Combined effects of triclosan and nanoplastics on reproduction performance, population dynamics, and transcriptome regulation of rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis).

Multi-target antidiabetic peptides from highland barley (Qingke): Identification, molecular docking, and inhibitory mechanisms against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-IV.

Carbon availability is a central determinant of beneficial plant-fungal associations, and sugar transporters are key levers of this exchange. SWEETs (SUGARS WILL EVENTUALLY BE EXPORTED TRANSPORTER) are involved in transporting various kinds of sugars in plants; however, their functional roles in fungal symbiosis are not sufficiently explored. In this study, we investigate the functional relevance of Arabidopsis SWEETs in the interaction with endophytic fungi, Serendipita indica. Transcript profiling of SWEET genes in response to S. indica and its major elicitor, cellotriose, revealed early root-specific induction of SWEET12. Using a SWEET12 loss-of-function mutant, we demonstrate that the absence of SWEET12 disrupts the major outcomes of mutualism including growth promotion, balanced colonization, sugar allocation, and the accumulation of defense phytohormones (JA and SA). Transcriptome profiling further reveals that SWEET12 buffers whole-plant responses by coordinating genes linked to carbohydrate, nitrogen, and lipid metabolism, and by tuning defense signalling and nutrient transporter networks. Our findings indicate that SWEET12 is essential for balancing fungal colonization and host defense, thereby promoting plant growth. SWEET12 does so by acting as sugar valve that meters sugar release to the apoplast, enabling the fungus to access carbon while preserving host sugar homeostasis and immune competence.

UGT708 glycosyltransferases: Nature's architects of C-glycosides.

Microbes growing in the rumen represent over half of the protein digested by cattle. Despite this importance, efficiency of microbial growth can vary widely, and the reasons are not fully understood. Here, we investigated if the carbohydrate source (cellulose or glucose) affects growth efficiency. We inoculated a system of 8 fermentors with rumen fluid, fed them glucose or cellulose (30 mmol hexose L-1·d-1), and maintained them at a range of dilution rates (2% to 12%·h-1). We then measured the digestion of carbohydrates and output of microbes and fermentation products. We found that distinct communities of bacteria grew in fermentors fed glucose versus cellulose, with Streptococcus and Kandleria in the former and Fibrobacter, Ruminococcus, and other groups in the latter. Additionally, they formed different fermentation products, with cellulose-fed fermentors producing acetate and propionate and glucose-fed ones also producing butyrate and caproate. A slightly larger mass of microbes grew in fermentors fed glucose versus cellulose, but they also fermented more carbohydrates. As a result, microbes in glucose- and cellulose-fed fermentors grew with similar efficiency. These results suggest that the carbohydrate source may not be an important factor in determining efficiency of microbial growth in the rumen, but it does alter the composition of microbial communities and fermentation products.

Novel Zn(II) complexes of native and modified Dendrobium hancockii polysaccharides: Synthesis, characterization, and comparative analysis of biological activities in vitro.

The Role of N-Glycosylation in Maintaining Self-Incompatibility Stability of Apple S-RNase.

Long-term soil fertility is governed by the metabolic plasticity of microbial communities, particularly during the decomposition of crop residues. This study investigated the straw-associated functional microbial profile associated with straw decomposition under the influence of 62 years of continuous management with mineral fertilization and liming. Using the Biolog EcoPlateTM approach combined with a modified litter-bag protocol, we assessed shifts in metabolic activity patterns of functional guilds and groups. PERMANOVA results revealed that the interaction between liming and fertilization (p < 0.05) was the primary driver of divergence in functional communities, rather than the individual effect of factors. Long-term treatments induced a significant reconfiguration of the functional niche, shifting from the native, generalist microbiome to specialized communities in treated variants, with carbohydrate (CH) guilds as dominant and indicators of community performance. Moderate levels of liming (L1) stimulated metabolic activity and maintained higher functional diversity across amino acid (AA) and polymers (Px) guilds. Intensive liming (L2), in contrast, restricted the activity of most microbial functional groups and favored amine (AM) and carboxylic acid (CX) guilds. Shifts from a generalist microbiome in native soil to specialized communities in treated soils show the capacity of microorganisms to adapt efficiently under agronomic management.

Conventionally, bacteria were perceived as simple life forms. Nevertheless, they hold extraordinary capabilities to adapt and persist in challenging environments through various survival mechanisms, notably post-translational modifications (PTMs). Amongst these, glycosylation stands out as a vital process that modulates bacterial physiology, enhances stress tolerance, and supports growth in nutrient-deficient or hostile conditions. It involves the enzymatic attachment of sugar chains to proteins, playing a crucial role in maintaining protein integrity, structure, and function, thereby promoting bacterial resilience. Two decades ago, the bacterial-glycosylation was relatively less documented process due to the perception that it lacks glycosylation machinery. However, in recent times the process has been increasingly acknowledged as a key factor in developing bacterial virulence and resistance against antibiotics. The advanced proteomic technologies have revealed various glycan-patterns in numerous bacterial species, linking them to immune escape mechanisms, biofilm development, and environmental adaptation. Significantly, glycosylation of surface proteins assists bacteria in evading host immune responses and contributes to multidrug resistance (MDR) by modifying drug targets or limiting drug entry. This review for the first time attempts to document bacterial glycosylation comprehensively, and its significant role in developing antibiotic resistance and survival.

Diabetes mellitus represents a major global health challenge, which has generated ongoing interest in developing enzymatic strategies to modulate carbohydrate digestion. Phlorizin, a dihydrochalcone found predominantly in plants of the genus Malus, has been extensively investigated for its antidiabetic potential; however, its practical application is limited by its low water solubility. Enzymatic fructosylation represents an effective biocatalytic approach to overcome this limitation and modulate the functional properties of phenolic compounds. In this study, the inhibitory activity of an enzymatically fructosylated phlorizin-enriched fraction, containing 4-O-mono-fructosyl phlorizin (4PHF) as its main component, was evaluated against key carbohydrate-digesting enzymes using in vitro assays complemented by in silico molecular docking analyses. The 4PHF-enriched fraction showed potent inhibition of α-amylase in vitro, with an IC50 value of 2.69 µg/mL. However, no significant inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed within the analyzed concentration range, indicating a selective inhibitory profile. Molecular docking analyses supported the experimental findings, revealing favorable binding orientations and predicted affinities of 4PHF for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, stabilized primarily by hydrogen bond interactions. Overall, the combined in vitro and in silico results demonstrate that enzymatic fructosylation effectively reprograms the enzyme interaction profile of phlorizin, highlighting 4PHF as a structurally optimized modulator of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, with potential relevance for applied research on enzyme inhibition related to metabolic diseases.

Missing premeal boluses negatively impacts glycemic outcomes in automated insulin delivery (AID) users. This prospective interventional study compared postprandial glycemia after missed bolus across three AID systems in children with type 1 diabetes (CwD). CwD using MiniMed 780G (780G), Tandem Control-IQ (CIQ), or Ypsomed CamAPS (CamAPS) consumed 30 g and 50 g of carbohydrates (CH) in the form of standardized enteral nutrition, purposely omitting a premeal bolus. The mean area under the curve (AUC) of glucose concentration change and continuous glucose monitoring metrics were analyzed over 4 h postprandially and compared between the systems. Forty-three CwD completed the study (mean age = 13 years, mean HbA1c = 47 mmol/mol [6.5%]). The lowest mean AUC was reached by 780G, followed by CIQ and CamAPS (137 vs. 144 vs. 156 mmol/L·sec·103, P < 0.01). Similar trends were seen after 50 g of CH. CamAPS users spent more time in level 2 hyperglycemia (26% for 30 g, 42% for 50 g) compared to CIQ (9.9% and 26%) and 780G (5.0% and 21%; P < 0.001). AID systems differ in their capacity to compensate for missed premeal boluses. 780G and CIQ outperformed CamAPS in limiting postprandial hyperglycemia, suggesting they may be preferable for CwD prone to bolus omission.

The enteric microbiome and nutrient sensing within the small intestine play critical roles in maintaining host metabolic homeostasis. Although various bacteria and some fungi have established functions in nutrient metabolism, the role of the enteric virome remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the enteric virome significantly influences carbohydrate digestion and absorption independently of the bacteriome. Furthermore, the virome elicits distinct responses across different intestinal cell types. Specifically, it activates programs for carbohydrate digestion and absorption in intestinal epithelial cells while simultaneously stimulating antigen-presenting cells-Th17 cells-to produce interleukin-22, a cytokine that curbs excessive carbohydrate uptake. The virome's effect on carbohydrate digestion and absorption-whether suppressive or stimulatory-depends on the presence or absence of immune surveillance. This intricate interplay between metabolic and immune pathways establishes the enteric virome as a pivotal regulator of metabolism and reveals the virome's intrinsic capacity to autonomously modulate vertebrate intestinal physiology.

Study on the effect of glycosylation reaction in wet mixing on the emulsifying properties of extensively whey protein hydrolysates.

Saponins are natural compounds that predominate in numerous plant species and are characterized by foaming in aqueous solutions. Chemically, they are composed of a hydrophobic structure of triterpene or steroidal nature that is linked to hydrophilic sugar chains; this combination gives them the ability to interact uniquely with cell membranes and even modulate physiological processes, which provides them with versatile properties with applications as therapeutic agents for various diseases of public health importance. Given the need for safer and less invasive therapeutic approaches, the study of bioactive compounds of plant origin has gained relevance. In this context, saponins emerge as potential biopharmaceuticals, thanks to their multiple mechanisms of action and relatively low toxicity compared to synthetic drugs. This review aims to deepen the knowledge of plant-derived saponins, explore their therapeutic applications validated by in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, and identify the main challenges in their development as pharmaceuticals.

Background/Objectives: Intestinal α-glucosidases, including maltase, sucrase, and trehalase, are key enzymes responsible for the final steps of carbohydrate digestion. Although Thai medicinal plants possess diverse bioactivities, most previous studies on plant-derived α-glucosidase inhibitors have focused on single-enzyme assays, primarily maltase, and lack systematic comparison of the three major intestinal disaccharidases—maltase, sucrase, and trehalase. This study aimed to determine the kinetic properties of rat intestinal α-glucosidases and evaluate the inhibitory potential of selected Thai plant extracts. Methods: Rat small-intestinal S9 fractions, post-mitochondrial supernatant obtained by centrifugation at 9000× g, containing soluble enzymes and microsomal components responsible for disaccharidase activity, were prepared and disaccharidase activities were quantified using the glucose oxidase–peroxidase method. Kinetic parameters were obtained from Eadie–Hofstee plots using maltose, sucrose, and trehalose as substrates. Fourteen Thai plant extracts (Oryza sativa, Cratoxylum formosum, Garcinia cawa, Aganosma marginata, Polyalthia evecta, Ellipeiopsis cherrevensis, Ancistrocladus tectorius, Micromelum minutum, and Microcos tomentosa) and isolated compounds (Bergapten, Eurycomalactone, Lupinifolin, Osthole) were assessed at 100 and 250 µg/mL for inhibition of maltase, sucrase, and trehalase. Results: Maltase exhibited the highest substrate affinity based on the lowest Km value. Among the tested samples, the 80% ethanol extract of Microcos tomentosa (MT80) inhibited maltase, sucrase, and trehalase activities by approximately 10–60% at 250 µg/mL, and was the only extract showing consistent inhibition across all three enzymes. Other extracts showed selective inhibition toward one or two enzymes. Conclusions: These findings indicate that MT80 possesses a broad-spectrum inhibitory profile against major intestinal α-glucosidases, suggesting a potential advantage for comprehensive regulation of postprandial glucose excursions and supporting its candidacy as a source of novel α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Enzymes of the α-glucosidase group cleave α-D-glucose from the non-reducing end of short oligosaccharides. They contribute to carbohydrate digestion as maltase-glucoamylase in the intestinal brush border and as neutral α-glucosidase in other tissues. Neutral α-glucosidase is also active in blood, but little is known about its relevance as an indicator of the body's metabolic state. Therefore, we proved whether the α-glucosidase activity level in blood does reflect the state of negative energy balance (NEB). As NEB commonly occurs in dairy cows around calving, our study included blood (serum, plasma) samples of 73 Holstein Friesian cows collected ±14 d to parturition. After the establishment and characterization of a fast and low-cost activity assay, these blood samples were analyzed for α-glucosidase compared to known NEB biomarkers. This analysis revealed the lowest α-glucosidase activity 5 d post partum (-25% compared to 14 d ante partum) by using two different α-glucosidase substrates. The reduced activity recovered 14 d post partum; however, the degree of recovery depended inversely on the number of parities. In this regard, α-glucosidase activity changed peripartum in line with known biomarkers (e.g., NEFA, IGF-1, glucose). In conclusion, the α-glucosidase activity is a new and easily detectable blood parameter of NEB in dairy cows.

Adaptive changes in organ size and function occur in most animals, but how these changes are regulated is not well understood. Previous research found that mating in Drosophila females promotes intestinal stem cell proliferation and increases the overall size of the endodermal portion of the intestine (the "midgut"). Other studies reported mating-dependent changes in feeding behavior, midgut gene expression, and whole-body lipid storage, suggesting altered metabolism. Here, we show that mating dramatically alters female midgut metabolism and digestive function. Mating increased relative levels of TCA cycle intermediates, fatty acids, and ceramides in the gut, increased total midgut lipids and protein, and reduced relative carbohydrate levels. Mating also enhanced the efficiency of protein digestion relative to carbohydrate digestion. Corroborating a previous report [M. A. White, A. Bonfini, M. F. Wolfner, N. Buchon, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 118, e2018112118 (2021)], we found that the expression of genes that mediate protein and carbohydrate and metabolism was similarly altered. In addition, we noted a mating-dependent downregulation of oxidative stress response and autophagy genes. Mating-dependent increases in ecdysone receptor (EcR) signaling were important for increasing TCA cycle intermediates, protein, and ceramides in the female midgut, but had minimal effects on bulk lipid accumulation. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the physiological changes that occur during adaptive intestinal growth, and how they are regulated.

Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes and is gradually becoming a global epidemic that can cause serious health problems. NAFLD can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cirrhosis, and death. The major causes are considered obesity, insulin resistance (IR), a family history of the condition, an inactive lifestyle, and consuming a high-fat diet. Due to IR, the body barely reacts to insulin, mainly during insulin-mediated glucose uptake, with normal or raised insulin levels. The use of several drugs to combat IR and NAFLD has led to increased cases of edema, weakened bones, and heart failure as side effects. Bioactive peptides can potentially enhance glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity by inducing several target pathways in the body, such as the digestion of carbohydrates, glucose uptake, the modification of adipose tissue, and insulin secretion. The lipopeptide surfactin exhibits a diverse array of biological activities, such as antibacterial, tissue modification, and antiviral effects. Recently, notable attention has been paid to microbe-derived peptides due to their alleviating effect on IR and NAFLD. In conclusion, emerging research on surfactin suggests a potential therapeutic impact in mitigating NAFLD through improving IR progression.

Cell wall invertases (CWIs) are pivotal enzymes in plant sugar metabolism, regulating growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. Although significant progress of CWIs has been made in some plants, their specific roles in soybean remained largely unexplored. In this study two highly homologous CWI genes, GmCWI11 and GmCWI12, were overexpressed in Glycine max (Soybean) and their functional redundancy and differentiation were investigated. We demonstrated that overexpression of either gene significantly improved soybean growth performance, including increased plant height, pod number, and seed weight at maturity. Additionally, seed quality traits such as soluble sugars, starch, protein, and fatty acid compositions were markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic analysis uncovered distinct regulatory mechanisms. GmCWI11 predominantly modulated stress-related gene expression, while GmCWI12 primarily influenced genes involved in transmembrane transport. Further, predictions of protein-protein interactions suggested differential regulation by invertase inhibitors. These findings provide novel insights into the specific roles of CWIs in soybean and identify potential genetic targets for enhancing crop yield and quality through targeted breeding efforts.

Cyclocybe chaxingu is a well-known edible fungus in China, in which pileus size and color are key traits determining its commercial value. However, the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the morphological development of its pileus remains limited at present. To address this, our study first completed the high-quality genome assembly of the monokaryotic strain Ag.c0002-1 of albino C. chaxingu, anchoring it to 13 chromosomes via Hi-C technology. The final genome size was 51.7 Mb with a GC content of 51.06%, and 11,332 protein-coding genes were annotated. Phenotypic observations and comparative transcriptome analyses were then conducted on the pilei of the brown cultivar Ag.c0067 and the white cultivar Ag.c0002 at the primordium, elongation, and mature stages. Phenotypic analysis revealed continuous pileus expansion accompanied by progressive color lightening in both cultivars during development. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed significant differences in gene expression patterns between the two cultivars across developmental stages. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that pileus expansion is closely associated with pathways related to DNA replication, cell cycle of yeast, carbon metabolism, and carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Among these, differentially expressed genes involved in cell division tended to be downregulated, whereas genes associated with energy metabolism and substance transport were upregulated, providing the necessary energy and material support for pileus growth. Changes in pileus pigmentation were primarily associated with tyrosine metabolism, betalain biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and melanogenesis pathways. Notably, the downregulation of tyrosinase genes and the upregulation of glutathione S-transferase genes during development may represent major molecular mechanisms underlying pileus color lightening. Overall, this study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating pileus development and pigmentation in C. chaxingu, while also offering valuable theoretical support for genetic analysis of basidiomycete morphogenesis and the molecular breeding of edible mushrooms.