Primary Protein Source Research Articles

Extracellular calreticulin regulates fibrogenic and immunogenic properties of hepatic stellate cells.

Liver fibrosis is a persistent damage repair response triggered by various etiological factors, resulting in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activated hepatic stellate cells (HpSCs) are the primary source of ECM proteins. Therefore, specifically targeting HpSCs has become a crucial approach for treating liver fibrosis. Calreticulin (CRT) is a molecular chaperone mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulating protein folding and calcium homeostasis. Recently, CRT has gained much attention for its role outside the ER, particularly at the cell surface and extracellular space, acting as an immunomodulatory protein. The current study investigates the role of extracellular CRT in hepatic injury and its effects on HpSCs. Elevated levels of circulating CRT were observed in mouse models of liver injury, suggesting that hepatic injury may trigger CRT release. Extracellular CRT was found to moderately inhibit HpSC viability and induce morphological changes. Additionally, CRT treatment led to a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin and an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, indicating a potential fibrolytic effect. Immunomodulatory activities of CRT were also noted, as it increased cytokine expression in both macrophages and HpSCs. These effects were partially mediated through low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), as evidenced by altered cytokine expression upon co-treatment with a known LRP1 ligand receptor-associated protein (RAP). Overall, this study elucidates the complex role of extracellular CRT in liver injury and its potential impact on HpSC behavior and immune responses.

Effects of Substituting Soybean Meal With Winged Bean on Growth, Physiological Function and Flesh Quality of Indian Butter Catfish (Ompok bimaculatus).

Soybean meal (SBM) remains a primary protein source in aquafeeds. This study investigated the potential of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) meal as a SBM replacement in diets for butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) juveniles (mean weight: 1.24 ± 0.23 g). A response surface methodology (RSM) optimized processing conditions to minimize antinutritional factors (ANFs) in winged bean meal (WBM), resulting in minimized tannin (4.14 ± 0.018 mg/g at 40 min, 110°C), phytate (0.414 ± 0.0009 mg/g at 31.67 min, 104.5°C) and trypsin inhibitor activity (70.8 ± 0.06% inhibition at 20 min, 90°C). Experimental diets containing 30% crude protein and varying levels of WBM substitution (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were fed for 70 days. Growth performance, measured by weight gain, was significantly higher in the 25% substitution group (p < 0.05) but not significantly different from the control at 50% substitution. Quadratic regression analysis predicted an optimal inclusion level of 15.10% for maximizing weight gain. Survival rates did not differ significantly among treatments (p > 0.05). Feed utilization was most efficient in the 25% substitution group. Haematological and immunological parameters indicated improved fish health at the 25% substitution level. Flesh quality attributes, including texture profile analysis, pH and antioxidant activity, were superior in the 25% group compared to other treatments. However, colour enhancement was more pronounced at higher inclusion levels (≥50%). While flesh pH and antioxidant activity suggested potential stress at higher winged bean inclusion levels, the 25% group showed improved values compared to the control. These findings suggest that WBM can potentially replace up to 50% of SBM in butter catfish diets, offering a promising alternative protein source. This study provides preliminary data on the feasibility and prospects of utilizing WBM in O. bimaculatus diets.

Rumen protozoa and viruses: New insights into their diversity and potential roles through omics lenses-A review.

The rumen microbiome is essential for breaking down indigestible plant material, supplying ruminants with most of their metabolizable energy and protein. While research has primarily focused on bacteria and archaea, protozoa and viruses (phages) have only gained attention in recent years. Protozoa contribute to feed digestion and fermentation, but as predators, they regulate microbial populations by lysing large quantities of microbial cells (the primary protein source for ruminants) and influence the amount of microbial protein reaching the small intestines, along with other mechanisms of interactions. While rumen viruses (or phages) are abundant and diverse, they remain the least understood component of the rumen ecosystem. They can profoundly affect the rumen microbiome by directly lysing their hosts and reprogramming host metabolism through multiple mechanisms, including gene transfer and alteration of central carbon metabolism. Recent advances in omics technologies have deepened our understanding of these viruses, revealing their complex roles in rumen function. This review integrates current knowledge and recent discoveries from omics studies, highlighting the transformative impact of omics-based approaches. It also identifies critical knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions, including selective inhibition of rumen protozoa, development of phages as potential intervention tools to manage specific undesirable rumen microbes, and the causal impacts of rumen viruses on microbial dynamics and animal productivity.

Supplementation of essential amino acids suppresses age-associated sleep loss and sleep fragmentation but not loss of rhythm strength under yeast-restricted malnutrition in Drosophila.

Sleep quality and quantity decrease with age, and sleep disturbance increases the risk of many age-associated diseases. There is a significant relationship between nutritional status and sleep outcomes, with malnutrition inducing poor sleep quality in older adults. However, it remains elusive whether, and if so how, nutritional supplementation prevents age-associated sleep problems. Here, we utilized Drosophila to investigate the effects of a malnutrition diet with restricted yeast, a primary protein source, and supplementation of ten essential amino acids (EAAs) on sleep profiles during aging. Compared with the standard diet containing 2.7% yeast, the malnutrition diet containing 0.27% yeast significantly decreased target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and shortened the lifespan of male Canton-S flies. By contrast, age-associated sleep loss, sleep fragmentation, and loss of rhythm strength were similarly observed under both diets. Supplementation of the malnutrition diet with EAAs in restricted yeast significantly ameliorated age-associated sleep loss and sleep fragmentation without altering loss of rhythm strength. It also rescued decreased TOR signaling activity but not the shortened lifespan, suggesting that the effects of EAAs on sleep integrity are independent of TOR activity and lifespan regulation. These results may help to develop dietary interventions that improve age-related sleep problems in humans.

Development and Validation of Kompetitive Allele-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction Markers for Seed Protein Content in Soybean.

Seed protein content is a critical trait in soybean breeding, as it provides a primary source of high-quality protein for both human consumption and animal feed. This study aimed to enhance molecular marker-assisted selection for high-protein soybean varieties by developing Kompetitive Allele-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (KASP) markers targeted at loci associated with seed protein content. Nineteen markers with high genotyping efficacy were identified through screening. Utilizing SN76 (a high-protein line) as the male parent and SN49 and DS1 (both low-protein lines) as female parents, 484 F6 generation individuals from these hybrid combinations were selected to validate the predictive accuracy of the 19 KASP markers. Notably, KASP-Pro-1, KASP-Pro-2, and KASP-Pro-3 effectively distinguished genotypes associated with high and low protein content, with prediction accuracies of 68.4%, 75.0%, and 83.3%, respectively. These results underscore the reliability and practical utility of the selected molecular markers, which are located within the genes Glyma.03G219900, Glyma.14G119000, and Glyma.17G074400, respectively. Haplotype analysis and gene pyramiding indicate that these three genes may influence seed protein content. Consequently, these KASP markers can be effectively integrated into genetic and genomic research on soybean seed protein content as well as into marker-assisted breeding.

Watershed development - present status and fisheries perspectives in Indian context

India encompasses a rich aquatic biodiversity, hosting vast arrays of freshwater, brackish water, and marine ecosystems. These unique landscapes harbor abundant fisheries resources, constituting primary protein sources and income channels for millions. Fisheries are an essential source of food security, livelihoods, employment generation, recreation, trade, and foreign exchange earnings worldwide. However, over exploitation, pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and other anthropogenic activities threaten fisheries resources' sustainability. Therefore, integrated approaches like watershed management can help restore and maintain aquatic ecosystem health, ensuring sustainable fish production while enhancing social welfare. This article explores the significance of watershed development in conserving fisheries resources and promoting their long-term viability.Watershed development plays a pivotal role in nurturing sustainable aquatic ecosystems and enhancing fisheries production in India. Amid intensified exploitative pressures coupled with changing climatic scenarios, watershed development emerges as an integral intervention toward sustainable fisheries conservation and management.Despite considerable progress made, certain constraints persist, necessitating targeted strategies for optimal outcomes. This article evaluates the current scenario, future possibilities, and viewpoints concerning watershed development vis-a-vis fisheries in India.. KEYWORDS :Watershed Development, Fisheries, India, Status, Prospects, Perspective

Genotype and grain pretreatment effects on digestibility of sorghum proteins in the Ethiopian fermented bread

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSorghum is the principal food source for smallholder farmers in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Animal proteins are beyond economic reach, and only few food legumes are well‐adapted in major sorghum‐growing regions. Hence, sorghum serves as the primary source of protein and calories. However, the low digestibility of its proteins renders the communities vulnerable to protein malnutrition. Several factors, including genotypes and processing methods, have been shown to affect the digestibility of proteins in sorghum food products. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of grain pretreatment on the protein digestibility of Ethiopian fermented flatbread.FindingsThe effect of four grain pretreatment processes: decortication, sprouting, parching, and untreated control was compared using four diverse sorghum genotypes milled to medium (2 mm) and fine (0.5 mm) particle sizes. The in‐vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) was significantly lower in the parched samples compared to the unprocessed control, while sprouting significantly increased IVPD. Decortication appears to have no impact on IVPD. Finer particle size tended to enhance IVPD in all genotypes and for all pretreatement methods. The treatments had no significant effect on protein content except the sprouting consistently but marginally increased total protein.ConclusionsSprouting sorghum grains can significantly improve the protein digestibility of fermented breads. Given that it involves little cost, the process can be readily adopted by the local community, provided that they are educated about the impact of protein deficiency on the health and productivity of the community.Significance and NoveltyLow‐cost grain pretreatment procedures such as sprouting can have a significant impact on the availability of nutrients, especially protein, the most limiting nutrient in smallholder communities. Combining the procedure with genetically enhanced varieties and improved cropping systems that integrate food legumes can significantly enhnace protein nutrition for smallholder farmers.

Influence of aquaculture environments on the muscle quality of Golden Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) in the Beibu Gulf: A multifaceted analysis of nutritional, textural, and flavor profiles

Golden Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is a primary source of high-quality protein, yet its muscle quality is significantly influenced by varying aquaculture environments, impacting both nutritional value and marketability. This study aimed to assess the muscle quality of T. ovatus across estuary, nearshore, and offshore aquaculture environments in the Beibu Gulf. We employed standardized protocols to evaluate key quality parameters including basic nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, volatile substances, flavor nucleotides, and thermal stability through heat analysis. Data analysis was conducted using statistical comparisons across different environments to identify significant differences. Our results indicated that offshore aquaculture environments yielded T. ovatus with superior nutritional profiles, exhibiting higher moisture, ash, crude protein, and crude fat contents. Additionally, offshore-cultivated fish demonstrated better textural qualities and higher levels of essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and umami-flavor nucleotides. These findings highlight that offshore aquaculture environments optimize the muscle quality of T. ovatus, suggesting implications for environmental management and enhancing fish meat quality in aquaculture practices.

PH shift extraction technique for plant proteins: A promising technique for sustainable development

With the recognition of animal-derived foods as unhealthy and their association with climate change, researchers are increasingly focusing on plant-based protein as a sustainable alternative. Plant proteins offer versatile functional and dietary benefits, making them suitable for various food applications. This study investigates the influence of alkaline and acidic pH conditions on the extraction yield and the functional and nutritional properties of plant-based proteins. The primary sources of plant protein include cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, which can be used to address essential amino acid deficiencies through blending. Several methods have been employed for protein extraction from plant sources, such as salt extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and micellar precipitation. Among these techniques, the pH shift method stands out due to its non-thermal nature, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In this method, proteins are solubilized at alkaline pH and then precipitated at their isoelectric point, resulting in a collection of protein precipitate. It is crucial to optimize extraction techniques based on qualitative and quantitative analysis to enhance protein yield, characteristics, and nutritional value. Most conventional protein extraction methods require a large quantity of chemicals, which imposes the issue of safe disposal, compromising environmental sustainability. Traditional methods also produce protein with non-proteinaceous constituents, adding another purification step and resulting in increased overall cost. However, the pH shift method utilizes comparatively less harsh chemicals and has a high protein extraction yield, which makes it comparatively more environmentally and economically sustainable. The sustainable extraction of plant-based proteins addresses the health and environmental concerns associated with animal-derived foods and offers a promising solution to promote sustainability in the food industry.

PETRI-MED: Enhancing marine phytoplankton diversity monitoring in the Mediterranean

PETRI-MED: Enhancing marine phytoplankton diversity monitoring in the Mediterranean Preserving biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. Unfortunately, it is facing growing threats. Marco Talone and the PETRI-MED Team discuss their objectives for the PETRI-MED project and explain why it is urgently necessary. Marine biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems. The variety of life forms in our oceans—from microscopic plankton to giant whales—plays a key role in sustaining ecological balance. Each species contributes to ecosystem services such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling, which are vital for the planet’s health. Marine biodiversity also supports the global food web, providing a primary source of protein for over three billion people. Additionally, it contributes to the blue economy through fisheries, tourism, and biotechnology. Lastly, healthy marine ecosystems are better equipped to withstand and recover from environmental changes and human impacts, such as climate change and pollution. Among the various life forms inhabiting our ocean, phytoplankton is one of the most important.

Feather meal as a sustainable protein source for aquaculture in Bangladesh: Economic implications

The aquaculture industry is primarily burdened by the costs associated with feed. It is fundamentally dependent on fish meal derived from wild-caught sources as the primary source of protein. With the widespread adoption of alternative feed ingredients for sustainable production, this study evaluated the use of poultry feathers as feed ingredients to produce hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) and its economic implications in Bangladesh. Samples were collected from the poultry markets of Dhaka city and hydrolyzed using formic acid for hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) contains a higher percentage of crude protein nutritional analysis. A questionnaire survey was executed to evaluate the market dynamics associated with poultry waste. It was observed that the city generates approximately 1000 metric tons of poultry waste every day. Among them, 95% of the waste is thrown away. It was discerned that 0.5 metric tons of feather meal could be generated using one ton of raw feathers. Annually, 3000 metric tons of feather meal could be produced with a value of 0.9 million US$. The HFM contains a higher percentage of crude protein (86.53±0.02%) with crude fat (5.03±0.03%). It contains most of the important amino acids that are beneficial for the growth of fish. The price of the HFM was estimated at 0.27 to 0.30 US$ per kilogram, notably lower compared to fish meal (1.1 US$), and bone meal (0.7 US$). The physical properties of the HFM were found satisfactory. Thus, domestically sourced hydrolyzed feather meal could be used as a feed ingredients for aquaculture operations to reduce feed costs. HFM has the potential to be utilized as a cost-effective feed ingredient, thus lowering overall feed expenses, and presenting a substantial commercial potential.

Farmed crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) raised with dermestids (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) suffer from reduced and delayed growth, but not enough to explain reports of dramatic yield loss.

The mass production of insects for food and feed is an expanding North American industry. Facilities that mass rear insects are at risk of pest infestations because the optimal environmental conditions for rearing beneficial species may also support the development of pest species. Here, we present the first recorded results detailing the interactions between dermestids and farmed crickets. Cricket farms have reported extremely low harvest yield during heavy dermestid infestations, but the exact reasons for this low yield are unknown. Many dermestid larvae are covered in dense, detachable, barbed setae called hastisetae, which are used by the larvae as an active trapping system against arthropod predators. We designed a series of experiments to test the hypotheses that a dermestid pest of cricket farms, black larder beetle (Dermestes ater DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)), may be directly impacting Gryllodes sigillatus Walker (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) yield through the physical effects of hastisetae ingestion and/or indirectly impacting cricket yield through competition for fishmeal, a primary source of protein in conventional cricket feed. Our predictions that G. sigillatus life history and survival would be negatively affected by dermestids were largely refuted. Females fed infested diets grew less mass, but not smaller body size, compared to females fed uninfested diets. We also found that while G. sigillatus experienced delayed growth early in life after living with dermestids, they were able to tolerate living with, and consuming, dermestid larvae. We discuss how these findings have led to new hypotheses concerning how dermestid infestations drive reductions in cricket farm yield.

Impacts of substituting fish meal with full-fat or defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on growth, quality, and health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

This study investigated the use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL), provided in either full-fat (FBSF) or defatted (DBSF) forms, as an alternative protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Specifically, the influence was assessed of BSFL on growth performance, hematological parameters, body composition, and histology. Nine diets (including the control) were formulated to be isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isolipidic (6 % crude lipid), relying on fish meal as the primary protein source and gradually replacing it with BSFL meal at levels of 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, or 100 % on an equivalent protein basis, corresponding to dietary inclusion levels of 5.25 %, 10.25 %, 15.5 %, and 20.0 %, respectively. Fish with an initial mean weight ± standard deviation of 1.3 ± 0.26 g were fed for 12 weeks until the fish final weight was in the range 24.08–34.95 g. Based on the results, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the growth performance or feed conversion ratios among the treatments. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the hematological responses or the proximate body composition. Furthermore, 100 % substitution of fish meal with FSFL and DBSF meal caused blood congestion in the hepatopancreas region and several intraepithelial leukocytes in the intestine. There were no detrimental impacts at levels of 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % on growth performance, hematological responses, body composition, or the intestines or liver histological characteristics of the O. niloticus fingerlings. This information should provide useful guidance for the management of Nile tilapia, an economically important species.

Microbial community profiling in intestinal tract of indigenous chickens from different villages

Village chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are commonly reared in rural households of South Africa and other developing countries. They play a vital role as a primary source of protein through the provision of meat and eggs. The chicken gut microbiota plays an important role in chicken’s immune system, its health, physiological development of the gut, digestion of food, nutrient absorption and productivity. Thus, it is imperative to critically investigate the chicken microbial composition in order to develop effective disease control measures and increase production. In this present study, microbial DNA was isolated from 34 non-descript mixed gender matured village chickens’ intestinal contents followed by high throughput Illumina sequencing targeting 16S rRNA gene. Senwamokgope village had the largest microbiota composition as compared to Itieleni and Thakgalang villages. Overall, Firmicutes (74%) was the most abundant phylum observed, followed by Proteobacteria (8%), Actinobateria (5%), and Bacteroidota (3%). At the genus level, Lactobacillus was the dominant bacteria. Other genera found included Sphingomonas (7%), Cutibacterium (4%), and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (2%). The richness of female intestinal microbiota was higher compared to the male microbiota. The findings of this study provide baseline information that can assist to better understand the chicken gut microbiota and its interaction with diseases and parasites.

Zootechnical Performance, Protease Activity and Proximate Composition of Nile Tilapia Fed Diets Containing Fish Silage Produced from Fish Waste

The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of fish silage (FS) on the growth performances, protease enzyme activity and muscle compositions of Nile tilapia. In this regard, FS was produced from the waste parts of carp, pangus and tilapia and five iso-nitrogenous (containing 35% crude protein) diets were formulated in which fishmeal (FM) was used as the primary protein source in the control diet (0% FS, T1). The remaining four diets were formulated by replacing 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (T5) FM protein with the FS. These diets were fed to tilapia at 8-6% of their body weight rearing them in glass tanks at the density of 15 fish/tank in triplicates. After fifty-days feeding trial, survival (%) of fish remained unaffected among the dietary treatments. Tilapia fed with 75% FS based diet showed improved growth and lower FCR, whereas those fed a diet with 100% FS exhibited lower growth rates. Notably, protease enzyme activity (mg/ml/min) increased with higher levels of FS inclusion. Increased crude protein content was observed in the fish fed the 75% FS diet. These findings underscore the potential of including FS up to 75% to enhance the growth performance of Nile tilapia.

Potential response of Mexican consumers to a Ban on genetically modified Maize imports

Mexico enacted a decree to ban the sale of genetically modified (GM) maize seed and maize for human consumption. Maize is particularly important to the average diet in Mexico as it is the main feed for the primary source of protein (poultry) and the main ingredient for the primary source of calories (corn tortillas). This study aimed to assess consumer awareness of the decree, support for the decree, and sensitivity of support given possible economic outcomes related to the decree. Additionally, we estimate the premiums consumers were willing to pay (WTP) for non-GM products relative to GM products (i.e., chicken meat, eggs, and corn tortillas). Results show that 54% of the Mexicans were unaware of the ban and that 77% of those aware supported the ban. Many consumers were willing to pay premiums to cover potential price increases due to the ban; however, not all low-income consumers would pay the potential premiums. Focusing on low-income consumers is particularly important, given they will likely be affected disproportionately more by the burden of increased food prices.

Identification of Multiple Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Determining Seed Size and Weight in Soybean

Soybean is a primary source of plant-based oil and protein for human diets. Seed size and weight are important agronomic traits that significantly influence soybean yield. Despite their importance, the genetic mechanisms underlying soybean seed size and weight remain to be fully elucidated. In order to identify additional, major quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed size and weight, we developed segregating populations by crossing a large-seeded soybean variety “Kebaliang” with a small-seeded soybean variety “SUZUMARU”. We evaluated seed length, width, thickness, and hundred-seed weight across two generations, F4 and F5, in 2022 and 2023. Employing bulked segregate analysis with whole-genome resequencing (BSA-seq), we detected 18 QTLs in the F4 population and 12 QTLs in the F5 population. Notably, six QTLs showed high stability between the two generations, with five derived from two pleiotropic loci (qSS4-1 and qSS20-1) and one specific to seed width (qSW14-1). Further validation and refinement of these loci were carried out through linkage mapping using molecular markers in the F5 population. Additionally, we identified 18 candidate genes within these stable loci and analyzed their sequence variations and expression profiles. Together, our findings offered a foundational reference for further soybean seed size research and unveiled novel genetic loci and candidate genes that could be harnessed for the genetic enhancement of soybean production.

Effect of Calcination Temperature on Green Powder From Ensis sp. Shell Waste

Ensis sp. is a primary source of protein from the Nyumbun Tradition in Jambi Province, and it is becoming solid waste after tradition. This study explored the effect of calcination temperature on green powder derived from Ensis sp. shell waste. Before characterization, the powder was treated at room temperature, 800 °C, and 900 °C. After that, the powder material was studied using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) instruments. The material was shifted using a 200 mesh sieve. Temperature of 800 and 900 °C showed similar Ca content of 443 and 447,6 mg/g, respectively. The morphology of the two samples was different due to the other temperature conditions used. Higher temperatures induce decomposition, leading to a decrease in particle size. The product of this process could be used as a promising heterogeneous catalyst, so it reduced the existence of shell waste.

Cysteine protease cathepsin B promotes lysosome integrity to extend the lifespan of alternative day fasting worms.

Alternative day fasting (ADF) has been shown to enhance the lifespan of animals. However, human trials evaluating the efficacy of ADF have only recently emerged, presenting challenges due to the extreme nature of this dietary regimen. To better understand the effects of ADF, we investigated its impact using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Our findings reveal that ADF extends the lifespan of worms nourished on animal-based protein source, while those fed with plant-based protein as the primary protein source do not experience such benefits. Remarkably, initiating ADF during midlife is sufficient to prolong lifespan, whereas implementation during youth results in developmental damage, and in older age, fails to provide additional extension effects. Furthermore, we discovered that midlife ADF up-regulates the expression of two cysteine protease cathepsin B genes, cpr-2 and cpr-5, which preserve lysosomal integrity and enhance its function in digesting aggregated proteins, as well as enhancing lipid metabolism and ameliorating neurodegenerative disease markers and phenomena during aging. This suggests that midlife ADF has long lasting anti-aging effects and may delay the onset of related diseases, specifically in animals consuming animal-based protein source. These findings offer valuable insights into the effects of ADF and provide guidance for future research and potential applications in individuals.

Densification of Genetic Map and Stable Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Amino Acid Content of Seed in Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Soybean, a primary vegetable protein source, boasts favorable amino acid profiles; however, its composition still falls short of meeting human nutritional demands. The soybean amino acid content is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. In this study, an F2 population of 186 individual plants derived from the cross between ChangJiangChun2 and JiYu166 served as the mapping population. Based on the previously published genetic map of our lab, we increased the density of the genetic map and constructed a new genetic map containing 518 SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers and 64 InDel (insertion-deletion) markers, with an average distance of 5.27 cm and a total length of 2881.2 cm. The content of eight essential amino acids was evaluated in the F2:5, F2:6, and BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction). A total of 52 QTLs (quantitative trait loci) were identified, and 13 QTL clusters were identified, among which loci02.1 and loci11.1 emerged as stable QTL clusters, exploring candidate genes within these regions. Through GO enrichment and gene annotation, 16 candidate genes associated with soybean essential amino acid content were predicted. This study would lay the foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of essential amino acid content and contribute to germplasm innovation in soybeans.