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Frontiers in Plant Science 2024This study investigates the impact of anthocyanin treatment on rice plants under drought stress, focusing on phenotypic, molecular, and biochemical responses....
This study investigates the impact of anthocyanin treatment on rice plants under drought stress, focusing on phenotypic, molecular, and biochemical responses. Anthocyanin were treated to one month old plants one week before the droughtexposure. Drought stress was imposed by using 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). Anthocyanin-treated plants exhibited significant enhancements in various traits, including growth parameters and reproductive characteristics, under normal conditions. When subjected to drought stress, these plants displayed resilience, maintaining or improving essential morphological and physiological features compared to non-treated counterparts. Notably, anthocyanin application mitigated drought-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid membrane peroxidation. The study also elucidates the regulatory role of anthocyanins in the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, leading to increased levels of key secondary metabolites. Furthermore, anthocyanin treatment influenced the levels of stress-related signaling molecules, including melatonin, proline, abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA), contributing to enhanced stress tolerance. The enzymatic activity of antioxidants and the expression of drought-responsive genes were modulated by anthocyanins, emphasizing their role in antioxidant defense and stress response. Additionally, anthocyanin treatment positively influenced macronutrient concentrations, particularly calcium ion (Ca), potassium ion (K), and sodium ion (Na), essential for cell wall and membrane stability. The findings collectively highlight the multifaceted protective effects of anthocyanins, positioning them as potential key players in conferring resilience to drought stress in rice plants. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying anthocyanin-mediated enhancement of drought stress tolerance, suggesting promising applications in agricultural practices for sustainable crop production.
PubMed: 38863532
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1397817 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Jun 2024Hydrophilic interaction (liquid) chromatography (HILIC) has become the first choice LC mode for the separation of hydrophilic analytes. Numerous studies reported the...
Hydrophilic interaction (liquid) chromatography (HILIC) has become the first choice LC mode for the separation of hydrophilic analytes. Numerous studies reported the poor retention time repeatability of HILIC. The problem was often ascribed to slow equilibration and insufficient re-equilibration time to establish the sensitive semi-immobilized water layer at the interface of the polar stationary phase and the bulk mobile phase. In this study, we compare retention time repeatability in HILIC for borosilicate glass and PFA (co-polymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxyethylene) solvent bottles. During this study, we observed peak patterns shifting towards higher retention times (for metabolites and peptides) and lower retention times (oligonucleotide sample) with ongoing analysis time when standard borosilicate glass bottles were used as solvent reservoirs. It was hypothesized that release of ions (sodium, potassium, borate, etc.) from the borosilicate glass bottles leads to alterations (thickness and electrostatic screening effects) in the semi-immobilized water layer which is adsorbed to the polar stationary phase surface under acetonitrile-rich eluents in HILIC with concomitant shifts in retention. When PFA solvent bottles were employed instead of borosilicate glass, retention time repeatability was greatly improved and changed from average 8.4 % RSD for the tested metabolites with borosilicate glass bottles to 0.14 % RSD for the PFA solvent bottles (30 injections over 12 h). Similar improvements were observed for peptides and oligonucleotides. This simple solution to the retention time repeatability problem in HILIC might contribute to a better acceptance of HILIC, especially in fields like targeted and untargeted metabolomics, peptide and oligonucleotide analysis.
PubMed: 38861823
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465060 -
PloS One 2024Soilless agriculture is acknowledged worldwide because it uses organic leftovers as a means of supporting intensive and efficient plant production. However, the quality...
Soilless agriculture is acknowledged worldwide because it uses organic leftovers as a means of supporting intensive and efficient plant production. However, the quality of potting media deteriorates because of lower nutrient content and excessive shrinkage of most organic materials. A current study was undertaken to identify the optimal blend of locally available organic materials with desirable qualities for use as potting media. Therefore, different ingredients, viz., Pinus roxburghii needles, sugarcane bagasse, and farmyard manure were used alone or in combination as potting media to test their suitability by growing spinach as a test crop. Results showed that an increase in Pinus roxburghii needles and sugarcane bagasse decreased medium pH and electrical conductivity. Higher pH and electrical conductivity were recorded for the treatments having a higher farmyard manure ratio (≥50%) in combination. Except for pine needles 100%, pH and electrical conductivity were in the recommended range. The growth attributes include, leaves plant-1, shoot length, fresh- and dry shoot weight along with plant macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) and micronutrients (iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) content were higher in treatment pine needles 50%+farmyard manure 50% followed by pine needles 25%+farmyard manure 50%+sugarcane bagasse 25%. Moreover, the particular treatment of pine needles 50%+farmyard manure 50% exhibited the highest concentrations of macro- (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as micronutrients (iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) in the potting media following the harvest. This study highlights the potential of utilizing agro-industrial litter/waste as a soilless growing medium for spinach production under greenhouse conditions. When employed in appropriate proportions, this approach not only addresses disposal concerns but also proves effective for sustainable cultivation. Further research is needed to investigate the use of these wastes as potting media by mixing various particle-size ingredients.
Topics: Manure; Saccharum; Pinus; Cellulose; Vegetables; Spinacia oleracea; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Electric Conductivity; Agriculture; Plant Leaves; Soil; Nitrogen
PubMed: 38861530
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302135 -
Theranostics 2024: Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial ion channels is developing as a new direction in cancer therapy. The opening or closing of these channels can impact...
Combined activation of artificial and natural ion channels for disrupting mitochondrial ion homeostasis towards effective postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis suppression.
: Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial ion channels is developing as a new direction in cancer therapy. The opening or closing of these channels can impact mitochondrial function and structure by interfering with intracellular ion homeostasis, thereby regulating cell fate. Nevertheless, their abnormal expression or regulation poses challenges in eliminating cancer cells, and further contributes to metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. : We developed an engineered mitochondrial targeted delivery system with self-reinforcing potassium ion (K) influx via amphiphilic mitochondrial targeting polymer (TMP) as carriers to co-deliver natural K channel agonists (Dinitrogen oxide, DZX) and artificial K channel molecules (5F8). : Using this method, DZX specifically activated natural K channels, whereas 5F8 assembled artificial K channels on the mitochondrial membrane, leading to mitochondrial K influx, as well as oxidative stress and activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. : The synergistic effect of 5F8 and DZX presents greater effectiveness in killing cancer cells than DZX alone, and effectively inhibited tumor recurrence and lung metastasis following surgical resection of breast cancer tumors in animal models. This strategy innovatively integrates antihypertensive drugs with artificial ion channel molecules for the first time to effectively inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis by disrupting intracellular ion homeostasis, which will provide a novel perspective for postoperative tumor therapy.
Topics: Animals; Mitochondria; Humans; Homeostasis; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Breast Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Potassium; Lung Neoplasms; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ion Channels; Potassium Channels; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Metastasis
PubMed: 38855179
DOI: 10.7150/thno.94855 -
Exploration (Beijing, China) Feb 2024Halide perovskite solar cells are characterized by a hysteresis between current-voltage (- curves recorded on the reverse and on the forward scan directions, and the...
Halide perovskite solar cells are characterized by a hysteresis between current-voltage (- curves recorded on the reverse and on the forward scan directions, and the suppression of this phenomenon has focused great attention. In the present work, it is shown that a special family of 3D perovskites, that are rendered lead -and iodide- deficient (d-HPs) by incorporating large organic cations, are characterized by a large hysteresis. The strategy of passivating defects by K, which has been successful in reducing the hysteresis of 3D perovskite perovskite solar cells, is inefficient with the d-HPs. By glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES), the existence of the classic iodide migration in these layers is unveiled, which is efficiently blocked by potassium cation insertion. However, it is also shown that it co-exists with the migration of the large organic cations characteristics of d-HPs which are not blocked by the alkali metal ion. The migration of those large cations is intrinsically linked to the special structure of the d-HP. It is suggested that it takes place through channels, present throughout the whole perovskite layer after the substitution of PbI units by the large cations, making this phenomenon intrinsic to the original structure of d-HPs.
PubMed: 38854492
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20220156 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Piezo1 is a mechanically activated ion channel that senses forces with short latency and high sensitivity. Piezos undergo large conformational changes, induce...
Piezo1 is a mechanically activated ion channel that senses forces with short latency and high sensitivity. Piezos undergo large conformational changes, induce far-reaching deformation onto the membrane, and modulate the function of two-pore potassium (K2P) channels. Taken together, this led us to hypothesize that Piezos may be able to signal their conformational state to other nearby proteins. Here, we use chemical control to acutely restrict Piezo1 conformational flexibility and show that Piezo1 conformational changes, but not ion permeation through it, are required for modulating the K2P channel TREK1. Super-resolution imaging and stochastic simulations further reveal that both channels do not co-localize, which implies that modulation is not mediated through direct binding interactions; however, at high Piezo1 densities, most TREK1 channels are within the predicted Piezo1 membrane footprint, suggesting the footprint may underlie conformational signaling. We speculate that physiological roles originally attributed to Piezo1 ionotropic function could, alternatively, involve conformational signaling.
PubMed: 38854150
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.596257 -
Journal of Pharmacological and... Jun 2024Cardiovascular safety and the risk of developing the potentially fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes (TdP), have long been major concerns of drug...
INTRODUCTION
Cardiovascular safety and the risk of developing the potentially fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia, Torsades de Pointes (TdP), have long been major concerns of drug development. TdP is associated with a delayed ventricular repolarization represented by QT interval prolongation in the electrocardiogram (ECG), typically due to block of the potassium channel encoded by the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG). Importantly however, not all drugs that prolong the QT interval are torsadagenic and not all hERG blockers prolong the QT interval. Recent clinical reports suggest that partitioning the QT interval into early (J to T peak; JTp) and late repolarization (T peak to T end; TpTe) components may be valuable for distinguishing low-risk mixed ion channel blockers (hERG plus calcium and/or late sodium currents) from high-risk pure hERG channel blockers. This strategy, if true for nonclinical animal models, could be used to de-risk QT prolonging compounds earlier in the drug development process.
METHODS
To explore this, we investigated JTp and TpTe in ECG data collected from telemetered dogs and/or monkeys administered moxifloxacin or amiodarone at doses targeting relevant clinical exposures. An optimized placement of the Tpeak fiducial mark was utilized, and all intervals were corrected for heart rate (QTc, JTpc, TpTec).
RESULTS
Increases in QTc and JTpc intervals with administration of the pure hERG blocker moxifloxacin and an initial QTc and JTpc shortening followed by prolongation with the mixed ion channel blocker amiodarone were detected as expected, aligning with clinical data. However, anticipated increases in TpTec by both standard agents were not detected.
DISCUSSION
The inability to detect changes in TpTec reduces the utility of these subintervals for prediction of arrhythmias using continuous single‑lead ECGs collected from freely moving dogs and monkeys.
PubMed: 38852685
DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2024.107527 -
Neural Regeneration Research Jun 2024The central nervous system, information integration center of the body, is mainly composed of neurons and glial cells. The neuron is one of the most basic and important...
The central nervous system, information integration center of the body, is mainly composed of neurons and glial cells. The neuron is one of the most basic and important structural and functional units of the central nervous system, with sensory stimulation and excitation conduction functions. Astrocytes and microglia belong to the glial cell family, which is the main source of cytokines and represents the main defense system of the central nervous system. Nerve cells undergo neurotransmission or gliotransmission, which regulates neuronal activity via the ion channels, receptors, or transporters expressed on nerve cell membranes. Ion channels, composed of large transmembrane proteins, play crucial roles in maintaining nerve cell homeostasis. These channels are also important for control of the membrane potential and in the secretion of neurotransmitters. A variety of cellular functions and life activities, including functional regulation of the central nervous system, the generation and conduction of nerve excitation, the occurrence of receptor potential, heart pulsation, smooth muscle peristalsis, skeletal muscle contraction, and hormone secretion, are closely related to ion channels associated with passive transmembrane transport. Two types of ion channels in the central nervous system, potassium channels and calcium channels, are closely related to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Accordingly, various drugs that can affect these ion channels have been explored deeply to provide new directions for the treatment of these neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on the functions of potassium and calcium ion channels in different nerve cells and their involvement in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, autism, and rare disorders. We also describe several clinical drugs that target potassium or calcium channels in nerve cells and could be used to treat these disorders. We concluded that there are few clinical drugs that can improve the pathology these diseases by acting on potassium or calcium ions. Although a few novel ion-channel- specific modulators have been discovered, meaningful therapies have largely not yet been realized. The lack of target-specific drugs, their requirement to cross the blood-brain barrier, and their exact underlying mechanisms all need further attention. This review aims to explain the urgent problems that need research progress and provide comprehensive information aiming to arouse the research community's interest in the development of ion channel-targeting drugs and the identification of new therapeutic targets for that can increase the cure rate of nervous system diseases and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions in other systems.
PubMed: 38845230
DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-23-01766 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Alternaria alternata fungus is a potent paclitaxel producer isolated from Corylus avellana. The major challenge is the lack of optimized media for endophytic fungi...
Alternaria alternata fungus is a potent paclitaxel producer isolated from Corylus avellana. The major challenge is the lack of optimized media for endophytic fungi productivity. In the effort to maximize the production of taxoids by A. alternata, several fermentation conditions, including pH (pH 4.0-7.0), different types and concentrations of carbon (fructose, glucose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, and malt extract), and nitrogen (urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate) were applied step by step. Based on the results, A. alternata in a medium containing sucrose 5% (w/v) and ammonium phosphate 2.5 mM at pH 6.0 showed a rapid and sustainable growth rate, the highest paclitaxel yield (94.8 µg gFW vs 2.8 µg gFW in controls), and the maximum content of amino acids. Additionally, the effect of pectin was evaluated on fungus, and mycelia harvested. Pectin significantly enhanced the growth and taxoid yield on day 21 (respectively 171% and 116% of their corresponding on day 7). The results were checked out by mathematical modeling as well. Accordingly, these findings suggest a low-cost, eco-friendly, and easy-to-produce approach with excellent biotechnological potential for the industrial manufacture of taxoids.
Topics: Alternaria; Fermentation; Pectins; Culture Media; Paclitaxel; Models, Theoretical; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nitrogen
PubMed: 38839906
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63681-w -
Nature Communications Jun 2024The exploration of post-Lithium (Li) metals, such as Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Aluminum (Al), and Zinc (Zn), for electrochemical energy... (Review)
Review
The exploration of post-Lithium (Li) metals, such as Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Aluminum (Al), and Zinc (Zn), for electrochemical energy storage has been driven by the limited availability of Li and the higher theoretical specific energies compared to the state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. Post-Li metal||S batteries have emerged as a promising system for practical applications. Yet, the insufficient understanding of quantitative cell parameters and the mechanisms of sulfur electrocatalytic conversion hinder the advancement of these battery technologies. This perspective offers a comprehensive analysis of electrode parameters, including S mass loading, S content, electrolyte/S ratio, and negative/positive electrode capacity ratio, in establishing the specific energy (Wh kg) of post-Li metal||S batteries. Additionally, we critically evaluate the progress in investigating electrochemical sulfur conversion via homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalytic approaches in both non-aqueous Na/K/Mg/Ca/Al||S and aqueous Zn||S batteries. Lastly, we provide a critical outlook on potential research directions for designing practical post-Li metal||S batteries.
PubMed: 38839870
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49164-6