Metabolic Activity Research Articles

The role of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT imaging in gynecological cancers: an integrative review.

Clinical staging of gynecological cancers traditionally employs computed tomography (CT) scan or 18fluorine-deoxyglucose PET/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT), which have limited sensitivity, especially for early-stage ovarian cancer, borderline tumors, tumors with cystic/mucinous components, and those with low metabolic activity. Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) targets cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor stroma independent of metabolic activity, providing favorable tumor-to-background contrast when used with PET imaging. We conducted an integrative review of FAPI PET/CT use in gynecological cancers for staging, treatment response assessment, and recurrence detection. Database searches yielded 205 documents, with 23 studies meeting inclusion criteria (12 original research articles, 7 case reports, 4 reviews). 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT image was reported to be superior to 18F-FDG PET/CT in differentiating high-grade from lower-grade ovarian cancer, detection of nodal, peritoneal, and pleural disease, as well as early relapses. 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT showed enhanced detection of lymph node metastasis in newly diagnosed cervical cancer. However, its utility in endometrial cancer is limited by physiological uptake in normal uterine tissue. 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT shows promising results for diagnosis and staging of ovarian and cervical cancers. Further research is warranted as this modality has potential to modify treatment approaches by improving detection capabilities beyond conventional imaging techniques, particularly for tumors with challenging characteristics that limit current diagnostic methods.

High-Coverage Metabolomics Reveals Gut Microbiota-Related Metabolic Traits of Type-2 Diabetes in Serum.

Metabolic perturbations of the gut microbiome have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple human diseases, including type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, our understanding of the global metabolic alterations of the gut microbiota in T2D and their functional roles remains limited. To address this, we conducted a high-coverage metabolomics profiling analysis of serum samples from 1282 Chinese individuals with and without T2D. Among the 220 detected microbiota-associated compounds detected, 111 were significantly altered, forming a highly interactive regulatory network associated with T2D development. Pathway enrichment and correlation analyses revealed aberrant metabolic pathways, primarily including the activation of pyrimidine metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and diverse amino acid metabolisms such as Tryptophan metabolism, Lysine metabolism, and Branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. A microbiota-dependent biomarker panel, comprising pipecolinic acid, methoxysalicylic acid, N-acetylhistamine, and 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine, was defined and validated with satisfactory sensitivity (>78%) for large-scale, population-based T2D screening. The functional role of a gut microbial product, N-acetylhistamine, was further elucidated in T2D progression through its inhibition of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Overall, this study expands our understanding of gut microbiota-driven metabolic dysregulation in T2D and suggests that monitoring these metabolic changes could facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of T2D.

Bioprinting of GelMA/PEGDA Hybrid Bioinks for SH-SY5Y Cell Encapsulation: Role of Molecular Weight and Concentration.

Current clinical interventions for large peripheral nerve gap injuries are limited. Bioprinting provides opportunities to develop tissue engineered constructs that provide a biomimetic environment to guide nerve regeneration. However, hydrogels that are cell-instructive, mechanically compliant, and have an appropriate biodegradation profile for nerve guidance conduit applications are limited. In this study, a photocrosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hybrid bioink is developed. The role of PEGDA molecular weight and concentration in tuning the hydrogel physicochemical and biological properties is evaluated. PEGDA modulated the hydrogel network structure and properties in a molecular weight and concentration dependent manner. A lower molecular weight and high concentration induced high crosslinking density thus improving compressive modulus, lower swelling, and a slower degradation profile. The bioinks showed good printability and are able to fabricate multi-layer constructs with high shape fidelity and flexibility. The SH-SY5Y cells maintained high cell viability after bioprinting in all bioinks. However, cells showed limited metabolic activity and spreading in the GelMA/PEGDA hydrogels with both high concentration and molecular weight. This preliminary study provides guidance on the use of specific molecular weights and concentrations in GelMA/PEGDA bioinks for the bioprinting of SH-SY5Y cells.

Prognosis prediction in non-Hodgkin lymphoma by assessing lymphoid organs uptake patterns using baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT.

The prognostic implications of lymphoid organs (LOs) involvement in untreated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients remain underexplored. This study aims to explore the significance of LOs metabolic activity, assessed via 18F-FDG PET/CT, in predicting the early treatment response and prognosis of NHL patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging data of untreated NHL patients from March 2016 to December 2023. Metabolic activity levels of LOs were evaluated and scored. Prognostic parameters included the international prognostic index (IPI), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the interim efficacy evaluation. The median follow-up time was 15 months. The survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. We included a total of 125 NHL patients (63 ± 12 years) with baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. Based on the metabolic scores of LOs, patients were divided into three groups: 36 (28.8%) in the low metabolism group, 64 (51.2%) in the intermediate metabolism group, and 25 (20.0%) in the high metabolism group. LOs metabolic scores emerged as an independent prognostic factor. Patients with high metabolic activity in LOs had significantly shorter PFS and OS compared to those with lower activity (OS HR = 4.56; PFS HR = 3.87; p <0.01). The combination of LOs metabolism and extra-LOs tumor burden can further stratify the risk in NHL patients. Metabolic activity in LOs in 18F-FDG is a vital prognostic indicator and may predict early treatment response in NHL patients. The incorporation of LOs metabolic assessment into clinical practice could enable more accurate prognosis and tailored treatment strategies.

Gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity in metabolic associated fatty liver disease

ABSTRACT Objective Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) impacts approximately 25% of the global population. The objective of our study was to elucidate the characteristics of the gut microbiome and alterations in plasma metabolites among MAFLD patients. Methods Between April 2023 and July 2023, 60 patients with MAFLD, along with 60 age, ethnicity, and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs), were enrolled from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Analysis of gut microbiota composition and plasma metabolic profiles was conducted using metagenome sequencing and LC-MS. Results LEfSe analysis identified five pivotal species: Eubacterium rectale, Dialister invisus, Pseudoruminococcus massiliensis, GGB3278 SGB4328, and Ruminococcaceae bacteria. In subgroup analysis, Eubacterium rectale tended to be increased by more than 2 times and more than double in the non-obese MAFLD group, and MAFLD with moderate hepatic steatosis（HS）respectively. Combinations of phenomics and metabolomics yielded the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.97) in the MAFLD diagnosis. Combinations of phenomics and metagenomics yielded the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.94) in the prediction of the MAFLD HS progress. Plasma samples identified 172 metabolites mainly composed of fatty acid metabolites such as propionic acid and butyric acid analogues. Ruminococcaceae bacteria have a strong positive correlation with β-Alanine, Uric acid and L-Valine. Pseudoruminococcus massiliensis have a strong positive correlation with β-Alanine. Conclusion Increases in Eubacterium rectale and decreases in Dialister invisus seem to be indicative of MAFLD patients. Eubacterium rectale may predicts HS degree of MAFLD and play an important role in the development of non-obese MAFLD. Eubacterium rectale can generate more propionic acid and butyric acid analogues to absorb energy and increase lipid synthesis, and ultimately cause MAFLD. The observed association between Ruminococcaceae bacteria and β-Alanine or Uric acid in these patients could offer fresh insights into the disease mechanism.

Specific features of the transcriptomic response to nitrogen starvation in methylotrophic yeast &lt;em&gt;Komagataella phaffii&lt;/em&gt;

Non-conventional methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii is an important production host in biotechnology and an emerging model organism. In this work, we studied K. phaffii response to nitrogen starvation during cultivation in media with methanol as the sole carbon source. The results were compared with a well-established model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Some of the observed effects of nitrogen starvation in K. phaffii were similar to those in S. cerevisiae, although this yeast does not have a metabolic pathway for methanol utilization. The effects include activation of autophagy, transport and catabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds, interconversions of amino acids, and biosynthesis of fatty acids. K. phaffii cells also demonstrated a specific response to nitrogen starvation including suppression of genes involved in methanol metabolism and other peroxisomal processes and activation of purine catabolism genes.

Species Differences in Carboxylesterases Among Humans, Cynomolgus Monkeys, and Mice in the Hydrolysis of Atorvastatin Derivatives.

Nonclinical trials are crucial for assessing pharmaceutical efficacy and safety prior to clinical trials. However, disparities in drug metabolism between humans and animals complicate extrapolating animal data to humans. Variability in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as carboxylesterases (CESs), contributes to differences in drug kinetics. This study aimed to explore species disparities in CES substrate specificity among humans (hCES1), mice (mCES1), and cynomolgus monkeys (mfCES1) using diverse atorvastatin ester derivatives. This study measured hydrolysis rates of 30 atorvastatin derivatives. Metabolites were identified via HPLC with an internal standard, measuring rates per unit time and enzyme amount. Enzyme metabolic activity was compared using hydrolysis rates. The structure of the alkoxy group resulted in differences ranging from approximately half to 8.97-fold between hCES1 and mCES1 and differences ranging from similar to 15.82-fold between hCES1 and mfCES1. Caution is warranted when extrapolating animal data to humans, especially for esters with diverse structures. Our focus on the alkoxy group structure highlights its impact on hydrolysis rates. Further investigation into species differences among CES enzymes is essential for accurate translational research.

Functional Component Production Capabilities in Milk Fermentation of Some Featured Lactic Acid Bacteria Species for Use in Different Food Processes

This study examines the fermentation performance of featured bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus-ATCC-4356, Lactobacillus helveticus-ATCC-15009, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus-ATCC-11842, Lacticaseibacillus casei-ATCC-393, Streptococcus thermophilus-ATCC-19258 (ST), and Bifidobacterium bifidum-ATCC-29521 (BB)) used in fermented dairy products and their impact on product quality. The main focus is on evaluating the metabolic activities, organic acid production, viscosity values, and sensory properties of probiotic strains such as L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. helveticus, B. bifidum, and S. thermophilus. The strains were activated in a sterile milk medium and incubated until they reached a pH of 4.6. Then, pH, microbial enumeration, organic acid, sugar composition, vitamins A, D, E, K1, and K2 (menaquinone-7), and viscosity values were measured in the bacteria. Organic acid, sugar composition, and vitamins A, D, E, K1, and K2 (menaquinone-7) were analyzed with the HPLC method. Additionally, sensory analyses were performed, and volatile compounds were examined. L. casei demonstrated superiority in lactic acid production, while L. helveticus showed high lactose consumption. L. bulgaricus stood out in galactose metabolism. The highest viscosity was observed in products produced by B. bifidum. Differences in viscosity were attributed to exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and acid production capacity. A total of 62 volatile compounds were identified, with the highest levels of aromatic components found in products containing B. bifidum. The most preferred product, based on panel evaluations, was the fermented dairy product produced with L. acidophilus. As for aroma profiles, it was determined that the phenethyl alcohol, 3-methyl-1 butanol, and ethanol compounds are associated with B. bifidum, the hexanoic acid and 2-methylbutanal compounds are associated with the L. acidophilus, the hexanoic acid, 2-methylbutanal, 2-furanmethanol, and acetaldehyde compounds are associated with the L. bulgaricus, and the hexanoic acid, 2-methylbutanal, 2-heptanone, acetoin, and d-limonene are associated with the L. casei. On the other hand, the L. helveticus strain is associated with the hexanoic acid, 2-methylbutanal, and 2-heptanone, and the S. termophilus strain is associated with the hexanoic acid, hexanol, acetoin, 2,3-pentanedione, 1-butanol, and 3-methyl-2-butanone volatile aroma compounds. The determination of fat-soluble vitamins is particularly important for vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. In this study, the bacterial sources of these vitamins were compared for the first time. The menaquinone-7 production by L. helveticus was determined to be the highest at 0.048 µg/mL. The unique metabolic capacities of these prominent cultures have been revealed to play an important role in determining the aroma, organic acid content, viscosity, and overall quality of the products as a whole. Therefore, the findings of this study will provide the right strain selection for a fermented dairy product or a different non-dairy-based fermented product according to the desired functional properties. It also provides a preliminary guide for inoculation in the right ratios as an adjunct culture or co-culture for a desired property.

AMP-activated protein kinase mediates adaptation of glioblastoma cells to conditions of the tumor microenvironment

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that regulates cellular metabolic activity. We hypothesized that in glioblastoma (GB), AMPK plays a pivotal role in balancing metabolism under conditions of the tumor microenvironment with fluctuating and often low nutrient and oxygen availability. Impairment of this network could thus interfere with tumor progression. AMPK activity was modulated genetically by CRISPR/Cas9-based double knockout (DKO) of the catalytic α1 and α2 subunits in human GB cells and effects were confirmed by pharmacological AMPK inhibition using BAY3827 and an inactive control compound in primary GB cell cultures. We found that metabolic adaptation of GB cells under energy stress conditions (hypoxia, glucose deprivation) was dependent on AMPK and accordingly that AMPK DKO cells were more vulnerable to glucose deprivation or inhibition of glycolysis and sensitized to hypoxia-induced cell death. This effect was rescued by reexpression of the AMPK α2 subunit. Similar results were observed using the selective pharmacological AMPK inhibitor BAY3827. Mitochondrial biogenesis was regulated AMPK-dependently with a reduced mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential in AMPK DKO GB cells. In vivo, AMPK DKO GB cells showed impaired tumor growth and tumor formation in CAM assays as well as in an orthotopic glioma mouse model. Our study highlights the importance of AMPK for GB cell adaptation towards energy depletion and emphasizes the role of AMPK for tumor formation in vivo. Moreover, we identified mitochondria as central downstream effectors of AMPK signaling. The development of AMPK inhibitors could open opportunities for the treatment of hypoxic tumors.

Advancing Bladder Cancer Biomarker Discovery: Integrating Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Imaging

Bladder cancer, a highly heterogeneous disease, necessitates precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Metabolomics, through comprehensive small-molecule analysis, provides valuable insights into cancer-associated metabolic alterations at the cellular, tissue, and systemic levels. Concurrently, molecular imaging modalities like PET, MRI, and CT enable the non-invasive, real-time visualization of tumor biology, facilitating the spatial and functional assessment of biomarkers. Key findings highlight the identification of metabolomic profiles correlated with cancer progression, recurrence, and treatment responses across serum, urine, and tissue samples. Advanced analytical platforms, such as LC-MS and NMR, uncover distinct metabolic signatures and pathway alterations in glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, and lipid biosynthesis. Molecular imaging further enhances staging accuracy and treatment monitoring by visualizing metabolic activity and receptor expression. The integration of these technologies addresses the limitations of invasive diagnostic methods and paves the way for precision oncology. Future advancements should focus on multi-omics integration, AI-driven analysis, and large-scale clinical validation to ensure broad accessibility and transformative impacts on bladder cancer management.

Unveiling the diversity of gut microbes in green lacewings (Chrysopidae: Neuroptera) and their role as protagonist in nutrition.

Green lacewings (Chrysopidae; Neuroptera) plays a crucial role as predators against insect pests in diverse cropping systems. Larval chrysopids are predatory on mealybugs, aphids, scales, whiteflies, mites and eggs of many arthropods. Adults are palynoglycophagous and feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew secreted by aphids. Many insects cannot synthesize necessary vitamins and amino acids on their own and depend on gut microbes. Microbes associated with chrysopid gut help them with balanced nutrition and ecological fitness to withstand extreme stresses, especially adult gut microbiota, which constitutes an indispensable part of nutrients in addition to reproduction. Exceptfor yeast, microbes such as bacteria in the chrysopid larval and adult gut have not been extensively studied. This review aims to seek a comprehensive overview of the gut microbes present in the chrysopids and their role in improving the fitness of chrysopids through adequate nutrition. This will pave the way for further research on understanding the microbe-mediated metabolic activities, their role in toxin production, and the development of probiotic feed from the novel gut microbiota for improving the productivity of laboratory-reared chrysopids used in augmentative biological control of major pests in agricultural ecosystems.

SOAT1 exacerbates tumor progression by promoting YAP signaling activation and attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress

AbstractMetabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignancy, with profound alterations in cellular metabolism driving cancer progression. However, the precise mechanisms by which these metabolic changes promote tumor growth remain poorly understood. Here we mined metabolic activity at single‐cell resolution as well as bulk‐RNA levels, and found that cholesterol biosynthesis is obviously upregulated in breast cancer, particularly triple‐negative breast cancer. We identified sterol O‐acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) was highly expressed in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor progression and prognosis. Functional studies demonstrated that SOAT1 suppression—either through genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition—effectively curbed cancer cell proliferation and migration, induced cell cycle arrest, and significantly inhibited the in vivo growth of breast cancer xenografts. Similar effects were observed in prostate cancer models. Mechanistically, targeting SOAT1 disrupted cholesterol metabolic homeostasis, leading to inactivation of the YAP signaling pathway and induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Collectively, our findings highlight the critical role of SOAT1 in TNBC progression through modulation of the YAP pathway and ER stress, and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC by targeting cholesterol metabolism.

Serum metabolomic analysis in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis positive for TgAb or TPOAb: a preliminary study

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder, yet the metabolic abnormalities associated with HT and their relationship to antibody positivity remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the distinct metabolic profiles associated with thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) positivity in female patients with HT. Serum metabolomic analysis was performed on 14 TPOAb-positive patients, 4 TgAb-positive patients, and 14 sex-matched healthy controls, evaluating a total of 225 metabolites. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed significant metabolic differences among the groups, identifying 36 key metabolites. Of these, 13 metabolites showed significant differences between the TPOAb-positive group and healthy controls, while 23 metabolites exhibited marked differences between the TgAb-positive group and controls. Further correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive association between TgAb and phenylacetyl-L-glutamine, while TPOAb was strongly correlated with LPC 16:0 sn-1. Additionally, metabolic pathway analysis showed significant activation of glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism in the TPOAb-positive group, whereas the TgAb-positive group exhibited enhanced activity in galactose metabolism. These findings suggest that TPOAb and TgAb positivity are associated with distinct metabolic profiles, reflecting their differential roles in metabolic pathways linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This study provides valuable exploratory evidence of metabolic abnormalities in HT under different antibody-positive states, laying the foundation for future large-scale investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Functional and metabolic activity of neutrophils in young cattle sensitized with a non-agglutinogenic strain of Brucella

Introduction. Brucellosis remains one of the most common highly dangerous zoonotic infections. Resistance to the pathogenic microorganisms of the genus Brucella depends on the appropriate cell-mediated immunity, which includes the activation of the bactericidal mechanisms of phagocytes. Despite the repeatedly proven role of neutrophils in the fight against many bacterial pathogens, the functions of these immunocompetent cells in the setting of brucellosis have long remained unstudied.Objective. The study aimed to examine the functional and metabolic activity of neutrophils in young cattle sensitized with a non-agglutinogenic strain of Brucella.Materials and methods. The functional and metabolic state of neutrophils in young cattle immunized against brucellosis with a vaccine produced from the non-agglutinogenic RB-51 strain of Brucella abortus was assessed on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 after immunization using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test, as well as based on the level of the enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase and the content of non-enzymatic cationic proteins. The measurements were made photometrically in the spontaneous and stimulated variants of the test, with subsequent calculation of stimulation coefficients. Disintegrated and corpuscular antigens prepared from Brucella vaccine strains with different antigen structures were used as reaction stimulants.Results. It was found that the functional and metabolic status of neutrophils in young cattle immunized with the non-agglutinogenic strain of Brucella is characterized by increased neutrophil activity in the NBT test on days 7 and 35 of the experiment, by the absence of significant changes in the enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase and a decrease in the content of non-enzymatic cationic proteins on days 7–14 after vaccination.Conclusion. The most pronounced increase in stimulation coefficients was observed when using disintegrated Brucella antigens as a reaction stimulant. The highest stimulation coefficients were registered on day 28 after vaccination during the assessment of the oxygen-dependent metabolism of neutrophils with the NBT test and on day 14 during the assessment of the oxygen-independent metabolism.

Effects of calcium supplementation on the composition and activity of in vitro simulated gut microbiome during inulin fermentation.

The gut microbiome influences the availability of micronutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. However, our insights into how colonic fermentation of prebiotic fibers and lactose is modulated by the presence of micronutrients and local pH environment are limited. Here, we investigated the influence of different calcium salts (calcium phosphate (CaPi), calcium citrate (CaCi), and calcium carbonate (CaCa)) on gut microbiome composition and metabolism using inulin and lactose as carbohydrate sources under low, medium, and high in vitro colonic pH gradients. Our results showed that in vitro colonic pH gradient had a significant effect on gut microbiome diversity (observed ASVs and Shannon diversity index, p < 0.05). After 24 hours of fermentation, the calcium sources had a significant effect on beta diversity at all colonic pH gradients (adjusted p < 0.05). Although changes in GM composition were more pronounced after 24 hours, after 6 hours of fermentation, the CaPi group exhibited a higher abundance of Leuconostoc than other groups. After 24 hours of fermentation, the CaPi group exhibited a higher Blautia abundance at high colonic pH gradient and lower Bacteroides abundance at all colonic pH gradient levels. The CaCi and CaCa groups exhibited a pH-dependent decrease in the abundance of Bacteroides. In addition, Bifidobacterium abundance remained over 1% regardless of colonic pH gradient, calcium source, or fermentation time. In addition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was dependent on the calcium source. For instance, compared to the control group, the CaCi group exhibited higher acetate production at low and high colonic pH gradients, while the CaPi and CaCa groups showed enhanced lactate production at medium and low pH gradients. These findings can increase our understanding of the impacts of calcium-rich diets on the human gut microbiome and its metabolic activity.

Delayed Blastocyst Development is Associated with Altered Metabolism and Proteome in Male and Female Bovine Embryos.

Developmentally delayed embryos are associated with reduced implantation potential and live birth rates; however, inherent causes of delayed development are not well understood. Metabolism during preimplantation development is responsible for the production of energy and biosynthetic material to support growth, and disturbances to these pathways can reduce embryo viability. The present study utilized electrochemical microsensors to determine differences in rates for oxygen consumption, extracellular acidification, and hydrogen peroxide production between normal and slow-growing, male and female bovine blastocysts. In addition, pooled samples of blastocysts were subjected to proteomic analysis to determine differences in the abundance of proteins associated with metabolism between the sexes and developmental timing status. In comparison to blastocysts developing over a normal timespan, blastocysts forming 1 to 2days later had a higher oxygen consumption rate, differences in abundance of electron transport complex proteins, and reduced abundance of biosynthetic enzymes when compared to blastocysts developing during a normal timeline. Embryo sex resulted in unique differences in metabolic enzyme abundance with potentially different contributions to delayed development. In addition, male and female blastocysts had differential protein abundances indicating differences in metabolic pathway activity. Therefore, embryos that took longer to reach the blastocyst stage of development appeared to have an imbalance between energy production and biosynthetic activity, which could differentially impact male and female embryos.

Physiological and Metabolomics Analyses Revealed That Overexpression of CBL-Interacting Protein Kinase 23 Accelerate Tuber Sprouting in Potato

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plays an important role in ensuring global food security. Potato tubers store abundant nutrients and are also reproductive organs. The adjustment of tuber sprouting plays a vital role in timely sowing and improving tuber product quality. CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) exert an important function in the entire life cycle of plants and in coping with stress. In our present study, we found that the StCIPK23 expression level increased during storage and that overexpression of StCIPK23 can accelerate tuber sprouting. Physiological assays indicated that overexpressing StCIPK23 altered carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant-related enzyme activities during storage. Starch branching enzyme (SBEI) gene expression was upregulated, while sucrose synthase (SS), 3-phosphoglyceric phosphokinase (PGK), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GAPC1) gene expression were downregulated in StCIPK23-overexpressing potato. High gibberellin (GA) content and low abscisic acid (ABA) content were also detected in transgenic tubers. We conducted metabolomics analysis on bud eyes, and the results showed a total of 94 differential metabolites were found. Among them, 61 metabolites were increased, the top three metabolites were coumaryl alcohol, glutathione and quercetin–glucoside–glucoside–rhamnoside. Our results suggest that StCIPK23 is a positive regulator of potato tuber sprouting.

Recent advances in metabolomic research within food mycology.

Recent advances in metabolomic research within food mycology.

B cells and energy metabolism in HER2-positive DCIS: insights into breast cancer progression from spatial-omics analyses

During breast tumor progression, the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer is a critical step with large implications for prognosis. However, the mechanisms of invasion are still largely unknown. At the DCIS stage, there is an over-representation of HER2-positive lesions compared with invasive breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the associations between gene expression profiles in cancer cells and the immune microenvironment of HER2-positive DCIS and invasive breast tumors with concurrent DCIS using spatial transcriptomics. We found distinctly more B cells in the vicinity of DCIS ducts than in invasive tumor areas. There was higher expression of genes involved in energy metabolism in DCIS cancer cells than in invasive cancer cells and a positive correlation between expression of metabolic genes and B-cell abundance in DCIS. In contrast were processes related to epithelial to mesenchymal transition negatively correlated with B-cell abundance in DCIS. We also found significant correlation between expression of the B-cell-attracting chemokines CCL19, CCL21 and CXCL13 in stromal cells and B cell abundance in DCIS. This study indicates that B cells may play a protective role in the progression of HER2-positive DCIS to invasive breast cancer and that increased metabolic activity in intraductal cancer cells in combination with chemokines produced by stromal cells may influence the immune microenvironment of DCIS. These findings have implications for understanding HER2-positive breast cancer progression.

Effect of acute and chronic restraint stress in the medial pterygoid muscle of rats with and without partial edentulism

Objectiveacute stress is an important protective response, while chronic stress, isolated or accompanied by occlusal instability, is a risk factor for masticatory muscle disorders. This work studied the metabolic and vascular alterations provoked by acute and chronic restraint stress in the medial pterygoid muscle of rats with and without unilateral exodontia.Materials and methodsThe plasmatic levels of corticosterone, metabolic activity, oxidative capacity, capillary density, and production of reactive oxidative species were analyzed.ResultsThe corticosterone levels, as well as the number of fibers from SDH and NADPH, and capillary density were statistically significant showing p values < 0.05. Restraint stress increased the oxidative metabolism and capillary density in the medial pterygoid muscle. Exodontia promoted a glycolytic transformation of muscle fibers.ConclusionsThese hemodynamic and metabolic changes may explain the pathogenic mechanisms of masticatory muscle disorders.Clinical relevanceThis work provides evidence of metabolic and hemodynamic changes in a masticatory muscle caused by stress and partial edentulism.