Myelin,made by oligodendrocytes(OLs)in the central nervous system(CNS),is essential for neural transmission.In particular,myelin facilitates communication across the long connections between different brain regions th...Myelin,made by oligodendrocytes(OLs)in the central nervous system(CNS),is essential for neural transmission.In particular,myelin facilitates communication across the long connections between different brain regions that form the white matter.Myelinated segments also provide metabolic intermediates to axons,supporting their demanding energetic needs.Genetic disorders that disrupt myelin formation result in progressive neurologic degeneration.展开更多
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid deposition and hepatocellular steatosis,resu...Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid deposition and hepatocellular steatosis,resulting from nonalcoholic causes and closely linked to metabolic dysfunction[1].It is strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities,including type 2 diabetes,overweight,and obesity.The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be approximately 25%−33%,and its incidence is rising rapidly,particularly among younger populations,due to increasingly prevalent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as sleep deprivation,sedentary habits,and diets rich in calories.展开更多
In light of the pressing global challenges of climate change,declining crop resilience,and hidden hunger,it is imperative to overcome the limitations of conventional crop breeding to enhance both the nutritional quali...In light of the pressing global challenges of climate change,declining crop resilience,and hidden hunger,it is imperative to overcome the limitations of conventional crop breeding to enhance both the nutritional quality and stress tolerance of crops.Synthetic metabolic engineering presents innovative strategies for the precision modification and de novo design of metabolic pathways.This approach generally encompasses three essential steps:identifying key metabolites through metabolomics,integrating multi-omics technologies to investigate the synthesis and regulation of these metabolites,and utilizing gene editing or de novo design to modify crop metabolic pathways associated with desirable agronomic traits.This review underscores the vital role of plant metabolite diversity in enhancing crop nutritional quality and stress resilience.Integrated multi-omics analyses facilitate the metabolic engineering by identifying key genes,transporters,and transcription factors that regulate metabolite biosynthesis.Precision modification strategies employ genome editing tools to reprogram endogenous metabolic networks,while de novo design reconstructs metabolic pathways through the introduction of exogenous biological elements—thereby both approaches enable the targeted enhancement of desired traits.These strategies have been effectively implemented in major food crops.However,simultaneously enhancing nutritional quality and stress resilience remains challenging due to inherent trade-offs and resource competition in distinct metabolic pathways within plants.Future research should integrate AI-driven predictive models with multi-omics datasets to decipher dynamic metabolic homeostasis and engineer climate-smart crops that maximize yield while preserving quality and environmental adaptability.展开更多
Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications wit...Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.展开更多
Obesity is widely recognized as a global epidemic,primarily driven by an imbalance between energy expenditure and caloric intake associated with a sedentary lifestyle.Diets high in carbohydrates and saturated fats,par...Obesity is widely recognized as a global epidemic,primarily driven by an imbalance between energy expenditure and caloric intake associated with a sedentary lifestyle.Diets high in carbohydrates and saturated fats,particularly palmitic acid,are potent inducers of chronic low-grade inflammation,largely due to disruptions in glucose metabolism and the onset of insulin resistance(Qiu et al.,2022).While many organs are affected,the brain,specifically the hypothalamus,is among the first to exhibit inflammation in response to an unhealthy diet,suggesting that obesity may,in fact,be a brain-centered disease with neuroinflammation as a central factor(Thaler et al., 2012).展开更多
As we welcome the spring of 2026,we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to colleagues worldwide in the field of crop science,our partners,and all those committed to sustainable agricultural development!The Ye...As we welcome the spring of 2026,we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to colleagues worldwide in the field of crop science,our partners,and all those committed to sustainable agricultural development!The Year of the Horse symbolizes endeavor and far-reaching journeys,reflecting our own spirit of continuous exploration and breakthrough innovation on the path of crop science.Here,I extendmysincere appreciation to all our authors and reviewers for their invaluable time,expertise,and dedication,which are instrumental in the success of The Crop Journal,establishing it as a premier platform for the global crop science research community.The Crop Journal publishes its 2026 first issue as a special issue themed“Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement”,ably vip-edited by four young scientists.The issue provides a comprehensive overview of major advances in the field.In the past few years,crop science has made long strides in metabolic engineering of important pathways in secondary metabolism.The achievements expedite the emergence of synthetic biology as a potent methodology for crop breeding and represent a fundamental paradigm shift from“deciphering crops”to“designing crops”,which is further empowered by artificial intelligence(AI).At this turning point of the New Year,I would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief retrospective and future perspective.展开更多
1.Introduction The field of exercise science is experiencing a renaissance,with recent research illuminating the molecular,cellular,and systemic effects of physical activity.This is largely due to the now unequivocal ...1.Introduction The field of exercise science is experiencing a renaissance,with recent research illuminating the molecular,cellular,and systemic effects of physical activity.This is largely due to the now unequivocal evidence that a lack of physical activity,not only has direct effects on the prevalence of non-contagious diseases(NCDs)but has profound additive effects of other risk factors for NCD such as obesity and hypertension.1 The articles in this special topic of Journal of Sport and Health Science(JSHS)are dedicated to research on Exercise biochemistry&metabolism.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia,affecting over 50 million people worldwide.This figure is projected to nearly double every 20 years,reaching 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050(Alzhe...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia,affecting over 50 million people worldwide.This figure is projected to nearly double every 20 years,reaching 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050(Alzheimer’s Disease International).The apolipoproteinε4(APOE4)allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset AD(after age 65 years).Apolipoprotein E,a lipid transporter,exists in three variants:ε2,ε3,andε4.APOEε2(APOE2)is protective against AD,APOEε3(APOE3)is neutral,while APOE4 significantly increases the risk.Individuals with one copy of APOE4 have a 4-fold greater risk of developing AD,and those with two copies face an 8-fold risk compared to non-carriers.Even in cognitively normal individuals,APOE4 carriers exhibit brain metabolic and vascular deficits decades before amyloid-beta(Aβ)plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles emerge-the hallmark pathologies of AD(Reiman et al.,2001,2005;Thambisetty et al.,2010).Notably,studies have demonstrated reduced glucose uptake,or hypometabolism,in brain regions vulnerable to AD in asymptomatic middle-aged APOE4 carriers,long before clinical symptoms arise(Reiman et al.,2001,2005).展开更多
Recently,Prevotella spp.,a major genus of gram-negative commensal bacteria in humans,have emerged as a key microbial contributor to host metabolism due to its ability to ferment dietary fibers,produce beneficial short...Recently,Prevotella spp.,a major genus of gram-negative commensal bacteria in humans,have emerged as a key microbial contributor to host metabolism due to its ability to ferment dietary fibers,produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids,and influence immune responses.However,their diversity and functional differences have created challenges for their development and therapeutic use.Recent studies have shown that specific Prevotella species,such as P.copri,P.intestinalis,and P.histicola,can strengthen gut barrier integrity and reduce metabolic imbalances.Notably,Prevotella populations can be increased through high-fiber or herbal-based treatments.Traditional herbal medicines,including fiber-rich decoctions,also demonstrate the potential to boost endogenous Prevotella communities,enhance microbial fermentation,and improve glucose and lipid balance.This perspective examines the context-dependent roles of Prevotella spp.,with emphasis on the functional heterogeneity of key species such as P.copri,suggests a framework for combining herbal modulation with species-level microbiota profiling,and outlines a research plan to explore microbe-herb synergy in treating obesity,type 2 diabetes,and related metabolic disorders.This strategy offers a new,ecology-based approach to complement standard metabolic interventions.展开更多
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is an increasingly prevalent condition associated with hepatic complications and cardiovascular and renal events.Given its significant clinical impact,the...Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is an increasingly prevalent condition associated with hepatic complications and cardiovascular and renal events.Given its significant clinical impact,the development of new strategies for early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improve patient outcomes.Over the past decade,the integration of artificial intelligence(AI)into gastroenterology has led to transformative advancements in medical practice.AI represents a major step towards personalized medicine,offering the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy,refine prognostic assessments,and optimize treatment strategies.Its applications are rapidly expanding.This article explores the emerging role of AI in the management of MASLD,emphasizing its ability to improve clinical prediction,enhance the diagnostic performance of imaging modalities,and support histopathological confirmation.Additionally,it examines the development of AI-guided personalized treatments,where lifestyle modifications and close monitoring play a pivotal role in achieving therapeutic success.展开更多
Background:The aim of the study was to develop a non-human primate model of metabolic dysfunction in Macaca fascicularis using chronic high-fat diet(HFD)to mimic clinical disease progression.Methods:Thirty-five male m...Background:The aim of the study was to develop a non-human primate model of metabolic dysfunction in Macaca fascicularis using chronic high-fat diet(HFD)to mimic clinical disease progression.Methods:Thirty-five male macaques aged 10-15 years underwent an 18-month HFD intervention.Physiological parameters(BMI,BP,hematology),liver fat fraction(evaluated by ultrasound/MRI),cardiac function(assessed by echocardiography),and histopathology(using liver biopsy)were measured before and after the intervention.Serum proteomics with KEGG/STRING analyses identified molecular mechanisms.Results:Within 6 months,HFD induced dyslipidemia(elevated TG,TCHO,HDL-C,LDL-C).After 18 months,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH)was confirmed by histopathology in 57.14%(16/28)of macaques,diabetes(elevated FPG/HbA1c)in 17.86%(5/28),and myocardial hypertrophy(elevated LVMass/LAD)in 46.43%(13/28).Proteomics identified Bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase(BAAT)as a MASH hallmark protein,the level of which was inversely correlated with the degree of fibrosis.For diabetes,citrate synthase(CS)and malate dehydrogenase 1(MDH1)impaired glucose oxidation via the TCA cycle,while hexose-6-phosphate de-hydrogenase(H6PD)disrupted gluconeogenesis.Myocardial hypertrophy was associ-ated with the downregulation of SRC proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase(SRC),mitogen-activated protein kinase 14(MAPK14),emerin(EMD),and integrin subunit beta 1(ITGB1).Conclusions:An 18-month HFD successfully established a translational M.fascicula-ris model replicating key metabolic disorders(MASH,diabetes,cardiac hypertrophy).BAAT,CS/MDH1/H6PD,and SRC/MAPK14/EMD/ITGB1 were identified as mecha-nistic biomarkers for these conditions.展开更多
Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)—leucine,isoleucine,and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression,metastasis,and immune modulation.This review comprehensiv...Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)—leucine,isoleucine,and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression,metastasis,and immune modulation.This review comprehensively explores how cancer cells rewire BCAA metabolism to enhance proliferation,survival,and therapy resistance.Tumors manipulate BCAA uptake and catabolism via high expression of transporters like L-type amino acid transporter 1(LAT1)and enzymes including branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1),branched chain amino acid transaminase 2(BCAT2),branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase(BCKDH),and branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase(BCKDK).These alterations sustain energy production,biosynthesis,redox homeostasis,and oncogenic signaling(especially mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1[mTORC1]).Crucially,tumor-driven BCAA depletion also shapes an immunosuppressive microenvironment,impairing anti-tumor immunity by limiting essential nutrients for T cells and natural killer(NK)cells.Innovative therapeutic strategies targeting BCAA pathways—ranging from selective small-molecule inhibitors(e.g.,LAT1 and BCAT1/2)to dietary modulation—have shown promising preclinical and early clinical efficacy,highlighting their potential to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells while bolstering immune responses.By integrating multi-omics data and precision targeting approaches,this review underscores the translational significance of BCAA metabolic reprogramming,positioning it as a novel frontier in cancer treatment.展开更多
Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is often accompanied by chronic kidney disease(CKD)and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes^([1]).The coexistence of these conditions can lead to systemic dysfunction and ...Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is often accompanied by chronic kidney disease(CKD)and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes^([1]).The coexistence of these conditions can lead to systemic dysfunction and substantially increase adverse cardiovascular outcomes.To describe this interplay,the American Heart Association(AHA)recently proposed the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic(CKM)syndrome^([1]).However,its risk-enhancing factors and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.展开更多
Nutritional imbalance has led to many chronic diseases and severely affected people’s quality of life.Developing nutrient-dense crops has emerged as a strategy for improving the current state of human nutritional int...Nutritional imbalance has led to many chronic diseases and severely affected people’s quality of life.Developing nutrient-dense crops has emerged as a strategy for improving the current state of human nutritional intake globally.We summarized recent advances in rice biotechnology breeding focusing on increasing micronutrients and active natural products,highlighting the cutting-edge metabolic engineering technologies and strategies employed.We discussed common challenges and potential solutions in metabolic engineering breeding.On this basis,the future development direction of rice nutrient metabolism industrialization was prospected.展开更多
Plants produce a vast array of specialized metabolites that serve as essential defenses against herbivores and pathogens.However,the capacity to produce these compounds differs substantially among plant species and is...Plants produce a vast array of specialized metabolites that serve as essential defenses against herbivores and pathogens.However,the capacity to produce these compounds differs substantially among plant species and is frequently diminished during domestication.Advances in synthetic metabolic engineering enable efficient elucidation and engineering of plant specialized metabolic pathways active in crop pest and pathogen resistance.This review summarizes strategies and workflows for selecting defensive metabolic pathways,identifying candidate biosynthetic genes,and rewiring native or introducing heterologous pathways to enhance crop resistance to pests and pathogens.Strategies include weighted gene co-expression network construction,biosynthetic gene cluster scanning,and metabolite genome-wide association studies for pathway discovery,as well as transcriptional reprogramming,enzyme activity optimization,and transporter deployment for pathway engineering.We further discuss challenges in using synthetic metabolic engineering to enhance crop resistance and highlight the potential of artificial intelligence in addressing them.展开更多
Background Maternal obesity during pregnancy can lead to increased risk for metabolic disease in offspring during adulthood,helping fuel the worldwide increase in obesity.Fortunately,studies in rodent models have esta...Background Maternal obesity during pregnancy can lead to increased risk for metabolic disease in offspring during adulthood,helping fuel the worldwide increase in obesity.Fortunately,studies in rodent models have established that female dams(F0)that perform voluntary wheel running exercise during pregnancy have first-generation(F1)offspring with improved glucose tolerance,suggesting a potential means to reduce the burden of generational metabolic disease transmission.We have shown that maternal exercise also affects F1 male offspring as sires,as their progeny(F2)have similarly improved metabolic health.Whether maternal exercise can affect F1 females in a manner that improves F2 offspring metabolism is not known.Here,we determined whether voluntary exercise by F0 grandmothers,via their F1 female progeny,produced F2 male and female offspring with an improved metabolic phenotype.Methods Six-week-old C57BL/6 N female mice(F0)were fed a chow diet and either kept sedentary or exercise trained by voluntary wheel running for 2 weeks preconception and during pregnancy.Chow-fed sedentary F1 female offspring at 8 weeks of age were bred with age-matched untreated virgin males to generate F2 offspring.F2 were kept sedentary and chow fed and studied up to 52 weeks of age.Metabolic parameters were assessed,including food intake,body weight,body composition,glucose tolerance,systemic glucose and insulin levels,and liver metabolism.Results Grandmaternal exercise did not significantly alter male and female F2 offspring body weights measured throughout the first year of life,nor was there an effect of grandmaternal exercise on F2 offspring fat mass or lean mass.Remarkably,despite the lack of effect on body weight parameters,grandmaternal exercise resulted in improved glucose tolerance and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)in F2 offspring at 52 weeks of age,effects that were more pronounced in male F2 offspring.Conclusion Voluntary wheel running exercise in female mice during pregnancy leads to metabolic improvements in her grand offspring,despite no direct intervention of the intermediate maternal generation.Maternal physical activity during pregnancy may reduce metabolic diseases in later generations.展开更多
The brain's functions are governed by molecular metabolic networks.However,due to the sophisticated spatial organization and diverse activities of the brain,characterizing both the minute and large-scale metabolic...The brain's functions are governed by molecular metabolic networks.However,due to the sophisticated spatial organization and diverse activities of the brain,characterizing both the minute and large-scale metabolic activity across the entire brain and its numerous micro-regions remains incredibly challenging.Here,we offer a high-definition spatially resolved metabolomics technique to better understand the metabolic specialization and interconnection throughout the mouse brain using improved ambient mass spectrometry imaging.This method allows for the simultaneous mapping of thousands of metabolites at a 30 μm spatial resolution across the mouse brain,ranging from structural lipids to functional neurotransmitters.This approach effectively reveals the distribution patterns of delicate microregions and their distinctive metabolic characteristics.Using an integrated database,we annotated 259 metabolites,demonstrating that the metabolome and metabolic pathways are unique to each brain microregion.The distribution of metabolites,closely linked to functionally connected brain regions and their interactions,offers profound insights into the complexity of chemical processes and their roles in brain function.An initial dataset for future metabolomics research might be obtained from the high-definition mouse brain's spatial metabolome atlas.展开更多
MASLD in China:an under-recognized public health problem Epidemic characteristics of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)in China As one of the most common chronic non-infectious liver disea...MASLD in China:an under-recognized public health problem Epidemic characteristics of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)in China As one of the most common chronic non-infectious liver diseases,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),affects one quarter of the world’s population,is closely related to diabetes and obesity[1,2].展开更多
A growing global population and the increasing prevalence of diet-related health issues such as“hidden hunger”,obesity,hypertension,and diabetes necessitate a fundamental rethinking of crop design and breeding.Synth...A growing global population and the increasing prevalence of diet-related health issues such as“hidden hunger”,obesity,hypertension,and diabetes necessitate a fundamental rethinking of crop design and breeding.Synthetic metabolic engineering offers a method to modify and redesign metabolic pathways to increase the nutritional value of crops.We summarize recent advances in the biofortification of key nutrients including provitamin A,vitamin C,vitamin B9,iron,zinc,anthocyanins,flavonoids,and unsaturated fatty acids.We discuss the potential of multi-gene stacking,gene editing,enzyme engineering,and artificial intelligence in synthetic metabolic engineering.We propose future research directions and potential solutions centered on leveraging AI-driven systems biology,precision gene editing,enzyme engineering,agrobacterium-mediated genotype-independent transformation,and modular metabolic engineering strategies to develop next-generation nutritionally enhanced super crops and transform global food systems.展开更多
Metabolic syndrome-comprising central adiposity,dyslipidaemia,insulin resis-tance,and hypertension-is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases such as ischaemic heart disease,stroke,and type 2 diabetes.Its glo...Metabolic syndrome-comprising central adiposity,dyslipidaemia,insulin resis-tance,and hypertension-is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases such as ischaemic heart disease,stroke,and type 2 diabetes.Its global prevalence is rising,largely driven by urbanization,sedentary lifestyles,and dietary changes.These same factors are also associated with the increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Emerging evidence supports a potential biological link between chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and the later development of cardiometabolic disorders;a con-nection that is particularly relevant for patients with IBD.Comparative studies examining cardiometabolic risk associated with Crohn’s disease versus ulcerative colitis have reported inconsistent findings,likely due to confounding factors such as age,lifestyle,and comorbidities.This review summarizes current evidence linking IBD and cardiometabolic disorders,and highlights the need for clinicians to recognize cardiometabolic risk in patients with IBD.Future research should investigate whether treat-to-target strategies focused on controlling intestinal inflammation can simultaneously improve both long-term IBD and cardiometabolic outcomes.展开更多
基金support held by JPA,Collaborative Network Award BRAVEinMS,Grant/Award Number:PA-1604-08492(MG)from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada,Grant/Award Number:1038154(to TEK).
文摘Myelin,made by oligodendrocytes(OLs)in the central nervous system(CNS),is essential for neural transmission.In particular,myelin facilitates communication across the long connections between different brain regions that form the white matter.Myelinated segments also provide metabolic intermediates to axons,supporting their demanding energetic needs.Genetic disorders that disrupt myelin formation result in progressive neurologic degeneration.
文摘Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid deposition and hepatocellular steatosis,resulting from nonalcoholic causes and closely linked to metabolic dysfunction[1].It is strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities,including type 2 diabetes,overweight,and obesity.The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be approximately 25%−33%,and its incidence is rising rapidly,particularly among younger populations,due to increasingly prevalent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as sleep deprivation,sedentary habits,and diets rich in calories.
基金supported by the Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City (SKJC-JYRC-2024-26)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32460072)+4 种基金Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (323RC421)the Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund (ZDYF2022XDNY144)the Hainan Provincial Academician Innovation Platform Project (HDYSZX-202004)the Collaborative Innovation Center of Nanfan and High-Efficiency Tropical Agriculture, Hainan University (XTCX2022NYB06)Hainan Postdoctoral Research Grant Project
文摘In light of the pressing global challenges of climate change,declining crop resilience,and hidden hunger,it is imperative to overcome the limitations of conventional crop breeding to enhance both the nutritional quality and stress tolerance of crops.Synthetic metabolic engineering presents innovative strategies for the precision modification and de novo design of metabolic pathways.This approach generally encompasses three essential steps:identifying key metabolites through metabolomics,integrating multi-omics technologies to investigate the synthesis and regulation of these metabolites,and utilizing gene editing or de novo design to modify crop metabolic pathways associated with desirable agronomic traits.This review underscores the vital role of plant metabolite diversity in enhancing crop nutritional quality and stress resilience.Integrated multi-omics analyses facilitate the metabolic engineering by identifying key genes,transporters,and transcription factors that regulate metabolite biosynthesis.Precision modification strategies employ genome editing tools to reprogram endogenous metabolic networks,while de novo design reconstructs metabolic pathways through the introduction of exogenous biological elements—thereby both approaches enable the targeted enhancement of desired traits.These strategies have been effectively implemented in major food crops.However,simultaneously enhancing nutritional quality and stress resilience remains challenging due to inherent trade-offs and resource competition in distinct metabolic pathways within plants.Future research should integrate AI-driven predictive models with multi-omics datasets to decipher dynamic metabolic homeostasis and engineer climate-smart crops that maximize yield while preserving quality and environmental adaptability.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071383,82371392(to BN)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(Key Project),No.ZR2020KH007(to BN)+1 种基金“Taishan Scholar Distinguished Expert Program”of Shandong Province,No.tstp20231257(to BN)Health Commission Science and Technology Plan Project of Jinan,No.2023-1-8(to YZ).
文摘Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.
文摘Obesity is widely recognized as a global epidemic,primarily driven by an imbalance between energy expenditure and caloric intake associated with a sedentary lifestyle.Diets high in carbohydrates and saturated fats,particularly palmitic acid,are potent inducers of chronic low-grade inflammation,largely due to disruptions in glucose metabolism and the onset of insulin resistance(Qiu et al.,2022).While many organs are affected,the brain,specifically the hypothalamus,is among the first to exhibit inflammation in response to an unhealthy diet,suggesting that obesity may,in fact,be a brain-centered disease with neuroinflammation as a central factor(Thaler et al., 2012).
文摘As we welcome the spring of 2026,we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to colleagues worldwide in the field of crop science,our partners,and all those committed to sustainable agricultural development!The Year of the Horse symbolizes endeavor and far-reaching journeys,reflecting our own spirit of continuous exploration and breakthrough innovation on the path of crop science.Here,I extendmysincere appreciation to all our authors and reviewers for their invaluable time,expertise,and dedication,which are instrumental in the success of The Crop Journal,establishing it as a premier platform for the global crop science research community.The Crop Journal publishes its 2026 first issue as a special issue themed“Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement”,ably vip-edited by four young scientists.The issue provides a comprehensive overview of major advances in the field.In the past few years,crop science has made long strides in metabolic engineering of important pathways in secondary metabolism.The achievements expedite the emergence of synthetic biology as a potent methodology for crop breeding and represent a fundamental paradigm shift from“deciphering crops”to“designing crops”,which is further empowered by artificial intelligence(AI).At this turning point of the New Year,I would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief retrospective and future perspective.
文摘1.Introduction The field of exercise science is experiencing a renaissance,with recent research illuminating the molecular,cellular,and systemic effects of physical activity.This is largely due to the now unequivocal evidence that a lack of physical activity,not only has direct effects on the prevalence of non-contagious diseases(NCDs)but has profound additive effects of other risk factors for NCD such as obesity and hypertension.1 The articles in this special topic of Journal of Sport and Health Science(JSHS)are dedicated to research on Exercise biochemistry&metabolism.
基金supported by National Institute on Aging(NIH-NIA)R01AG054459(to ALL).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia,affecting over 50 million people worldwide.This figure is projected to nearly double every 20 years,reaching 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050(Alzheimer’s Disease International).The apolipoproteinε4(APOE4)allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset AD(after age 65 years).Apolipoprotein E,a lipid transporter,exists in three variants:ε2,ε3,andε4.APOEε2(APOE2)is protective against AD,APOEε3(APOE3)is neutral,while APOE4 significantly increases the risk.Individuals with one copy of APOE4 have a 4-fold greater risk of developing AD,and those with two copies face an 8-fold risk compared to non-carriers.Even in cognitively normal individuals,APOE4 carriers exhibit brain metabolic and vascular deficits decades before amyloid-beta(Aβ)plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles emerge-the hallmark pathologies of AD(Reiman et al.,2001,2005;Thambisetty et al.,2010).Notably,studies have demonstrated reduced glucose uptake,or hypometabolism,in brain regions vulnerable to AD in asymptomatic middle-aged APOE4 carriers,long before clinical symptoms arise(Reiman et al.,2001,2005).
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(2020R1F1A1074155).
文摘Recently,Prevotella spp.,a major genus of gram-negative commensal bacteria in humans,have emerged as a key microbial contributor to host metabolism due to its ability to ferment dietary fibers,produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids,and influence immune responses.However,their diversity and functional differences have created challenges for their development and therapeutic use.Recent studies have shown that specific Prevotella species,such as P.copri,P.intestinalis,and P.histicola,can strengthen gut barrier integrity and reduce metabolic imbalances.Notably,Prevotella populations can be increased through high-fiber or herbal-based treatments.Traditional herbal medicines,including fiber-rich decoctions,also demonstrate the potential to boost endogenous Prevotella communities,enhance microbial fermentation,and improve glucose and lipid balance.This perspective examines the context-dependent roles of Prevotella spp.,with emphasis on the functional heterogeneity of key species such as P.copri,suggests a framework for combining herbal modulation with species-level microbiota profiling,and outlines a research plan to explore microbe-herb synergy in treating obesity,type 2 diabetes,and related metabolic disorders.This strategy offers a new,ecology-based approach to complement standard metabolic interventions.
文摘Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is an increasingly prevalent condition associated with hepatic complications and cardiovascular and renal events.Given its significant clinical impact,the development of new strategies for early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improve patient outcomes.Over the past decade,the integration of artificial intelligence(AI)into gastroenterology has led to transformative advancements in medical practice.AI represents a major step towards personalized medicine,offering the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy,refine prognostic assessments,and optimize treatment strategies.Its applications are rapidly expanding.This article explores the emerging role of AI in the management of MASLD,emphasizing its ability to improve clinical prediction,enhance the diagnostic performance of imaging modalities,and support histopathological confirmation.Additionally,it examines the development of AI-guided personalized treatments,where lifestyle modifications and close monitoring play a pivotal role in achieving therapeutic success.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China,Grant/Award Number:2021YFF0702200Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou,Grant/Award Number:202206010084,202206010197 and 202206060002+1 种基金Guangdong S&T programme,Grant/Award Number:2009A081000002 and 2023B0303040004Technology Planning Project of Linzhi,Grant/Award Number:2023-YZ-01。
文摘Background:The aim of the study was to develop a non-human primate model of metabolic dysfunction in Macaca fascicularis using chronic high-fat diet(HFD)to mimic clinical disease progression.Methods:Thirty-five male macaques aged 10-15 years underwent an 18-month HFD intervention.Physiological parameters(BMI,BP,hematology),liver fat fraction(evaluated by ultrasound/MRI),cardiac function(assessed by echocardiography),and histopathology(using liver biopsy)were measured before and after the intervention.Serum proteomics with KEGG/STRING analyses identified molecular mechanisms.Results:Within 6 months,HFD induced dyslipidemia(elevated TG,TCHO,HDL-C,LDL-C).After 18 months,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH)was confirmed by histopathology in 57.14%(16/28)of macaques,diabetes(elevated FPG/HbA1c)in 17.86%(5/28),and myocardial hypertrophy(elevated LVMass/LAD)in 46.43%(13/28).Proteomics identified Bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase(BAAT)as a MASH hallmark protein,the level of which was inversely correlated with the degree of fibrosis.For diabetes,citrate synthase(CS)and malate dehydrogenase 1(MDH1)impaired glucose oxidation via the TCA cycle,while hexose-6-phosphate de-hydrogenase(H6PD)disrupted gluconeogenesis.Myocardial hypertrophy was associ-ated with the downregulation of SRC proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase(SRC),mitogen-activated protein kinase 14(MAPK14),emerin(EMD),and integrin subunit beta 1(ITGB1).Conclusions:An 18-month HFD successfully established a translational M.fascicula-ris model replicating key metabolic disorders(MASH,diabetes,cardiac hypertrophy).BAAT,CS/MDH1/H6PD,and SRC/MAPK14/EMD/ITGB1 were identified as mecha-nistic biomarkers for these conditions.
基金supported by a grant from the Dalian Science and Technology Innovation Fund Program(No.2024JJ13PT070)United Foundation for Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University(No.DMU-2&DICP UN202410)Dalian Life and Health Field Guidance Program Project(No.2024ZDJH01PT084).
文摘Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)—leucine,isoleucine,and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression,metastasis,and immune modulation.This review comprehensively explores how cancer cells rewire BCAA metabolism to enhance proliferation,survival,and therapy resistance.Tumors manipulate BCAA uptake and catabolism via high expression of transporters like L-type amino acid transporter 1(LAT1)and enzymes including branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1),branched chain amino acid transaminase 2(BCAT2),branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase(BCKDH),and branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase(BCKDK).These alterations sustain energy production,biosynthesis,redox homeostasis,and oncogenic signaling(especially mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1[mTORC1]).Crucially,tumor-driven BCAA depletion also shapes an immunosuppressive microenvironment,impairing anti-tumor immunity by limiting essential nutrients for T cells and natural killer(NK)cells.Innovative therapeutic strategies targeting BCAA pathways—ranging from selective small-molecule inhibitors(e.g.,LAT1 and BCAT1/2)to dietary modulation—have shown promising preclinical and early clinical efficacy,highlighting their potential to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells while bolstering immune responses.By integrating multi-omics data and precision targeting approaches,this review underscores the translational significance of BCAA metabolic reprogramming,positioning it as a novel frontier in cancer treatment.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(Grant No.7234401)the Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China(Grant No.88014Y0226)。
文摘Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is often accompanied by chronic kidney disease(CKD)and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes^([1]).The coexistence of these conditions can lead to systemic dysfunction and substantially increase adverse cardiovascular outcomes.To describe this interplay,the American Heart Association(AHA)recently proposed the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic(CKM)syndrome^([1]).However,its risk-enhancing factors and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFF1000600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32241040).
文摘Nutritional imbalance has led to many chronic diseases and severely affected people’s quality of life.Developing nutrient-dense crops has emerged as a strategy for improving the current state of human nutritional intake globally.We summarized recent advances in rice biotechnology breeding focusing on increasing micronutrients and active natural products,highlighting the cutting-edge metabolic engineering technologies and strategies employed.We discussed common challenges and potential solutions in metabolic engineering breeding.On this basis,the future development direction of rice nutrient metabolism industrialization was prospected.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32402306)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFE0203300)the China-Uruguay Joint Laboratory on Soybean Research and Innovation
文摘Plants produce a vast array of specialized metabolites that serve as essential defenses against herbivores and pathogens.However,the capacity to produce these compounds differs substantially among plant species and is frequently diminished during domestication.Advances in synthetic metabolic engineering enable efficient elucidation and engineering of plant specialized metabolic pathways active in crop pest and pathogen resistance.This review summarizes strategies and workflows for selecting defensive metabolic pathways,identifying candidate biosynthetic genes,and rewiring native or introducing heterologous pathways to enhance crop resistance to pests and pathogens.Strategies include weighted gene co-expression network construction,biosynthetic gene cluster scanning,and metabolite genome-wide association studies for pathway discovery,as well as transcriptional reprogramming,enzyme activity optimization,and transporter deployment for pathway engineering.We further discuss challenges in using synthetic metabolic engineering to enhance crop resistance and highlight the potential of artificial intelligence in addressing them.
基金supported by NIH awards R01 DK101043 to LJG and P30 DK036836 to Joslin Diabetes Centersupported by American Diabetes Association Grant No.1-17-PMF-009+1 种基金supported by American Diabetes Association(Grant No.1-25-PDF-67)supported by fellowships from Sunstar Foundation,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS),Kanae Foundation,and Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare.
文摘Background Maternal obesity during pregnancy can lead to increased risk for metabolic disease in offspring during adulthood,helping fuel the worldwide increase in obesity.Fortunately,studies in rodent models have established that female dams(F0)that perform voluntary wheel running exercise during pregnancy have first-generation(F1)offspring with improved glucose tolerance,suggesting a potential means to reduce the burden of generational metabolic disease transmission.We have shown that maternal exercise also affects F1 male offspring as sires,as their progeny(F2)have similarly improved metabolic health.Whether maternal exercise can affect F1 females in a manner that improves F2 offspring metabolism is not known.Here,we determined whether voluntary exercise by F0 grandmothers,via their F1 female progeny,produced F2 male and female offspring with an improved metabolic phenotype.Methods Six-week-old C57BL/6 N female mice(F0)were fed a chow diet and either kept sedentary or exercise trained by voluntary wheel running for 2 weeks preconception and during pregnancy.Chow-fed sedentary F1 female offspring at 8 weeks of age were bred with age-matched untreated virgin males to generate F2 offspring.F2 were kept sedentary and chow fed and studied up to 52 weeks of age.Metabolic parameters were assessed,including food intake,body weight,body composition,glucose tolerance,systemic glucose and insulin levels,and liver metabolism.Results Grandmaternal exercise did not significantly alter male and female F2 offspring body weights measured throughout the first year of life,nor was there an effect of grandmaternal exercise on F2 offspring fat mass or lean mass.Remarkably,despite the lack of effect on body weight parameters,grandmaternal exercise resulted in improved glucose tolerance and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)in F2 offspring at 52 weeks of age,effects that were more pronounced in male F2 offspring.Conclusion Voluntary wheel running exercise in female mice during pregnancy leads to metabolic improvements in her grand offspring,despite no direct intervention of the intermediate maternal generation.Maternal physical activity during pregnancy may reduce metabolic diseases in later generations.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.82473887 and 21927808)the Scientific and Technological Innovation Program of Shanghai (No.23DZ2202500)the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (No.2021-1-I2M-026)。
文摘The brain's functions are governed by molecular metabolic networks.However,due to the sophisticated spatial organization and diverse activities of the brain,characterizing both the minute and large-scale metabolic activity across the entire brain and its numerous micro-regions remains incredibly challenging.Here,we offer a high-definition spatially resolved metabolomics technique to better understand the metabolic specialization and interconnection throughout the mouse brain using improved ambient mass spectrometry imaging.This method allows for the simultaneous mapping of thousands of metabolites at a 30 μm spatial resolution across the mouse brain,ranging from structural lipids to functional neurotransmitters.This approach effectively reveals the distribution patterns of delicate microregions and their distinctive metabolic characteristics.Using an integrated database,we annotated 259 metabolites,demonstrating that the metabolome and metabolic pathways are unique to each brain microregion.The distribution of metabolites,closely linked to functionally connected brain regions and their interactions,offers profound insights into the complexity of chemical processes and their roles in brain function.An initial dataset for future metabolomics research might be obtained from the high-definition mouse brain's spatial metabolome atlas.
基金funded by the Program of China Scholarships Council(No.202206785007)“Four New”Experimental Teaching Curriculum Reform Project of Jinan University in China(SYJG202235),the Teaching QualityTeaching Reform Project of Undergraduate University of Guangdong in China(2020).
文摘MASLD in China:an under-recognized public health problem Epidemic characteristics of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)in China As one of the most common chronic non-infectious liver diseases,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),affects one quarter of the world’s population,is closely related to diabetes and obesity[1,2].
基金supported by grants from the Guangxi Science and Technology Major Project(GKAA24206023)the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project(2024ZD04077)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272120)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFF1000800)the Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Precise Breeding of Future Crops Major Project(FCBRCE-202502,FCBRCE-202504).
文摘A growing global population and the increasing prevalence of diet-related health issues such as“hidden hunger”,obesity,hypertension,and diabetes necessitate a fundamental rethinking of crop design and breeding.Synthetic metabolic engineering offers a method to modify and redesign metabolic pathways to increase the nutritional value of crops.We summarize recent advances in the biofortification of key nutrients including provitamin A,vitamin C,vitamin B9,iron,zinc,anthocyanins,flavonoids,and unsaturated fatty acids.We discuss the potential of multi-gene stacking,gene editing,enzyme engineering,and artificial intelligence in synthetic metabolic engineering.We propose future research directions and potential solutions centered on leveraging AI-driven systems biology,precision gene editing,enzyme engineering,agrobacterium-mediated genotype-independent transformation,and modular metabolic engineering strategies to develop next-generation nutritionally enhanced super crops and transform global food systems.
文摘Metabolic syndrome-comprising central adiposity,dyslipidaemia,insulin resis-tance,and hypertension-is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases such as ischaemic heart disease,stroke,and type 2 diabetes.Its global prevalence is rising,largely driven by urbanization,sedentary lifestyles,and dietary changes.These same factors are also associated with the increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Emerging evidence supports a potential biological link between chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and the later development of cardiometabolic disorders;a con-nection that is particularly relevant for patients with IBD.Comparative studies examining cardiometabolic risk associated with Crohn’s disease versus ulcerative colitis have reported inconsistent findings,likely due to confounding factors such as age,lifestyle,and comorbidities.This review summarizes current evidence linking IBD and cardiometabolic disorders,and highlights the need for clinicians to recognize cardiometabolic risk in patients with IBD.Future research should investigate whether treat-to-target strategies focused on controlling intestinal inflammation can simultaneously improve both long-term IBD and cardiometabolic outcomes.
