Molecular Markers Research Articles

LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Atherosclerotic Inflammation: Research Progress.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. However, the exact mechanism underlying atherosclerosis-related inflammation has not been fully elucidated. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory process that leads to atherosclerosis, there is need to identify novel molecular markers. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained prominence in recent years. LncRNAs/circRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that bind to miRNAs via microRNA response elements (MREs), thereby inhibiting the silencing of miRNA target mRNAs. Inflammatory mediators and inflammatory signaling pathways are closely regulated by ceRNA regulatory networks in atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the role of LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in atherosclerotic inflammation and how it can be targeted for early clinical detection and treatment.

Microsatellite marker-based analysis of the genetic diversity and population structure of three Arnebiae Radix in western China

Arnebiae Radix is an important medicinal and perennial herb found in Western China, particularly in the Xinjiang region. However, the assessment, utilization and conservation of Arnebiae Radix resources are still unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of three Arnebiae Radix populations across 47 regions (Ae = 16, Ag = 16, Ad = 15) in Xinjiang, China, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. In total, 48 alleles were amplified by six pairs of primers screened with ISSR markers. The average number of effective alleles (Ne) was 1.5770. The percentage of interspecific genetic polymorphisms in A. guttata (Ag = 89.58 %) was greater than that in A. euchroma. and A. decumbens (Ae = Ad = 87.50 %). Intraspecific genetic polymorphisms, Bo Le (BL) population of A. euchroma exhibited the highest percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB% =58.33 %, Na = 1.313, Ne = 1.467, I = 0.0.366, H = 0.255), which indicated high genetic diversity. In contrast, the Tuo Li (TL) population of A. guttata had the lowest values for these parameters (PPB% =0.00 %, Na = 0.313, Ne = 1,000, I = 0.000, H = 0.000). The Arnebiae Radix germplasms were classified into two major groups (I and II) based on UPGMA cluster analysis (Fig. 8a) and principal coordinate analysis (PCOA). In addition, A. decumbens is placed in a separate category due to its high differentiation coefficient. The AMOVA and genetic differentiation coefficient results indicated that the genetic variation in Arnebiae Radix was predominantly due to intrapopulation differences (78 %). Additionally, the gene flow index (Nm) between populations was 2.4128, which further indicated that the genetic diversity of Arnebiae Radix was greater at the intrapopulation level. The destruction of the ecological environment leads to the continuous reduction and degradation of the genetic diversity of Arnebiae Radix germplasm resources. In this study, we used ISSR molecular markers to analyze the genetic diversity and relatedness of Arnebiae Radix, which revealed the genetic relationship of Arnebiae Radix germplasm resources at the molecular level and provided a scientific basis for future research on selecting and breeding good varieties, evaluating the quality of Arnebiae Radix, and conserving and utilizing its resources.

Exploring the Resistance of Pigmented Rice to Brown Planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) by Phenotypic and Genotypic Analyses

Developing new pigmented rice varieties that meet consumers' preferences requires addressing resistance to brown planthopper (BPH), a highly destructive insect pest of rice. To effectively manage this pest, it is essential to explore BPH resistance genes from rice germplasms and incorporate them into elite varieties. The objective of this study was to identify the source of resistance among local and improved pigmented rice varieties in Indonesia against field BPH. Furthermore, the study aimed to characterize their genetic diversity using molecular markers associated with Bph genes and functional markers for these genes. Eighty-eight local varieties from the Indonesian Agricultural Gene Bank, collected across 18 provinces between 1971 and 2019, and four improved varieties, were evaluated using the standard seed box screening test method. Among these entries, 6 local accessions and 1 improved variety exhibited moderate resistance. Genetic analysis of these entries and three randomly selected susceptible entries using 12 SSR and InDel markers associated with Bph gene loci showed that the moderately resistant entries had higher allele numbers (11 to 13) compared to the susceptible entries (4 to 7). These markers could distinguish the resistant group from the susceptible ones in cluster analysis. Genotyping using functional markers further showed that the moderately resistant entries had 2 to 4 combinations of Bph genes. In contrast, the susceptible entries contained neither Bph genes nor only one gene. Local accessions with a 2 to 4 Bph gene combination can be donors of BPH resistance in improving pigmented rice varieties.

Genetic mapping of loci affecting seedling and adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew derived from two CIMMYT wheat lines.

PM3 and PM8 alleles carried by two CIMMYT wheat lines confer powdery mildew resistance in seedlings and/or adult plants. A stage-specific epistatic interaction was observed between PM3 and PM8. Powdery mildew is an important foliar disease of wheat. Major genes for resistance, which have been widely used in wheat breeding programs, are typically effective against only limited numbers of virulence genes of the pathogen. The main aim of this study was to map resistance loci in wheat lines 7HRWSN58 and ZWW09-149 from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). Doubled haploid populations (Magenta/7HRWSN58 and Emu Rock/ZWW09-149) were developed and grown in controlled environment experiments and inoculated with a composite of Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici isolates that had been collected at various locations in Western Australia. Plants were assessed for powdery mildew symptoms (percentage leaf area diseased) on seedlings and adult plants. Populations were subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing and assayed for known SNPs in the resistance gene PM3. Linkage maps were constructed, and markers were anchored to the wheat reference genome sequence. In both populations, there were asymptomatic lines that exhibited no symptoms. Among symptomatic lines, disease severity varied widely. In the Magenta/7HRWSN58 population, most of the observed variation was attributed to the PM3 region of chromosome 1A, with the allele from 7HRWSN58 conferring resistance in seedlings and adult plants. In the Emu Rock/ZWW09-149 population, two interacting quantitative trait loci were mapped: one at PM3 and the other on chromosome 1B. The Emu Rock/ZWW09-149 population was confirmed to segregate for a 1BL·1RS translocation that carries the PM8 powdery mildew resistance gene from rye. Consistent with previous reports that PM8-derived resistance can be suppressed by PM3 alleles, the observed interaction between the quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 1A and 1B indicated that the PM3 allele carried by ZWW09-149 suppresses PM8-derived resistance from ZWW09-149, but only at the seedling stage. In adult plants, the PM8 region conferred resistance regardless of the PM3 genotype. The resistance sources and molecular markers that were investigated here could be useful in wheat breeding.

Genomic characterization of circulating human respiratory syncytial viruses A and B in Kuwait using whole-genome sequencing.

The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is considered one of the most common viruses that infect children globally. The virus is known to have extensive gene sequence variability within and between RSV groups A and B globally; however, there is no information on the whole-genome characterization and diversity of RSV in Kuwait. Therefore, this study aimed to sequence the entire genome of RSV strains isolated from patients with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in Kuwait. Therefore, this study aimed to sequence the entire genome of RSV strains isolated from patients with ARTI in Kuwait. Between January 2020 and September 2022, 7,093 respiratory samples were collected from hospitalized infants, children, and adults and were analyzed for respiratory viruses by multiplex real-time PCR. Whole-genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology was performed on 84 RSV-positive samples. The results revealed a higher prevalence of group A (76%) than group B (24%) RSV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RSV-A strains clustered with the GA2.3.5 sub-genotype and RSV-B strains clustered with the GB5.0.5a sub-genotype; however, forming new lineages of RSV-A and RSV-B circulated in Kuwait during this period. Genetic variability was higher among the group A viruses than group B viruses, and the rate of synonymous and missense mutations was high in genes other than the G protein-coding gene. We also detected several known and unique molecular markers in different protein-coding genes. This is the first study in Kuwait to characterize the whole genomes of RSV A and B to identify the circulating genotypes, comprehend the genetic diversity and the evolution of the virus, and identify important genetic markers associated with specific genotypes.IMPORTANCEWhole-genome sequencing of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains in Kuwait using MinION Nanopore technology was used to characterize and analyze the genotypes and sub-genotypes of the RSV circulating among patients with acute respiratory tract infections in Kuwait. This study also identified known and unknown gene mutations and imported genetic markers associated with specific genotypes. These results will assist in establishing a framework for RSV classification and allow for a better consideration of the mechanisms leading to the generation of diversity of RSV. In addition, these data will allow a comparison of vaccine viruses with those in Kuwait, providing useful insights into future vaccine and therapy strategies for RSV in Kuwait.

Chordoma: Genetics and Contemporary Management

Chordomas, arising from notochord remnants, are rare neoplasms with aggressive growth patterns despite their histologically low-grade nature. This review explores their embryological origins, molecular markers like brachyury, and genetic alterations driving pathogenesis. Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging and biopsy confirmation due to overlapping features with chondrosarcoma. The WHO classification distinguishes conventional, dedifferentiated, and poorly differentiated chordomas, each with distinct prognostic implications. Recent genomic analyses uncovered recurrent mutations in PI3K signaling pathways and chromatin remodeling genes, informing prognostic models. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, though adjuvant radiation complements surgical resection. Although chordomas are generally considered refractory to medical therapy, emerging targeted molecular strategies show potential promise in ongoing trials. This review aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of chordomas, guiding clinicians in diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication for improved patient outcomes.

Bioinformatics Identification and Experimental Validation of a Prognostic Model for the Survival of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) kills more than four million people yearly. Creating more trustworthy tumor molecular markers for LUSC early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and customized treatment is essential. Cuproptosis, a novel form of cell death, opened up a new field of study for searching for trustworthy tumor indicators. Our goal was to build a risk model to assess drug sensitivity, monitor immune function, and predict prognosis in LUSC patients. The 19 cuproptosis-related genes were found in the literature, and patient genomic and clinical information was collected using the Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA) database. The LUSC patients were grouped using unsupervised clustering techniques, and 7626 differentially expressed genes were identified. Using univariate COX analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and multivariate COX analysis, a prognostic model for LUSC patients was developed. The tumor immune escape was evaluated using the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) method. The R packages 'pRRophetic,' 'ggpubr,' and 'ggplot2' were utilized to examine drug sensitivity. For modeling, a 6-cuproptosis-based gene signature was found. Patients with high-risk LUSC had significantly worse survival rates than those with low-risk conditions. The possibility of tumor immunological escape was increased in patients with higher risk scores due to more immune cell inactivation. For patients with high-risk LUSC, we discovered seven potent potential drugs (AZD6482, CHIR.99021, CMK, Embelin, FTI.277, Imatinib, and Pazopanib). In conclusion, the cuproptosis-based genes predictive risk model can be utilized to predict outcomes, track immune function, and evaluate medication sensitivity in LUSC patients.

Genetic study of Camelina sativa oilseed crop and selection of a new variety by the bulk method

Camelina sativa, commonly referred to as camelina or false flax, has emerged as a promising cover crop with the potential to mitigate climate change—a pressing global challenge that demands urgent and sustainable solutions. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family and native to Europe and Central Asia, camelina is an oilseed crop known for its resilience in diverse climates, including arid and semi-arid regions, making it adaptable to various environments. A breeding program started from a study of six winter varieties and five spring varieties of camelina is described: these genetic materials were characterized by SSRs molecular markers and by GBS technique. Molecular data clearly showed all spring varieties were genetically similar and distinguishable from the winter varieties, which, in turn, clustered together. Using molecular data, parental varieties belonging to the two different clusters were selected to generate new genetic variability. The new variety obtained, selected through the bulk method based on three parameters: yield, earliness, and weight of 1000 seeds, has allowed the generation of the new genetic material provisionally named C1244. Chemical characterization was performed (bromatological and glucosinolates analysis) to better describe C1244 in comparison with benchmark varieties. The new variety exhibited early maturity, similar to spring varieties, making this genetic material promising for use in intercropping systems, a high weight of 1000 seeds (1.46 g) which improves and facilitates seeding/harvesting operations and a high oil content (33.62%) akin to winter varieties making it valuable for human and animal food purposes.

Inflammaging and prognostic markers of endometriosis

Inflammaging, an age-associated inflammation, is a cellular stress response caused by DNA damage, activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressors, oxidative stress, chemotherapy, mitochondrial dysfunction, or epigenetic changes. Damage to macromolecules leads to the cessation of proliferation due to the activation of pathways such as p53/p21CIP1 and p16INK4a/RB. These form the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), the molecular/cellular manifestations of which in endometrial cells have features similar to those observed in endometriosis. Presently, there are no uniform diagnostic criteria or established molecular markers that can predict the development and course of endometriosis. In this regard, it is relevant to develop new minimally invasive examination methods, statistically based criteria and molecular markers for early diagnosis and prognosis of endometriosis. This review article is devoted to identifying molecular markers that characterize the pathogenesis of endometriosis during inflaming. The aim of the study was to consider modern ideas about the mechanisms of inflaming and its role in the development of endometriosis to determine possible molecular markers for predicting the course of the pathology. We used the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases to analyze and systematize the literature over the past ten years. Our review reflects the main molecular mechanisms and prognostic criteria that characterize the development of endometriosis during inflaming.

Molecular differentiation analysis of ten putative species of Fannia (Diptera: Fanniidae) collected in carrion-baited traps from Colombia.

The genus Fannia is the most representative of the Fannidae family of true flies with worldwide distribution. Some species are attracted to decomposing materials and live vertebrate animals, which makes them important in forensics, medical and veterinary fields. However, identifying Fannia species can be difficult due to the high similarity in the external morphology of females and limited descriptions and morphological keys. Herein, molecular markers could provide a complementary tool for species identification. However, molecular identification has still limited application since databases contain few data for neotropical species of Fannia. This study assessed the potential of two molecular markers, the COI-3' region and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), to differentiate 10 putative species of the genus Fannia from Colombia using distance-based and tree-based approaches. The partial ITS2 and/or COI-3' regions allowed molecular diagnosis of six species, while pairs of species Fannia colazorrensis + F. dodgei and F. laclara + F. aburrae are conflicting. Although these results might suggest that conflicting pair species are conspecific, consistent morphological differences between males do not support this hypothesis. The lack of differentiation at the nuclear and mitochondrial molecular markers for the conflicting species may be due to incomplete evolutionary lineage separation, hybridization, or introgression events. In addition, sexual selection on male morphological traits before species-specific differences in molecular markers emerge may partially explain the results. Our study provides a valuable dataset to identify and confirm some Fannia species molecularly. Further, they could be used to associate females and immature stages with their conspecifics as a baseline to deep into their biology, ecology, distribution and potential applications in forensic and medico-veterinary entomology.

Genetic diversity analysis using molecular markers and in vitro shoot regeneration of strawberry cultivars in Lam Dong

In the present study, start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism and CAAT box-derived polymorphism (CBDP) molecular markers were used to study the genetic diversity of ten strawberry cultivars. In addition, shoot regeneration from in vitro leaf explants of ten commercial cultivars, i.e Aicyberry, Kayonoka, Tochiotome, Penchika, Amauo, Pajado, Selva, Monterey, Camarosa, and Albion, was also investigated. The result showed that a total of 9 SCoT primers and 9 CBDP primers detected genetic polymorphism among ten strawberry cultivars. Comparatively, SCoT markers proved to be more efficient than CBDP markers in terms of percentage polymorphism as the former detected an average of 74.49% and the latter at 71.15%. Meanwhile, the indices of genetic diversity from the aggregated data of two techniques SCoT and CBDP are as follows: expected heterozygosity (He) 0.2480, Shannon index (I) 0.3749, polymorphic band ratio 75.56%. The highest level of genetic similarity among the cultivars was 0.827 (between Aicyberry and Kayonoka varieties), the lowest was 0.586 (between Aicyberry and Selva varieties), and the average was 0.724. In addition, the results of shoot regeneration of strawberry varieties from leaf discs with different sizes were strongly dependent on the genotype and weakly on explant size. Leaf explants (3 mm in size) of Camarosa cultivar cultured on MS medium supplemented with 7 g/l agar, 30 g/l sucrose and 2 mg/l TDZ gave the best shoot regeneration.

Self-rated health, epigenetic ageing, and long-term mortality in older Australians.

Self-rated health (SRH) is a subjective indicator of overall health based on a single questionnaire item. Previous evidence found that it is a strong predictor of mortality, although the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Epigenetic age is an objective, emerging biomarker of health, estimated using DNA methylation data at hundreds of sites across the genome. This study aimed to assess the overlap and interaction between SRH and epigenetic ageing in predicting mortality risk. We used DNA methylation data from 1059 participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (mean age: 69years) to calculate three age-adjusted measures of epigenetic ageing: GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPACE. SRH was assessed using a five-category questionnaire item ("excellent, very good, good, fair, poor"). Cox models were used to assess the associations of SRH, epigenetic ageing, and their interaction, with all-cause mortality over up to 17years of follow-up (Ndeaths = 345). The association of SRH with mortality per category increase was HR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.14-1.46. The association was slightly attenuated after adjusting for all three epigenetic ageing measures (HR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.10-1.41). A strong gradient was observed in the association of GrimAge (Pinteraction = 0.006) and DunedinPACE (Pinteraction = 0.002) with mortality across worsening SRH strata. For example, the association between DunedinPACE and mortality in participants with "excellent" SRH was HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.73-1.43 and for "fair/poor" HR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.35-2.20. SRH and epigenetic ageing were synergistic risk factors of mortality in our study. These findings suggest that consideration of subjective and objective factors may improve general health assessment, which has implications for the ongoing development of molecular markers of ageing.

Micropropagation of Al-Taif Rose: Effects of Medium Constituents and Light on In Vitro Rooting and Acclimatization

Micropropagation facilitates the rapid production of roses. Nevertheless, in vitro rhizogenesis of essential oil roses has presented significant challenges, primarily attributed to low rates of rooting and poorer acclimatization compared to ornamental rose varieties. This study reports the optimization of in vitro rooting of Al-Taif rose (Rosa damascena f. trigintipetala (Diek) R. Keller) microshoots with the aim of increasing survival rate during acclimatization. We also investigated the effects of various parameters, including type and concentration of auxin (i.e., 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), indole acetic acid (IAA), indole butyric acid (IBA), and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/L), salt strength (i.e., full- and half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium), sucrose concentration (i.e., 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80 g/L), light spectra (a 2:1 or 1:2 blue/red spectral ratio, cool or warm white light at a 1:1 ratio, and fluorescent light), light intensity (photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) values of 25, 50, and 100 µmol·m−2·s−1), and activated charcoal (i.e., 0 and 0.5 g/L) on the rooting and growth of in vitro regenerated Al-Taif rose axillary shoots. We found that half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L NAA, 80 g/L sucrose, 0.5 g/L activated charcoal, and 50 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD were the optimal conditions for 100% induction of adventitious roots. Next, micropropagated Al-Taif rose plantlets were successfully transferred to a potting medium containing perlite/peatmoss (in a 1:1 ratio). We found that 98% of plants survived ex vitro conditions. The genetic fidelity of micropropagated Al-Taif rose clones along with their mother plant was tested using the inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) molecular marker. The genetic similarity between the micropropagated plantlets and the mother plant of Al-Taif rose plants was 98.8%, revealing high uniformity and true-to-type regenerated plants. These findings may therefore contribute toward the commercial micropropagation of Al-Taif roses.

Imidazolinone Resistance in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.): Current Status, Breeding, Molecular Markers and Prospects for Application in Hybrid Seed Purity Improvement

Imidazolinone Resistance in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.): Current Status, Breeding, Molecular Markers and Prospects for Application in Hybrid Seed Purity Improvement

Serum ASGR2 level: an efficacy biomarker for balloon pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundThis study aimed to employ plasma proteomics to investigate the molecular changes, pathway alterations, and potential novel biochemical markers associated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).MethodsPre- and post-BPA plasma samples from five CTEPH patients in the PRACTICE study were analyzed to identify differentially expressed proteins. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted, and the identified proteins were further validated using ELISA assays in a separate cohort of the same study. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between these differentially expressed proteins and clinical parameters.ResultsSignificantly higher serum levels of asialoglycoprotein receptor 2 (ASGR2) were detected in 5 CTEPH patients compared to those in healthy individuals but decreased significantly after successful BPA procedures. The decrease in serum levels of ASGR2 after the completion of BPA procedures was further validated in a separate cohort of 48 patients with CTEPH [0.70 (0.51, 1.11) ng/mL vs. 0.38 (0.27, 0.59) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. Significant associations were found between the pre-BPA ASGR2 level and clinical parameters, including neutrophil percentage (R = 0.285, P < 0.05), platelet (PLT) count (R = 0.386, P < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) before BPA (R = -0.285, P < 0.05). Significant associations were detected between post-BPA serum ASGR2 levels and lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (R = 0.306, P < 0.05), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (R = -0.294, P < 0.05), and pulmonary vascular resistance after BPA (R = -0.35, P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that pre-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with HDL-C and PLT count (both P < 0.001), while post-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with LYM% (P < 0.05).ConclusionSerum levels of ASGR2 may be a biomarker for the effectiveness of BPA treatment in CTEPH patients. The pre-BPA serum level of ASGR2 in CTEPH patients was associated with HDL-C and the PLT count. The post-BPA serum level of ASGR2 was correlated with the LYM%, which may reflect aspects of immune and inflammatory status.

Changes in CpG Methylation of the Vitellogenin 1 Promoter in Adult Male Zebrafish after Exposure to 17α-Ethynylestradiol.

Numerous pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with hormonal homeostasis, leading to developmental disorders and other pathologies. The synthetic estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is used in oral contraceptives and other hormone therapies. EE2 and other estrogens are inadvertently introduced into aquatic environments through municipal wastewater and agricultural effluents. Exposure of male fish to estrogens increases expression of the egg yolk precursor protein vitellogenin (Vtg), which is used as a molecular marker of exposure to estrogenic EDCs. The mechanisms behind Vtg induction are not fully known, and we hypothesized that it is regulated via DNA methylation. Adult zebrafish were exposed to either dimethyl sulfoxide or 20 ng/L EE2 for 14 days. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and DNA methylation were assessed in male zebrafish livers at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 4, 7, and 14 days of exposure; and those of females were assessed at 13 days (n ≥ 4/group/time point). To test the persistence of any changes, we included a recovery group that received EE2 for 7 days and did not receive any for the following 7 days, in the total 14-day study. Methylation of DNA at the vtg1 promoter was assessed with targeted gene bisulfite sequencing in livers of adult male and female zebrafish. A significant increase in vtg1 mRNA was observed in the EE2-exposed male fish as early as 6 h. Interestingly, DNA methylation changes were observed at 4 days. Decreases in the overall methylation of the vtg1 promoter in exposed males resulted in levels comparable to those in female controls, suggesting feminization. Importantly, DNA methylation levels in males remained significantly impacted after 7 days post-EE2 removal, unlike mRNA levels. These data identify an epigenetic mark of feminization that may serve as an indicator of not only estrogenic exposure but also previous exposure to EE2. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-10. © 2024 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Enhancing Heart Transplantation: Utilizing Gas-Loaded Nanocarriers to Mitigate Cold/Hypoxia Stress

Gas-loaded nanocarriers (G-LN) show promise in improving heart transplantation (HTx) outcomes. Given their success in reducing cell death during normothermic hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro, we tested their integration into cardioplegic solutions and static cold storage (SCS) during simulated HTx. Wistar rat hearts underwent four hours of SCS with four G-LN variants: O2- or N2-cyclic-nigerosyl-nigerose-nanomonomers (CNN), and O2- or N2-cyclic-nigerosyl-nigerose-nanosponges (CNN-NS). We monitored physiological-hemodynamic parameters and molecular markers during reperfusion to assess cell damage/protection. Hearts treated with nanomonomers (N2-CNN or O2-CNN) showed improvements in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and a trend towards faster recovery of the rate pressure product (RPP) compared to controls. However, nanosponges (N2-CNN-NS or O2-CNN-NS) did not show similar improvements. None of the groups exhibited an increase in diastolic left ventricular pressure (contracture index) during reperfusion. Redox markers and apoptosis/autophagy pathways indicated an increase in Beclin 1 for O2-CNN and in p22phox for N2-CNN, suggesting alterations in autophagy and the redox environment during late reperfusion, which might explain the gradual decline in heart performance. The study highlights the potential of nanomonomers to improve early cardiac performance and mitigate cold/H/R-induced stunning in HTx. These early improvements suggest a promising avenue for increasing HTx success. Nevertheless, further research and optimization are needed before clinical application.

Analysis of the Effects of the Vrn-1 and Ppd-1 Alleles on Adaptive and Agronomic Traits in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat heading time is primarily governed by two loci: VRN-1 (response to vernalization) and PPD-1 (response to photoperiod). Five sets of near-isogenic lines (NILs) were studied with the aim of investigating the effect of the aforementioned genes on wheat vegetative period duration and 14 yield-related traits. Every NIL was sown in the hydroponic greenhouse of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS. To assess their allelic composition at the VRN-1 and PPD-1 loci, molecular markers were used. It was shown that HT in plants with the Vrn-A1vrn-B1vrn-D1 genotype was reduced by 29 and 21 days (p < 0.001) in comparison to HT in plants with the vrn-A1Vrn-B1vrn-D1 and the vrn-A1vrn-B1Vrn-D1 genotypes, respectively. In our study, we noticed a decrease in spike length as well as spikelet number per spike parameter for some NIL carriers of the Vrn-A1a allele in comparison to carriers of the Vrn-B1 allele. PCA revealed three first principal components (PC), together explaining more than 70% of the data variance. Among the studied genetic traits, the Vrn-A1a and Ppd-D1a alleles showed significant correlations with PCs. Regarding genetic components, significant correlations were calculated between PC3 and Ppd-B1a (−0.26, p < 0.05) and Vrn-B1 (0.57, p < 0.05) alleles. Thus, the presence of the Vrn-A1a allele affects heading time, while Ppd-D1a is associated with plant height reduction.

Molecular Markers and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Camel Calves Including Colistin-Resistant and Hypermucoviscuous Strains

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains are capable of causing various systemic infections in both humans and animals. In this study, we isolated and characterized 30 E. coli strains from the parenchymatic organs and brains of young (<3 months of age) camel calves which died in septicemia. Six of the strains showed hypermucoviscous phenotype. Based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, seven of the strains were potentially multidrug resistant, with two additional showing colistin resistance. Four strains showed mixed pathotypes, as they carried characteristic virulence genes for intestinal pathotypes of E. coli: three strains carried cnf1, encoding cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1, the key virulence gene of necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC), and one carried eae encoding intimin, the key virulence gene of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). An investigation of the integration sites of pathogenicity islands (PAIs) and the presence of prophage-related sequences showed that the strains carry diverse arrays of mobile genetic elements, which may contribute to their antimicrobial resistance and virulence patterns. Our work is the first to describe ExPEC strains from camels, and points to their veterinary pathogenic as well as zoonotic potential in this important domestic animal.

Application of MAC methods in wheat breeding for resistance to Septoria blight

The review presents up-to-date information on the genes of resistance of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Septoria blight (STB), the causative agents of which are Zymoseptoria tritici, Paras- tagonospora nodorum, Mycosphaerella graminicola. The main attention is paid to the genetic control of wheat resistance to septoria blight from the point of view of the quantitative and qualitative nature of resistance and its effectiveness. The successes achieved so far in the identification of genes and loci of quantitative wheat traits associated with resistance to Z. tritici and P. nodorum are summarized. The characteristics of 15 genes of resistance to septoria blight and the most commonly used molecular markers are given. The data on the varieties with the most effective STB resistance genes are presented: Bulgaria 88, Oasis, Sullivan, Veranopolis, Chinese spring, Tadinia, Flame, Hereword, Curtot, Tonic, Kavkaz-K4500, Arina, Riband, Balance, Apach. Promising markers, mainly microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSR), are recommended for use in breeding for T. aestivum L. resistance to septoria blight. It is technically difficult to use fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) as molecular markers of resistance genes of cultivated plants. As new resistance genes are discovered and mapped, information about the possibility of pyramiding Stb genes in the breeding material is being updated. The combination of several genes in the genome increases the stability of the variety, since the activity of the genes against STB is manifested at different stages of plant development. The use of known genes in marker-mediated wheat selection and the search for new resistance genes will allow to obtain stable yields with minimal use of pesticides.