Hormone Response Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Casparian Strip Membrane Domain Protein-like Gene Family in Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) Revealed Its Crucial Role in Growth and Multiple Stress Tolerance.

Casparian strip membrane domain proteins (CASPs), regulating the formation of Casparian strips in plants, serve crucial functions in facilitating plant growth, development, and resilience to abiotic stress. However, little research has focused on the characteristics and functions of AhCASPs in cultivated peanuts. In this study, the genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the AhCASPs gene family was performed using bioinformatics and transcriptome data. Results showed that a total of 80 AhCASPs members on 20 chromosomes were identified and divided into three subclusters, which mainly localized to the cell membrane. Ka/Ks analysis revealed that most of the genes underwent purifying selection. Analysis of cis elements suggested the possible involvement of AhCASPs in hormonal and stress responses, including GA, MeJA, IAA, ABA, drought, and low temperature. Moreover, 20 different miRNAs for 37 different AhCASPs genes were identified by the psRNATarget service. Likewise, transcriptional analysis revealed key AhCASPs responding to various stresses, hormonal processing, and tissue types, including 33 genes in low temperature and drought stress and 41 genes in tissue-specific expression. These results provide an important theoretical basis for the functions of AhCASPs in growth, development, and multiple stress resistance in cultivated peanuts.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Characterization of the D27 Gene Family of Capsicum annuum L.

As a crucial member of the gene family involved in the biosynthesis of strigolactones, D27 plays an important regulatory role in plant branching and root development, which is essential for field management and yield increase in peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). To comprehensively understand the characteristics of the pepper D27 gene family, we identified three CaD27 genes. By analyzing their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, promoters, and expression patterns in different tissues, the characteristics of the CaD27 gene family were revealed. The research results showed that these three CaD27 genes are located in three different chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis divided the members of CaD27 into three groups, and gene collinearity analysis did not find any duplicates, indicating the diversity and non-redundancy of the CaD27 gene family members. In addition, we identified and classified cis-elements in the promoter regions of CaD27 genes, with a relatively high proportion related to light and plant hormone responses. Expression pattern analysis showed that CaD27.1 is expressed in leaves, while CaD27.2 is expressed in roots, indicating tissue specificity. Furthermore, protein interaction predictions revealed an interaction between D27.2 and CCD7. This study provided important insights into the function and regulatory mechanisms of the CaD27 gene family and the role of strigolactones in plant growth and development.

Nuclear pyruvate dehydrogenase complex regulates histone acetylation and transcriptional regulation in the ethylene response.

Ethylene plays its essential roles in plant development, growth, and defense responses by controlling the transcriptional reprograming, in which EIN2-C-directed regulation of histone acetylation is the first key step for chromatin to perceive ethylene signaling. But how the nuclear acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) is produced to ensure the ethylene-mediated histone acetylation is unknown. Here we report that ethylene triggers the accumulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) in the nucleus to synthesize nuclear acetyl CoA to regulate ethylene response. PDC is identified as an EIN2-C nuclear partner, and ethylene triggers its nuclear accumulation. Mutations in PDC lead to an ethylene hyposensitivity that results from the reduction of histone acetylation and transcription activation. Enzymatically active nuclear PDC synthesizes nuclear acetyl CoA for EIN2-C-directed histone acetylation and transcription regulation. These findings uncover a mechanism by which PDC-EIN2 converges the mitochondrial enzyme-mediated nuclear acetyl CoA synthesis with epigenetic and transcriptional regulation for plant hormone response.

A Mock Circulatory Loop Analysis of Cardiorenal Hemodynamics With Intra-Aortic Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Type 1 cardiorenal syndrome is associated with significant excess morbidity and mortality in patients with severe acute decompensated heart failure. Previous trials of vasoactive drugs and ultrafiltration have not shown superiority over placebo or intravenous diuretics. Pilot data suggest short-term mechanical support devices may support diuresis in the cardiorenal syndrome. We evaluated the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and a novel intra-aortic entrainment pump (IAEP) in a mock circulation loop (MCL) biventricular systolic heart failure model, to assess impact on renal flow and cardiac hemodynamics. Both devices produced similar and only modest increase in renal flow (IABP 3.3% vs. IAEP 4.3%) and cardiac output, with associated reduction in afterload elastance in the MCL. There were minor changes in coronary flow, increase with IABP and minor decrease with IAEP. Differences in device preload and afterload did not impact percentage change in renal flow with IABP therapy, however, there was a trend toward higher percentage flow change with IAEP in response to high baseline renal flow. The IAEP performed best in a smaller aorta and with more superior positioning within the descending aorta. Demonstrated changes in MCL flow during IAEP were of lower magnitude than previous animal studies, possibly due to lack of autoregulation and hormonal responses.

Prostate cancers with distinct transcriptional programs in Black and White men

BackgroundBlack men are at a higher risk of prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis and present with more high-grade PC than White men in an equal access setting. This study aimed to identify differential transcriptional regulation between Black and White men with PC.MethodsWe performed microarray of radical prostatectomy tissue blocks from 305 Black and 238 White men treated at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Differential expression, gene set enrichment analysis, master regulator analysis, and network modeling were conducted to compare gene expression by race. Findings were validated using external datasets that are available in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The first was a multi-institutional cohort of 1152 prostate cancer patients (596 Black, 556 White) with microarray data (GEO ID: GSE169038). The second was an Emory cohort of 106 patients (22 Black, 48 White, 36 men of unknown race) with RNA-seq data (GEO ID: GSE54460). Additionally, we analyzed androgen receptor (AR) chromatin binding profiles using paired AR ChIP-Seq datasets from Black and White men (GEO IDs: GSE18440 and GSE18441).ResultsWe identified 871 differentially expressed genes between Black and White men. White men had higher activity of MYC-related pathways, while Black men showed increased activity of inflammation, steroid hormone responses, and cancer progression-related pathways. We further identified the top 10 transcription factors (TFs) in Black patients, which formed a transcriptional regulatory network centered on the AR. The activities of this network and the pathways were significantly different in Black vs. White men across multiple cohorts and PC molecular subtypes.ConclusionsThese findings suggest PC in Black and White men have distinct tumor transcriptional profiles. Furthermore, a highly interactive TF network centered on AR drives differential gene expression in Black men. Additional study is needed to understand the degree to which these differences in transcriptional regulatory elements contribute to PC health disparities.

The moulting arthropod: a complete genetic toolkit review.

Exoskeletons are a defining character of all arthropods that provide physical support for their segmented bodies and appendages as well as protection from the environment and predation. This ubiquitous yet evolutionarily variable feature has been instrumental in facilitating the adoption of a variety of lifestyles and the exploitation of ecological niches across all environments. Throughout the radiation that produced the more than one million described modern species, adaptability afforded by segmentation and exoskeletons has led to a diversity that is unrivalled amongst animals. However, because of the limited extensibility of exoskeleton chitin and cuticle components, they must be periodically shed and replaced with new larger ones, notably to accommodate the growing individuals encased within. Therefore, arthropods grow discontinuously by undergoing periodic moulting events, which follow a series of steps from the preparatory pre-moult phase to ecdysis itself and post-moult maturation of new exoskeletons. Each event represents a particularly vulnerable period in an arthropod's life cycle, so processes must be tightly regulated and meticulously executed to ensure successful transitions for normal growth and development. Decades of research in representative arthropods provide a foundation of understanding of the mechanisms involved. Building on this, studies continue to develop and test hypotheses on the presence and function of molecular components, including neuropeptides, hormones, and receptors, as well as the so-called early, late, and fate genes, across arthropod diversity. Here, we review the literature to develop a comprehensive overview of the status of accumulated knowledge of the genetic toolkit governing arthropod moulting. From biosynthesis and regulation of ecdysteroid and sesquiterpenoid hormones, to factors involved in hormonal stimulation responses and exoskeleton remodelling, we identify commonalities and differences, as well as highlighting major knowledge gaps, across arthropod groups. We examine the available evidence supporting current models of how components operate together to prepare for, execute, and recover from ecdysis, comparing reports from Chelicerata, Myriapoda, Crustacea, and Hexapoda. Evidence is generally highly taxonomically imbalanced, with most reports based on insect study systems. Biases are also evident in research on different moulting phases and processes, with the early triggers and late effectors generally being the least well explored. Our synthesis contrasts knowledge based on reported observations with reasonably plausible assumptions given current taxonomic sampling, and exposes weak assumptions or major gaps that need addressing. Encouragingly, advances in genomics are driving a diversification of tractable study systems by facilitating the cataloguing of putative genetic toolkits in previously under-explored taxa. Analysis of genome and transcriptome data supported by experimental investigations have validated the presence of an "ultra-conserved" core of arthropod genes involved in moulting processes. The molecular machinery has likely evolved with elaborations on this conserved pathway backbone, but more taxonomic exploration is needed to characterise lineage-specific changes and novelties. Furthermore, linking these to transformative innovations in moulting processes across Arthropoda remains hampered by knowledge gaps and hypotheses based on untested assumptions. Promisingly however, emerging from the synthesis is a framework that highlights research avenues from the underlying genetics to the dynamic molecular biology through to the complex physiology of moulting.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the JAZ gene family in Gynostemma pentaphyllum reveals the COI1/JAZ/MYC2 complex potential involved in the regulation of the MeJA-induced gypenoside biosynthesis

The Jasmonate ZIM domain (JAZ) proteins, functioning as critical suppressors for jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction in plants, occupy crucial roles in multiple biological processes, particularly in the orchestration of secondary metabolic pathways. However, the mechanism underlying the JA-induced gypenosides accumulation in Gynostemma pentaphyllum remains poorly elucidated. Our research led to the identification of 11 distinct JAZ members in G. pentaphyllum (GpJAZs). According to the classification approach of AtJAZ, we allocated these members into five subgroups that shared similar conserved motif compositions. Subsequently, we identified the presence of various cis-acting elements associated with light stimuli, hormone responses, and stress signals within the promoter regions of the GpJAZ gene family. The expression levels of GpJAZ genes in different tissues were quite different, and the majority of GpJAZ genes exhibited varying degrees of response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induction. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays revealed interactions between GpJAZ1/2/4/5/7/9/10 and GpMYC2, whereas GpCOI1 protein was found to interact with GpJAZ1/2/4/5, thereby forming the COI1/JAZ/MYC2 complex. Furthermore, as an activator of gypenoside metabolic pathway, GpMYC2 could activate the promoter activity of the gypenoside metabolism-related genes to varying degrees by binding to their promoters, indicating that the COI1/JAZ/MYC2 module involved in the MeJA-induced regulation of gypenosides. In summary, our findings present an exhaustive examination of the JAZ gene family, furnishing a significant lead for delving deeper into the molecular mechanisms that drive the MeJA-induced enhancement of gypenosides accumulation in G. pentaphyllum.

Effects of Intranasal Naloxone on Hypoglycemia-Associated Autonomic Failure (HAAF) in Susceptible Individuals.

Hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF), defined as blunting of counter-regulatory hormone and symptom responses to recurrent hypoglycemia, remains a therapeutic challenge in diabetes treatment. The opioid system may play a role in HAAF pathogenesis since activation of opioid receptors induces HAAF. Blockade of opioid receptors with intravenous naloxone ameliorates HAAF experimentally, yet is not feasible therapeutically. To investigate the effects of opioid receptor blockade with intranasal naloxone on experimentally-induced HAAF. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study. Academic research center. Healthy non-diabetic volunteers. Paired two-day studies, 5-10 weeks apart, each consisting of three consecutive hypoglycemic episodes (hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamps, glucose nadir: 54 mg/dL): two on day 1 with administration of intranasal naloxone vs. placebo, followed by the third episode on day 2. Differences in counter-regulatory hormones responses and hypoglycemia symptoms between first and third hypoglycemic episodes in naloxone vs. placebo studies. Out of 17 participants, 9 developed HAAF, confirming variable inter-individual susceptibility. Among participants susceptible to HAAF, naloxone maintained some hormonal and symptomatic responses to hypoglycemia and prevented the associated requirement for increased glucose infusion. Unexpectedly, naloxone reduced plasma epinephrine and growth hormone responses to the first hypoglycemic episode but prevented further reduction with subsequent hypoglycemia. This is the first study to report that intranasal naloxone, a widely used opioid receptor antagonist, may ameliorate some features of HAAF. Further investigation is warranted into mechanisms of variable inter-individual susceptibility to HAAF and the effects of intranasal naloxone in people with diabetes at risk for HAAF.

Metformin induces ZFP36 by mTORC1 inhibition in cervical cancer-derived cell lines

BackgroundMetformin, a widely prescribed antidiabetic drug, has shown several promising effects for cancer treatment. These effects have been shown to be mediated by dual modulation of the AMPK-mTORC1 axis, where AMPK acts upstream of mTORC1 to decrease its activity. Nevertheless, alternative pathways have been recently discovered suggesting that metformin can act through of different targets regulation.MethodsWe performed a transcriptome screening analysis using HeLa xenograft tumors generated in NOD-SCID mice treated with or without metformin to examine genes regulated by metformin. Western Blot analysis, Immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR were used to confirm alterations in gene expression. The TNMplot and GEPIA2 platform were used for in silico analysis of genes found up-regulated by metformin, in cervical cancer patients. We performed an AMPK knock-down using AMPK-targeted siRNAs and mTOR inhibition with rapamycin to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of metformin in cervical cancer cell lines.ResultsWe shown that metformin decreases tumor growth and increased the expression of a group of antitumoral genes involved in DNA-binding transcription activator activity, hormonal response, and Dcp1-Dcp2 mRNA-decapping complex. We demonstrated that ZFP36 could act as a new molecular target increased by metformin. mTORC1 inhibition using rapamycin induces ZFP36 expression, which could suggest that metformin increases ZFP36 expression and requires mTORC1 inhibition for such effect. Surprisingly, in HeLa cells AMPK inhibition did not affect ZFP36 expression, suggesting that additional signal transducers related to suppressing mTORC1 activity, could be involved.ConclusionsThese results highlight the importance of ZFP36 activation in response to metformin treatment involving mTORC1 inhibition.Graphical

Differences in endocrine and reproductive responses to substance exposure across generations: highlighting the importance of complementary findings

This article analyzes the results from 112 Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity studies. The objective was to determine if test animals show consistent endocrine and reproductive effects within the same and across different generations and life stages. The analysis, grounded in a comprehensive Binary Matrix, included 530 observed effects and 193 unique, statistically significant associations. Associations’ strength was quantified using Jaccard (J) coefficients to measure effect co-occurrence in the same study. Associated effects co-occur infrequently across the whole dataset (median J = 0.231). However, specific patterns emerged: associations of same effects across generations exhibited a higher strength (median J = 0.400) compared to associations of different effects (median J = 0.222). Notably, associations with effects observed in both the parental animals of the adult first filial generation (P1) and developing second filial generations (dF2) demonstrated J coefficients (with medians ranging from 0.300 to 0.430) that were approximately twofold higher than those of other associations. Consistently, equivalent life stage associations across generations revealed statistically significant higher association strengths for the P1 and dF2 generations (medians of 0.375 and 0.333, respectively) compared to other generations (medians of 0.200 and 0.174), possibly due to longer exposure duration and altered cross-talk between pregnant P1 dam and its conceptus. Overall, it is concluded that co-occurrence of associated effects in the same study is rather infrequent and that associations with effects in P1 and dF2 are stronger than all other associations. In general, the findings underscore the importance of independently analyzing each effect per generation due to the generally low co-occurrence rates of associated effects, challenging traditional expectations of generational continuity in toxic effects.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of ADK Gene Family Members in Cotton under Abiotic Stress.

Adenosine kinase (ADK) is a key enzyme widely distributed in plants, playing an important role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. However, research on ADK genes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), an economically significant crop, has been limited. This study identified 92 ADK genes from four cotton species (G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense) using HMMER and Local BLASTP methods and classified them into six groups. Chromosomal localization revealed a random distribution of ADK genes in G. hirsutum, with 13 genes located on the At subgenome and 14 genes on the Dt subgenome. Gene structure analysis showed consistency in exon-intron organization within subgroups, while conserved motif analysis identified subgroup-specific motifs, indicating functional diversity. Synteny and collinearity mapping analysis revealed that the primary expansion mechanisms of the ADK gene family in cotton are polyploidy and segmental duplication. Cis-regulatory elements in GhADK promoters were classified into light response, hormone response, developmental regulation, and stress response. We also analyzed the expression patterns of GhADK genes under a low temperature (4 °C) and drought conditions. Most GhADK genes responded to cold stress with different expression patterns, indicating their roles in rapid response and long-term cold adaptation. Under drought stress, expression patterns varied, with some genes showing sustained high expression levels. The qRT-PCR validation of transcriptomic data confirmed the stress-induced expression patterns of selected GhADK genes. Functional analysis through the VIGS silencing of GhADK25 demonstrated its importance in cold and drought stress responses, with silencing resulting in poor growth under stress, highlighting its significance in stress tolerance. This study provides a basis for further understanding the evolutionary relationships and functions of the cotton ADK gene family.

Male Body Odor Affects Emotional State, LH, and Cortisol Secretion in Women of Different Age Groups.

Hormone changes across women's menstrual cycles may lead to changes in their perceptions of chemical signals and their hormonal responses to these cues. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of menstrual cycle phase in the response to extracts of male axillary secretions (EMAS) in women. We tested healthy reproductive age and premenopausal women (n = 29). An EMAS/control solution was applied once every two hours during either the follicular or luteal phase, at which point saliva samples for luteinizing hormone (LH) and cortisol monitoring were collected. LH and cortisol concentrations were analyzed using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) scores were used to assess the participants' moods. For the first time, we showed that EMAS may produce opposite effects on LH secretion depending on the menstrual cycle phase of the recipient. We observed a significant increase in the number of LH peaks (p = 0.0447) and their amplitudes (p = 0.0469) when EMAS was applied during the follicular phase, while the same application in the luteal phase lowered the amplitudes of LH peaks (p = 0.0382). For the first time, we showed that EMAS application increased salivary cortisol levels in reproductive age women relative to premenopausal women (p = 0.0032). PANAS scores revealed changes in positive and negative affect after EMAS application. Our data indicate the significance of the menstrual cycle phase for EMAS' effects on LH secretion and mood, but not on cortisol secretion in women.

Genome-Wide Identification of the CYP716 Gene Family in Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. and Its Role in the Regulation of Triterpenoid Saponin Biosynthesis.

The main type of saponins occurring in the root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. are oleanolic acid glycosides. The CYP716 gene family plays a major role in catalyzing the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. However, studies on the CYP716 genes in P. grandiflorus are limited, and its evolutionary history remains poorly understood. In this study, 22 PgCYP716 genes were identified, distributed among seven subfamilies. Cis-acting elements of the PgCYP716 promoters were mainly involved in plant hormone regulation and responses to abiotic stresses. PgCYP716A264, PgCYP716A391, PgCYP716A291, and PgCYP716BWv3 genes were upregulated in the root and during saponin accumulation, as shown by RNA-seq analysis, suggesting that these four genes play an important role in saponin synthesis. The results of subcellular localization indicated that these four genes encoded membrane proteins. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of these four genes was proved in the yeast, which catalyzed the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. We found that the content of β-amyrin, platycodin D, platycoside E, platycodin D3, and total saponins increased significantly when either of the four genes was over expressed in the transgenic hair root. In addition, the expression of PgSS, PgGPPS2, PgHMGS, and PgSE was also upregulated while these four genes were overexpressed. These data support that these four PgCYP716 enzymes oxidize β-amyrin to produce oleanolic acid, ultimately promoting saponin accumulation by activating the expression of upstream pathway genes. Our results enhanced the understanding of the functional variation among the PgCYP716 gene family involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis and provided a theoretical foundation for improving saponin content and enriching the saponin biosynthetic pathway in P. grandiflorus.

Physiological, biochemical and hormonal response of wheat cultivars to foliar application of growth stimulants and zinc nano-chelate under water deficit stress

To investigate the effect of different foliar application treatments to improve drought tolerance in wheat genotypes, a factorial split-plot experiment was conducted based on the randomized complete block design with 3 replications in 2 locations. The main factor was irrigation (normal and water deficit) and the secondary factors were 4 levels of foliar application (control: without foliar application, jasmonic acid, zinc nano-chelate and succinate) and 3 genotypes of barley. Water deficit stress reduced the content of chlorophyll a (9.03%), chlorophyll b (6.66%), total chlorophyll (7.32%) and auxin (4.21%) and increased the catalase (18.18%), superoxide dismutase activity (23.35%), malondialdehyde (7.17%), glucose (5.35%), fructose (4.85%) and sucrose (14.99%) versus normal irrigation conditions. Foliar application of zinc nano-chelate increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and fructose content by 15.45%, 15.76%, 14.70% and 41.35% respectively. The highest content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll was assigned to the Mihan cultivar. Foliar application with zinc nano-chelate in both environments resulted in the highest biological yield and grain yield and the lowest content of abscisic acid. Foliar application line 9 genotypes with zinc nano-chelate had the highest auxin, cytokinin, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. While foliar application of nano-zinc chelate in the Mihan cultivar led to the highest biological yield, grain yield, glucose content and the lowest amount of malondialdehyde. Therefore, foliar application of zinc nano-chelate along with the appropriate variety can improve grain yield under different environmental conditions.

TaMIR397-6A and -6B Homoeologs Encode Active miR397 Contributing to the Regulation of Grain Size in Hexaploid Wheat.

Wheat is one of the most important food crops globally, and understanding the regulation of grain size is crucial for wheat breeding to achieve a higher grain yield. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in plant growth and development. However, the miRNA-mediated mechanism underlying grain size regulation remains largely elusive in wheat. Here, we report the characterization and functional validation of a miRNA, TamiR397a, associated with grain size regulation in wheat. The function of three TaMIR397 homoeologs was determined through histochemical β-glucuronidase-dependent assay. MiRNA expression was detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the function of TamiR397a was validated through its transgenic overexpression and repression in wheat. It was found that TaMIR397-6A and TaMIR397-6B encode active TamiR397a. The expression profiling indicated that TamiR397a was differentially expressed in various tissues and gradually up-regulated during grain filling. The inhibition of TamiR397a perturbed grain development, leading to a decrease in grain size and weight. Conversely, the overexpression of TamiR397a resulted in increased grain size and weight by accelerating the grain filling process. Transcriptome analysis revealed that TamiR397a regulates a set of genes involved in hormone response, desiccation tolerance, regulation of cellular senescence, seed dormancy, and seed maturation biological processes, which are important for grain development. Among the down-regulated genes in the grains of the TamiR397a-overexpressing transgenic plants, 11 putative targets of the miRNA were identified. Taken together, our results demonstrate that TamiR397a is a positive regulator of grain size and weight, offering potential targets for breeding wheat with an increased grain yield.

A case study of endocrine and immune responses to traditional hand-tap tattooing

A case study of endocrine and immune responses to traditional hand-tap tattooing

Adaptive Responses of Hormones to Nitrogen Deficiency in Citrus sinensis Leaves and Roots.

Some citrus orchards in China often experience nitrogen (N) deficiency. For the first time, targeted metabolomics was used to examine N-deficient effects on hormones in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Xuegan) leaves and roots. The purpose was to validate the hypothesis that hormones play a role in N deficiency tolerance by regulating root/shoot dry weight ratio (R/S), root system architecture (RSA), and leaf and root senescence. N deficiency-induced decreases in gibberellins and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels and increases in cis(+)-12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) levels, ethylene production, and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis might contribute to reduced growth and accelerated senescence in leaves. The increased ethylene formation in N-deficient leaves might be caused by increased 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid and OPDA and decreased abscisic acid (ABA). N deficiency increased R/S, altered RSA, and delayed root senescence by lowering cytokinins, jasmonic acid, OPDA, and ABA levels and ethylene and SA biosynthesis, increasing 5-deoxystrigol levels, and maintaining IAA and gibberellin homeostasis. The unchanged IAA concentration in N-deficient roots involved increased leaf-to-root IAA transport. The different responses of leaf and root hormones to N deficiency might be involved in the regulation of R/S, RSA, and leaf and root senescence, thus improving N use efficiency, N remobilization efficiency, and the ability to acquire N, and hence conferring N deficiency tolerance.

Genome-Wide Investigation of the CRF Gene Family in Maize and Functional Analysis of ZmCRF9 in Response to Multiple Abiotic Stresses.

The cytokinin response factors (CRFs) are pivotal players in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to diverse stresses. Despite their significance, comprehensive information on CRF genes in the primary food crop, maize, remains scarce. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of CRF genes in maize was conducted, resulting in the identification of 12 members. Subsequently, we assessed the chromosomal locations, gene duplication events, evolutionary relationships, conserved motifs, and gene structures of all ZmCRF members. Analysis of ZmCRF promoter regions indicated the presence of cis-regulatory elements associated with plant growth regulation, hormone response, and various abiotic stress responses. The expression patterns of maize CRF genes, presented in heatmaps, exhibited distinctive patterns of tissue specificity and responsiveness to multiple abiotic stresses. qRT-PCR experiments were conducted on six selected genes and confirmed the involvement of ZmCRF genes in the plant's adaptive responses to diverse environmental challenges. In addition, ZmCRF9 was demonstrated to positively regulate cold and salt tolerance. Ultimately, we explored the putative interaction partners of ZmCRF proteins. In summary, this systematic overview and deep investigation of ZmCRF9 provides a solid foundation for further exploration into how these genes contribute to the complex interplay of plant growth, development, and responses to stress.

Hormonal response during official bouldering competition.

Sports competitions present a highly stressful environment for the athletes. The stress that is produced because of physiological or psychological demands could influence athletes' performance. This study aimed to understand the dynamics of stress biomarkers during official national bouldering climbing competition. Twelve sport climbers ([6 females] average age: 20.3±5.21 years, body height: 174.0±10.27 cm, body mass: 64.7±10.80 kg, training age: 10.3±2.40 years) took part in this study. Their saliva cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) were sampled during the official climbing competition (qualification and final). The results showed that C had higher values post- (qualification, 1.02±0.43 µg/dL; final, 0.46±0.27 µg/dL) than precompetition (0.45±0.24 µg/dL; 0.29±0.68 µg/dL, respectively). A similar trend can be observed in AA, with higher values post- (qualification, 156.07±133.24 U/dL; final, 199.09±51.24 U/dL) than precompetition (88.18±80.24 U/dL; 88.72±51.24 U/dL, respectively). Furthermore, C had a significantly higher response prequalification (0.45±0.24 µg/dL) than prefinal (0.29±0.19 µg/dL), with the same response post both competition rounds (qualification, 1.02±0.43 µg/dL; final, 0.46±0.27 µg/dL). Overall, the results showed a strong endocrine and nervous system response. These findings lead to the conclusion that sports climbing competitions present a highly stressful environment for athletes, both physically and psychologically.

Genome-Wide Identification of Seven in Absentia E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Gene Family and Expression Profiles in Response to Different Hormones in Uncaria rhynchophylla.

SINA (Seven in absentia) E3 ubiquitin ligases are a family of RING (really interesting new gene) E3 ubiquitin ligases, and they play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development, hormone response, and abiotic and biotic stress. However, there is little research on the SINA gene family in U. rhynchophylla. In this study, a total of 10 UrSINA genes were identified from the U. rhynchophylla genome. The results of multiple sequence alignments and chromosomal locations show that 10 UrSINA genes were unevenly located on 22 chromosomes, and each UrSINA protein contained a SINA domain at the N-terminal and RING domains at the C-terminal. Synteny analysis showed that there are no tandem duplication gene pairs and there are four segmental gene pairs in U. rhynchophylla, contributing to the expansion of the gene family. Furthermore, almost all UrSINA genes contained the same gene structure, with three exons and two introns, and there were many cis-acting elements relating to plant hormones, light responses, and biotic and abiotic stress. The results of qRT-PCR show that most UrSINA genes were expressed in stems, with the least expression in roots; meanwhile, most UrSINA genes and key enzyme genes were responsive to ABA and MeJA hormones with overlapping but different expression patterns. Co-expression analysis showed that UrSINA1 might participate in the TIA pathway under ABA treatment, and UrSINA5 and UrSINA6 might participate in the TIA pathway under MeJA treatment. The mining of UrSINA genes in the U. rhynchophylla provided novel information for understanding the SINA gene and its function in plant secondary metabolites, growth, and development.