The evolution and diurnal expression patterns of photosynthetic pathway genes of the invasive alien weed,Mikania micrantha

Mikania micrantha is a fast-growing global invasive weed species that causes severe damage to natural ecosystems and very large economic losses of forest and crop production.It has advantages in photosynthesis,including a similar net photosynthetic rate as C4 plants and a higher carbon fixation capacity.We used a combination of genomics and transcriptomics approaches to study the evolutionary mechanisms and circadian expression patterns of M.micrantha.In M.micrantha,16 positive selection genes focused on photoreaction and utilization of photoassimilates.In different tissues,98.1%of the genes associated with photoresponse had high expression in stems,and more than half of the genes of the C4 cycle had higher expression in stems than in leaves.In stomatal opening and closing,2 genes of carbonic anhydrase(CAs)had higher expression at 18:00 than at 8:00,and the slow anion channel 1(SLAC1)and high-leaf-temperature 1 kinase(HT1)genes were expressed at low levels at 18:00.In addition,genes associated with photosynthesis had higher expression levels at 7:00 and 17:00.We hypothesized that M.micrantha may undergo photosynthesis in the stem and flower organs and that some stomata of the leaves were opening at night by CO_(2)signals.In addition,its evolution may attenuate photoinhibition at high light intensities,and enhance more efficient of photosynthesis during low light intensity.And the tissue-specific photosynthetic types and different diurnal pattern of photosynthetic-related genes may contribute to its rapid colonization of new habitats of M.micrantha.

3-Epi-betulinic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(eBAG)induces autophagy by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in hepatocellular carcinoma

3-Epi-betulinic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(eBAG)is a pentacyclic triterpene mainly distributed in food and medicinal plants,which exhibits various pharmacological properties.However,whether these functions are attributed to eBAG or additional components in these plants remain unknown.Herein,we report that eBAG exerted an inhibitory activity against hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal cancer cells.EBAG induced non-apoptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.The eBAG-induced cell death was inhibited by knock-down of autophagy related gene(ATG)5 and ATG7,by administration of 3-methyladenine,a selective autophagy inhibitor that suppresses phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K),and by chloroquine,a classic autophagy flux inhibitor.We demonstrated that eBAG induced an autophagy-mediated cell death.Application of eBAG mimicked cellular bioenergetics depletion leading to the reduction of intracellular ATP,activation of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),and inhibition of mTOR.Co-treatment with compound C,an AMPK inhibitor,abrogated cell death induced by eBAG.We further validated the anti-tumor effect of eBAG in the murine xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma and found that eBAG treatment promoted the induction of autophagy and reduction of tumor growth in mice.As a functional food ingredient,eBAG is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal cancer.

Development strategies and improved photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction performance of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals

In recent years,photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction reaction(CRR) has attracted much scientific attention to overcome energy and environmental issues by converting CO_(2)into high-value-added chemicals utilizing solar energy.Metal halide perovskite(MHP) nanocrystals(NCs) are recognized as an ideal choice for CRR owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties.Although great efforts have been devoted to designing more effective photocatalysts to optimize CRR performance,severe charge recombination,instability,and unsatisfactory activity have become major bottlenecks in developing perovskite-based photocatalysts.In this review,we mainly focus on the recent research progress in the areas of relevance.First,a brief insight into reaction mechanisms for CRR and structural features of MHPs are introduced.Second,efficient modification approaches for the improvement of the photocatalytic activity and stability of the perovskite-based catalysts are comprehensively reviewed.Third,the state-of-the-art achievements of perovskite-based photocatalysts for CRR are systematically summarized and discussed,which are focused on the modification approaches,structure design,and the mechanism of the CO_(2)reduction process.Lastly,the current challenges and future research perspectives in the design and application of perovskite materials are highlighted from our point of view to provide helpful insights for seeking breakthroughs in the field of CRR.This review may provide a guide for scientists interested in applying perovskite-based catalysts for solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

The high-resolution three-dimensional(3D)chromatin map of the tea plant(Camellia sinensis)

Dear Editor,Tea plant(Camellia sinensis(L.)O.Kuntze)is one of the world’s most important non-alcoholic beverages,with great economic,health,and cultural value.Recently,several genomes of C.sinensis var.assamica(CSA)(Yunkang 10),C.sinensis var.sinensis(CSS)(Shuchazao,Biyun,Longjing 43,Tieguanyin,Huangdan),and ancient tea plant(DASZ)have been deciphered[1-3].

Bakuchiol ameliorates glycolipid homeostasis by reducing inflammation

Inflammatory stimulation plays a significant role in the development and worsening of insulin-resistant diabetes.Therefore,it is crucial to identify therapeutic agents that can alleviate insulin resistance by targeting inflammation.Here,we present evidence that Bakuchiol(BL),a monoterpene phenolic compound first discovered from Psoralea corylifolia L.as traditional Chinese medicine,can effectively improve insulin resistance in diabetic mice through anti-inflammation.Our findings demonstrate that BL alleviates inflammation by inhibiting the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factorκB/mitogen-activated protein kinase axis,consequently enhancing insulin receptor signaling through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/suppressors of cytokine signaling 3/insulin receptor substrate1 pathway and improving glucolipid homeostasis.Furthermore,the insulin recovery achieved with BL(60 mg/kg)was comparable to that of metformin(200 mg/kg).These results provide further support for considering BL as a potential treatment option for insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.

Whole-genome analysis reveals distinct adaptation signatures to diverse environments in Chinese domestic pigs

Background Long-term natural and artificial selection has resulted in many genetic footprints within the genomes of pig breeds across distinct agroecological zones.Nevertheless,the mechanisms by which these signatures contribute to phenotypic diversity and facilitate environmental adaptation remain unclear.Results Here,we leveraged whole-genome sequencing data from 82 individuals from 6 domestic pig breeds originating in tropical,high-altitude,and frigid regions.Population genetic analysis suggested that habitat isolation significantly shaped the genetic diversity and contributed to population stratification in local Chinese pig breeds.Analysis of selection signals revealed regions under selection for adaptation in tropical(55.5 Mb),high-altitude(43.6 Mb),and frigid(17.72 Mb)regions.The potential functions of the selective sweep regions were linked to certain complex traits that might play critical roles in different geographic environments,including fat coverage in frigid environments and blood indicators in tropical and high-altitude environments.Candidate genes under selection were significantly enriched in biological pathways involved in environmental adaptation.These pathways included blood circulation,protein degradation,and inflammation for adaptation to tropical environments;heart and lung development,hypoxia response,and DNA damage repair for high-altitude adaptation;and thermogenesis,cold-induced vasodilation(CIVD),and the cell cycle for adaptation to frigid environments.By examining the chromatin state of the selection signatures,we identified the lung and ileum as two candidate functional tissues for environmental adaptation.Finally,we identified a mutation(chr1:G246,175,129A)in the cis-regulatory region of ABCA1 as a plausible promising variant for adaptation to tropical environments.Conclusions In this study,we conducted a genome-wide exploration of the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptability of local Chinese pig breeds to tropical,high-altitude,and frigid environments.Our findings shed light on the prominent role of cis-regulatory elements in environmental adaptation in pigs and may serve as a valuable biological model of human plateau-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

Flowers: precious food and medicine resources

Flower plants are popular all over the world and important sources of ornamental plants,bioactive molecules and nutrients.Flowers have a wide range of biological activities and beneficial pharmacological effects.Flowers and their active ingredients are becoming more and more popular in the preparation of food,drugs and industrial products.This paper summarizes the active ingredients,pharmacological activities and applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries of flower plants in recent years.In addition,the possible molecular mechanism of pharmacological effects of flower plants were also discussed.302 active constituents from 55 species of flower plants were summarized,including flavonoids(115),terpenoids(90),phenylpropanoids(20),alkaloids(13),organic acids(27)and others(37).The pharmacological effects of flower plants are very extensive,mainly including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-virus,and hypoglycemic.The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor and hypoglycemic activities present the characteristics of multi-way and multi-target.Because of its rich nutrients,bioactive ingredients and plant essential oils,and its wide sources,flower plants are widely used in food,beverage,cosmetics and drug research.Flower plants also play an important role in pharmaceutical industry,food industry and other fields.

The genome of Eleocharis vivipara elucidates the genetics of C_(3)–C_(4)photosynthetic plasticity and karyotype evolution in the Cyperaceae

Eleocharis vivipara,an amphibious sedge in the Cyperaceae family,has several remarkable properties,most notably its alternate use of C_(3)photosynthesis underwater and C_(4)photosynthesis on land.However,the absence of genomic data has hindered its utility for evolutionary and genetic research.Here,we present a high-quality genome for E.vivipara,representing the first chromosome-level genome for the Eleocharis genus,with an approximate size of 965.22 Mb mainly distributed across 10 chromosomes.Its Hi–C pattern,chromosome clustering results,and one-to-one genome synteny across two subgroups indicates a tetraploid structure with chromosome count 2n=4x=20.Phylogenetic analysis suggests that E.vivipara diverged from Cyperus esculentus approximately 32.96million years ago(Mya),and underwent a wholegenome duplication(WGD)about 3.5 Mya.Numerous fusion and fission events were identified between the chromosomes of E.vivipara and its close relatives.We demonstrate that E.vivipara has holocentromeres,a chromosomal feature which can maintain the stability of such chromosomal rearrangements.Experimental transplantation and cross-section studies showed its terrestrial culms developed C_(4)Kranz anatomy with increased number of chloroplasts in the bundle sheath(BS)cells.Gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)showed overall elevated expression of core genes associated with the C_(4)pathway,and significant enrichment of genes related to modified culm anatomy and photosynthesis efficiency.We found evidence of mixed nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase type C_(4)photosynthesis in E.vivipara,and hypothesize that the evolution of C_(4)photosynthesis predates the WGD event.The mixed type is dominated by subgenome A and supplemented by subgenome B.Collectively,our findings not only shed light on the evolution of E.vivipara and karyotype within the Cyperaceae family,but also provide valuable insights into the transition between C_(3)and C_(4)photosynthesis,offering promising avenues for crop improvement and breeding.

Identification of phytochemicals from Lentinus edodes and Auricularia auricula with UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS

Lentinus edodes and Auricularia auricula are the first and second largest edible fungi in China with high nutritional and medicinal values.Research about phytochemicals of L.edodes and A.auricula mainly focuses on polysaccharides,other phytochemicals are not fully studied.Phytochemicals of L.edodes and A.auricula were investigated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS).Twenty-three compounds were identified in L.edodes,mainly including amino acids and analogs,flavonoids,nucleosides and analogs,phenols and steroids.Twenty-nine compounds were identified in A.auricula,mainly including amino acids and analogs,nucleosides and analogs,flavonoids and phenols.There are 9 common ingredients of L.edodes and A.auricula,including 4 amino acids and analogs,2 flavonoids,2 nucleosides and analogs and 1 phenol.

New insights into the dispersion history and adaptive evolution of taxon Aegilops tauschii in China

Aegilops tauschii,the wild progenitor of wheat D-genome and a valuable germplasm for wheat improvement,has a wide natural distribution from eastern Turkey to China.However,the phylogenetic relationship and dispersion history of Ae.tauschii in China has not been scientifically clarified.In this study,we genotyped 208 accessions(with 104 in China)using dd RAD sequencing and 55K SNP array,and classified the population into six sublineages.Three possible spreading routes or events were identified,resulting in specific distribution patterns,with four sublineages found in Xinjiang,one in Qinghai,two in Shaanxi and one in Henan.We also established the correlation of SNP-based,karyotypebased and spike-morphology-based techniques to demonstrate the internal classification of Ae.tauschii,and developed consensus dataset with 1245 putative accessions by merging data previously published.Our analysis suggested that eight inter-lineage accessions could be assigned to the putative Lineage 3and these accessions would help to conserve the genetic diversity of the species.By developing the consensus phylogenetic relationships of Ae.tauschii,our work validated the hypothesis on the dispersal history of Ae.tauschii in China,and contributed to the efficient and comprehensive germplasm-mining of the species.

Haplotype-resolved and chromosome-level genome assembly of Colorado potato beetle

As the most important non-cereal food crop,potatoes are a staple food for 1.3 billion people(Stokstad,2019).However,these cultivated potatoes are challenged with multiple biotic stresses(i.e.,pathogens and pests),some of which can evade host resistance,leading to a serious dampening of potato yield.One of these pests is the Colorado potato beetle(hereafter referred to as CPB,Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say).CPB is a member of the order Coleoptera,and originated in the southwestern United States and Mexico(Alyokhin et al.,2008).

Plant genome resequencing and population genomics:Current status and future prospects

Advances in DNA sequencing technology have sparked a genomics revolution,driving breakthroughs in plant genetics and crop breeding.Recently,the focus has shifted from cataloging genetic diversity in plants to exploring their functional significance and delivering beneficial alleles for crop improvement.This transformation has been facilitated by the increasing adoption of whole-genome resequencing.In this review,we summarize the current progress of population-based genome resequencing studies and how these studies affect crop breeding.A total of 187 land plants from 163 countries have been resequenced,comprising 54413 accessions.As part of resequencing efforts 367 traits have been surveyed and 86 genome-wide association studies have been conducted.Economically important crops,particularly cereals,vegetables,and legumes,have dominated the resequencing efforts,leaving a gap in 49 orders,including Lycopodiales,Liliales,Acorales,Austrobaileyales,and Commelinales.The resequenced germplasm is distributed across diverse geographic locations,providing a global perspective on plant genomics.We highlight genes that have been selected during domestication,or associated with agronomic traits,and form a repository of candidate genes for future research and application.Despite the opportunities for cross-species comparative genomics,many population genomic datasets are not accessible,impeding secondary analyses.We call for a more open and collaborative approach to population genomics that promotes data sharing and encourages contribution-based credit policy.The number of plant genome resequencing studies will continue to rise with the decreasing DNA sequencing costs,coupled with advances in analysis and computational technologies.This expansion,in terms of both scale and quality,holds promise for deeper insights into plant trait genetics and breeding design.

Overview on the edible mushrooms in Egypt

Edible Mushrooms have been valued as a valuable food source due to its nutritional and medicinal characteristics.Edible mushrooms contain various bioactive components such as proteins,polyunsaturated fatty acids,polysaccharides,dietary fibers,amino acids,vitamins,and minerals.They have essential health effects,such as antioxidant,antimicrobial,immune-stimulatory,and anticancer,cholesterol-lowering properties.Because of their nutritional and medicinal benefits,mushrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years all over the world.Mushrooms were considered immortality plants in Ancient Egypt and were given to mankind by the god Osiris.Mushrooms were declared a delicacy reserved only for Egyptian nobility due to their distinct flavor.The current study focuses on the common species of edible mushrooms in Egypt and their different bioactive ingredients,nutritional values and the health benefits.