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
The etiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases is varied in nature.Various etiogenic factors described are infective,inflammatory,viral,bacterial,parasitic,dietary and lifestyle change.Rare causative agents are imm...The etiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases is varied in nature.Various etiogenic factors described are infective,inflammatory,viral,bacterial,parasitic,dietary and lifestyle change.Rare causative agents are immunological,and others associated as idiopathic,are undiagnosed by all possible means.Some of the rare diseases are congenital in nature,passing from the parent to the child.Many of the undiagnosed diseases are now being diagnosed as genetic and the genes have been implicated as a causative agent.There is a search for newer treatments for such diseases,which is called genomic medicine.Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves the use of genomic information about an individual.This is used both for diagnostic as well as therapeutic decisions to improve the current health domain and pave the way for policymakers for its clinical use.In the developing era of precision medicine,genomics,epigenomics,environmental exposure,and other data would be used to more accurately guide individual diagnosis and treatment.Genomic medicine is already making an impact in the fields of oncology,pharmacology,rare,infectious and many undiagnosed diseases.It is beginning to fuel new approaches in certain medical specialties.Oncology is at the leading edge of incorporating genomics,as diagnostics for genetic and genomic markers are increasingly included in cancer screening,and to guide tailored treatment strategies.Genetics and genetic medicine have been reported to play a role in gastroenterology in several ways,including genetic testing(hereditary pancreatitis and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes).Genetic testing can also help subtype diseases,such as classifying pancreatitis as idiopathic or hereditary.Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating gastrointestinal diseases that are not effectively treated by conventional pharmaceuticals and surgeries.Gene therapy strategies include gene addition,gene editing,messenger RNA therapy,and gene silencing.Understanding genetic determinants,advances in genetics,have led to a better understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to human disease.Family-member risk stratification and genetic diagnosis can help identify family members who are at risk,which can lead to preventive treatments,lifestyle recommendations,and routine follow ups.Selecting target genes helps identify the gene targets associated with each gastrointestinal disease.Common gastrointestinal diseases associated with genetic abnormalities include-inflammatory bowel disease,gastroesophageal reflux disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and irritable bowel syndrome.With advancing tools and technology,research in the search of newer and individualized treatment,genes and genetic medicines are expected to play a significant role in human health and gastroenterology.展开更多
Stichopus chloronotus is a tropical sea cucumber with facultative asexual reproduction in the Indo-Western Pacific,yet its wild populations are decreasing due to extensive harvesting.Understanding the species’genetic...Stichopus chloronotus is a tropical sea cucumber with facultative asexual reproduction in the Indo-Western Pacific,yet its wild populations are decreasing due to extensive harvesting.Understanding the species’genetic characteristics is essential for effective management and conservation.To develop novel microsatellite markers and assess the genetic diversity,clonality,and genetic structure of eight populations of S.chloronotus in the South China Sea,193 individuals from eight populations across Wuzhizhou and Fenjiezhou(Boundary)islands were analyzed using nine newly developed microsatellite markers and five previously established markers.RNA-Seq was employed to obtained 62662 unigenes and identified 16926 microsatellite loci.Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed,of which 11 were highly polymorphic(polymorphic information content>0.5).The number of alleles(N_(a))ranged from 3 to 6 per locus,and the average Shannon diversity index(I)was 1.107.All the populations exhibited asexual reproduction,with regional variations in reproductive modes.Asexual reproduction was predominant in the northwestern Wuzhizhou Island population(SY 7)and the Fenjiezhou Island population(LS 8),where four and five predominant clones represented more than 89%of the individuals,which led to reduced genetic diversity.Overall,genetic diversity was moderately low,with significant genetic differentiation among populations(F_(ST)=0.33;P<0.001),suggesting limited gene flow(the number of migrants(N_(m))<1).These findings highlight the role of reproductive strategies in shaping fine-scale genetic differentiation in S.chloronotus.The limited recruitment success of sexually produced larvae and habitat heterogeneity likely constrain clone dispersal,contributing to distinct genetic restructuring.This study provided key insights into the interplay between reproductive strategies and genetic patterns in sea cucumbers,offering a scientific basis for targeted conservation efforts.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 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
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
Aiming to solve the steering instability and hysteresis of agricultural robots in the process of movement,a fusion PID control method of particle swarm optimization(PSO)and genetic algorithm(GA)was proposed.The fusion...Aiming to solve the steering instability and hysteresis of agricultural robots in the process of movement,a fusion PID control method of particle swarm optimization(PSO)and genetic algorithm(GA)was proposed.The fusion algorithm took advantage of the fast optimization ability of PSO to optimize the population screening link of GA.The Simulink simulation results showed that the convergence of the fitness function of the fusion algorithm was accelerated,the system response adjustment time was reduced,and the overshoot was almost zero.Then the algorithm was applied to the steering test of agricultural robot in various scenes.After modeling the steering system of agricultural robot,the steering test results in the unloaded suspended state showed that the PID control based on fusion algorithm reduced the rise time,response adjustment time and overshoot of the system,and improved the response speed and stability of the system,compared with the artificial trial and error PID control and the PID control based on GA.The actual road steering test results showed that the PID control response rise time based on the fusion algorithm was the shortest,about 4.43 s.When the target pulse number was set to 100,the actual mean value in the steady-state regulation stage was about 102.9,which was the closest to the target value among the three control methods,and the overshoot was reduced at the same time.The steering test results under various scene states showed that the PID control based on the proposed fusion algorithm had good anti-interference ability,it can adapt to the changes of environment and load and improve the performance of the control system.It was effective in the steering control of agricultural robot.This method can provide a reference for the precise steering control of other robots.展开更多
Neurodegenerative diseases(neurodegenerative disorders)are marked by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system.They may res ult in the deterioration of cognitive,motor,an...Neurodegenerative diseases(neurodegenerative disorders)are marked by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system.They may res ult in the deterioration of cognitive,motor,and functional abilities.Diseases such as Alzheimer s disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis represent some of the most prominent examples of neurodegenerative disorders.Des pite scientific advancement in understanding disease pathology and prognosis,the therapeutic strategies available for management remain limited.In recent years,microRNAs,small non-coding RNA molecules,have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorde rs.Therefo re,understanding how these microRNAs affect disease pathology and pathway signaling is essential,and may open microRNAs as new avenues for potential therapeutic intervention.This review explores the role of microRNAs in va rious neurodegenerative diseases,discuss how microRNAs affect signaling pathways,and examine the potential of microRNAs as therapeutic targets.展开更多
Hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias are major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The advent of next-generation sequencing(NGS)has made genetic testing more accessible,which is crucial for p...Hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias are major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The advent of next-generation sequencing(NGS)has made genetic testing more accessible,which is crucial for precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies.The aim of this study is to explore the landscape of genetic variants,the relationship between specific variants and clinical phenotypes,and the impact on clinical decision-making in China.A total of 1536 probands(median age,37 years;1025 males[66.7%])with suspected hereditary cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia(covering 15 clinical phenotypes)are recruited from 146 hospitals across 30 provinces and cities in China.Positive results are confirmed in 390 of 1536 probands,leading to a diagnostic yield of 25.4%.Forty-two and three-tenths percent(n=169)of family members carry the same variants as positive probands.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)are the predominant phenotypes,with MYBPC3 variants having the highest frequency in HCM and TTN variants in DCM.In 76.9%of the positive probands,the identified variants are helpful in clinical management,family screening,and fertility.This large-scale study provides significant insights into the genetic landscape of hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias in China.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
Successful ex situ conservation of plant populations requires a high degree of genetic representativeness.However,spatially biased sampling in ex situ conservation efforts may fail to capture all wild genetic clusters...Successful ex situ conservation of plant populations requires a high degree of genetic representativeness.However,spatially biased sampling in ex situ conservation efforts may fail to capture all wild genetic clusters for species with range-wide genetic structure.To investigate the extent of spatially biased sampling in living collections and the coverage of wild genetic clusters in plant populations under ex situ conservation worldwide,we combined a global synthesis of ex situ conservation efforts with a case study of an endangered riparian plant species,Myricaria laxiflora.Our analysis of ex situ conservation worldwide revealed that the majority(82.6%)of ex situ populations fail to cover all wild genetic clusters,largely due to spatially biased sampling with low geographic coverage.Our case study of M.laxiflora showed that genetic diversity differed between the ex situ and upstream populations,while it was comparable between ex situ populations and other wild populations.However,current ex situ populations did not cover all wild genetic clusters,as the upstream genetic cluster was previously uncollected.Our study suggests that the failure to cover all wild genetic clusters in ex situ populations is a widespread issue,and ex situ populations with high genetic diversity can also fail to cover all wild genetic clusters.In future ex situ conservation programs,both the importance of high genetic diversity and the high coverage of wild genetic clusters should be prioritized.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
Growing evidence suggests that abnormal lipid metabolism occurs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,even in the presymptomatic stage,implying an etiologic link.However,the genetic mechanism underlying altered lipid level...Growing evidence suggests that abnormal lipid metabolism occurs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,even in the presymptomatic stage,implying an etiologic link.However,the genetic mechanism underlying altered lipid levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains elusive.Therefore,in this study,we performed genetic correlation analysis,a cross-trait meta-analysis,tissue-specific enrichment analysis,and bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis of European population to explore whether there is a genetic and causal relationship between lipids and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.The effect of lipid-lowering drugs on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was also evaluated using a drug target Mendelian randomization approach.The results showed a positive genetic correlation between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 and identified 71 independent shared loci between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,as well as 55 independent shared loci between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and apolipoprotein A1.These shared loci were enriched in the lipid metabolic pathway and the alcohol metabolic pathway.Further Mendelian randomization analysis targeting lipid-lowering drugs showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ACLY and PCSK9 genes had a protective effect against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk by decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.The combination of ACLY and PCSK9 inhibitors has a greater protective effect on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk than that of PCSK9 inhibitors alone.In summary,there is a common genetic structure between lipids and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Mendelian randomization analysis supports an association between elevated blood lipids and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and the use of ACLY or PCSK9 inhibitors may improve disease prognosis.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
Despite Morocco's reliance on sunflower as an oilseed crop,little is known about its agronomic performance when sown in autumn or early winter.This knowledge gap is critical,as spring-sown varieties have shown dec...Despite Morocco's reliance on sunflower as an oilseed crop,little is known about its agronomic performance when sown in autumn or early winter.This knowledge gap is critical,as spring-sown varieties have shown declining performance in recent years under intensifying climate stress.Therefore,targeted breeding strategies could discover genotypes suitable for autumn or early winter sowing,with cold tolerance as a key selection criterion.Currently,‘Ichraq'is the only autumn-planted sunflower variety officially registered in Morocco,although efforts to release additional tolerant varieties are underway.This study evaluated 31 genotypes(MGB1to MGB31)selected from various environments under autumn planting conditions and conserved in the Moroccan Gene Bank.These genotypes were planted in early winter at a mountainous site known for its pronounced winter cold.Eighteen Morphological,physiological and agronomic parameters including initial vigor,leaf area,seed yield,oil content etc.,were assessed using both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches.Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences across most traits,indicating substantial genetic variation.Notably,seed oil content ranged from 23.28%(MGB26)to 43.88%(MGB5),and seed yield from1400 kg/ha(MGB7)to 5400 kg/ha(MGB8).Principal component analysis(PCA)identified that the first principal component,accounting for over 24%of the total phenotypic variance,exhibits a strong positive loading of yield-related traits and chlorophyll content,while displaying a pronounced negative loading for oil content variables.This opposing gradient indicates a clear trade-off between vegetative productivity and oil accumulation across the evaluated genotypes.Hierarchical cluster analysis resolved the germplasm into two principal clusters with high within-group similarity,each further partitioned into relatively homogeneous subgroups.Notably,several genotypes outperformed the control variety Ichraq,underscoring their potential for autumn or early winter cultivation.Nonetheless,essential multi-environment trials remain to validate their phenotypic stability and to ascertain their value as genetic resources for sunflower breeding programs in Morocco and other Mediterranean agro-ecosystems.展开更多
The significance of purine base content as an important nutrition indicator in foods arises from its potential to trigger hyperuricemia or gout via high-purine diet.Livestock meats,including pork,generally contain mod...The significance of purine base content as an important nutrition indicator in foods arises from its potential to trigger hyperuricemia or gout via high-purine diet.Livestock meats,including pork,generally contain moderate to high total purine content(TP).Recent research revealed substantial variations within and across pig breeds,implying genetic factors influencing this trait.Thus,this study aimed to unravel the genetic underpinnings governing purine base content in pork.The heritability estimates(h~2)for the four purine traits ranged from 0.14 to 0.35.A total of 14,36,19 and 25 quantitative trait loci(QTLs)were identified for guanine,adenine,hypoxanthine,and TP,respectively.Our comprehensive gene set enrichment analysis and gene network analysis revealed 15 promising candidate genes intricately interwoven within diverse purine metabolism pathways,such as purine ribonucleotide metabolic process,purine nucleotide metabolism and transport,and purine salvage pathways,all contributing to TP.Strikingly,most genetic variants significantly associated with TP displayed analogous effects on multiple purine bases.Two distinct and highly significant QTLs(P<10^(–12))emerged on Sus scrofa chromosome(SSC)12:one impacting guanine content and the other concurrently influencing adenine and hypoxanthine levels.The peak of the guanine QTL on SSC12 resided 1.1 kb downstream of the transmembrane protein 238 like(TMEM238L)gene and is encapsulated within a genomic segment characterized by the histone modification H3K27me3.Focused fine-mapping for the SSC12 QTL associated with adenine and hypoxanthine levels narrowed its scope to around 172 kb,encompassing the growth arrest specific 7(GAS7)and myosin heavy chain 13(MYH13)genes.However,the observed QTL effect was not attributed to any missense mutations within the two genes.This pioneering study unveils the genetic variations and candidate genes associated with purine content in livestock,laying a robust foundation for the selective breeding of pig lines with reduced purine base content.展开更多
Coronavirus is an RNA virus that can infect both humans and animals,posing a significant threat to agriculture and public health.Although coronaviruses are highly host-specific,their ability to infect multiple hosts,c...Coronavirus is an RNA virus that can infect both humans and animals,posing a significant threat to agriculture and public health.Although coronaviruses are highly host-specific,their ability to infect multiple hosts,combined with the structure of their genome,gives them a high probability of genetic recombination and mutation,leading to the creation of novel viruses.In recent years,with the establishment and development of reverse genetic manipulation techniques,substantial technical support has been provided for studying the structure and function of the coronavirus genome,the development of novel vaccines and drugs and the construction of viral expression vectors.This paper briefly described the progress in research on coronaviruses and their reverse genetic system construction strategies,aiming to provide some references for future coronavirus research.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
Varicocele(VC)is widely recognized as a prevalent and clinically significant cause of male infertility.However,the comprehensive pathogenic mechanisms underlying VC development and progression remain incompletely unde...Varicocele(VC)is widely recognized as a prevalent and clinically significant cause of male infertility.However,the comprehensive pathogenic mechanisms underlying VC development and progression remain incompletely understood,creating an important knowledge gap in the field of andrology.This review establishes that VC pathogenesis centers on abnormal vascular remodeling and integrates multiple contributing elements,including anatomical abnormalities,biochemical disturbances,genetic factors,low body mass index(BMI),age,and specific sports habits,while secondary varicoceles are primarily induced by compressive pathologies.Through a systematic synthesis of current evidence and recent advances,this review aims to elucidate the complex pathogenic network of VC and provide valuable insights to guide future research directions and inform the development of targeted clinical applications.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The etiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases is varied in nature.Various etiogenic factors described are infective,inflammatory,viral,bacterial,parasitic,dietary and lifestyle change.Rare causative agents are immunological,and others associated as idiopathic,are undiagnosed by all possible means.Some of the rare diseases are congenital in nature,passing from the parent to the child.Many of the undiagnosed diseases are now being diagnosed as genetic and the genes have been implicated as a causative agent.There is a search for newer treatments for such diseases,which is called genomic medicine.Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves the use of genomic information about an individual.This is used both for diagnostic as well as therapeutic decisions to improve the current health domain and pave the way for policymakers for its clinical use.In the developing era of precision medicine,genomics,epigenomics,environmental exposure,and other data would be used to more accurately guide individual diagnosis and treatment.Genomic medicine is already making an impact in the fields of oncology,pharmacology,rare,infectious and many undiagnosed diseases.It is beginning to fuel new approaches in certain medical specialties.Oncology is at the leading edge of incorporating genomics,as diagnostics for genetic and genomic markers are increasingly included in cancer screening,and to guide tailored treatment strategies.Genetics and genetic medicine have been reported to play a role in gastroenterology in several ways,including genetic testing(hereditary pancreatitis and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes).Genetic testing can also help subtype diseases,such as classifying pancreatitis as idiopathic or hereditary.Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating gastrointestinal diseases that are not effectively treated by conventional pharmaceuticals and surgeries.Gene therapy strategies include gene addition,gene editing,messenger RNA therapy,and gene silencing.Understanding genetic determinants,advances in genetics,have led to a better understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to human disease.Family-member risk stratification and genetic diagnosis can help identify family members who are at risk,which can lead to preventive treatments,lifestyle recommendations,and routine follow ups.Selecting target genes helps identify the gene targets associated with each gastrointestinal disease.Common gastrointestinal diseases associated with genetic abnormalities include-inflammatory bowel disease,gastroesophageal reflux disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and irritable bowel syndrome.With advancing tools and technology,research in the search of newer and individualized treatment,genes and genetic medicines are expected to play a significant role in human health and gastroenterology.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Nos.2022YFD2401305,2022YFD2401303)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42166005,42076097)。
文摘Stichopus chloronotus is a tropical sea cucumber with facultative asexual reproduction in the Indo-Western Pacific,yet its wild populations are decreasing due to extensive harvesting.Understanding the species’genetic characteristics is essential for effective management and conservation.To develop novel microsatellite markers and assess the genetic diversity,clonality,and genetic structure of eight populations of S.chloronotus in the South China Sea,193 individuals from eight populations across Wuzhizhou and Fenjiezhou(Boundary)islands were analyzed using nine newly developed microsatellite markers and five previously established markers.RNA-Seq was employed to obtained 62662 unigenes and identified 16926 microsatellite loci.Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed,of which 11 were highly polymorphic(polymorphic information content>0.5).The number of alleles(N_(a))ranged from 3 to 6 per locus,and the average Shannon diversity index(I)was 1.107.All the populations exhibited asexual reproduction,with regional variations in reproductive modes.Asexual reproduction was predominant in the northwestern Wuzhizhou Island population(SY 7)and the Fenjiezhou Island population(LS 8),where four and five predominant clones represented more than 89%of the individuals,which led to reduced genetic diversity.Overall,genetic diversity was moderately low,with significant genetic differentiation among populations(F_(ST)=0.33;P<0.001),suggesting limited gene flow(the number of migrants(N_(m))<1).These findings highlight the role of reproductive strategies in shaping fine-scale genetic differentiation in S.chloronotus.The limited recruitment success of sexually produced larvae and habitat heterogeneity likely constrain clone dispersal,contributing to distinct genetic restructuring.This study provided key insights into the interplay between reproductive strategies and genetic patterns in sea cucumbers,offering a scientific basis for targeted conservation efforts.
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 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.
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.
文摘Aiming to solve the steering instability and hysteresis of agricultural robots in the process of movement,a fusion PID control method of particle swarm optimization(PSO)and genetic algorithm(GA)was proposed.The fusion algorithm took advantage of the fast optimization ability of PSO to optimize the population screening link of GA.The Simulink simulation results showed that the convergence of the fitness function of the fusion algorithm was accelerated,the system response adjustment time was reduced,and the overshoot was almost zero.Then the algorithm was applied to the steering test of agricultural robot in various scenes.After modeling the steering system of agricultural robot,the steering test results in the unloaded suspended state showed that the PID control based on fusion algorithm reduced the rise time,response adjustment time and overshoot of the system,and improved the response speed and stability of the system,compared with the artificial trial and error PID control and the PID control based on GA.The actual road steering test results showed that the PID control response rise time based on the fusion algorithm was the shortest,about 4.43 s.When the target pulse number was set to 100,the actual mean value in the steady-state regulation stage was about 102.9,which was the closest to the target value among the three control methods,and the overshoot was reduced at the same time.The steering test results under various scene states showed that the PID control based on the proposed fusion algorithm had good anti-interference ability,it can adapt to the changes of environment and load and improve the performance of the control system.It was effective in the steering control of agricultural robot.This method can provide a reference for the precise steering control of other robots.
基金1RO1EY032959-01 from NIH,Leonard A Mann Chair Endowment Fund,from the University of Dayton(to AS)Knights Templar Eye Foundation grant(to MS)。
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases(neurodegenerative disorders)are marked by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system.They may res ult in the deterioration of cognitive,motor,and functional abilities.Diseases such as Alzheimer s disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis represent some of the most prominent examples of neurodegenerative disorders.Des pite scientific advancement in understanding disease pathology and prognosis,the therapeutic strategies available for management remain limited.In recent years,microRNAs,small non-coding RNA molecules,have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorde rs.Therefo re,understanding how these microRNAs affect disease pathology and pathway signaling is essential,and may open microRNAs as new avenues for potential therapeutic intervention.This review explores the role of microRNAs in va rious neurodegenerative diseases,discuss how microRNAs affect signaling pathways,and examine the potential of microRNAs as therapeutic targets.
基金supported by Science,Technology&Innovation Project of Xiongan New Area(2023XAGG0069)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC2703100)+2 种基金National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2022-PUMCH-D-002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(824B2011 to Z.W.)National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2023-PUMCH-E-012).
文摘Hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias are major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The advent of next-generation sequencing(NGS)has made genetic testing more accessible,which is crucial for precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies.The aim of this study is to explore the landscape of genetic variants,the relationship between specific variants and clinical phenotypes,and the impact on clinical decision-making in China.A total of 1536 probands(median age,37 years;1025 males[66.7%])with suspected hereditary cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia(covering 15 clinical phenotypes)are recruited from 146 hospitals across 30 provinces and cities in China.Positive results are confirmed in 390 of 1536 probands,leading to a diagnostic yield of 25.4%.Forty-two and three-tenths percent(n=169)of family members carry the same variants as positive probands.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)are the predominant phenotypes,with MYBPC3 variants having the highest frequency in HCM and TTN variants in DCM.In 76.9%of the positive probands,the identified variants are helpful in clinical management,family screening,and fertility.This large-scale study provides significant insights into the genetic landscape of hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias in China.
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 National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFF1307400)Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation and Three Gorges Innovation Development Joint Fund(Grant No.2023AFD195)China Three Gorges Corporation(NBZZ202300130).
文摘Successful ex situ conservation of plant populations requires a high degree of genetic representativeness.However,spatially biased sampling in ex situ conservation efforts may fail to capture all wild genetic clusters for species with range-wide genetic structure.To investigate the extent of spatially biased sampling in living collections and the coverage of wild genetic clusters in plant populations under ex situ conservation worldwide,we combined a global synthesis of ex situ conservation efforts with a case study of an endangered riparian plant species,Myricaria laxiflora.Our analysis of ex situ conservation worldwide revealed that the majority(82.6%)of ex situ populations fail to cover all wild genetic clusters,largely due to spatially biased sampling with low geographic coverage.Our case study of M.laxiflora showed that genetic diversity differed between the ex situ and upstream populations,while it was comparable between ex situ populations and other wild populations.However,current ex situ populations did not cover all wild genetic clusters,as the upstream genetic cluster was previously uncollected.Our study suggests that the failure to cover all wild genetic clusters in ex situ populations is a widespread issue,and ex situ populations with high genetic diversity can also fail to cover all wild genetic clusters.In future ex situ conservation programs,both the importance of high genetic diversity and the high coverage of wild genetic clusters should be prioritized.
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funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82401670(to KX),81873784(to DF),and 82071426(to DF)the Clinical Cohort Construction Program of Peking University Third Hospital,No.BYSYDL2019002(to DF)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.GZC20230152(to KX).
文摘Growing evidence suggests that abnormal lipid metabolism occurs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,even in the presymptomatic stage,implying an etiologic link.However,the genetic mechanism underlying altered lipid levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains elusive.Therefore,in this study,we performed genetic correlation analysis,a cross-trait meta-analysis,tissue-specific enrichment analysis,and bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis of European population to explore whether there is a genetic and causal relationship between lipids and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.The effect of lipid-lowering drugs on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was also evaluated using a drug target Mendelian randomization approach.The results showed a positive genetic correlation between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 and identified 71 independent shared loci between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,as well as 55 independent shared loci between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and apolipoprotein A1.These shared loci were enriched in the lipid metabolic pathway and the alcohol metabolic pathway.Further Mendelian randomization analysis targeting lipid-lowering drugs showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ACLY and PCSK9 genes had a protective effect against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk by decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.The combination of ACLY and PCSK9 inhibitors has a greater protective effect on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk than that of PCSK9 inhibitors alone.In summary,there is a common genetic structure between lipids and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Mendelian randomization analysis supports an association between elevated blood lipids and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and the use of ACLY or PCSK9 inhibitors may improve disease prognosis.
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.
文摘Despite Morocco's reliance on sunflower as an oilseed crop,little is known about its agronomic performance when sown in autumn or early winter.This knowledge gap is critical,as spring-sown varieties have shown declining performance in recent years under intensifying climate stress.Therefore,targeted breeding strategies could discover genotypes suitable for autumn or early winter sowing,with cold tolerance as a key selection criterion.Currently,‘Ichraq'is the only autumn-planted sunflower variety officially registered in Morocco,although efforts to release additional tolerant varieties are underway.This study evaluated 31 genotypes(MGB1to MGB31)selected from various environments under autumn planting conditions and conserved in the Moroccan Gene Bank.These genotypes were planted in early winter at a mountainous site known for its pronounced winter cold.Eighteen Morphological,physiological and agronomic parameters including initial vigor,leaf area,seed yield,oil content etc.,were assessed using both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches.Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences across most traits,indicating substantial genetic variation.Notably,seed oil content ranged from 23.28%(MGB26)to 43.88%(MGB5),and seed yield from1400 kg/ha(MGB7)to 5400 kg/ha(MGB8).Principal component analysis(PCA)identified that the first principal component,accounting for over 24%of the total phenotypic variance,exhibits a strong positive loading of yield-related traits and chlorophyll content,while displaying a pronounced negative loading for oil content variables.This opposing gradient indicates a clear trade-off between vegetative productivity and oil accumulation across the evaluated genotypes.Hierarchical cluster analysis resolved the germplasm into two principal clusters with high within-group similarity,each further partitioned into relatively homogeneous subgroups.Notably,several genotypes outperformed the control variety Ichraq,underscoring their potential for autumn or early winter cultivation.Nonetheless,essential multi-environment trials remain to validate their phenotypic stability and to ascertain their value as genetic resources for sunflower breeding programs in Morocco and other Mediterranean agro-ecosystems.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272855)STI 2030-Major Projects,China(2023ZD0404501)。
文摘The significance of purine base content as an important nutrition indicator in foods arises from its potential to trigger hyperuricemia or gout via high-purine diet.Livestock meats,including pork,generally contain moderate to high total purine content(TP).Recent research revealed substantial variations within and across pig breeds,implying genetic factors influencing this trait.Thus,this study aimed to unravel the genetic underpinnings governing purine base content in pork.The heritability estimates(h~2)for the four purine traits ranged from 0.14 to 0.35.A total of 14,36,19 and 25 quantitative trait loci(QTLs)were identified for guanine,adenine,hypoxanthine,and TP,respectively.Our comprehensive gene set enrichment analysis and gene network analysis revealed 15 promising candidate genes intricately interwoven within diverse purine metabolism pathways,such as purine ribonucleotide metabolic process,purine nucleotide metabolism and transport,and purine salvage pathways,all contributing to TP.Strikingly,most genetic variants significantly associated with TP displayed analogous effects on multiple purine bases.Two distinct and highly significant QTLs(P<10^(–12))emerged on Sus scrofa chromosome(SSC)12:one impacting guanine content and the other concurrently influencing adenine and hypoxanthine levels.The peak of the guanine QTL on SSC12 resided 1.1 kb downstream of the transmembrane protein 238 like(TMEM238L)gene and is encapsulated within a genomic segment characterized by the histone modification H3K27me3.Focused fine-mapping for the SSC12 QTL associated with adenine and hypoxanthine levels narrowed its scope to around 172 kb,encompassing the growth arrest specific 7(GAS7)and myosin heavy chain 13(MYH13)genes.However,the observed QTL effect was not attributed to any missense mutations within the two genes.This pioneering study unveils the genetic variations and candidate genes associated with purine content in livestock,laying a robust foundation for the selective breeding of pig lines with reduced purine base content.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Joint Foundation Programme(U22A20527)。
文摘Coronavirus is an RNA virus that can infect both humans and animals,posing a significant threat to agriculture and public health.Although coronaviruses are highly host-specific,their ability to infect multiple hosts,combined with the structure of their genome,gives them a high probability of genetic recombination and mutation,leading to the creation of novel viruses.In recent years,with the establishment and development of reverse genetic manipulation techniques,substantial technical support has been provided for studying the structure and function of the coronavirus genome,the development of novel vaccines and drugs and the construction of viral expression vectors.This paper briefly described the progress in research on coronaviruses and their reverse genetic system construction strategies,aiming to provide some references for future coronavirus research.
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 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant Number:2025M773939)NationalNatural Science Foundation of China(Grant Number:82205131)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(Grant Number:2025ZNSFSC1798).
文摘Varicocele(VC)is widely recognized as a prevalent and clinically significant cause of male infertility.However,the comprehensive pathogenic mechanisms underlying VC development and progression remain incompletely understood,creating an important knowledge gap in the field of andrology.This review establishes that VC pathogenesis centers on abnormal vascular remodeling and integrates multiple contributing elements,including anatomical abnormalities,biochemical disturbances,genetic factors,low body mass index(BMI),age,and specific sports habits,while secondary varicoceles are primarily induced by compressive pathologies.Through a systematic synthesis of current evidence and recent advances,this review aims to elucidate the complex pathogenic network of VC and provide valuable insights to guide future research directions and inform the development of targeted clinical applications.
