Cell Membrane Metabolism Research Articles

Antifungal Activity of Sesamol on Pestalotiopsis neglecta: Interfering with Cell Membrane and Energy Metabolism.

This paper investigated the inhibitory effect of Sesamol (Ses) on Pestalotiopsis neglecta. The potential inhibitory mechanisms were explored by observing changes in cell morphology, measuring alterations in cell membrane-related indices, as well as energy metabolism-related indices and changes in enzyme activities related to virulence. The results show that Ses completely inhibited the growth of P. neglecta at 600 μg/mL (minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration), with an EC50 of 142 ± 13.22 μg/mL. As observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Ses treatment resulted in the breakage and crumpling of P. neglecta cell membrane and organelle lysis. Ergosterol content and the total lipid in P. neglecta treated with 300 μg/mL Ses was 91.52% and 54% of that in the control groups, respectively. In addition, spores were stained, increased leakage of intracellular constituents at 260 nm, and decreased extracellular pH. This suggests damage to the cell membrane integrity and permeability. Furthermore, Ses decreased the ATP levels and key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, indicating interference with the fungal energy metabolism. Moreover, the activities of polygalacturonase (PG) and endoglucanase (EG) of P. neglecta treated with 300 μg/mL of Ses were only 28.20% and 29.13% of that in the control groups, respectively, indicating that Ses can reduce the virulence of P. neglecta. In conclusion, our results show that Ses should be considered as a potential plant-derived fungicide due to its ability to disrupt the morphology of P. neglecta, damage cell membrane integrity and permeability in P. neglecta, interfere with energy metabolism, and reduce its virulence, ultimately affecting the fungal growth.

Glioblastoma phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, comparison of MRI and PET/CT parameters with tumor molecular genetic characteristics

Glioblastoma (GB) is an extremely heterogeneous tumor, which is caused by genomic instability, high growth rate, and neovascularization. Molecular and genetic characteristics of GB play a major role in the prognosis of the disease, which is reflected in the new WHO classification of CNS tumors from 2021. Purpose of this research is comparison MRI parameters (ADC CBF), metabolic activity on 11C-MET PET/СT with glioblastoma genetic profile. 40 patients (age 55±12 years, sex M/F = 31/9) with newly diagnosed GB were examined by MRI with assessment of diffusion parameters (ADCmin) and ASL perfusion (CBFmax) and 11С-МЕТ PET/CT with the calculation of tumor to normal index (METmax). Since these VOI (1cm3) did not always coincide, it was decided to measure all parameters in each VOI on all image maps (PMOD automatic contour transfer). A total of 9 measurements were obtained for each patient: METmax, METcbf, METadc; ADCmin, ADCmet, ADCcbf; CBFmax, CBFmet, CBFadc. Comparative and correlation analysis was carried out both in the total GB group and separately in the groups MGMT+/and EGFR+/and different Ki67 levels (cut-off 20%). In results 45% of patients had CBFmax, ADCmin and METmax mismatch. Significant correlations were found in the METmax VOI between METmaxADCmet (Rs = -0.37) and METcbfADCcbf (Rs = -0.05). CBFmax and CBFmet correlated with Ki67 (Rs = 0.38 and Rs = 0.48, respectively) and increased in Ki67 20% GB group. GB genetic subgroup analysis showed: MGMT+ had significantly higher ADCmin1.01 (10-3 mm2/sec), Se = 78%, Sp = 74%, AUC = 0.77, it means that cells were more tightly packed. In METmax VOI, METmax was negatively correlated with ADCmet (Rs = -0.72) and CBFmet was positively correlated with Ki-67 (Rs = 0.89); EGFR+ tumors had significantly higher METmax 3.29 (Se = 88%, Sp = 70%, AUC = 0.82), that was negatively correlated with ADCmet (Rs = -0.85). In case when Ki67 20% GB demonstrated significantly higher CBFmax 108.177ml/100/min (Se = 70%, Sp = 94%, AUC 0.75) and a strong negative correlation between METmax and ADCmet, (Rs = -0,65) in METmax VOI. Our study shown that CBFmax, ADCmin and METmax localization coincide in 45% of cases, which proves the presence of variety in the structure and functional activity of different areas of GB. The correlation of MGMT methylation and ADC (ADCmin 1.01 (10-3 mm2/sec), Se = 78%, Sp = 74%, AUC = 0.77) confirms the recent studies results of this tumor subtype lower needs of the new membranes construction, that’s due to the inhibition of the mechanism of the DNA repair system. EGFR amplification presence in our patient sample was associated with a significant higher MET metabolism (МЕTmax 3.29, Se = 88%, Sp = 70%, AUC = 0.82) and correlated with height level of Ki67 (Rs = -0.85), confirming the fact of GB cells amino acids increased consumption for membrane synthesis. The obtained correlations MET with ADC and the absence of those with CBF, confirms the dependence glioma methionine metabolism of the new cell membranes building, rather than on neovascularization. Revealed mismatch of MRI and PET/CT parameters confirmed GB structure heterogeneity phenomenon, as well as their significant differences in various genetic status GB subgroups.

Environmentally Relevant Antibiotic Concentrations Exert Stronger Selection Pressure on River Biofilm Resistomes than AMR-Reservoir Effluents.

Freshwater environments are primary receiving systems of wastewater and effluents, which carry low concentrations of antibiotics and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and genes. Aquatic microbial communities are thus exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of antibiotics (ERCA) that presumably influence the acquisition and spread of environmental AMR. Here, we analyzed ERCA exposure with and without the additional presence of municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (W) and swine manure run-off (M) on aquatic biofilm resistomes. Microscopic analyses revealed decreased taxonomic diversity and biofilm structural integrity, while metagenomic analysis revealed an increased abundance of resistance, virulence, and mobile element-related genes at the highest ERCA exposure levels, with less notable impacts observed when solely exposed to W or M effluents. Microbial function predictions indicated increased gene abundance associated with energy and cell membrane metabolism and heavy metal resistance under ERCA conditions. In silico predictions of increased resistance mechanisms did not correlate with observed phenotypic resistance patterns when whole communities were exposed to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This reveals important insight into the complexity of whole-community coordination of physical and genetic responses to selective pressures. Lastly, the environmental AMR risk assessment of metagenomic data revealed a higher risk score for biofilms grown at sub-MIC antibiotic conditions.

Antifungal activity and inhibition of the molecular mechanism of lavender essential oil against Ustilaginoidea virens

Ustilaginoidea virens is the infectious agent responsible for rice false smut disease, which infects rice in rice-growing regions worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect and the inhibition of molecular mechanism of lavender essential oil (LEO) against U. virens. The antifungal effects of LEO were studied assessed by examining mycelia growth, spore germination, conidial production, mycelia dry weight, and protein content. Scanning electron microscopy showed serious impairment in the mycelial morphology of U. virens when exposed to the EC50 concentration of LEO. In this study, comparative transcriptome methods were used to analyze the gene expression levels of U. virens under LEO stress. The results revealed that 845 genes (371 upregulated, 474 downregulated) and 1173 genes (554 upregulated, 619 downregulated) were differentially expressed in U. virens treated with LEO (CL) compared to the control samples (CK) after 4 and 8 d of treatment, respectively. Further analyses indicated that various genes related to cell wall synthesis, cell membrane synthesis, protein synthesis, and the energy metabolism pathway were significantly downregulated. These results suggest that LEO may reduce the expression of genes related to the cell wall, cell membrane, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism pathways of U. virens, thus destroying the stability and fluidity of cells and interfering with their protein synthesis and energy metabolism to achieve an antifungal effect.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of antifungal peptide epinecidin-1 against Botrytis cinerea by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

The marine antifungal peptide epinecidin-1 (EPI) have been shown to inhibit Botrytis cinerea growth, while the molecular mechanism have not been explored based on omics technology. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of EPI against B. cinerea by transcriptome technology. Our findings indicated that a total of 1671 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the mycelium of B. cinerea treated with 12.5 μmol/L EPI for 3 h, including 773 up-regulated genes and 898 down-regulated genes. Cluster analysis showed that DEGs (including steroid biosynthesis, (unsaturated) fatty acid biosynthesis) related to cell membrane metabolism were significantly down-regulated, and almost all DEGs involved in DNA replication were significantly inhibited. In addition, it also induced the activation of stress-related pathways, such as the antioxidant system, ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) and MAPK signaling pathways, and interfered with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation pathways related to mitochondrial function. The decrease of mitochondrial related enzyme activities (succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase), the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase content of hydrogen peroxide further confirmed that EPI treatment may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Based on this, we speculated that EPI may impede the growth of B. cinerea through its influence on gene expression, and may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Identification of the Ilex macrocarpa anthracnose pathogen and the antifungal potential of the cell-free supernatant of Bacillus velezensis against Colletotrichum fioriniae.

Anthracnose is a significant fungal disease that affects tree growth and development, with Colletotrichum spp. exhibiting host non-specificity and targeting various organs, making disease control challenging. This study aimed to identify the pathogenic species causing anthracnose in Ilex macrocarpa in Nanchong, Sichuan Province, and screen effective fungicides, particularly biological ones. The pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum fioriniae through morphological observation, pathogenicity assays, and molecular biological methods. Three biological and five chemical fungicides were evaluated for their effects on the mycelial growth and spore germination rate of the pathogen. The results indicated that prochloraz was the most effective chemical fungicide, while the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Bacillus velezensis had the most significant inhibitory effect among the biological fungicides. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the CFS of B. velezensis significantly reduced the expression of genes associated with ribosomes, genetic information processing, membrane lipid metabolism, and sphingolipid biosynthesis in C. fioriniae. Additionally, the glutathione pathway's expression of various genes, including key genes such as GST, GFA, Grx, TRR, and POD, was induced. Furthermore, the expression of 17 MFS transporters and 9 ABC transporters was increased. Autophagy-related ATGs were also affected by the B. velezensis CFS. These findings suggest that the B. velezensis CFS may inhibit C. fioriniae through interference with ribosomes, genetic information processing, cell membrane metabolism, and energy metabolism. These results provide potential target genes for the B. velezensis CFS and insights into the antifungal mechanism by which B. velezensis inhibits C. fioriniae.

Ginger volatile oil inhibits the growth of MDA-MB-231 in the bisphenol A environment by altering gut microbial diversity

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of ginger volatile oil (GVO) on the growth of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) by modulating the diversity of gut microbiota. Methods: MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into the right armpit of female BALB/c Nude (nu/nu) mice to create a triple negative breast cancer model. Thirty nude mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group (distilled water every day), BPA control group (distilled PEG-400+ DMSO + cyclodextrin every day), BPA + GVO (0.25 mL/kg) group, BPA + GVO (0.5 mL/kg) group, BPA + GVO (1 mL/kg) group, 6 mice in each group; The drug was given by gavage once a day for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the changes of tumor mass and tumor volume were observed and compared in 5 groups of tumor-bearing mice. High-throughput sequencing (16S rRNA) was used to detect the changes of gut microflora in each group. Results: The volume and weight of breast cancer decreased in the low, medium and high dose groups of GVO. Among them, the difference between the high-dose group and the BPA group reached a significant level (P < 0.05). The species and abundance of gut flora decreased following BPA treatment, but increased after combined treatment of BPA with GVO. In the tumor control group, the ratio of Firmicutes(F) and Bacteroidea(B) respectively was 0.10:0.79 at the phylum level, while the ratio of BPA group further decreased (0.04:0.88). After feeding GVO, the number of Firmicutes and Bacteroidea increased, the F/B ratio increased, and the level of Lactobacillus and alistipes increased. In the BPA and GVO treatment group, the predominant gut microflora functions are cell membrane biogenesis, carbohydrate transport and metabolism. This is followed by amino acid transport and metabolism, and transcription function. After GVO administration, the Gram-positive bacteria (G+) ratio had an increasing trend and the Gram-negative bacteria (G−)ratio had a decreasing trend. Conclusion: The species and abundance of gut flora decreased following BPA treatment, but increased after combined treatment of BPA with GVO.

Investigating Lysosomal Reactive Sulphur Species with Small Molecular Fluorescent Probes

AbstractReactive sulphur species (RSS) play a vital role in cellular redox homeostasis and signal transduction. The lysosome is a vital organelle in eukaryotic cells involved in phagocytosis, digestion and degradation of proteins or damaged organelles, repair of cell membrane and energy metabolism. Lysosomal RSS are closely associated with normal functions of the lysosome, and abnormal RSS homeostasis may lead to lysosomal dysfunction and some serious diseases. Thus, real‐time visualization of lysosomal RSS is of great significance. Due to the prominent advantages of fluorescence imaging technology, many small molecular fluorescent probes for detecting lysosomal RSS have been developed. Herein, we have systematically summarized the versatile small molecular and lysosome‐targetable fluorescent probes available for detecting RSS, including their chemical structures, response mechanisms and bioapplications. In addition, we have highlighted the current status, challenges and developmental prospects for RSS‐responsive small molecular fluorescent probes. We sincerely hope that this review can instruct researchers interested in constructing new fluorescent probes for RSS and draw attention toward the significance of lysosomal RSS.

The Cornea and the Oxygen of the Atmosphere

The cornea is an avascular tissue which has attracted much attention by the uniqueness of its anatomical characteristics, it has, in proportion, an enormous size, in relation to the number of vessels, because on average few cells in the organism are away more than 30 microns of a blood vessel. However, the cornea, with a diameter of between 11 and 12 mm, is a unique example. It has been tried to explain the notable absence of blood vessels in the cornea, arguing that corneal tissues are able to take oxygen directly from the air. In this article we are explaining that based on the physicochemical characteristics of molecular oxygen and the cell membrane, cytoplasm, water, and cellular metabolism, it is not possible that epithelial corneal cells directly take oxygen from the air, instead, corneal cells have molecules that can dissociate the water molecules thereby these cells, like any other eukaryotic cells, take the oxygen from the intracell water, like plants.

Structural Analysis and Antimicrobial Mechanism of a Protein GBSPI-A from Ginkgo Biloba Seed

Ginkgo biloba seed has antimicrobial activity. In this study, ginkgo biloba seed protein was prepared, identified, and named GBSPI-A, finding its construction was similar to 11-S globulin. Then, the influence of GBSPI-A on the cell membrane and physiological metabolism of K. pneumoniae and S. aureus were investigated. The results showed that GBSPI-A (20 mg/mL) destroyed the cell membrane, causing leakage of intracellular material and inhibited bacterial growth with an inhibition rate of approximately 80%. In addition, the GBSPI-A (10 mg/mL) caused the decreasing activity of ATPase and respiratory rate, and the respiratory depression rate was 7.24%. Furthermore, the decreasing ATP synthesis and intracellular β-galactosidase activity led to an insufficient supply of physiological metabolic energy. Therefore, the results showed that GBSPI-A could be used as a natural bacteriostatic agent to replace related drugs and also provide a new insight into the application of GBSPI-A in food safety.

Flourishing Antibacterial Strategies for Osteomyelitis Therapy.

Osteomyelitis is a destructive disease of bone tissue caused by infection with pathogenic microorganisms. Because of the complex and long-term abnormal conditions, osteomyelitis is one of the refractory diseases in orthopedics. Currently, anti-infective therapy is the primary modality for osteomyelitis therapy in addition to thorough surgical debridement. However, bacterial resistance has gradually reduced the benefits of traditional antibiotics, and the development of advanced antibacterial agents has received growing attention. This review introduces the main targets of antibacterial agents for treating osteomyelitis, including bacterial cell wall, cell membrane, intracellular macromolecules, and bacterial energy metabolism, focuses on their mechanisms, and predicts prospects for clinical applications.

Magnesium deficiency as a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes: a review of the literature

Magnesium deficiency is a vital contributing factor to the happening and arising of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Magnesium has a critical function in controlling the level of glucose in the blood and insulin sensitivity, acting as a cofactor for various enzymes such as enzymes involved in carbohydrate oxidation, glucose transport mechanisms of the cell membrane, cell replication, and lipid metabolism. Studies have indicated that reduced magnesium levels in the blood are connected with a significant decline in insulin-mediated glucose uptake which is a vital part of the cell’s metabolism. In people with type 2 diabetes, plasma magnesium concentration was inversely associated with markers of insulin resistance. This means as magnesium levels in plasma decrease, the risk of insulin resistance increases. Additionally, magnesium deficiency can play a role in the development of diabetes by affecting the activity of the Na/K-ATPase enzyme, pancreas inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) modification, lipid metabolism, and causing genetic instability, as the main contributors to type 2 diabetes. Therefore, early detection of magnesium deficiency can help prevent further complications. Physicians should be aware of the connection between magnesium deficiency and diabetes and monitor patients with magnesium deficiency for diabetes symptoms and make sure that the patient is getting adequate amounts of magnesium from their diet. Further research is needed to reveal the exact mechanisms underlying magnesium deficiency-induced type 2 diabetes and the curative effects of magnesium supplementation.

Pharmacological activity cream of extract Salix alba and zinc for allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease, manifested by classic factors in response to the external environment. Solving the problem of global prevalence and intensive growth of the frequency of allergic dermatitis requires improving the medical supply of the population of Ukraine with drugs for the effective treatment of allergic skin diseases. According to the literature, preparations based on white willow bark have a wide range of biological effects, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-pruritic, analgesic activity and have a positive effect on the immune system and are promising for the treatment and prevention of allergic dermatitis. Zinc takes part in metabolism and stabilization of cell membranes, is part of the main enzymes that take part in antioxidant biochemical reactions. The trace element has a regenerating effect, ensures the transmission of nerve impulses, promotes the synthesis of cortisol. &#x0D; The purpose of our work was to study the effect of a cream based on white willow and Zn antigen-specific link of immune protection of animals on 3 experimental allergic dermatitis. &#x0D; The study was conducted on сavia porcellus. Allergic contact dermatitis was modeled using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Phagocytic activity of granulocytic neutrophils in a suspension of leukocytes is determined for assessment of the activity of factors of non-specific immunity.&#x0D; It is important to determine the status of antigen-specific factors of immune protection, which are directly involved in all doses of the immune response. To assess the activity of factors of nonspecific immunity, the phagocytic activity of granulocytic neutrophils was determined in the suspension of leukocytes obtained from heparinized blood.&#x0D; The obtained data on the increase of F1 and F4 indicators in animals against the background of experimental dermatitis indicate the presence of a natural protective defense aimed at neutralizing the allergen and its subsequent removal from the body. In comparison with reference drugs it was found distinct antigen-specific effect, which exceeds Psoricap and is equal Fladex.&#x0D; On the model of allergic contact dermatitis in Cavia porcellus, the researched cream showed a pronounced immunotropic activity relative to a decrease in the phagocytic activity of cell.

Effect of γ-butyrolactone, a quorum sensing molecule, on morphology and secondary metabolism in Monascus

Monascus is widely used in Asia and produces active metabolites–Monascus pigments and monacolin K. Quorum sensing (QS) regulates mycelial development and secondary metabolism in filamentous fungi; however, QS studies in Monascus are limited. Here, the effect of γ-butyrolactone, a possible QS molecule, on Monascus purpureus was investigated. γ-butyrolactone accelerated cell growth, promoted the synthesis of Monascus pigments and monacolin K, and reduced citrinin synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy showed γ-butyrolactone caused mycelial surface folding and spore pitting. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed γ-butyrolactone upregulated the transcriptional expression level of genes related to morphology and Monascus pigments and monacolin K synthesis and downregulated that related to citrinin synthesis. Overexpression of lip10 affected Monascus growth and morphology and promoted Monascus pigments and monacolin K yields. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the cell growth, membrane, and energy metabolism pathways were the most enriched in γ-butyrolactone-treatment group. γ-butyrolactone functions as a QS molecule in Monascus and significantly affects Monascus morphology and secondary metabolism, possibly by regulating the transcriptional expression of genes relevant to cell development, synthesis of secondary metabolites, and energy metabolism of M. purpureus. This study sheds light on QS in Monascus and provides a possible novel strategy to improve microbiological food quality and safety.

Division of the role and physiological impact of multiple lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase paralogs

BackgroundLysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) is a phospholipid biosynthesis enzyme that introduces a particular set of fatty acids at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. Many bacteria have multiple LPAAT paralogs, and these enzymes are considered to have different fatty acid selectivities and to produce diverse phospholipids with distinct fatty acid compositions. This feature is advantageous for controlling the physicochemical properties of lipid membranes to maintain membrane integrity in response to the environment. However, it remains unclear how LPAAT paralogs are functionally differentiated and biologically significant.ResultsTo better understand the division of roles of the LPAAT paralogs, we analyzed the functions of two LPAAT paralogs, PlsC4 and PlsC5, from the psychrotrophic bacterium Shewanella livingstonensis Ac10. As for their enzymatic function, lipid analysis of plsC4- and plsC5-inactivated mutants revealed that PlsC4 prefers iso-tridecanoic acid (C12-chain length, methyl-branched), whereas PlsC5 prefers palmitoleic acid (C16-chain length, monounsaturated). Regarding the physiological role, we found that plsC4, not plsC5, contributes to tolerance to cold stress. Using bioinformatics analysis, we demonstrated that orthologs of PlsC4/PlsC5 and their close relatives, constituting a new clade of LPAATs, are present in many γ-proteobacteria. We also found that LPAATs of this clade are phylogenetically distant from principal LPAATs, such as PlsC1 of S. livingstonensis Ac10, which are universally conserved among bacteria, suggesting the presence of functionally differentiated LPAATs in these bacteria.ConclusionsPlsC4 and PlsC5, which are LPAAT paralogs of S. livingstonensis Ac10, play different roles in phospholipid production and bacterial physiology. An enzyme belonging to PlsC4/PlsC5 subfamilies and their close relatives are present, in addition to principal LPAATs, in many γ-proteobacteria, suggesting that the division of roles is more common than previously thought. Thus, both principal LPAATs and PlsC4/PlsC5-related enzymes should be considered to decipher the metabolism and physiology of bacterial cell membranes.

Megasatellite formation and evolution in vertebrate genes.

Since formation of the first proto-eukaryotes, gene repertoire and genome complexity have significantly increased. Among genetic elements responsible for this increase are tandem repeats. Here we describe a genome-wide analysis of large tandem repeats, called megasatellites, in 58 vertebrate genomes. Two bursts occurred, one after the radiation between Agnatha and Gnathostomata fishes and the second one in therian mammals. Megasatellites are enriched in subtelomeric regions and frequently encoded in genes involved in transcription regulation, intracellular trafficking, and cell membrane metabolism, reminiscent of what is observed in fungus genomes. The presence of many introns within young megasatellites suggests that an exon-intron DNA segment is first duplicated and amplified before accumulation of mutations in intronic parts partially erases the megasatellite in such a way that it becomes detectable only in exons. Our results suggest that megasatellite formation and evolution is a dynamic and still ongoing process in vertebrate genomes.

Formulation and In-vitro Antibacterial Activity of Gel containing Ethanolic extract of Purple Sweet Potato Leaves (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Loaded Poly Lactic Co-Glycolic Acid Submicroparticles against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus has been resistant to various antibiotics including erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and piperacillin-tazobactam so that an alternative treatment is needed. The purple sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Poir) contain flavonoid compounds that have antibacterial activity by inhibiting nucleic acid, protein synthesis, cell membrane, and energy metabolism in bacteria. In this study, ethanolic extract of purple sweet potato leaves is loaded to poly lactic-co-glycolic acid submicroparticles to increase the stability of flavonoids and the antibacterial effect. Submicroparticle gel was prepared with various concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ie F1, F2, and F3 respectively 3%, 5%, and 7%. The antibacterial activity of submicroparticles gel compared with a gel containing extracts without submicroparticle and erythromycin gel as a positive control. Phytochemical test results that the ethanolic extract of purple sweet potato leaves contains flavonoids. Based on the research results, the best formula was F1(3%) with pH, homogeneity, viscosity, dispersibility, adhesion, and washability, respectively 7.4±0.0361; homogeneous; 8358.9±228.1391 cps; 4.2667±0.3005cm; 45.333±2.5166 seconds; 11.6667±1.5275mL. F1 was also shown to have strong antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone value of 13.67±4.04mm.

Antifungal mechanism of (E)-2-hexenal against Botrytis cinerea growth revealed by transcriptome analysis.

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic plant pathogen, is one of the most damaging diseases of tomato, resulting in both pre- and post-harvest losses. (E)-2-Hexenal dose-dependently inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea, and caused distortion of mycelia and loss of the cytoplasm content, thus altering the morphology of B. cinerea hyphae. To understand molecular processes in response to (E)-2-hexenal, transcriptome sequencing was carried out using RNA-Seq technology. RNA-Seq results revealed that a total of 3,893 genes were differentially expressed in B. cinerea samples treated with (E)-2-hexenal fumigation. Among these genes, 1,949 were upregulated and 1,944 were downregulated. Moreover, further analysis results showed 2,113 unigenes were mapped onto 259 pathways in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Moreover, (E)-2-hexenal stress affected the expression of genes involved in the pathways of cell wall, cell membrane, and energy metabolism. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis were the most enriched in ergosterol biosynthetic process transcriptome data. Particularly, (E)-2-hexenal fumigation had influenced ergosterol biosynthetic gene expression levels (e.g., ERG1, ERG3, ERG4, ERG7, ERG12, ERG13, ERG24, ERG25, ERG26, and ERG27), which were in good agreement with the experimental measurement results, and the ergosterol content decreased. Collectively, the results of this study increase our current understanding of (E)-2-hexenal inhibition mechanisms in B. cinerea and provide relevant information on postharvest shelf life extension and preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Biocontrol and Action Mechanism of Bacillus subtilis Lipopeptides' Fengycins Against Alternaria solani in Potato as Assessed by a Transcriptome Analysis.

Alternaria solani is an airborne fungus and the primary causal agent of potato early blight worldwide. No available fungicides that are both effective and environmentally friendly are usable to control this fungus. Therefore, biological control is a potential approach for its suppression. In this study, Bacillus subtilis strain ZD01’s fermentation broth strongly reduced A. solani pathogenicity under greenhouse conditions. The effects of strain ZD01’s secondary metabolites on A. solani were investigated. The exposure of A. solani hyphae to the supernatant resulted in swelling and swollen sacs, and the ZD01 supernatant reduced A. solani conidial germination significantly. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and pure product tests revealed that fengycins were the main antifungal lipopeptide substances. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of the fengycins’ biological control, RNA sequencing analyses were performed. A transcriptome analysis revealed that 304 and 522 genes in A. solani were differentially expressed after 2-h and 6-h fengycin treatments, respectively. These genes were respectively mapped to 53 and 57 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. In addition, the most enriched KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the inhibitory mechanisms of fengycins against A. solani regulated the expression of genes related to cell wall, cell membrane, transport, energy process, protein synthesis and genetic information. In particular, cell wall and cell membrane metabolism were the main processes affected by fengycin stress. Scanning and transmission electron microscope results revealed hyphal enlargement and a wide range of abnormalities in A. solani cells after exposure to fengycins. Furthermore, fengycins induced chitin synthesis in treated cells, and also caused the capture of cellular fluorescent green labeling and the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from outer membranes of A. solani cells, which may enhance the fengycins ability to alter cell membrane permeability. Thus, this study increases the transcriptome data resources available and supplies a molecular framework for B. subtilis ZD01 inhibition of A. solani HWC-168 through various mechanisms, especially damaging A. solani cell walls and membranes. The transcriptomic insights may lead to an effective control strategy for potato early blight.

Choline deficiency in the body, clinical manifestations and long-term consequences

Choline, a substance essential for the existence of any organism, is the basis for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, the two main phospholipids of cell membranes. Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, i.e. part of the autonomic nervous system. It affects smooth muscles, vascular wall tone, heart rate and regulates metabolism as a source of methyl groups. Choline enters the body through food and is partially synthesized endogenously. Choline plays an important role in gene expression, cell membrane signalling, lipid transport and metabolism, and early infant brain development. Choline deficiency increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Current scientific evidence suggests a negative effect of choline deficiency on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Choline deficiency is associated with impaired memory, concentration, and cognitive functions. This article deals with the mechanisms of choline influence on the organism and possibility of choline deficiency correction in the organism.