Transport-related Genes Research Articles

Transcription-related metabolic regulation in grafted lemon seedlings under magnesium deficiency stress

Magnesium is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth, and plays a pivotal role in plant development and metabolism. Soil magnesium deficiency is evident in citrus production, which ultimately leads to failure of normal plant growth and development, as well as decreased productivity. Citrus is mainly propagated by grafting, so it is necessary to fully understand the different regulatory mechanisms of rootstock and scion response to magnesium deficiency. Here, we characterized the differences in morphological alterations, physiological metabolism and differential gene expression between trifoliate orange rootstocks and lemon scions under normal and magnesium-deficient conditions, revealing the different responses of rootstocks and scions to magnesium deficiency. The transcriptomic data showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in 14 and 4 metabolic pathways in leaves and roots, respectively, after magnesium deficiency treatment. And the magnesium transport-related genes MHX and MRS2 may respond to magnesium deficiency stress. In addition, magnesium deficiency may affect plant growth by affecting POD, SOD, and CAT enzyme activity, as well as altering the levels of hormones such as IAA, ABA, GA3, JA, and SA, and the expression of related responsive genes. In conclusion, our research suggests that the leaves of lemon grafted onto trifoliate orange were more significantly affected than the roots under magnesium-deficient conditions, further indicating that the metabolic imbalance of scion lemon leaves was more severe.

A prognostic risk model based on lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs for gastric adenocarcinoma

Background Increased lactate levels and metastasis in tumours are strongly associated with dismal outcomes. But prognostic value of lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs in gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) patients remains unaddressed. Methods Gene expression data of GA were provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas. Lactate metabolism and transport-related gene data were accessed from GSEA. LncRNAs related to lactate metabolism and transport were identified by correlation analysis. A prognostic model was built by regression analysis. Validity of prognostic model was confirmed through survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Immunity of each risk group was evaluated by immune correlation analysis .LncRNA-mRNA network was built by correlation analysis using Cytoscape software. Results A 12-gene prognostic model based on lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs was built in GA. Median riskscore was utilized to classify GA samples into high- and low-risk groups. Survival analysis and ROC curves demonstrated validity of prognostic model. Most immune checkpoint molecules and TIDE scores were lower in the low-risk group. LINC01303 and LINC01545 may be the key prognostic factors in patients with GA. Conclusion This study successfully built a prognostic model of lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs in GA. The findings guide prognostic management of GA patients.

Comparative physiology and transcriptome response patterns in cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive varieties of Solanum melongena

BackgroundClimate change has led to severe cold events, adversely impacting global crop production. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a significant economic crop, is highly susceptible to cold damage, affecting both yield and quality. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing cold resistance, including the identification of key genes and comprehensive transcriptional regulatory pathways, is crucial for developing new varieties with enhanced tolerance.ResultsIn this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of leaf physiological indices and transcriptome sequencing results. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) highlighted peroxidase (POD) activity and soluble protein as crucial physiological indicators for both varieties. RNA-seq data analysis revealed that a total of 7024 and 6209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from variety “A” and variety “B”, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment of DEGs demonstrated that the significant roles of starch and sucrose metabolism, glutathione metabolism, terpenoid synthesis, and energy metabolism (sucrose and starch metabolism) were the key pathways in eggplant. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) shown that the enrichment of numerous cold-responsive genes, pathways, and soluble proteins in the MEgrep60 modules. Core hub genes identified in the co-expression network included POD, membrane transporter-related gene MDR1, abscisic acid-related genes, growth factor enrichment gene DELLA, core components of the biological clock PRR7, and five transcription factors. Among these, the core transcription factor MYB demonstrated co-expression with signal transduction, plant hormone, biosynthesis, and metabolism-related genes, suggesting a pivotal role in the cold response network.ConclusionThis study integrates physiological indicators and transcriptomics to unveil the molecular mechanisms responsible for the differences in cold tolerance between the eggplant cold-tolerant variety “A” and the cold-sensitive variety “B”. These mechanisms include modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevation in osmotic carbohydrate and free proline content, and the expression of terpenoid synthesis genes. This comprehensive understanding contributes valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of cold stress tolerance, ultimately aiding in the improvement of crop cold tolerance.

Effects of the Replacement of Dietary Fishmeal by the Blend of Tenebrio molitor Meal, Chlorella Meal, Clostridium Autoethanogenum Protein, and Cottonseed Protein Concentrate on Growth, Protein Utilization, and Intestinal Health of Gibel Carp (Carassius gibelio, CAS Ⅴ)

The trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the replacement of dietary fishmeal (FM) by the blend of Tenebrio molitor meal (TMM), Chlorella meal (CM), Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) on growth, protein utilization and intestinal health of gibel carp (Carassius gibelio, CAS Ⅴ). The FM-based diet was used as the control, and the blended proteins (TMM: CM: CAP: CPC) at ratios of 1 : 1:8 : 2 (BLEND A), 1 : 1:6 : 4 (BLEND B), and 1 : 1:4 : 6 (BLEND C) were used to replace FM at three levels (33%, 67%, 100%), respectively. The results showed that, compared to the control group, growth performance increased significantly when dietary FM was fully replaced by BLEND B (P<0.05), while decreased by BLEND A (P<0.05). The complete substitution of FM with BLEND B significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal proinflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and tight junction-related genes (P<0.05), improving intestinal tissue morphology and health. And it also significantly increased intestinal trypsin activity (P<0.05), upregulated the mRNA expression of amino acid sensory receptor-related and amino acid or peptide transport-related genes (P<0.05), increased protein apparent digestibility coefficient (P<0.05). The 100% substitution of FM with BLEND A significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal proinflammatory cytokines and downregulated the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine il-10 (P <0.05), reduced intestinal villus height (P<0.05), and decreased protein apparent digestibility coefficient (P<0.05). In conclusion, BLEND B could completely substitute dietary FM and was beneficial to the growth and health of gibel carp. Dietary digestible essential amino acids index (DEEAI) was found as an important indicator and should be higher than 79.5% to meet the maximum growth of fish.

Comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal specific biochemical responses in cultured largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles with sexual dimorphism

Currently, it has been well established that growth, bodily form, physiological responses, and metabolic features of teleost fish may display sexual difference during intensive farming. Herein, the study aims to mainly examine the disparities of histomorphological and molecular responses in representative tissues liver and caudal vein blood from male and female cultured largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles by tracking a growth period of 135 days for reaching sexual maturity. The liver indices of a majority of the females, such as mass ratio of hepatic and visceral tissues (MRHV), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and hepatic lipid droplet abundance, were obviously greater than the males. Observational outcomes on size and distribution of accumulated lipid droplets in the liver of the females were more obvious and distinct from the males. Hepatic transcriptome sequencing results also demonstrated that glycerophospholipid metabolism-related/lipid transport-related genes (e.g. chkb, vtg3), PPAR signaling pathway, and aromatic amino acids metabolism (e.g. tyrosine, phenylalanine) were more active in the females; whereas, genes or pathways related to long-chain lipid transport (e.g. slc27a6), fatty acid biosynthesis and decomposition (e.g. ptgdsa), tryptophan metabolism, and immunological/inflammatory responses (e.g. mst1), as well as mTOR/PI3K-Akt/FoxO/AMPK signaling pathways in the males, were more evidently up-regulated than the females. Serum non-targeted metabolomics results exhibited that 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (growth factor derivative) and adipoyl-l-carnitine (lipid transporter) in the males were higher in quantity while L-kynurenine (tryptophan metabolism) and l-carnitine (lipid transporter) in the females higher than the males. The findings preliminarily showed that activity of PPAR signaling pathway and high expression of chkb gene might be crucial mechanisms in gained hepatic lipids in the females, while the actions of metabolites l-carnitine/adipoyl-l-carnitine might be more conducive to lipid transport in the liver of the males.

Development of a co-culture system for green production of caffeic acid from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate.

Caffeic acid (CA) is a phenolic acid compound widely used in pharmaceutical and food applications. However, the efficient synthesis of CA is usually limited by the resources of individual microbial platforms. Here, a cross-kingdom microbial consortium was developed to synthesize CA from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate using Escherichia coli and Candida glycerinogenes as chassis. In the upstream E. coli module, shikimate accumulation was improved by intensifying the shikimate synthesis pathway and blocking shikimate metabolism to provide precursors for the downstream CA synthesis module. In the downstream C. glycerinogenes module, conversion of p-coumaric acid to CA was improved by increasing the supply of the cytoplasmic cofactor FAD(H2). Further, overexpression of ABC transporter-related genes promoted efflux of CA and enhanced strain resistance to CA, significantly increasing CA titer from 103.8 mg/L to 346.5 mg/L. Subsequently, optimization of the inoculation ratio of strains SA-Ec4 and CA-Cg27 in this cross-kingdom microbial consortium resulted in an increase in CA titer to 871.9 mg/L, which was 151.6% higher compared to the monoculture strain CA-Cg27. Ultimately, 2311.6 and 1943.2 mg/L of CA were obtained by optimization of the co-culture system in a 5 L bioreactor using mixed sugar and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate, respectively, with 17.2-fold and 14.6-fold enhancement compared to the starting strain. The cross-kingdom microbial consortium developed in this study provides a reference for the production of other aromatic compounds from inexpensive raw materials.

Vesicular transport-related genes in Diaphorina citri are involved in the process of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection

Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri) is the major vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which is a bacterial pathogen causing the devastating citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Diaphorina citri is known to carry CLas in a persistent and propagative manner. Some studies have suggested that CLas may use the vesicular structures of D. citri cells as its propagation organelles. However, the mechanisms by which CLas enters the D. citri cells and how vesicle-mediated trafficking is involved remain unclear. In this study, we monitored the titer change of CLas in D. citri nymphs during the process of CLas acquisition from feeding on infected citrus plants. We found that the titer of CLas increased with the acquisition access period. After infection, there was a significant upregulation in the expression of several vesicular transport-related genes in D. citri. The titer of CLas was significantly reduced in the midgut and whole insect body when endocytosis and the endosome network in D. citri were inhibited. Furthermore, silencing the D. citri clathrin-heavy chain gene also led to a reduction in the CLas titer in D. citri. These results suggest that CLas infection upregulates the genes related to vesicular transport in D. citri, which facilitates the invasion of endocytosis-dependent pathogens.

Dysregulation of iron transport-related biomarkers in blood leukocytes is associated with poor prognosis of early trauma

ObjectiveThe early targeted and effective diagnosis and treatment of severe trauma are crucial for patients' outcomes. Blood leukocytes act as significant effectors during the initial inflammation and activation of innate immunity in trauma. This study aims to identify hub genes related to patients' prognosis in blood leukocytes at the early stages of trauma. MethodsThe expression profiles of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) Series (GSE) 36809 and GSE11375 were downloaded from the GEO database. R software, GraphPad Prism 9.3.1 software, STRING database, and Cytoscape software were used to process the data and identify hub genes in blood leukocytes of early trauma. ResultsGene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of blood leukocytes at the early stages of trauma (0–4 h, 4–8 h, and 8–12 h) were mainly involved in neutrophil activation and neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil activation involved in immune response, neutrophil mediated immunity, lymphocyte differentiation, and cell killing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in Osteoclast differentiation and Hematopoietic cell lineage. Sixty-six down-regulated DEGs and 148 up-regulated DEGs were identified and 37 hub genes were confirmed by Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) of Cytoscape. Among the hub genes, Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), Lactotransferrin (LTF), Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), Resistin (RETN), and Transcobalamin 1 (TCN1) were related to prognosis and connected with iron transport closely. LCN2 and LTF were involved in iron transport and had a moderate predictive value for the poor prognosis of trauma patients, and the AUC of LCN2 and LTF was 0.7777 and 0.7843, respectively. ConclusionAs iron transport-related hub genes in blood leukocytes, LCN2 and LTF can be used for prognostic prediction of early trauma.

Calcium deficiency leads to fruit blackheart formation by disrupting glycometabolism and phenylpropanoid metabolism in wax gourd

Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn) is a vegetable crop with a long storage period; however, blackheart disorder seriously compromises its storability and economic value. This study delves into the spatial-temporal process of blackheart disorder in wax gourd fruit at the physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic levels. The findings revealed decreased concentrations of total calcium (Ca), Ca-pectinate, and chelate-soluble pectin (CSP), and increased levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and lignin during the development of blackheart disorder. These changes in physiological indicators in blackheart fruit were regulated by the expression of relevant genes, the accumulation of key metabolites, and increased enzyme activities in the glycometabolism and phenylpropane metabolism pathways. Moreover, transcriptome analysis revealed significant suppression in the expression of Ca channel and transport-related genes in blackheart fruit. Finally, there was a pronounced correlation between CSP, Ca-pectinate, phenolic acid, flavonoids, and monosaccharides. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified several transcription factors related to blackheart development were identified. Importantly, it has been discovered for the first time that the development of blackheart disorder in wax gourd results from pectin degradation and metabolic disturbance caused by Ca deficiency. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for devising strategies to manage and control blackheart in wax gourds.

Identification of candidate genes and residues for improving nitrogen use efficiency in the N-sensitive medicinal plant Panax notoginseng

BackgroundNitrogen (N) metabolism-related key genes and conserved amino acid sites in key enzymes play a crucial role in improving N use efficiency (NUE) under N stress. However, it is not clearly known about the molecular mechanism of N deficiency-induced improvement of NUE in the N-sensitive rhizomatous medicinal plant Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen. To explore the potential regulatory mechanism, the transcriptome and proteome were analyzed and the three-dimensional (3D) information and molecular docking models of key genes were compared in the roots of P. notoginseng grown under N regimes.ResultsTotal N uptake and the proportion of N distribution to roots were significantly reduced, but the NUE, N use efficiency in biomass production (NUEb), the recovery of N fertilizer (RNF) and the proportion of N distribution to shoot were increased in the N0-treated (without N addition) plants. The expression of N uptake- and transport-related genes NPF1.2, NRT2.4, NPF8.1, NPF4.6, AVP, proteins AMT and NRT2 were obviously up-regulated in the N0-grown plants. Meanwhile, the expression of CIPK23, PLC2, NLP6, TCP20, and BT1 related to the nitrate signal-sensing and transduction were up-regulated under the N0 condition. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity was decreased in the N-deficient plants, while the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) increased. The expression of genes GS1-1 and GDH1, and proteins GDH1 and GDH2 were up-regulated in the N0-grown plants, there was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of protein GDH1 and of gene GDH1. Glu192, Glu199 and Glu400 in PnGS1 and PnGDH1were the key amino acid residues that affect the NUE and lead to the differences in GDH enzyme activity. The 3D structure, docking model, and residues of Solanum tuberosum and P. notoginseng was similar.ConclusionsN deficiency might promote the expression of key genes for N uptake (genes NPF8.1, NPF4.6, AMT, AVP and NRT2), transport (NPF1.2 and NRT2.4), assimilation (proteins GS1 and GDH1), signaling and transduction (genes CIPK23, PLC2, NLP6, TCP20, and BT1) to enhance NUE in the rhizomatous species. N deficiency might induce Glu192, Glu199 and Glu400 to improve the biological activity of GS1 and GDH, this has been hypothesized to be the main reason for the enhanced ability of N assimilation in N-deficient rhizomatous species. The key genes and residues involved in improving NUE provide excellent candidates for the breeding of medicinal plants.

All-trans retinoic acid alleviates transmissible gastroenteritis virus-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in weaned piglets

BackgroundTransmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is one of the main pathogens causing severe diarrhea of piglets. The pathogenesis of TGEV is closely related to intestinal inflammation. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is the main active metabolite of vitamin A, which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is unclear whether ATRA can alleviate TGEV-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction in piglets. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ATRA on growth performance, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity of TGEV-challenged piglets.MethodsIn a 19-d study, 32 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments: Control group (basal diet), TGEV group (basal diet + TGEV challenge), TGEV + ATRA5 group (basal diet + 5 mg/d ATRA + TGEV challenge) and TGEV + ATRA15 group (basal diet + 15 mg/d ATRA + TGEV challenge). On d 14, piglets were orally administered TGEV or the sterile medium.ResultsFeeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA alleviated the growth inhibition and diarrhea induced by TGEV (P < 0.05). Feeding piglets with 5 and 15 mg/d ATRA also inhibited the increase of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and the decrease of occludin and claudin-1 protein levels in jejunal mucosa induced by TGEV, and maintained intestinal barrier integrity (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, 5 mg/d ATRA feeding increased the sucrase activity and the expressions of nutrient transporter related genes (GLUT2 and SLC7A1) in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 5 mg/d ATRA feeding attenuated TGEV-induced intestinal inflammatory response by inhibiting the release of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and promoting the secretion of IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) (P < 0.05). Feeding 5 mg/d ATRA also down-regulated the expressions of Toll-like receptors and RIG-I like receptors signaling pathway related genes (TLR3, TLR4, RIG-I, MyD88, TRIF and MAVS) and the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor-κB-p65 (NF-κB p65), and up-regulated the inhibitor kappa B alpha (IκBα) protein level in jejunal mucosa of TGEV-challenged piglets (P < 0.05).ConclusionsATRA alleviated TGEV-induced intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting inflammatory response, thus improving the growth performance and inhibiting diarrhea of piglets. The mechanism was associated with the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by TLR3, TLR4 and RIG-I.Graphical

The Effects of Mycovirus BmPV36 on the Cell Structure and Transcription of Bipolaris maydis.

Bipolaris maydis partitivirus 36 (BmPV36) is a mycovirus that can significantly reduce the virulence of the host Bipolaris maydis, but its hypovirulence mechanism is not clear. To investigate the response of B. maydis to BmPV36, the effects of BmPV36 on host cell structure and gene expression were studied via transmission electron microscopy and transcriptome sequencing using BmPV36-carrying and virus-free mycelium on the second and fifth culture. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell wall microfibrils of B. maydis were shortened, the cell membrane was broken, and membrane-bound vesicles and vacuoles appeared in the cells after carrying BmPV36. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that after carrying BmPV36, B. maydis membrane-related genes were significantly up-regulated, but membrane transport-related genes were significantly down-regulated. Genes related to carbohydrate macromolecule polysaccharide metabolic and catabolic processes were significantly down-regulated, as were genes related to the synthesis of toxins and cell wall degrading enzymes. Therefore, we speculated that BmPV36 reduces the virulence of B. maydis by destroying the host's cell structure, inhibiting the synthesis of toxins and cell wall degrading enzymes, and reducing cell metabolism. Gaining insights into the hypovirulence mechanism of mycoviruses will provide environmentally friendly strategies for the control of fungal diseases.

NADPH oxidase-dependent H2O2 production mediates salicylic acid-induced salt tolerance in mangrove plant Kandelia obovata by regulating Na+/K+ and redox homeostasis.

Salicylic acid (SA) is known to enhance salt tolerance in plants. However, the mechanism of SA-mediated response to high salinity in halophyte remains unclear. Using electrophysiological and molecular biological methods, we investigated the role of SA in response to high salinity in mangrove species, Kandelia obovata, a typical halophyte. Exposure of K. obovata roots to high salinity resulted in a rapid increase in endogenous SA produced by phenylalanine ammonia lyase pathway. The application of exogenous SA improved the salt tolerance of K. obovata, which depended on the NADPH oxidase-mediated H2O2. Exogenous SA and H2O2 increased Na+ efflux and reduced K+ loss by regulating the transcription levels of Na+ and K+ transport-related genes, thus reducing the Na+/K+ ratio in the salt-treated K. obovata roots. In addition, exogenous SA-enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and its transcripts, and the expressions of four genes related to AsA-GSH cycle as well, then alleviated oxidative damages in the salt-treated K. obovata roots. However, the above effects of SA could be reversed by diphenyleneiodonium chloride (the NADPH oxidase inhibitor) and paclobutrazol (a SA biosynthesis inhibitor). Collectively, our results demonstrated that SA-induced salt tolerance of K. obovata depends on NADPH oxidase-generated H2O2 that affects Na+/K+ and redox homeostasis in response to high salinity.

IFT27 regulates the long-term maintenance of photoreceptor outer segments in zebrafish

Approximately a quarter of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is caused by mutations in transport-related genes in cilia. IFT27 (Intraflagellar Transport 27), a core component of the ciliary intraflagellar transport (IFT) system, has been implicated as a significant pathogenic gene in RP. The pathogenic mechanisms and subsequent pathology related to IFT27 mutations in RP are largely obscure. Here, we utilized TALEN technology to create an ift27 knockout (ift27-/-) zebrafish model. Electroretinography (ERG) detection showed impaired vision in this model. Histopathological examinations disclosed that ift27 mutations cause progressive degeneration of photoreceptors in zebrafish, and this degeneration was late-onset. Immunofluorescence labeling of outer segments showed that rods degenerated before cones, aligning with the conventional characterization of RP. In cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells, we found that IFT27 was involved in maintaining ciliary morphology. Furthermore, decreased IFT27 expression resulted in the inhibition of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, including decreased expression of key factors in the Hh pathway and abnormal localization of the ciliary mediator Gli2. In summary, we generated an ift27-/- zebrafish line with retinal degeneration which mimicked the symptoms of RP patients, highlighting IFT27′s integral role in the long-term maintenance of cilia via the Hh signaling pathway. This work may furnish new insights into the treatment or delay of RP caused by IFT27 mutations.

Hydrogen Fertilization with Hydrogen Nanobubble Water Improves Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes Compared to the Conventional Fertilizers

Although hydrogen gas (H2)-treated soil improves crop biomass, this approach appears difficult for field application due to the flammability of H2 gas. In this report, we investigated whether and how H2 applied in hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW) improves the yield and quality of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme) with and without fertilizers. Two-year-long field trials showed that compared to corresponding controls, HNW without and with fertilizers improved the cherry tomato yield per plant by 39.7% and 26.5% in 2021 (Shanghai), respectively, and by 39.4% and 28.2% in 2023 (Nanjing), respectively. Compared to surface water (SW), HNW increased the soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) consumption regardless of fertilizer application, which may be attributed to the increased NPK transport-related genes in roots (LeAMT2, LePT2, LePT5, and SlHKT1,1). Furthermore, HNW-irrigated cherry tomatoes displayed a higher sugar–acid ratio (8.6%) and lycopene content (22.3%) than SW-irrigated plants without fertilizers. Importantly, the beneficial effects of HNW without fertilizers on the yield per plant (9.1%), sugar–acid ratio (31.1%), and volatiles (20.0%) and lycopene contents (54.3%) were stronger than those achieved using fertilizers alone. In short, this study clearly indicated that HNW-supplied H2 not only exhibited a fertilization effect on enhancing the tomato yield, but also improved the fruit’s quality with a lower carbon footprint.

Tissue Distribution and Nutritional Regulation of Four Cholesterol Transport-Related Genes in Tiger Puffer (Takifugu rubripes)

This study characterized four cholesterol transport-related genes, namely, lcat, acat1, acat2, and mttp, in juvenile tiger puffer in terms of tissue distribution (eye, heart, brain, skin, liver, spleen, muscle, and intestine) and nutritional regulation. Three feeding trials were conducted: (i) using diets with different cholesterol levels (0.11%, 0.65%, 1.10%, 2.32%, and 4.59% of dry matter); (ii) using diets with different lipid levels (8.05%, 12.02%, and 16.36% of dry matter); and (iii) a 1-month starvation experiment with different sampling times (Days 1, 4, 9, 16, and 31). The lcat, acat1, and acat2 were the most abundantly expressed in the liver, while mttp was the most abundantly expressed in the intestine. The lcat had a medium expression level in the muscle and skin but the lowest expression level in the spleen and intestine. The acat1 and acat2 had similar tissue distribution patterns, except that acat2 had a lower expression level in the heart but a higher level in the intestine than acat1. The mttp had medium expression levels in the liver and spleen but had the lowest level in the eye and skin. Different dietary cholesterol levels did not significantly affect the expression of these cholesterol transport genes in the liver and intestine, except that higher cholesterol levels (1.10%–4.59%) significantly downregulated the acat2 expression in the liver. Dietary lipid levels also had a mild influence on the hepatic expression of these genes, except that the diet with 12.02% lipid resulted in significantly higher acat1 expression than the one with 16.36% lipid. The starvation time significantly affected the hepatic expression of these genes. Long-term starvation (16 and 31 days) generally upregulated the hepatic gene expression of lcat, acat1, and mttp but generally downregulated that of acat2. This study provided preliminary knowledge about the tissue distribution and nutritional regulation of cholesterol transport-related genes in marine teleost.

Appropriate Supply of Ammonium Nitrogen and Ammonium Nitrate Reduces Cadmium Content in Rice Seedlings by Inhibiting Cadmium Uptake and Transport

Reasonable nitrogen (N) application is a promising strategy for reducing crop cadmium (Cd) toxicity. However, the specific form of N and the required amount that affect Cd tolerance and accumulation in rice remain unclear. This study explored the influence of different N-fertilizer forms (NH4NO3, NH4Cl, and KNO3) and dosages on Cd tolerance and uptake in Cd-stressed N-sensitive and N-insensitive indica rice accessions. The results indicated that the Cd tolerance of N-sensitive indica accessions is more robust than that of N-insensitive ones. Furthermore, the shoot Cd content and Cd translocation rate in both N-sensitive and N-insensitive indica accessions decreased with an appropriate supply of NH4NO3 and NH4Cl, whereas they were comparable or slightly increased with increased KNO3. Unfortunately, we did not find significant and regular differences in Cd accumulation or translocation between N-sensitive and N-insensitive rice accessions. Consistent with the reduction of shoot Cd content, the addition of NH4NO3 and NH4Cl also inhibited the instantaneous root Cd2+ uptake. The expression changes of Cd transport-related genes under different N forms and dosages suggested that the decreased shoot Cd content, caused by the increased supply of NH4NO3 and NH4Cl, is likely achieved by reducing the transcription of OsNRAMP1 and OsIRT1. In summary, our findings reveal that an appropriate supply of NH4NO3 and NH4Cl could reduce Cd uptake and transport in rice seedlings, suggesting that rational N management could reduce the Cd risk in rice production.

Effect of glutathione-transport-related gene gsiD on desiccation tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii and its related regulatory mechanism.

The outstanding desiccation tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) enables long-term persistence in food products with low-water activity to increase the infection risk, especially in low-birth-weight, immuno-compromised neonates, and infants less than 4 weeks of age. In our previous study, the disruption of glutathione transport-related gene gsiD by transposon was found to significantly increase its inactivation rate under drying stress challenges. However, the mechanism underlying the association between glutathione transport and desiccation tolerance of C. sakazakii remains to be clarified. In this study, the mechanism underlying their association was investigated in detail by constructing the gsiD gene deletion mutant. gsiD gene deletion was found to cause the dysfunction of the glutathione transport system GsiABCD and the limitation of glutathione import. The resulting decrease in intracellular glutathione caused the decreased potassium ions uptake and increased potassium ions efflux, inhibited the proline synthesis process, limited extracellular glutathione utilization, increased oxidant stress, reduced biofilm formation, and increased outer membrane permeability, which may be the main reasons for the significant reduction of the desiccation tolerance of C. sakazakii.IMPORTANCEContributing to its superior environmental adaptability, Cronobacter sakazakii can survive under many abiotic stress conditions. The outstanding desiccation tolerance makes this species persist in low-water activity foods, which increases harm to humans. For decades, many studies have focused on the desiccation tolerance of C. sakazakii, but the existing research is still insufficient. Our study found that gsiD gene deletion inhibited glutathione uptake and further decreased intracellular glutathione content, causing a decrease in desiccation tolerance and biofilm formation and an increase in outer membrane permeability. Moreover, the expression level of relative genes verified that gsiD gene deletion made the mutant not conducive to surviving in dry conditions due to restricting potassium ions uptake and efflux, inhibiting the conversion of glutamate to compatible solute proline, and increasing the oxidative stress of C. sakazakii. The above results enrich our knowledge of the desiccation tolerance mechanism of C. sakazakii.

Mulberry Leaf Polysaccharides Attenuate Oxidative Stress Injury in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

The present study assessed the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress injury in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of Megalobrama amblycephala. Five treatment groups were established in vitro: the NC group (PBLs incubated in an RPMI-1640 complete medium for 4 h), the HP group (PBLs incubated in an RPMI-1640 complete medium for 3 h, and then stimulated with 100 μM of H2O2 for 1 h), and the 50/100/200-MLP pre-treatment groups (PBLs were pre-treated with MLPs (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) for 3 h, and then stimulated with 100 μM of H2O2 for 1 h). The results showed that MLP pre-treatment dose-dependently enhanced PBLs' antioxidant capacities. The 200 μg/mL MLP pre-treatment effectively protected the antioxidant system of PBLs from H2O2-induced oxidative damage by reducing the malondialdehyde content and lactic dehydrogenase cytotoxicity, and increasing catalase and superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.05). The over-production of reactive oxygen species, depletion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly inhibited in the 200-MLP pre-treatment group (p < 0.05). The expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (forkhead box O1α (foxO1α), binding immunoglobulin protein (bip), activating transcription factor 6 (atf6), and C/EBP-homologous protein (chop)), Ca2+ transport-related genes (voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (vdac1), mitofusin 2 (mfn2), and mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (mcu)), and interleukin 6 (il-6) and bcl2-associated x (bax) were significantly lower in the 200-MLP pre-treatment group than in the HP group (p < 0.05), which rebounded to normal levels in the NC group (p > 0.05). These results indicated that MLP pre-treatment attenuated H2O2-induced PBL oxidative damage in the M. amblycephala by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and maintaining mitochondrial function. These findings also support the possibility that MLPs can be exploited as a natural dietary supplement for M. amblycephala, as they protect against oxidative damage.

UvVelC is important for conidiation and pathogenicity in the rice false smut pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens

ABSTRACT Rice false smut disease is one of the most significant rice diseases worldwide. Ustilaginoidea virens is the causative agent of this disease. Although several developmental and pathogenic genes have been identified and functionally analyzed, the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of U. virens remain elusive. The velvet family regulatory proteins are involved in fungal development, conidiation, and pathogenicity. In this study, we demonstrated the function of the VelC homolog UvVELC in U. virens. We identified the velvet family protein UvVELC and characterized its functions using a target gene deletion-strategy. Deletion of UvVELC resulted in conidiation failure and pathogenicity. The UvVELC expression levels during infection suggested that this gene might be involved in the early infection process. UvVELC is also important in resistance to abiotic stresses, the utilization efficiency of glucose, stachyose, raffinose, and other sugars, and the expression of transport-related genes. Moreover, UvVELC could physically interact with UvVEA in yeast, and UvVELC/UvVEA double-knockout mutants also failed in conidiation and pathogenicity. These results indicate that UvVELC play a critical role in the conidiation and pathogenicity in U. virens. Functional analysis indicated that UvVELC-mediated conidiation and nutrient acquisition from rice regulates the pathogenicity of U. virens. Understanding the function of the UvVELC homolog could provide a potential molecular target for controlling rice false smut disease.