Synthesis Of Vitamins Research Articles

Application of Sulphur and Foliar Zinc at Different Growth Stages to Boost the Quality and Yield of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) under Central Plain Region of Punjab, India

Background: A key element for the growth of oilseed crops is sulphur. It is required for the synthesis of vitamins, oilsand proteins. Compared to the organic form, inorganic sulphur is less common in agricultural soils. Zinc contributes significantly to the regulatory cofactors of many enzymes and proteins in many biochemical processes, which can aid in the oilseed crop’s high production. By 2025, there will be a 63% increase in Zn deficiency, up from 42% in 1970. Methods: A field experiment was conducted for two years (2022-2023 and 2023–2024) at Agronomy Research Field, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India, which comprises four zinc application (Dose @ 1.5 ml L-1) treatments viz., Z0-Control, Z1-1 appl. (one spray @ 15 DAS), Z2-2 appl. (two spray @ 15+45 DAS) and Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15+45+75 DAS)and four sulphur application treatments viz., S0-Control, S1 (10 kg ha-1), S2 (20 kg ha-1) and S3 (30 kg ha-1). Result: The seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, harvest index, oil content and oil yield of gobhi sarson were studied. The application of zinc and sulphur had significant effect on seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, oil content and oil yield. The maximum seed yield (2752 kg ha-1), stover yield (6841 kg ha-1), biological yield (9593 kg ha-1), oil yield (1112.40 kg ha-1) recorded under Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15+45+75 DAS) + S3 (30 kg ha-1) in comparison to other treatments. Application of sulphur 30 kg ha-1 recorded highest oil content and oil yield (40.25%, 962.32 kg ha-1) in comparison to S2-20 kg ha-1 (40.09%, 921.25 kg ha-1), S1-10 kg ha-1 (38.18%, 802.17 kg ha-1), S0-Control (36.21%, 689.17 kg ha-1.

Влияние обогащенных рационов на состав и функциональный профиль микробиома рубца баранчиков

The gastrointestinal microbiome of ruminants is a complex ecological system. It ferments feed components and protects the body from opportunistic and pathogenic microflora. The interaction between the microbiota and the host organism depends on the diet, which complicates the scientific understanding of their impact on digestive processes, immunity, and yield. The article describes the composition and functional profile of microbiome in the rumen of young Edilbay rams fed with organic additives based on essential microelements. The samples were obtained from seven-month-old Edilbay rams, which received Ioddar-Zn and DAFS-25 feed additives. The study involved four groups of animals: control (no additives), experimental group I (Yoddar-Zn), experimental group II (DAFS-25), and experimental group III (Yoddar-Zn + DAFS-25). The composition and functional profile of the microbiome were studied using the NGS sequencing. The bioinformatics data analysis involved Qiime2 ver. 2020.8 and standard statistical methods. The feed additives had a positive effect on the growth and development of the rams. The highest live weight indicators belonged to experimental group III, which received Yoddar-Zn and DAFS-25. The ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phylum changed, indicating a potential shift in metabolic processes towards an increase in the ratio of volatile fatty acids (acetate / propionate). The greatest changes were observed in animals that consumed the selenium additive DAFS-25, both separately and with Ioddar-Zn. The additives did not increase the count of Proteobacteria, Mycoplasma, and Escherichia-Shigella, which are associated with inflammatory processes. The feed additives affected the functional profile of rumen microbiome in young rams: they improved the carbohydrate and energy metabolism, as well as the synthesis of vitamins and cofactors. In addition, the research revealed some patterns of microbiome modification, which indicated a positive effect of the additives on metabolic processes, resulting in a more efficient digestion of feed ingredients and, eventually, in increased meat yield.

Nutritional sex-specificity on bacterial metabolites during mosquito (Aedes aegypti) development leads to adult sex-ratio distortion

Mosquitoes rely on their microbiota for B vitamin synthesis. We previously found that Aedes aegypti third-instar larvae cleared of their microbiota were impaired in their development, notably due to a lack of folic acid (vitamin B9). In this study, we found that diet supplementation using a cocktail of seven B vitamins did not improve mosquito developmental success, but rather had a significant impact on the sex-ratio of the resulting adults, with an enrichment of female mosquitoes emerging from B vitamin-treated larvae. A transcriptomic analysis of male and female larvae identified some sex-specific regulated genes upon vitamin treatment. When treating germ-free larvae with individual B vitamins, we detected a specific toxic effect related to biotin (vitamin B7) exposure at high concentrations. We then provided germ-free larvae with varying biotin doses and showed that males are sensitive to biotin toxicity at a lower concentration than females. Gnotobiotic larvae exposed to controlled low bacterial counts or with bacteria characterised by slower growth, show a male-enriched adult population, suggesting that males require less bacteria-derived nutrients than females. These findings indicate that during larval development, mosquitoes have sex-specific nutritional requirements and toxicity thresholds, which impact the sex ratio of adults.

МИКРОБИОТА КИШЕЧНИКА И ЗДОРОВЬЕ СПОРТСМЕНОВ

Purpose: A synthesis of world literature on actual knowledge of intestine microbiota influence on athletes’ health. Methods and materials: National and foreign literature on actual knowledge of intestine microbiota influence on athletes’ health was analyzed. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY, PubMed data Google Academy data bases were used for searching the literature for the period from 2012 to 2024. The following key words and their combinations were applied for search: “athletes”, “gut microbiota “, “butyrate”. Results: A microbiota is a key factor of human organism homeostasis maintenance. It provides next functions: energy metabolism, maturation and maintenance of immune system, synthesis of vitamins, regulation of bile acids reabsorption in intestine and lots of other functions. Furthermore, bacteria produce some human hormones analogues: serotonin, histamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, testosterone. According to the recent information, intestine microbiota modification could provide a beneficial influence on human organism that cause a sport results improvement. Modulation of immune response, oxidative stress, metabolic processes and nutrients bioavailability is a general mechanism of microbiota influence on training adaptation. Microbiome affects the muscular protein synthesis, biogenesis and function of mitochondria and the muscular glycogen accumulation. Conclusion: Currently there is a necessity of further investigations of “microbiome-muscles” relationship.

Differences in Gut Microbial Composition and Characteristics Among Three Populations of the Bamboo Pitviper (Viridovipera stejnegeri).

The gut microbiota contributes to host health by facilitating nutrient uptake, digestion, energy metabolism, intestinal development, vitamin synthesis, and immunomodulation, and plays an important role in the growth and reproduction of the animal itself. Considering the paucity of research on the gut microbiota of wild snakes, this study focused on bamboo pitviper (Viridovipera stejnegeri) populations from Anhui, Guizhou, and Hunan, with multiple fecal samples collected from each population (six, five, and three, respectively). Total microbial DNA was extracted from the fecal samples using metagenomic next-generation sequencing and differences in gut microbial composition, abundance, and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were analyzed and compared among the three populations. Results showed no significant variance in the α-diversity of the gut microbes across the three populations, while principal coordinate analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbe composition. The four most abundant phyla in the gut microbiota of V. stejnegeri were Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Actinomycetota, and Bacillota, while the four most abundant genera were Salmonella, Citrobacter, Bacteroides, and Yokenella. Linear discriminant analysis effect size demonstrated notable differences in gut microbial abundance among the three populations. Marked differences in CAZyme abundance were also observed across the microbial communities. Future studies should incorporate diverse ecological factors to evaluate their influence on the composition and function of gut microbiota.

HaVTE1 confers ABA insensitivity by blocking the ABA signaling pathway in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is the fourth major oilseed crop in the world, with remarkable tolerance in saline-alkali soils. The VTE1 gene encodes tocopherol cyclase (TC), an enzyme pivotal in the biosynthesis of both vitamin E and vitamin K1. Despite its integral role in the synthesis of these crucial vitamins, the functional analysis of VTE1 under abiotic stress in sunflowers remains scant. In the present investigation, a structural analysis of the VTE1 protein across 155 diverse species revealed a highly conserved evolutionary trace. The expression profiling of HaVTE1 depicted that the HaVTE1 was responsive to the ABA pathway. Transgenic results confirmed that overexpression of HaVTE1 in Arabidopsis and sunflower showed decreased sensitivity to ABA while knocking-down in sunflower exhibited the opposite phenotype. Furthermore, biochemical experiments displayed that HaVTE1 decreases ABA sensitivity by scavenging superoxide contents. Concurrently, the transcriptome analysis revealed that HaVTE1 blocked the upstream of the ABA signaling cascade, which was further confirmed by luciferase assay, resulting in reduced sensitivity to ABA of HaVTE1 overexpression plants. The findings shed light on a theoretical basis for the sunflower responses to ABA signaling and abiotic stresses.

Fecal microbiome analysis uncovers hidden stress effects of low stocking density on rainbow trout

BackgroundRecirculating aquaculture systems can cause chronic stress in fish when stocking density is too high. However, this study tested whether low stocking density can cause fish stress. Adult rainbow trout, with an average weight of 1.517 kg (± 0.39), were subjected to low (12 kg/m3 ± 0.94) and moderate (43 kg/m3 ± 2.03) stocking densities for 24 days in a recirculating system maintained at 15 °C. At the end of the experiment, fecal microbiome analysis was carried out using a 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Additionally, an untargeted plasma metabolomics analysis was conducted.ResultsThe moderate stocking density group harboured greater numbers of commensals, such as C. somerae, R. lituseburensis, and L. plantarum. In contrast, detrimental species such as S. putrifacens and P. putida were abundant in the low-stocking density fish. Functional microbiome profiling revealed vitamin B12 salvage and synthesis in moderate stocking densities, which may support intestinal tight junction function. Additionally, vitamin B1 biosynthesis pathways were more abundant in the moderate stocking density group, which may function towards oxidative energy metabolism and protect against oxidative stress. A complementary plasma metabolomics study, although done at slightly different stocking densities and duration, confirmed the presence of blood metabolic stress markers. Elevated levels of L-lactic acid and L-Norvaline, L-Valine, and L-glutamine, indicate low stocking density fish were under stress. Furthermore, a P4HA2 stress gene biomarker confirmed the occurrence of stress in low-density fish. This study suggests that low stocking density can induce stress in fish. Moreover, moderate stocking density leads to a distinct and beneficial fecal microbiome profile.ConclusionOur study highlights the potential benefits of optimizing the stocking density of fish in recirculating aquaculture systems. This can improve fish health and welfare, promoting a more resilient fecal microbiome.Graphical abstract

The importance of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium in intestinal microbiocenosis

Bifidobacteria are the most common microorganisms in the intestines of healthy breastfed children. The genus Bifidobacterium includes bacteria characterized by probiotic properties, such as the induction of immunomodulators, increasing the nutritional value of products due to the assimilation of substrates that are not broken down by the host, anticarcinogenic activity, synthesis of vitamins, production of antimicrobial drugs, which contribute to the promotion of health. Bifidobacteria demonstrate physiological and genetic characteristics including adhesion to the intestinal epithelium, as well as metabolism of glycans in the host body. Multitrophic interaction is formed based on various mechanisms of substrate recognition in the surrounding environment and the transmission of molecular and genetic information, which contributes to survival in the human gastrointestinal tract. Representatives of the Bifidobacterium bifidum species constitute a dominant taxon among bifidobacteria, demonstrating significant probiotic properties and extensive potential for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Currently, a large number of Bifidobacterium bifidum species have been sequenced, which are of interest to medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. Their genetic strategies for colonizing and persisting in the human intestine have been identified. Cross-interaction mechanisms of Bifidobacterium bifidum with the host and other microorganisms have been demonstrated using various structures. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the biology of the genus Bifidobacterium, including the biological characteristics of Bifidobacterium bifidum species, which exhibit specific adaptations to the human intestine.

Probiotic properties, whole-genome sequence analysis, and safety assessment of BreviBacillus borstelensis S8

In previous studies, BreviBacillus borstelensis S8 exhibited favorable enzyme production characteristics. In this study, the whole genome of Br borstelenensis S8 was sequenced to analyze its genomic sequence information and functions, investigating its genotype and potential probiotic properties. The whole genome sequence of S8 was determined to be 5,559,180 bp with an average GC content of 51.5%. A total of 5406 protein-coding genes were identified and annotated using NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation. By comparing it with the complete genome sequences of Bacillus cereus strains, 1911 orthologous gene families were recognized. Genome analysis revealed the absence of active antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and toxin-encoding genes. Safety assessments included hemolytic assays, antibiotic resistance tests, and evaluations of biogenic amine production. Functional gene analysis highlighted S8's metabolic pathways based on its genomic features. The presence of adhesion-related genes, stress response genes (e.g., acid and bile salts), antimicrobial gene clusters, and genes involved in vitamin and essential amino acid synthesis in the genome showcased the probiotic potential of S8. Simultaneously, analysis of hemolytic activity, biogenic amines production ability, acid and bile salt tolerance for the strain S8 also demonstrated its probiotic traits. The genomic exploration and probiotic activity of S8 revealed its potential as a probiotic, offering valuable genomic insights and a foundation for its safe utilization in the food industry.

Effectiveness and safety of gut microbiota modification in intestinal diseases. Review

The gut microbiota (GM) is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract and play an important role in various aspects of the host’s physiology and health. GM is involved in digestion and assimilation of nutrients, synthesis of vitamins and metabolites, modulation of the immune system and defense against pathogens. However, the gut microbiota can also be a source of inflammation and disease when its composition and function are altered. This phenomenon, known as dysbiosis, is associated with almost all gastrointestinal diseases and is most prominent in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, and celiac disease. Considering the important role of GM in the pathogenesis of IBD and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, several methods of its modification have been proposed, including the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation (FTM) and bacteriophage therapy. However, drawing general conclusions about the efficacy and safety of these approaches is often difficult due to variability in interventions, doses, timing of administration, and the inevitable heterogeneity of host microbiome profiles and gut status. This review presents the results of a large international survey, purposed on the assessment of current practice, preferences, challenges, and expectations of doctors regarding the assessment of the composition of GM and the use of antibiotics, probiotics and TFM in intestinal diseases. The survey was also aimed on the identification of factors influencing the decision‑making process by doctors and barriers limiting the implementation of GM modification in clinical practice. Conclusions drawn from the results of the survey highlight the need for further research, standardization of techniques and evidence‑based recommendations to optimize the use of probiotics, antibiotics and TFM in clinical practice.

Exploring the vitamin biosynthesis landscape of the human gut microbiota.

The human gut microbiota possesses the capacity to synthesize vitamins, especially B group vitamins, which are recognized as indispensable for various biological processes both among members of these bacterial communities and host cells. Accordingly, vitamin production by intestinal commensals has attracted significant interest. Nevertheless, our current understanding of bacterial vitamin synthesis is primarily based on individual genomic and monoculture investigations, therefore not providing an overall view of the biosynthetic potential of complex microbial communities. In the current study, we utilized over 100 bacterial genes known to be involved in the biosynthesis of B group and K vitamins to assess the corresponding vitamin biosynthetic potential of approximately 8,000 human gut microbiomes. Our analyses reveal that host-associated factors, such as age and geographical origin, appear to influence the diversity and abundance of vitamin biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we identify gut microbiota members that substantially contribute to these biosynthetic functions at each stage of human life. Interestingly, inference of microbial co-associations and network relationships uncovered the apparent key role played by folate and cobalamin in equilibrium establishment of the infant and adult gut microbial communities, respectively.IMPORTANCEOverall, this study expands our understanding of microbe-mediated vitamin biosynthesis in the human gut and may provide potential novel targets to improve availability of these essential micronutrients in the host.

Enzyme metabolism and functions in vitamin biosynthesis pathways

Vitamins, as indispensable organic compounds in life activities, demonstrate a complex and refined metabolic network in organisms. This network involves the coordination of multiple enzymes and the integration of various metabolic pathways. Despite the achievements in metabolic engineering and catalytic mechanism research, the lack of studies regarding detailed enzymatic properties for a large number of key enzymes limits the enhancement of vitamin production efficiency and hinders the in-depth understanding and optimization of vitamin synthesis mechanisms. Such limitations not only restrict the industrial application of vitamins but also impede the development of related bio-technologies. This study comprehensively reviews the research progress in the enzymes involved in vitamin biosynthesis and details the current status of research on the enzymes of 13 vitamin synthesis pathways, including their catalytic mechanisms, kinetic properties, and applications in biology. In addition, this study compares the properties of enzymes involved in vitamin metabolic pathways and the glycolysis pathway, and reveals the characteristics of catalytic efficiency and substrate affinity of enzymes in vitamin synthesis pathways. Furthermore, this study discusses the potential and prospects of applying deep learning methods to the research on properties of enzymes associated with vitamin biosynthesis, giving new insights into the production and optimization of vitamins.

Phenotype identification and genome-wide association study of ear-internode vascular bundles in maize (Zea mays).

The vascular bundle in the ear-internode of maize is a key conduit for transporting photosynthetic materials between "source" and "sink", making it critically important to examine its micro-phenotypes and genetic architecture to identify advantageous characteristics and cultivate high-yielding and high-quality varieties. Unfortunately, the limited observation methods and scope of study precludes any comprehensive and systematic investigations into the microscopic phenotypes and genetic mechanisms of vascular bundle in maize ear-internode. In this study, 47 phenotypic traits were extracted in 495 maize inbred lines using micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) scanning technology and a deep learning-based phenotype acquisition method for stem vascular bundle, which included stem slice-related, epidermis zone-related, periphery zone-related, inner zone-related and vascular bundles-related traits. Phenotypic analysis indicated that there was extensive phenotypic variation of vascular bundle traits in ear-internode, especially that in the inner zone. Of these, 30 phenotypic traits with heritability greater than 0.70 were conducted for GWAS, and a total of 4,225 significant SNPs and 416 candidate genes with detailed functional annotations were identified. Furthermore, 20 genes were highly expressed in stem-related tissues, especially in maize internodes. Functional analysis of candidate genes indicated that the pathways obtained for candidate genes of different trait groups were distinct, mainly involved in vitamin synthesis and metabolism, transport of substances, carbohydrate derivative catabolic process, protein transport and localization, and anatomical structure development. The results of this study will help to further understand the phenotypic traits of stem vascular bundles and provide a reference for revealing the genetic mechanism of maize ear-internode vascular bundles.

A cross-species analysis of fecal microbiomes in humans and mice reveals similarities and dissimilarities associated with prostate cancer risk.

Prostate cancer is a complex disease that develops over time and is influenced by several lifestyle factors that also impact gut microbes. Gut dysbiosis is intricately linked to prostate carcinogenesis, but the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Mice are crucial for studying the relationships between gut microbes and prostate cancer, but discovering similarities between humans and mice may aid in elucidating new mechanisms. We used 16s rRNA sequencing data from stool samples of tumor-bearing prostate-specific conditional Pten-knockout mice, disease-free wildtype mice, and a human cohort suspected of having prostate cancer to conduct taxonomic and metagenomic profiling. Features were associated with prostate cancer status and low risk (a negative biopsy of Gleason grade <2) or high risk (Gleason grade ≥2) in humans. In both humans and mice, community composition differed between individuals with and without prostate cancer. Odoribacter spp. and Desulfovibrio spp. were taxa associated with prostate cancer in mice and humans. Metabolic pathways associated with cofactor and vitamin synthesis were common in mouse and human prostate cancer, including bacterial synthesis of folate (vitamin B9), ubiquinone (CoQ10), phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), and tocopherol (vitamin E). Our study provides valuable data that can help bridge the gap between human and mouse microbiomes. Our findings provide evidence to support the notion that certain bacterial-derived metabolites may promote prostate cancer, as well as a preclinical model that can be used to characterize biological mechanisms and develop preventive interventions.

Modeling of the conditions of the process of biotransformation of fish raw materials by bacterial starter cultures

Abstract In food biotechnology, special attention is given to the biotransformation by promising strains of bacterial starter cultures to obtain food products with improved quality characteristics and functional properties. Biotransformation using bacterial starter cultures may be a means to increase the shelf life of fish products, enhance their organoleptic properties, and increase their nutritional value through the formation of metabolites of their activity, which are the main factors of bioconservation and synthesis of vitamins and other biologically active substances. The probiotic properties of bacterial starter cultures will significantly influence the optimization of the indigenous microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby strengthening the human body and its immune system overall to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The development of this trend is associated with the interest of the Russian population in products with a probiotic focus. In this regard, an analysis of data on the justification of the use of bacterial starter cultures for the biotransformation of fish raw materials has been conducted, and the necessary bacterial starter cultures have been selected. Based on theoretical and practical foundations, mathematical models of the biotransformation process by bacterial starter cultures have been constructed depending on the properties of fish raw materials and the biotechnological characteristics of the introduced microorganisms. The conducted research has been used to develop subsequent technological regimes for the biotransformation of fish raw materials by bacterial starter cultures as the basis for the formulations of “fast food” products containing functional components, which is justified by the accelerated pace of life and the desire of modern society to monitor their diet by consuming products that support a healthy lifestyle.

Gut microbiota and its correlations with body mass index and age in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction

Modern studies show that it is the transit microflora, the percentage of which is negligible compared to the total volume of the intestinal microbiota, that can cause severe damage and cause the appearance of chronic and acute diseases not only of the intestines but also of the immune, nervous, endocrine systems, etc. Instead, the obligate intestinal microbiota and even the opportunistic microbiota exhibit a number of beneficial properties, ranging from the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids, butyrate, and acetate to promoting the synthesis of vitamins and hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, etc. At the same time, the adverse effects of the gut microbiota cannot be discounted. The aim. The study aims to find correlations between gut microbiota, body mass index, and age in patients with type 2 diabetes and thyroid dysfunction..\ Materials and methods. The study included 84 patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and thyroid dysfunction. To analyze the composition of the intestinal microbiota, fecal samples were taken, and the quantitative and qualitative composition was calculated using the principle of PCR sequencing. Statistical methods of comparison and correlation of variables were used. Results. In patients, several significant correlations were found between the gut microbiota and the parameters studied. A negative correlation was found between body mass index and Bifidobacterium spp. and Escherichia coli, and a positive correlation was found between body mass index and some opportunistic pathogens. Thus, with Shigella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus, there is a direct weak reliable relationship, while an inverse reliable relationship with Helicobacter pylori. Interesting correlations were found with a tendency to confidence with Salmonella spp. and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron direct weak and a tendency to probable feedback between BMI and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Candida spp. Conclusion. We found that body mass index has a greater impact on the gut microbiota than age. Also, the data obtained indicate that obesity negatively affects the number of some beneficial bacteria. We can assume that, like metformin, one of the most common drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, it can affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota

Sws2 Gene Positively Regulates Melanin Production in Plectropomus leopardus Skin via Direct Regulation of the Synthesis of Retinoic Acid.

Opsins are a class of transmembrane proteins encoded by opsin genes, and they play a variety of functional roles. Short wavelength-sensitive opsin 2 (sws2), one of the five classes of visual opsin genes, mainly senses blue light. Previous research has indicated that sws2 is essential for melanocyte formation in fish; however, its specific role in skin color differentiation remains to be elucidated. Here, we identified the sws2 gene in a prized reef-dwelling fish, Plectropomus leopardus. The full-length P. leopardus sws2 gene encodes a protein consisting of 351 amino acids, and exhibits substantial homology with other fish species. The expression of the sws2 gene was widespread across P. leopardus tissues, with high expression in eye and skin tissues. Through immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analyses, we discovered that the sws2 gene was primarily localized in the rod and cone cells of the retina, and epidermal cells of the skin. Furthermore, dsRNA interference was used for sws2 gene knockdown in living P. leopardus to elucidate its function in skin color differentiation. Black-color-related genes, melanin contents, and tyrosinase activity in the skin significantly decreased after sws2 knockdown (p < 0.05), but red-color-related genes and carotenoid and lutein contents significantly increased (p < 0.05). Retinoic acid injection produced the opposite results. Our results suggested that the sws2 gene influences P. leopardus skin color regulation by affecting vitamin synthesis and melanin-related gene expression levels. This study establishes a foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which sws2 regulates melanocyte formation in fish skin.

Lactococcus lactis MA5 is a potential autochthonous probiotic for nutrient digestibility enhancement and bacterial pathogen inhibition in hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus).

With the emergence of diseases, the U.S. catfish industry is under challenge. Current trends prefer autochthonous bacteria as potential probiotic candidates owing to their adaptability and capacity to effectively colonize the host's intestine, which can enhance production performance and bolster disease resistance. The objective of this study was to isolate an autochthonous bacterium as probiotic for hybrid catfish. Initially, an analysis of the intestinal microbiota of hybrid catfish reared in earthen ponds was conducted for subsequent probiotic development. Twenty lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the digesta of overperforming catfish, and most of the candidates demonstrated probiotic traits, including proteolytic and lipolytic abilities; antagonistic inhibition of catfish enteric bacterial pathogens, negative haemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility. Subsequent to this screening process, an isolate of Lactococcus lactis (MA5) was deemed the most promising probiotic candidate. In silico analyses were conducted, and several potential probiotic functions were predicted, including essential amino acids and vitamin synthesis. Moreover, genes for three bacteriocins, lactococcin A, enterolysin A and sactipeptide BmbF, were identified. Lastly, various protectant media for lyophilization of MA5 were assessed. These findings suggest that Lactococcus lactis MA5 can be an autochthonous probiotic from hybrid catfish, holding promise to be further tested in feeding trials.

Unique Splicing of Lrp5 in the Brain: A New Player in Neurodevelopment and Brain Maturation.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) is a constitutively expressed receptor with observed roles in bone homeostasis, retinal development, and cardiac metabolism. However, the function of LRP5 in the brain remains unexplored. This study investigates LRP5's role in the central nervous system by conducting an extensive analysis using RNA-seq tools and in silico assessments. Two protein-coding Lrp5 transcripts are expressed in mice: full-length Lrp5-201 and a truncated form encoded by Lrp5-202. Wt mice express Lrp5-201 in the liver and brain and do not express the truncated form. Lrp5-/- mice express Lrp5-202 in the liver and brain and do not express Lrp5-201 in the liver. Interestingly, Lrp5-/- mouse brains show full-length Lrp5-201 expression, suggesting that LRP5 has a role in preserving brain function during development. Functional gene enrichment analysis on RNA-seq unveils dysregulated expression of genes associated with neuronal differentiation and synapse formation in the brains of Lrp5-/- mice compared to Wt mice. Furthermore, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis highlights downregulated expression of genes involved in retinol and linoleic acid metabolism in Lrp5-/- mouse brains. Tissue-specific alternative splicing of Lrp5 in Lrp5-/- mice supports that the expression of LRP5 in the brain is needed for the correct synthesis of vitamins and fatty acids, and it is indispensable for correct brain development.

Probiotic Insights from the Genomic Exploration of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strains Isolated from Fermented Palm Sap.

This study focused on L. paracasei strains isolated from fermented palm sap in southern Thailand that exhibit potential probiotic characteristics, including antibiotic susceptibility, resistance to gastrointestinal stresses, and antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. However, a thorough investigation of the whole genome sequences of L. paracasei isolates is required to ensure their safety and probiotic properties for human applications. This study aimed to sequence the genome of L. paracasei isolated from fermented palm sap, to assess its safety profile, and to conduct a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis with other Lacticaseibacillus species. The genome sizes of the seven L. paracasei strains ranged from 3,070,747 bp to 3,131,129 bp, with a GC content between 46.11% and 46.17% supporting their classification as nomadic lactobacilli. In addition, the minimal presence of cloud genes and a significant number of core genes suggest a high degree of relatedness among the strains. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis of core genes revealed that the strains possessed distinct genes and were grouped into two distinct clades. Genomic analysis revealed key genes associated with probiotic functions, such as those involved in gastrointestinal, oxidative stress resistance, vitamin synthesis, and biofilm disruption. This study is consistent with previous studies that used whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics to assess the safety and potential benefits of probiotics in various food fermentation processes. Our findings provide valuable insights into the potential use of seven L. paracasei strains isolated from fermented palm sap as probiotic and postbiotic candidates in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.