Search Results (4,938)

The SNP variation in sockeye salmon across the Asian part of its range was studied in 23 samples from 16 lake–river systems of the West Pacific Coast to improve understanding of genetic adaptation in response to spawning watersheds conditions. Identification of candidate SNPs and environmental factors that can contribute to local adaptations in sockeye salmon populations was carried out using redundancy analysis (RDA), a powerful tool for landscape genetics proven to be effective in genotype–environment association studies. Climatic and hydrographic indices (7 indices in total), reflecting abiotic conditions in freshwater habitats of sockeye salmon and characterizing the temperature regime in the river basin, its variability during the year, the amount of precipitation, as well as the height of the maximum tide in the estuary, were used as predictor factors. Among the 45 analyzed SNPs, several loci (ALDOB-135, HGFA, and RAG3-93) correlated with predictors gradients along the northwest Pacific coast were identified. The putative candidate loci localized in genes involved in the immune and inflammatory responses, as well as genes encoding temperature-sensitive enzymes and some hormones regulating ion homeostasis in fish during the anadromous migration and smoltification, were potentially associated with environmental conditions in natal rivers. The findings could have implications for aquaculture, conservation, and resource management in the context of global climate change. Full article

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, their identification and insights into the understanding of their role in rubber trees remain largely uncovered. In this study, the bHLH gene family was explored and characterized in rubber trees using systematic bioinformatics approaches. In total, 180 bHLH genes were identified in the rubber tree genome, distributed unevenly across 18 chromosomes, and phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into 23 distinct subfamilies. Promoter regions revealed a high density of cis-elements responsive to light and hormones. Enrichment analysis indicated involvement in numerous biological processes, including growth, development, hormone responses, abiotic stress resistance, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Protein interaction network analysis identified extensive interactions between HbbHLH genes and other functional genes, forming key clusters related to iron homeostasis, plant growth, and stomatal development. Expression profiling of HbbHLH genes have demonstrated varied responses to endogenous and environmental changes. RT-qPCR of eleven HbbHLH genes in different tissues and under ethylene, jasmonic acid, and cold treatments revealed tissue-specific expression patterns and significant responses to these stimuli, highlighting the roles of these genes in hormone and cold stress responses. These findings establish a framework for exploring the molecular functions of bHLH transcription factors in rubber trees. Full article

Flavan-3-ols are plant secondary metabolites that play important roles in stress resistance. Our previous studies revealed that salicylic acid (SA) activates R2R3-MYB transcription factors, promoting flavan-3-ol biosynthesis. This study identified two R2R3-MYB genes that exhibited positive responses to both exogenous SA and were probably involved in flavan-3-ol biosynthesis through RNA-sequencing, functional enrichment analysis, and qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the contents of total flavan-3-ols and their monomers, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, in grape berries after exogenous SA application were substantially increased compared to those in the control. A total of 683 differentially expressed genes in response to exogenous SA treatment were identified using RNA-seq. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of the ‘flavonoid biosynthesis’ and ‘plant hormone signal transduction’ pathways. A specific module highly associated with flavan-3-ol biosynthesis was identified by constructing a co-expression network. Two candidate genes (VvMYB108B and VvMYB145) likely participating in flavan-3-ol biosynthesis were selected using qRT-PCR. Therefore, these two potential genes that respond to SA and putatively participate in flavan-3-ol biosynthesis were identified for the first time. These results lay a solid basis for a more profound understanding of the molecular regulation of flavan-3-ol biosynthesis in grapes. Full article

WD40 proteins play important roles in the synthesis and regulation of anthocyanin, the regulation of plant morphology and development, and the response to various abiotic stresses. However, the role of WD40 in Fragaria vesca (F. vesca) has not been studied. In this study, a total of 216 FvWD40 family members were identified, which were divided into four subfamilies based on evolutionary tree analysis. Subcellular localization predictions show that FvWD40 family members are mainly localized in chloroplasts, nuclei, and cytoplasm. An analysis of collinearity revealed a total of eight pairs of intraspecific collinearity of the FvWD40 gene family, and interspecific collinearity showed that the FvWD40 gene family covaried more gene pairs with Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) than with rice (Oryza sativa). Promoter cis-acting elements revealed that the FvWD40 gene family contains predominantly light, hormone, and abiotic stress response elements. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that a number of members including FvWD40-111 and FvWD40-137 were highly expressed in all tissues, and a number or members including FvWD40-97 and FvWD40-102 were lowly expressed in all tissues. The FvWD40 gene family was found to be expressed at all four different coloring stages of F. vesca by qRT-PCR, with lower expression at the 50% coloring stage (S3). FvWD40-24, FvWD40-50, and FvWD40-60 showed the highest expression during the white fruit stage (S1) period, suggesting that these genes play a potential regulatory role in the pre-fruit coloring stage. FvWD40-62, FvWD40-88 and FvWD40-103 had the highest expression at the 20% coloration stage (S2), and FvWD40-115, FvWD40-170, FvWD40-184 and FvWD40-195 had the highest expression at the full coloration stage (S4). These results suggest a potential role for these genes during fruit coloration. This study lays a foundation for further research on the function of the WD40 gene family. Full article

Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) acts as the repressor of the JA signaling pathway and plays a significant role in stress-inducible defense, hormone crosstalk, and the regulation of the growth-defense tradeoff. The aim of this study is to systematically survey and analyze the JAZ gene family in Coix lacryma-jobi and unveil its expression profiles in diverse organs under high-temperature stress using transcriptome. The results identified a total of 20 JAZ family proteins randomly mapped on four chromosomes and encoding 159–409 amino acids. They were clustered into six groups and were mainly located in the nucleus. The conserved motifs, gene composition, and secondary structure of ClJAZ members within the same subtribes were similar. Multitudinous cis-regulating elements employed in hormone responsiveness and stress responsiveness were displayed before the promoter sequences of ClJAZ1-ClJAZ20. ClJAZ1-ClJAZ20 were differentially distributed across diverse organs (the roots, shoots, leaves, kernels, glumes, and flowers), exposed to high-temperature stresses, and treated using ABA or MeJA. A total of 29115 DEGs were identified under heat stress, which were mainly involved in biological regulation and the metabolic process. Intriguingly, ClJAZ15 was highly expressed in the leaves of C. lacryma-jobi, down-regulated by MeJA, but up-regulated by heat stress and ABA, inferring that ClJAZ15 might be associated with ABA-inducible heat stress. The results laid a foundation for in-depth study of the role of ClJAZ family genes in C. lacryma-jobi. Full article

Plants of several species, including crops, change their volatilome when exposed to a low ratio of red to far-red light (low R/FR) that informs about the presence of nearby plants (i.e., proximity shade). In particular, the volatile hormone ethylene was shown to be produced at higher levels in response to the low R/FR signal in shade-avoider plants. Here, we show that the shade-tolerant species Cardamine hirsuta produces more ethylene than shade avoiders such as Arabidopsis thaliana (a close relative of C. hirsuta) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under white light (W). However, exposure to low R/FR (specifically to FR-supplemented W, referred to as W+FR or simulated shade) resulted in only a slight increase in ethylene emission in C. hirsuta compared to shade avoiders. Stimulation of ethylene production by growing plants in media supplemented with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) resulted in reduced hypocotyl growth under W+FR in both A. thaliana and C. hirsuta. ACC-dependent ethylene production also repressed hypocotyl elongation under low W and in the dark in C. hirsuta. By contrast, in A. thaliana, ACC supplementation inhibited hypocotyl elongation in the dark but stimulated it under W. Most interestingly, elongation of dark-grown A. thaliana seedlings was also repressed by exposure to the volatiles released by ACC-grown A. thaliana or tomato plants. This observation suggests that increased ethylene levels in the headspace can indeed impact the development of nearby plants. Although the amount of ethylene released by ACC-grown plants to their headspace was much higher than that released by exposure to low R/FR, our results support a contribution of this volatile hormone on the communication of proximity shade conditions to neighboring plants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Barley dietary fiber (BDF), particularly β-glucan, has shown potential in modulating postprandial glycemic responses and improving metabolic health. This study aimed to assess the effects of Saechalssalbori (Hordeum vulgare L.), a glutinous barley variety rich in β-glucan, on postprandial blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, and appetite-related hormones in healthy adults. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, healthy adults (n = 67) with fasting blood glucose levels below 126 mg/dL were assigned to consume either BDF or placebo (rice flour). Fasting and postprandial blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after consumption. Blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, and appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, PYY) were measured, and appetite was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (CHAMC 2022-08-040-007) and registered (KCT0009166). Results: BDF consumption significantly delayed the postprandial increase in blood glucose compared with placebo, reduced insulin secretion, and slightly increased glucagon and triglycerides. BDF also lowered hunger and increased satiety, with associated increases in ghrelin and PYY levels. Conclusions: BDF consumption, particularly from β-glucan-rich barley, may improve postprandial glycemic control and suppress appetite, making it a promising dietary intervention for managing metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Further studies are needed to explore its long-term impact on glycemic variability. Full article

The Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is a significant species utilized in afforestation efforts in southern China. It is distinguished by its rapid growth and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. The GRAS gene family comprises a group of plant-specific transcription factors that play a pivotal role in plant growth and development, response to adversity, and hormone regulatory networks. However, the exploration of the GRAS family in gymnosperm Chinese fir has not yet begun. In this study, a total of 43 GRAS genes were identified in the whole genome of Chinese fir, and a phylogenetic analysis classified them into nine distinct subfamilies. Gene structure analysis revealed that the majority of ClGRAS genes lacked introns. It is notable that among these proteins, both ClGAI and ClGRA possess distinctive DELLA structural domains. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that nearly all ClGRAS genes contained light-responsive elements, while hormone-responsive elements, environmental-responsive elements (low-temperature- or defense-responsive elements), and meristem-organization-related elements were also identified. Based on transcriptome data and RT-qPCR expression patterns, we analyzed the expression of ClGAI and ClRGA genes across different developmental stages, hormones, and three abiotic stresses. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that ClGAI and ClRGA were localized to the nucleus. Transcriptional activation assays showed that both genes have self-activating activity. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the ClGRAS gene family is involved in the response of Chinese fir to environmental stress. Further research on the ClDELLA genes provides valuable information for exploring the potential regulatory network of DELLA proteins in Chinese fir. Full article

The ARF gene family plays a vital role in regulating multiple aspects of plant growth and development. However, detailed research on the role of the ARF family in regulating flower development in petunia and other plants remains limited. This study investigates the distinct roles of PhARF5 and PhARF19a in Petunia hybrida flower development. Phylogenetic analysis identified 29 PhARFs, which were grouped into four clades. VIGS-mediated silencing of PhARF5 and PhARF19a led to notable phenotypic changes, highlighting their non-redundant functions. PhARF5 silencing resulted in reduced petal number and limb abnormalities, while PhARF19a silencing disrupted corolla tube formation and orientation. Both genes showed high expression in the roots, leaves, and corollas, with nuclear localization. The transcriptomic analysis revealed significant overlaps in DEGs between PhARF5 and PhARF19a silencing, indicating shared pathways in hormone metabolism, signal transduction, and stress responses. Phytohormone analysis confirmed their broad impact on phytohormone biosynthesis, suggesting involvement in complex feedback mechanisms. Silencing PhARF5 and PhARF19a led to differential transcription of numerous genes related to hormone signaling pathways beyond auxin signaling, indicating their direct or indirect crosstalk with other phytohormones. However, significant differences in the regulation of these signaling pathways were observed between PhARF5 and PhARF19a. These findings reveal the roles of ARF genes in regulating petunia flower development, as well as the phylogenetic distribution of the PhARFs involved in this process. This study provides a valuable reference for molecular breeding aimed at improving floral traits in the petunia genus and related species. Full article

Monitoring the training load during training is important for quantifying the demand on psychological and physiological responses. This procedure is achieved through subjective and objective methods applied to the control of the level of training, to the attainment of conditioning and performance goals, and to the prevention of injuries. Training load refers to either external load, such as the variables of speed, distance, accelerations, and decelerations, or internal load, which is related to the psychological and physiological responses during an exercise session or training period (e.g., rating of perceived exertion—RPE; and heart rate—HR). To measure external load, traditional methods include pedometers, accelerometers, global positioning systems, and volume load. For internal load, methods include RPE, training monotony, strain, and impulse, HR, hormonal and biochemical markers, and training diaries and questionnaires. The current review reinforces the assumption that the methods should be combined to improve confidence with the information, mainly when assessing internal load stress during training. Moreover, training load provides an objective assessment of performance levels and involvement in different training phases, thus providing relevant information to analyse strategies for the effectiveness of conditioning progress, performance enhancement, and injury prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) expression, leptin, and hormone profiles—specifically progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—across four distinct ovulation induction protocols (HMG, HMG/hCG, rFSH, and rFSH/hCG). It also investigates the relationship between follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) Ser680Asn polymorphisms, CART expression, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) results, with the goal of better understanding how CART and FSHR polymorphisms affect ovarian response and oocyte quality. Methods: Data were obtained from 94 women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) as part of their IVF therapy. Hormone levels, CART expression, and FSHR polymorphisms were measured across all four ovulation induction procedures. Statistical studies were undertaken to investigate the relationships between CART expression, hormone levels, and IVF results. Results: The study found no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) amongst the four stimulation procedures (p-values varied from 0.244 to 0.909). CART expression did not show a significant correlation with hormone levels throughout the whole cohort (progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, FSH, hCG, and estradiol; p > 0.05). However, CART levels were adversely linked with the number of follicles > 12 mm (r = −0.251, p = 0.018), total oocyte count (r = −0.247, p = 0.019), and oocyte maturity (r = −0.212, p = 0.048). Furthermore, there was a strong negative connection between CART expression and thyroid hormone T3 (r = −0.319, p = 0.048). Among FSHR polymorphisms, the SER/SER genotype was related to greater CART levels (mean 4.198 ± 2.257) than the SER/ASN and ASN/ASN genotypes (p = 0.031). Conclusions: These data indicate that CART expression and FSHR polymorphisms may influence ovarian response and oocyte quality in IVF patients, possibly acting as biomarkers for evaluating ovarian outcomes in various ovulation induction procedures. Full article

Background: The caffeoyl-CoA-O methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) family plays essential roles in the methylation of various secondary metabolites, including anthocyanins. Despite the wide identification of the CCoAOMT family in plants, the characterization and function of CCoAOMT protein members in Solanum tuberosum remain poorly understood. Methods and Results: In this study, a total of 12 StCCoAOMT members were identified in the genome of S. tuberosum using the Blastp and HMM search and were unevenly located on eight chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that four tandem duplicated gene pairs and two segmental duplicated gene pairs existed in the S. tuberosum genome, demonstrating that duplication events play a key role in the expansion of the CCoAOMT family. All StCCoAOMTs were clustered into group I and group II based on phylogenetic analysis, which was further verified by the conserved motifs and gene structures analysis. The cis-acting elements analysis illustrated that StCCoAOMTs might be important for photosynthesis, hormone responses, and abiotic stress. Expression analysis demonstrated that StCCoAOMT genes have diverse transcript levels in various tissues and that StCCoAOMT10 was significantly expressed in purple potatoes with abundant anthocyanin content according to RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR assays. In addition, the subcellular localization assay validated that the StCCoAOMT10 protein was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Conclusions: These results will be of great importance for a better understanding of the features of CCoAOMT family members, especially of the candidate genes involved in the methylation of anthocyanins in S. tuberosum, and also for improving the nutritional quality of S. tuberosum. Full article

Background: Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is a rare temperate evergreen shrub with high tolerance to low temperature, and understanding the related gene expression regulatory network can help advance research on the mechanisms of plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Methods: Here, time-course transcriptome analysis was applied to investigate the gene expression network in A. mongolicus under low temperature stress. Results: A total of 12,606 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at four time-points during low temperature stress treatment, and multiple pathways, such as plant hormones, secondary metabolism, and cell membranes, were significantly enriched in the DEGs. Trend analysis found that the expression level of genes in cluster 19 continued to upregulate under low temperatures, and the genes in cluster 19 were significantly enriched in plant hormone signaling and secondary metabolic pathways. Based on the transcriptome data, the expression profiles of the genes in abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and flavonoid metabolic pathways were analyzed. It was found that biosynthesis of abscisic acid and flavonoids may play crucial roles in the response to low temperature stress. Furthermore, members of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) family in A. mongolicus were systematically identified and their structures and evolution were characterized. Analysis of cis-acting elements showed that the PAL genes in A. mongolicus were closely related to abiotic stress response. Expression pattern analysis showed that PAL genes responded to various environmental stresses, such as low temperature, supporting their involvement in the low temperature response in A. mongolicus. Conclusions: Our study provides important data for understanding the mechanisms of tolerance to low temperatures in A. mongolicus. Full article

Plant hormones play a central role in various physiological functions and mediate defense responses against (a)biotic stresses. Jasmonic acid (JA) has emerged as one of the key phytohormones involved in the response to necrotrophic pathogens. Under stressful conditions, plants can also produce small molecules, such as methylglyoxal (MG), a cytotoxic aldehyde. The enzymes glyoxalase I (GLYI) and glyoxalase II primarily detoxify MG. In Arabidopsis thaliana, GLYI4 has been recently characterized as having a crucial role in MG detoxification and emerging involvement in the JA pathway. Here, we investigated the impact of a GLYI4 loss-of-function on the Arabidopsis JA pathway and how MG affects it. The results showed that the glyI4 mutant plant had stunted growth, a smaller rosette diameter, reduced leaf size, and an altered pigment concentration. A gene expression analysis of the JA marker genes showed significant changes in the JA biosynthetic and signaling pathway genes in the glyI4 mutant. Disease resistance bioassays against the necrotroph Botrytis cinerea revealed altered patterns in the glyI4 mutant, likely due to increased oxidative stress. The MG effect has a further negative impact on plant performance. Collectively, these results contribute to clarifying the intricate interconnections between the GLYI4, MG, and JA pathways, opening up new avenues for further explorations of the intricate molecular mechanisms controlling plant stress responses. Full article

The interplay between functional food nutrients and neurosteroids has garnered significant attention for its potential to enhance stress resilience in health and/or disease. Several bioactive nutrients, including medicinal herbs, flavonoids, and bioavailable polyphenol-combined nanoparticles, as well as probiotics, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to improve blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, endogenous neurosteroid homeostasis and brain function. These nutrients can inhibit oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which are linked to the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. Interestingly, flavonoids exhibit dose-dependent effects, activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway at the physiological/low dose (neurohormesis). This leads to the upregulation of antioxidant phase II genes and proteins such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), which are activated by curcumin and resveratrol, respectively. These adaptive neuronal response mechanisms help protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neurotoxicity. Impaired Nrf2 and neurosteroid hormone signaling in the brain can exacerbate selective vulnerability to neuroinflammatory conditions, contributing to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety and depression and other neurological disorders, due to the vulnerability of neurons to stress. This review focuses on functional food nutrients targeting Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and redox resilience genes to regulate the neurosteroid homeostasis and BBB damage associated with altered GABAergic neurotransmission. By exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms using innovative technologies, we aim to develop promising neuroprotective strategies and personalized nutritional and neuroregenerative therapies to prevent or attenuate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, ultimately promoting brain health. Full article