Genetic Attributes Research Articles

Genetic Improvement of Miahuateco Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) (Solanaceae) through Gamma Radiation of 60Co

Objective: To improve genetic attributes in Miahuateco chili (Capsicum annuum L.) through gamma irradiationwith 60Co.Design/Methodology/Approach: Seeds were irradiated at doses of 0, 100, 200, and 300 Gy at the NationalInstitute of Nuclear Research. The evaluated variables were LD50, agronomic yield, plant height, polar andequatorial diameters, percentage of aborted flowers, number of branches, and plant color, which were assessedunder a completely randomized design (4X4)=16 experimental units.Results: The results indicate that the application of 200 Gy induces higher agronomic yield. The LD50 isreached at 145 Gy. High doses of gamma irradiation caused a high percentage of aborted flowers, as well aschlorosis in the plant.Study Limitations/Implications: The seeds used in this project were landraces, which exhibited significantheterogeneity that could have affected flowering and fruiting. However, this was not a substantial factor forthis project.Findings/Conclusions: It is concluded that 200 Gy of gamma radiation from 60Co induces genetic variabilityin the species, improving certain agronomic attributes of interest.

Natural variation in root exudate composition in the genetically structured Arabidopsis thaliana inthe Iberian Peninsula.

Plant root exudates are involved in nutrient acquisition, microbial partnerships, and inter-organism signaling. Yet, little is known about the genetic and environmental drivers of root exudate variation at large geographical scales, which may help understand the evolutionary trajectories of plants in heterogeneous environments. We quantified natural variation in the chemical composition of Arabidopsis thaliana root exudates in 105 Iberian accessions. We identified up to 373 putative compounds using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We estimated the broad-sense heritability of compounds and conducted a genome-wide association (GWA) study. We associated variation in root exudates to variation in geographic, environmental, life history, and genetic attributes of Iberian accessions. Only 25 of 373 compounds exhibited broad-sense heritability values significantly different from zero. GWA analysis identified polymorphisms associated with 12 root exudate compounds and 26 known genes involved in metabolism, defense, signaling, and nutrient transport. The genetic structure influenced root exudate composition involving terpenoids. We detected five terpenoids related to plant defense significantly varying in mean abundances in two genetic clusters. Our study provides first insights into the extent of root exudate natural variation at a regional scale depicting a diversified evolutionary trajectory among A. thaliana genetic clusters chiefly mediated by terpenoid composition.

Development of Elite Mother Palms from the Best-Performing Slow-Vertical-Growth Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Genotypes

Harvesting is a serious issue in oil palm plantations after 15–20 years owing to the increased height of the trees (>9 m). The slow vertical growth of the oil palm dura genotypes is desired for increasing the D × P progenies’ productivity and economic life span upto ten years. A reduced height increment has a long-term impact on harvesting costs. The current study assessed 308 genotypes generated from African germplasm. Over a three year period, the biometric properties of eleven D × D crosses were evaluated in order to quantify genetic parameters and phenotypic correlations, and principal component analysis was performed for genetic attributes of the better-performing dwarf progenies in terms of yield. The evaluated genotypes have a highly significant influence (p < 0.01) on the majority of characteristics. The progenies yielded between 165 and 208 kg of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) per palm every year. The height increment (HI) varied between 17% and 19%, with an overall average of 18%. Genotypes G8, G300, and G221 had the lowest yearly height increments, measuring 28.98, 29.19, and 30.87 cm, respectively. The outcome of the present study shows that they are slow-height-increment genotypes with a high FFB yield (>25 T/Ha). The creation of dura parents with a slow height increment in combination with a high bunch weight helps for prolonging the productive life of the palm to more than 35 years, adding value to obtain distinct oil palm varieties. Overall, this targeted breeding effort towards developing dwarf oil palm hybrids reflects a strategic approach to addressing specific challenges in oil palm cultivation, ultimately helping to promote the oil palm sector globally.

Using stereotype violation to shift causal understanding and attitudes about weight

ObjectiveWe evaluated an approach to weight stigma reduction involving the provision of an exemplar inconsistent with belief systems underlying weight bias. Specifically, that people with higher weight eat unhealthy, high-calorie diets, and people with lower weight eat healthy, low-calorie diets. Providing exemplars that violate the stereotype's assumptions may lead to a change in beliefs, stereotypes, and ultimately, stigma. MethodsIn an experimental, web-based study, 682 US-based participants were randomized to read narrative vignettes about a fictional middle-aged woman portrayed as either having stable, high body weight, or stable, low body weight, and as eating a long-term diet that was either high- or low- in calorie-dense foods. Two stereotype violation conditions involved a woman with higher weight who maintains a low-calorie diet (HWLC) and a woman with lower weight who maintains a high-calorie diet (LWHC). ResultsFor the HWLC exemplar, results were consistent with stereotype change processes including heightened genetic causal attributions, reduced lifestyle attributions, and more positive attitudes toward the exemplar and “women with obesity” in general. Response to the LWHC exemplar was more uneven. ConclusionsFindings have implications in the understanding of judgments that people make about individuals based on their body size and dietary habits and suggests a new route for interventions that address weight stigma reduction.

Prioritising Conservation Area in Species Management Strategy for The Edible Bornean Giant River Frog Limnonectes leporinus Anderson 1923.

Limnonectes leporinus, the endemic giant river frog, is a riparian (stream dwelling) species that lives along streams with moderate to steep gradients. The most serious threats to the species are deforestation caused by severe clear cutting, which fragments its distribution, and overhunting for local consumption. Excessive landscape modification alters habitat, making it critical for an organism to maintain heterozygozity for the population to be fit to adapt to a changing environment. The goal of this research was to project suitable habitats and predict the potential for habitat connectivity to allow gene flow across the Sarawak landscape. The presence data file and environmental layers were converted into ASCII format using ArcGIS and then used in MaxEnt modelling to generate the map of suitable habitats. To perform the connectivity model, the potential habitat model and genetic attributes of haplotype data were computerised in Circuitscape software. The findings revealed that suitable habitats corresponded to species distribution in lowland areas with sustainable stream networks as breeding sites, while higher elevations were identified as unsuitable habitats. Gene flow data, on the other hand, revealed that connectivity circuits are mostly found in unprotected forest, which includes development areas and private lands. As a result, prioritising conservation areas should include local governments and landowners in proper landscape management as well as species management strategies. This indirectly sustains and protects Borneo's forests, flora and fauna.

Implications of genetic attributions for addiction among addiction professionals

Given increasing emphasis on understanding the role of genes in the etiology of addictive disorders, the present study aimed to investigate the implications of genetic explanations of addiction for attitudes and beliefs about patients among addiction treatment providers. Participants were recruited from addiction-related professional organizations. The sample included professionals with medical backgrounds (n = 153) and with nonmedical backgrounds (n = 232). They viewed a description of a fictitious patient with either alcohol use disorder or gambling disorder, which was experimentally varied to indicate the presence or absence of a genetic cause. They completed measures of their genetic attributions for the patient's symptoms as well as their attitudes and beliefs about the patient. The presence of a genetic explanation increased genetic attribution ratings but did not significantly affect other measured variables. However, participants' genetic attributions for the patient's symptoms were associated with significantly lower ascriptions of blame to the patient and greater belief in the effectiveness of medication, but also with reduced confidence in the effectiveness of psychotherapy and with pessimism about the patient's prognosis. Geneticized, biomedical conceptualizations of addiction may have implications for treatment providers' attitudes toward patients.

Comparative assessment of genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-exome sequencing for estimating genetic diversity and geographic structure in small sample sizes: insights from wild jaguar populations.

Biologists currently have an assortment of high-throughput sequencing techniques allowing the study of population dynamics in increasing detail. The utility of genetic estimates depends on their ability to recover meaningful approximations while filtering out noise produced by artifacts. In this study, we empirically compared the congruence of two reduced representation approaches (genotyping-by-sequencing, GBS, and whole-exome sequencing, WES) in estimating genetic diversity and population structure using SNP markers typed in a small number of wild jaguar (Panthera onca) samples from South America. Due to its targeted nature, WES allowed for a more straightforward reconstruction of loci compared to GBS, facilitating the identification of true polymorphisms across individuals. We therefore used WES-derived metrics as a benchmark against which GBS-derived indicators were compared, adjusting parameters for locus assembly and SNP filtering in the latter. We observed significant variation in SNP call rates across samples in GBS datasets, leading to a recurrent miscalling of heterozygous sites. This issue was further amplified by small sample sizes, ultimately impacting the consistency of summary statistics between genotyping methods. Recognizing that the genetic markers obtained from GBS and WES are intrinsically different due to varying evolutionary pressures, particularly selection, we consider that our empirical comparison offers valuable insights and highlights critical considerations for estimating population genetic attributes using reduced representation datasets. Our results emphasize the critical need for careful evaluation of missing data and stringent filtering to achieve reliable estimates of genetic diversity and differentiation in elusive wildlife species.

Hybrid de novo whole genome assembly of lipopeptide producing novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain NBAIR BtAr exhibiting antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii

Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner is recognized as a predominant bioinsecticide but its antifungal potential has been relatively underexplored. A novel B. thuringiensis strain NBAIR BtAr was isolated and morphologically characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing presence of bipyramidal, cuboidal, and spherical parasporal crystals. The crude form of lipopeptides was extracted from NBAIR BtAr and assessed for its antagonistic activity in vitro, and demonstrated 100 % inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 μL of the crude lipopeptide extract per mL of potato dextrose agar. To identify the antagonistic genes responsible, we performed whole genome sequencing of NBAIR BtAr, revealing the presence of circular chromosome of 5,379,913 bp and 175,362 bp plasmid with 36.06 % guanine-cytosine content and 5814 protein-coding sequences. Average nucleotide identity and whole genome phylogenetic analysis delineated the NBAIR BtAr strain as konkukian serovar. Gene ontology analysis revealed associations of 1474, 1323, and 1833 genes with biological processes, molecular function, and cellular components, respectively. Antibiotics & secondary metabolite analysis shell analysis of the whole genome yielded secondary metabolites biosynthetic gene clusters with 100 %, 85 %, 40 %, and 35 % similarity for petrobactin, bacillibactin, fengycin, and paenilamicin, respectively. Also, novel biosynthetic gene clusters, along with antimicrobial genes, including zwittermicin A, chitinase, and phenazines, were identified. Moreover, the presence of eight bacteriophage sequences, 18 genomic islands, insertion sequences, and one CRISPR region indicated prior occurrences of genetic exchange and thus improved competitive fitness of the strain. Overall, the whole genome sequence of NBAIR BtAr is presented, with its taxonomic classification and critical genetic attributes that contribute to its strong antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii.

Distinct prophage gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus strains from atopic dermatitis patients and healthy individuals.

Through a nuanced exploration of Staphylococcus aureus strains obtained from atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and healthy controls (HE), our research unveils pivotal genetic determinants influencing their pathogenic associations. Utilizing a random forest classifier, we illuminate distinct marker genes, with phage holin emerging as a critical differential factor, revealing the profound impact of prophages on genetic and pathogenic profiles. HE strains exhibited a diverse gene content, notably shaped by unique, heightened prophages. Conversely, AD strains emphasized a pronounced enrichment of virulence factors within prophages, signifying their key role in AD pathogenesis. This work crucially highlights prophages as central architects of the genetic and functional attributes of S. aureus strains, providing vital insights into pathogenic mechanisms and phenotypic variations, thereby paving the way for targeted AD therapeutic approaches and management strategies by demystifying specific genetic and pathogenic mechanisms.

Performance evaluation of Indigenous and Garole crossbred sheep (F1) under semi-intensive management system

A crossbreeding program was sought to enhance the genetic attributes of coastal sheep by mating them with Garole rams. The breeding program involved a combination of two male Garole with a group of twenty indigenous ewes. These sheep were permitted to mate naturally, without external intervention. Data collection focused on key metrics like birth weight (kg lamb-1), litter size, sex of lambs, instances of dystocia, weaning weight (kg lamb-1), weaning age (days), body weight (kg), age at puberty (days), and mortality rates (%). Crossbred male lambs had an average birth weight of 1.48±0.12 kg, while female lambs averaged 1.57±0.10 kg. Male to female ratio among crossbred lambs was 54.1% to 45.9%. As for weaning, males and females averaged 151.92±2.24 days and 144.00±4.20 days, respectively, with respective weaning weights of 7.98±0.85 kg for males and 8.31±0.90 kg for females. Between 30 and 60 days, male and female lambs gained at 50.16±5.94 g day-1 and 51.44±7.82 g day-1, respectively. Between 331 and 360 days, growth rates were 15.33±3.84 g day-1 and 22.33±6.00 g day-1 for males and females respectively. Dystocia, or difficult births, occurred in 75% of cases. There was no mortality for male lambs, but female lambs experienced a 20% mortality rate. Crossbreeding has emerged as a viable strategy for increasing meat production due to enhanced growth rates and their adaptability to certain environments. It can be concluded that crossbreeding of indigenous coastal sheep with Garole ram can be carried out to increase body weight and ADG. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 55-67, 2024

Following in the footsteps of invasion: comparisons of founder and invasive genotypes of two independent invasions reveal site-specific demographic processes and no influence by landscape attributes on dispersal

To understand the success of invasive alien species, it is necessary to evaluate the site-specific eco-evolutionary challenges they face in their new environments. We explored whether the rearrangement of genetic diversity is linked to the invasiveness of Prosopis juliflora by (i) comparing different stages of invasion (founding vs invasive populations) in two invaded areas (Afar Region, Ethiopia and Baringo County, Kenya) to evaluate whether different stages are dominated by different genetic attributes (e.g., characteristic genotypes or levels of genetic diversity) and by (ii) evaluating if landscape features affected dispersal between invasive populations in the two invaded areas. We hypothesised that different invasion stages would have unique genetic characteristics due to either site-specific demographic and/or dispersal dynamics. We also compared the genetic characteristics at an ‘invasive–non-invasive congener’ level by studying the non-invasive P. pallida, introduced to Baringo County, and assessed whether it hybridises with P. juliflora. In the Afar Region, the establishment and spread of P. juliflora were characterised by extensive gene flow that homogenised genetic diversity across all populations. In contrast, in Baringo County, invasive populations had lower genetic diversity than founders, and genetic differentiation was lower between invasive populations than between invasive and founder populations. In both invaded areas, we found no evidence that dispersal was hampered by geographic distance, bioclimatic conditions, or distance to roads, rivers and villages, at least at the spatial scales of our study; indicating frequent long-distance dispersal. Allelic richness was higher in P. juliflora than P. pallida founders and hybrids were mainly planted trees probably resulting from the sympatric cultivation of the two species following their introduction. Thus, management actions on Prosopis invasion in eastern Africa should consider site-specific dynamics occurring during the invasion.

A comparative plastome approach enhances the assessment of genetic variation in the Melilotus genus

BackgroundMelilotus, a member of the Fabaceae family, is a pivotal forage crop that is extensively cultivated in livestock regions globally due to its notable productivity and ability to withstand abiotic stress. However, the genetic attributes of the chloroplast genome and the evolutionary connections among different Melilotus species remain unresolved.ResultsIn this study, we compiled the chloroplast genomes of 18 Melilotus species and performed a comprehensive comparative analysis. Through the examination of protein-coding genes, we successfully established a robust phylogenetic tree for these species. This conclusion is further supported by the phylogeny derived from single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the entire chloroplast genome. Notably, our findings revealed that M. infestus, M. siculus, M. sulcatus, and M. speciosus formed a distinct subgroup within the phylogenetic tree. Additionally, the chloroplast genomes of these four species exhibit two shared inversions. Moreover, inverted repeats were observed to have reemerged in six species within the IRLC. The distribution patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) within protein-coding genes indicated that ycf1 and ycf2 accumulated nonconservative alterations during evolutionary development. Furthermore, an examination of the evolutionary rate of protein-coding genes revealed that rps18, rps7, and rpl16 underwent positive selection specifically in Melilotus.ConclusionsWe present a comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of Melilotus species. This study represents the most thorough and detailed exploration of the evolution and variability within the genus Melilotus to date. Our study provides valuable chloroplast genomic information for improving phylogenetic reconstructions and making biogeographic inferences about Melilotus and other Papilionoideae species.

Enhancing coffee sensory quality: unleashing synergistic effects of selected microorganism starter cultures and ohmic heating technology

Abstract The sensory characteristics of coffee play a pivotal role in determining its consumer appeal and global market potential. The flavor quality of coffee is influenced by a range of factors, including genetic attributes, geographic variables, agricultural practices, and post-harvest processes. Among these, the post-harvest phase, which includes fermentation, stands out as a critical determinant of coffee quality. Notably, controlled wet fermentation techniques and the introduction of specialized starter cultures have demonstrated a significant capacity to enhance the flavor and unique sensory profiles of coffee, capturing the interest of consumers. Utilizing yeast cultures, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii, alongside lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus sp., has been scientifically substantiated as a means to elevate coffee quality. The application of ohmic heating technology during the coffee fermentation process presents an innovative approach to maintaining the fermentation process at the desired temperature. When synergistically applied in tandem with carefully selected microorganism starter cultures, this approach holds the promise of delivering a substantial enhancement in coffee quality.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia Spp. In blood samples of cats and dogs by the nested-PCR method in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic attributes of Borrelia spp. in cats and dogs from the West Azerbaijan Province, located in the northwest of Iran. A total of 250 blood samples from cats and 300 blood samples from dogs were collected, and information regarding their age, sex, breed, ownership status, sampling time and region was recorded. The identification of positive samples was accomplished through nested-PCR and sequencing, with subsequent analysis of the gene sequences conducted using BioEdit software. The gene sequences for Borrelia spp. in this study showed 100% similarity to reference sequences in the GenBank® database. Phylogenetic trees were built using MEGA11. The outcomes indicated that among 250 blood samples from cats, 48 (19.2%) tested positive for Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 14.8 to 24.53% for cats. Similarly, out of 300 blood samples from dogs, 45 (15%) tested positive for the Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 11.4 to 19.48% for dogs.

Teaching gene-environment interaction concepts with narrative vignettes: Effects on knowledge, stigma, and behavior motivation.

Gene-environment interaction (GxE) concepts underlie a proper understanding of complex disease risk and risk-reducing behavior. Communicating GxE concepts is a challenge. This study designed an educational intervention that communicated GxE concepts in the context of eating behavior and its impact on weight, and tested its efficacy in changing knowledge, stigma, and behavior motivation. The study also explored whether different framings of GxE education and matching frames with individual eating tendencies would result in stronger intervention impact. The experiment included four GxE education conditions and a control condition unrelated to GxE concepts. In the education conditions, participants watched a video introducing GxE concepts then one of four narrative vignettes depicting how a character's experience with eating hyperpalatable or bitter tasting food (reward-based eating drive vs. bitter taste perception scenario) is influenced by genetic or environmental variations (genetic vs. environmental framings). The education intervention increased GxE knowledge, genetic causal attributions, and empathetic concern. Mediation analyses suggest that causal attributions, particularly to genetics and willpower, are key factors that drive downstream stigma and eating behavior outcomes and could be targeted in future interventions. Tailoring GxE education frames to individual traits may lead to more meaningful outcomes. For example, genetic (vs. environmental) framed GxE education may reduce stigma toward individuals with certain eating tendencies among individuals without such tendencies. GxE education interventions would be most likely to achieve desired outcomes such as reducing stigma if they target certain causal beliefs and are strategically tailored to individual attributes.

Conservation and upgradation of indigenous Cholistani cattle breed of Pakistan: a pathway to sustainable livestock.

Pakistan is endowed with many established indigenous zebu Bos indicus type (humped) cattle breeds including Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Bhagnari and Cholistani. Amongst these indigenous cattle breeds, Sahiwal and Red Sindhi have extensively been navigated and hence these two are acclaimed as internationally recognized breeds. However, research work on Cholistani cattle breed actually initiated in 2010 and has attained a steady pace. This breed was a new entrant in Livestock Census of Pakistan since 2006. Cholistani is a hardy, tick-resistant, adaptable cattle breed being reared under pastoral nomadism of the Cholistan desert, Pakistan. The present narrative review is the first of its kind intended to sum-up all the research work conducted about this indigenous cattle breed, and to put forth research gaps for this formerly neglected cattle breed. The review discusses the research work conducted on Cholistani cattle breed under five major research subjects/domains i.e. production attributes, theriogenology-related attributes, hematochemical attributes, disease, epidemiologic and therapeutic attributes, and genetic attributes. Future horizon for research avenues has also been given. It is the dire need of time that specific breed-oriented conservation and propagation programs may be initiated in the country so that sustained livestock and enhance socioeconomic profiling of rural communities may be attained.

Saccharina sporophytes settling on kelp cultivation rafts come from wild intertidal populations and not from the farmed cultivars

Abstract Wild-type sporophytes of Saccharina japonica have been recurrently observed on the infrastructures of kelp farming rafts in China’s northern production region (Liaoning and Shandong provinces). However, there are few detailed reports delineating their origin, genetic attributes and affiliations with farmed populations. Using microsatellite molecular analyses, we furnish a comparative analysis of the populations sampled from these rafts at one of the historical kelp farming regions Rongcheng city (Shandong province), both before and after the “2021–2022 kelp farming disaster”, in conjunction with two field populations from nearby intertidal zones where natural populations prevail. The results show that the wild kelp populations on the kelp farming rafts in 2023 had originated from the wild populations dwelling in intertidal zones several kilometers away, rather than from the artificially cultivated kelp cultivars.

Epidemiological and Genomic analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from imported travelers at the port of Shanghai, China (2017-2019)

BackgroundVibrio parahaemolyticus is the predominant etiological agent of seafood-associated foodborne illnesses on a global scale. It is essential to elucidate the mechanisms by which this pathogen disseminates. Given the existing research predominantly concentrates on localized outbreaks, there is a pressing necessity for a comprehensive investigation to capture strains of V. parahaemolyticus cross borders.ResultsThis study examined the frequency and genetic attributes of imported V. parahaemolyticus strains among travelers entering Shanghai Port, China, between 2017 and 2019.Through the collection of 21 strains from diverse countries and regions, Southeast Asia was pinpointed as a significant source for the emergence of V. parahaemolyticus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clear delineation between strains originating from human and environmental sources, emphasizing that underlying genome data of foodborne pathogens is essential for environmental monitoring, food safety and early diagnosis of diseases. Furthermore, our study identified the presence of virulence genes (tdh and tlh) and approximately 120 antibiotic resistance-related genes in the majority of isolates, highlighting their crucial involvement in the pathogenesis of V. parahaemolyticus.ConclusionsThis research enhanced our comprehension of the worldwide transmission of V. parahaemolyticus and its antimicrobial resistance patterns. The findings have important implications for public health interventions and antimicrobial stewardship strategies, underscoring the necessity for epidemiological surveillance of pathogen at international travel hubs.

Biodegradation of acetaminophen: Microcosm centric genomic-proteomic-metabolomics evidences

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a frequently used, over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medication. Considering increase in global consumption, its ubiquity in environment with potential toxic impacts has become a cause of great concern. Hence, bioremediation of this emerging contaminant is of paramount significance. The present study incorporates a microcosm centric omics approach to gain in-depth insights into APAP degradation by Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8. It can metabolize APAP (300 mg kg−1) within 16 days in soil microcosms. Genome analysis revealed potential genes capable of mediating degradation includes M20 aminoacylase family protein, guanidine deaminase, 4-hydroxybenzoate 3-monooxygenase, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase. Whole proteome analysis showed differential expression of enzymes and bioinformatics provided evidence for stable binding of intermediates at the active site of considered enzymes. Metabolites identified were 4-aminophenol, hydroquinone, and 3-hydroxy-cis, cis-muconate. Therefore, Paracoccus sp. APAP_BH8 with versatile enzymatic and genetic attributes can be a promising candidate for formulating improved in situ APAP bioremediation strategies.

A novel multidrug-resistant cell line from a Chinese patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Chemotherapy resistance poses clinical challenges in pancreatic cancer treatment. Developing cell lines resistant to chemotherapy is crucial for investigating drug resistance mechanisms and identifying alternative treatment pathways. The genetic and biological attributes of pancreatic cancer depend on its aetiology, racial demographics and anatomical origin, underscoring the need for models that comprehensively represent these characteristics. Here, we introduce PDAC-X2, a pancreatic cancer cell line derived from Chinese patients. We conducted a comprehensive analysis encompassing the immune phenotype, biology, genetics, molecular characteristics and tumorigenicity of the cell line. PDAC-X2 cells displayed epithelial morphology and expressed cell markers (CK7 and CK19) alongside other markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, Ki-67, CEA and CA19-9). The population doubling time averaged around 69 h. In vivo, PDAC-X2 cells consistently maintained their tumorigenicity, achieving a 100% tumour formation rate. Characterised by a predominantly tetraploid karyotype, this cell line exhibited a complex genetic markup. Notably, PDAC-X2 cells demonstrated resistance to multiple drugs, including gemcitabine, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. In conclusion, PDAC-X2 presents an invaluable preclinical model. Its utility lies in facilitating the study of drug resistance mechanisms and the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing the prognosis of this tumour type.