High-performance emulsions via phosphorylated HDL/phosvitin interface engineering: Characterization, stability, and curcumin protection.

The occurrence of colony collapse in honey bees is widely documented worldwide, attributed to various factors such as exposure to agricultural pesticides, habitat destruction, and the prevalence of numerous diseases. Agricultural pesticides are among these causes. The Piedmont region and the Asti province are recognized for extensive cultivation of grapes and significant beekeeping production, making them ideal locations to examine the potential effects of pesticide application in vineyards on honey bee physiological stress. Vitellogenin (VG), a precursor protein of yolk in honey bees, is often used as a marker of physiological stress, having a key role in immune defense, protection from oxidative stress, and promoting longevity. The current study investigates the correlation between pesticide use in viticulture and the levels of VG expression (VG mRNA levels) in honey bee colonies. This study aims to clarify the relationship between pesticide exposure in viticulture and the respective vitellogenin expression levels in honey bee populations. We used RT-PCR to measure the VG mRNA levels, as well as chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for pesticide residue analysis in honey bee samples obtained from three apiaries at different distances from vineyards that were treated with pesticides, thus assessing their potential relationship. The analysis of pesticide residues indicated that insecticides were the predominant agrochemicals detected in honey bee samples, especially in apiaries situated near treated vineyards. The expression of Vitellogenin was found to be significantly modulated between the sampling periods and sites, showing a clear association with the levels of insecticide residues detected in the apiaries. These findings improve understanding of the impact of pesticide exposure associated with viticulture on the physiological dynamics of honey bee colonies.

In penaeids, the major yolk protein precursor vitellogenin is synthesized in both the hepatopancreas and the ovary. While ovarian vitellogenin expression is clearly regulated by hormones from the X-organ/sinus gland in the eyestalk, regulation in the hepatopancreas remains poorly understood. Here, we performed transcriptome profiling stratified by endogenous hepatopancreatic vitellogenin gene (Maj-Vg1) expression levels in immature kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus. Pathway enrichment analysis identified the insulin, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), glucagon, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways as candidate modules associated with the control of hepatopancreatic Maj-Vg1 expression. Analysis of differentially expressed genes identified slit-like (Slit) and calreticulin (Calr) as genes potentially involved in the regulation of Maj-Vg1 expression. In ex vivo hepatopancreas explants, insulin-like peptide 1 from this species induced Maj-Vg1 and was accompanied by the upregulation of lipogenic markers (Max-like protein X (Mlx) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc)), consistent with vitellogenin’s lipid-transport role. Expression patterns of Calr, tuberous sclerosis complex 1 and 2 (Tsc1 and Tsc2) suggest regulatory inputs beyond insulin signaling, indicating context-dependent regulation. Taken together, these data identify metabolic status as an important contributor to hepatopancreatic Maj-Vg1 expression and define further research targets, including mTOR, AMPK, glucagon, and the Slit/Roundabout axis, for understanding vitellogenesis in penaeids.

A signaling hub in the mosquito rectum coordinates reproductive investment after blood feeding.

Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium that infects a broad range of arthropods and nematodes, relies on vertical transmission from mother to offspring. This process often involves colonisation of the host germline, subsequent transfer to developing oocytes, and utilisation of host yolk protein transport mechanisms such as vitellogenin uptake. However, the transmission strategies employed by Wolbachia in viviparous insects such as aphids are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a non-canonical Wolbachia transmission mode in the cedar bark aphid Cinara cedri: the somatic-dependent vertical transmission. After confirming consistent Wolbachia infection in C. cedri, we visualised the localization of Wolbachia, along with the obligate symbionts Buchnera aphidicola and Serratia symbiotica. Consistent with previous reports, Wolbachia in C. cedri were predominantly observed within maternal and embryonic bacteriocytes, the specialised cells housing obligate symbionts. Notably, Wolbachia cells were rarely detected in germline cells or early-stage embryos and were directly transmitted from maternal bacteriocytes to developing embryos, coinciding with obligate symbiont transfer. These results suggest that Wolbachia in C. cedri has evolved a unique "piggybacking" strategy, utilising the obligate symbiont transmission system. Our study highlights the diversity of endosymbiont maternal transmission strategies and provides new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.

Identification of cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors regulating the glycoprotein vitellogenin receptor: Unraveling the transcriptional regulatory network of vitellogenesis in the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei.

Salted egg yolk powder (SEYP), one of the derivatives of salted egg yolk, has a long preparation cycle and low solubility, which affects its application in the food industry. Here, we suggest to directly marinated the egg yolk liquid to shorten the production process of SEYPs, and then hydrolyze the salted egg yolk liquid using pH in synergy with acidic, neutral and alkaline protease to obtain SEYPs with better physicochemical properties. The results showed that the best performance and color of SEYPs were obtained under the conditions of 4% salt concentration, 2% baijiu (Chinese liquor) addition, 0.2 mL/50 g spice addition, and 2 d marinating time. Meanwhile, the addition of protease significantly reduced the aggregation of flocs and significantly increased the solubility compared with unhydrolyzed SEYPs, which was confirmed by the solubility and surface hydrophobicity. SDS-PAGE showed that the proteins were decomposed into smaller peptides, and the content of soluble proteins increased as a result. The FTIR results showed an increasing trend of β-folding in all treatment groups, indicating that the protease disrupted the original conformation of the proteins and facilitated the process of formation of a more disordered structure of the yolk proteins, with a sparser structure of the SEYPs. Moreover, there was little difference in the color of SEYPs. In conclusion, the direct preparation of SEYPs by enzymatic treatment of egg yolk liquid provides a theoretical basis for improving the quality of SEYPs.

Enhancing the functional properties of egg yolk through post-treatments following short-term fermentation for application in powdered oils.

Folliculogenesis is a process that requires accurate interpretation of female physiological cues and elaborate coordination between the growing oocyte and its surrounding follicle cells, each being capable of responding to external signals. Here, we investigate the role of insulin signaling in Drosophila follicle cells. Using a phase separation-based reporter system, we observe a surge of insulin receptor activity in follicle cells during vitellogenic stages, a surge that is disrupted by a maternal high-sucrose diet. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals a diet-sensitive subpopulation of stage-8 follicle cells, which exhibits a reduction in CrebA-mediated transcription of genes for yolk and vitelline membrane proteins. Our results suggest a critical role of CrebA in implementing the stage-specific effect of insulin signaling to boost the secretory capacity of follicle cells. Mechanistically, CrebA is directly repressed by nuclear FoxO that is subject to insulin control, a regulatory axis that we show is conserved in human granulosa cells. This study delineates a mechanism through which insulin and nutrient cues act on a developmental transition via modulating the biosynthetic and secretory functions of the ovary.

Vitellogenin and its receptor characterize exogenous vitellogenesis mode in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

Potential role of COUP-TF in regulating major yolk protein gene expression in sea urchin.

Promoting osteogenesis is a key approach to preventing and improving bone metabolic diseases. This study investigated the impact of free amino acid-rich egg yolk protein hydrolysate (Y-PEP) on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Free amino acids in Y-PEP were quantified using a high-speed amino acid analyzer. MC3T3-E1 cells were osteogenically induced with Y-PEP (5-100 μg/mL), and cell viability (72 h), alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen synthesis (day 9), as well as calcium deposition and osteocalcin production (day 18) were assessed. Moreover, runt-related transcription factor 2/osterix mRNA (qRT-PCR) and total/cytosolic/nuclear β-catenin and β-catenin phosphorylation (western blot) were measured. Twenty-one amino acids, including leucine, lysine, arginine, glutamic acid, and valine, were identified and quantified in Y-PEP by comparing retention times and peak areas with amino acid mixture standard solutions. Y-PEP concentrations below 100 μg/mL had no impact on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast viability. Y-PEP enhanced osteoblast differentiation markers in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations from 5 to 100 μg/mL and promoted mineralization markers in mature osteoblasts dose-dependently at 25-50 μg/mL. The pro-osteogenic effect of Y-PEP may involve increasing total cellular β-catenin levels and promoting β-catenin nuclear translocation rate to upregulate transcription of osteogenesis-associated genes. The osteogenic activity of Y-PEP may result from the synergistic effects among signal transduction, metabolism, and mineral handling driven by its complex amino acid composition. Y-PEP can promote osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1 cells and has the potential to serve as a functional food ingredient for preventing or improving metabolic bone diseases.

Fertilized eggs efficiently utilized endogenous mineral elements, providing a novel material for the development of calcium supplements. Therefore, based on the model of fertilized eggs, the yolk and day 12 were identified as the key sites and critical stages for calcium transport, from which egg yolk peptides (EYP) were prepared. Three peptides (EELCEAFKKD, IDTIEIITDR, SFDEKLC) with strong calcium-binding ability were further identified from EYP through mass spectrometry and molecular docking techniques. The three peptides had relative higher concentrations of Asp, Glu, and Ser, and demonstrated strong binding affinity for TRPV6 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6). In the stability tests, the peptide-calcium chelate exhibited a calcium retention rate (RC) consistently higher than 85% in the temperature range from 30 to 70°C, and a hydroxyl radical scavenging of 45.77%. Meanwhile, the calcium RC in simulated digestion was 97.16%, which was more stable than CaCl2. In terms of composition, binding capacity, and stability, EYP showed comprehensive potential as a calcium supplement, proposing a novel strategy for the development of novel dietary calcium supplements. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Inspired by the efficient utilization of calcium during the incubation of chick embryos, this work investigated the content changes of calcium during incubation, identified egg yolk as an important site for calcium transport, and prepared yolk peptide-calcium from egg yolk, contributing a new angle for the development of dietary calcium supplements.

EGCG-egg yolk proteins complexes-stabilized HIPPEs for enhanced delivery of lipophilic bioactives: Insight into structure and function relationship.

Human female fertility declines markedly with age, a pattern mirrored in C. elegans fecundity. This shared vulnerability stems from evolutionarily conserved molecular pathways. A growing body of evidence links impaired proteostasis—the cell’s ability to manage its proteins—to this age-related fertility drop in both species, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we identify that LMD-3, a LysM domain protein, is a critical regulator of proteostasis and reproductive capacity in C. elegans. Deficiency of lmd-3 leads to notable defects in oxidation resistance and constitutively high cellular stress responses. We demonstrate that LMD-3, localized to the lysosome, interacts with vitellogenin and a proton-pumping V-type ATPase via its TLDc domain to regulate lysosomal function and maintain yolk protein homeostasis. We also found that supplementing with vitamin B12 can restore fertility in lmd-3 mutants by reducing oxidative stress and improving lysosomal function. These findings establish a model for studying reproductive health and finding potential therapeutic strategies.

BackgroundFemale Aedes aegypti mosquitoes utilize host blood to support egg maturation by digesting, absorbing, and metabolizing its components. Among these, amino acids are essential as both signaling molecules and building blocks for yolk proteins. While their overall importance is established, the individual dynamics and regulation of each amino acid remain insufficiently understood.ResultsWe systematically profiled free and protein-bound amino acids in whole bodies, ovaries, and excreta over time after blood feeding, revealing distinct temporal dynamics across amino acids. Notably, tyrosine, enriched in yolk proteins, exhibited a biphasic pattern: a transient decrease between 6 and 9 h post blood meal, followed by accumulation during egg maturation. We also performed RNA-seq and found that amino acid metabolism is partially regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), indicating hormonal control of amino acid homeostasis. Integrating RNA-seq analysis with amino acid profiling further suggested an adaptation to metabolic imbalance between host blood and ovaries. The early decrease in tyrosine was attributed to enzymatic degradation by 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (Hpd), whose expression is induced by 20E, a key hormone orchestrating post-blood-feeding gene expression and egg maturation. Pharmacological inhibition of Hpd caused tyrosine accumulation and increased lethality, indicating that tight regulation of tyrosine catabolism is essential for survival.ConclusionsThis study highlights the temporally coordinated metabolism of individual amino acids during mosquito reproduction. Our dataset serves as a valuable resource for understanding nutrient allocation with endocrine regulation, as well as a foundation for developing novel strategies to disrupt mosquito survival by targeting the metabolic enzymes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-025-02460-z.

Natural glycosylation modulates the digestive fate of a marine glycoprotein: Insights from sea cucumber major yolk protein.

Label-free photoacoustic imaging of glassfrog development

Characterization and purification of lipovitellin-like egg yolk protein in a stony coral, Acropora aff. tenuis.

Nematomorphs are parasitic worms of arthropods, which complete their life cycle via behavioural manipulation of their host so that they can enter water to find a mate. Although this behaviour is readily observed, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown; previously proposed hypotheses include an attraction to polarised light, increased erratic behaviour and dehydration-driven behaviour. Here, we investigated the ‘Dehydration Hypothesis’, which posits that nematomorphs either induce dehydration or mimic dehydration through biosynthetic changes to stimulate host water-seeking behaviour. House crickets, Acheta domesticus, were experimentally deprived of water and their behaviour compared to crickets infected with the nematomorph Paragordius varius. Both infected and dehydrated crickets were more likely to interact with water than uninfected, hydrated crickets. However, dehydrated crickets preferred to submerge their heads in the water compared to infected crickets which preferred to fully enter the water. Quantitative mass spectrometry of cricket haemolymph identified unique proteomic signatures of infection (27 differentially abundant proteins, infected cf. control) and dehydration (17 differentially abundant proteins, dehydrated cf. control). Our results indicate that dehydration is not a strong driving mechanism for behavioural manipulation by nematomorphs, but nevertheless infected and dehydrated share the increased tendency of dehydrated crickets to interact with water. Our data also provide new insights into the proteomic response during nematomorph infection. Notably, we observed a decrease in the cricket egg yolk protein vitellogenin and the carbohydrate digestion enzyme α-amylase, and an increase in abundance of the immune related hemocyanin protein family.