Growth Promotion Research Articles

Biomaterials‐Involved Construction of Extracellular Matrices for Tumor Blockade Therapy

ABSTRACTExtracellular matrices (ECMs) play a crucial role in the onset and progression of tumors by providing structural support and promoting the proliferation and metastases of tumor cells. Current therapeutic approaches targeting tumor ECMs focus on two main strategies: Inhibiting matrix degradation to prevent metastases and facilitating matrix degradation to enhance the penetration of drugs and immune cells. However, these strategies may lead to unintended consequences, such as tumor growth promotion, drug resistance, and side effects like fibrotic changes in healthy tissues. Biomaterials have made significant progress in fabricating artificial ECMs for tumor therapy by inducing biomineralization, fibrogenesis, or gelation. This perspective explores the fundamental concepts, benefits, and challenges of each technique. Additionally, future improvements and research directions in artificial ECMs are discussed, highlighting their potential to advance tumor therapy.

Theranostic implications of Nectin-4 oncoprotein in gynecologic cancers: A review.

Theranostic implications of Nectin-4 oncoprotein in gynecologic cancers: A review.

Oral and parenteral vaccination of broiler chickens with Recombinant NetB antigen from Clostridium perfringens confers significant protection against necrotic enteritis

BackgroundNecrotic enteritis is a devastating economic disease caused by Clostridium perfringens in poultry. NetB toxin from C. perfringens type G is the major responsible cause of necrotic enteritis. After the ban on growth-promoting antibiotics, alternative effective intervention approaches such as the vaccination of birds were considered critical to control necrotic enteritis. To date, no commercial vaccines with proven efficacy have been approved against necrotic enteritis. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the oral and parenteral vaccines based on NetB antigen from C. perfringens to choose the best prime-boosting vaccination strategy against necrotic enteritis. The broiler chickens were orally vaccinated with either previously developed recombinant probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus casei strain expressing NetB toxoid, followed by a parenteral booster by the purified recombinant NetB toxoid (oral/parenteral), or the recombinant NetB toxoid alone (parenteral-only).ResultsImmunizations of birds with these vaccines elicited strong specific anti-NetB antibody responses and provided significant protection against the infectious challenge. Additionally, the vaccinated birds represented significant mean body weight gains compared with birds in control groups during the experiment.ConclusionsThe current study showed that oral and parenteral vaccines using NetB antigen from C. perfringens could provide significant protection against necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.

Growth Promotion of Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with Slow-Release Fertilizer Application

Growth Promotion of Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with Slow-Release Fertilizer Application

Plant growth promotion through repression of defenses by leaf microbiota.

Plant growth promotion through repression of defenses by leaf microbiota.

Abstract A035: Functional profiling of chimeric RNA transcripts identifies new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision medicine in cancer

Abstract Precision medicine in oncology is rapidly emerging as the next frontier for cancer therapy, and accordingly there exists a need to identify new therapeutically actionable targets. Gene fusions have long been established as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, with targetable fusions such as BCR-ABL1, EML4-ALK, and TPM3-NTRK1 already having shown sustained success in the clinic. While historically studies have focused on DNA rearrangements as the source of fusion transcripts and proteins, recent advances in RNA sequencing have revealed a new landscape of fusions originating at the RNA level through intergenic cis and trans splicing. Combined, this class of molecule, termed “chimeric RNA”, presents new opportunities for molecular profiling of the fusion transcriptome. The purpose of this study is to systematically characterize chimeric RNAs across cancer to identify molecular drivers of cell growth. To build an atlas of chimeric transcripts, we applied multiple fusion-calling programs followed by stringent filtering to predict fusions in 9509 primary tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 1019 cell lines from The Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). From this we identified 7047 recurrent chimeric transcripts, 2085 of which were not found in normal tissue. To further characterize these fusions, we integrated matched structural variant predictions from whole-genome sequencing to establish the origin of formation at the DNA or RNA level and mapped transcript breakpoint coordinates to protein annotations to establish the potential for the formation of a fusion protein. To identify fusions driving growth and proliferation we developed a functional screen, integrating shRNA dependency screens from DepMap with our cell line chimeric RNA predictions. By mapping the shRNA probes to the sequences of the fusion parental genes, we are able to compare the difference in cell growth between the chimera-mapping and parent specific probes. Using this method, we are able to identify fusions functioning as cancer dependencies independently of the parental genes. Our method accurately detected well-established fusions such as EML4-ALK, FGFR3-TACC3, and TPM3-NTRK1 and showed a significant enrichment of oncogenic fusions from the COSMIC database, fusions containing established oncogenes, and fusions predicted to code for proteins. Out of the 2225 total fusion transcripts screened, we identified 47 cancer-specific transcripts predicted to function as promoters of growth in cancer. Based on degree of essentiality, expression across multiple cancer indications, and potential of forming a targetable fusion protein, we selected candidate fusions for further characterization through cell-based gain and loss of function studies to confirm oncogenicity. Our results reveal a new landscape of chimeric transcripts as drivers of cancer and hold potential for the development of new precision medicine-based treatments. Citation Format: Samir Lalani, Mason Ingram, Sehajroop Gadh, Hui Li. Functional profiling of chimeric RNA transcripts identifies new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision medicine in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Functional and Genomic Precision Medicine in Cancer: Different Perspectives, Common Goals; 2025 Mar 11-13; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(5 Suppl):Abstract nr A035.

Role of Chlorella fusca in Promoting Plant Health Through Microbiota Regulation in Strawberry

Abstract Aims Chlorella is a microalgae species known to have plant growth-promoting (PGP) and disease-suppressing effects in crops. However, the mechanism of Chlorella's efficacy on crops remains unclear. Methods and results We investigated the hypothesis that Chlorella fusca CHK0059 promotes plant health by regulating the structure of the plant microbiota community. The phenotypes of the CHK0059-treated strawberry showed that the number of leaves and shoot weights was increased more than that of untreated plants. In microbiota communities, beta diversity showed no significant difference between CHK0059 treatment and nontreatment, while the CHK0059-treated root endosphere's alpha diversity decreased compared to untreated strawberries. Pseudomonas, Duganella, and Rhizomicrobium species appear to be correlated with CHK0059 treatment in the rhizosphere. These three bacteria possess the ‘P461-PWY’ metabolic pathway, which can ferment hexitol to lactate, formate, ethanol, and acetate, lead to utilized phosphate solubility in soil and potentially increased plant growth. Conclusion The promotion of strawberry growth by C. fusca correlates with changes in the plant microbiota, particularly the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere. These bacteria can enhance nutrient cycling, particularly phosphate solubility, contributing to improved plant health.

Relationship of Growth Performance and Metabolite Profile of Broiler Chickens with the Supplementation of Probiotics Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus plantarum

Probiotic supplementation is an alternative to Antibiotics Growth Promotor. The probiotics L. plantarum and B. coagulans are known to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens. Information regarding the metabolite results of these two probiotics with their hosts is still limited. This study aims to provide information regarding the metabolite profile resulting from probiotic supplementation which is associated with the growth performance of chickens. A total of 120 Ross 308 Broilers were given a treated diet with Negative Control (NC), L. plantarum (LP), B. coagulans (BC), and B. coagulans mixed with L. plantarum (BCLP). The growth performance parameter evaluated was the mean Body Weight (mean BW), adjustment Feed Convertion Ratio (adjFCR), cumulative Feed Intake (cumFI) and Performance Efficiency Factor (PEF). Metabolomic analysis was carried out using the untargeted metabolite profiling method on cecum samples consisting of broad spectrum compound analysis and volatile compound analysis. Analysis of differences in growth performance resulted in only the meanBW parameter being significantly different (p?0.05). Meanwhile, other performance parameters, adjFCR, cumFI, and PEF, do not provide any significant difference (p?0.05). The important differentiating metabolites between treatment are acetic acid, lactic acid, butanoic acid, 1-octadecanol, and palmitic acid. Metabolites that can be stated as differentiating metabolites between LP and BC are acetic acid, lactic acid, and butanoic acid. Meanwhile, metabolites that can be declared as differentiating metabolites are lactic acid as a differentiator for good meanBW performance and 1-octadecanol and palmitic acid as differentiators without probiotic supplementation.

Characterization of PGPR from rhizospheric soil of some vegetable crops cultivated at Sylhet district of Bangladesh

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are rhizosphere-dwelling microorganisms which hold a great deal of potential for both plant growth stimulation and disease prevention. The characterization of PGPR will aid in the advancement and deployment of biocontrol agents. In this present work, rhizospheric soils were collected from several locations of Sylhet Agricultural University in order to obtain plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Nineteen bacterial samples were extracted from a variety of fifteen distinct vegetable crops, viz. tomato, brinjal, beans, okra, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, amaranth, malabar spinach, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, spiny gourd, sponge gourd, wax gourd, and snake gourd. These isolates were examined morphologically, biochemically, and screened for plant growth stimulating capability as well as their efficacy in combating the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum through antifungal activity. Among the isolates, only Lysinibacillus macroides (RB2), Lysinibacillus fusiformis (RB6) and Acinetobacter baumannii (RB15 and RB17) showed antifungal and growth promotion potentials. Therefore, the present study indicates that the vegetable rhizosphere contains potential rhizobacteria which could be utilized to enhance plant development and reduce disease incidence on vegetable crops.

Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Microalgae Extracts for Enhancing Growth and Anthracnose Resistance in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The present study aimed to chemically profile the hydroalcoholic extracts from the microalgae (MEs) Nannochloropsis oculata, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Tetradesmus obliquus, and Tetraselmis tetrathele and evaluate their effects on the development of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and anthracnose symptoms, as well as on the initial growth of bean plants. For this, MEs were analyzed using UPLC coupled with a mass spectrometer, allowing the identification of peaks and annotation of potential metabolites. Fungal mycelial growth was assessed seven days after inoculation, and conidial germination was measured 72 h after incubation, using ME concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg·mL−1. Bean seeds of the IPR Uirapuru cultivar were sown and treated with 3 mL of extracts at four time points: at sowing and 72 h after each previous treatment. After 11 days of cultivation in a growth chamber, the plants were divided into two groups: one for anthracnose control assessment and the other for evaluating growth promotion by MEs. Plant length as well as fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were determined, leaf pigments were quantified, and anthracnose severity was assessed using a diagrammatic scale. The UPLC analysis identified 32 compounds in the extracts of the four microalgae, belonging to different chemical and functional groups, with lipids being the most significant fraction. The extracts exhibited variability and diversity in chemical composition depending on the microalgal species. MEs did not affect mycelial growth yet increased the germination of C. lindemuthianum conidia, regardless of the dose or species used. Anthracnose severity was not affected by the microalgae extracts. Regarding growth promotion, the extracts showed varying effects but generally increased shoot and root length, fresh biomass, and leaf pigment content.

Community structure and metabolic potentials of keystone taxa and their associated bacteriophages within rice root endophytic microbiome in response to metal(loid)s contamination.

Community structure and metabolic potentials of keystone taxa and their associated bacteriophages within rice root endophytic microbiome in response to metal(loid)s contamination.

Probiotic effects of Lactobacillus reuteri and Pediococcus pentosaceus on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antibody response in broiler chickens.

Probiotic effects of Lactobacillus reuteri and Pediococcus pentosaceus on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antibody response in broiler chickens.

Stress-tolerant Bacillus strains for enhancing tomato growth and biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum under saline conditions: functional and genomic characterization.

Soil salinity is a major limiting factor for agricultural crops, which increases their susceptibility to pathogenic attacks. This is particularly relevant for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a salt-sensitive crop. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is a significant threat to tomato production in both greenhouse and field environments. This study evaluated the salinity tolerance, biocontrol, and plant growth-promoting properties of Bacillus velezensis AF12 and Bacillus halotolerans AF23, isolated from soil affected by underground fires and selected for their resistance to saline conditions (up to 1000mM NaCl). In vitro assays confirmed that both strains produced siderophores, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and proteases and exhibited phosphate solubilization under saline stress (100-200mM NaCl). AF23 exhibited synergistic interactions with AF12, and inoculation with either strain individually or in combination significantly improved the growth of the Bonny Best tomato cultivar under 200mM saline stress, leading to increased shoot and root weight, enhanced chlorophyll content, and higher total biomass. The biocontrol potential of AF12 and AF23 was evaluated in tomato plants infected with F. oxysporum. Both strains, individually or combined, increased shoot and root weight, chlorophyll content, and total biomass under non-saline conditions, promoting growth and reducing infection rates under saline stress (100mM NaCl). Genomic analysis revealed that both strains harbored genes related to salt stress tolerance, biocontrol, and plant growth promotion. In conclusion, Bacillus strains AF23 and AF12 demonstrated strong potential as bioinoculants for enhancing tomato growth and providing protection against F. oxysporum in saline-affected soils.

Biochar amendment modulates root metabolome and rhizosphere microbiome of wheat

Biochar can enhance soil health and plant productivity, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we tackled this question through the lens of the rhizosphere using wheat as a model plant. We examined the impact of four feedstocks (corn stover, cattle manure, pine sawdust, or wheat straw) and two application rates. Biochar modulated root metabolism, where amino acid metabolism was the most common, leading to cascade effects on a wide range of secondary metabolites, including many plant signaling molecules involved in plant–microbe interactions. All biochar treatments increased rhizosphere microbial diversity, altered community composition, enhanced microbial interactions, and resulted in potential functional changes. Increased Burkholderiales (denitrifying bacteria) abundance and decreased Thermoplasmata (archaeal methanogens) abundance could explain biochar’s widely reported effects of mitigating nitrous oxide and methane. Biochar enhanced positive correlations among microbes and network modularity, suggesting local adaptation through synergism and the formation of modules of functionally interrelated taxa. A diversity of keystone taxa from dominant and non-dominant phyla emerged, including those known to mediate methane, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling. Treatment-specific alterations also occurred, and biochar feedstock choice exerted greater influence than application rate. Wheat biochar at 0.25% showed the strongest and distinct modulating effects, resulting in orchestrated changes in root metabolome and rhizosphere microbiome, especially those relevant to plant–microbe interactions and plant growth promotion. Our work provides new insights into the potential of top-down rhizosphere microbiome engineering through biochar-based reprogramming of root-microbe interactions.Graphical

Optimized Production and Characterization of Auxin by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (TSP11) for Plant Growth Promotion.

This study was aimed at isolating and recognizing the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that secretes indole-3-acetic acid/auxin hormones. Among the 82 pure cultured bacterial morphotypes, the strain TSP11 showed high auxin production utilizing rice husk as a cheap substitute in the production medium. The minimal medium supplemented with 0.1 g/mL L-tryptophan and 1.29% rice husk produced the highest amount of auxin. Synthesized auxin was purified and quantified by chromatographic techniques. 120.08 µg/mL of synthetic medium and 135 µg/mL of agro-waste medium were the observed yields in HPLC quantification. Further GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS spectra exposed an existence of derived compounds such as 1H-indole, 7-methyl, indole, 3-methyl-, 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde (1H-indol-3-YL)-acetic acid. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction to reveal its crystallinity. Thermo gravimetric analysis showed the thermal stability of auxin over the range between 200°C and 300°C. Structural predictions of extracted auxin through HR-NMR revealed chemical shifts for Indole and acetate derivatives. The potent producer was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TSP11based on 16SrDNA gene sequencing. Increased seed germination percentage was observed when compared to untreated control. The research findings explore the possibility of exploiting B. amyloliquefaciens strain TSP11for bioformulations. This study represents an initial investigation into the plant growth-promoting potential of B. amyloliquefaciens strain TSP11, particularly regarding its auxin production using rice husk as a medium. We will explore the exact mechanism of auxin synthesis and its impact on various plant species in further studies.

Diversity and Symbiotic Associations of Endophytic Fungi in Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (Asclepiadaceae) Across Three Egyptian Regions: Phenotypic Characterization and Mitotic Activity

Endophytic fungi are essential contributors to fungal biodiversity, playing key roles in plant defense against pathogens, alleviation of abiotic stress, and promotion of growth. This study conducted a comprehensive survey of the phenotypic characterization of Calotropis procera and its associated endophytic fungi across three regions in Egypt: Qena-Safaga, Qena, and Qena-Kosseir. Positive and significant Pearson correlations among plant morphological traits suggest intrinsic connections. Fungal species diversity exhibited significant variation across the three regions examined. Particularly, the Qena-Kosseir region demonstrated the highest fungal species richness both in soil samples and endophytic fungi. Unique to this region, Allocanariomyces tritici, Aspergillus terreus, Chaetomium globosum, C. murorum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, Fusarium proliferatum, Penicillium crustosum, P. granulatum, P. spinuloseum, and Roussoella intermedia were identified as endophytes. Additionally, compared to other regions, the Qena-Kosseir area exhibited the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. ochraceus, A. ornatus, A. sclerotiocabonarus, Drechslera halodes, Emericella echinulata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Macrophomina phaseolina in soil samples, underscoring its distinct fungal community composition. Furthermore, antimitotic assays using the Allium cepa test revealed distinct effects of endophytic extracts on various mitotic stages. Of the 33 treatments, 11 showed an increase in the mitotic index (MI), indicating a potential positive effect on plant growth and cell division. This study offers valuable insights into the diversity and functional roles of endophytic fungi associated with C. procera, highlighting their promising applications in sustainable agriculture and plant health management.

Expanding the functional landscape of microbial entomopathogens in agriculture beyond pest management.

Microbial entomopathogens that include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes have long been valued for their role in biological control of insect pests. However, recent research highlights their expanded applications beyond pest management. Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp. are increasingly recognized for their potential as biocontrol agents in integrated pest management systems. These fungi exhibit not only direct insecticidal effects but also secondary metabolites that contribute to plant disease suppression, thereby enhancing crop health and yield. Bacterial entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis, as the most widely used biopesticide, has also demonstrated potency not only against insects but also as systemic resistance inducer, thereby boosting plant immunity against pathogens. Moreover, entomopathogens are emerging as growth promoters and biostimulants, enhancing crop vigor through nutrient uptake and root development. This review consolidates current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of microbial entomopathogens against pests as well as current understanding on its other plant-beneficial traits. It also discusses their environmental impact and potential integration into sustainable agricultural practices. This comprehensive exploration underscores the transformative potential of microbial entomopathogens in shaping future strategies for holistic crop health management including pest management in agriculture.

The Application of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Poultry Production and Impacts on Environment: A Review

As a consequence of the European Union introducing the prohibition of supplying antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in diets in 2006, antibiotic alternatives for poultry feed have become one of the most central issues. In general, probiotics and prebiotics are highly effective additives that improve host health and prevent pathogen colonization by modulating immune functions, altering the intestinal microecology, and enhancing digestion. However, the specific situations in which probiotics or prebiotics should be used still require further research. In addition, the advanced applications of probiotics and prebiotics, such as in ovo injection, also need to be investigated to improve the host performance. In the following review, we summarize various probiotic and prebiotic supplementation methods and compare the specific conditions for their use to improve poultry production management.

Characterization of plant growth-promoting endophytic fungi from Aegle marmelos Corr. and their role in growth enhancement and yield in rice.

Plant growth-promoting endophytes (PGPE) are microorganisms which reside in plant tissues and are beneficial to the host in plant growth promotion and pathogen resistance. They are the eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This study aimed to analyze the plant growth-promoting properties of the five endophytic fungal strains from the medicinal plant Aegle marmelos Corr. and evaluate their effects on Oryza sativa plants. Firstly, endophytes were isolated from the different parts of A. marmelos and identified by ITS sequencing. Phosphate solubilization ability was checked in Pikovskaya's agar medium, IAA secretion was measured by the Salkowski colourimetric method, and ACC deaminase activity was checked by Penrose's method. Four endophytic fungal strains with promising PGP activities were inoculated into rice seeds to check their growth promotion in rice. The strain Purpureocillium lilacinum (AMR2) enhanced the seed vigour of rice seeds and demonstrated excellent root colonization ability. Periconia byssoides (AML2) and Medicopsis romeroi (AMS3) were the most effective plant growth-promoting agents, leading to both crop yield improvement and enhanced plant morphological growth due to their great ability to solubilize inorganic phosphate, ACC deaminase activity and production of IAA and Gibberellin A3 (GA3). These endophytic strains could serve as microbial inoculants to enhance crop production, offering an eco-friendly alternative.

Efficacy of Bacillus and Trichoderma on growth and anthracnose resistance in scallion

Biotic elicitors, including Trichoderma and Bacillus can improve plant growth and disease resistance. Current research evaluated the efficacy of 14 Bacillus subtilis strains, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma sp. on enhancing growth and managing anthracnose in scallion. The inhibition efficiency of Bacillus and Trichoderma on Colletotrichum growth was assessed in vitro. Besides, effective biotic treatments against anthracnose were evaluated at net house conditions. Then, defence mechanisms including endogenous SA accumulation, production of phenolic compounds, catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and b-1,3-glucanase were revealed. The results showed that four biotic elicitors, including B. subtilis strains CaSUT008-2, D604, SUNB1 and T. harzianum showed high antagonistic activity against in vitro growth of Colletotrichum colonies at 41-77 %. At 28 days after planting, scallion plants treated with B. subtilis strain CaSUT008-2 and SUNB1 gained stem length at 15.35-15.79 cm. These four biotic treatments had low disease severity in net-house conditions at 25.00-50.00 %. On mechanisms of anthracnose resistance, at 24 hours after inoculation (HAI), scallion plants treated with T. harzianum and B. subtilis strain CaSUT008-2 showed high content of salicylic acid at 2.17-2.20 µg/g fresh weight. At 48 HAI, scallion plants induced by B. subtilis strain SUNB1 increased phenolic compounds at 42.65 µg gallic acid/mg dry mass. Moreover, four biotic elicitors enhanced activities of catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and b-1,3-glucanase in treated scallion plants. This study suggests that B. subtilis strain CaSUT008-2 and SUNB1, T. harzianum stimulated growth, helped scallion plants against anthracnose disease. The combined Trichoderma-bacteria bio-inoculants may be a good strategy to develop biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter within green and sustainable production of scallion.