Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone...Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone of treatment,they often fail to fully address certain symptoms.Additionally,treatment-resistant schizophrenia,affecting 30%-40%of patients,remains a substantial clinical challenge.Positive,negative symptoms and cognitive impairments have been linked to disruptions in the glutamatergic,serotonin,GABAergic,and muscarinic pathways in the brain.Recent advances using genome-wide association study and other approaches have uncovered a significant number of new schizophrenia risk genes that uncovered new,and reinforced prior,concepts on the genetic and neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia,including abnormalities in synaptic function,immune processes,and lipid metabolism.Concurrently,new therapeutics targeting different modalities,which are expected to address some of the limitations of anti-psychotic drugs currently being offered to patients,are currently being evaluated.Collectively,these efforts provide new momentum for the next phase of schizophrenia research and treatment.展开更多
Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is widely used for gene expression analysis,but its accuracy critically depends on stable internal reference genes for normalization.In marine invertebrates,especially non-model taxa su...Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is widely used for gene expression analysis,but its accuracy critically depends on stable internal reference genes for normalization.In marine invertebrates,especially non-model taxa such as cephalopods,systematic evaluation of reference genes is limited,leading to potential bias.The cuttlefish Sepiella japonica is ecologically and economically important in China,yet previous molecular studies have often relied on single unvalidated reference genes,which may compromise data reliability.This study aimed to systematically evaluate the stability of five commonly used reference genes(18S,ef-1α,ef-1γ,gapdh,andβ-actin)across multiple tissues and sexes of S.japonica,and to identify the most suitable reference genes and optimal number for qPCR normalization.Fifteen to sixteen tissue types were collected from ten healthy adults(five males and five females).Total RNA was extracted,reverse-transcribed,and analyzed by qPCR.Gene stability was assessed using four algorithms(geNorm,NormFinder,BestKeeper,andΔCt)integrated with RefFinder,and the optimal gene number was determined using geNorm pairwise variation(V_(n/n+1)<0.15).Four transcriptome-derived genes(creld2,cd109,acy1,and miox)were used for validation.The C_(t)values of the five genes ranged from 15.47 to 20.83.β-actin and gapdh showed pronounced variability in expression stability among tissues and sexes,indicating their limited suitability for normalization.18S exhibited the highest expression(mean C_(t):15.47-16.29)and lowest variability but displayed sex-biased expression,whereas ef-1αand ef-1γremained consistently stable across most tissues in both sexes,with ef-1αbeing the most robust and showing no sex-related bias.Although specific rankings varied among tissues and sexes,the comprehensive results indicated that ef-1αand ef-1γpossessed the highest overall stability,followed by 18S,whileβ-actin and gapdh were the least stable.The final comprehensive rankings were ef-1γ>ef-1α>18S>gapdh>β-actin(male)and ef-1α>ef-1γ>18S>gapdh>β-actin(female).geNorm analysis(V2/3<0.15)indicated that two genes,mainly ef-1αand ef-1γ,were generally sufficient for reliable normalization in most tissues.Validation confirmed that normalization using the stable ef-1αand ef-1γaccurately reflected the expression differences among tissues,whereasβ-actin and gapdh can bias or confound statistical analyses.ef-1αand ef-1γare identified as the most reliable reference gene combination for qPCR analysis in S.japonica,while 18S can serve as an auxiliary gene for within-sex comparisons.The use ofβ-actin or gapdh alone is not recommended.This study establishes a systematic framework for selecting reliable reference genes in S.japonica,thereby facilitating robust qPCR normalization and providing a foundation for future gene expression research in S.japonica and other cephalopods.展开更多
A recently published study(Xin et al.,Prog Biochem Biophys,2026,53(2):431-441.DOI:10.3724/j.pibb.2025.0508)addresses the therapeutic challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)by innovatively developing an or...A recently published study(Xin et al.,Prog Biochem Biophys,2026,53(2):431-441.DOI:10.3724/j.pibb.2025.0508)addresses the therapeutic challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)by innovatively developing an orally administered nanogene delivery system.Designed to achieve in situ,efficient delivery of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)genes to tumor sites,this approach offers a novel strategy for CAR-macrophage(CAR-M)based immunotherapy.Its key highlights are as follows.展开更多
[Objectives]To clone the fbpA gene from Vibrio alginolyticus strain HY9901 and perform bioinformatic analyses,aiming to preliminarily elucidate the structure and function of the FbpA protein.[Methods]The fbpA gene was...[Objectives]To clone the fbpA gene from Vibrio alginolyticus strain HY9901 and perform bioinformatic analyses,aiming to preliminarily elucidate the structure and function of the FbpA protein.[Methods]The fbpA gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced.Bioinformatics software was employed to analyze the fbpA gene sequence and the deduced FbpA protein for physicochemical properties,signal peptides,transmembrane structures,functional sites,subcellular localization,homology comparisons,phylogenetic analysis,and structural prediction.[Results]The fbpA gene(1014 bp,encoding 337 amino acids,GenBank accession number PP707017)was successfully cloned.The FbpA protein was identified as a stable hydrophilic protein(molecular weight 37.589 kD,pI 5.97)containing a signal peptide,lacking transmembrane domains,and predicted to be localized extracellularly.It harbors 7 N-myristoylation sites,8 phosphorylation sites,2 N-glycosylation sites,and 7 microbody C-terminal targeting signal sites.The protein is highly conserved within the Vibrio genus,exhibiting 99.41%and 99.40%similarity to the Vibrio diabolicus subgroup and Vibrio antiquarius,respectively,with all three clustering together on the same evolutionary branch.Secondary structure prediction indicated a predominance of alpha-helices(49.85%)and random coils(30.27%).[Conclusions]This study successfully cloned the fbpA gene and characterized the structural features and evolutionary relationships of the FbpA protein,laying a foundation for further investigation into its role in the pathogenesis of V.alginolyticus and the development of vaccines.展开更多
AIM:To conduct a genetic analysis of Han-Chinese patients with isolated congenital ptosis(ICP)and identify the genetic variants related to the condition.METHODS:Sixty-five unrelated patients with ICP were enrolled.Com...AIM:To conduct a genetic analysis of Han-Chinese patients with isolated congenital ptosis(ICP)and identify the genetic variants related to the condition.METHODS:Sixty-five unrelated patients with ICP were enrolled.Comprehensive clinical examinations,whole exome sequencing(WES),and Sanger sequencing were used to reveal the potential genetic causes.Combined with public and in-house control databases,multiple bioinformatics prediction tools,and conservation analysis,the potential variants were further analyzed.AlphaFold 3,an accurate modelling prediction tool,was utilized to generate three-dimensional structural models of both wild-type and mutated proteins.RESULTS:Three novel heterozygous variants in the zinc finger homeobox 4 gene(ZFHX4),c.5145C>A(p.N1715K),c.10382C>T(p.A3461V),and c.10795G>A(p.A3599T),were identified in three patients,respectively.Bioinformatics analyses suggested that these variants are likely to exert deleterious effects,supporting their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of ptosis.CONCLUSION:The novel heterozygous ZFHX4 variants are identified as disease-associated variants in three patients with ptosis,suggesting that ZFHX4 may be a disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant ICP with incomplete penetrance or a susceptibility gene.These findings expand the variant spectrum of ZFHX4,improve understanding of the pathogenesis of ZFHX4-related ptosis,and may contribute to the genetic counseling and disease management,as well as the development of experimental treatments.展开更多
Dianthus spiculifolius Schur,as an emerging ornamental plant,has extensive applications and economic values.In this study,the DsCBL4 gene was successfully cloned,and its tissue-specific expression,expression patterns ...Dianthus spiculifolius Schur,as an emerging ornamental plant,has extensive applications and economic values.In this study,the DsCBL4 gene was successfully cloned,and its tissue-specific expression,expression patterns under various abiotic stresses,subcellular localization,and bioinformatics analysis of the encoded amino acid sequence were conducted.The results showed that the coding region of the DsCBL4 gene was 675 bp long,encoding 224 amino acids.It had high homology with the amino acids encoded by Amaranthus tricolor,Chenopodium quinoa and Spinacia oleracea.The predicted relative molecular mass of DsCBL4 was 25.61 ku,with an isoelectric point of 4.58,and it had phosphorylation sites,belonging to an unstable hydrophilic protein.Its secondary structure includedα-helices,irregular coils and extended chains.The tertiary structure prediction revealed that DsCBL4 had four EFhand calcium-binding domains necessary for Ca2+binding in plant calmodulin-like proteins and the FPSF motif for calcineurin B-like protein(CBL)-interacting protein kinase(CIPK)activation.The expression level of the DsCBL4 gene showed tissue specificity,with the highest expression in roots.It was induced by drought,low temperature,combined drought and low temperature,salt stress,nitrogen stress,phosphorus stress,calcium ion stress,high temperature stress,and abscisic acid(ABA)stress.Both transient infection in Nicotiana tabacum L.and stable expression in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana showed that the DsCBL4 protein was localized to the cell membrane.These results suggested that DsCBL4 might be involved in the abiotic stress response of Dianthus spiculifolius through the calcium signaling pathway,providing a theoretical basis for understanding its molecular mechanism.This study provided an important reference for further exploring the role of the DsCBLs gene family in plant stress resistance.展开更多
Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) are recognized as a primary threat to the sustainability of environment and human health in the 21^(st) century.Nanomaterials(NMs) have attracted substantial attention due to their un...Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) are recognized as a primary threat to the sustainability of environment and human health in the 21^(st) century.Nanomaterials(NMs) have attracted substantial attention due to their unique dimensions and structures.Unfortunately,emerging evidence suggests that NMs may facilitate the transmission of ARGs.It is crucial to elucidate how NMs affect the evolution and dissemination of ARGs.The current review comprehensively examines the role of NMs in the widespread transmission of ARGs in aquatic environments and the underlying mechanisms involved in the process.It aims to clarify the effects and mechanisms of NMs on the horizontal gene transfer processes that are associated with ARGs,including the enhancement of cell membrane permeability,the formation of nanopores on membranes,promotion of mutagenesis,and the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROSs).Furthermore,the trade-off between the removal of ARGs and horizontal transfer has been elucidated.The review aspires to guide future research directions,advance knowledge on the implications of NMs in the field of ARGs' transmission,and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of safer and more effective applications of NMs.展开更多
AIM:To identify key genes and inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU).METHODS:EIU was induc...AIM:To identify key genes and inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU).METHODS:EIU was induced in Wistar rats through subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,200μg)and the rats were then randomly assigned to EIU group(n=5)and the HPS intervention group(n=5).HPS(400 mg/kg,intraperitoneally)or its carrier was administered 24h and 1h prior to EIU induction.Eyes were examined and enucleated 24h post-induction,and total RNA was extracted from the iris-ciliary body.Gene expression microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by bioinformatics analyses,including gene ontology(GO)and pathway analysis.Key findings were not experimentally validated at the mRNA or protein level.RESULTS:A total of 322 DEGs were identified,comprising 254 mRNA and 68 lncRNA genes.GO analysis revealed significant functional categories,including response to LPS.Pathway analysis identified key signaling pathways involved in uveitis,such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.Notably,16 mRNA and 7 lncRNA DEGs emerged as central nodes in the gene correlation network.CONCLUSION:HPS exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through coordinated signaling pathways,offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing uveitis.展开更多
Lizards usually exhibit frequent turnovers and a much greater diversity of sex determination mechanisms compared to birds and mammals,with the conserved ZW sex chromosomes of anguimorph lizards originating over 115 mi...Lizards usually exhibit frequent turnovers and a much greater diversity of sex determination mechanisms compared to birds and mammals,with the conserved ZW sex chromosomes of anguimorph lizards originating over 115 million years ago a seeming exception.We previously discovered in an anguimorph lizard Varanus acanthurus(Vac)whose entire chrW,but not chrZ is homologous to part of the chr2 by cytogenetic mapping,suggesting its complex history of sex chromosome evolution yet to be elucidated.To address this,we assemble a chromosome-level genome,and provide evidence that the Vac sex chromosome pair has undergone at least two times of recombination loss,producing a pattern of evolutionary strata like that of birds and mammals.Comparison to other lizard genomes date the stepwise propagation of specific retrotransposon subfamilies enriched near the duplicated gene pairs on the chrW and chr2 to the varanid ancestor.These retrotransposons probably have mediated the recruitment and amplification of autosomal genes on the chrW,including members of a large vomeronasal chemosensory receptor gene family V2R.Our results suggest that the W or Y chromosome as a refugium of repetitive elements,may recurrently recruit short-lived functional genes responsible for sexual dimorphisms during its long-term course of degeneration.展开更多
Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted t...Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.展开更多
Root nodule symbiosis(RNS)is a mutualistic association formed between nitrogen-fixing rhizobia or Frankia and host plants limited to four orders within Rosid I―Fabales,Fagales,Cucurbitales,and Rosales―which comprise...Root nodule symbiosis(RNS)is a mutualistic association formed between nitrogen-fixing rhizobia or Frankia and host plants limited to four orders within Rosid I―Fabales,Fagales,Cucurbitales,and Rosales―which comprise the so-called‘Nitrogen Fixing Nodulation Clade’(NFNC).The majority of nodulation studies have focused on Leguminosae,given their agricultural and environmental importance,as well as the widespread occurrence of nodulation among members of this family.Endowing cereal crops with nitrogen fixation,like Leguminosae,presents a strategy to reduce the detrimental effects of synthetic fertilizer overuse.Different hypotheses on the origin of RNS have been proposed;however,key genetic innovations underlying the evolution of RNS,even in Leguminosae,have been rarely reported.In this review,we begin by examining current knowledge of genetic innovations―including gene gain,gene loss,and the acquisition or loss of conserved noncoding sequences(CNS)in preexisting genes.We explore the available evidence supporting these genetic innovations underlying the evolution of RNS in Leguminosae and offer the phylogenomics approach that could be applied to uncover these genetic innovations.Finally,we conclude by proposing a model of genetic innovations underlying the evolution of RNS in Leguminosae and consider the potential implications for the development of nitrogen-fixing crops.展开更多
The B-box(BBX)gene family plays a vital role in plant growth,development,and stress responses.This study aimed to characterize the SmBBX gene family in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.),addressing the lack of systematic ...The B-box(BBX)gene family plays a vital role in plant growth,development,and stress responses.This study aimed to characterize the SmBBX gene family in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.),addressing the lack of systematic bioinformatics and functional studies in this species.A total of 33 SmBBX genes were identified through genome-wide analysis.These genes were phylogenetically grouped into five major clades,with shared domain structures,motifs,and genomic architectures among clade members.The gene duplication analysis revealed segmental duplication as the primary mechanism underlying the expansion of SmBBX proteins in eggplant.Additionally,expression profiling across diverse tissues and abiotic stress conditions,combined with the construction of protein—protein interaction networks and luciferase complementation assay,provided valuable insights into the functional roles of SmBBX genes.SmBBX21-2 and SmBBX22 were identified as the key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis,activating the expression of SmCHS and SmDFR promoters.Functional validation via heterologous and homologous overexpression demonstrated that SmBBX22 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of structural genes(SmCHS,SmF3H,SmF3′5′H,SmDFR,and SmANS)and transcription factors(SmTT8 and SmHY5)important for anthocyanin biosynthesis.Furthermore,the integration of DNA affinity purification sequencing and RNA-seq data revealed the direct transcriptional targets of SmBBX22,including genes involved in secondary metabolism,hormone signaling,and developmental regulation.This highlighted the role of SmBBX22 in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis.This study lays the foundation for understanding the functional roles of BBX genes in eggplant and provides new directions for future research in plant metabolism and stress adaptation.展开更多
The Fujian oyster(Crassostrea angulata) is an economically significant shellfish species distributed mainly along the Fujian coast, Southeast China. However, its genetic diversity and structure remain unclear. The mai...The Fujian oyster(Crassostrea angulata) is an economically significant shellfish species distributed mainly along the Fujian coast, Southeast China. However, its genetic diversity and structure remain unclear. The main distribution area of the C. angulata is located in Fujian, South China. In total, 420 C. angulata were collected from 14 natural habitats(populations) along the Fujian coast, and their genetic diversity and structure were analyzed in the mitochondrial COI and nuclear gene ITS2 sequences. Results reveal that all the 14 populations of C. angulata exhibited high levels of genetic diversity, with a total of 57(haplotype diversity: 0.811±0.016) and 124(haplotype diversity: 0.912±0.007) haplotypes revealed by COI and ITS2, respectively. Notably, significant intermediate level of genetic differentiations between the Ningde Zhujiang(ZJ) population(FS T by COI: 0.035–0.142, P<0.05;FS T by ITS2: 0.078–0.123, P<0.05) with other populations were observed for the first time, which is also supported by the results of molecular variance analysis(FC T by COI: 0.105, P<0.05;FC T by ITS2: 0.086, P<0.05) and the clustering of the ZJ population into distinct branches in the interpopulation genetic differentiation tree. Furthermore, the evolutionary tree and haplotype network analyses do not support the formation of a clear geographical genealogical structure among these 14 populations. In addition, the population dynamics analysis suggests that the C. angulata may have undergone expansion during the third ice age of the Pleistocene. These results provide a reference for the preservation and further genetic improvement of C. angulata.展开更多
Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungi that produce mycotoxins(secondary metabolites)known as sterigmatocystin and aflatoxins in many different kinds of foods,which leads to serious contamination in agricultural pro...Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungi that produce mycotoxins(secondary metabolites)known as sterigmatocystin and aflatoxins in many different kinds of foods,which leads to serious contamination in agricultural products,thereby endangering human health.Extensive studies on Aspergillus fungi have been conducted on growth and development,aflatoxin biosynthesis,and their interactions with environment.Here,we summarized a series of functional genes of the main Aspergillus fungi relative to toxins occurrence in foods,which revealed the signal transduction mechanisms of their involvement in growth and development,toxin production,and response to light,anticipating providing theoretical guidance on developing control and prevention technologies for mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products to ensure food safety.展开更多
The human retina,a complex and highly specialized structure,includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals.However,genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can...The human retina,a complex and highly specialized structure,includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals.However,genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can lead to retinal damage that severely impairs vision or causes blindness.Treatment options for retinal diseases are limited,and there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.Cell and gene therapies are promising because of the efficacy of delivery systems that transport therapeutic genes to targeted retinal cells.Gene delivery systems hold great promise for treating retinal diseases by enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to affected cells or by converting endogenous cells into functional ones to facilitate nerve regeneration,potentially restoring vision.This review focuses on two principal categories of gene delivery vectors used in the treatment of retinal diseases:viral and non-viral systems.Viral vectors,including lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses,exploit the innate ability of viruses to infiltrate cells,which is followed by the introduction of therapeutic genetic material into target cells for gene correction.Lentiviruses can accommodate exogenous genes up to 8 kb in length,but their mechanism of integration into the host genome presents insertion mutation risks.Conversely,adeno-associated viruses are safer,as they exist as episomes in the nucleus,yet their limited packaging capacity constrains their application to a narrower spectrum of diseases,which necessitates the exploration of alternative delivery methods.In parallel,progress has also occurred in the development of novel non-viral delivery systems,particularly those based on liposomal technology.Manipulation of the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within liposomes and the development of new lipid formulations have led to the creation of advanced non-viral vectors.These innovative systems include solid lipid nanoparticles,polymer nanoparticles,dendrimers,polymeric micelles,and polymeric nanoparticles.Compared with their viral counterparts,non-viral delivery systems offer markedly enhanced loading capacities that enable the direct delivery of nucleic acids,mRNA,or protein molecules into cells.This bypasses the need for DNA transcription and processing,which significantly enhances therapeutic efficiency.Nevertheless,the immunogenic potential and accumulation toxicity associated with non-viral particulate systems necessitates continued optimization to reduce adverse effects in vivo.This review explores the various delivery systems for retinal therapies and retinal nerve regeneration,and details the characteristics,advantages,limitations,and clinical applications of each vector type.By systematically outlining these factors,our goal is to guide the selection of the optimal delivery tool for a specific retinal disease,which will enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes while paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.展开更多
[Objectives]To distinguish loquat flesh color,thereby guiding early-age selection in loquat hybrid progeny.[Methods]Molecular markers based on the phytoene synthase gene(PSY)of loquat were applied to a hybrid progeny ...[Objectives]To distinguish loquat flesh color,thereby guiding early-age selection in loquat hybrid progeny.[Methods]Molecular markers based on the phytoene synthase gene(PSY)of loquat were applied to a hybrid progeny population derived from a cross between‘Zaozhong 6’and a local wild white-fleshed loquat resource‘DB1’.[Results]Among the 49 hybrid progeny,24 were identified as white-fleshed loquat resources and 25 as yellow-fleshed loquat resources.[Conclusions]The molecular marker of the PSY gene can effectively distinguish loquat flesh color and is of significant importance for guiding early-age selection in loquat hybrid breeding.展开更多
Insects represent one of the most evolutionarily successful groups,with their diversity hypothesized to be related to the regulatory roles of Hox genes,a set of related genes encoding homeodomain transcription factors...Insects represent one of the most evolutionarily successful groups,with their diversity hypothesized to be related to the regulatory roles of Hox genes,a set of related genes encoding homeodomain transcription factors determining the identity of segments along the anterior-posterior axis of the embryo.However,functional insights into the roles of Hox genes in primitive ametabolous insects,which represent the critical transition from aquatic crustaceans to winged insects,have been limited.In this study,we identified complete protein-coding sequences of 10 Hox genes in the Zygentoma Thermobia domestica,and applied clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9(Cas 9)mediated gene knockout(KO)to decipher their functions.We found that the roles of pb,Dfd,and Scr are vital in specifying the appendages of the head in T.domestica,and these roles are relatively conserved in crustaceans and winged insects.Antp is essential for the development of the prothorax segment and the first pair of legs in T.domestica.Ubx and abd-A fully repress appendage development in the abdomen of T.domestica,which implies a functional switch from crustaceans to insects.Additionally,the role of ftz in segmenting the abdomen of T.domestica suggests it has acquired new functions in primitive insects,beyond its traditional Hox-like roles.Although KOs of lab,Hox3,and Abd-B did not result in obvious external phenotypic changes,they led to a significant decrease in hatching rates and substantial deviations in daily survival numbers compared to the negative control.These findings underscore the indispensable roles of all Hox genes during the embryonic development of T.domestica.Our study sheds new light on the functional evolution of Hox genes in ametabolous insects and enhances our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of insect development and diversification.展开更多
The shift from seedling transplanting to direct-seeding cultivation in rice demands robust root systems for early seedling establishment and yield stability.While the pleiotropic gene OsSP3(also designated TAC4 or SG2...The shift from seedling transplanting to direct-seeding cultivation in rice demands robust root systems for early seedling establishment and yield stability.While the pleiotropic gene OsSP3(also designated TAC4 or SG2)is known to regulate aboveground traits,including tiller angle,grain size,and panicle development,its function in root morphogenesis remains uncharacterized.展开更多
基金supported by the Ministry of Health National Medical Research Council (to JL)the National University of Singapore (to JJEC)
文摘Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone of treatment,they often fail to fully address certain symptoms.Additionally,treatment-resistant schizophrenia,affecting 30%-40%of patients,remains a substantial clinical challenge.Positive,negative symptoms and cognitive impairments have been linked to disruptions in the glutamatergic,serotonin,GABAergic,and muscarinic pathways in the brain.Recent advances using genome-wide association study and other approaches have uncovered a significant number of new schizophrenia risk genes that uncovered new,and reinforced prior,concepts on the genetic and neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia,including abnormalities in synaptic function,immune processes,and lipid metabolism.Concurrently,new therapeutics targeting different modalities,which are expected to address some of the limitations of anti-psychotic drugs currently being offered to patients,are currently being evaluated.Collectively,these efforts provide new momentum for the next phase of schizophrenia research and treatment.
文摘Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is widely used for gene expression analysis,but its accuracy critically depends on stable internal reference genes for normalization.In marine invertebrates,especially non-model taxa such as cephalopods,systematic evaluation of reference genes is limited,leading to potential bias.The cuttlefish Sepiella japonica is ecologically and economically important in China,yet previous molecular studies have often relied on single unvalidated reference genes,which may compromise data reliability.This study aimed to systematically evaluate the stability of five commonly used reference genes(18S,ef-1α,ef-1γ,gapdh,andβ-actin)across multiple tissues and sexes of S.japonica,and to identify the most suitable reference genes and optimal number for qPCR normalization.Fifteen to sixteen tissue types were collected from ten healthy adults(five males and five females).Total RNA was extracted,reverse-transcribed,and analyzed by qPCR.Gene stability was assessed using four algorithms(geNorm,NormFinder,BestKeeper,andΔCt)integrated with RefFinder,and the optimal gene number was determined using geNorm pairwise variation(V_(n/n+1)<0.15).Four transcriptome-derived genes(creld2,cd109,acy1,and miox)were used for validation.The C_(t)values of the five genes ranged from 15.47 to 20.83.β-actin and gapdh showed pronounced variability in expression stability among tissues and sexes,indicating their limited suitability for normalization.18S exhibited the highest expression(mean C_(t):15.47-16.29)and lowest variability but displayed sex-biased expression,whereas ef-1αand ef-1γremained consistently stable across most tissues in both sexes,with ef-1αbeing the most robust and showing no sex-related bias.Although specific rankings varied among tissues and sexes,the comprehensive results indicated that ef-1αand ef-1γpossessed the highest overall stability,followed by 18S,whileβ-actin and gapdh were the least stable.The final comprehensive rankings were ef-1γ>ef-1α>18S>gapdh>β-actin(male)and ef-1α>ef-1γ>18S>gapdh>β-actin(female).geNorm analysis(V2/3<0.15)indicated that two genes,mainly ef-1αand ef-1γ,were generally sufficient for reliable normalization in most tissues.Validation confirmed that normalization using the stable ef-1αand ef-1γaccurately reflected the expression differences among tissues,whereasβ-actin and gapdh can bias or confound statistical analyses.ef-1αand ef-1γare identified as the most reliable reference gene combination for qPCR analysis in S.japonica,while 18S can serve as an auxiliary gene for within-sex comparisons.The use ofβ-actin or gapdh alone is not recommended.This study establishes a systematic framework for selecting reliable reference genes in S.japonica,thereby facilitating robust qPCR normalization and providing a foundation for future gene expression research in S.japonica and other cephalopods.
文摘A recently published study(Xin et al.,Prog Biochem Biophys,2026,53(2):431-441.DOI:10.3724/j.pibb.2025.0508)addresses the therapeutic challenges of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)by innovatively developing an orally administered nanogene delivery system.Designed to achieve in situ,efficient delivery of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)genes to tumor sites,this approach offers a novel strategy for CAR-macrophage(CAR-M)based immunotherapy.Its key highlights are as follows.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2025A1515011061),Outstanding Graduate Entering Laboratory Project of College of Fisheries,Guangdong Ocean UniversityUndergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Guangdong Ocean University(CXXL2025011)Undergraduate Innovation Team of Guangdong Ocean University(CCTD201802).
文摘[Objectives]To clone the fbpA gene from Vibrio alginolyticus strain HY9901 and perform bioinformatic analyses,aiming to preliminarily elucidate the structure and function of the FbpA protein.[Methods]The fbpA gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced.Bioinformatics software was employed to analyze the fbpA gene sequence and the deduced FbpA protein for physicochemical properties,signal peptides,transmembrane structures,functional sites,subcellular localization,homology comparisons,phylogenetic analysis,and structural prediction.[Results]The fbpA gene(1014 bp,encoding 337 amino acids,GenBank accession number PP707017)was successfully cloned.The FbpA protein was identified as a stable hydrophilic protein(molecular weight 37.589 kD,pI 5.97)containing a signal peptide,lacking transmembrane domains,and predicted to be localized extracellularly.It harbors 7 N-myristoylation sites,8 phosphorylation sites,2 N-glycosylation sites,and 7 microbody C-terminal targeting signal sites.The protein is highly conserved within the Vibrio genus,exhibiting 99.41%and 99.40%similarity to the Vibrio diabolicus subgroup and Vibrio antiquarius,respectively,with all three clustering together on the same evolutionary branch.Secondary structure prediction indicated a predominance of alpha-helices(49.85%)and random coils(30.27%).[Conclusions]This study successfully cloned the fbpA gene and characterized the structural features and evolutionary relationships of the FbpA protein,laying a foundation for further investigation into its role in the pathogenesis of V.alginolyticus and the development of vaccines.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81873686)Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(No.2023JJ30715)+4 种基金Scientific Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission(No.A202303018385)Health Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission(No.W20243024)Distinguished Professor of the Lotus Scholars Award Program of Hunan ProvinceSublimation Scholars Project of Central South UniversityWisdom Accumulation and Talent Cultivation Project of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University(No.YX202109).
文摘AIM:To conduct a genetic analysis of Han-Chinese patients with isolated congenital ptosis(ICP)and identify the genetic variants related to the condition.METHODS:Sixty-five unrelated patients with ICP were enrolled.Comprehensive clinical examinations,whole exome sequencing(WES),and Sanger sequencing were used to reveal the potential genetic causes.Combined with public and in-house control databases,multiple bioinformatics prediction tools,and conservation analysis,the potential variants were further analyzed.AlphaFold 3,an accurate modelling prediction tool,was utilized to generate three-dimensional structural models of both wild-type and mutated proteins.RESULTS:Three novel heterozygous variants in the zinc finger homeobox 4 gene(ZFHX4),c.5145C>A(p.N1715K),c.10382C>T(p.A3461V),and c.10795G>A(p.A3599T),were identified in three patients,respectively.Bioinformatics analyses suggested that these variants are likely to exert deleterious effects,supporting their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of ptosis.CONCLUSION:The novel heterozygous ZFHX4 variants are identified as disease-associated variants in three patients with ptosis,suggesting that ZFHX4 may be a disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant ICP with incomplete penetrance or a susceptibility gene.These findings expand the variant spectrum of ZFHX4,improve understanding of the pathogenesis of ZFHX4-related ptosis,and may contribute to the genetic counseling and disease management,as well as the development of experimental treatments.
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program(2022YFF1300500)the Spring Goose Support Program(CYQN24018)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32572123)。
文摘Dianthus spiculifolius Schur,as an emerging ornamental plant,has extensive applications and economic values.In this study,the DsCBL4 gene was successfully cloned,and its tissue-specific expression,expression patterns under various abiotic stresses,subcellular localization,and bioinformatics analysis of the encoded amino acid sequence were conducted.The results showed that the coding region of the DsCBL4 gene was 675 bp long,encoding 224 amino acids.It had high homology with the amino acids encoded by Amaranthus tricolor,Chenopodium quinoa and Spinacia oleracea.The predicted relative molecular mass of DsCBL4 was 25.61 ku,with an isoelectric point of 4.58,and it had phosphorylation sites,belonging to an unstable hydrophilic protein.Its secondary structure includedα-helices,irregular coils and extended chains.The tertiary structure prediction revealed that DsCBL4 had four EFhand calcium-binding domains necessary for Ca2+binding in plant calmodulin-like proteins and the FPSF motif for calcineurin B-like protein(CBL)-interacting protein kinase(CIPK)activation.The expression level of the DsCBL4 gene showed tissue specificity,with the highest expression in roots.It was induced by drought,low temperature,combined drought and low temperature,salt stress,nitrogen stress,phosphorus stress,calcium ion stress,high temperature stress,and abscisic acid(ABA)stress.Both transient infection in Nicotiana tabacum L.and stable expression in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana showed that the DsCBL4 protein was localized to the cell membrane.These results suggested that DsCBL4 might be involved in the abiotic stress response of Dianthus spiculifolius through the calcium signaling pathway,providing a theoretical basis for understanding its molecular mechanism.This study provided an important reference for further exploring the role of the DsCBLs gene family in plant stress resistance.
基金supported by the State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (Harbin Institute of Technology) (No.2022TS13)the key projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.2019YFC0408503)the Key Research Program of Wuhan (No.2022022202015015)。
文摘Antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs) are recognized as a primary threat to the sustainability of environment and human health in the 21^(st) century.Nanomaterials(NMs) have attracted substantial attention due to their unique dimensions and structures.Unfortunately,emerging evidence suggests that NMs may facilitate the transmission of ARGs.It is crucial to elucidate how NMs affect the evolution and dissemination of ARGs.The current review comprehensively examines the role of NMs in the widespread transmission of ARGs in aquatic environments and the underlying mechanisms involved in the process.It aims to clarify the effects and mechanisms of NMs on the horizontal gene transfer processes that are associated with ARGs,including the enhancement of cell membrane permeability,the formation of nanopores on membranes,promotion of mutagenesis,and the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROSs).Furthermore,the trade-off between the removal of ARGs and horizontal transfer has been elucidated.The review aspires to guide future research directions,advance knowledge on the implications of NMs in the field of ARGs' transmission,and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of safer and more effective applications of NMs.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Fundation of China(No.82101107No.81471575).
文摘AIM:To identify key genes and inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis(EIU).METHODS:EIU was induced in Wistar rats through subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,200μg)and the rats were then randomly assigned to EIU group(n=5)and the HPS intervention group(n=5).HPS(400 mg/kg,intraperitoneally)or its carrier was administered 24h and 1h prior to EIU induction.Eyes were examined and enucleated 24h post-induction,and total RNA was extracted from the iris-ciliary body.Gene expression microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by bioinformatics analyses,including gene ontology(GO)and pathway analysis.Key findings were not experimentally validated at the mRNA or protein level.RESULTS:A total of 322 DEGs were identified,comprising 254 mRNA and 68 lncRNA genes.GO analysis revealed significant functional categories,including response to LPS.Pathway analysis identified key signaling pathways involved in uveitis,such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.Notably,16 mRNA and 7 lncRNA DEGs emerged as central nodes in the gene correlation network.CONCLUSION:HPS exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through coordinated signaling pathways,offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing uveitis.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFA1800500,2024YFA1802500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170415)+1 种基金supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program(RTP)stipend scholarship.supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant(ARC DP200101406).
文摘Lizards usually exhibit frequent turnovers and a much greater diversity of sex determination mechanisms compared to birds and mammals,with the conserved ZW sex chromosomes of anguimorph lizards originating over 115 million years ago a seeming exception.We previously discovered in an anguimorph lizard Varanus acanthurus(Vac)whose entire chrW,but not chrZ is homologous to part of the chr2 by cytogenetic mapping,suggesting its complex history of sex chromosome evolution yet to be elucidated.To address this,we assemble a chromosome-level genome,and provide evidence that the Vac sex chromosome pair has undergone at least two times of recombination loss,producing a pattern of evolutionary strata like that of birds and mammals.Comparison to other lizard genomes date the stepwise propagation of specific retrotransposon subfamilies enriched near the duplicated gene pairs on the chrW and chr2 to the varanid ancestor.These retrotransposons probably have mediated the recruitment and amplification of autosomal genes on the chrW,including members of a large vomeronasal chemosensory receptor gene family V2R.Our results suggest that the W or Y chromosome as a refugium of repetitive elements,may recurrently recruit short-lived functional genes responsible for sexual dimorphisms during its long-term course of degeneration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271389,31900987(both to PY)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20230608(to JJ)。
文摘Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32300512)and the Xplorer Prize.
文摘Root nodule symbiosis(RNS)is a mutualistic association formed between nitrogen-fixing rhizobia or Frankia and host plants limited to four orders within Rosid I―Fabales,Fagales,Cucurbitales,and Rosales―which comprise the so-called‘Nitrogen Fixing Nodulation Clade’(NFNC).The majority of nodulation studies have focused on Leguminosae,given their agricultural and environmental importance,as well as the widespread occurrence of nodulation among members of this family.Endowing cereal crops with nitrogen fixation,like Leguminosae,presents a strategy to reduce the detrimental effects of synthetic fertilizer overuse.Different hypotheses on the origin of RNS have been proposed;however,key genetic innovations underlying the evolution of RNS,even in Leguminosae,have been rarely reported.In this review,we begin by examining current knowledge of genetic innovations―including gene gain,gene loss,and the acquisition or loss of conserved noncoding sequences(CNS)in preexisting genes.We explore the available evidence supporting these genetic innovations underlying the evolution of RNS in Leguminosae and offer the phylogenomics approach that could be applied to uncover these genetic innovations.Finally,we conclude by proposing a model of genetic innovations underlying the evolution of RNS in Leguminosae and consider the potential implications for the development of nitrogen-fixing crops.
基金supported by grants from Shanghai Agriculture Applied Technology Development Program(Grant No.2022-02-08-00-12-F01109)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32272721).
文摘The B-box(BBX)gene family plays a vital role in plant growth,development,and stress responses.This study aimed to characterize the SmBBX gene family in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.),addressing the lack of systematic bioinformatics and functional studies in this species.A total of 33 SmBBX genes were identified through genome-wide analysis.These genes were phylogenetically grouped into five major clades,with shared domain structures,motifs,and genomic architectures among clade members.The gene duplication analysis revealed segmental duplication as the primary mechanism underlying the expansion of SmBBX proteins in eggplant.Additionally,expression profiling across diverse tissues and abiotic stress conditions,combined with the construction of protein—protein interaction networks and luciferase complementation assay,provided valuable insights into the functional roles of SmBBX genes.SmBBX21-2 and SmBBX22 were identified as the key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis,activating the expression of SmCHS and SmDFR promoters.Functional validation via heterologous and homologous overexpression demonstrated that SmBBX22 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of structural genes(SmCHS,SmF3H,SmF3′5′H,SmDFR,and SmANS)and transcription factors(SmTT8 and SmHY5)important for anthocyanin biosynthesis.Furthermore,the integration of DNA affinity purification sequencing and RNA-seq data revealed the direct transcriptional targets of SmBBX22,including genes involved in secondary metabolism,hormone signaling,and developmental regulation.This highlighted the role of SmBBX22 in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis.This study lays the foundation for understanding the functional roles of BBX genes in eggplant and provides new directions for future research in plant metabolism and stress adaptation.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32172979)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2021J05159)the 2023 Special Program for Promoting High-Quality Development of Marine and Fishery Industry in Fujian Province(No.PJHYF-L-2023-2)。
文摘The Fujian oyster(Crassostrea angulata) is an economically significant shellfish species distributed mainly along the Fujian coast, Southeast China. However, its genetic diversity and structure remain unclear. The main distribution area of the C. angulata is located in Fujian, South China. In total, 420 C. angulata were collected from 14 natural habitats(populations) along the Fujian coast, and their genetic diversity and structure were analyzed in the mitochondrial COI and nuclear gene ITS2 sequences. Results reveal that all the 14 populations of C. angulata exhibited high levels of genetic diversity, with a total of 57(haplotype diversity: 0.811±0.016) and 124(haplotype diversity: 0.912±0.007) haplotypes revealed by COI and ITS2, respectively. Notably, significant intermediate level of genetic differentiations between the Ningde Zhujiang(ZJ) population(FS T by COI: 0.035–0.142, P<0.05;FS T by ITS2: 0.078–0.123, P<0.05) with other populations were observed for the first time, which is also supported by the results of molecular variance analysis(FC T by COI: 0.105, P<0.05;FC T by ITS2: 0.086, P<0.05) and the clustering of the ZJ population into distinct branches in the interpopulation genetic differentiation tree. Furthermore, the evolutionary tree and haplotype network analyses do not support the formation of a clear geographical genealogical structure among these 14 populations. In addition, the population dynamics analysis suggests that the C. angulata may have undergone expansion during the third ice age of the Pleistocene. These results provide a reference for the preservation and further genetic improvement of C. angulata.
基金supported by the key project of National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(U22A20551,32030085)the Major Project of Hubei Hongshan Laboratory,China(2021hszd015)+2 种基金the Hubei Province Major Science and Technology Special Project,China(2023BBA002)the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(U22A20551)the National Natural Science Foundation of China Excellent Youth Fund(32422072)。
文摘Aspergillus species are ubiquitous fungi that produce mycotoxins(secondary metabolites)known as sterigmatocystin and aflatoxins in many different kinds of foods,which leads to serious contamination in agricultural products,thereby endangering human health.Extensive studies on Aspergillus fungi have been conducted on growth and development,aflatoxin biosynthesis,and their interactions with environment.Here,we summarized a series of functional genes of the main Aspergillus fungi relative to toxins occurrence in foods,which revealed the signal transduction mechanisms of their involvement in growth and development,toxin production,and response to light,anticipating providing theoretical guidance on developing control and prevention technologies for mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products to ensure food safety.
基金Hongguang Wu,Both authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorshipLing Dong,Both authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship。
文摘The human retina,a complex and highly specialized structure,includes multiple cell types that work synergistically to generate and transmit visual signals.However,genetic predisposition or age-related degeneration can lead to retinal damage that severely impairs vision or causes blindness.Treatment options for retinal diseases are limited,and there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.Cell and gene therapies are promising because of the efficacy of delivery systems that transport therapeutic genes to targeted retinal cells.Gene delivery systems hold great promise for treating retinal diseases by enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to affected cells or by converting endogenous cells into functional ones to facilitate nerve regeneration,potentially restoring vision.This review focuses on two principal categories of gene delivery vectors used in the treatment of retinal diseases:viral and non-viral systems.Viral vectors,including lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses,exploit the innate ability of viruses to infiltrate cells,which is followed by the introduction of therapeutic genetic material into target cells for gene correction.Lentiviruses can accommodate exogenous genes up to 8 kb in length,but their mechanism of integration into the host genome presents insertion mutation risks.Conversely,adeno-associated viruses are safer,as they exist as episomes in the nucleus,yet their limited packaging capacity constrains their application to a narrower spectrum of diseases,which necessitates the exploration of alternative delivery methods.In parallel,progress has also occurred in the development of novel non-viral delivery systems,particularly those based on liposomal technology.Manipulation of the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules within liposomes and the development of new lipid formulations have led to the creation of advanced non-viral vectors.These innovative systems include solid lipid nanoparticles,polymer nanoparticles,dendrimers,polymeric micelles,and polymeric nanoparticles.Compared with their viral counterparts,non-viral delivery systems offer markedly enhanced loading capacities that enable the direct delivery of nucleic acids,mRNA,or protein molecules into cells.This bypasses the need for DNA transcription and processing,which significantly enhances therapeutic efficiency.Nevertheless,the immunogenic potential and accumulation toxicity associated with non-viral particulate systems necessitates continued optimization to reduce adverse effects in vivo.This review explores the various delivery systems for retinal therapies and retinal nerve regeneration,and details the characteristics,advantages,limitations,and clinical applications of each vector type.By systematically outlining these factors,our goal is to guide the selection of the optimal delivery tool for a specific retinal disease,which will enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes while paving the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.
基金Supported by Chengdu Science and Technology ProjectResearch and Development of Key Production Technologies and Scientific and Technological Services for Characteristic Fruit Trees in Lezhi County,Ziyang City(Science and Technology Commissioner)(2025-YF05-00549-SN).
文摘[Objectives]To distinguish loquat flesh color,thereby guiding early-age selection in loquat hybrid progeny.[Methods]Molecular markers based on the phytoene synthase gene(PSY)of loquat were applied to a hybrid progeny population derived from a cross between‘Zaozhong 6’and a local wild white-fleshed loquat resource‘DB1’.[Results]Among the 49 hybrid progeny,24 were identified as white-fleshed loquat resources and 25 as yellow-fleshed loquat resources.[Conclusions]The molecular marker of the PSY gene can effectively distinguish loquat flesh color and is of significant importance for guiding early-age selection in loquat hybrid breeding.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32170425,32470443,32300388).
文摘Insects represent one of the most evolutionarily successful groups,with their diversity hypothesized to be related to the regulatory roles of Hox genes,a set of related genes encoding homeodomain transcription factors determining the identity of segments along the anterior-posterior axis of the embryo.However,functional insights into the roles of Hox genes in primitive ametabolous insects,which represent the critical transition from aquatic crustaceans to winged insects,have been limited.In this study,we identified complete protein-coding sequences of 10 Hox genes in the Zygentoma Thermobia domestica,and applied clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9(Cas 9)mediated gene knockout(KO)to decipher their functions.We found that the roles of pb,Dfd,and Scr are vital in specifying the appendages of the head in T.domestica,and these roles are relatively conserved in crustaceans and winged insects.Antp is essential for the development of the prothorax segment and the first pair of legs in T.domestica.Ubx and abd-A fully repress appendage development in the abdomen of T.domestica,which implies a functional switch from crustaceans to insects.Additionally,the role of ftz in segmenting the abdomen of T.domestica suggests it has acquired new functions in primitive insects,beyond its traditional Hox-like roles.Although KOs of lab,Hox3,and Abd-B did not result in obvious external phenotypic changes,they led to a significant decrease in hatching rates and substantial deviations in daily survival numbers compared to the negative control.These findings underscore the indispensable roles of all Hox genes during the embryonic development of T.domestica.Our study sheds new light on the functional evolution of Hox genes in ametabolous insects and enhances our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of insect development and diversification.
基金funded by the Major Science and Technology Projects of Zhejiang Province,China(Grant No.2021C02063-5)the Key Research and Development Projects of Hainan Province,China(Grant No.ZDYF2023XDNY086)+2 种基金the State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety Hazard Factors and Risk Prevention and Control of Agricultural Products Jointly Constructed by the Ministry and the Province,China(Grant No.2010DS700124)the Zhejiang Province Vanguard Leading Goose Project,China(Grant Nos.2023C02055 and 2022C02034)the Jiaxing Nanhu District Science and Technology Plan Project,China(Grant No.2023017).
文摘The shift from seedling transplanting to direct-seeding cultivation in rice demands robust root systems for early seedling establishment and yield stability.While the pleiotropic gene OsSP3(also designated TAC4 or SG2)is known to regulate aboveground traits,including tiller angle,grain size,and panicle development,its function in root morphogenesis remains uncharacterized.
