Growth-promoting Genes Research Articles

Plant growth-promoting gene expression in Bacillus stercoris under atrazine contamination and their ability to stimulate growth of mung bean seedlings

ABSTRACT Herbicide residues can negatively impact crop rotation and plant growth-promoting bacteria. This study examined the effect of atrazine on the expression of genes related to IAA production and phosphate solubilisation in Bacillus stercoris B.PNR1 and B.PNR2 under in vitro conditions. Results showed that B.PNR2 exhibited a more significant upregulation of the genes encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase (locus tags NZD81_05285 and NZD81_18505) and glucose 1-dehydrogenase (locus tags NZD81_05445 and NZD81_17730) compared to B.PNR1 when exposed to 200 µg/L of atrazine in the culture medium (P < 0.05). Specifically, the expression levels of NZD81_05445 and NZD81_17730 were over 30 times higher at 200 µg/L compared to the control (P < 0.05). The growth of mung bean seedlings in atrazine-contaminated soil varied by inoculation method. Seeds soaked in bacterial cell suspension for 24 h had a low survival percentage (41.25% to 51.25%), while directly pouring the suspension into the soil or soaking root-protruded seeds resulted in better survival (75.00% to 94.29%). The expression of both genes may be associated with enhanced growth of mung bean seedlings in atrazine-contaminated soil, as B.PNR2 has demonstrated a more effective trend than B.PNR1 in both soil conditions. For instance, shoot lengths of mung beans in non-contaminated and atrazine-contaminated soil were 16.35 ± 0.23 cm and 12.49 ± 0.21 cm with B.PNR2, compared to 14.94 ± 0.26 cm and 12.47 ± 0.21 cm with B.PNR1. Applying B.PNR2 directly to the soil resulted in specific root lengths of mung bean seedlings grown in atrazine-contaminated soil measuring 3.14 ± 0.06 m/g. In contrast, B.PNR1 produced a specific root length of 2.86 ± 0.06 m/g. Both bacterial suspensions demonstrated significantly higher specific root lengths than the control group, which measured 1.84 ± 0.05 m/g (P < 0.05).

Gas-propelled anti-hair follicle aging microneedle patch for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Existing treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are unsatisfactory, owing to the two major reasons: (1) Oxidative stress and vascularization deficiency in the perifollicular microenvironment provoke the premature senescence of hair follicles, limiting the transformation of hair growth cycle from the telogen to the anagen phase; (2) The amount of drug delivered to the perifollicular region located in the deep dermis is very limited for passive drug delivery systems. Herein, we developed a gas-propelled microneedle patch integrated with ferrum-chelated puerarin/quercetin nanoparticles (PQFN) to increase drug accumulation in hair follicles and reshape the perifollicular microenvironment for improved hair-regenerating effects. PQFN can rejuvenate testosterone (Tes)-induced senescence of dermal papilla cells by scavenging ROS, restoring mitochondrial function, regulating signaling pathways related to hair regeneration, and upregulating hair growth-promoting genes. PQFN more efficiently promoted endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation than ferrum-chelated quercetin nanoparticles (QFN) because of puerarin's proangiogenic effects. Compared with passive MNs, gas-propelled MNs promoted drug diffusion and permeation into deeper skin layers, resulting in significantly higher drug accumulation in hair follicles. Pharmacodynamic studies on an AGA mouse model further showed that PQFN-loaded active MNs achieved higher hair coverage by alleviating oxidative stress, promoting angiogenesis, and rejuvenating senescent cells. Therefore, this study presents a novel "anti-hair follicle aging" treatment strategy for AGA.

Association Analysis of the Genomic and Functional Characteristics of Halotolerant Glutamicibacter endophyticus J2-5-19 from the Rhizosphere of Suaeda salsa.

Halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (HT-PGPB) have attracted considerable attention for their significant potential in mitigating salt stress in crops. However, the current exploration and development of HT-PGPB remain insufficient to meet the increasing demands of agriculture. In this study, an HT-PGPB isolated from coastal saline-alkali soil in the Yellow River Delta was identified as Glutamicibacter endophyticus J2-5-19. The strain was capable of growing in media with up to 13% NaCl and producing proteases, siderophores, and the plant hormone IAA. Under 4‱ salt stress, inoculation with strain J2-5-19 significantly increased the wheat seed germination rate from 37.5% to 95%, enhanced the dry weight of maize seedlings by 41.92%, and notably improved the development of maize root systems. Moreover, this work presented the first whole-genome of Glutamicibacter endophyticus, revealing that G. endophyticus J2-5-19 resisted salt stress by expelling sodium ions and taking up potassium ions through Na+/H+ antiporters and potassium uptake proteins, while also accumulating compatible solutes such as betaine, proline, and trehalose. Additionally, the genome contained multiple key plant growth-promoting genes, including those involved in IAA biosynthesis, siderophore production, and GABA synthesis. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and microbial resources for the development of specialized microbial inoculants for saline-alkali soils.

Insights into the genome of Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10, isolated from an agricultural field in Central India

Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10, an aerobic gram-negative, oval-shaped and motile bacterium, was isolated from the lateritic agricultural soil of Madhya Pradesh, India. The draft genome of the isolate is 5.7 Mb in size, consisting of 14 contigs with 65.09% G+C content. Average nucleotide identity (94.66%) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (62%) calculation with the closest reference strains underpin the bacterium as a potential novel species. The bacterium has a plethora of plant growth-promoting genes that point towards the potential ability to enhance available nitrogen and biosynthesis of folic acid, among others. Siderophores such as vibrioferrin and crochelin A are also present in the genome and are known to regulate iron uptake. Overall, mining the genome of Azotobacter sp. strain CWF10 has revealed the potential of this strain for application in regenerative agriculture and sustaining soil health.

A Seed Endophytic Bacterium Cronobacter dublinensis BC-14 Enhances the Growth and Drought Tolerance of Echinochloa crus-galli.

Successful seed germination and plant seedling growth often require association with endophytic bacteria. Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.) is a main weed during rice cultivation and has frequently been found in drought-prone fields such as cornfields in recent years. To determine whether endophytic bacteria enhance the survival chances of barnyard grass in dryland conditions, endophytic bacteria were collected from barnyard grass seeds. An endophytic bacterial strain, BC-14, was selected and confirmed as Cronobacter dublinensis based on its morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genomic information. Moreover, C. dublinensis BC-14 secreted IAA in the Luria-Bertani broth up to 28.44 mg/L after 5 days; it could colonize the roots of barnyard grass. After the inoculation with seeds or the well-mixed planting soil, the bacterium can significantly increase the root length and plant height of barnyard grass under drought conditions. When comparing with the control group on the 28th day, it can be seen that the bacterium can significantly increase the contents of chlorophyll b (up to 7.58 times) and proline (37.21%); improve the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase (36.90%, 51.51%, and 12.09%, respectively); and reduce the content of malondialdehyde around 25.92%, which are correlated to the drought tolerance. The bacterial genomic annotation revealed that it contains growth-promoting and drought-resistant functional genes. In a word, C. dublinensis BC-14 can help barnyard grass suppress drought stress, promote plant growth, and enhance biomass accumulation, which is helpful to interpret the mechanism of weed adaptability in dry environments.

Regulated resource reallocation is transcriptionally hard wired into the yeast stress response.

Many organisms maintain generalized stress responses activated by adverse conditions. Although details vary, a common theme is the redirection of transcriptional and translational capacity away from growth-promoting genes and toward defense genes. Yet the precise roles of these coupled programs are difficult to dissect. Here we investigated Saccharomyces cerevisiae responding to salt as a model stressor. We used molecular, genomic, and single-cell microfluidic methods to examine the interplay between transcription factors Msn2 and Msn4 that induce stress-defense genes and Dot6 and Tod6 that transiently repress growth-promoting genes during stress. Surprisingly, loss of Dot6/Tod6 led to slower acclimation to salt, whereas loss of Msn2/4 produced faster growth during stress. This supports a model where transient repression of growth-promoting genes accelerates the Msn2/4 response, which is essential for acquisition of subsequent peroxide tolerance. Remarkably, we find that Msn2/4 regulate DOT6 mRNA production, influence Dot6 activation dynamics, and are required for full repression of growth-promoting genes. Thus, Msn2/4 directly regulate resource reallocation needed to mount their own response. We discuss broader implications for common stress responses across organisms.

Alternative polyadenylation shapes the molecular and clinical features of lung adenocarcinoma.

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a major mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation that affects mRNA stability, localization and translation efficiency. Previous pan-cancer studies have revealed that APA is frequently disrupted in cancer and is associated with patient outcomes. Yet, little is known about cancer type-specific APA alterations. Here, we integrated RNA-sequencing data from a Korean cohort (GEO: GSE40419) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to comprehensively analyze APA alterations in lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs). Comparing expression levels of core genes involved in polyadenylation, we find that overall, the set of 28 of 31 genes are upregulated, with CSTF2 particularly upregulated. We observed broad and recurrent APA changes in LUAD growth-promoting genes. In addition, we find enrichment of APA events in genes associated with known LUAD pathways and an increased heterogeneity in polyadenylation (polyA) site usage of proliferation-associated genes. Upon further investigation, we report smoking-specific APA changes are also highly relevant to LUAD development. Overall, our in-depth analysis reveals APA as an important driver for the molecular and clinical features of lung adenocarcinoma.

The N-Terminal Region of the Transcription Factor E2F1 Contains a Novel Transactivation Domain and Recruits General Transcription Factor GTF2H2.

The transcription factor E2F1 is the principal target of the tumor suppressor pRB. E2F1 promotes cell proliferation by activating growth-promoting genes upon growth stimulation. In contrast, E2F1 contributes to tumor suppression by activating tumor suppressor genes, such as ARF, upon loss of pRB function, a major oncogenic change. The transactivation domain of E2F1 has previously been mapped to the C-terminal region. We show here that the N-terminal region of E2F1 is critical for the activation of tumor suppressor genes. Deletion of the N-terminal region dramatically compromised E2F1 activation of tumor suppressor genes. The N-terminal region showed transactivation ability when fused to the DNA-binding domain of GAL4. A search for novel interacting factors with the N-terminal region, using a yeast two-hybrid system, identified the general transcription factor GTF2H2. Overexpression of GTF2H2 enhanced E2F1 activation of tumor suppressor genes and induction of cell death. Conversely, the knockdown of GTF2H2 compromised both. E2F1 binding enhanced the binding of GTF2H2 to target promoters depending on the integrity of the N-terminal region. Taken together, these results suggest that the N-terminal region of E2F1 contains a novel transactivation domain that mediates the activation of tumor suppressor genes, at least in part, by recruiting GTF2H2.

Replacement of fish meal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) in diet of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): growth, flesh quality and transcriptome

Abstract This study evaluated the impacts of replacing fish meal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) on the growth performance, flesh quality and transcriptome of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, BSF was used to replace 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of dietary FM (BSF0, BSF20, BSF40, BSF60, BSF80 and BSF100). Thus, six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared, and then fed to juvenile Pacific white shrimp (1.70 ± 0.10 g) for 60 days. In growth performance, the BSF20 group showed the similar FCR and WGR to the control group (), and the other four BSF groups presented significantly lower WGR and higher FCR than the BSF0 group (). The flesh chewiness and the contents of crude lipid, collagen and total amino acid in flesh were significantly decreased (), and flesh cooking loss, thawing loss was significantly increased when the replaced FM was ≥40% (). When the replaced FM reached 60%, the flesh hardness, heat-insoluble collagen content, shear force, body surface redness and the ratio of n-3/n-6 fatty acids were significantly lower (), while n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and total free amino acid content in flesh were significantly higher than those of the BSF0 group (). Hepopancreatic samples were used for transcriptomic analysis, and a total of 1,456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the BSF groups and BSF0 group, which were mainly involved in growth-promoting, energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity key pathways and genes, including the cathepsin L, folate synthesis pathway, redox-related genes and glutathione metabolism pathway. In conclusion, in a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, BSF could successfully replace 20% of dietary FM, and higher FM replacement (≥40%) decreased the growth performance and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp.

Activation of the CDK7 Gene, Coding for the Catalytic Subunit of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK)-Activating Kinase (CAK) and General Transcription Factor II H, by the Trans-Activator Protein Tax of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type-1.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). The trans-activator protein Tax of HTLV-1 plays crucial roles in leukemogenesis by promoting proliferation of virus-infected cells through activation of growth-promoting genes. However, critical target genes are yet to be elucidated. We show here that Tax activates the gene coding for cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), the essential component of both CDK-activating kinase (CAK) and general transcription factor TFIIH. CAK and TFIIH play essential roles in cell cycle progression and transcription by activating CDKs and facilitating transcriptional initiation, respectively. Tax induced CDK7 gene expression not only in human T-cell lines but also in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PHA-PBLs) along with increased protein expression. Tax stimulated phosphorylation of CDK2 and RNA polymerase II at sites reported to be mediated by CDK7. Tax activated the CDK7 promoter through the NF-κB pathway, which mainly mediates cell growth promotion by Tax. Knockdown of CDK7 expression reduced Tax-mediated induction of target gene expression and cell cycle progression. These results suggest that the CDK7 gene is a crucial target of Tax-mediated trans-activation to promote cell proliferation by activating CDKs and transcription.

MiR-876-3p is a tumor suppressor on 9p21 that is inactivated in melanoma and targets ERK

BackgroundWhile melanomas commonly harbor losses of 9p21, on which CDKN2A resides, the presence of additional tumor suppressor elements at this locus is incompletely characterized. Here we assess the expression levels and functional role of microRNA-876-3p (miR-876), whose gene also maps to 9p21.MethodsExpression of miR-876 was assessed in human tissues and cell lines using quantitative miRNA reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MIR876 copy number was determined in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) melanoma cohort. The consequences of regulation of miR-876 expression were assessed on melanoma cell colony formation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and drug sensitivity in culture, and on in vivo tumor growth in a xenograft model. Genome-wide transcriptomic changes induced by miR-876 overexpression were determined using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq).ResultsmiR-876 expression was significantly decreased in primary melanoma samples when compared with nevi, and in human melanoma cell lines when compared with human melanocytes. Analysis of the TCGA cohort revealed deletions in MIR876 in > 50% of melanomas. miR-876 overexpression resulted in decreased melanoma cell colony formation, migration, and invasion, which was accompanied by cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. Intra-tumoral injections of miR-876 significantly suppressed melanoma growth in vivo. RNA-Seq analysis of miR-876-treated tumors revealed downregulation of several growth-promoting genes, along with upregulation of tumor suppressor genes, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. Computational analyses identified MAPK1 (or ERK2) as a possible target of miR-876 action. Overexpression of miR-876 significantly suppressed luciferase expression driven by the MAPK1/ERK2 3’ UTR, and resulted in decreased ERK protein expression in melanoma cells. MAPK1/ERK2 cDNA overexpression rescued the effects of miR-876 on melanoma colony formation. miR-876 overexpression sensitized melanoma cells to treatment with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib.ConclusionsThese studies identify miR-876 as a distinct tumor suppressor on 9p21 that is inactivated in melanoma and suggest miR-876 loss as an additional mechanism to activate ERK and the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in melanoma. In addition, they suggest the therapeutic potential of combining miR-876 overexpression with BRAF inhibition as a rational therapeutic strategy for melanoma.

KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis.

Aberrant activation of GLI transcription factors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different tumor types including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, the mechanistic link with established drivers of this disease remains in part elusive. In this study, using a new genetically engineered mouse model overexpressing constitutively active mouse form of GLI2 and a combination of genome-wide assays, we provide evidence of a novel mechanism underlying the interplay between KRAS, a major driver of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development, and GLI2 to control oncogenic gene expression. These mice, also expressing KrasG12D, show significantly reduced median survival rate and accelerated tumorigenesis compared with the KrasG12D only expressing mice. Analysis of the mechanism using RNA sequencing demonstrate higher levels of GLI2 targets, particularly tumor growth-promoting genes, including Ccnd1, N-Myc, and Bcl2, in KrasG12D mutant cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing studies showed that in these cells KrasG12D increases the levels of trimethylation of lysine 4 of the histone 3 (H3K4me3) at the promoter of GLI2 targets without affecting significantly the levels of other major active chromatin marks. Importantly, Gli2 knockdown reduces H3K4me3 enrichment and gene expression induced by mutant Kras. In summary, we demonstrate that Gli2 plays a significant role in pancreatic carcinogenesis by acting as a downstream effector of KrasG12D to control gene expression.

Unlocking the growth-promoting and antagonistic power: A comprehensive whole genome study on Bacillus velezensis strains

Bacillus species are extensively documented as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, contributing significantly to the enhancement of soil fertility, nutrient recycling, and the control of phytopathogens. Utilizing them as biocontrol agents represents an environmentally friendly strategy, particularly within the rhizospheric community. This study presents the comprehensive genome sequences of three B. velezensis strains (LGMB12, LGMB319, and LGMB426) which were previously isolated from root samples of maize (Zea mays L.), along with a type strain FZB42. The research assesses the capability of the three strains for antagonizing fungi, specifically Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, Colletotrichum graminicola, and Stenocarpella sp. In paired cultures involving maize fungi, treatments containing bacteria B. velezensis exhibited statistically significant differences compared to both negative and positive treatments in terms of antagonism. Furthermore, genome mining techniques were employed to explore their inherent antagonistic potential. The assembly revealed that strains LGMB12, LGMB319, LGMB426, and FZB42 exhibit genome sizes of 4,187,541 bp, 4,244,954 bp, 3,976,537 bp, and 3,990,518 respectively. Their respective G + C content stands at 46.42 %, 46.50 %, 46.51 %, and 46.38 %. Moreover, the genomes present multiple gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). These clusters highlight a diverse array of antibacterial and antifungal properties, complemented by numerous plant growth-promoting genes. These results highlight the potential of B. velezensis LGMB12, LGMB319, and LGMB426 strains as biocontrol and plant growth promotion agents, being promising candidates for further studies in agricultural production, including field trials.

Trans-Activation of the Coactivator-Associated Arginine Methyltransferase 1 (Carm1) Gene by the Oncogene Product Tax of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. The oncogene product Tax of HTLV-I is thought to play crucial roles in leukemogenesis by promoting proliferation of the virus-infected cells through activation of growth-promoting genes. These genes code for growth factors and their receptors, cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, growth signal transducers, transcription factors and cell cycle regulators. We show here that Tax activates the gene coding for coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1), which epigenetically enhances gene expression through methylation of histones. Tax activated the Carm1 gene and increased protein expression, not only in human T-cell lines but also in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PHA-PBLs). Tax increased R17-methylated histone H3 on the target gene IL-2Rα, concomitant with increased expression of CARM1. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of CARM1 decreased Tax-mediated induction of IL-2Rα and Cyclin D2 gene expression, reduced E2F activation and inhibited cell cycle progression. Tax acted via response elements in intron 1 of the Carm1 gene, through the NF-κB pathway. These results suggest that Tax-mediated activation of the Carm1 gene contributes to leukemogenic target-gene expression and cell cycle progression, identifying the first epigenetic target gene for Tax-mediated trans-activation in cell growth promotion.

PGPg_finder: A comprehensive and user-friendly pipeline for identifying plant growth-promoting genes in genomic and metagenomic data

Identifying and comparing plant growth-promoting traits (PGPT) within whole-genome and metagenomic sequencing data can significantly advance agricultural research and promote sustainable crop production. This study introduces PGPg_finder, a comprehensive pipeline designed to annotate and compare PGPT from both whole-genome and metagenome sequencing datasets. This pipeline utilizes direct sequence annotation alongside de novo assembly methods to accurately detect PGPT. By cross-referencing sequences from the PLaBAse database, it identifies and quantifies the presence of these genes within the original datasets, facilitating an intuitive comparison of the abundance and distribution of PGPT across various samples. We evaluated the performance of PGPg_finder by analyzing genomes from five rhizobacterial strains: Paenibacillus vini, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Fictibacillus sp., Brevibacillus agri, and Bacillus cereus, and also metagenomic samples from bulk soils subjected to forest-to-pasture conversion in the Amazon rainforest. The genomic workflow revealed several genes associated with substrate utilization, abiotic stress neutralization, phosphate solubilization, and iron acquisition. It also identified genes unique to specific lineages, including those associated with colonization and plant-derived substrate usage in P. polymyxa, quorum sensing response and biofilm formation in P. vini, heavy metal detoxification and nitrogen acquisition in B. agri, and spore production and neutralizing biotic stress in B. cereus. The strain Fictibacillus sp. presented several unique genes related to surface attachment, stress response, xenobiotic degradation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone production. The use of PGPg_finder highlights its potential to uncover novel inoculants and strains. The metagenomic workflow distinguished plant-growth promotion gene profiles between soils from the Amazon rainforest and pasture, with the latter showing a profile more aligned with simple carbohydrate consumption, abiotic stress tolerance, motility and chemotaxis, and phosphorus mineralization. Native forests exhibited a profile associated with the degradation of complex organic matter, oxidative stress tolerance, xenobiotic degradation, bactericidal activity, iron acquisition, and volatile pathways. These findings underscore the effectiveness and sensitivity of PGPg_finder in accurately identifying and comparing PGPT genes, highlighting both commonalities and variations across samples. The application of this pipeline has the potential to significantly facilitate the identification of plant growth-promoting microbes.

NAC transcription factor ATAF1 negatively modulates the PIF-regulated hypocotyl elongation under a short-day photoperiod.

Day length modulates hypocotyl elongation in seedlings to optimize their overall fitness. Variations in cell growth-associated genes are regulated by several transcription factors. However, the specific transcription factors through which the plant clock increases plant fitness are still being elucidated. In this study, we identified the no apical meristem, Arabidopsis thaliana-activating factor (ATAF-1/2), and cup-shaped cotyledon (NAC) family transcription factor ATAF1 as a novel repressor of hypocotyl elongation under a short-day (SD) photoperiod. Variations in day length profoundly affected the transcriptional and protein levels of ATAF1. ATAF1-deficient mutant exhibited increased hypocotyl length and cell growth-promoting gene expression under SD conditions. Moreover, ATAF1 directly targeted and repressed the expression of the cycling Dof factor 1/5 (CDF1/5), two key transcription factors involved in hypocotyl elongation under SD conditions. Additionally, ATAF1 interacted with and negatively modulated the effects of phytochrome-interacting factor (PIF), thus inhibiting PIF-promoted gene expression and hypocotyl elongation. Taken together, our results revealed ATAF1-PIF as a crucial pair modulating the expression of key transcription factors to facilitate plant growth during day/night cycles under fluctuating light conditions.

Regulatory role of lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-150-3p interaction in breast cancer progression and therapeutic implications

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms of MALAT1, an lncRNA, in breast cancer remain elusive. Consequently, this study explored the specific role of MALAT1 as a tumor promoter in breast cancer. Initially, MALAT1-small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection resulted in the inhibition of breast cancer cell migration, colony formation, and invasion. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis also revealed increased E-cadherin expression and decreased vimentin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA levels subsequent to the transfection. Bioinformatic analysis further uncovered a specific interaction between MALAT1 and miR-150-3p, indicating elevated MALAT1 expression in breast cancer with a negative correlation to miR-150-3p expression. Furthermore, the overexpression of MALAT1 markedly suppressed miR-150-3p expression, indicating a reciprocal inhibition between the two. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed the specific association between miR-150-3p and MALAT1 at the sequence level. Furthermore, transfection with miR-150-3p mimic inhibited breast cancer cell migration, colony formation, and invasion, along with increased E-cadherin expression and decreased Vimentin and VEGF mRNA levels. Conversely, miR-150-3p inhibitor transfection led to opposing effects, reducing E-cadherin expression, and elevating vimentin and VEGF mRNA levels, while also inhibiting migration, colony formation, and invasion. Functionally, MALAT1 siRNA restrained breast cancer cell proliferation and migration while enhancing cellular apoptosis on administration to breast cancer cells, primarily mediated through miR-150-3p. Our findings delineate MALAT1 as a tumor growth-promoting gene antagonized by miR-150-3p. Building on these insights, this study proposes a potential therapeutic avenue for breast cancer treatment.

Effects of Klebsiella michiganensis LDS17 on Codonopsis pilosula growth, rhizosphere soil enzyme activities, and microflora, and genome-wide analysis of plant growth-promoting genes.

We comprehensively evaluated the plant growth-promoting characteristics and heavy metal (HM) resistance ability of the LDS17 strain, as well as the effects of strain LDS17 inoculation on the Codonopsis pilosula seedling growth and the soil qualities in the Codonopsis pilosula rhizosphere. We conducted whole-genome analysis and identified lots of genes and gene clusters contributing to plant-beneficial functions and HM resistance, which is critical for further elucidating the plant growth-promoting mechanism of strain LDS17 and expanding its application in the development of plant growth-promoting agents used in the environment under HM stress.

Glutamine induces lateral root initiation, stress responses, and disease resistance in Arabidopsis.

The production of glutamine (Gln) from NO3- and NH4+ requires ATP, reducing power, and carbon skeletons. Plants may redirect these resources to other physiological processes using Gln directly. However, feeding Gln as the sole nitrogen (N) source has complex effects on plants. Under optimal concentrations, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings grown on Gln have similar primary root lengths, more lateral roots, smaller leaves, and higher amounts of amino acids and proteins compared to those grown on NH4NO3. While high levels of Gln accumulate in Arabidopsis seedlings grown on Gln, the expression of GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE1; 1 (GLN1; 1), GLN1; 2, and GLN1; 3 encoding cytosolic GS1 increases and expression of GLN2 encoding chloroplastic GS2 decreases. These results suggest that Gln has distinct effects on regulating GLN1 and GLN2 gene expression. Notably, Arabidopsis seedlings grown on Gln have an unexpected gene expression profile. Compared with NH4NO3, which activates growth-promoting genes, Gln preferentially induces stress- and defense-responsive genes. Consistent with the gene expression data, exogenous treatment with Gln enhances disease resistance in Arabidopsis. The induction of Gln-responsive genes, including PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1, SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT1, WRKY54, and WALL ASSOCIATED KINASE1, is compromised in salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic and signaling mutants under Gln treatments. Together, these results suggest that Gln may partly interact with the SA pathway to trigger plant immunity.

Perception of the Biocontrol Potential and Palmitic Acid Biosynthesis Pathway of Bacillus subtilis H2 through Merging Genome Mining with Chemical Analysis.

Bacillus has been widely studied for its potential to protect plants from pathogens. Here, we report the whole genome sequence of Bacillus subtilis H2, which was isolated from the tea garden soil of Guiyang Forest Park. Strain H2 showed a broad spectrum of antagonistic activities against many plant fungal pathogens and bacteria pathogens, including the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, and showed a good field control effect against rice blast. The complete genome of B. subtilis H2 contained a 4,160,635-bp circular chromosome, with an average G + C content of 43.78%. Through the genome mining of strain H2, we identified 7 known antimicrobial compound biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) including sporulation killing factor, surfactin, bacillaene, fengycin, bacillibactin, subtilosin A, and bacilysin. Palmitic acid (PA), a secondary metabolite, was detected and identified in the H2 strain through genome mining analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, we propose, for the first time, that the type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS) pathway in Bacillus is responsible for PA biosynthesis. This finding was confirmed by studying the antimicrobial activity of PA and conducting reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments. We also identified numerous genes associated with plant-bacteria interactions in the H2 genome, including more than 94 colonization-related genes, more than 34 antimicrobial genes, and more than 13 plant growth-promoting genes. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biocontrol mechanisms of B. subtilis H2 and have potential applications in crop disease control.