Biological Stress Research Articles

Understanding the impact of ER stress on lung physiology

Human lungs consist of a distinctive array of cell types, which are subjected to persistent challenges from chemical, mechanical, biological, immunological, and xenobiotic stress throughout life. The disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostatic function, triggered by various factors, can induce ER stress. To overcome the elevated ER stress, an adaptive mechanism known as the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in cells. However, persistent ER stress and maladaptive UPR can lead to defects in proteostasis at the cellular level and are typical features of the lung aging. The aging lung and associated lung diseases exhibit signs of ER stress-related disruption in cellular homeostasis. Dysfunction resulting from ER stress and maladaptive UPR can compromise various cellular and molecular processes associated with aging. Hence, comprehending the mechanisms of ER stress and UPR components implicated in aging and associated lung diseases could enable to develop appropriate therapeutic strategies for the vulnerable population.

Lifetime stressor exposure is related to suicidality in autistic adults: A multinational study.

When we encounter life events that we experience as stressful ("stressors"), it sets off a biological stress response that can impact mental health and contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). Although we know about specific stressors that are associated with STB in the general population, little is known about the kinds of stressors that increase the risk of STB in autistic people and whether these associations differ by gender. To examine this issue, we cataloged the life stressors that autistic men and women experienced over the entire life course and investigated how these stressors were related to STB. Data were derived from a multinational sample of 226 autistic adults from the United Kingdom and Australia who completed the Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults. We found that autistic men and women differed in terms of both the lifetime stressors they experienced as well as their perceived severity. Whereas men experienced more legal/crime-related stressors, women experienced more stressors related to relationships with other people and more long-lasting stressors associated with humiliation. Autistic women often perceived life stressors as more severe than men, which is important given that it is the perceived severity of stressors that most strongly affects our health. We also found that different stressors may predict STB in autistic men versus women. Whereas loss of loved ones was most strongly associated with STB for men, for women, physically dangerous stressors were most relevant. In addition, women with fewer lifetime stressors involving entrapment had higher lifetime STB. These results suggest that lifetime stressor exposure may be important to assess to understand suicide risk in autistic people. Additional research is needed to confirm these associations and to examine possible mechanisms linking stress and STB.

Evaluating the biocontrol efficacy of beneficial soil microbes against the Fusarium wilt disease of tomato

Tomato is one of the most important agricultural crops in the world as it is a rich source of vitamins A and C. The quality and the quantity of tomato fruits is severely affected by the fungal plant pathogens. Fungal diseases are among the most dangerous biological stresses that cause severe damage to tomato crops in many countries. Fusarium wilt disease in tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, become a major concern of yield loss worldwide. This study evaluated the efficacy of multiple antagonistic biocontrol agents, including Trichoderma species and non-pathogenic F. oxysporum, in mitigating Fusarium wilt. Pathogenic F. oxysporum strains were isolated from diseased tomato plants, while biocontrol agents were cultured from rhizosphere soil of healthy tomato plants. In vitro dual-culture assays demonstrated that non-pathogenic F. oxysporum inhibited pathogenic strains by 86.8% (±4.8) at 7 days post-inoculation (dpi), significantly higher than T. harzianum, which achieved 62.8% (±6.2) inhibition (p < 0.01). Other Trichoderma strains, such as T. viride and T. asperellum, showed moderate inhibition levels of 54.3% (±2.3) and 51.9% (±5.9), respectively. Greenhouse pot trials reinforced these in vitro results, with non-pathogenic F. oxysporum achieving a significant disease reduction of 77.0% (±3.0) in Fusarium wilt incidence, followed by T. harzianum at 64.8% (±2.7) (p < 0.01). Statistically significant improvements in plant growth were also recorded in treated plants. T. harzianum increased shoot length by 25.6% (±3.1) and root weight by 22.4% (±2.9) compared to control plants, while non-pathogenic Fusarium enhanced root length by 30.2% (±3.4) and overall biomass by 28.7% (±3.8) (p < 0.01). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by LSD for pairwise comparisons, confirming the efficacy of these biocontrol agents in reducing disease incidence and promoting plant growth. These findings underscore the potential of antagonistic biocontrol agents as viable, sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides for managing Fusarium wilt in tomato production systems, supporting both plant health and environmental resilience.

Investigating the Expression and Function of HIF-1α in Neocaridina davidi During Embryo Cleavage Stage

Neocaridina davidi, a member of Decapoda within Crustacea, stands out due to its petite stature, robust reproductive capabilities and short molting cycle. Consequently, it has emerged as a valuable experimental model for investigations spanning ecology, development, physiology, and toxicology. Despite the pivotal role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) in diverse physiological processes like biological hypoxia stress, cellular growth, and stress resistance, its functionality in crustaceans remains underexplored. Moreover, the role and function of HIF-1α in crustaceans, especially in embryonic stages, have been insufficiently addressed. This study delves into the function of HIF-1α during embryonic development. Initially, the complete sequence of the HIF-1α gene was acquired. Notably, the expression of HIF-1α during the cleavage stage surpassed that of subsequent phases. Subsequently, dsRNAHIF-1α was introduced into sexually mature shrimp, revealing that the inhibitory impact of dsRNA on gene expression in the parental generation could be inherited by the offspring, exerting a specific gene silencing effect in the embryo. The consequences of silencing HIF-1α in embryos manifested as varying degrees of premature division termination, besides, the glycolysis in the embryos was also affected by HIF-1α suppression. These results provide data support for understanding the early embryonic development of crustaceans and HIF-1α functions within it.

Glucocorticoids and HPA axis regulation in the stress-obesity connection: A comprehensive overview of biological, physiological and behavioural dimensions.

Chronic stress, characterized by increased long-term exposure to the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol, is increasingly linked to obesity development. Still, various knowledge gaps persist, including on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of the current review is to provide the latest insights on the connection between stress and obesity. We discuss three biological stress systems-the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system-and their link with obesity, with a particular focus on the HPA axis. The role of cortisol and its regulatory variations (including glucocorticoid rhythmicity and altered sensitivity) in adipose tissue biology and obesity development is discussed. Moreover, we highlight the physiological, affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions of the stress response offering a deeper understanding of how stress contributes to obesity development and vice versa. Finally, stress as a treatment target for obesity is discussed. We conclude that the link between stress and obesity is complex and multifaceted, influenced by physiological, affective, cognitive and behavioural stress response mechanisms, which especially when chronically present, play a key role in the development of obesity and associated cardiometabolic diseases. This necessitates integrated approaches tailored to individual needs, including lifestyle modifications, behavioural interventions, psychosocial support and possible additional pharmacological interventions.

Increasing Structural Diversity of the Early Growth Stages in Polynesian Pearls Reveals Biological Stress Suffered by the Grafts

In Polynesian pearls produced using Pinctada margaritifera var. Cumingii, we investigated the structure of the early growth stages, from the nucleus surface up to the first deposition of the black nacre characteristic of this subspecies. Despite simultaneous grafting from the same donor oyster and similar cultivation conditions, we observed the deposition of various non-nacreous pre-nacre structures. These unusual microstructures, which precede the return to black nacre, varied from immediate deposition onto the nucleus surface to increasing delays, depending on the graft’s position in the grafting series. Given the similar biological conditions of grafting and cultivation, we suggest that, in line with recent data demonstrating genomic sensitivity to environmental conditions, alterations in the graft cells produced during the increasing waiting period were transmitted to the pearl sacs and the early growth stages of the grafted pearls.

Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting P53-Mediated Mitochondria-Associated Apoptosis.

Ischemia-reperfusion is a complex brain disease involving multiple biological processes, including autophagy, oxidative stress, and mitochondria-associated apoptosis. Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), a selective autophagy, is involved in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases and acute nerve injury, but its role in ischemia-reperfusion is unclear. Here, we used middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models to simulate cerebral ischemic stroke in vivo and in vitro, respectively. LAMP2A (lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A), a key molecule of CMA, was dramatically downregulated in ischemia-reperfusion. Enhancement of CMA activity by LAMP2A overexpression reduced the neurological deficit, brain infarct volume, pathological features, and neuronal apoptosis of the cortex in vivo. Concomitantly, enhanced CMA activity alleviated OGD/R-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential decline in vitro. In addition, we found that CMA inhibited the P53(Tumor protein p53) signaling pathway and reduced P53 translocation to mitochondria. The P53 activator, Nutlin-3, not only reversed the inhibitory effect of CMA on apoptosis, but also significantly weakened the protective effect of CMA on OGD/R and MCAO/R. Taken together, these results indicate that inhibition of P53-mediated mitochondria-associated apoptosis is essential for the neuroprotective effect of CMA against ischemia-reperfusion.

Terahertz Spectroscopy in Assessing Temperature-Shock Effects on Citrus.

Rapid assessment of physiological status is a precondition for addressing biological stress in trees so that they may recover. Environmental stress can cause water deficit in plants, while terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is sensitive to changes in aqueous solutions within organisms. This has given the THz sensor a competitive edge for evaluating plant phenotypes, especially under similar environmental stress, if there are existing differences in the corresponding THz information. In this study, we utilized THz technology in association with traditional weighing methods to explore physiological changes in citrus leaves under different temperature, duration, and stress treatment conditions. It was found that the higher the temperature and the longer the exposure duration, the more severe the reduction in the relative absorption coefficient. There was a positive correlation between the trends and the increase in the ion permeability of cells. In addition, based on the effective medium theory, THz spectral information can be transformed into information on free water and bound water in the leaves. Under different treatment conditions, water content shows different trends and degrees of change on the time scale, and accuracy was verified by traditional weighing methods. These findings revealed that characteristics of THz information can serve as a simple and clear indicator for judging a plant's physiological status.

Class III peroxidase: An essential enzyme for enhancing plant physiological and developmental process by maintaining the ROS level: A review.

Since plants are sessile organisms, they are inevitably exposed to various environmental stresses, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could affect the growth and development of plants. ROS play either positive or negative roles in various plant life activities as a two-edge sword. Class III peroxidase (CIII PRX) is a highly conserved antioxidant enzyme family specifically identified in plants, which is involved in maintaining ROS homeostasis in the cell and plays multiple functions in plant growth metabolism and stress response. In this review, the classification and structure of CIII PRXs are represented, and the roles of CIII PRXs in physiological and developmental processes such as plant growth, cell wall modification, loosening and stiffening, and lignin biosynthesis are described in detail. The molecular mechanisms of CIII PRXs in response to abiotic stress such as salt and drought, and biological stress such as pathogens invasion are introduced, with emphasis on the research results of PRX related genes in signal transduction. Furthermore, we summarize the difficulty in exploring the function of individual CIII PRX gene due to functional redundancy and promising technique that may break this research bottleneck.

Regulating Broadband Near‐Infrared Mechanoluminescence via Energy‐Level Engineering for Potential Biomechanical Imaging

AbstractNear‐infrared mechanoluminescent (NIR ML) materials have attracted attention due to their advantages, such as in situ and real‐time monitoring of biomechanical information in vivo. However, most ML materials are focused on the UV–vis light range, which limits their potential applications in the biological field. In this work, a broadband NIR ML material Ca2YGa3Ge2O12: 0.10Cr3+ (CYGGG: 0.10Cr3+) is successfully prepared by chemical co‐substitution and Cr3+ heavy doping. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to determine the type of defects in the material, and the composite defects formed by interstitial oxygen (iO′′) and antisite defects (CaY′ ‐ YCa°) mostly dominate NIR ML. Cr3+ ions act as electronic bridges to regulate energy levels, becoming the key to turning on the Nd3+ ion's NIR ML. Finally, based on the excellent ML properties of CYGGG: 0.10Cr3+ and CYGGG: 0.10Cr3+, 0.01Nd3+, the ML composites can penetrate pork tissues of different compositions/thicknesses under stress loads. Potentially, this work tries to realize biological tissue stress imaging, providing a new way for the biological application of NIR ML materials.

Social Buffering of PTSD: Longitudinal Effects and Neural Mediators

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well characterized psychiatric disorder featuring changes in mood and arousal following traumatic events. Prior animal and human studies on social support in the peri-traumatic window demonstrate a buffering effect with regards to acute biological and psychological stress symptoms. Fewer studies have explored the magnitude and mechanism on how early, post-trauma social support can reduce longitudinal PTSD severity. MethodsIn this study we investigated the beneficial impact of social support on longitudinal PTSD symptoms, and probed brain regions sensitive to this buffering phenomenon, such as the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. In the multi-site AURORA study, n=315 participants reported PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) and perceived emotional support (PROMIS) at 2-weeks, 8-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months post-ED visit. Additionally, neuroimaging data was collected at 2 weeks post trauma. ResultsWe hypothesized that early, post-trauma social support would be linked with greater fractional anisotropic (FA) values in white matter tracts that have known connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex and would predict reduced neural reactivity to social threat cues in the amygdala. Interestingly, while we observed greater FA in the bilateral cingulum and bilateral uncinate fasciculus as a function of early post-trauma emotional support, we also identified greater threat reactivity in the precuneus/posterior cingulate, a component of the default mode network. ConclusionOur findings suggest that the neurocircuitry underlying the response to social threat cues are facilitated through broader pathways that involve the posterior hub of the default mode network.

Visible wounds of invisible repression: A perspective on the importance of investigating the biological and psychological impact of political repression.

Exposure to psychological trauma is a well-accepted risk factor for the development of mental and somatic diseases. However, chronic stressors not fulfilling the criteria of traumatic experience can have similarly adverse health consequences. While the harmful impact of chronic stressors is generally recognized among researchers, there is a lack of acknowledgment within clinical, political, and societal entities. This becomes evident in the experiences of victims of political repression in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), an authoritarian state in East Germany. Repression in the GDR included covert measures, such as "Zersetzung" (engl: disintegration), consisting of wiretapping, spreading rumors, or provoking failure in professional and social domains. It aimed to systematically undermine the psychosocial integrity of individuals, inducing anxiety, social isolation, and confusion. This article integrates findings on repression in the GDR with existing trauma and chronic stress literature. "Zersetzung" shares key features with severe psychosocial chronic stressors. Like trauma, experiencing "Zersetzung" likely dysregulated the biological stress systems, thereby predisposing victims to the health consequences they frequently experience to the present day. Certain severe chronic stressors, such as "Zersetzung," do not appear to differ in their negative health consequences from Criterion A traumatic events. Identifying the biological and psychological impact of political repression techniques is essential, not only for public acknowledgment, and proper health care of victims of GDR repression, but also for those individuals suffering from similar repression methods today. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Long-term hair cortisone and perceived stress are associated with long-term hedonic eating tendencies in patients with obesity

IntroductionLong-term biological stress, reflected in hair cortisol and cortisone levels, predicts future weight gain and metabolic deterioration. This is likely at least partially mediated by glucocorticoid-induced increases in hedonic overeating. Yet, the relationship between long-term biological stress and long-term hedonic eating tendencies remains to be elucidated. MethodsWe included N=108 adults with lifestyle-induced obesity (91 women, median body-mass-index=38.4 kg/m2) for our primary analysis investigating cross-sectional associations between long-term biological stress (hair cortisol and cortisone measured in the first 3 cm of scalp hair using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) and self-reported long-term hedonic eating tendencies (emotional and external eating, ‘Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire’, and trait food craving, ‘Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait’). In secondary analyses, we investigated the moderating role of long-term psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14 score) on the relation between hair glucocorticoid levels and hedonic eating tendencies. ResultsHigher hair cortisone levels, but not higher hair cortisol levels, were associated with more food cravings after adjustment for sex and age (p<0.05). The association remained significant after additional adjustment for psychological stress (p<0.05). Psychological stress correlated positively with food craving and hedonic eating (p<0.05), and, in trend, with external eating (p<0.1). Stratification of stress groups (high vs. low psychological stress in addition to high vs. low biological stress) showed food cravings and emotional eating to be highest in the group with both high psychological-stress and high hair-cortisone (p<0.05), suggesting potential additive effects of different stress measures. ConclusionLong-term psychological and biological stress correlate with hedonic eating tendencies with potentially adverse additive effects on weight management and clinical features of obesity.

Hydrogel-Based Network Metamaterials with Biological Tissue-like Poisson's Ratio Behavior and Stress Response.

Soft network metamaterials are widely used in fields such as flexible electronics, tissue engineering, and biomedicine due to their superior properties including low density, high stretchability, and high breathability. However, the prediction and customization of the nonlinear mechanical behavior of soft network metamaterials remain a challenging problem. In this study, a family of hydrogel-based network metamaterials with biological tissue-like mechanical properties are developed based on a machine learning-driven optimization design method. Numerical and experimental results explain the relationship between the mechanical properties of the designed metamaterials and their microstructural features and stretching ratios. The results indicate that the hydrogel-based network metamaterials exhibit J-shaped stress-deformation (σ-λ) behavior similar to biological tissues. This phenomenon arises from the transition of the deformation mode of metamaterials from bending-dominated to stretching-dominated as the stretching ratio increases. Based on the proposed design scheme, the Poisson's ratio of metamaterials can be adjusted within a remarkably wide range of -1.06 to 1.34. Furthermore, through optimizing the design parameters of the metamaterial, the customization of network metamaterials with biological tissue-like zero Poisson's ratio behavior and stress response is achieved. The potential applications of hydrogel-based network metamaterials are demonstrated through artificial skin and LED integrated device. This research offers novel insights into predicting, designing, and fabricating the mechanical behavior of soft network metamaterials.

Streptomyces improves sugarcane drought tolerance by enhancing phenylalanine biosynthesis and optimizing the rhizosphere environment

Drought stress is a common hazard faced by sugarcane growth, and utilizing microorganisms to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress has become an important method for sustainable agricultural development. Several studies have demonstrated that Streptomyces chartreuses WZS021 improves sugarcane tolerance to drought stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance at the transcriptional and metabolomic levels remain unclear. We comprehensively evaluated the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which WZS021 enhances drought tolerance in sugarcane, by performing transcriptome sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics; and examining rhizosphere soil properties and plant tissue antioxidant capacity. WZS021 inoculation improved the rhizosphere nutritional environment (AP, ammonia, OM) of sugarcane and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plant roots, stems, and leaves (POD, SOD, CAT). Comprehensive analyses of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that WZS021 mainly affects plant drought tolerance through phenylalanine metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The drought tolerance signaling molecules mediated by WZS021 include petunidin, salicylic acid, α-Linoleic acid, auxin, geranylgeraniol and phenylalanine, as well as key genes related to plant hormone signaling transduction (YUCCA, amiE, AUX, CYPs, PAL, etc.). Interestingly, inoculation with WZS021 during regular watering induces a transcriptome-level response to biological stress in sugarcane plants. This study further elucidates a WZS021-dependent rhizosphere-mediated regulatory mechanism for improving sugarcane drought tolerance, providing a theoretical basis for increasing sugarcane production capacity.

Correlation of screen exposure to stress, learning, cognitive and language performance in children.

The omnipresence of mobile screens and convenience to operate them has led to increased screen time for young children whereas the sequelae of prolonged exposure are not known yet. 70 refugee children (RG) and 111 children of a clinical comparison group (CG) from a help-seeking population (age: M = 5.10; SD = 1.11; range 3.00-6.97years) were assessed concerning their amount of daily screen exposure time in relation to parental education and distress. Salivary cortisol was collected as a marker for biological stress and children were tested concerning learning performance, non-verbal IQ and vocabulary with the Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II). Language skills were assessed in educator rating. The amount of children's screen exposure was negatively related to parental education and positively to distress. In the CG, higher amounts of screen time were associated with elevated cortisol levels and lower learning scores. On both measures, the RG and CG only differed in the condition of screen time less than one hour/day, for higher amounts of screen time the CG approached the more problematic scores of the RG. Whereas in the whole sample the amount of screen time was negatively correlated to language performance, it was not correlated to non-verbal IQ-scores. As a higher amount of media exposure in our clinical comparison group is associated with elevated biological stress, decreased learning and lower language performance, it should be classified as a relevant environmental factor and regularly considered in clinical assessments of children and therapeutical interventions, especially in vulnerable subgroups. German clinical trials register, registration number: DRKS00025734, date: 07-23-2021.

Massa Medicata Fermentata, a Functional Food for Improving the Metabolic Profile via Prominent Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) is a naturally fermented product used to treat indigestion and increase stomach activity in traditional medicine. This study examined the ability of the hydrothermal extract of MMF to scavenge free radicals corresponding to biological oxidative stresses, further protecting essential biomolecules. The anti-inflammatory effects of MMF were evaluated in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and zebrafish. In addition, the effects of MMF on the body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol accumulation in adult zebrafish fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for three weeks were examined. MMF prevented the DNA and lipid damage caused by oxidative stress, inhibited LDL oxidation, and reduced the expression of cytokines and related proteins (MAPK and NFκB), with prominent anti-oxidative pathway (NRF2-HO-1) activation properties. LPS-induced NO production was reduced, and the increase in BMI and TC caused by the HCD diet was suppressed by MMF in zebrafish embryos or adult zebrafish. The bioactive aglycone of quercetin may be contributing to the mechanisms of systemic effects. MMF has excellent antioxidant properties and is useful for improving inflammation status and metabolic profile, thus highlighting its potential as a healthy, functional food.

Hydrodynamic exposure – on the quest to deriving quantitative metrics for mariculture sites

This work attempts to define metrics for hydrodynamic exposure, using known oceanographic variables to provide a universal site assessment method for mariculture structures. Understanding environmental conditions driving open-ocean mariculture siting is crucial in establishing consistent ocean governance, minimizing adverse environmental impacts, and facilitating economically sustainable farm operations. To provide a metric of oceanic conditions and associated requirements for structural design and operation of aquaculture systems, six Exposure Indices (EI) are proposed that consider physical energy levels related to hydrodynamic forces at a site. Four of the proposed indices consider only environmental conditions, while the other two also consider the dimensions of the gear that is exposed to the external loads. These indices are: Exposure Velocity (EV), Exposure Velocity at Reference Depth (EVRD), Specific Exposure Energy (SEE), Depth-integrated Energy Flux (DEF), Structure-centered Depth-integrated Energy (SDE), and a Structure-centered Drag-to-Buoyancy Ratio (SDBR). While these indices are derived with a focus on aquaculture structures, they may also have applications for estimating biological stressors and operational challenges. The proposed exposure indices were evaluated for a range of known aquaculture sites around the world. A sensitivity analysis was conducted that quantified the relationship between the exposure indices and storm event return period. At a regional scale, hindcast numerical data for the German Bight combined with calculations of 50-year extreme values were used to calculate and map each proposed index spatially. Resulting maps showed that exposure is not simply a function of distance from shore. The six indices show plausible performance regarding the objective assessment of aquaculture sites. The authors herein present the indices to the aquaculture and ocean engineering communities for discussion, application, and potential adoption of one or more of the proposed indices.

Gene and transcript expression patterns, coupled with isoform switching and long non-coding RNA dynamics in adipose tissue, underlie the longevity of Ames dwarf mice.

Our study investigates gene expression in adipose tissue of Ames dwarf (df/df) mice, whose deficiency in growth hormone is linked to health and extended lifespan. Recognizing adipose tissue influence on metabolism, aging, and related diseases, we aim to understand its contribution to the health and longevity of df/df mice. We have identified gene and transcript expression patterns associated with critical biological functions, including metabolism, stress response, and resistance to cancer. Intriguingly, we identified genes that,despite maintaining unchanged expression levels, switch between different isoforms, impacting essential cellular functions such as tumor suppression, oncogenic activity, ATP transport, and lipid biosynthesis and storage. The isoform switching is associated with changes in protein domains, retention of introns, initiation of nonsense-mediated decay, and emergence of intrinsically disordered regions. Moreover, we detected various alternative splicing events that may drive these structural alterations. We also found changes in the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that may be involved in the aging process and disease resistance by regulating crucial genes in survival and metabolism. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we have linked four lncRNAs with 29 genes, which contribute to protein complexes such as the Mili-Tdrd1-Tdrd12 complex. Beyond safeguarding DNA integrity, this complex also has a wider impact on gene regulation, chromatin structure, and metabolic control. Our detailed investigation provides insight into the molecular foundations of the remarkable health and longevity of df/df mice, emphasizing the significance of adipose tissue in aging and identifying new avenues for health-promoting therapeutic strategies.

Exploring Plant Growth-Promoting Traits of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort and Their Interaction in Plant Growth and Development.

Endophytic fungi inhabit various plant tissues and organs without inducing evident disease symptoms. They can contribute positively to the growth of plants, bolster plants resilience to environmental and biological stresses, and facilitate the accumulation of secondary metabolites. These microbial resources possess significant developmental and utilization value in various applications. Hence, this study focused on exploring the plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits of 14 endophytic fungi from Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort (CX) and elucidating the effects and mechanisms that facilitate plant growth. According to PGP activity evaluation, the majority of strains demonstrated the capacity to produce IAA (78.57%), siderophores (50.00%), ammonia (35.71%), potassium solubilization (21.43%), nitrogen fixation (57.14%), and phosphate solubilization (42.86%). Further investigations indicated that the levels of IAA ranged from 13.05 to 301.43 μg/mL, whereas the soluble phosphorus levels ranged from 47.32 to 125.95 μg/mL. In cocultivation assays, it was indicated that Fusarium sp. YMY5, Colletotrichum sp. YMY6, Alternaria sp. ZZ10 and Fusarium sp. ZZ13 had a certain promoting effect on lateral root number and fresh weight of tobacco. Furthermore, ZZ10 and ZZ13 significantly enhanced the germination potential, germination index, and vigor index of tobacco seeds. The subsequent potted trials demonstrated that the four endophytic fungi exhibited an enhancement to growth parameters of tobacco to a certain extent. ZZ10 and ZZ13 treatment had the best promotion effect. Inoculation with YMY5 increased the chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content. ZZ10 and ZZ13 treatment remarkably increased the net photosynthetic rate, soluble sugars and soluble protein content, catalase and peroxidase activities, and lowered malondialdehyde content in tobacco leaves. In addition, YMY5 remarkably elevated superoxide dismutase activities. ZZ13 upregulated the expression of growth-related gene. Among them, ZZ13 had a better growth-promoting effect. In conclusion, these endophytic fungi possessing multi-trait characteristics and the capacity to enhance plant growth exhibit promising potential as biofertilizers or plant growth regulators.