Tolerance Response Research Articles

Sex-dependent effects of chronic jet lag on circadian rhythm and metabolism in mice

BackgroundThe circadian clock integrates external environmental changes into the internal physiology of organisms. Perturbed circadian clocks due to misaligned light cycles increase the risk of diseases, including metabolic disorders. However, the effects of sex differences in this context remain unclear.MethodsCircadian misalignment was induced by a chronic jet lag (CJL) shift schedule (light-on time advanced by 6 h every 2 days) in C57BL/6N male and female mice. Core body temperature and activity rhythms were recorded using a nano tag, and the gene expression rhythms of clock and clock-controlled genes in the liver and adrenal glands were analyzed using qPCR. Glucose metabolism and insulin response were evaluated using glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and glucose response assays. Castration and testosterone replacement were performed to assess the fundamental role of testosterone in male phenotypes under CJL.ResultsUnder CJL treatment, male mice exhibited increased weight gain, whereas females exhibited decreased weight gain compared to that of the respective controls. CJL treatment induced a lower robustness of circadian rhythms in core body temperature and a weaker rhythm of clock gene expression in the liver and adrenal glands in females, but not in males. Only male mice exhibited glucose intolerance under CJL conditions, without the development of insulin resistance. Castrated mice without testosterone exhibited decreased weight gain and reduced robustness of body temperature rhythm, as observed in intact females. Testosterone replacement in castrated mice recovered the CJL-induced weight gain, robustness of temperature rhythm, and glucose intolerance observed in intact males.ConclusionsSignificant sex-based differences were observed in circadian clock organization and metabolism under CJL. Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining the circadian clock and regulating CJL metabolism in males.

The antisense CircRNA VvcircABH controls salt tolerance and the brassinosteroid signaling response by suppressing cognate mRNA splicing in grape.

Soil salinization is a major factor limiting the sustainable development of the grape industry. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are more stable than linear mRNAs and are involved in stress responses. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms underlying antisense circRNAs in plants remain unclear. We identified the antisense circRNA VvcircABH through high-throughput sequencing. Using genetic transformation methods and molecular biological techniques, we analyzed the effects of VvcircABH on the response to salt stress and the mechanisms underlying its effects. VvcircABH was located in the nucleus and upregulated by salt stress, while the expression level of its cognate gene VvABH (alpha/beta-hydrolase) was downregulated. VvcircABH overexpression or VvABH silencing greatly enhanced grape salt tolerance. VvcircABH could bind to the overlapping region and inhibits VvABH pre-mRNA splicing, thereby decreasing the expression level of VvABH. Additionally, VvcircABH repressed the additive effect of VvABH on the interaction between VvBRI1 (brassinosteroid-insensitive 1) and VvBKI1 (BRI1 kinase inhibitor 1), thus influencing the plant's response to BR, which plays important roles in plant salt tolerance. We conclude that VvcircABH and VvABH play distinct roles in the salt tolerance and brassinosteroid signaling response, and VvcircABH could govern the expression of VvABH by inhibiting its splicing.

INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR OF B-SCHOOL GEN Z AMIDST GEOPOLITICAL TENSION

This study investigates the investment behavior of Gen Z students from business schools (B-schools) in Bangalore, India, amidst geopolitical tensions, focusing on their financial strategies, risk tolerance, and psychological responses. Utilizing data from 52 respondents collected through a structured questionnaire, the research highlights the cautious yet optimistic approach of these finance-trained individuals during periods of market volatility. Findings reveal that while 78.8% of respondents exhibit high-risk tolerance, their preference for holding investments and reliance on both self-research and financial advisors indicate a conservative, informed strategy emphasizing long-term stability. The majority identified retirement savings as a primary investment goal, showcasing a forward-looking perspective despite limited investment experience. The study also uncovers significant psychological impacts, with 32.7% of respondents expressing anxiety during geopolitical tensions, highlighting the role of external uncertainties in shaping investor sentiment. Moreover, respondents demonstrated a nuanced understanding of market dynamics, with 55.8% acknowledging the long-term impact of geopolitical events on the Indian stock market. Their behavior, including a preference for sectoral diversification and reliance on expert analysis, reflects the application of theoretical financial knowledge to practical investment scenarios. By analyzing the unique responses of B-school Gen Z during geopolitical crises, this research bridges gaps in existing literature, offering insights into how finance-educated individuals navigate uncertainty. These findings hold implications for enhancing financial education to build resilience and confidence in young investors while contributing to broader market strategies and risk management practices during periods of geopolitical instability.

Ultrastretchable and highly sensitive ionic conductive hydrogel for environmentally resistant all-in-one human-motion sensors.

Conductive hydrogels have been considered ideal candidate materials for fabricating human-motion sensors due to their combination properties of electronic and tissue-like soft nature and the similar functions of human skin with mechanical and sensory properties. However, the perfect integration of multiple functionalities such as environmentally tolerant, stretchable, self-adhesive, self-healing, transparent, high sensitivity, and rapid response in one system (all-in-one) is still a significant challenge. Herein, a novel ionic conductive hydrogel platform with excellent comprehensive performance through multiple dynamic interactions was prepared by employing [BMIm]BF4/glycerol/water ternary solvent system. The dynamic hydrogen bonds, coordination bonds, and electrostatic interaction within the network endows the hydrogel excellent mechanical performance. The synchronous effect of ionic liquids and glycerol realized the high ionic conductivity, transparency, environmentally tolerance, and long-term stability. Sensors based on this hydrogel have a relatively high sensitivity, a fast response time, and a wide linear sensing range in monitoring human movements. It can also serve as electronic skin, like human skin, for touchscreen pen and writing. Thus, the all-in-one hydrogel was concluded to hold considerable promise for constructing the next generation of hydrogel platforms for human-motion sensors.

Understanding the tolerance of halophilic archaea to stress landscapes.

Haloarchaea, known for their resilience to environmental fluctuations, require a minimum salt concentration of 10% (w/v) for growth and can survive up to 35% (w/v) salinity. In biotechnology, these halophiles have diverse industrial applications. This study investigates the tolerance responses of nine haloarchaea: Haloferax mediterranei, Haloferax volcanii, Haloferax gibbonsii, Halorubrum californiense, Halorubrum litoreum, Natrinema pellirubrum, Natrinema altunense, Haloterrigena thermotolerans and Haloarcula sinaiiensis, under various stressful conditions. All these archaea demonstrated the ability to thrive in the presence of toxic metals such as chromium, nickel, cobalt and arsenic, and their tolerance to significantly elevated lithium concentrations in the medium was remarkable. Among the studied haloarchaea, Hfx. mediterranei exhibited superior resilience, particularly against lithium, with an impressive minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of up to 4 M LiCl, even replacing NaCl entirely. Haloferax species showed specificity for conditions with maximal growth rates, while Htg. thermotolerans and Nnm. altunense displayed high resilience without losing growth throughout the ranges, although these were generally low. ICP-MS results highlighted the impressive intracellular lithium accumulation in Nnm. pellirubrum, emphasizing its potential significance in bioremediation. This research highlights a new characteristic of haloarchaea, their tolerance to high lithium concentrations and the potential for new applications in extreme industrial processes and bioremediation.

Deciphering genetic mechanisms of Al toxicity tolerance through meta-QTL analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is known for its tolerance to high aluminum (Al) concentrations in soil. However, the precise genetic and physiological mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Recent research has identified several candidate genes (CGs) and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with Al toxicity tolerance in rice. Nevertheless, many more QTLs/genes are yet to be precisely mapped. We employed meta-QTL (M-QTL) analysis, integrating 12 independent mapping studies and 5 Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). The meta-analysis identified 53 M-QTLs from 157 projected QTLs, which were further narrowed down to 28 M-QTLs based on the number of overlapping QTLs on a consensus map. Gene identification through batch retrieval from the RAP database yielded 2,765 non-redundant genes within the 28 M-QTL regions. Comparison of M-QTL CGs with six expression datasets associated with Al toxicity tolerance in rice resulted in the identification of 219 CGs with significant differential expression. Notably, 34 CGs were identified to be common across at least 2 studies. Further downstream analyses of CGs revealed the presence of cis-regulatory elements, transcription factors, and transporter proteins related to the Al toxicity tolerance response. Additionally, we analyzed the expression patterns of the four CGs, namely NRT2.3, ALMT4, MT1, and MTP11, which showed significant upregulation in the Al toxicity-tolerant rice genotype, Anjali. Conversely, in the sensitive genotype Swarna, only NRT2.3 exhibited upregulation, while ALMT4, MT1, and MTP11 were downregulated. Our study highlights significant meta-regions that hold the potential for improving rice genotypes for enhanced tolerance to Al toxicity in acidic soils.

Safety and Tolerability of Letetresgene Autoleucel (Lete-cel; GSK3377794): Pilot Studies in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

To evaluate safety, tolerability, and anti-tumor response of lete-cel, genetically modified autologous T-cells expressing a T-cell receptor specific for NY-ESO-1/LAGE-1a shared epitope, alone or in combination with pembrolizumab, in human leukocyte antigen HLA-A*02-positive (HLA-A*02:01-, HLA-A*02:05-, and/or HLA-A*02:06-) patients with New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1)- and/or LAGE-1a-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Study 208749 was a single-arm study of lete-cel alone. Study 208471 was a multi-arm study of lete-cel alone or in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC. Over 2500 patients were screened for target expression. In the multi-arm study, 738 (45%) of 1638 tested patients were HLA-A*02-positive. NY-ESO-1 and LAGE-1a testing was positive in 12% (62/525) and 4% (15/348) of tested patients, respectively. Forty-one patients positive for HLA-A*02 and antigen expression were screened in the single-arm study. Overall, 43 patients underwent leukapheresis and 18 received lete-cel across studies. Lete-cel demonstrated a manageable safety profile. No fatal treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) were reported in either study. Cytopenias and cytokine release syndrome were the most common treatment-emergent AEs. Combining pembrolizumab with lete-cel did not appear to increase toxicity over lete-cel alone. Limited anti-tumor activity was observed; one of 18 patients had a durable response persisting for 18 months. Pharmacokinetic data showed similar T-cell expansion in all patients. Extensive HLA-A*02 and antigen expression testing was performed to identify potential participants. Lete-cel was generally well tolerated and had no unexpected AEs. Anti-tumor activity was observed in a limited number of patients.

The Genomic Signature and Transcriptional Response of Metal Tolerance in Brown Trout Inhabiting Metal-Polluted Rivers.

Industrial pollution is a major driver of ecosystem degradation, but it can also act as a driver of contemporary evolution. As a result of intense mining activity during the Industrial Revolution, several rivers across the southwest of England are polluted with high concentrations of metals. Despite the documented negative impacts of ongoing metal pollution, brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) survive and thrive in many of these metal-impacted rivers. We used population genomics, transcriptomics, and metal burdens to investigate the genomic and transcriptomic signatures of potential metal tolerance. RADseq analysis of six populations (originating from three metal-impacted and three control rivers) revealed strong genetic substructuring between impacted and control populations. We identified selection signatures at 122 loci, including genes related to metal homeostasis and oxidative stress. Trout sampled from metal-impacted rivers exhibited significantly higher tissue concentrations of cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc, which remained elevated after 11 days in metal-free water. After depuration, we used RNAseq to quantify gene expression differences between metal-impacted and control trout, identifying 2042 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gill, and 311 DEGs in the liver. Transcriptomic signatures in the gill were enriched for genes involved in ion transport processes, metal homeostasis, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and response to xenobiotics. Our findings reveal shared genomic and transcriptomic pathways involved in detoxification, oxidative stress responses and ion regulation. Overall, our results demonstrate the diverse effects of metal pollution in shaping both neutral and adaptive genetic variation, whilst also highlighting the potential role of constitutive gene expression in promoting metal tolerance.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Mediated Root Metabolic Reprogramming for Arsenic Tolerance in Soybean.

Arsenate (AsV) is absorbed and accumulated by plants, which can affect their physiological activities, disrupt gene expression, alter metabolite content, and influence growth. Despite the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) to mitigate the adverse effects of arsenic stress in plants, the underlying mechanisms of ZnONPs-mediated detoxification of AsV, as well as the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways involved, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated root metabolomic profiling of soybean germinating seedlings subjected to 25 μmol L-1 arsenate (Na2HAsO4) and ZnONPs at concentrations of 25 μmol L-1 (ZnO25) and 50 μmol L-1 (ZnO50). The objective of this study was to examine the effects on soybean root metabolomics under AsV toxicity. Metabolomic analysis indicated that 453, 501, and 460 metabolites were significantly regulated in response to AsV, ZnO25, and ZnO50 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. Pathway analysis of the differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs) revealed that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glutathione metabolism, proline and aldarate metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism were the most statistically enriched pathways in ZnONPs-supplemented plants. These findings suggest that ZnONPs enhance the tolerance response to AsV. Collectively, our results support the hypothesis that ZnONPs fertilization could be a potential strategy for improving soybean crop resilience under AsV stress.

Once-a-Week Ablative Radiotherapy as Replacement of Prolonged Fractionation in Frail Patients: Feasibility and Toxicity Results

Introduction The aim of this work was to explore the use of an original once-weekly radiotherapy fractionation in elderly or frail patients with recurrence or metastasis from different solid malignancies. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 patients treated from 2011 to 2019 with a once-weekly radiotherapy schedule. Patients received a median dose of 27.5 Gy, with weekly fractions of 4-5 Gy over 7-10 weeks. The treatment aimed at both palliative and cytoreductive objectives. Primary endpoints were feasibility and compliance, secondary outcome was acute toxicity. Results All patients completed the planned radiotherapy without interruptions. Acute toxicity was mild, with only one patient developing grade 3 toxicity (bowel perforation). Three months post-treatment, 74% of patients experienced symptom relief and tumor response. One-year local control rates were 26.7%, and treatment was generally well-tolerated. Conclusion This once-weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen demonstrated feasibility, good tolerance, and promising tumor response in frail and elderly patients. Although limited by a small sample size, the approach offers a practical alternative for patients unable to undergo conventional daily radiotherapy. Further studies on larger cohorts are required to validate these findings.

Establishing a Female Animal Model of Prediabetes Using a High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet.

Prediabetes is a condition that often precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes and is characterized by moderate levels of insulin resistance. This condition is well established in male animal models for diabetes; however, few female models exist. There is accumulating evidence that sex variations affect the pathogenesis, treatment, and consequences of numerous diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we sought to develop a diet-induced prediabetic female animal model to better understand prediabetes development and its effects in females. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the standard diet (SD) group fed a standard diet with normal drinking water, and the high-carbohydrate, high-fat (HCHF) group fed a high-carbohydrate and high-fat diet with drinking water supplemented with fructose. During induction, we measured food intake, body weight, body mass index (BMI), and oral glucose tolerance response (OGT). After the induction period, biochemical analyses were conducted to assess the levels of plasma leptin, ghrelin, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Glycogen concentrations were quantified in the liver and skeletal muscles. The HCHF diet-fed group presented higher body weight gain, food intake, and BMI levels, which were accompanied by elevated plasma insulin, ghrelin, and liver and skeletal muscle glycogen levels compared to the SD-fed group. In the HCHF diet-fed group, the HOMA-IR was above 1.9, suggesting the presence of moderate levels of insulin resistance. The OGT response was significantly higher in the HCHF-fed group versus the SD-fed group, suggesting impaired glucose tolerance, thus displaying the signs and symptoms of prediabetes. The HCHF diet with fructose led to the induction of prediabetes in female Sprague Dawley rats. This model could be used to investigate and outline the pathophysiological complications associated with prediabetes in females as a result of the prolonged ingestion of a high carbohydrate, high-fat diet with fructose. The development of this model could also serve as an effort to further bridge the gap regarding the inclusion of females in biomedical research, thus providing advancements in deriving better, specified treatment strategies for women.

Low-dose sufentanil does not affect tolerance to LBNP-induced central hypovolemia or blood pressure responses during a cold pressor test.

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of death in the prehospital setting. Since trauma-induced pain often accompanies a hemorrhagic insult, the administered pain medication must not interfere with critical autonomic regulation of arterial blood pressure and vital organ perfusion. The purpose of this study was to test two unrelated hypotheses: 1) sublingual sufentanil (Dsuvia) impairs tolerance to progressive central hypovolemia and 2) sublingual sufentanil attenuates pain sensation and the accompanying cardiovascular responses to a noxious stimulus. Twenty-nine adults participated in this double-blinded, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. After sublingual administration of sufentanil (30 μg) or placebo, participants completed a progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) challenge to tolerance (aim 1). After a recovery period, participants completed a cold pressor test (CPT; aim 2). Addressing the first aim, tolerance to LBNP was not different between trials (P = 0.495). Decreases in systolic blood pressure from baseline to the end of LBNP also did not differ between trials (time P < 0.001, trial P = 0.477, interaction P = 0.587). Finally, increases in heart rate from baseline to the end of LBNP did not differ between trials (time P < 0.001, trial P = 0.626, interaction P = 0.424). Addressing the second aim, sufentanil attenuated perceived pain (P < 0.001) in response to the CPT, though the magnitude of the change in mean blood pressure during the CPT (P = 0.078) was not different between trials. These data demonstrate that sublingual sufentanil does not impair tolerance to progressive central hypovolemia. Additionally, sublingual sufentanil attenuates perceived pain, but not the accompanying mean blood pressure responses to the CPT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Addressing two unique aims, we observed that sublingual sufentanil administration does not impair tolerance or cardiovascular responses to lower-body negative pressure (LBNP)-induced progressive central hypovolemia. Second, despite pain perception being reduced, sublingual sufentanil did not attenuate mean blood pressure responses to a cold pressor test (CPT).

Feasibility, Tolerability, and Preliminary Clinical Response of Fractionated Radiopharmaceutical Therapy with 213Bi-FAPI-46: Pilot Experience in Patients with End-Stage, Progressive Metastatic Tumors.

Radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs) based on fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) are a new option for progressive metastatic cancer in patients pretreated multiple times. To date, published in-human data refer to initial experiences with β-emitting 90Y- and 177Lu-based RPT. However, the short tumor retention time of FAPI ligands is considered a major limitation of FAPI RPT. Therefore, fractionated FAPI RPT with 213Bi, an α-emitter with a half-life of 46 min, appears to be a promising FAPI RPT regimen. Here, we report on our initial experiences with regard to the feasibility, tolerability, and response of fractionated 213Bi-FAPI-46 RPT. Methods: Six patients (4 women and 2 men) with progressive metastatic solid tumors (3 colon cancer, 1 anal cancer, 1 breast cancer, and 1 prostate cancer) aged 16-77 y were treated with a mean of 1,609 MBq of 213Bi-FAPI-46, fractionated into 53 single applications (range, 5-12 RPT applications per patient; mean, 8.8 applications) over a period of up to 107 h per patient. Of the 6 patients, 4 patients received adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab. 18F-FDG (4 patients) and 68Ga-FAPI-46 (5 patients) PET/CT scans were performed before and after RPT. PET images were assessed visually and by calculating total lesion glycolysis and total lesion FAPI. Results: RPT with 213Bi-FAPI-46 was well tolerated without adverse side effects. In terms of visual response assessment, there was 1 partial response (16.7%), 1 patient with stable disease (16.7%), and 4 patients with progressive disease (66.7%). Concordantly, total lesion glycolysis and total lesion FAPI were decreased in the responding patient (not applicable and -24.3%, respectively), slightly decreased in the patient with stable disease (-10.6% and -5.9%, respectively), and increased in the 4 patients with progression (mean, +104.4% and +321.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Fractionated FAPI RPT with the short-half-life α-emitter 213Bi-FAPI-46 is a promising approach that matches the pharmacokinetics of FAPI-46 better than the 177Lu- or 90Y-labeled compounds. In this pilot project, fractionated RPT with 213Bi-FAPI-46 showed good clinical tolerability and even led to regressive or stable disease in the short term in 2 of 6 patients. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are required to evaluate the actual efficacy and long-term effects of this variant of FAPI RPT.

Unveiling genetic anchors in saccharomyces cerevisiae: QTL mapping identifies IRA2 as a key player in ethanol tolerance and beyond.

Ethanol stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well-studied phenomenon, but pinpointing specific genes or polymorphisms governing ethanol tolerance remains a subject of ongoing debate. Naturally found in sugar-rich environments, this yeast has evolved to withstand high ethanol concentrations, primarily produced during fermentation in the presence of suitable oxygen or sugar levels. Originally a defense mechanism against competing microorganisms, yeast-produced ethanol is now a cornerstone of brewing and bioethanol industries, where customized yeasts require high ethanol resistance for economic viability. However, yeast strains exhibit varying degrees of ethanol tolerance, ranging from 8 to 20%, making the genetic architecture of this trait complex and challenging to decipher. In this study, we introduce a novel QTL mapping pipeline to investigate the genetic markers underlying ethanol tolerance in an industrial bioethanol S. cerevisiae strain. By calculating missense mutation frequency in an allele located in a prominent QTL region within a population of 1011 S. cerevisiae strains, we uncovered rare occurrences in gene IRA2. Following molecular validation, we confirmed the significant contribution of this gene to ethanol tolerance, particularly in concentrations exceeding 12% of ethanol. IRA2 pivotal role in stress tolerance due to its participation in the Ras-cAMP pathway was further supported by its involvement in other tolerance responses, including thermotolerance, low pH tolerance, and resistance to acetic acid. Understanding the genetic basis of ethanol stress in S. cerevisiae holds promise for developing robust yeast strains tailored for industrial applications.

Environmental Pollutant Anthracene Induces ABA-Dependent Transgenerational Effects on Gemmae Dormancy in Marchantia polymorpha.

Anthracene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) from fossil fuel combustion, poses significant environmental threats. This study investigates the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in the anthracene tolerance of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha using mutants deficient in ABA perception (Mppyl1) or biosynthesis (Mpaba1). In this study, we monitored the role of ABA in the anthracene tolerance response by tracking two ABA-controlled traits: plant growth inhibition and gemmae dormancy. We found that the anthracene-induced inhibition of plant growth is dose-dependent, similar to the growth-inhibiting effect of ABA, but independent of ABA pathways. However, gemmae dormancy was differentially affected by anthracene in ABA-deficient mutants. We found that gemmae from anthracene-exposed WT plants exhibited reduced germination compared to those from mock-treated plants. This suggests that the anthracene exposure of mother plants induces a transgenerational effect, resulting in prolonged dormancy in their asexual propagules. While Mppyl1 gemmae retained a dormancy delay when derived from anthracene-exposed thalli, the ABA biosynthesis mutant Mpaba1 did not display any significant dormancy delay as a consequence of anthracene exposure. These results, together with the strong induction of ABA marker genes upon anthracene treatment, imply that anthracene-induced germination inhibition relies on ABA synthesis in the mother plant, highlighting the critical role of MpABA1 in the tolerance response. These findings reveal a complex interplay between anthracene stress and ABA signaling, where anthracene triggers ABA-mediated responses, influencing reproductive success and highlighting the potential for leveraging genetic and hormonal pathways to enhance plant resilience in contaminated habitats.

The transcription factor TaFDL2-1A functions in auxin metabolism mediated by abscisic acid to regulate shoot growth in wheat.

Genetic strategies can be effective in improving wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) drought stress tolerance, but accumulating evidence suggests that overexpressing drought-resistance genes, especially genes related to the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, can retard plant growth. We previously characterized the positive roles of the wheat bZIP transcription factor TaFD-Like2-1A (TaFDL2-1A) in drought stress tolerance and ABA biosynthesis and response, whereas a dwarfing shoot exhibited under normal conditions. This study determined the underlying mechanisms that allow TaFDL2-1A to affect shoot growth. Overexpressing TaFDL2-1A decreased cell length, cell width, leaf size, shoot length, and biomass in wheat. The results of RNA-seq showed that multiple differently expressed transcripts are enriched in the auxin signaling pathway. Further analysis indicated higher expression levels of Gretchen Hagen3 (GH3) genes and lower indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations in the TaFDL2-1A overexpression lines. Exogenous IAA treatment restored the phenotypes of the TaFDL2-1A overexpression lines to wild-type levels. Transcriptional regulation analysis suggested that TaFDL2-1A enhances the expression of auxin metabolism genes, such as TaGH3.2-3A, TaGH3.2-3B, TaGH3.8-2A, and TaGH3.8-2D, by directly binding to ACGT core cis-elements. Furthermore, tafdl2 knock-out plants had lower expression levels of these GH3 genes and higher IAA levels than Fielder wheat. These GH3 gene expression and IAA levels were induced and reduced in Fielder wheat and tafdl2 knock-out plants treated with exogenous ABA. Our findings elucidate mechanisms underlying the functional redundancy of TaFDL2-1A in the crosstalk between ABA and IAA to affect shoot growth and provide insights into the balance between drought resistance and yield in wheat.

Probiotic and fermentation properties of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain I1/53 from sugarcane juice by a multi-omics approach

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of microorganisms in sugarcane juice, but the species composition and characteristics of dominant strains remain ambiguous. In this study, the most abundant strain Leuconostoc mesenteroides accounted for 39.89% of the total sequences in sugarcane juice. Subsequently, a L. mesenteroides, here named as strain I1/53, was isolated on a typical MRS medium. The whole genome size of the isolate was 2,044,872 bp with a GC content of 37.5% and 2027 coding DNA sequences with average length of 907 bp. Notably, the strain involved no antibiotic-related and virulence factor-producing genes, not producing endotoxins. In contrast, the L. mesenteroides I1/53 contained abundant adaptability and stress tolerance response genes of the human gastrointestinal environment. Additionally, strain I1/53 potentially encoded bacteriocin lactococcin G by expressing lagD, and demonstrated its antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and negative foodborne pathogens by in-vitro experiments. The fermentation of the strain I1/53 significantly elevated beneficial metabolites such as SCFAs, liquiritigenin, L-catechin, α-solanine and indoleacetic acid, whereas deleted harmful compounds for human wellness, including valdecoxib. Therefore, this study demonstrates the probiotic and fermentation properties of the dominant L. mesenteroides in sugarcane juice, which provide a robust theoretical foundation for its application in foods as a probiotic.

Magical role of iron nanoparticles for enhancement of thermal efficiency and gene regulation of fish in response to multiple stresses

The present study addresses the challenges of uncontrolled temperature and pollution in aquatic environments, with a focus on fish ability to tolerate high temperature. The investigation aimed to determine the role of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) in enhancing the thermal tolerance of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus exposed to high-temperature stress, arsenic (As), and ammonia (NH3) toxicity. Fe-NPs were synthesized using green approaches, specifically from fish gill. The dietary Fe-NPs were formulated and supplemented at 10, 15, and 20 mg kg⁻1 of feed. Notably, Fe-NPs at 15 mg kg⁻1 diet significantly reduced the critical thermal minimum (CTmin) (14.44 ± 0.21 °C) and the lethal thermal minimum (LTmin) (13.46 ± 0.15 °C), compared to the control and other treatment groups. Conversely, when Fe-NPs at 15 mg kg⁻1 were supplemented with or without exposure to stressors (As + NH3+T), the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) increased to 47.59 ± 0.16 °C, and the lethal thermal maximum (LTmax) increased to 48.60 ± 0.37 °C, both significantly higher than the control and other groups. A strong correlation was observed between LTmin and CTmin (R2 = 0.90) and between CTmax and LTmax (R2 = 0.98). Furthermore, dietary Fe-NPs at 15 mg kg⁻1 significantly upregulated the expression of stress-related genes, including HSP70, iNOS, Caspase-3a, CYP450, MT, cat, sod, gpx, TNFα, IL, TLR, and Ig. The enhanced thermal tolerance (LTmin and LTmax) can be attributed to these gene regulations, suggesting the mechanistic involvement of Fe-NPs in improving thermal resilience. Overall, the findings demonstrate that dietary supplementation with Fe-NPs, particularly at 15 mg kg⁻1, improves thermal tolerance and stress response in P. hypophthalmus by enhancing gene expression and overall thermal efficiency under stressor conditions.

The effects of Selenium phytotoxicity on two wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars differing in Se tolerance and the role of antioxidant enzymes in the tolerance mechanism

Abstract Wheat seedlings were hydroponically grown in Hoagland solution containing various levels of Se. Tolerance response to Se toxicity was investigated by determining the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), proline and chlorophyll content, the growth parameters, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The toxic level of Se treatment significantly retarded the seedling growth. A substantial amount of proline accumulation was also observed in response to toxic Se concentration, but it was more pronounced in putative-sensitive cultivars. Chlorophyll content significantly decreased in Se-intoxicated seedlings and increased at the lowest Se dose in both cultivars. Severe and mild chlorosis was observed in putative-sensitive and tolerant cultivars at the highest Se level. Alterations in the activities of glutathione reductase (GR, 1.6.4.2), glutathione S transferase (GST, 2.5.1.18), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX, 1.11.1.7), catalase (CAT, 1.11.1.6), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, 1.11.1.11) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) were determined. TBAR level did not significantly increase in putative tolerant cultivars as an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation. However, a significant increase was observed in putative-sensitive cultivars in response to higher selenium concentrations. In higher Se treatment groups, CAT and GST activities significantly increased in putative Se tolerant cultivars. However, excluding SOD, the activity of all the studied enzymes was increased considerably in putative-sensitive cultivars in a dose-dependent manner. Higher antioxidant enzyme activities and a substantial amount of proline accumulation did not significantly contribute to overcoming Se phytotoxicity in wheat seedlings grown in media supplemented with toxic selenium levels.

Whether hypoxia tolerance improved after short-term fasting is closely related to phylogeny but not to foraging mode in freshwater fish species.

The combined stresses of fasting and hypoxia are common events during the life history of freshwater fish species. Hypoxia tolerance is vital for survival in aquatic environments, which requires organisms to down-regulate their maintenance energetic expenditure while simultaneously preserving physiological features such as oxygen supply capacity under conditions of food deprivation. Generally, infrequent-feeding species who commonly experience food shortages might evolve more adaptive strategies to cope with food deprivation than frequent-feeding species. Thus, the present study aimed to test whether the response of hypoxia tolerance in fish to short-term fasting (2 weeks) varied with different foraging modes. Fasting resulted in similar decreases in maintenance energetic expenditure and similar decreases in Pcrit and Ploe between fishes with different foraging modes, whereas it resulted in decreased oxygen supply capacity only in frequent-feeding fishes. Furthermore, independent of foraging mode, fasting decreased Pcrit and Ploe in all Cypriniformes and Siluriformes species but not in Perciformes species. The mechanism for decreased Pcrit and Ploe in Cypriniformes and Siluriformes species is at least partially due to the downregulated metabolic demand and/or the maintenance of a high oxygen supply capacity while fasting. The present study found that the effect of fasting on hypoxia tolerance depends upon phylogeny in freshwater fish species. The information acquired in the present study is highly valuable in aquaculture industries and can be used for species conservation in the field.