review

Objective: Urolithiasis formation has been attributed to environmental and dietary factors. However, evidence is accumulating that genetic background can contribute to urolithiasis formation. Advancements in the identification of monogenic causes using high-throughput sequencing technologies have shown that urolithiasis has a strong heritable component.Methods: This review describes monogenic factors implicated in a genetic predisposition to urolithiasis. Peer-reviewed journals were evaluated by a PubMed search until July 2023 to summarize disorders associated with monogenic traits, and discuss clinical implications of identification of patients genetically susceptible to urolithiasis formation.Results: Given that more than 80% of urolithiases cases are associated with calcium accumulation, studies have focused mainly on monogenetic contributors to hypercalciuric urolithiases, leading to the identification of receptors, channels, and transporters involved in the regulation of calcium renal tubular reabsorption. Nevertheless, available candidate genes and linkage methods have a low resolution for evaluation of the effects of genetic components versus those of environmental, dietary, and hormonal factors, and genotypes remain undetermined in the majority of urolithiasis formers.Conclusion: The pathophysiology underlying urolithiasis formation is complex and multifactorial, but evidence strongly suggests the existence of numerous monogenic causes of urolithiasis in humans.