Chitin is an abundant aminopolysaccharide found in insect pests and phytopathogenic microorganisms but absent in higher plants and vertebrates. It is crucial for mitigating threats posed by chitin-containing organisms...Chitin is an abundant aminopolysaccharide found in insect pests and phytopathogenic microorganisms but absent in higher plants and vertebrates. It is crucial for mitigating threats posed by chitin-containing organisms to human health, food safety, and agriculture. Therefore, targeting the chitin biosynthesisassociated bioprocess holds a promise for developing human-safe and eco-friendly antifungal agents or pesticides. Chitin biosynthesis requires chitin synthase and associated factors, which are involved in the modification, regulation, organization or turnover of chitin during its biosynthesis. A number of enzymes such as chitinases, hexosaminidases, chitin deacetylases are closely related and therefore are promising targets for designing novel agrochemicals that target at chitin biosynthesis. This review summarizes the advances in understanding chitin biology over the past decade by our research group and collaborates,specifically regarding essential proteins linked to chitin biosynthesis that can be exploited as promising pesticide targets. Examples of small bioactive molecules that against the activity of these targets are given.展开更多
Xylo-oligosaccharides(XOSs)are a category of functional oligosaccharides primarily composed of 2-7 xylose units linked byβ-1,4 glycosidic bonds.They are recognized as soluble dietary fibers with prebiotic properties....Xylo-oligosaccharides(XOSs)are a category of functional oligosaccharides primarily composed of 2-7 xylose units linked byβ-1,4 glycosidic bonds.They are recognized as soluble dietary fibers with prebiotic properties.Recently, there has been significant interest in manufacturing XOSs from xylan extracted from lignocellulosic biomass using enzyme catalysis under mild conditions. In this work, the arabinofuranosidase Abf62A gene was cloned from Aspergillus usamii genomic DNA through sequential molecular processes and expressed in Pichia pastoris X33. The xylan (100 g/L) extracted xylan in wheat straw (WS) was biologically hydrolyzed into 50.32 g/L of XOSs by xylanase Xyn11A (300 U/g substrate) and arabinofuranase Abf62A (20 U/g substrate), which indicated a notable synergistic effect compared to the 34.42 g/L XOSs produced via Xyn11A. The 50.32 g/L of XOSs products comprised xylobiose (31.71 g/L), xylotriose (15.92 g/L), xylotetraose (1.65 g/L) and xylopentaose (1.04 g/L). Notably, the combined content of xylobiose and xylotriose accounted for up to 94.7%. The XOSs purified from the enzyme hydrolysate could effectually scavenge free radicals, and the antioxidant activity was more than 90%. In summary, XOSs were biologically manufactured from wheat straw xylan through the synergistic biocatalysis via xylanase and arabinofuranosidase Abf62A in a green and sustainable way, rending one kind of prebiotic oligosaccharides with substantial positive effects on human and animal health.展开更多
Cyclocarya paliurus(Batalin)Iljinskaja,as a unique and rare monocotyledonous plant in Southern China,is a promising and economical Chinese herbal medicine and functional food.People have conducted a number of research...Cyclocarya paliurus(Batalin)Iljinskaja,as a unique and rare monocotyledonous plant in Southern China,is a promising and economical Chinese herbal medicine and functional food.People have conducted a number of research on C.paliurus because of its rich triterpenoids.However,no comprehensive review has illustrated the composition and pharmacological activity of triterpenoids from C.paliurus.This review summarizes 177 triterpenoids from different parts of C.paliurus.The structures of compounds were elucidated,and their biosynthesis was inferred.The biological activities of compounds and triterpenoid-rich extracts,including anti-diabetes,antihyperlipidemia,anti-inflammatory,anticancer or cytotoxicity,antioxidation,etc.,were discussed.C.paliurus can be an important and valuable supplement to the food market.This review provides a reference for the further research and application of C.paliurus triterpenoids in the fields of foods and pharmaceuticals.展开更多
The surface macromolecules of probiotic bacteria play crucial roles in modulating immune responses in the host.Exopolysaccharide(EPS)from lactic acid bacteria(LAB)have been widely reported to exhibit immunomodulatory ...The surface macromolecules of probiotic bacteria play crucial roles in modulating immune responses in the host.Exopolysaccharide(EPS)from lactic acid bacteria(LAB)have been widely reported to exhibit immunomodulatory activity.In this study,the EPS biosynthesis gene cluster of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei S-NB was analyzed and a deletion mutant S-NBΔ7576(two genes S-NB_2175/wze and S-NB_2176/wzd were responsible for the chain length determination and export of EPS)was successfully constructed,resulting a 40.02%decrease in the production of EPS.The deletion of wze and wzd had little effect on the monosaccharide composition and major groups of the two EPS fractions(BEPS1 and BEPS2).Both BEPS1 and BEPS2 could inhibit the transcriptional level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS)and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)mRNA in RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and enhance host immune tolerance via suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling.Notably,the S-NBΔ7576 mutant supplied with the BEPS1/BEPS2 exhibited more significant inhibition of cytokines production and the phosphorylation of p65 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)in LPS-stimulated cells compared with the S-NBΔ7576 mutant alone.Our study provided the immunomodulatory effect of BEPS1 and BEPS2 from L.paracasei S-NB,in which the wze and wzd genes associated with EPS biosynthesis may play an important role.展开更多
Mammalian scent glands mediate species-specific chemical communication,yet the mechanistic basis for convergent musk production remain incompletely understood.Forest musk deer and muskrat have independently evolved sp...Mammalian scent glands mediate species-specific chemical communication,yet the mechanistic basis for convergent musk production remain incompletely understood.Forest musk deer and muskrat have independently evolved specialized musk-secreting glands,representing a striking case of convergent evolution.Through an integrated multi-omics approach,this study identified cyclopentadecanone as a shared key metabolic precursor in musk from both forest musk deer and muskrat,although downstream metabolite profiles diverged between the two lineages.Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that these specialized apocrine glands possessed unique secretory architecture and exhibited transcriptional profiles associated with periodic musk production,distinct from those in conventional apocrine glands.Convergent features were evident at the cellular level,where acinar,ductal,and basal epithelial subtypes showed parallel molecular signatures across both taxa.Notably,acinar cells in both species expressed common genes involved in fatty acid and glycerolipid metabolism(e.g.,ACSBG1,HSD17B12,HACD2,and HADHA),suggesting a conserved molecular framework for musk precursor biosynthesis.Metagenomic analysis of musk samples further revealed parallel microbial community structures dominated by Corynebacterium and enriched in lipid metabolic pathways.These findings suggest multi-level convergence in musk biosynthesis,from molecular pathways to microbial communities,providing novel insights into mammalian chemical signaling and artificial musk production.展开更多
In plants, transcription factor (TF) family LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN (LBD) has been identified to be involved in the ripening and senescence processes of fruits. However, the function of LBD in Hylocereus undat...In plants, transcription factor (TF) family LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN (LBD) has been identified to be involved in the ripening and senescence processes of fruits. However, the function of LBD in Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose (H. undatus) has not been reported yet. Through transcriptomic analysis, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology, and RT-qPCR validation, we investigated the role of the LBD TFs in the senescence of H. undatus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HuLBD1 is a key transcription factor of the LBD family regulating H. undatus senescence. After silencing HuLBD1, 5075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GSEA results showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the phenylpropanoids and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The leading subset of genes in these two pathways included 16 DEGs, with four upregulated genes, HuCHS1-2, HuFLS1, HuCYP75B2, and HuCHS5-2 being central in the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network. H. undatus phenotypic experiments confirmed that silencing HuLBD1 significantly increased the flavonoid content in the fruit peel, and RT-qPCR validation showed that the gene expression trends were consistent with the RNA-seq data. The study indicated that HuLBD1 likely delays the fruit senescence process by negatively regulating the expression of four key genes, including HuCHS1-2, thus promoting the synthesis of phenylpropanoids such as flavonoids. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the HuLBD1 TF plays an important role in the senescence of H. undatus fruit, providing a theoretical basis for postharvest senescence control.展开更多
Starch is an essential commodity for humans and other animals.Future demands require qualitative and quantitative improvement by crop and post-harvest engineering that calls for comprehensive actions requiring increas...Starch is an essential commodity for humans and other animals.Future demands require qualitative and quantitative improvement by crop and post-harvest engineering that calls for comprehensive actions requiring increased fundamental knowledge on starch biosynthesis,development of advanced breeding strategies,efficient farming,and well-adapted and up scalable extraction protocols for diverse starch products.Recent staggering progress in molecular breeding techniques,especially genome editing,have enabled generation of higher starch yield and special functional qualities required to support such advancement.However,this necessitates fundamental biochemical and mechanistic understanding of starch biosynthesis and the variegated starch crop germplasms,all of which are closely linked to the relationships between starch molecular structures and functionality of various starch types as directed by the different capabilities of starch crop genotypes.We here review starch biosynthesis and its genetic foundation with a focus on increasing nutritional and health-promoting value of starch especially through bioengineering of the high amylose trait.展开更多
In recent years,cellulose-based fluorescent polymers have received considerable attention.However,conventional modification methods face challenges such as insolubility in most solvents,fluorescence instability,and en...In recent years,cellulose-based fluorescent polymers have received considerable attention.However,conventional modification methods face challenges such as insolubility in most solvents,fluorescence instability,and environmental risks.In this study,a novel biosynthesis strategy was developed to fabricate fluorescent cellulose by adding fluorescent glucose derivatives to a bacterial fermentation broth.The metabolic activity of bacteria is utilized to achieve in situ polymerization of glucose and its derivatives during the synthesis of bacterial cellulose.Owing to the structural similarity between triphenylamine-modified glucose(TPA-Glc N)and glucose monomers,the TPA-Glc N were efficiently assimilated by the bacterial cells and incorporated into the cellulose matrix,resulting in a uniform distribution of fluorescence.The fluorescence color and intensity of the obtained cellulose could be adjusted by varying the amount of the fluorescent glucose derivatives.Compared to the fluorescent cellulose synthesized through physical dyeing,the fluorescence of the products obtained by in situ polymerization showed higher intensity and stability.Furthermore,fluorescent bacterial cellulose can be hydrolyzed into nanocellulose-based ink,which demonstrates exceptional anti-counterfeiting capabilities under UV light.This biosynthesis method not only overcomes the limitations of traditional modification techniques but also highlights the potential of microbial systems as platforms for synthesizing functional polymers.展开更多
A category of highly fused diterpenoid natural products possessing a characteristic perhydropyrene-like or rearranged tetracyclic skeleton structure are distributed in different life forms.Compared to traditional poly...A category of highly fused diterpenoid natural products possessing a characteristic perhydropyrene-like or rearranged tetracyclic skeleton structure are distributed in different life forms.Compared to traditional polycyclic diterpenoids,their biosynthetic pathways are quite unique and diverse.Chemists have pinpointed a range of this type of unusual diterpenoids:cycloamphilectanes and isocycloamphilectanes,kempenes and rippertanes,hydropyrene and hydropyrenol,along with recently disclosed cephalotanes.This review describes developments in this field and discusses the challenges associated with synthesizing this class of highly complex compounds.展开更多
The black wolfberry(Lycium ruthenicum;2n=2x=24)is an important medicinal plant with ecological and economic value.Its fruits have numerous beneficial pharmacological activities,especially those of anthocyanins,polysac...The black wolfberry(Lycium ruthenicum;2n=2x=24)is an important medicinal plant with ecological and economic value.Its fruits have numerous beneficial pharmacological activities,especially those of anthocyanins,polysaccharides,and alkaloids,and have high nutritional value.However,the lack of available genomic resources for this species has hindered research on its medicinal and evolutionary mechanisms.In this study,we developed the telomere-to-telomere(T2T)nearly gapless genome of L.ruthenicum(2.26 Gb)by integrating PacBio HiFi,Nanopore Ultra-Long,and Hi-C technologies.The assembled genome comprised 12 chromosomes with 37,149 protein-coding genes functionally annotated.Approximately 80%of the repetitive sequences were identified,of which long terminal repeats(LTRs)were the most abundant,accounting for 73.01%.The abundance of LTRs might be the main reason for the larger genome of this species compared to that of other Lycium species.The species-specific genes of L.ruthenicum were related to defense mechanisms,salt tolerance,drought resistance,and oxidative stress,further demonstrating their superior adaptability to arid environments.Based on the assembled genome and fruit transcriptome data,we further constructed an anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway and identified 19 candidate structural genes and seven transcription factors that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the fruit developmental stage of L.ruthenicum,most of which were highly expressed at a later stage in fruit development.Furthermore,154 potential disease resistance-related nucleotidebinding genes have been identified in the L.ruthenicum genome.The whole-genome and proximal,dispersed,and tandem duplication genes in the L.ruthenicum genome enriched the number of genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis and resistance-related pathways.These results provide an important genetic basis for understanding genome evolution and biosynthesis of pharmacologically active components in the Lycium genus.展开更多
The common vetch(Vicia sativa L.)is a self-pollinated annual forage legume that is widely distributed worldwide.It has wide adaptability and high nutritional value and is commonly used as an important protein source f...The common vetch(Vicia sativa L.)is a self-pollinated annual forage legume that is widely distributed worldwide.It has wide adaptability and high nutritional value and is commonly used as an important protein source for livestock feed.However,pod shattering seriously limits the yield of common vetch.To clarify the mechanism of pod shattering in common vetch,the pod walls of three shattering-resistant(SR)accessions(B65,B135,and B392)and three shattering-susceptible(SS)accessions(L33,L170,and L461)were selected for transcriptome sequencing.A total of 17,190 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in the pod wall of B135 and L461 common vetch at 5,10,15,20,and 25 days after anthesis.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis showed that“phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”was the most significantly enriched pathway,and 40 structural genes associated with lignin biosynthesis were identified and differentially expressed in B135 and L461 common vetch.We analysed the DEGs in the pod wall of three SR and three SS accessions at 15 days after anthesis,and most of the DEGs were consistent with the significant enrichment pathways identified in B135 and L461 common vetch.The total lignin content of SR accessions was significantly lower than the SS accessions.The present study lays a foundation for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of pod shattering related to lignin biosynthesis in common vetch and provides reference functional genes for breeders to further cultivate shattering-resistant common vetch varieties.展开更多
Soybean seed oil has always been the primary focus of researches on improving the quality of soybean.Triacylglycerol,which is composed of fatty acids and glycerol,serves as the main storage form of soybean seed oil.Th...Soybean seed oil has always been the primary focus of researches on improving the quality of soybean.Triacylglycerol,which is composed of fatty acids and glycerol,serves as the main storage form of soybean seed oil.Therefore,the biosynthesis of fatty acids and the assembly of triacylglycerol significantly affect the quality of soybean seed oil.The process of soybean seed oil synthesis was comprehensively analyzed by examining the synthesis and activation of acetyl-CoA,fatty acid biosynthesis and desaturation,triacylglycerol assembly,and other related processes,additionally,this analysis identified the key enzymes and transcription factors involved in each link of the oil synthesis process.It was found that the researches on the key enzymes of carbon source regulation,pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and acetyl-CoA carboxylase,in the genetic network of soybean seed oil synthesis,were somewhat limited.Analyzing their structures and functions would aid in further understanding the molecular mechanism of soybean fatty acid synthesis,which would be beneficial for enhancing soybean oil content and synthesis efficiency.Based on summarizing the results of genetic analysis of soybean oil and fatty acids,the prospects for mechanism analysis and advancements in biological breeding techniques for improving soybean oil quality at the molecular level were discussed.展开更多
Petal blotch is a prevalent pigmentation pattern observed in the Xibei tree peony(Paeonia rockii),possessing significant aesthetic value and playing a crucial role in the species'reproduction and fitness.Despite y...Petal blotch is a prevalent pigmentation pattern observed in the Xibei tree peony(Paeonia rockii),possessing significant aesthetic value and playing a crucial role in the species'reproduction and fitness.Despite years of research,deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying blotch formation remains challenging.As is well known,floral pigmentation is frequently associated with the familiar R2R3-MYB transcription factors.The key MYB anthocyanin activators of P.rockii‘Shu Sheng Peng Mo’were previously reported in our preceding study.In this study,we identified and characterized three R2R3-MYBs,PrMYBi1,PrMYBi2,and PrMYBi3,which belong to subgroup 4(SG4)and play repressor roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis.A quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)assay indicated that the expression of PrMYBi1 and PrMYBi3 gradually increased during flowering development and was substantially up-regulated in non-blotch compared to blotch.Yeast one-hybrid and dualluciferase assays demonstrated that PrMYBi(1e3)directly target the anthocyanin structural genes and repress their transcription.The genetic transformation of tobacco demonstrated that the overexpression of PrMYBi(1e3)decreased anthocyanin accumulation in flowers,with PrMYBi1 serving as the most effective repressor.Our results revealed that SG4 R2R3-MYBs negatively regulate the anthocyanin pathway in P.rockii conservatively,and we provide the definite members.These findings will advance future research to unravel the mystery of blotch pattern formation.展开更多
Foxtail millet(Setaria italica) is one of the primary multigrain crops originating from China, with a long history of cultivation and significant importance in Chinese farming civilization(Diao 2019). However, the exc...Foxtail millet(Setaria italica) is one of the primary multigrain crops originating from China, with a long history of cultivation and significant importance in Chinese farming civilization(Diao 2019). However, the excessive height of foxtail millet plants makes them susceptible to lodging, severely impacting the yield(Tian et al. 2010;Diao et al. 2024). During the “Green Revolution”, many types of cereals, including rice(Oryza sativa L.) and wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)(Brosius 1991;Peng et al. 1999), were bred to dwarf, resulting in significantly increased yields. Consequently, reducing plant height has become a key breeding objective for foxtail millet.展开更多
Tuberculosis(TB)remains a critical global health challenge,with 10.8 million new cases and over 1.25 million deaths reported annually,disproportionately affecting low-income regions.Despite its use,the Bacillus Calmet...Tuberculosis(TB)remains a critical global health challenge,with 10.8 million new cases and over 1.25 million deaths reported annually,disproportionately affecting low-income regions.Despite its use,the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin(BCG)vaccine provides limited protection against adult pulmonary TB,necessitating novel solutions.The messenger RNA(mRNA)vaccine technology,proven effective in combating coronavirus disease 2019,offers significant promise for TB prevention.These vaccines elicit robust immune responses by encoding antigens that stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity,essential for combating mycobacterium TB.Unlike traditional methods,mRNA vaccines are highly adaptable,scalable,and capable of targeting emerging strains.Preclinical studies highlight the enhanced efficacy of mRNA TB vaccines over BCG,demonstrating their ability to reduce bacterial burdens and generate memory T-cell responses critical for long-term protection.However,challenges persist,including mRNA instability,cold-chain storage needs,and mycobacterium’s complex immune evasion strategies.Innovative solutions,such as lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and selfamplifying mRNA platforms,are being developed to address these barriers.The initiation of clinical trials,notably BioNTech’s BNT164,marks a pivotal advancement in TB vaccine development.These trials focus on safety,immuno genicity,and efficacy,particularly in regions with high TB prevalence.While logistical and financial hurdles remain,mRNA vaccines hold transformative potential to bridge critical gaps in TB prevention.Their adaptability extends to tackling co-infections like human immunodeficiency virus,further amplifying their impact on global health.By integrating mRNA vaccines into existing TB control strategies,these advancements could revolutionize prevention efforts,especially in regions where current solutions fall short.Continued innovation and investment are crucial to harnessing the full potential of mRNA vaccines,positioning them as a cornerstone in the fight against TB and its global eradication.展开更多
Plants possess a hydrophobic layer of wax on their aerial surface,consisting mainly of amorphous intra-cuticular wax and epicuticular wax crystals(Kunst and Samuels,2003).This waxy coating contains a wide variety of v...Plants possess a hydrophobic layer of wax on their aerial surface,consisting mainly of amorphous intra-cuticular wax and epicuticular wax crystals(Kunst and Samuels,2003).This waxy coating contains a wide variety of very-long-chain fatty acids(VLCFAs)and their derivatives,including alkanes,alcohols,aldehydes,esters,and ketones.展开更多
With the progress of urbanization,rural tourism has emerged as a popular leisure activity in China.The crop field with pattern art has been gaining popularity over the years,using strains with colorful leaves to creat...With the progress of urbanization,rural tourism has emerged as a popular leisure activity in China.The crop field with pattern art has been gaining popularity over the years,using strains with colorful leaves to create various impressive designs(Xu 2024).A lot of successful cases in rice fields have not only attracted tourists but also increased the income of farmers(Song et al.2020).Plants with colorful leaves also have gained significant popularity in ornamental agriculture.Therefore,developing plants with colorful leaves has gained significant popularity in ornamental agriculture.展开更多
Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.,a lycophyte of significant medicinal and evolutionary importance,is recognized as one of the earliest vascular plants.However,the absence of a high-quality reference genome has hinde...Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.,a lycophyte of significant medicinal and evolutionary importance,is recognized as one of the earliest vascular plants.However,the absence of a high-quality reference genome has hindered the comprehensive exploration of its unique phylogenetic position and therapeutic potential,thereby limiting our understanding of its genomic structure and metabolic capabilities.In this study,we present the first chromosome-level,telomere-to-telomere(T2T)genome assembly of S.moellendorffii,constructed utilizing PacBio HiFi,Oxford Nanopore(ONT),and Hi-C technologies.The assembled genome,spanning 112.83 Mb across 10 chromosomes with a contig N50 of 11.11 Mb,exhibited exceptional completeness(BUSCO score:95.7%)and accuracy(QV=48.11).Comparative genomic analysis identified 3515 gene families unique to S.moellendorffii,with significant enrichment in secondary metabolismpathways,including those related to flavonoid biosynthesis.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S.moellendorffii diverged from Isoetes approximately 339.6 million years ago(MYA),representing a key evolutionary transition in early vascular plants.By integrating tissue-specific transcriptome and metabolome analyses,we uncovered the molecular basis of biflavone biosynthesis,identifying key enzymes and regulatory networks that govern the production of these bioactive compounds.We observed a correlation between the tissue-specific accumulation patterns of six major biflavones,including amentoflavone and ginkgetin,and the expression of their biosynthetic genes.This high-quality genome assembly,coupled with multi-omics analyses,offers unprecedented insights into the evolution of early vascular plants and elucidates the molecular mechanisms behind their specialized metabolism.展开更多
Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of pla...Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of plant-derived metabolites(Desborough and Keeling,2017).In plants,SA functions as a pleiotropic phytohormone that orchestrates immune reprogramming,serving as a central mediator of both local defense responses and systemic acquired resistance(SAR).展开更多
A team of researchers from the Beijing Normal University,the Institute of High Energy Physics(IHEP)under the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS),and the National Astronomical Observatories,CAS(NAOC),reported in Nature As...A team of researchers from the Beijing Normal University,the Institute of High Energy Physics(IHEP)under the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS),and the National Astronomical Observatories,CAS(NAOC),reported in Nature Astronomy on January 23,2025 their discovery of an X-ray flash about 12.5 billion lightyears away.The signals burst out only 1.2 billion years after the Big Bang,when our 13.8-billion-year-old universe was still in its infancy,and a science satellite swiftly recorded them.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2022YFD1700200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 32161133010, 3230170969)+1 种基金the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (No. KQTD20180411143628272)the Special Funds for Science Technology Innovation and Industrial Development of Shenzhen Dapeng New District (No. PT202101–02)。
文摘Chitin is an abundant aminopolysaccharide found in insect pests and phytopathogenic microorganisms but absent in higher plants and vertebrates. It is crucial for mitigating threats posed by chitin-containing organisms to human health, food safety, and agriculture. Therefore, targeting the chitin biosynthesisassociated bioprocess holds a promise for developing human-safe and eco-friendly antifungal agents or pesticides. Chitin biosynthesis requires chitin synthase and associated factors, which are involved in the modification, regulation, organization or turnover of chitin during its biosynthesis. A number of enzymes such as chitinases, hexosaminidases, chitin deacetylases are closely related and therefore are promising targets for designing novel agrochemicals that target at chitin biosynthesis. This review summarizes the advances in understanding chitin biology over the past decade by our research group and collaborates,specifically regarding essential proteins linked to chitin biosynthesis that can be exploited as promising pesticide targets. Examples of small bioactive molecules that against the activity of these targets are given.
文摘Xylo-oligosaccharides(XOSs)are a category of functional oligosaccharides primarily composed of 2-7 xylose units linked byβ-1,4 glycosidic bonds.They are recognized as soluble dietary fibers with prebiotic properties.Recently, there has been significant interest in manufacturing XOSs from xylan extracted from lignocellulosic biomass using enzyme catalysis under mild conditions. In this work, the arabinofuranosidase Abf62A gene was cloned from Aspergillus usamii genomic DNA through sequential molecular processes and expressed in Pichia pastoris X33. The xylan (100 g/L) extracted xylan in wheat straw (WS) was biologically hydrolyzed into 50.32 g/L of XOSs by xylanase Xyn11A (300 U/g substrate) and arabinofuranase Abf62A (20 U/g substrate), which indicated a notable synergistic effect compared to the 34.42 g/L XOSs produced via Xyn11A. The 50.32 g/L of XOSs products comprised xylobiose (31.71 g/L), xylotriose (15.92 g/L), xylotetraose (1.65 g/L) and xylopentaose (1.04 g/L). Notably, the combined content of xylobiose and xylotriose accounted for up to 94.7%. The XOSs purified from the enzyme hydrolysate could effectually scavenge free radicals, and the antioxidant activity was more than 90%. In summary, XOSs were biologically manufactured from wheat straw xylan through the synergistic biocatalysis via xylanase and arabinofuranosidase Abf62A in a green and sustainable way, rending one kind of prebiotic oligosaccharides with substantial positive effects on human and animal health.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31960090,32160562)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province(20224BAB215046)the Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources,Nanchang University(SKLF-ZZB-202129,SKLF-ZZB-202324,SKLF-KF-202216)。
文摘Cyclocarya paliurus(Batalin)Iljinskaja,as a unique and rare monocotyledonous plant in Southern China,is a promising and economical Chinese herbal medicine and functional food.People have conducted a number of research on C.paliurus because of its rich triterpenoids.However,no comprehensive review has illustrated the composition and pharmacological activity of triterpenoids from C.paliurus.This review summarizes 177 triterpenoids from different parts of C.paliurus.The structures of compounds were elucidated,and their biosynthesis was inferred.The biological activities of compounds and triterpenoid-rich extracts,including anti-diabetes,antihyperlipidemia,anti-inflammatory,anticancer or cytotoxicity,antioxidation,etc.,were discussed.C.paliurus can be an important and valuable supplement to the food market.This review provides a reference for the further research and application of C.paliurus triterpenoids in the fields of foods and pharmaceuticals.
基金co-financed by the International Science&Technology Cooperation Program of Hainan Province(GHYF2023009)Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Program(BE2022325)+1 种基金Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(KYCX23_0777)Qing Lan Project of Jiangsu Province and Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)。
文摘The surface macromolecules of probiotic bacteria play crucial roles in modulating immune responses in the host.Exopolysaccharide(EPS)from lactic acid bacteria(LAB)have been widely reported to exhibit immunomodulatory activity.In this study,the EPS biosynthesis gene cluster of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei S-NB was analyzed and a deletion mutant S-NBΔ7576(two genes S-NB_2175/wze and S-NB_2176/wzd were responsible for the chain length determination and export of EPS)was successfully constructed,resulting a 40.02%decrease in the production of EPS.The deletion of wze and wzd had little effect on the monosaccharide composition and major groups of the two EPS fractions(BEPS1 and BEPS2).Both BEPS1 and BEPS2 could inhibit the transcriptional level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS)and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)mRNA in RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and enhance host immune tolerance via suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling.Notably,the S-NBΔ7576 mutant supplied with the BEPS1/BEPS2 exhibited more significant inhibition of cytokines production and the phosphorylation of p65 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)in LPS-stimulated cells compared with the S-NBΔ7576 mutant alone.Our study provided the immunomodulatory effect of BEPS1 and BEPS2 from L.paracasei S-NB,in which the wze and wzd genes associated with EPS biosynthesis may play an important role.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32225009,32370452,82274046)Jilin Agricultural University High-level Talent Introduction Fund(202020218)。
文摘Mammalian scent glands mediate species-specific chemical communication,yet the mechanistic basis for convergent musk production remain incompletely understood.Forest musk deer and muskrat have independently evolved specialized musk-secreting glands,representing a striking case of convergent evolution.Through an integrated multi-omics approach,this study identified cyclopentadecanone as a shared key metabolic precursor in musk from both forest musk deer and muskrat,although downstream metabolite profiles diverged between the two lineages.Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that these specialized apocrine glands possessed unique secretory architecture and exhibited transcriptional profiles associated with periodic musk production,distinct from those in conventional apocrine glands.Convergent features were evident at the cellular level,where acinar,ductal,and basal epithelial subtypes showed parallel molecular signatures across both taxa.Notably,acinar cells in both species expressed common genes involved in fatty acid and glycerolipid metabolism(e.g.,ACSBG1,HSD17B12,HACD2,and HADHA),suggesting a conserved molecular framework for musk precursor biosynthesis.Metagenomic analysis of musk samples further revealed parallel microbial community structures dominated by Corynebacterium and enriched in lipid metabolic pathways.These findings suggest multi-level convergence in musk biosynthesis,from molecular pathways to microbial communities,providing novel insights into mammalian chemical signaling and artificial musk production.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC1600802)Henan Provincial Science and Technology Research Project,China(No.232102110134)the National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of High Efficiency and Superior-Quality Cultivation and Fruit Deep Processing Technology of Characteristic Fruit Trees in South Xinjiang of China(No.FE202303).
文摘In plants, transcription factor (TF) family LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN (LBD) has been identified to be involved in the ripening and senescence processes of fruits. However, the function of LBD in Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose (H. undatus) has not been reported yet. Through transcriptomic analysis, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology, and RT-qPCR validation, we investigated the role of the LBD TFs in the senescence of H. undatus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HuLBD1 is a key transcription factor of the LBD family regulating H. undatus senescence. After silencing HuLBD1, 5075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GSEA results showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the phenylpropanoids and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The leading subset of genes in these two pathways included 16 DEGs, with four upregulated genes, HuCHS1-2, HuFLS1, HuCYP75B2, and HuCHS5-2 being central in the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network. H. undatus phenotypic experiments confirmed that silencing HuLBD1 significantly increased the flavonoid content in the fruit peel, and RT-qPCR validation showed that the gene expression trends were consistent with the RNA-seq data. The study indicated that HuLBD1 likely delays the fruit senescence process by negatively regulating the expression of four key genes, including HuCHS1-2, thus promoting the synthesis of phenylpropanoids such as flavonoids. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the HuLBD1 TF plays an important role in the senescence of H. undatus fruit, providing a theoretical basis for postharvest senescence control.
文摘Starch is an essential commodity for humans and other animals.Future demands require qualitative and quantitative improvement by crop and post-harvest engineering that calls for comprehensive actions requiring increased fundamental knowledge on starch biosynthesis,development of advanced breeding strategies,efficient farming,and well-adapted and up scalable extraction protocols for diverse starch products.Recent staggering progress in molecular breeding techniques,especially genome editing,have enabled generation of higher starch yield and special functional qualities required to support such advancement.However,this necessitates fundamental biochemical and mechanistic understanding of starch biosynthesis and the variegated starch crop germplasms,all of which are closely linked to the relationships between starch molecular structures and functionality of various starch types as directed by the different capabilities of starch crop genotypes.We here review starch biosynthesis and its genetic foundation with a focus on increasing nutritional and health-promoting value of starch especially through bioengineering of the high amylose trait.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22376111)Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.ZR2024YQ026)+2 种基金for Excellent Young Scholars,Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province(No.tsqn202408237)Youth Innovation Team Project for Talent Introduction and Cultivation in Universities of Shandong Province(No.096-1622002)the Research Foundation for Distinguished Scholars of Qingdao Agricultural University(No.663-1117015)。
文摘In recent years,cellulose-based fluorescent polymers have received considerable attention.However,conventional modification methods face challenges such as insolubility in most solvents,fluorescence instability,and environmental risks.In this study,a novel biosynthesis strategy was developed to fabricate fluorescent cellulose by adding fluorescent glucose derivatives to a bacterial fermentation broth.The metabolic activity of bacteria is utilized to achieve in situ polymerization of glucose and its derivatives during the synthesis of bacterial cellulose.Owing to the structural similarity between triphenylamine-modified glucose(TPA-Glc N)and glucose monomers,the TPA-Glc N were efficiently assimilated by the bacterial cells and incorporated into the cellulose matrix,resulting in a uniform distribution of fluorescence.The fluorescence color and intensity of the obtained cellulose could be adjusted by varying the amount of the fluorescent glucose derivatives.Compared to the fluorescent cellulose synthesized through physical dyeing,the fluorescence of the products obtained by in situ polymerization showed higher intensity and stability.Furthermore,fluorescent bacterial cellulose can be hydrolyzed into nanocellulose-based ink,which demonstrates exceptional anti-counterfeiting capabilities under UV light.This biosynthesis method not only overcomes the limitations of traditional modification techniques but also highlights the potential of microbial systems as platforms for synthesizing functional polymers.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22471224)。
文摘A category of highly fused diterpenoid natural products possessing a characteristic perhydropyrene-like or rearranged tetracyclic skeleton structure are distributed in different life forms.Compared to traditional polycyclic diterpenoids,their biosynthetic pathways are quite unique and diverse.Chemists have pinpointed a range of this type of unusual diterpenoids:cycloamphilectanes and isocycloamphilectanes,kempenes and rippertanes,hydropyrene and hydropyrenol,along with recently disclosed cephalotanes.This review describes developments in this field and discusses the challenges associated with synthesizing this class of highly complex compounds.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32360058)the Central Government Guides Local Science and Technology Development Projects,China(2023ZYZX1224)Xinjiang University Excellent Doctoral Student Innovation Project(XJU2022BS051)。
文摘The black wolfberry(Lycium ruthenicum;2n=2x=24)is an important medicinal plant with ecological and economic value.Its fruits have numerous beneficial pharmacological activities,especially those of anthocyanins,polysaccharides,and alkaloids,and have high nutritional value.However,the lack of available genomic resources for this species has hindered research on its medicinal and evolutionary mechanisms.In this study,we developed the telomere-to-telomere(T2T)nearly gapless genome of L.ruthenicum(2.26 Gb)by integrating PacBio HiFi,Nanopore Ultra-Long,and Hi-C technologies.The assembled genome comprised 12 chromosomes with 37,149 protein-coding genes functionally annotated.Approximately 80%of the repetitive sequences were identified,of which long terminal repeats(LTRs)were the most abundant,accounting for 73.01%.The abundance of LTRs might be the main reason for the larger genome of this species compared to that of other Lycium species.The species-specific genes of L.ruthenicum were related to defense mechanisms,salt tolerance,drought resistance,and oxidative stress,further demonstrating their superior adaptability to arid environments.Based on the assembled genome and fruit transcriptome data,we further constructed an anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway and identified 19 candidate structural genes and seven transcription factors that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the fruit developmental stage of L.ruthenicum,most of which were highly expressed at a later stage in fruit development.Furthermore,154 potential disease resistance-related nucleotidebinding genes have been identified in the L.ruthenicum genome.The whole-genome and proximal,dispersed,and tandem duplication genes in the L.ruthenicum genome enriched the number of genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis and resistance-related pathways.These results provide an important genetic basis for understanding genome evolution and biosynthesis of pharmacologically active components in the Lycium genus.
基金supported by the Leading Scientist Project of Qinghai Province,China(2023-NK-147)。
文摘The common vetch(Vicia sativa L.)is a self-pollinated annual forage legume that is widely distributed worldwide.It has wide adaptability and high nutritional value and is commonly used as an important protein source for livestock feed.However,pod shattering seriously limits the yield of common vetch.To clarify the mechanism of pod shattering in common vetch,the pod walls of three shattering-resistant(SR)accessions(B65,B135,and B392)and three shattering-susceptible(SS)accessions(L33,L170,and L461)were selected for transcriptome sequencing.A total of 17,190 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in the pod wall of B135 and L461 common vetch at 5,10,15,20,and 25 days after anthesis.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis showed that“phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”was the most significantly enriched pathway,and 40 structural genes associated with lignin biosynthesis were identified and differentially expressed in B135 and L461 common vetch.We analysed the DEGs in the pod wall of three SR and three SS accessions at 15 days after anthesis,and most of the DEGs were consistent with the significant enrichment pathways identified in B135 and L461 common vetch.The total lignin content of SR accessions was significantly lower than the SS accessions.The present study lays a foundation for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of pod shattering related to lignin biosynthesis in common vetch and provides reference functional genes for breeders to further cultivate shattering-resistant common vetch varieties.
基金Supported by the Heilongjiang Natural Science Foundation Joint Guidance Project(LH2021C028)。
文摘Soybean seed oil has always been the primary focus of researches on improving the quality of soybean.Triacylglycerol,which is composed of fatty acids and glycerol,serves as the main storage form of soybean seed oil.Therefore,the biosynthesis of fatty acids and the assembly of triacylglycerol significantly affect the quality of soybean seed oil.The process of soybean seed oil synthesis was comprehensively analyzed by examining the synthesis and activation of acetyl-CoA,fatty acid biosynthesis and desaturation,triacylglycerol assembly,and other related processes,additionally,this analysis identified the key enzymes and transcription factors involved in each link of the oil synthesis process.It was found that the researches on the key enzymes of carbon source regulation,pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and acetyl-CoA carboxylase,in the genetic network of soybean seed oil synthesis,were somewhat limited.Analyzing their structures and functions would aid in further understanding the molecular mechanism of soybean fatty acid synthesis,which would be beneficial for enhancing soybean oil content and synthesis efficiency.Based on summarizing the results of genetic analysis of soybean oil and fatty acids,the prospects for mechanism analysis and advancements in biological breeding techniques for improving soybean oil quality at the molecular level were discussed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32030095)the Key project at central government level:The ability establishment of sustainable use for valuable Chinese medicine resources(Grant No.2060302).
文摘Petal blotch is a prevalent pigmentation pattern observed in the Xibei tree peony(Paeonia rockii),possessing significant aesthetic value and playing a crucial role in the species'reproduction and fitness.Despite years of research,deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying blotch formation remains challenging.As is well known,floral pigmentation is frequently associated with the familiar R2R3-MYB transcription factors.The key MYB anthocyanin activators of P.rockii‘Shu Sheng Peng Mo’were previously reported in our preceding study.In this study,we identified and characterized three R2R3-MYBs,PrMYBi1,PrMYBi2,and PrMYBi3,which belong to subgroup 4(SG4)and play repressor roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis.A quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)assay indicated that the expression of PrMYBi1 and PrMYBi3 gradually increased during flowering development and was substantially up-regulated in non-blotch compared to blotch.Yeast one-hybrid and dualluciferase assays demonstrated that PrMYBi(1e3)directly target the anthocyanin structural genes and repress their transcription.The genetic transformation of tobacco demonstrated that the overexpression of PrMYBi(1e3)decreased anthocyanin accumulation in flowers,with PrMYBi1 serving as the most effective repressor.Our results revealed that SG4 R2R3-MYBs negatively regulate the anthocyanin pathway in P.rockii conservatively,and we provide the definite members.These findings will advance future research to unravel the mystery of blotch pattern formation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32200222)the High-level Talents Start-up Fund of Shanxi Agricultural University, China (J242198006)+2 种基金the Start-up Fund of Shanxi Agricultural University, China (2021BQ84)the Shanxi Province Outstanding Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Scholarship Award Foundation,China(SXBYKY 2021055 and SXBYKY2022033)the Houji Laboratory Foundation, China (202204010910001-32)。
文摘Foxtail millet(Setaria italica) is one of the primary multigrain crops originating from China, with a long history of cultivation and significant importance in Chinese farming civilization(Diao 2019). However, the excessive height of foxtail millet plants makes them susceptible to lodging, severely impacting the yield(Tian et al. 2010;Diao et al. 2024). During the “Green Revolution”, many types of cereals, including rice(Oryza sativa L.) and wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)(Brosius 1991;Peng et al. 1999), were bred to dwarf, resulting in significantly increased yields. Consequently, reducing plant height has become a key breeding objective for foxtail millet.
文摘Tuberculosis(TB)remains a critical global health challenge,with 10.8 million new cases and over 1.25 million deaths reported annually,disproportionately affecting low-income regions.Despite its use,the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin(BCG)vaccine provides limited protection against adult pulmonary TB,necessitating novel solutions.The messenger RNA(mRNA)vaccine technology,proven effective in combating coronavirus disease 2019,offers significant promise for TB prevention.These vaccines elicit robust immune responses by encoding antigens that stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity,essential for combating mycobacterium TB.Unlike traditional methods,mRNA vaccines are highly adaptable,scalable,and capable of targeting emerging strains.Preclinical studies highlight the enhanced efficacy of mRNA TB vaccines over BCG,demonstrating their ability to reduce bacterial burdens and generate memory T-cell responses critical for long-term protection.However,challenges persist,including mRNA instability,cold-chain storage needs,and mycobacterium’s complex immune evasion strategies.Innovative solutions,such as lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and selfamplifying mRNA platforms,are being developed to address these barriers.The initiation of clinical trials,notably BioNTech’s BNT164,marks a pivotal advancement in TB vaccine development.These trials focus on safety,immuno genicity,and efficacy,particularly in regions with high TB prevalence.While logistical and financial hurdles remain,mRNA vaccines hold transformative potential to bridge critical gaps in TB prevention.Their adaptability extends to tackling co-infections like human immunodeficiency virus,further amplifying their impact on global health.By integrating mRNA vaccines into existing TB control strategies,these advancements could revolutionize prevention efforts,especially in regions where current solutions fall short.Continued innovation and investment are crucial to harnessing the full potential of mRNA vaccines,positioning them as a cornerstone in the fight against TB and its global eradication.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31972405).
文摘Plants possess a hydrophobic layer of wax on their aerial surface,consisting mainly of amorphous intra-cuticular wax and epicuticular wax crystals(Kunst and Samuels,2003).This waxy coating contains a wide variety of very-long-chain fatty acids(VLCFAs)and their derivatives,including alkanes,alcohols,aldehydes,esters,and ketones.
基金supported by the Guangdong Provincial Key Research and Development Program-Modern Seed Industry,China(2022B0202060004)the Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan-Basic Research,China(2022020801010291)+1 种基金the Project of the Development for High-quality Seed Industry of Hubei Province,China(HBZY2023B003)the Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(2023-2060299-089-031)。
文摘With the progress of urbanization,rural tourism has emerged as a popular leisure activity in China.The crop field with pattern art has been gaining popularity over the years,using strains with colorful leaves to create various impressive designs(Xu 2024).A lot of successful cases in rice fields have not only attracted tourists but also increased the income of farmers(Song et al.2020).Plants with colorful leaves also have gained significant popularity in ornamental agriculture.Therefore,developing plants with colorful leaves has gained significant popularity in ornamental agriculture.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81903921)the Key project at central government level:The ability establishment of sustainable use for valuable Chinese medicine resources(2060302)the Distinguished Young Scholars of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine(Grant No.2022ZZXJ002).
文摘Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.,a lycophyte of significant medicinal and evolutionary importance,is recognized as one of the earliest vascular plants.However,the absence of a high-quality reference genome has hindered the comprehensive exploration of its unique phylogenetic position and therapeutic potential,thereby limiting our understanding of its genomic structure and metabolic capabilities.In this study,we present the first chromosome-level,telomere-to-telomere(T2T)genome assembly of S.moellendorffii,constructed utilizing PacBio HiFi,Oxford Nanopore(ONT),and Hi-C technologies.The assembled genome,spanning 112.83 Mb across 10 chromosomes with a contig N50 of 11.11 Mb,exhibited exceptional completeness(BUSCO score:95.7%)and accuracy(QV=48.11).Comparative genomic analysis identified 3515 gene families unique to S.moellendorffii,with significant enrichment in secondary metabolismpathways,including those related to flavonoid biosynthesis.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S.moellendorffii diverged from Isoetes approximately 339.6 million years ago(MYA),representing a key evolutionary transition in early vascular plants.By integrating tissue-specific transcriptome and metabolome analyses,we uncovered the molecular basis of biflavone biosynthesis,identifying key enzymes and regulatory networks that govern the production of these bioactive compounds.We observed a correlation between the tissue-specific accumulation patterns of six major biflavones,including amentoflavone and ginkgetin,and the expression of their biosynthetic genes.This high-quality genome assembly,coupled with multi-omics analyses,offers unprecedented insights into the evolution of early vascular plants and elucidates the molecular mechanisms behind their specialized metabolism.
基金supported by grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32330056)。
文摘Originally extracted from willow bark,salicylic acid(SA)provided the structural basis for the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin)in 1897,a milestone that exemplifies the far-reaching biomedical relevance of plant-derived metabolites(Desborough and Keeling,2017).In plants,SA functions as a pleiotropic phytohormone that orchestrates immune reprogramming,serving as a central mediator of both local defense responses and systemic acquired resistance(SAR).
文摘A team of researchers from the Beijing Normal University,the Institute of High Energy Physics(IHEP)under the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS),and the National Astronomical Observatories,CAS(NAOC),reported in Nature Astronomy on January 23,2025 their discovery of an X-ray flash about 12.5 billion lightyears away.The signals burst out only 1.2 billion years after the Big Bang,when our 13.8-billion-year-old universe was still in its infancy,and a science satellite swiftly recorded them.
