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BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024Salinity is a major abiotic stress, and the use of saline water in the agricultural sector will incur greater demand under the current and future climate changing...
BACKGROUND
Salinity is a major abiotic stress, and the use of saline water in the agricultural sector will incur greater demand under the current and future climate changing scenarios. The objective of this study was to develop a dual-functional nanofertilizer capable of releasing a micronutrient that nourishes plant growth while enhancing salt stress resilience in faba bean (Vicia faba L.).
RESULTS
Moringa oleifera leaf extract was used to synthesize sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), which were applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. The SNPs were characterized and found to be spherical in shape with an average size of 10.98 ± 2.91 nm. The results showed that salt stress had detrimental effects on the growth and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) of faba bean compared with control, while foliar spraying with SNPs improved these parameters under salinity stress. SNPs application also increased the levels of osmolytes (soluble sugars, amino acids, proline, and glycine betaine) and nonenzymatic antioxidants, while reducing the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and HO). Moreover, SNPs treatment under salinity stress stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO)) and upregulated the expression of stress-responsive genes: chlorophyll a-b binding protein of LHCII type 1-like (Lhcb1), ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like (RbcL), cell wall invertase I (CWINV1), ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1), with the greatest upregulation observed at 50 mg/l SNPs.
CONCLUSION
Overall, foliar application of sulfur nanofertilizers in agriculture could improve productivity while minimizing the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants. Therefore, this study provides a strong foundation for future research focused on evaluating the replacement of conventional sulfur-containing fertilizers with their nanoforms to reduce the harmful effects of salinity stress and enhance the productivity of faba beans.
Topics: Vicia faba; Salt Stress; Sulfur; Nanoparticles; Fertilizers; Antioxidants; Plant Leaves; Photosynthesis
PubMed: 38926889
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05270-7 -
Microbial Biotechnology Jun 2024Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyses the irreversible decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, which feeds the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We investigated how the loss...
Inactivation of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 pyruvate dehydrogenase relieves catabolite repression and improves the usefulness of this strain for degrading aromatic compounds.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyses the irreversible decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, which feeds the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We investigated how the loss of PDH affects metabolism in Pseudomonas putida. PDH inactivation resulted in a strain unable to utilize compounds whose assimilation converges at pyruvate, including sugars and several amino acids, whereas compounds that generate acetyl-CoA supported growth. PDH inactivation also resulted in the loss of carbon catabolite repression (CCR), which inhibits the assimilation of non-preferred compounds in the presence of other preferred compounds. Pseudomonas putida can degrade many aromatic compounds, most of which produce acetyl-CoA, making it useful for biotransformation and bioremediation. However, the genes involved in these metabolic pathways are often inhibited by CCR when glucose or amino acids are also present. Our results demonstrate that the PDH-null strain can efficiently degrade aromatic compounds even in the presence of other preferred substrates, which the wild-type strain does inefficiently, or not at all. As the loss of PDH limits the assimilation of many sugars and amino acids and relieves the CCR, the PDH-null strain could be useful in biotransformation or bioremediation processes that require growth with mixtures of preferred substrates and aromatic compounds.
Topics: Pseudomonas putida; Catabolite Repression; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Biodegradation, Environmental; Acetyl Coenzyme A; Pyruvic Acid; Gene Deletion; Metabolic Networks and Pathways
PubMed: 38923400
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14514 -
Cells Jun 2024Aberrant sialylation with overexpression of the homopolymeric glycan polysialic acid (polySia) was recently reported in fibroblasts from fibrotic skin lesions. Yet,...
Aberrant sialylation with overexpression of the homopolymeric glycan polysialic acid (polySia) was recently reported in fibroblasts from fibrotic skin lesions. Yet, whether such a rise in polySia levels or sialylation in general may be functionally implicated in profibrotic activation of fibroblasts and their transition to myofibroblasts remains unknown. Therefore, we herein explored whether inhibition of sialylation could interfere with the process of skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition induced by the master profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Adult human skin fibroblasts were pretreated with the competitive pan-sialyltransferase inhibitor 3-Fax-peracetyl-Neu5Ac (3-Fax) before stimulation with recombinant human TGFβ1, and then analyzed for polySia expression, cell viability, proliferation, migratory ability, and acquisition of myofibroblast-like morphofunctional features. Skin fibroblast stimulation with TGFβ1 resulted in overexpression of polySia, which was effectively blunted by 3-Fax pre-administration. Pretreatment with 3-Fax efficiently lessened TGFβ1-induced skin fibroblast proliferation, migration, changes in cell morphology, and phenotypic and functional differentiation into myofibroblasts, as testified by a significant reduction in , , , , and gene expression, and α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein levels, as well as a reduced contractile capability. Moreover, skin fibroblasts pre-administered with 3-Fax displayed a significant decrease in Smad3-dependent canonical TGFβ1 signaling. Collectively, our in vitro findings demonstrate for the first time that aberrant sialylation with increased polySia levels has a functional role in skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and suggest that competitive sialyltransferase inhibition might offer new therapeutic opportunities against skin fibrosis.
Topics: Humans; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Skin; Sialic Acids; Myofibroblasts; Fibroblasts; Cell Proliferation; Cell Differentiation; Cell Movement; Sialyltransferases; Signal Transduction; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 38920695
DOI: 10.3390/cells13121067 -
Biosensors May 2024Glucosamine-chitosan synthesized by the Maillard reaction was combined with montmorillonite to obtain a nanohybrid composite to immobilize horseradish peroxidase. The...
Glucosamine-chitosan synthesized by the Maillard reaction was combined with montmorillonite to obtain a nanohybrid composite to immobilize horseradish peroxidase. The material combines the advantageous properties of clay with those of the chitosan derivative; has improved water solubility and reduced molecular weight and viscosity; involves an eco-friendly synthesis; and exhibits ion exchange capacity, good adhesiveness, and a large specific surface area for enzyme adsorption. The physicochemical characteristics of the composite were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine clay-polycation interactions. The electrochemical response of the different polyphenols to glassy carbon electrodes modified with the composite was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The sensitivity and detection limit values obtained with the biosensor toward hydroquinone, chlorogenic acid, catechol, and resorcinol are (1.6 ± 0.2) × 10 µA mM and (74 ± 8) nM; (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10 µA mM and (26 ± 3) nM; (16 ± 2) µA mM and (0.74 ± 0.09) μM; and (3.7± 0.3) µA mM and (3.3 ± 0.2) μM, respectively. The biosensor was applied to quantify polyphenols in pennyroyal and lemon verbena extracts.
Topics: Bentonite; Biosensing Techniques; Polyphenols; Chitosan; Horseradish Peroxidase; Enzymes, Immobilized; Electrochemical Techniques; Glucosamine; Electrodes
PubMed: 38920582
DOI: 10.3390/bios14060278 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Therapeutic antibodies have become a major strategy to treat oncologic diseases. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia, antibodies against CD20 are used to target and elicit...
INTRODUCTION
Therapeutic antibodies have become a major strategy to treat oncologic diseases. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia, antibodies against CD20 are used to target and elicit cytotoxic responses against malignant B cells. However, efficacy is often compromised due to a suppressive microenvironment that interferes with cellular immune responses. To overcome this suppression, agonists of pattern recognition receptors have been studied which promote direct cytotoxicity or elicit anti-tumoral immune responses. NOD2 is an intracellular pattern recognition receptor that participates in the detection of peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. This detection then mediates the activation of multiple signaling pathways in myeloid cells. Although several NOD2 agonists are being used worldwide, the potential benefit of these agents in the context of antibody therapy has not been explored.
METHODS
Primary cells from healthy-donor volunteers (PBMCs, monocytes) or CLL patients (monocytes) were treated with versus without the NOD2 agonist L18-MDP, then antibody-mediated responses were assessed. In vivo, the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of CLL was used to test the effects of L18-MDP treatment alone and in combination with anti-CD20 antibody.
RESULTS
Treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with L18-MDP led to activation of monocytes from both healthy donors and CLL patients. In addition, there was an upregulation of activating FcγR in monocytes and a subsequent increase in antibody-mediated phagocytosis. This effect required the NF-κB and p38 signaling pathways. Treatment with L18-MDP plus anti-CD20 antibody in the Eµ-TCL model of CLL led to a significant reduction of CLL load, as well as to phenotypic changes in splenic monocytes and macrophages.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these results suggest that NOD2 agonists help overturn the suppression of myeloid cells, and may improve the efficacy of antibody therapy for CLL.
Topics: Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein; Animals; Humans; Receptors, IgG; Mice; Macrophages; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine; Female; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Signal Transduction; Phagocytosis; Rituximab
PubMed: 38919608
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1409333 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Heparan sulfate (HS) is degraded in lysosome by a series of glycosidases. Before the glycosidases can act, the terminal glucosamine of HS must be acetylated by the...
Heparan sulfate (HS) is degraded in lysosome by a series of glycosidases. Before the glycosidases can act, the terminal glucosamine of HS must be acetylated by the integral lysosomal membrane enzyme heparan-α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT). Mutations of HGSNAT cause HS accumulation and consequently mucopolysaccharidosis IIIC, a devastating lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurological deterioration and early death where no treatment is available. HGSNAT catalyzes a unique transmembrane acetylation reaction where the acetyl group of cytosolic acetyl-CoA is transported across the lysosomal membrane and attached to HS in one reaction. However, the reaction mechanism remains elusive. Here we report six cryo-EM structures of HGSNAT along the reaction pathway. These structures reveal a dimer arrangement and a unique structural fold, which enables the elucidation of the reaction mechanism. We find that a central pore within each monomer traverses the membrane and controls access of cytosolic acetyl-CoA to the active site at its luminal mouth where glucosamine binds. A histidine-aspartic acid catalytic dyad catalyzes the transfer reaction via a ternary complex mechanism. Furthermore, the structures allow the mapping of disease-causing variants and reveal their potential impact on the function, thus creating a framework to guide structure-based drug discovery efforts.
Topics: Mucopolysaccharidosis III; Humans; Lysosomes; Acetyltransferases; Cryoelectron Microscopy; Catalytic Domain; Mutation; Heparitin Sulfate; Acetyl Coenzyme A; Models, Molecular; Glucosamine; Acetylation; Intracellular Membranes
PubMed: 38918376
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49614-1 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the metabolic profile, anthropometry and blood pressure has been investigated in multiple studies. However, it is...
BACKGROUND
The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the metabolic profile, anthropometry and blood pressure has been investigated in multiple studies. However, it is still unknown to what extent changes in nutrient intakes contribute to these changes.
METHODS
This observational study was conducted in London (UK) in 2019. The study collected diverse data from a community-based sample in London before and during/after Ramadan. Collected data included a 3-day food diary (before and during Ramadan), as well as blood samples, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure (before and after Ramadan). The food diary was translated into nutritional data using nutrition software "Nutritics." The changes in nutrient intakes were investigated using a mixed-effects regression model. The impact of adjusting for nutrient intake change was investigated on the absolute difference of metabolites (Nightingale platform), systolic/diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric measures.
RESULTS
The study collected data on food intake before and during Ramadan from 56 participants; the mean age was 44.7 ± 17.3, and 51.8% ( = 29) were females. We found a change in the intake of 11 nutritional factors, glucose, fructose, betaine, sugars, sugars as monosaccharide equivalents, lutein/zeaxanthin, starch, starch as monosaccharide equivalents, proline, glutamic acid and lycopene. No changes in quantities or proportions of macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Mainly, the changes in diet during Ramadan are characterized by more consumption of sugars (62%, < 0.001) and a lower intake of starch (-21%, = 0.012). The changes in 14 metabolite levels (two glycolysis-related metabolites, one amino acid, two ketone bodies, two triglyceride, six lipoprotein subclasses, and an inflammation marker) after Ramadan were partially associated with some changes in nutrient intakes during Ramadan, especially betaine, fructose, glucose, starches and sugars. The lutein/zeaxanthin intake change explained inversely 14% of systolic blood pressure changes. Moreover, BMI and weight changes were partially explained by changes in intake of fat (7%; 9%), monounsaturated fat (6%; 7%), starch (8%; 9%), and starch as monosaccharide equivalents (8%; 9%) intakes in a direct relationship.
CONCLUSION
Diet changes during Ramadan were associated partially with the observed changes in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry. This confirms the changes associated with RIF in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry are not an absolute physiological response to the diet transition occurring during Ramadan.
PubMed: 38915859
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1394673 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Mastitis is commonly recognized as a localized inflammatory udder disease induced by the infiltration of exogenous pathogens. In the present study, our objective was to...
Mastitis is commonly recognized as a localized inflammatory udder disease induced by the infiltration of exogenous pathogens. In the present study, our objective was to discern fecal and milk variations in both microbiota composition and metabolite profiles among three distinct groups of cows: healthy cows, cows with subclinical mastitis and cows with clinical mastitis. The fecal microbial community of cows with clinical mastitis was significantly less rich and diverse than the one harbored by healthy cows. In parallel, mastitis caused a strong disturbance in milk microbiota. Metabolomic profiles showed that eleven and twenty-eight molecules exhibited significant differences among the three groups in feces and milk, respectively. Similarly, to microbiota profile, milk metabolome was affected by mastitis more extensively than fecal metabolome, with particular reference to amino acids and sugars. Pathway analysis revealed that amino acids metabolism and energy metabolism could be considered as the main pathways altered by mastitis. These findings underscore the notable distinctions of fecal and milk samples among groups, from microbiome and metabolomic points of view. This observation stands to enhance our comprehension of mastitis in dairy cows.
PubMed: 38912351
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1374911 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Manganese (Mn) plays a pivotal role in plant growth and development. Aside aiding in plant growth and development, Mn as heavy metal (HM) can be toxic in soil when...
Metabolomics and physio-chemical analyses of mulberry plants leaves response to manganese deficiency and toxicity reveal key metabolites and their pathways in manganese tolerance.
INTRODUCTION
Manganese (Mn) plays a pivotal role in plant growth and development. Aside aiding in plant growth and development, Mn as heavy metal (HM) can be toxic in soil when applied in excess. is an economically significant plant, capable of adapting to a range of environmental conditions and possessing the potential for phytoremediation of contaminated soil by HMs. The mechanism by which tolerates Mn stresses remains obscure.
METHODS
In this study, Mn concentrations comprising sufficiency (0.15 mM), higher regimes (1.5 mM and 3 mM), and deficiency (0 mM and 0.03 mM), were applied to in pot treatment for 21 days to understand Mn tolerance. Mn stress effects on the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO concentration (Ci), chlorophyll content, plant morphological traits, enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters were analyzed as well as metabolome signatures via non-targeted LC-MS technique.
RESULTS
Mn deficiency and toxicity decrease plant biomass, Pn, Ci, Gs, Tr, and chlorophyll content. Mn stresses induced a decline in the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while peroxidase (POD) activity, and leaf Mn content, increased. Soluble sugars, soluble proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline exhibited an elevation in Mn deficiency and toxicity concentrations. Metabolomic analysis indicates that Mn concentrations induced 1031 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), particularly amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, benzene and derivatives and secondary metabolites. The DEMs are significantly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, galactose metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway, carbon metabolism, etc.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The upregulation of Galactinol, Myo-inositol, Jasmonic acid, L-aspartic acid, Coproporphyrin I, Trigonelline, Pantothenol, and Pantothenate and their significance in the metabolic pathways makes them Mn stress tolerance metabolites in . Our findings reveal the fundamental understanding of DEMs in 's response to Mn nutrition and the metabolic mechanisms involved, which may hold potential significance for the advancement of genetic improvement initiatives and phytoremediation programs.
PubMed: 38911982
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1349456 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024Interventions targeting the gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, prove effective in repairing the intestinal barrier and facilitating the recovery...
Changes in Rumen Epithelial Morphology and Transcriptome, Rumen Metabolome, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Lactating Dairy Cows with Subacute Rumen Acidosis Following Rumen Content Transplantation.
Interventions targeting the gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, prove effective in repairing the intestinal barrier and facilitating the recovery of its function and metabolism. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing the remodeling of rumen epithelial morphology and function, rumen metabolism, and host metabolism in cows of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the changes in rumen epithelial morphology and transcriptome, rumen metabolome, and blood biochemical parameters in SARA cows following rumen content transplantation (RCT). The entire experiment consisted of 2 periods: the SARA induction period and the RCT period. During the SARA induction period, 12 ruminally cannulated lactating Holstein cows were randomly allocated into 2 groups, fed either a conventional diet [CON; n = 4; 40% concentrate, dry matter (DM) basis] or a high-grain diet (HG; n = 8; 60% concentrate, DM basis). Following the SARA induction period, the RCT period started. The HG cows were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the donor-recipient (DR) group and the self-recipient (SR) group. Rumen contents were entirely removed from both groups before RCT. For the DR group, cows were administered 70% rumen content from the CON cows, paired based on comparable body weight; for the SR group, each cow received 70% self-derived rumen content. The results revealed no significant differences in the thicknesses of the stratum corneum, granulosum, and spinosum/basale layers, as well as the total depth of the epithelium between the SR and DR groups. All these measurements exhibited a decreasing trend and fluctuations over time after the transfer. Notably, these fluctuations tended to stabilize at 13 or 16 d after RCT in the SR group, whereas they tended to stabilize after 8 or 13 d of transfer for the DR group. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that a total of 277 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the 2 groups. Enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in 11 Gene Ontology biological processes and 14 KEGG pathways. The DEGs corresponding to almost any of these 11 biological process terms and 14 pathways showed mixed up- or downregulation following RCT. Metabolomics analysis indicated that a total of 33 differential metabolites were detected between the SR and DR groups, mainly enriched in 5 key metabolic pathways, including plant polysaccharides and starch degradation, lipid metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide metabolism, purine metabolism, and Krebs cycle. Among them, the levels of differential metabolites associated with the degradation of plant polysaccharides and starches, metabolism of amino sugars and nucleotides, and purine metabolism pathways were significantly elevated in the DR cows. The results of blood biochemical parameters showed that the triglyceride concentration of the DR cows was increased than that of the SR cows, comparable to the level observed in the CON cows during the SARA induction period. Generally, our findings indicated that RCT facilitated the recovery of rumen epithelial morphological structure but did not promote its function recovery. Moreover, RCT enhanced rumen plant polysaccharide and starch degradation, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, as well as purine metabolism. Additionally, it further promoted the recovery of plasma metabolites related to lipid metabolism.
PubMed: 38908691
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24694