Isolation and bioactivity screening of soy isoflavones from soybean glycolipids identifies daidzin as a promising anti-inflammatory agent

Background:Soybean has long been utilized in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine.One of its extracts,soybean glycolipids,serves as a vital by-product of soybean oil refining,but its chemical composition and pharmacological potential have yet to be fully elucidated.Methods:In this study,the chemical components were isolated,and the inhibitory effects of these isolates were explored in different zebrafish inflammatory models by survival rate,Histological examination assay and quantitative Real-time PCR assay.The cytotoxicity of daidzin in RAW264.7 cells was evaluated by cell viability assay,and the effect of daidzin on the release of inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western blotting,immunofluorescence assay and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors siRNA transfection assay were used to further explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of daidzin.Results:Four compounds(verticilloside,soya-cerebroside I,soya-cerebroside II and daidzin)were firstly isolated from the soybean glycolipids,among which verticilloside and daidzin inhibited the lipopolysaccharide,CuSO4-and tail cut-stimulated zebrafish inflammation.Noticeably,daidzin exhibited anti-inflammatory activities by increasing the survival rate,alleviating the inflammatory cells infiltration,and down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha,and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 in zebrafish.Moreover,daidzin decreased the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α,inhibited the nuclear translocations of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription3 as well as the NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha phosphorylation at Ser32 in RAW 264.7 cells.More importantly,it elevated the expression level of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in both zebrafish and RAW 264.7 cells,and the inhibitory effect of daidzin was attenuated after the addition of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors siRNA.Conclusion:Our study revealed that daidzin inhibited inflammation by activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and further inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 signaling.At the same time,it also promotes the recycling of crude soybean glycolipids and supports the potential use of daidzin as a functional food or natural dietary anti-inflammatory agent.

Pueraria isoflavones inhibit XOD and GLUT9 to decrease uric acid production and promote uric acid excretion, respectively

Objective: To analyze the possible mechanism of Pueraria isoflavones inhibiting XOD and GLUT9 to reduce uric acid production and promote uric acid excretion. Methods: August 2021-April 2022, a total of forty SPF male Kunming mice were divided into the healthy group (carboxymethylcellulose sodium at a dose of 250 mg/kg), the model group (HUA mice were given carboxymethylcellulose sodium at a dose of 250 mg/kg), the low group (HUA mice were given pueraria isoflavone at a dose of 125 mg/kg), HUA mice were given pueraria isoflavones at a dose of 250 mg/kg once d frequency)and the high group (HUA mice were given pueraria isoflavones at a dose of 500 mg/kg once d frequency) dosage groups, with 8 mice in each group. The contents of uric acid (SUA), urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (SCr) in serum and urine of each group were compared before and after intervention (30 d). Statistical differences of xanthine oxidase (XOD) and human glucose transporter 9(GLUT9), cy- clooxygenase- 2(COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1β) contents in renal tissues of each group after intervention (30 d) were compared. Results: After intervention, kidney inflammatory factors (COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β) in the model group were compared. Blood and urine indexes (SUA, BUN, SCr);The contents of XOD and GLUT9 were higher than those of healthy group(P<0.05). Renal inflammatory cytokines (COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β) in low, medium and high dose groups;Blood and urine indexes (SUA, BUN, SCr);The contents of XOD and GLUT9 were lower than those of model group, and there were low > medium > high dose groups, the comparison between the two groups had statistical significance(P< 0.05). After intervention, the contents of 3 indicators in blood or urine(COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β) all decreased compared with before intervention, and the differences in intra-group comparison were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pueraria isoflavones can treat HUA mice by inhibiting the expression of XOD and GLUT9, and then play a role in reducing uric acid pro- duction and promoting uric acid excretion, as well as alleviating the degree of disease inflammation.

Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on In vitro Antioxidative Capacity of Satellite Cells of Porcine Skeletal Muscles

A synthetic isoflavone （ISO-S） or genistein was added in culture medium at different concentrations （0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 p.mol L^-1） to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavones on antioxidative capacity of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells. After 48 h incubation, the suspension was cryopreserved for the determination of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） activities, and malondialdehyde （MDA） content. The mRNA levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px gene in cells were detected with Taqman fluorescent probe method. The results showed that the content of MDA and the activities and the mRNA levels of SOD of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells were influenced by supplemented soybean isoflavone （P〈0.05） when adding 10-80 μmol L^-1 ISO-S or genistein in the medium. The MDA contents, SOD and CAT activities and their mRNA expression levels of porcine skeletal muscle cells responded quadratically （P〈 0.05） as the level of ISO-S or genistein increased. Pre-incubation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells with ISO-S or genistein at 10-40 pmol L-1 elevated the activities and the mRNA expression levels of SOD and CAT in cells concurrently and decreased the cellular content of MDA （P〈 0.05）. The results indicated that pre-incubation of ISO-S or genistein at 10- 40μmol L^-1 could improve the antioxidative capacity of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells.

Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of Soybean Isoflavones to Immature SD Rats

Objective To investigate the dose-dependent toxic effect of soybean isoflavone extracts （SIE） on reproductive development in immature rats. Methods Growing male and female rats （n=50 each, 4 weeks） were divided into five groups fed with a standard cereal-based diet and gastrogavaged daily with 0, 30, 150, 300, and 600 mg SIE / kg body weight, respectively, for 12 weeks. Body weight, organ weights, and serum level of estrogen and testosterone were measured. Results Oral administration of SIE had no effect on food intake but decreased food efficiency ratio （P〈0.01）. Suppression on body weight gain by SIE was dose-dependent and the effect was greater on male than on female rats （P〈0.01）. SIE at high doses exhibited hepatotoxicity by increasing a relative liver weight, and also caused a smaller uterus but a greater relative ovary in female rats, while leading to larger relative testis and epididymis in male rats. SIE could decrease progesterone concentrations in female rats, whereas in male rats it reduced not only total testosterone level but also sperm count compared with the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion SIE at a range of 50-1000 times of human intake level affects not only growth but also development of reproductive system in growing rats.

Consumption of soybean,soy foods,soy isoflavones and breast cancer incidence:Differences between Chinese women and women in Western countries and possible mechanisms

Breast cancer is one of the most lethal diseases world-wide.However,there is a large difference in breast cancer incidence among Caucasian,Hispanic,African and Asian(e.g.Chinese)women with Caucasian women being the highest and Asian women being the lowest.It has been suggested that the dietary factors may account for approximately 50%of the breast cancer.One of such dietary components which are typical to Asian but not Caucasian diet is soy foods.A number of epidemiological studies have suggested that increasing soy consumption could be related to the decreased risk of occurrence and/or mortality of breast cancer.In this review,we first described briefly different types of soy products and their nutritional functions and consumption.Then,we described briefly soybean isoflavones,i.e.genistein(GEN),daidzein,glycitein,and presented several lines of evidence to demonstrate the possible association of soy flavone food consumption with incidence and prognosis of breast cancer;finally,we summarized several possible molecular mechanisms,including the effects of GEN as an agonist of ER,epigenetic and genome-wide effects,activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors,induction of apoptosis and stimulation of autophagy,involved in the chemo-preventive effects of GEN on breast cancer.©2013 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Soybean Seed Phenol, Lignin, and Isoflavones and Sugars Composition Altered by Foliar Boron Application in Soybean under Water Stress

Previous research showed that foliar boron (B) application at flowering or seed-fill growth stages altered seed protein, oil, and fatty acids. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of foliar B fertilizer on seed phenolics (phenol, lignin, and isoflavones) and sugars concentrations. A repeated greenhouse experiment was conducted on soybean [(Glycine max(L.) Merr.)] under watered and water-stressed conditions. Soybean plants were divided into different sets, and each set was subjected to one of the following treatments: W = plants were watered with no foliar B;WB = plants were watered and received foliar B;WS = plants were water-stressed with no foliar B;WSB = plants were waterstressed and received foliar B. Foliar B was applied at rate of 0.45 kg/ha twice at flowering and twice at seed-fill stages. The results showed that total phenol and lignin concentrations were higher in seed collected from water-stressed plants compared with those collected from watered plants whether B was applied or not. The higher total phenol and lignin concentration in seed collected of water-stressed plants may be due to B-deficiency in plant tissues. Application of B resulted in higher concentrations of total seed B and isoflavones under watered and water-stressed plants. Higher cell wall B was higher in water-stressed plants than in watered plants, having an opposite trend to total B. Application of B resulted in higher seed sucrose in watered and water-stressed plants, but raffinose and stachyose were significantly higher under water-stressed plants. The research demonstrated that foliar B fertilizer altered seed phenol, lignin, isoflavones, and sugars, suggesting that B involved in phenolics and sugar metabolism. The higher cell wall B in waterstressed plants than in watered plants supports previous research that B has mainly a structural role. The higher sucrose resulting from foliar B in watered plants is desirable as sucrose contributes to seed quality. The increase of raffinose and stachyose concentrations in seed of water-stressed plants is undesirable as raffinose, and especially stachyose may be involved in water stress/drought tolerance. The current knowledge would help soybean breeders select for higher phenolic compounds and desirable sugars for higher seed qualities under drought conditions.

Perform Stability of Isoflavones of Soybean Cultivar Evaluated by Genotype-genotype×environment(GGE) Biplot

As one of the secondary metabolites,the isoflavones formed during the development of soybean[Glycine max(L.)Merr.]seeds.The total and individual isoflavone contents,a typical quantitative trait,were affected by significant genotypes of environments(GE)interaction and controlled by many genes with main or minor effects.In the present study,99 soybean cultivars,collected from northeastern China,were used to analyze the isoflavone performances.Genotype-genotype×environment(GGE)biplot software demonstrated an ability to provide information on genetic main effects than solely on phenotypic perform.Highperformance liquid chromatography(HPLC)system was used to extract and determine the isoflavone contents.The results indicated that most genotypes significantly varied among six tested environments.P40(Xiaolimoshidou)was the best-performed genotype with mean performance and stability for glycitein content across six different environments.P88(L-59Peking)was the super genotype with mean performance and stability on each tested environment for daidzein,genistein and the total isoflavone.E5(Gongzhuling in 2016)was the best environment for optimal environmental factor mining.P70(Charleston),P67(Baichengmoshidou)and P50(Jiunong 20)were the optimal genotypes with the highest field among 99 cultivars on each tested environment for genistein.P70(Charleston),P67(Baichengmoshidou)and P14(Hefeng 25)were the optimal genotypes with the highest field among 99 cultivars on each tested environment for daidzein.P40(Xiaolimoshidou),P45(Jinshanchamodou),P33(Dongnong 48)and P56(L-5)were the optimal genotypes with the highest field among 99 cultivars on each tested environment for glycitein.P70(Charleston)and P67(Baichengmoshidou)were the optimal genotypes with the highest field among 99 cultivars on each tested environment for the total isoflavone.GGE biplot was a rational method for stability and adaptation evaluation of soybean isoflavones,and could assist soybean breeder to select a good culture and a suitable tested site.It provided a scientific basis for the establishment of a breeding site and a selection site of soybean isoflavones.This study was valuable to identify genotypes with stable performances of isoflavones of these 99 cultivars for developing new cultivars.

Effects of soybean isoflavones on reproductive parameters in Chinese mini-pig boars

Background： Soybean isoflavones are structurally similar to mammalian estrogens and therefore may act as estrogen agonists or antagonists. However, it has not been determined if they have any negative effects on reproductive parameters in male livestock. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soybean isofiavones on male reproduction using Chinese mini-pig boars as a model. Fifty Xiang boars were randomly divided into five groups and fed diets containing 0, 125, 250, or 500 ppm soybean isoflavones or 0.5 ppm diethylstilbestrol for 60 days. Results： Dietary supplementation with 250 ppm of soy isoflavones markedly increased the testis index （P 〈 0.05）, fructose content （P 〈 0.05）, and o-glycosidase content in testicular tissue （P 〈 0.01）, as well as increased the number of viable germ cells （P 〈 0.01） and the level of Bcl-2 protein （P 〈 0.01）. However, 500 ppm of soybean isoflavones significantly reduced both testis and epididymis indexes （P 〈 0.0S） and lactate dehydrogenase levels （P 〈 0.01）, as well as reduced serum LH and testosterone levels （P 〈 0.05）. High levels of soybean isoflavones also increased malondialdehyde levels （P 〈 0.05）, as well as increased the numbers of early and late apoptotic germ cells （P 〈 0.01） and the level of Bax proteins （P 〈 0.05） in the testis. Conclusions： The results of this study indicate that consumption of soy isoflavones at dietary levels up to 250 ppm did not adversely affect reproductive parameters in Chinese mini-pig boars whereas higher levels of soy isoflavones may adversely affect male reproduction.

GmSTF accumulation mediated by DELLA protein GmRGAs contributes to coordinating light and gibberellin signaling to reduce plant height in soybean

Plant height influences plant architecture,lodging resistance,and yield performance.It is modulated by gibberellic acid(GA)metabolism and signaling.DELLA proteins,acting as central repressors of GA signaling,integrate various environmental and hormonal signals to regulate plant growth and development in Arabidopsis.We examined the role of two DELLA proteins,GmRGAa and GmRGAb,in soybean plant height control.Knockout of these proteins led to longer internodes and increased plant height,primarily by increasing cell elongation.GmRGAs functioned under different light conditions,including red,blue,and far-red light,to repress plant height.Interaction studies revealed that GmRGAs interacted with the blue light receptor GmCRY1b.Consistent with this,GmCRY1b partially regulated plant height via GmRGAs.Additionally,DELLA proteins were found to stabilize the protein GmSTF1/2,a key positive regulator of photomorphogenesis.This stabilization led to increased transcription of GmGA2ox-7b and subsequent reduction in plant height.This study enhances our understanding of DELLA-mediated plant height control,offering Gmrgaab mutants for soybean structure and yield optimization.

A value-added cooking process to improve the quality of soybean:Protecting its isoflavones and antioxidant activity

This study investigated the effects of domestic cooking process on the variations of soybean isoflavones,aiming at understanding the conversion of-glucosides and aglycones isoflavones during the process and the relation with antioxidant activity.It was found that-glucosides isoflavones was significantly increased from 223.01(raw)to 727.29 mg/g(frying at 160◦C for 2 min),but boiling showed only a slight increase to 258.14 mg/g.The process for the mixed cooking of soybeans with vegetables was also evaluated,which is quite common in home cuisine.The results showed all bioactive ingredients were aggressively destroyed by over processing,but interestingly,green pepper and kelp exhibited isoflavones generation potentials for soybean.In addition,cooking from 60 to 160◦C for 2 or 5 min,showed a significantly decrease on FRAP.However,in the case of fried soybeans which treated at 120◦C or 160◦C,when extending the heating time to 5 min,their FRAP activity got a significant increase.The present study may provide a practical guidance for healthy soybean cooking,by using frying around 120◦C for 5 min and mixed with some vegetables such as green peppers or kelp.

Identification and fine mapping of qSW2 for leaf slow wilting in soybean

Drought is one of the abiotic stresses limiting the production of soybean(Glycine max).Elucidation of the genetic and molecular basis of the slow-wilting(SW)trait of this crop offers the prospect of its genetic improvement.A panel of 188 accessions and a set of recombinant inbred lines produced from a cross between cultivars Liaodou 14 and Liaodou 21 were used to identify quantitative-trait loci(QTL)associated with SW.Plants were genotyped by Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing and seedling leaf wilting was assessed under three water-stress treatments.A genome-wide association study identified 26 SW-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs),including three located in a 248-kb linkage-disequilibrium(LD)block on chromosome 2.Linkage mapping revealed a major-effect QTL,qSW2,associated with all three treatments and adjacent to the LD block.Fine mapping in a BC_(2)F_(3) population derived from a backcross between Liaodou 21 and R26 confined qSW2 to a 60-kb interval.Gene expression and sequence variation analysis identified the gene Glyma.02 g218100,encoding an auxin transcription factor,as a candidate gene for qSW2.Our results will contribute significantly to improving drought-resistant soybean cultivars by providing genetic information and resources.

Emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate obtained by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure

Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.

CRISPR/CasRx-mediated resistance to Soybean mosaic virus in soybean

Soybean mosaic virus(SMV),an RNA virus,is the most common and destructive pathogenic virus in soybean fields.The newly developed CRISPR/Cas immune system has provided a novel strategy for improving plant resistance to viruses;hence,this study aimed to engineer SMV resistance in soybean using this system.Specifically,multiple sgRNAs were designed to target positive-and/or negative-sense strands of the SMV HC-Pro gene.Subsequently,the corresponding CRISPR/CasRx vectors were constructed and transformed into soybeans.After inoculation with SMV,39.02%,35.77%,and 18.70%of T_(1)plants were confirmed to be highly resistant(HR),resistant(R),and mildly resistant(MR)to SMV,respectively,whereas only 6.50%were identified as susceptible(S).Additionally,qRT-PCR and DAS-ELISA showed that,both at 15 and 30 d post-inoculation(dpi),SMV accumulation significantly decreased or was even undetectable in HR and R plants,followed by MR and S plants.Additionally,the expression level of the CasRx gene varied in almost all T_(1)plants with different resistance level,both at 15 and 30 dpi.Furthermore,when SMV resistance was evaluated in the T_(2)generation,the results were similar to those recorded for the T_(1)generation.These findings provide new insights into the application of the CRISPR/CasRx system for soybean improvement and offer a promising alternative strategy for breeding for resistance to biotic stress that will contribute to the development of SMV-immune soybean germplasm to accelerate progress towards greater soybean crop productivity.

Assessing the Efficacy of Wheat-Soybean Based Intercropping System at Different Plant Densities in Bambili, Cameroon

Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to invest in wheat production. Improving cropping systems for wheat production is paramount. Intercropping cereals with legumes has tremendous advantages. Therefore, this study was designed to optimize wheat production by intercropping it with soybean at different densities. Between March and August 2023, a randomized complete block design trial was conducted in Bambili, North West of Cameroon with treatments T1 (wheat monocrop at 200,000 plants ha−1), T2 (soybean monocrop at 250,000 plants ha−1), T3 (200,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1), T4 (100,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1), T5 (200,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha−1) and T6 (100,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha−1). Results revealed that growth parameters of wheat were not significantly influenced by monocrop or intercrop. The yield of wheat was significantly higher in the monocrop than the intercrop treatments, with slight variation amongst the intercrop treatments. Soybean yield was higher in the monocrop than in the intercrop, with no variations amongst the intercrop treatments. Only the land equivalence ratio (LER) for T5 was greater than 1.0. The competitive ratio for T5 was 0.54 for wheat and 1.90 for soybean, comparatively lower than the other monocrop treatments. Intercropping wheat and soybean at 200,000:250,000 ratio is recommended.

Identification of Rhizobia Isolated from Nodules of Mexican Commercial Soybean Varieties

Rhizobia, crucial for nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants, play a vital role in soybean cultivation. This study, conducted in Mexico, a major soybean importer, aimed to identify bacteria from nodules of five soybean varieties in high-production regions. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) was employed for enhanced species resolution. The study identified six Bradyrhizobium species: Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 6, Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76, Bradyrhizobium neotropicale, Bradyrhizobium lablabi, and Bradyrhizobium icense. Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 predominated in the soils, displaying symbiotic preference for the Huasteca 400 variety. However, phylogenetic analysis didn't reveal a clear association between strains, soil, and soybean variety. This research sheds light on the diversity of rhizobia in Mexican soybean cultivation, contributing to the understanding of symbiotic relationships in soybean production systems.

Mapping and identification of QTLs for seed fatty acids in soybean(Glycine max L.)

Soybean is one of the most important sources of vegetable oil.The oil content and fatty acid ratio have attracted significant attention due to their impacts on the shelf-life of soybean oil products and consumer health.In this study,a high-density genetic map derived from Guizao 1 and Brazil 13 was used to analyze the quantitative trait loci of palmitic acid(PA),stearic acid(SA),oleic acid(OA),linoleic acid(LA),linolenic acid(LNA),and oil content(OC).A total of 54 stable QTLs were detected in the genetic map linkage analysis,which shared six bin intervals.Among them,the bin interval on chromosome 13(bin106-bin118 and bin123-bin125)was found to include stable QTLs in multiple environments that were linked to OA,LA,and LNA.Eight differentially expressed genes(DEGs)within these QTL intervals were determined as candidate genes according to the combination of parental resequencing,bioinformatics and RNA sequencing data.All these results are conducive to breeding soybean with the ideal fatty acid ratio for food,and provide the genetic basis for mining genes related to the fatty acid and oil content traits in soybean.

J-family genes redundantly regulate flowering time and increase yield in soybean

Soybean(Glycine max)is a short-day crop whose flowering time is regulated by photoperiod.The longjuvenile trait extends its vegetative phase and increases yield under short-day conditions.Natural variation in J,the major locus controlling this trait,modulates flowering time.We report that the three J-family genes influence soybean flowering time,with the triple mutant Guangzhou Mammoth-2 flowering late under short days by inhibiting transcription of E1-family genes.J-family genes offer promising allelic combinations for breeding.

Soybean maize strip intercropping:A solution for maintaining food security in China

The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.

Drought-triggered repression of miR166 promotes drought tolerance in soybean

Drought stress limits agricultural productivity worldwide.Identifying and characterizing genetic components of drought stress-tolerance networks may improve crop resistance to drought stress.We show that the regulatory module formed by miR166 and its target gene,ATHB14-LIKE,functions in the regulation of drought tolerance in soybean(Glycine max).Drought stress represses the accumulation of miR166,leading to upregulation of its target genes.Optimal knockdown of miR166 in the stable transgenic line GmSTTM166 conferred drought tolerance without affecting yield.Expression of ABA signaling pathway genes was regulated by the miR166-mediated regulatory pathway,and ATHB14-LIKE directly activates some of these genes.There is a feedback regulation between ATHB14-LIKE and MIR166 genes,and ATHB14-LIKE inhibits MIR166 expression.These findings reveal that drought-triggered regulation of the miR166-mediated regulatory pathway increases plants drought resistance,providing new insights into drought stress regulatory network in soybean.

Application of organic manure as a potential strategy to alleviate the limitation of microbial resources in soybean rhizospheric and bulk soils

The development and vigor of soil microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystems are frequently constrained by the limited availability of essential elements such as carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P).In this study,we investigated the impact of long-term application of varying levels of organic manure,low(7.5 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),moderate(15.0 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),and high(22.5 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),on the stoichiometry of enzymes and the structures of the microbial communities in soybean rhizospheric and bulk soils.The main goal of this research was to examine how soil microbial resource limitations in the rhizosphere respond to different long-term fertilization strategies.The soil enzymatic activities were quantified,and the structure of the microbial community was assessed by analyzing phospholipid fatty acid profiles.When compared to the bulk soil,the rhizospheric soil had significant increases in microbial biomass carbon(MBC),nitrogen(MBN),and phosphorus(MBP),with MBC increasing by 54.19 to 72.86%,MBN by 47.30 to 48.17%,and MBP by 17.37 to 208.47%.Compared with the unfertilized control(CK),the total microbial biomasses of the rhizospheric(increased by 22.80 to 90.82%)and bulk soils(increased by 10.57 to 60.54%)both exhibited increases with the application of organic manure,and the rhizospheric biomass was higher than that of bulk soil.Compared with bulk soil,the activities of C-,N-and P-acquiring enzymes of rhizospheric soil increased by 22.49,14.88,and 29.45%under high levels of organic manure,respectively.Analyses of vector length,vector angle,and scatter plots revealed that both rhizospheric and bulk soils exhibited limitations in terms of both carbon(C)and phosphorus(P)availability.The results of partial least-squares path modelling indicated that the rhizospheric soil exhibited a more pronounced response to the rate of manure application than the bulk soil.The varying reactions of rhizospheric and bulk soils to the extended application of organic manure underscore the crucial function of the rhizosphere in mitigating limitations related to microbial resources,particularly in the context of different organic manure application rates.