The United Nations Organization (UNO) has proposed achieving specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty, hunger, health, education, equality, climate change, and the need for sustainable development, while protecting the planet Earth from environmental degradation. The expert group of the International College of Nutrition aims to emphasize the merits of sustainable diets and traditional plant based foods for the primordial prevention of cardio-metabolic Diseases (CMDs) and other chronic diseases in this review, to achieve these goals. A narrative review was conducted to identify articles related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, diabetes, and cancer, using databases from the World Health Organization (WHO), Google Scholar, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and EBSCO, along with additional secondary sources and a search of grey literature. Opinions of experts were also sought, and views of all authors were obtained as outlined in this document. It seems that education, in particular health education and motivation, apart from cultural factors, are crucial for achieving total health, and the SDGs of the UNO. The prevalence of unhealthy behaviours and risk factors for most of the CMDs and other chronic diseases is rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries, due to the ongoing economic development, leading to rapid changes in diet and lifestyle. There is some decline in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in high-income countries due to education and learning of preventive strategies, resulting in a reduction in mortality due to these diseases. However, CMDs and cancer remain the significant causes of morbidity and mortality. During and after World War II, food scarcity persisted from 1940 to 1965 in most countries, accompanied by a low risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. The rapid increase in industrialization and urbanization has been linked to environmental degradation on planet Earth, a decline in fertile, healthy soil, and sustainable, functional farming practices, resulting in a decrease in the production of nutritious foods. These alterations in food availability are associated with an increased production of unhealthy, energy rich foods and Western-type dietary patterns, which in turn increased the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The health of the planet and its people is at risk. There is a deterioration in the global standard of natural systems that support life on Earth, which is exacerbating energy, food, and water insecurity, and increasing the risk of disease, disaster, displacement, and conflict. Recent advice about the safe corridor on the planet can enhance research on planetary boundaries and Earth-system aspects of the SDGs. It appears that poverty, lack of education, and inadequate health education and motivation, possibly due to ineffective policies by national and local governments, are significant determinants of the increased risk of these diseases. In urban areas of lower and middle-income countries, as well as in immigrant populations in high-income countries, CMDs and other chronic diseases are significantly higher than they are in some of the high-income populations. Improvements in soil and the promotion of functional farming, along with an emphasis on the food industry, are urgently needed to support plant-based, low-animal food traditional food diets. Traditional foods are feasible and affordable in every country. The use of high-protein substitutes for animal-derived foods, such as soybean products such as tofu and tempe, millets, beans, lentils, peas (400 g/day), green vegetables, fruits, and nuts (400 g/day), as well as vegetable oils, low-fat dairy products, and culinary spices, with low meat (sea-foods) may be beneficial in promoting health and preventing NCDs. Health education and promotion of healthier lifestyles and behaviours during the preconception period, in utero life, and the postnatal development and infancy stages may lead to healthy eating patterns, contributing to primordial prevention of NCDs. A wild-type omega-6/3 diet rich in flavonoids, folate, and other nutrients, along with other interventions may mitigate epigenetic risk variations at the individual level across all subgroups, from the preconception period to the elderly stages. These findings may necessitate revisions to the existing guidelines proposed for sustainable functional farming and sustainable plant based diets. Eating 400 g/day of vegetable, fruits, and nuts and another 400 g/day of whole grains, with spices (20-50 g/day) and meat as condiment (50 g/day), along with 30-50 g/day of vegetable oils, can prevent CMDs and other chronic diseases, and promote health to serve the SDGs of the UNO. Cohort studies and randomized trial in each country may be necessary to confirm the role of our advice in the prevention of diseases.
The global rise in cancer occurrence, together with the spread of multidrug resistance, highlights the critical demand for innovative treatment strategies. Nano-delivery approaches have emerged as promising solutions that enhance bioavailability and facilitate targeted drug delivery. This study evaluated the anticancer efficacy of Nepeta glomerulosa extract and its silver-loaded nanoemulsion (Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs) against human lung (A549) and gastric (AGS) cells.MethodsNepeta glomerulosa was collected from the Binaloud Mountains, and a hydroalcoholic extract was obtained by maceration. Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs were prepared via high-energy emulsification and characterized by FTIR, SEM, DLS, ZP, and XRD. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay, DAPI staining, and Real-time PCR of TP53 and BAX genes.ResultsAg-N.g.Ext. NEs were spherical (confirmed by SEM) with a PSA (DLS) size of 269.5 nm, a negative zeta potential of -23.1 mV, and a non-crystalline structure. The IC₅₀ of the extract for A549 and AGS was 500 and 250 µg/mL, while the Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs showed enhanced potency with an IC₅₀ of 125 µg/mL. Apoptosis and gene expression were significantly higher in Ag-N.g.Ext. NEs-treated cells (p ≤ 0.05). TP53 expression increased 3.317-fold in A549 and 8.027-fold in AGS; BAX increased 3.877-fold in A549 and 2.351-fold in AGS.ConclusionsNanoemulsion-based delivery significantly enhances the anticancer efficacy of the extract by promoting apoptosis, offering a promising strategy for plant-derived therapeutics.
Fea's muntjac (Muntiacus feae) is a poorly known cervid restricted to forested regions along the Thai-Myanmar border, and its ex-situ population in Thailand has declined to critically low numbers. Limited founder size and incomplete pedigree records raise concerns about inbreeding and the loss of genetic diversity, underscoring the need for genome-based assessments to support effective conservation management. In this study, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) was applied to investigate genetic diversity, relatedness, and population structure among the remaining ex-situ Fea's muntjac individuals in Thailand, including one putative hybrid. Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were generated and analyzed using phylogenetic reconstruction, Bayesian clustering, multidimensional scaling (MDS), and identity-by-descent (IBD) approaches. Phylogenetic, ADMIXTURE, and MDS analyses consistently revealed clear genetic structuring corresponding to institution of origin, whereas the putative hybrid formed a distinct genetic lineage. IBD analyses identified both first- and second-degree relationships among individuals, largely corroborating available pedigree records, while also revealing previously undocumented relatedness, emphasizing the limitations of pedigree-based management in small ex-situ populations. Notably, one individual exhibited no detectable genetic relatedness to the others and consistently formed an independent lineage across analyses, indicating the presence of unique genetic variation with high conservation value. Collectively, these results demonstrate the utility of RADseq-derived genomic data for resolving kinship, validating pedigrees, and detecting hybridization in extremely small ex-situ populations. This study represents the first comprehensive genome-wide genetic assessment of ex-situ Fea's muntjac in Thailand and establishes an essential genomic baseline to inform breeding decisions and support long-term conservation planning for this highly threatened cervid.
Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is a destructive disease of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris L.) for which resistance conferred by the gene BvCR4 has been introgressed from sea beet (B. vulgaris ssp. maritima). BvCR4-mediated resistance has been broadly deployed to manage CLS globally in sugar beet; however, continuous implementation exerts strong selection pressure, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks due to resistance-breaking C. beticola populations. This study aimed to identify BvCR4 variants in public B. vulgaris spp. germplasm to assess their genetic and structural diversity. Polymerase chain reaction screening of 589 public B. vulgaris spp. germplasm detected BvCR4 homologs in 32 accessions with diverse responses to CLS including historically relevant sugar beet lines represented in breeding programs and Mediterranean sea beet populations of diverse genetic backgrounds. Analysis of the genomic sequences revealed higher diversity in sea beet compared to sugar beet. Additionally, population genetic analysis indicated that BvCR4 homologs in sugar beet likely originated from sea beet populations in Italy and Greece. We identified historical cultivated materials carrying full proteins encoded by BvCR4 alleles and delineated geographic regions where sea beet populations harbor BvCR4 homologs that may be useful in breeding programs. Structural variation was largely circumscribed within leucine-rich repeat domains, although CLS resistance phenotyping was not associated with specific polymorphisms, suggesting BvCR4-mediated resistance may rely on interactions with other co-receptors. This study provides resources for sugar beet improvement by enabling the identification of BvCR4 homologs in diverse germplasm and disclosing materials with potentially novel resistance.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a commercially important fruit crop valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. The present study evaluates promising pomegranate mutants exhibiting desirable horticultural traits following gamma irradiation, and performs their molecular characterization. The LD50 dose was standardized using probit curve analysis based on survival percentages across seven irradiation doses (6-24 kR) for three cultivars: Kandhari Kabuli, Bhagwa, and Daru. Morphological evaluation followed UPOV descriptors, while disease tolerance screening was performed against bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae). Molecular characterization using 26 SSR markers revealed distinct genetic profiles among mutants, with polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.08 to 0.58, effective multiplex ratio (EMR) from 0.00 to 0.17, and marker index (MI) from 0.00 to 0.06. Cluster analysis grouped mutants by genetic similarity, providing insights into genetic divergence. The cv. Daru exhibited the lowest disease severity (6.57-10.20%), indicating superior tolerance. Integration of morphological and molecular data supports identification of promising mutant lines for cultivar improvement and potential breeding resources. This study underscores the role of mutation breeding in pomegranate genetic enhancement.
Metabolic gene clusters (MGCs) are genomic loci that contain multiple genes that are functionally and genetically linked. MGCs collectively encode a spectrum of metabolic functions, including small molecule biosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, metabolite degradation, and production of proteins essential for growth and development. Due to their diverse ecological functions, identifying gene clusters is a powerful tool for small molecule discovery and provides insight into the ecology and evolution of organisms. Gene cluster detection algorithms have historically been specialized for detecting biosynthetic gene clusters that contain canonical "core" biosynthetic functions, while overlooking uncommon or unknown cluster classes. These overlooked clusters are a potential source of novel natural products and comprise an untold portion of overall gene cluster repertoires. Unbiased, function-agnostic detection algorithms therefore provide an opportunity to reveal novel classes of gene clusters and more precisely define genome organization.We developed CLOCI (Co-occurrence Locus and Orthologous Cluster Identifier) as a generalized, unbiased gene cluster detection algorithm. CLOCI generalizes gene cluster detection by identifying signatures of coordinated gene evolution that underlie all classes of MGCs. CLOCI first detects selection on gene colocalization by identifying and circumscribing shared synteny loci across a dataset of genomes into homologous locus groups. Gene clusters comprise a subset of these homologous locus groups, and CLOCI implements orthogonal proxies of coordinated gene evolution, such as quantifying loss and horizontal transfer of a locus, to enrich MGCs from homologous loci. Here, we describe the conceptual framework of the CLOCI algorithm and present a description of its implementation (see Note 1).
Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a serious disease of soybean that continues to cause major yield losses in the Upper Midwest. Despite advances in management, host genetic resistance remains the most sustainable strategy for reducing disease impact. This study was designed with three primary objectives. First, we evaluated a diverse panel of 51 soybean varieties, including commercial cultivars and breeding lines from the University of Minnesota's soybean program, to characterize their resistance responses to SSR under controlled conditions. This large-scale screening revealed a resistance spectrum from highly susceptible to highly resistant lines. Based on these results, our second objective was to identify a smaller subset of soybean varieties representing high, moderate, and low levels of resistance and to assess their interactions with eight S. sclerotiorum isolates collected across Minnesota. This allowed us to evaluate whether host-pathogen interaction patterns are consistent and reproducible for our screening panel. The third objective was to assess virulence and genetic diversity among Minnesota S. sclerotiorum isolates. This work advances SSR management in three main ways. It identifies soybean varieties with strong and consistent resistance to accelerate breeding for improved SSR resistance. It characterizes virulence and genetic variation among Minnesota isolates of S. sclerotiorum, providing a glimpse into region-specific variation and genetic resources for future virulence studies. It also establishes a reliable variety-isolate screening panel that offers a practical tool for researchers and breeders to improve the accuracy and efficiency of soybean resistance evaluation against SSR.
Over 25% of people worldwide have liver illnesses, which kill nearly 2 million. This study assessed the hepatoprotective potential of Baccaurea motleyana fruit acetone extract (BMF-AE) against CCl4-induced liver injury. GC-MS phytochemical profiling identified nine metabolites, with linoleic acid ethyl ester, quercetin, and gallic acid as predominant bioactives known for hepatoprotective activity. The antioxidant activity of BMF-AE was significant in DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC50 values of 112.55 and 127 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo hepatoprotective efficacy was assessed in five groups (n = 5) that received oral BMF-AE (200 or 400 mg/kg) for 14 days. Positive control was 100 mg/kg silymarin. The CCl4-induced increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin was dramatically reduced, while BMF-AE restored albumin levels (p < 0.05). Treatment reduced hepatic TBARS and restored glutathione and catalase activity, reducing oxidative stress. Histopathological investigation demonstrated maintained liver architecture in treated rats. Molecular docking analysis revealed that quercetin and linoleic acid ethyl ester bind strongly to targets of oxidative stress and inflammation, including xanthine oxidoreductase, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and PARP-1, suggesting potential hepatoprotective effects. BMF-AE may be a promising natural therapy for oxidative stress-mediated liver injury, according to this study, due to its antioxidant phytoconstituents.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder driven by amyloid-β accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cholinergic deficits. Despite extensive research, current FDA-approved therapies provide only modest symptomatic relief, underscoring the urgent need for safe and multi-targeted alternatives. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on 15 medicinal plants and their 21 active compounds with therapeutic relevance to AD. Studies were included based on defined screening criteria: reported neuroprotective activity in at least one AD-related pathway, mechanistic evidence from preclinical or clinical investigations, and publication between 2015 and 2025. Analysis demonstrates that numerous plant extracts and isolated compounds including those from Allium sativum, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Crocus sativus, Curcuma longa, Ginkgo biloba, Hericium erinaceus, Melissa officinalis, Nigella sativa, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Vitis vinifera, and others exert neuroprotective actions through convergent mechanisms. These include attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory pathways, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and BACE-1, suppression of amyloid and tau pathology, enhancement of synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial support, and activation of neurotrophic signaling such as BDNF, TrkB and NRF2. Several compounds, including crocin, crocetin, curcumin, bilobalide, tanshinone IIA, bacosides, thymoquinone, and salvianolic acid B, demonstrate strong mechanistic activity across multiple AD-related pathways. Clinical trials further validate translational potential, with improvements reported in cognitive performance, behavioral symptoms, biomarker regulation, and daily functioning in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, AD, or age-related cognitive decline. Together, the evidence highlights medicinal plants as promising complementary or alternative strategies for modifying disease-relevant mechanisms and supporting cognitive health. Continued high-quality clinical investigations and optimized formulations are essential to advance these candidates toward therapeutic application.
This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of 28 compounds isolated from Vespa velutina auraria Smith. An LPS-IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established. Nitric oxide (NO) release was measured using the Griess method, and molecular docking was performed to predict the binding energy with inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). In vivo effects were evaluated via carrageenan-induced mouse paw edoema model, with serum IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 detected by ELISA and toe pathology observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Thirteen compounds significantly inhibited NO release (p < 0.05), with compound 6 (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, DBME) showing the best activity (p < 0.001). Twelve compounds had NOS2 binding energy lower than -5 kcal/mol. DBME suppressed paw edoema, upregulated IL-10 and downregulated TNF-α, IL-1β. Thirteen compounds exert in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. DBME acts in vivo by regulating inflammatory responses, suppressing paw edoema, modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviating histopathological damage in carrageenan-induced mice.
Olive scab, caused by Spilocaea oleagina, is one of the most widespread foliar diseases of cultivated olive, yet its host range within wild Olea europaea taxa remains poorly documented. In this study, the susceptibility of a panel of wild olive taxa (oleaster, O. europaea subsp. maroccana, subsp. laperrinei, subsp. africana, and an africana×europaea hybrid) was evaluated under artificial inoculation and natural infection conditions, using the cultivars Picual and Frantoio as susceptible and resistant reference cultivars, respectively. Disease incidence and severity were assessed weekly for 10 weeks, and disease intensity was summarized as the relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC) of the disease index. All taxa developed symptoms under both inoculation method and natural infection. Specifically, natural infection of tree canopy resulted in significantly higher disease levels than artificial inoculation and produced a more gradual disease progression, consistent with prolonged exposure to inoculum. Taxon-specific differences were detected across inoculation methods, with the hexaploidy subsp. marrocana being highly resistant to the pathogen. These results provide experimental evidence that susceptibility to S. oleagina extends across multiple wild Olea europaea taxa and an inter-subspecific hybrid, highlighting the epidemiological relevance of wild olives at cultivated-wild interfaces as sources of inoculum and their potential value as resistance sources for breeding programs.
Intensive farming of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) heightens susceptibility to infectious diseases, including motile aeromonad septicemia caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, thereby necessitating sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) essential oil (1% w/w) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil (0.5% w/w) on growth performance, hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, innate immune responses, cytokine profiles, and resistance to experimental A. hydrophila challenge. A total of 180 juvenile Nile tilapia (initial weight 13.21 ± 0.16 g) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups (three replicates of 20 fish per treatment) and fed for 60 days: (1) basal control diet, (2) basal diet supplemented with 1% O. basilicum essential oil, and (3) basal diet supplemented with 0.5% T. vulgaris essential oil. Fish then received intraperitoneal A. hydrophila challenge (0.1 mL of 1.5 × 108 CFU mL⁻1). Growth, hematological, serum biochemical, and innate immune parameters (lysozyme, nitric oxide, phagocytic index) were assessed at days 30, 60, and 75 (15 days post-challenge). Differential leukocyte counts and cytokine concentrations (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10) were assessed at day 75, and histopathological analysis of hepatic and cephalic kidney tissues was performed to evaluate the protective effects of dietary supplementation against A. hydrophila-induced tissue damage. Both essential oil supplements significantly enhanced growth performance (final body weight and weight gain), hematological indices (hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts), serum protein profiles (total protein, albumin, and globulin), and innate immune function (lysozyme activity, nitric oxide production, and phagocytic index) compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Notably, the diet supplemented with 1% O. basilicum essential oil produced substantial responses than the diet supplemented with 0.5% T. vulgaris essential oil across several assessed parameters (P ≤ 0.05). Fish fed the O. basilicum-supplemented diet had the highest levels of both pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, and the lowest overall mortality rate (2.2 ± 2.2%; relative percent survival [RPS] = 96.7 ± 3.3%). The T. vulgaris group had a mortality rate of 13.3 ± 3.9%; RPS = 82.1 ± 6.4%, and the non-supplemented control group had a mortality rate of 77.8 ± 5.9%. Histopathology confirmed markedly diminished renal and hepatic lesions, coupled with increased activation of melanomacrophage centers in both essential oil-supplemented groups. These results suggest that adding 1% O. basilicum essential oil to the diet of Nile tilapia promotes growth, boosts the immune system, and provides greater protection against A. hydrophila infection than adding 0.5% T. vulgaris essential oil. The findings support the potential use of these phytogenic additives as components of health-management strategies in Nile tilapia culture. However, additional studies under commercial production conditions, including dose-optimization, long-term safety assessments, and economic evaluations, are required before practical application can be recommended.
Six new species of the genus Sensillanura Deharveng, 1981 from the Appalachian Mountains of North America are described: S.sniderisp. nov., S.marimuttisp. nov., S. sotoadamesisp. nov., S.giribetisp. nov., S. subiasisp. nov. and S. bonetisp. nov. Additions to the description of Sensillanurabullsa (Wray, 1953) are also included and new records for S. santizaragozai are given. An attempt to resolve the phylogeny of the tribe is done, with a cladistic analysis based on 137 external morphological characters of 30 species. An identification key for the species on the genus and the updated generic diagnosis is provided. A discussion of the biogeographical distribution of the Sensillanurini is also included.
Powdery mildew caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum is a major constraint in bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) production, leading to significant yield and quality losses under favourable environmental conditions. This review aims to synthesise current knowledge on the biology, epidemiology and molecular interactions of the bhendi-powdery mildew pathosystem, with emphasis on sustainable management through biological control agents. The pathogen establishes a biotrophic relationship via haustorial development and effector-mediated suppression of host immunity, while host defence involves pattern-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity, including reactive oxygen species production and callose deposition. Biological control agents such as Ampelomyces quisqualis, Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. exhibit diverse mechanisms including hyperparasitism, mycoparasitism, antibiosis and induction of systemic resistance. These agents enhance plant defence through increased activity of key enzymes such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, contributing to reduced disease severity. Advances in formulation technologies, including talc-based carriers, alginate encapsulation and oil-assisted delivery systems, have improved the efficacy and field stability of these agents. Integrated approaches combining compatible biological control agents and low-risk chemicals provide enhanced disease suppression compared with single-agent applications. However, variability in field performance, environmental constraints and limited molecular understanding of pathogen diversity remain key challenges. Future strategies integrating omics-based approaches, genome editing and climate-informed disease prediction are essential for improving the consistency and effectiveness of biological control. Overall, biological control integrated within sustainable management frameworks offers a viable alternative to chemical fungicides for managing powdery mildew in bhendi.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating respiratory disorder associated with high global mortality. Dehydrocostus lactone (DHLC), a natural sesquiterpene lactone derived from Saussurea lappa Clarke (a medicinal plant), possesses documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role and mechanism of action of DHLC in COPD. For in vivo experiments, male wild-type and Nrf2-knockout C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control, cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and CSE + DHLC treatment groups. Pulmonary function was assessed by measuring airway resistance and dynamic compliance Histopathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and emphysema severity was quantified by mean linear intercept and mean alveolar area measurements. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression was detected by immunofluorescence, while oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured using commercial kits. For in vitro experiments, mouse alveolar epithelial MLE-12 cells were cultured and exposed to 5% CSE for 24 h. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay, intracellular ROS generation was detected using the DCFH-DA probe, and inflammatory cytokine levels in cell supernatants and BALF were quantified by ELISA. Protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, LC3, p62, and other targets was analyzed by western blotting; Nrf2 subcellular localization was visualized by immunofluorescence staining; and mRNA expression was measured by RT-qPCR. DHLC significantly improved pulmonary function, alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and pulmonary emphysema, and reduced MMP-9 expression in the lungs of COPD mice. In both CSE-induced MLE-12 cells and murine COPD models, DHLC attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, and excessive autophagy by decreasing pro-inflammatory factor levels, ROS generation, the LC3-II/I ratio, and MDA content, while increasing p62 expression and SOD activity. Furthermore, DHLC up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression and promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation in CSE-exposed models. Most importantly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nrf2 abolished the protective effects of DHLC against CSE-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated autophagy. DHLC ameliorates CSE-induced COPD-like pathology in mice by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and excessive autophagy through activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
As key constituents of cellular sphingolipid pools, sphingomyelin (SM) and ceramide (CER) are central to the regulation of cancer cell death and survival. The metabolic flux between these two lipids is a vital component of the cellular stress response, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms in cancer remain elusive. Acid sphingomyelinase (SMPD1) facilitates the conversion of SM to CER, functioning as a key enzymatic driver of CER-mediated signalling. Herein, we aim to evaluate the role of SMPD1-driven sphingolipid metabolism in pancreatic carcinogenesis. A targeted quantitative analysis of the plasma metabolome was conducted involving patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=202) and matched control subjects (n=204). Multiplex immunohistochemistry was performed on resected PDAC (n=122) to identify expression of SMPD1 with tumour and immune cell markers. CRISPR/Cas9 driven Smpd1-deleted murine cell lines were generated and subsequently assessed for their carcinogenic potential in vitro. The effects of Smpd1 deletion on tumour formation were evaluated using both syngeneic orthotopic and metastatic murine models. Here, we demonstrate that tumour cell-autonomous expression of SMPD1, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is associated with poorer patients' outcomes. Smpd1 ablation in murine PDAC cells resulted in reduced proliferation and migration in vitro and decreased metastases and tumour burden in vivo. Integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic and proteomic studies revealed that SMPD1 abrogation impairs KrasG12D oncogenic signalling and, thus, reduces tumour burden. Reduced plasma membrane interaction of KrasG12D was associated with SMPD1-dependent sphingolipid metabolism. Notably, the SMPD1 inhibitor (ARC39) potently synergised with the KrasG12D inhibitor (MRTX1133). In summary, SMPD1 regulated plasma membrane sequestration of KrasG12D represents a potential therapeutic target within the Kras signalling pathway for intractable PDAC.
Maize (Zea mays) is both an agronomically important crop and a reference model organism that has enabled the dissection of the molecular basis of plant development and environmental responses. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics provides a powerful approach to identify and quantify proteins and their post-translational modifications, facilitating the discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying complex biological processes. Unlike the study of gene expression using transcriptomics, analysis of the proteome and phosphoproteome provides direct measurement of proteins, which are responsible for driving or regulating nearly all cellular processes, thus offering a more complete picture of the cell's functional state. Over the past two decades, advancements in mass spectrometry have enabled large-scale profiling of protein abundance and phosphorylation sites in maize, improving our understanding of various biological phenomena. Here, we briefly summarize some of the major biological insights gained from maize proteome and phosphoproteome studies, and provide an overview of mass spectrometry sample preparation and acquisition/analysis workflows for the quantitative and reproducible analysis of protein abundance and phosphorylation dynamics in maize.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and late leaf spot (LLS) are among the major constraints to peanut production. Cultivated peanut has narrow genetic bases and lacks strong sources of resistance. Wild species, on the other hand, harbor diverse and strong resistances to multiple pathogens. In this study, we evaluated advanced breeding lines carrying introgressions from multiple wild Arachis species (A. stenosperma, A. batizocoi, A. valida, and A. cardenasii) across three contrasting field environments and experimental designs in Georgia, USA using complementary incidence- and severity-based phenotyping. Genotype effects were highly significant for both diseases. Several wild-derived lines -particularly those from A. stenosperma ancestry- showed strong and stable TSWV resistance across environments. Interestingly, some lines lacking detectable wild segments also showed high resistance to TSWV, suggesting cryptic or undetected introgressions. LLS resistance was primarily associated with the characteristic A. cardenasii segments on A02 and A03, and lines stacking these introgressions consistently outperformed both cultivated parents and Georgia-06G, the most popular cultivar in the USA. Correlations between TSWV and LLS responses were weak, confirming genetic independence and emphasizing the need to screen both traits. A small subset of lines combined resistance to both diseases, and many also retained resistance loci to root-knot nematode (RKN), expanding their value as multi-trait donors. These findings demonstrate the power of wild introgression breeding for enhancing disease resistance and provide a foundation for deploying stacked alleles through marker-assisted and multi-environment selection.
The impact of climate change induced habitat fragmentation on plant species and populations has been studied in numerous systems, but far less is known about how these processes shaped the population structure and demographic history of fungal symbionts. Here, we investigate the population structure and demographic history of ectomycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon salebrosus, a symbiont of Pinus species, across the Madrean Sky Islands Archipelago (MSIA) of southern Arizona and northern Sonora. Rhizopogon salebrosus produces truffle-like sporocarps and depends on small mammals for spore dispersal. Using genome-wide data from sporocarps and bioassay-derived root tips sampled across seven mountain ranges, we assessed patterns of genetic structure, divergence, and connectivity across this fragmented landscape. We identified strong geographic structuring consistent with island-like population differentiation, accompanied by rare signals of admixture. Genetic divergence among populations increased with geographic distance, and demographic inference supports long-term isolation associated with historical habitat fragmentation, with limited recent gene flow among islands. Together, these results highlight the lasting influence of past climate-driven landscape dynamics on fungal population structure and emphasize the role of geographic isolation in shaping the evolutionary history of symbiotic fungi in montane systems.
The subgenus Jorama Otte, 1988 of the genus Duolandrevus Kirby, 1906 is reinstated to full generic status. Jorama now comprises of ten species with two subspecies. Five species and two subspecies occur in the Philippines. Here two new species of Jorama are described from Siquijor Island and Negros Oriental: Joramabulalakawsp. nov. and Joramatalinissp. nov., respectively. A key to species of Jorama is also presented.