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Metabolites May 2024Acute inflammation is the body's first defense in response to pathogens or injury that is partially governed by a novel genus of endogenous lipid mediators that... (Review)
Review
Acute inflammation is the body's first defense in response to pathogens or injury that is partially governed by a novel genus of endogenous lipid mediators that orchestrate the resolution of inflammation, coined specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). SPMs, derived from omega-3-polyunstaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), include the eicosapentaenoic acid-derived and docosahexaenoic acid-derived Resolvins, Protectins, and Maresins. Herein, we review their biosynthesis, structural characteristics, and therapeutic effectiveness in various diseases such as ischemia, viral infections, periodontitis, neuroinflammatory diseases, cystic fibrosis, lung inflammation, herpes virus, and cancer, especially focusing on therapeutic effectiveness in respiratory inflammation and ischemia-related injuries. Resolvins are sub-nanomolar potent agonists that accelerate the resolution of inflammation by reducing excessive neutrophil infiltration, stimulating macrophage functions including phagocytosis, efferocytosis, and tissue repair. In addition to regulating neutrophils and macrophages, Resolvins control dendritic cell migration and T cell responses, and they also reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokines, proliferation, and metastasis of cancer cells. Importantly, several lines of evidence have demonstrated that Resolvins reduce tumor progression in melanoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, and liver cancer. In addition, Resolvins enhance tumor cell debris clearance by macrophages in the tumor's microenvironment. Resolvins, with their unique stereochemical structure, receptors, and biosynthetic pathways, provide a novel therapeutical approach to activating resolution mechanisms during cancer progression.
PubMed: 38921449
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060314 -
Metabolites May 2024The spp. represents the most commonly produced, transitioned, and consumed fruit around the globe, with several important applications in the biotechnology,...
The spp. represents the most commonly produced, transitioned, and consumed fruit around the globe, with several important applications in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Moko disease is produced by -a factor with a high impact on all crops in Ecuador, representing one of the biggest phytosanitary problems. Four of the most common varieties of spp. were tested to identify the metabolic reaction of plants facing Moko disease. The phenolic and flavonoid content has been evaluated as a defense system, and the α-diphenyl-α-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method (DPPH), free-radical-scavenging activity (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) have been adapted to analyze the active compounds with the antioxidant capacity necessary to counteract the pathogenic attack. Our results indicate that all the studied varieties of spp. react in the same way, such that the diseased samples showed a higher accumulation of secondary metabolites with antioxidant capacity compared with the healthy ones, with high active compound synthesis identified during the appearance of Moko disease symptoms. More than 40 compounds and their derivatives (from kaempferol and quercetin glycosides) with protective roles demonstrate the implication of the spp. defense system against infection.
PubMed: 38921442
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060307 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Several strains of are applied in the field to control plant diseases due to their capacity to suppress fungal pathogens and control plant diseases. Some strains also...
Several strains of are applied in the field to control plant diseases due to their capacity to suppress fungal pathogens and control plant diseases. Some strains also are able to promote plant growth through the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In southern Thailand, the local rice variety "Chor Khing" is mainly cultivated in the Songkhla province; it is characterized by slow growth and is susceptible to sheath blight caused by . Therefore, this research aimed to screen species with the ability to promote plant growth in this rice variety and enact biological control against . A total of 21 isolates were screened for indole compound production using the Salkowski reagent. The Z2-03 isolate reacted positively to the Salkowski reagent, indicating the production of the indole compound. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL) confirmed that Z2-03 produced IAA at 35.58 ± 7.60 μg/mL. The cell-free culture filtrate of the potato dextrose broth (CF) of Z2-03 induced rice germination in rice seeds, yielding root and shoot lengths in cell-free CF-treated rice that were significantly higher than those of the control (distilled water and culture broth alone). Furthermore, inoculation with conidia promoted rice growth and induced a defense response against during the seedling stage. Z2-03 displayed an antifungal capacity against , achieving 74.17% inhibition (as measured through dual culture assay) and the production of siderophores on the CAS medium. The pot experiment revealed that inoculation with the sp. Z2-03 conidial suspension increased the number of tillers and the plant height in the "Chor Khing" rice variety, and suppressed the percentage of disease incidence (PDI). The isolate Z2-03 was identified, based on the morphology and molecular properties of ITS, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (), and RNA polymerase 2 (), as Z2-03. Our results reveal the ability of Z2-03 to act as a plant growth promoter, enhancing growth and development in the "Chor Khing" rice variety, as well as a biological control agent through its competition and defense induction mechanism in this rice variety.
PubMed: 38921403
DOI: 10.3390/jof10060417 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Selenium (Se) pollution poses serious threats to terrestrial ecosystems. Mushrooms are important sources of Se with the potential for bioremediation. Pre-eminent Se...
BACKGROUND
Selenium (Se) pollution poses serious threats to terrestrial ecosystems. Mushrooms are important sources of Se with the potential for bioremediation. Pre-eminent Se resources must possess the ability to tolerate high levels of Se. To obtain Se-accumulating fungi, we isolated selenite-tolerance-enhanced JNUSE-200 through adaptive evolution.
METHODS
The molecular mechanism responsible for selenite tolerance and accumulation was explored in JNUSE-200 by comparing it with the original strain, CGMCC 5.26, using a combination of physiological and transcriptomic approaches.
RESULTS
JNUSE-200 demonstrated tolerance to 200 mg/kg selenite in liquid culture and exhibited normal growth, whereas CGMCC 5.26 experienced reduced growth, red coloration, and an unpleasant odor as a result of exposure to selenite at the same concentration. In this study, JNUSE-200 developed a triple defense mechanism against high-level selenite toxicity, and the key genes responsible for improved selenite tolerance were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study offers novel insights into the molecular responses of fungi towards selenite, providing theoretical guidance for the breeding and cultivation of Se-accumulating varieties. Moreover, it significantly enhances the capacity of the bio-manufacturing industry and contributes to the development of beneficial applications in environmental biotechnology through fungal selenite transformation bioprocesses.
PubMed: 38921401
DOI: 10.3390/jof10060415 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Phytopathogenic species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the... (Review)
Review
Phytopathogenic species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the agriculture and forestry sectors worldwide. To combat this pervasive menace effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and plant infection mechanisms of these pathogens is imperative. This comprehensive review critically examines various aspects of spp., including their intricate life cycle, their disease mechanisms, and the multifaceted environmental factors influencing their spread. Recent studies have quantified the economic impact of infections, revealing staggering yield losses ranging from 20% to 80% across various crops. In particular, oil palm plantations suffer devastating losses, with an estimated annual reduction in yield exceeding 50 million metric tons. Moreover, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between and host plants, delineating the pathogen's colonization strategies and its elicitation of intricate plant defense responses. This comprehensive analysis underscores the imperative for adopting an integrated approach to disease management. By synergistically harnessing cultural practices, biological control, and chemical treatments and by deploying resistant plant varieties, substantial strides can be made in mitigating infestations. Furthermore, a collaborative effort involving scientists, breeders, and growers is paramount in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies against this pernicious plant pathogen. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based practices, we can strive towards safeguarding global plant health and mitigating the dire economic consequences inflicted by infections.
PubMed: 38921400
DOI: 10.3390/jof10060414 -
Insects Jun 2024is a significant invasive pest that targets horticultural and vegetable crops, causing large-scale outbreaks characterized by pronounced thermotolerance and insecticide...
is a significant invasive pest that targets horticultural and vegetable crops, causing large-scale outbreaks characterized by pronounced thermotolerance and insecticide resistance. This study examined the impact of long-term selection for abamectin resistance during the larval stage of on its population dynamics and thermal tolerance. We conducted a comprehensive comparison between the abamectin-resistant strain (AB-R) and the susceptible strain (S), including age-stage, two-sex life table analysis, thermal preference (T), critical thermal maximum (CT), heat knockdown times (HKDTs), eclosion and survival rates, and expression under heat stress. Our results showed that while selection for abamectin resistance was detrimental to survival and reproduction, it activated self-defense mechanisms and rapid adaptive adjustments and conferred modest thermal tolerance, which suggests a dual nature of insecticide effects. The AB-R strain exhibited significantly higher thermal preference and CT values, along with a longer HKDT and improved survival. Additionally, there was a significant upregulation of expression in the AB-R strain compared to the S strain. These findings indicate that the evolution of thermal adaptation was accompanied by abamectin resistance development, emphasizing the necessity of considering temperature effects when applying chemical control. Our study provides valuable insights into how physiological acclimation may help mitigate the toxic effects of insecticides and illustrate how insects respond to multiple environmental pressures.
PubMed: 38921175
DOI: 10.3390/insects15060462 -
Insects Jun 2024, the city flower of Chengdu, is culturally significant and has nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, frequent infestations of have caused economic losses. This...
, the city flower of Chengdu, is culturally significant and has nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, frequent infestations of have caused economic losses. This study aimed to identify insect-resistant varieties. Over two years, varieties like Jinqiusong, Zuiyun, and Zuifurong showed moderate to high resistance based on reproductive indices. Assessments of antixenosis and developmental impacts revealed that adult exhibited low selectivity toward these resistant varieties, indicating a strong repellent effect. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified volatile organic compounds, such as alcohols, alkanes, and terpenes. Notably, 2-ethylhexanol and 6-methylheptanol exhibited repellent properties. Using nontargeted metabolomics, this study compared the metabolite profiles of the insect-resistant variety Jinqiusong (JQS), moderately resistant Bairihuacai (BRHC), and highly susceptible Chongbanbai (CBB) post infestation. Fifteen key metabolites were linked to resistance, emphasizing the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway as crucial in defense. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for breeding insect-resistant varieties and developing eco-friendly strategies against infestations.
PubMed: 38921168
DOI: 10.3390/insects15060454 -
Insects May 2024RNA interference inhibitors were initially discovered in plant viruses, representing a unique mechanism employed by these viruses to counteract host RNA interference....
RNA interference inhibitors were initially discovered in plant viruses, representing a unique mechanism employed by these viruses to counteract host RNA interference. This mechanism has found extensive applications in plant disease resistance breeding and other fields; however, the impact of such interference inhibitors on insect cell RNA interference remains largely unknown. In this study, we screened three distinct interference inhibitors from plant and mammal viruses that act through different mechanisms and systematically investigated their effects on the insect cell cycle and baculovirus infection period at various time intervals. Our findings demonstrated that the viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) derived from plant and mammal viruses significantly attenuated the RNA interference effect in insect cells, as evidenced by reduced apoptosis rates, altered gene regulation patterns in cells, enhanced expression of exogenous proteins, and improved production efficiency of recombinant virus progeny. Further investigations revealed that the early expression of VSRs yielded superior results compared with late expression during RNA interference processes. Additionally, our results indicated that dsRNA-binding inhibition exhibited more pronounced effects than other modes of action employed by these interference inhibitors. The outcomes presented herein provide novel insights into enhancing defense mechanisms within insect cells using plant and mammal single-stranded RNA virus-derived interference inhibitors and have potential implications for expanding the scope of transformation within insect cell expression systems.
PubMed: 38921090
DOI: 10.3390/insects15060375 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Jun 2024Heavy metal (HM) pollution, specifically cadmium (Cd) contamination, is a worldwide concern for its consequences for plant health and ecosystem stability. This review... (Review)
Review
Heavy metal (HM) pollution, specifically cadmium (Cd) contamination, is a worldwide concern for its consequences for plant health and ecosystem stability. This review sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying Cd toxicity in plants and the various strategies employed by these organisms to mitigate its adverse effects. From molecular responses to physiological adaptations, plants have evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms to counteract Cd stress. We highlighted the role of phytochelatins (PC) in plant detoxification, which chelate and sequester Cd ions to prevent their accumulation and minimize toxicity. Additionally, we explored the involvement of glutathione (GSH) in mitigating oxidative damage caused by Cd exposure and discussed the regulatory mechanisms governing GSH biosynthesis. We highlighted the role of transporter proteins, such as ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs) and heavy metal ATPases (HMAs), in mediating the uptake, sequestration, and detoxification of Cd in plants. Overall, this work offered valuable insights into the physiological, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant responses to Cd stress, providing a basis for strategies to alleviate the unfavorable effects of HM pollution on plant health and ecosystem resilience.
PubMed: 38921032
DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060361 -
MBio Jun 2024The host protein calprotectin inhibits the growth of a variety of bacterial pathogens through metal sequestration in a process known as "nutritional immunity." growth...
UNLABELLED
The host protein calprotectin inhibits the growth of a variety of bacterial pathogens through metal sequestration in a process known as "nutritional immunity." growth is inhibited by calprotectin , and calprotectin is localized to staphylococcal abscesses during infection. However, the staphylococcal adaptations that provide defense against nutritional immunity and the role of metal-responsive regulators are not fully characterized. In this work, we define the transcriptional response of and the role of the metal-responsive regulators, Zur, Fur, and MntR, in response to metal limitation by calprotectin exposure. Additionally, we identified genes affecting the fitness of during metal limitation through a Transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) approach. Loss of function mutations in , which encodes a proteolytic subunit of the ATP-dependent Clp protease, demonstrate reduced fitness of to the presence of calprotectin. ClpP contributes to pathogenesis in a calprotectin-dependent manner. These studies establish a critical role for ClpP to combat metal limitation by calprotectin and reveal the genes required for to outcompete the host for metals.
IMPORTANCE
is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis. Antibiotic treatment failures during infections are increasingly prevalent, highlighting the need for novel antimicrobial agents. Metal chelator-based therapeutics have tremendous potential as antimicrobials due to the strict requirement for nutrient metals exhibited by bacterial pathogens. The high-affinity transition metal-binding properties of calprotectin represents a potential therapeutic strategy that functions through metal chelation. Our studies provide a foundation to define mechanisms by which combats nutritional immunity and may be useful for the development of novel therapeutics to counter the ability of to survive in a metal-limited environment.
PubMed: 38920392
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01389-24