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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Chinese jujube (also called Chinese date, Mill.) is an economically important tree in China and provides a rich source of sugars, vitamins, and bioactive components,...
Chinese jujube (also called Chinese date, Mill.) is an economically important tree in China and provides a rich source of sugars, vitamins, and bioactive components, all of which are indispensable and essential for the composition and participation in life processes of the human body. However, the location of these metabolites in jujube fruits has not been determined. This study applied matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to investigate the spatial distribution of sugars, organic acids, and other key components in jujube fruits at different developmental periods. Soluble sugars such as hexoses and sucrose/maltose significantly increase with fruit ripening, while organic acids show an overall trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. Procyanidins and rutin exhibit specific distributions in the fruit periphery and peel. These findings suggest that MALDI-MSI can be used to study the spatial distribution of nutritional components in jujube fruits, providing insights into the changes and spatial distribution of substances during jujube fruit development. This technique offers a scientific basis for jujube breeding, utilization, and production.
PubMed: 37893688
DOI: 10.3390/foods12203795 -
Plant Disease Oct 2023Hami melon (Cucumis melon var. saccharinus) is an economically important crop all over the world. It is being extensively planted in greenhouse in the southwest part of...
Hami melon (Cucumis melon var. saccharinus) is an economically important crop all over the world. It is being extensively planted in greenhouse in the southwest part of Hainan province, China. A new bacterial leaf spot was observed in a 20 hm2 Hami melon plantation in Huangliu town, Ledong county, Hainan province, in January 2022. The incidence of the disease was approximately 5%. Symptoms were irregularly shaped, brown lesions with yellow haloes on mature leaves, and first appeared as small, dark-green, water-soaking spots. Specimens from the lesion margin were disinfected by submersion in 0.1% mercuric chloride for 1 min, then soaked with 75% alcohol for 30 s, and rinsed with sterilized distilled water. The tissues were then ground in 2 ml of sterile water and allowed to stand for 5min. The supernatant was streaked onto nutrient agar (NA) and incubated for 48h at 30°C. Colonies were round, smooth, colorless, nearly transparent, bead-shaped at first, and then became lightly blue. After being cultured for days on NA at 30℃, the bacteria can turn the media brown. Yellow green pigments (pyoverdin) that fluoresce under ultraviolet light could be produced by the isolates in the Luria Broth. The bacteria were gram-negative, rod shaped with a single polar flagellum, 0.4 to 1.1 × 1.4 to 3.4 µm. Its physiological and biochemical characteristics were as follows: positive for the oxidase, aerobic, arginine dihydrolase, gelatin liquefaction, denitrification, lipase, growth at 41℃, utilization of mannitol, and production of pyocyanin tests; negative for the hydrolysis of starch, levan formation, lecithinase, growth at 4℃, growth in media supplemented with 8.5% NaCl, and utilization of maltose, xylose, and ethylene glycol tests. The 16S rRNA (1,437 bp), gyrB (1,181 bp), and rpoB genes (1,510 bp) were amplified with 27F/1492R (Zhang et al. 2016), UP-1s/UP-2sr(Hannula M,2007), and rpoB-F/rpoB-R (Ogier, JC. et al., 2019) primer sets respectively. One of the 5 isolates collected was sequenced. A BLASTn search of GenBank revealed that the sequence of 16S rRNA gene (OQ918303) had 99.7% identity and 98% coverage comparing with the best hit Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain DSM 50071(NR_117678.1), and both gyrB (OR261077) and rpoB (OR261078) had 99.9% identity and over 98% coverage comparing with P. aeruginosa E90 (CP044006.1). A pathogenicity test was conducted by spraying a suspension of the bacteria (108 CFU/mL) onto 10 Hami melon seedlings with two true leaves. Controls were inoculated with sterile water. All inoculated plants were maintained at 28℃ with 80 to 85% relative humidity in a greenhouse. Dark-green, water soaking spots appeared on the cotyledon and stems of treated seedlings 3-5 days after inoculation, and dark green lesions with halos were observed on the true leaves at the same time. Symptoms did not occur on the control plants. The bacteria which were re-isolated from the inoculated plants were confirmed as P. aeruginosa based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The bacterium was not isolated from control plants. P. aeruginosa has been reported to cause disease on a variety of plants including tomato (Zhang et al., 2021), poplar (Liu, et al., 2019), ginseng (Gao et al., 2014), tinda (Mondal et al., 2012), onion (Abd-Alla et al., 2011), tobacco (Yu et al., 2008) and sweet basil (Walker et al., 2004). As far as we know, this is the first report of P. aeruginosa causing leaf spot on Hami melon in China.. This report will contribute to the recognition and diagnosis of the new disease for the Hami melon growers.
PubMed: 37859340
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-05-23-0889-PDN -
Microbial Cell Factories Jul 2023Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is currently the most common polymer produced by natural bacteria and alternative to conventional petrochemical-based plastics due to its...
BACKGROUND
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is currently the most common polymer produced by natural bacteria and alternative to conventional petrochemical-based plastics due to its similar material properties and biodegradability. Massilia sp. UMI-21, a newly found bacterium, could produce PHB from starch, maltotriose, or maltose, etc. and could serve as a candidate for seaweed-degrading bioplastic producers. However, the genes involved in PHB metabolism in Massilia sp. UMI-21 are still unclear.
RESULTS
In the present study, we assembled and annotated the genome of Massilia sp. UMI-21, identified genes related to the metabolism of PHB, and successfully constructed recombinant Escherichia coli harboring PHB-related genes (phaA2, phaB1 and phaC1) of Massilia sp. UMI-21, which showed up to 139.41% more product. Also, the vgb gene (encoding Vitreoscilla hemoglobin) was introduced into the genetically engineered E. coli and gained up to 117.42% more cell dry weight, 213.30% more PHB-like production and 44.09% more product content. Fermentation products extracted from recombinant E. coli harboring pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1 and pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1-vgb were identified as PHB by Fourier Transform Infrared and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis. Furthermore, the decomposition temperature at 10% weight loss of PHB extracted from Massilia sp. UMI-21, recombinant E. coli DH5α-pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1 and DH5α-pETDuet1-phaA2phaB1-phaC1-vgb was 276.5, 278.7 and 286.3 °C, respectively, showing good thermal stability.
CONCLUSIONS
Herein, we presented the whole genome information of PHB-producing Massilia sp. UMI-21 and constructed novel recombinant strains using key genes in PHB synthesis of strain UMI-21 and the vgb gene. This genetically engineered E. coli strain can serve as an effective novel candidate in E. coli cell factory for PHB production by the rapid cell growth and high PHB production.
Topics: Escherichia coli; Polyesters; Hydroxybutyrates; Plastics; Bacteria
PubMed: 37452345
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02142-x -
Food Chemistry: X Mar 2024Sweetpotato varieties vary greatly in perceived textures and sweetness. This study identified physicochemical factors that influence these attributes in cooked...
Sweetpotato varieties vary greatly in perceived textures and sweetness. This study identified physicochemical factors that influence these attributes in cooked sweetpotatoes. Fifteen genotypes grown on three plots were baked and evaluated by a trained descriptive sensory analysis panel for sweetness and 13 texture attributes. Mechanical parameters were measured by texture profile analysis (TPA); and composition (starch, cell wall material, sugar contents), starch properties (thermal, granule type ratios, granule sizes), and amylase activities were characterized. TPA predicted fracturability and firmness well, whereas starch and sugar contents, B-type starch granule ratio, and amylase activities influenced prediction of mouthfeel textures. Sweetness perception was influenced by perceived particle size and sugar contents; and maltose generation during baking was highly correlated with raw sweetpotato starch content. These relationships between physicochemical sweetpotato properties and baked textures and sweetness could benefit breeders and processors in selecting biochemical traits that result in consumer preferred products.
PubMed: 38205162
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.101072 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Potassium humate is a widely used biostimulant known for its ability to enhance growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms...
Potassium humate is a widely used biostimulant known for its ability to enhance growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining its effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of potassium humate using the model plant . We demonstrated that a formulation of potassium humate effectively increased the fresh weight accumulation of Arabidopsis plants under normal conditions, salt stress (sodium or lithium chloride), and particularly under osmotic stress (mannitol). Interestingly, plants treated with potassium humate exhibited a reduced antioxidant response and lower proline accumulation, while maintaining photosynthetic activity under stress conditions. The observed sodium and osmotic tolerance induced by humate was not accompanied by increased potassium accumulation. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that potassium humate increased maltose levels under control conditions but decreased levels of fructose. However, under stress, both maltose and glucose levels decreased, suggesting changes in starch utilization and an increase in glycolysis. Starch concentration measurements in leaves showed that plants treated with potassium humate accumulated less starch under control conditions, while under stress, they accumulated starch to levels similar to or higher than control plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that the molecular mechanism underlying the abiotic stress tolerance conferred by potassium humate involves its ability to alter starch content under normal growth conditions and under salt or osmotic stress.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Potassium; Starch; Maltose; Stress, Physiological; Sodium; Plants, Genetically Modified; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 37569516
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512140 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024The effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been determined.
INTRODUCTION
The effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been determined.
METHODS
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children with AD aged 24 months to 17 years received either advanced FOS containing 4.25 g of 1-kestose or a placebo (maltose) for 12 weeks.
RESULTS
The SCORAD and itching scores were reduced in patients treated with both FOS (all < 0.01) and maltose ( < 0.05 and < 0.01). Sleep disturbance was improved only in the FOS group ( < 0.01). The FOS group revealed a decreased proportion of linoleic acid (18:2) esterified omega-hydroxy-ceramides (EOS-CERs) with amide-linked shorter chain fatty acids (C28 and C30, all < 0.05), along with an increased proportion of EOS-CERs with longer chain fatty acids (C32, < 0.01).
DISCUSSION
FOS may be beneficial in alleviating itching and sleep disturbance, as well as improving skin barrier function in children with AD.
PubMed: 38741747
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1383779 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Carbohydrate-derived molecular gelators have found many practical applications as soft materials. To better understand the structure and molecular gelation relationship...
Carbohydrate-derived molecular gelators have found many practical applications as soft materials. To better understand the structure and molecular gelation relationship and further explore the applications of sugar-based gelators, we designed and synthesized eight trimeric branched sugar triazole derivatives and studied their self-assembling properties. These included glucose, glucosamine, galactose, and maltose derivatives. Interestingly, the gelation properties of these compounds exhibited correlations with the peripheral sugar structures. The maltose derivative did not form gels in the tested solvents, but all other compounds exhibited gelation properties in at least one of the solvents. Glucose derivatives showed superior performance, followed by glucosamine derivatives. They typically formed gels in toluene and alcohols; some formed gels in ethanol-water mixtures or DMSO water mixtures. The glycoclusters and demonstrated rate acceleration for the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. These were further studied for their metallogels formation properties, and the copper metallogels from compound were successfully utilized to catalyze click reactions. These metallogels were able to form a gel column, which was effective in converting the reactants into the triazole products in multiple cycles. Moreover, the same gel column was used to transform a second click reaction using different reactants. The synthesis and characterization of these compounds and their applications for catalytic reactions were discussed.
PubMed: 37630308
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166056 -
Journal of Infection in Developing... Aug 2023Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection that increases the risk of cervical cancer. Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) can regulate...
INTRODUCTION
Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection that increases the risk of cervical cancer. Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) can regulate the pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the host cells. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of mammalian cells, expressed in various host cells and have an important role in recognizing pathogens, and pro-inflammatory responses. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of TLR5 in cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and human vaginal epithelial cells (HVECs) exposed to T. vaginalis.
METHODOLOGY
First, the cells and parasites were cultured in RPMI and trypticase yeast extract maltose (TYM), respectively. After adaption of parasite and epithelial cells by RPMI-TYM medium co-culture (9:1 vol/vol), HVECs and HeLa cells were stimulated with T. vaginalis trophozoites (24-hour incubation at 37 °C, 5% CO2). Following RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the gene expression levels of TLR5, IRAK1, and NF-κB were assessed using real-time PCR. Besides, the protein levels were measured using western blotting. All tests and controls were normalized using β-actin as a housekeeping control.
RESULTS
Real-time PCR results showed an increased gene expression of TLR5, IRAK1, and NF-κB in T. vaginalis exposed HVECs and HeLa cells compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, western blot analysis showed a statistically significant increase in TLR5, and NF-κB proteins in both groups after exposure to the parasite (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide insight into the host-parasite interaction, and the results indicated that T. vaginalis could stimulate TLR5 and activate related pathways.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Epithelial Cells; HeLa Cells; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinases; NF-kappa B; Toll-Like Receptor 5; Trichomonas vaginalis; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 37699101
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18066 -
BMC Microbiology Oct 2023A high concentration of CO will stagnate the development of the newly formed primordia of Hypsizygus marmoreus, hinder the development of the mushroom cap, thereby...
BACKGROUND
A high concentration of CO will stagnate the development of the newly formed primordia of Hypsizygus marmoreus, hinder the development of the mushroom cap, thereby inhibiting the normal differentiation of the fruiting body. Moreover, in the previous experiment, our research group obtained the mutant strain HY68 of H. marmoreus, which can maintain normal fruiting under the condition of high concentration of CO. Our study aimed to evaluate the CO tolerance ability of the mutant strain HY68, in comparison with the starting strain HY61 and the control strain HY62. We analyzed the mycelial growth of these strains under various conditions, including different temperatures, pH levels, carbon sources, and nitrogen sources, and measured the activity of the cellulose enzyme. Additionally, we identified and predicted β-glucosidase-related genes in HY68 and analyzed their gene and protein structures.
RESULTS
Our results indicate that HY68 showed superior CO tolerance compared to the other strains tested, with an optimal growth temperature of 25 °C and pH of 7, and maltose and beef paste as the ideal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Enzyme activity assays revealed a positive correlation between β-glucosidase activity and CO tolerance, with Gene14147 identified as the most closely related gene to this activity. Inbred strains of HY68 showed trait segregation for CO tolerance.
CONCLUSIONS
Both HY68 and its self-bred offspring could tolerate CO stress. The fruiting period of the strains resistant to CO stress was shorter than that of the strains not tolerant to CO stress. The activity of β-GC and the ability to tolerate CO were more closely related to the growth efficiency of fruiting bodies. This study lays the foundation for understanding how CO regulates the growth of edible fungi, which is conducive to the innovation of edible fungus breeding methods. The application of the new strain HY68 is beneficial to the research of energy-saving production in factory cultivation.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Fruiting Bodies, Fungal; Carbon Dioxide; Plant Breeding; Agaricales; Ascomycota; Nitrogen; Carbon; Cellulases
PubMed: 37845623
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03050-1 -
Genes Nov 2023The β-amylase () gene family encodes important enzymes that catalyze the conversion of starch to maltose in various biological processes of plants and play essential...
The β-amylase () gene family encodes important enzymes that catalyze the conversion of starch to maltose in various biological processes of plants and play essential roles in regulating the growth and development of multiple plants. So far, have been extensively studied in (). However, the characteristics of the gene family in the crucial economic crop, cotton, have not been reported. In this study, 27 genes in the genome of () were identified by genome-wide identification, and they were divided into three groups according to sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationship. The gene structure, chromosome distribution, and collinearity of all genes identified in the genome of were analyzed. Further sequence alignment of the core domain of glucosyl hydrolase showed that all family genes had the glycosyl hydrolase family 14 domain. We identified the gene and preliminarily investigated its function by transcriptional sequencing analysis, qRT-PCR, and subcellular localization. These results suggested that the gene may influence fiber strength during fiber development. This systematic analysis provides new insight into the transcriptional characteristics of genes in . It may lay the foundation for further study of the function of these genes.
Topics: Gossypium; beta-Amylase; Phylogeny; Multigene Family; Gene Expression Profiling; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 38003020
DOI: 10.3390/genes14112077