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BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crop species worldwide, but its growth and development are adversely influenced by drought stress....
Selenium and its nanoparticles modulate the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and morpho-physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to combat oxidative stress under water deficit conditions.
BACKGROUND
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crop species worldwide, but its growth and development are adversely influenced by drought stress. However, the application of trace elements is known to improve plant physiology under water-limited conditions. In this study, the effects of drought stress on wheat plants were investigated, with a focus on potential mitigation by foliar application of selenium nanoparticles (Se(np)) and sodium selenate (NaSeO). The experiment was conducted in a net house using a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments involved three levels of drought stress (mild, moderate, and severe) started at 30 days after sowing (DAS), with foliar sprays of Se(np) and Se (both 25 µM) initiated at 27 DAS and repeated 4 times at 7-day intervals until 55 DAS.
RESULTS
Drought stress significantly reduced plant growth, whereas Se(np) and Se sprays enhanced it. Drought stress induced chlorophyll degradation, increased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, impaired membrane stability, and caused electrolyte leakage. Severe drought stress reduced the levels of antioxidants (e.g., proline, ascorbate, and glutathione by 4.18-fold, 80%, and 45%) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and others). Conversely, treatment with Se(np) and Se restored these parameters, for example, 1.23-fold higher total chlorophyll content with Se(np) treatment, 26% higher APX activity with Se treatment, 15% lower electrolyte leakage with Se treatment in wheat plants under severe drought stress. This Se-associated enhancement facilitated rapid scavenging of reactive oxygen species and reduced methylglyoxal toxicity, thereby diminishing oxidative stress and positively affecting the morphophysiological and biochemical responses of the plants under drought.
CONCLUSIONS
Drought-stressed wheat plants exhibited reductions in physiological processes, including water uptake and photosynthetic activity. However, Se(np) and Se applied at 25 µM mitigated the detrimental effects of drought. The application of Se(np) was notably more effective than the application of Se in mitigating drought stress, indicating the potential of the application of Se(np) as a sustainable agricultural practice under water-limited conditions.
Topics: Triticum; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Reactive Oxygen Species; Nanoparticles; Droughts; Chlorophyll; Antioxidants; Dehydration; Hydrogen Peroxide
PubMed: 38890566
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05282-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The excessive accumulation of sodium chloride (NaCl) in soil can result in soil salinity, which poses a significant challenge to plant growth and crop production due to...
The excessive accumulation of sodium chloride (NaCl) in soil can result in soil salinity, which poses a significant challenge to plant growth and crop production due to impaired water and nutrient uptake. On the other hand, hydropriming (WP) and low level of NaCl priming can improve the germination of seeds, chlorophyll contents, oil and seed yield in plants. That's why this study investigates the impact of hydro and different levels of NaCl (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) priming, as pre-treatment techniques on canola seeds germination, growth and yield of two varieties Punjab and Faisal Canola. Results showed that, WP performed significant best for increase in germination (~ 20 and ~ 22%) and shoot length (~ 6 and ~ 10%) over non-priming (NP) in Punjab Canola and Faisal Canola respectively. A significant increase in plant height (~ 6 and ~ 7%), root length (~ 1 and ~ 7%), shoot fresh weight (~ 5 and ~ 7%), root fresh weight (~ 6 and ~ 7%) in Punjab Canola and Faisal Canola respectively. It was also observed that plants under WP and 0.5%NaCl priming were also better in production of seed yield per plant, oil contents, silique per plant, seeds per silique, and branches per plant chlorophyll contents and leaf relative water contents over NP. In conclusion, WP and 0.5%NaCl has potential to improve the germination, growth, yield and oil attributes of canola compared to non-priming, 1.0%NaCl priming, 1.5%NaCl priming and 2.0%NaCl priming.
Topics: Germination; Brassica napus; Sodium Chloride; Seeds; Chlorophyll; Water; Salinity; Soil
PubMed: 38890414
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63948-2 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Amidst the challenges posed by climate change, exploring advanced technologies like nanotechnology is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security....
Amidst the challenges posed by climate change, exploring advanced technologies like nanotechnology is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security. Consequently, this study investigated the impact of nano SiO (nSiO), nano TiO (nTiO) and SiO/TiO nanocomposites (NCs) on 30-day-old Zea mays L. plants and soil health at concentrations of 100 and 200 ppm. Results showed that nSiO and nTiO at 100 ppm and SiO/TiO NCs at both concentrations, positively influenced plant growth, with the best stimulation observed at 200 ppm of SiO/TiO NCs. Improved plant growth was associated with higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, rhizospheric N-fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacterial population and plant nutrient uptake. Additionally, treated plants exhibited increased cellulose and starch levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower or similar to that of the control, except at 200 ppm of nTiO-treated shoots. Antioxidant enzyme activities fluctuated, indicating physiological adjustments. Overall, 100 ppm of nTiO as well as nSiO and 100 and 200 ppm of SiO/TiO NCs improved soil fertility and Z. mays growth, suggesting potential benefits for sustainable agriculture. The findings lay the foundation for more comprehensive investigations into the long-term fate of nanomaterials in soil and their intricate molecular-level interactions with Z. mays.
Topics: Zea mays; Titanium; Silicon Dioxide; Soil; Nanocomposites; Photosynthesis; Chlorophyll
PubMed: 38886471
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61456-x -
Biology Open Jul 2024Instead of red anthocyanins, birches synthesise colourless (to human eye), UV-absorbing flavonols during autumn senescence. To test if flavonols protect against insects,...
Instead of red anthocyanins, birches synthesise colourless (to human eye), UV-absorbing flavonols during autumn senescence. To test if flavonols protect against insects, and if leaves with high or low amounts of flavonols differ in their photosynthetic functions, aphid-free and aphid-infested green and senescing birch leaves were collected from outdoor-grown trees and analysed. Photosynthetic parameters were greatly affected by the leaf chlorophyll content (i.e. the phase of senescence). Photochemical quenching and the amount of functional Photosystem I decreased linearly with chlorophyll content, while FV/FM (Photosystem II functionality) decreased strongly only at the end of senescence. Non-photochemical quenching of excitation energy (NPQ) increased towards the end of senescence. However, no significant differences in the total flavonol amounts, nor in individual flavonol species, were found between aphid-free and aphid-infested leaves, suggesting that flavonols play no role in defence against aphid herbivory. Interestingly, both green and senescing leaves with a high flavonol content showed low FV/FM values. High flavonol content slowed down PSII photoinhibition and improved recovery, but only in green leaves. Previously, we proposed that anthocyanins provide an additional sink for photosynthates at the nitrogen resorption phase during autumn senescence, and the present data may suggest that flavonol synthesis plays a similar role.
Topics: Aphids; Plant Leaves; Animals; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Flavonols; Betula; Photosynthesis; Chlorophyll
PubMed: 38885004
DOI: 10.1242/bio.060325 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024In this study, the functionality of an elastomer composite material containing polypyrrole (PPy) as a stress sensor was evaluated. The material was prepared using the...
In this study, the functionality of an elastomer composite material containing polypyrrole (PPy) as a stress sensor was evaluated. The material was prepared using the swelling method by diffusing the pyrrole monomer into the elastomer before polymerization. To achieve adequate diffusion, organic solvents with affinity for the elastomer were used. The resulting materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface electrical resistance, and thermal and mechanical properties for application as a stress sensor. The simultaneous change in electrical resistance and tension stress was measured using a digital multimeter with electrodes connected to the jaws of a universal mechanical testing machine. The influence of stress cycles on the piezoresistivity of the composite materials was investigated. The obtained PPy/NBR composite presented a good combination of electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The strain at break remained with mild variation after coating with PPy.
PubMed: 38882075
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02166 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024SLE is a complex autoimmune disease with deleterious effects on various organs. Accumulating evidence has shown abnormal vitamin B12 and one-carbon flux contribute to...
BACKGROUND
SLE is a complex autoimmune disease with deleterious effects on various organs. Accumulating evidence has shown abnormal vitamin B12 and one-carbon flux contribute to immune dysfunction. Transcobalamin II (TCN2) belongs to the vitamin B12-binding protein family responsible for the cellular uptake of vitamin B12. The role of TCN2 in SLE is still unclear.
METHODS
We collected clinical information and blood from 51 patients with SLE and 28 healthy controls. RNA sequencing analysis, qPCR, and western blot confirmed the alteration of TCN2 in disease monocytes. The correlation between TCN2 expression and clinical features and serological abnormalities was analyzed. TCN2 heterozygous knockout THP1 cells were used to explore the effects of TCN2 dysfunction on monocytes. CCK-8 assay and EdU staining were used to detect cell proliferation. ELISA was conducted to assess vitamin B12, glutathione, and cytokines changes. UHPLC-MRM-MS/MS was used to detect changes in the intermediates of the one-carbon cycle. Flow cytometry is used to detect cell cycle, ROS, mitoROS, and CD14 changes.
RESULTS
Elevated TCN2 in monocytes was correlated positively with disease progression and specific tissue injuries. Using CD14+ monocytes and TCN2 genetically modified THP1 cell lines, we found that the TCN2 was induced by LPS in serum from SLE patients. TCN2 heterozygous knockout inhibited cellular vitamin B12 uptake and one-carbon metabolism, leading to cell proliferation arrest and decreased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated CCL2 release. Methionine cycle metabolites, s-adenosylmethionine and homocysteine, rescued these effects, whereas folate treatment proved to be ineffective. Folate deficiency also failed to replicate the impact of TCN2 downregulation on THP1 inflammatory response.
CONCLUSION
Our study elucidated the unique involvement of TCN2-driven one-carbon flux on SLE-associated monocyte behavior. Increased TCN2 may promote disease progression and tissue damage by enhancing one-carbon flux, fostering monocyte proliferation, and exacerbating TLR4 mediated inflammatory responses. The inhibition of TCN2 may be a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate SLE.
Topics: Humans; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Monocytes; Transcobalamins; Cell Proliferation; Female; Folic Acid; Male; Adult; Inflammation; Middle Aged; THP-1 Cells; Carbon; Vitamin B 12; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38881906
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339680 -
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia May 2024Extensive skin damage requires specialized therapy that stimulates regeneration processes without scarring. The possibility of using combination of a collagen gel...
Extensive skin damage requires specialized therapy that stimulates regeneration processes without scarring. The possibility of using combination of a collagen gel application as a wound dressing and fibroblast attractant with verteporfin as an antifibrotic agent was examined in vivo and in vitro. In vitro effects of verteporfin on viability and myofibroblast markers expression were evaluated using fibroblasts isolated from human scar tissue. In vivo the collagen gel and verteporfin (individually and in combination) were applied into the wound to investigate scarring during skin regeneration: deviations in skin layer thickness, collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix fibers were characterized. The results indicate that verteporfin reduces fibrotic phenotype by suppressing expression of the contractile protein Sm22α without inducing cell death. However, administration of verteporfin in combination with the collagen gel disrupts its ability to direct wound healing in a scarless manner, which may be related to incompatibility of the mechanisms by which collagen and verteporfin control regeneration.
Topics: Verteporfin; Humans; Collagen; Fibroblasts; Animals; Wound Healing; Antifibrotic Agents; Cells, Cultured; Tissue Scaffolds; Cicatrix; Male; Fibrosis; Skin
PubMed: 38880654
DOI: 10.1134/S0006297924050146 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jul 2024The use of remote sensing for monitoring chlorophyll-a (chla) and modelling eutrophication has advanced over the last decades. Although the application of the technology...
The use of remote sensing for monitoring chlorophyll-a (chla) and modelling eutrophication has advanced over the last decades. Although the application of the technology has proven successful in ocean ecosystems, there is a need to monitor chla concentrations in large, nutrient-poor inland water bodies. The main objective of this study was to explore the utility of publicly available remotely sensed Sentinel-2 (S2) imagery to quantify chla concentrations in the nutrient-deficient Lake Malawi/Niassa/Nyasa (LMNN). A secondary objective was to compare the S2 derived chla with the Global Change Observation Mission-Climate (GCOM-C) chla product that provides uninterrupted data throughout the year. In situ chla data (n = 76) from upper, middle and lower sections of LMNN served as a reference to produce remote sensing-based quantification. The line-height approach method built on color index, was applied for chla concentrations below 0.25 mg/m. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer 3-band Ocean Color (MODIS-OC3) - was adopted when chla concentration exceeded 0.35 mg/m. The MODIS-OC3 algorithm had generic model coefficients that were calibrated for each in situ sample by using GCOM-C Level 3 chla product. A weighted sum of the two algorithms was applied for chla concentrations that fell between 0.25 and 0.35 mg/m. The above methods were then applied to the S2 data to estimate chla at each pixel. S2 showed a promising accuracy in distinguishing chla levels (MSE = 0.18) although the chla range in the lake was relatively narrow, particularly using the locally calibrated coefficients of the OC3 algorithm. Chla distribution maps produced from the S2 data revealed limited spatial variation across the LMNN with higher concentrations identified in the coastal areas. S2-derived chla and GCOM-C chla comparison showed fairly good similarity between the two datasets (MSE = 0.205). Accepting this similarity, monthly chla dynamics of the lake was profiled using the temporally reliable GCOM-C data that showed oligotrophic conditions (1.7 mg/m to 3.2 mg/m) in most parts of the lake throughout the year. The study's findings advance the potential for both remote sensing approaches to provide vital information at the required spatial and temporal resolution for evidence-based policymaking and proactive environmental management in an otherwise very data deficient region.
Topics: Lakes; Environmental Monitoring; Chlorophyll A; Remote Sensing Technology; Chlorophyll; Eutrophication; Malawi
PubMed: 38878578
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121462 -
PloS One 2024Dianthus barbatus linn. is widely used in gardens, mainly as flower beds and flower borders. The effects of different gradients of P on the growth and root morphology of...
Dianthus barbatus linn. is widely used in gardens, mainly as flower beds and flower borders. The effects of different gradients of P on the growth and root morphology of Dianthus barbatus were studied to explore its morphological and physiological responses and adaptive strategies. Hence, this study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for D. barbatus production. Two soil substrates, namely loess and vegetable soil, and five phosphorus concentration gradients were set; no phosphorus application was used as the control. The morphology and physiology of D. barbatus were also investigated. Low-to-medium- and low-phosphorus treatments promoted the growth of D. barbatus in the above and underground parts of the plants grown on both substrates. Chlorophyll content, flower quantity, and acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were significantly increased in the H1 and H2 treatments of loess and in the C4 treatment of vegetable soil. Thus, D. barbatus seems to reduce the damage caused by phosphorus stress by increasing chlorophyll content and root acid phosphatase activity. The latter was significantly higher in vegetable soil than in loess. Vegetable soil was more conducive to D. barbatus growth than loess.
Topics: Phosphorus; Soil; Chlorophyll; Plant Roots; Dianthus; Acid Phosphatase; Flowers; Rhizosphere
PubMed: 38875297
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297215 -
The ISME Journal Jan 2024The role of antagonistic secondary metabolites produced by Pseudomonas protegens in suppression of soil-borne phytopathogens has been clearly documented. However, their...
The role of antagonistic secondary metabolites produced by Pseudomonas protegens in suppression of soil-borne phytopathogens has been clearly documented. However, their contribution to the ability of P. protegens to establish in soil and rhizosphere microbiomes remains less clear. Here, we use a four-species synthetic community (SynCom) in which individual members are sensitive towards key P. protegens antimicrobial metabolites (DAPG, pyoluteorin, and orfamide A) to determine how antibiotic production contributes to P. protegens community invasion and to identify community traits that counteract the antimicrobial effects. We show that P. protegens readily invades and alters the SynCom composition over time, and that P. protegens establishment requires production of DAPG and pyoluteorin. An orfamide A-deficient mutant of P. protegens invades the community as efficiently as wildtype, and both cause similar perturbations to community composition. Here, we identify the microbial interactions underlying the absence of an orfamide A mediated impact on the otherwise antibiotic-sensitive SynCom member, and show that the cyclic lipopeptide is inactivated and degraded by the combined action of Rhodococcus globerulus D757 and Stenotrophomonas indicatrix D763. Altogether, the demonstration that the synthetic community constrains P. protegens invasion by detoxifying its antibiotics may provide a mechanistic explanation to inconsistencies in biocontrol effectiveness in situ.
Topics: Pseudomonas; Soil Microbiology; Secondary Metabolism; Biotransformation; Rhizosphere; Microbiota; Microbial Interactions; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Phenols; Phloroglucinol; Pyrroles
PubMed: 38874164
DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae105