Betalain,an economically valuable water-soluble natural plant pigment,is prized for its strong antioxidant activity,making it popular as a dietary supplement and a visual marker for plant transformation.However,market...Betalain,an economically valuable water-soluble natural plant pigment,is prized for its strong antioxidant activity,making it popular as a dietary supplement and a visual marker for plant transformation.However,market demand significantly outstrips current production capacity.This study reports the development of an efficient push-and-pull multigene strategy based on polycistronic expression and metabolic flux regulation to enhance betalain biosynthesis in transgenic maize(Zea mays L.)endosperm.We engineered a novel enhanced RUBY(eRUBY)system derived from the original polycistronic RUBY construct(CYP76AD1P2ADODA1P2ADOPA5GT unit,abbreviated CDG)by introducing arogenate dehydrogenase(ADHα)to increase the L-tyrosine substrate supply.All the genes were driven by the endosperm-specific promoter.Fusion of ADHαinto a single polycistronic eRUBY construct(CDGA)produced significantly higher betanin(6.88 mg g−1 dry weight)and isobetanin(1.81 mg g−1 dry weight)levels than in CDG+A,which stacked the ADHαcassette independently with CDG.The high betalain accumulation in CDGA lines(which also exhibited higher transgene copy number)resulted in a 2.85–7.58-fold improvement in endosperm antioxidant capacity compared to WT(versus 2.48–2.80-fold in CDG+A).Importantly,transgenic plants maintained a normal phenotype.Transcriptome and metabolome analyses further indicated that metabolism of phenylalanine,alanine,aspartate,and glutamate contributes to betalain production.Hybridization with sweet corn successfully created a high-sugar eRUBY maize variety.Collectively,these results demonstrate the successful development of a novel maize germplasm with significantly enhanced nutritional value through high betalain accumulation.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
Cotton production faces significant challenges from insect pests,with chemical pesticide use becoming increasingly limited by resistance and environmental concerns.This study explores the potential use of caffeine,a n...Cotton production faces significant challenges from insect pests,with chemical pesticide use becoming increasingly limited by resistance and environmental concerns.This study explores the potential use of caffeine,a natural plant alkaloid,as an environmentally friendly insect resistance strategy in cotton.Exogenous caffeine application demonstrated potent insecticidal effects against cotton bollworm(Helicoverpa armigera)larvae,with concentrations≥2 mg mL−1 causing near-complete feeding cessation and up to 70%larval mortality.Building on this,we engineered transgenic cotton(Gossypium hirsutum cv.Jin668)for heterologous caffeine biosynthesis by introducing three key N-methyltransferase genes(CaXMT1,CaMXMT1,CaDXMT1)by multiple gene transformation.Transgenic lines expressing all three genes showed remarkable caffeine accumulation(up to 3.59 mg g−1 dry weight),whereas two-gene combinations exhibited wild-type-level production.Feeding preference assays revealed that caffeine-enriched cotton strongly deterred feeding by H.armigera.Non-choice feeding trials demonstrated reduced leaf consumption and reduced larval growth in H.armigera fed on caffeine-producing cotton.The study highlights the effectiveness of synthetic biology approaches using the TGSII-UNiE multigene stacking system,despite challenges in transgene stability.This work advances plant-derived insect resistance research and provides a sustainable framework for reducing chemical pesticide reliance in cotton production,while underscoring unique potential of cotton as a synthetic biology platform for secondary metabolite engineering.展开更多
Neuromorphic circuits based on superconducting tunnel junctions have attracted much attention due to their highspeed computing capabilities and low energy consumption.Josephson junction circuits can effectively mimic ...Neuromorphic circuits based on superconducting tunnel junctions have attracted much attention due to their highspeed computing capabilities and low energy consumption.Josephson junction circuits can effectively mimic biological neural dynamics.Leveraging these advantages,we construct a Josephson junction neuron-like model with a phasedependent dissipative current,referred to as a memristive current.The proposed memristive Josephson junction model exhibits complex dynamical behaviors.Furthermore,considering the effect of a fast-modulated synapse,we explore synchronization phenomena in coupled networks under varying coupling conductances and excitatory/inhibitory interactions.Finally,we extend the neuromorphic Josephson junction model—exhibiting complex dynamics—to the field of image encryption.These results not only enrich the understanding of the dynamical characteristics of memristive Josephson junctions but also provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the development of new neural networks and their applications in information security technology.展开更多
1.Introduction Crop breeding is transitioning to engineering by synthetic biology.Conventional breeding,constrained by limited genetic variation and lengthy development cycles,cannot meet the challenges of micronutrie...1.Introduction Crop breeding is transitioning to engineering by synthetic biology.Conventional breeding,constrained by limited genetic variation and lengthy development cycles,cannot meet the challenges of micronutrient malnutrition and yield reductions from climate change with sufficient speed or precision[1].Consequently,agriculture is transitioning from selection-based breeding to designbased engineering.Synthetic biology enables the precision modification of metabolic pathways and the construction of novel trait combinations[1,2].This special issue,Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement,brings together 26 articles that showcase the field’s transition from laboratory curiosity to field-validated agricultural technology.The collection spans 13 plant species,from staple grains and major industrial crops to horticultural and medicinal plants,demonstrating the universal applicability of metabolic engineering.These studies reveal maturation toward field readiness:independent groups achieving reproducible results in identical pathways,greenhouse concepts advancing to multi-season field trials,and engineered traits delivering measurable agronomic value.This progression answers the central question in crop synthetic biology,shifting the paradigm from asking“can it work?”to demonstrating“how it works,and here are the yields”.This transformation is grounded in understanding and manipulating plant metabolism at molecular resolution[3].展开更多
In contrast to cyclic polymers with ring-like backbones,side-chain cyclization is another intriguing structural feature that has not been extensively studied.In this study,a library of orthogonally protected monomers ...In contrast to cyclic polymers with ring-like backbones,side-chain cyclization is another intriguing structural feature that has not been extensively studied.In this study,a library of orthogonally protected monomers featuring monocyclic,dicyclic,or tricyclic pendant motifs was designed and prepared based on malic acid derivatives.Polyesters with precise chemical structures and uniform chain lengths were prepared modularly through iterative growth.Meticulous control over the chemical details allows for a close investigation of the topological effects on the polymer properties.Compared to their linear side chain counterparts,the presence of cyclic pendant groups has a significant impact on chain conformation,leading to a reduction in hydrodynamic volume and an enhancement in the glass transition temperature.These results underscore the potential of tailoring polymer properties through rational engineering of side chain topology.展开更多
The magnetic properties and Kondo effect in Ce_(3)TiBi_(5) with a quasi-one-dimensional structure were investigated using in situ high-pressure resistivity measurements up to 48 GPa.At ambient pressure,Ce_(3)TiBi_(5) ...The magnetic properties and Kondo effect in Ce_(3)TiBi_(5) with a quasi-one-dimensional structure were investigated using in situ high-pressure resistivity measurements up to 48 GPa.At ambient pressure,Ce_(3)TiBi_(5) undergoes an antiferromagnetic(AFM)transition at T_(N)∼5 K.Under high pressures within 8.9 GPa,we find that Kondo scattering contributes differently to the high-temperature resistance,R(T),depending on the applied current direction,demonstrating a significantly anisotropic Kondo effect.The complete P–T phase diagram has been constructed,in which the pressure dependence of T_(N) exhibits a dome-like shape.The AFM order remains robust under pressure,even when the coherence temperature T^(*) far exceeds 300 K.We attribute the observed anisotropic Kondo effect and the robust AFM to the underlying anisotropy in electronic hybridization under high pressure.展开更多
The development of high-performance transparent substrates is critical for next-generation flexible electronic devices.Herein,we designed two novel meta-substituted diamines incorporating trifluoromethyl(―CF_(3))and ...The development of high-performance transparent substrates is critical for next-generation flexible electronic devices.Herein,we designed two novel meta-substituted diamines incorporating trifluoromethyl(―CF_(3))and methyl(―CH_(3))groups to synthesize colorless copolyimide(CPI)films via copolymerization with 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride(6FDA)/3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride(BPDA).The combination of meta-substituted architecture and substituents enables the simultaneous attainment of an ultralow dielectric constant(D_k)and high transparency.The meta-substitution geometry and electronic effects of―CF_(3)/―CH_(3) effectively suppressed charge-transfer complex(CTC)formation,expanded fractional free volume(FFV),and restricted π-electron conjugation,as validated by DFT calculations and wide-angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD)analysis.The optimized CPI film(PIA_(1)-6FDA/BPDA(10/0))achieved outstanding transmittance(T_(450)=88.15%),ultralow dielectric constant(D_(k)=2.08 at 1 k Hz),and minimal dielectric loss(D_(f)=0.0012),while maintaining robust thermal stability(T_(d5%)>523℃)and mechanical strength(σ=87.5 MPa).This work establishes a molecular engineering strategy to concurrently enhance the optical and dielectric properties,positioning meta-substituted CPIs as promising candidates for transparent flexible devices.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project(2024ZD04077)the Invigorate the Seed Industry of Guangdong Province(2024-NPY-00-044)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272120)the Guangxi Science and Technology Major Project(GKAA24206023)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Betalain,an economically valuable water-soluble natural plant pigment,is prized for its strong antioxidant activity,making it popular as a dietary supplement and a visual marker for plant transformation.However,market demand significantly outstrips current production capacity.This study reports the development of an efficient push-and-pull multigene strategy based on polycistronic expression and metabolic flux regulation to enhance betalain biosynthesis in transgenic maize(Zea mays L.)endosperm.We engineered a novel enhanced RUBY(eRUBY)system derived from the original polycistronic RUBY construct(CYP76AD1P2ADODA1P2ADOPA5GT unit,abbreviated CDG)by introducing arogenate dehydrogenase(ADHα)to increase the L-tyrosine substrate supply.All the genes were driven by the endosperm-specific promoter.Fusion of ADHαinto a single polycistronic eRUBY construct(CDGA)produced significantly higher betanin(6.88 mg g−1 dry weight)and isobetanin(1.81 mg g−1 dry weight)levels than in CDG+A,which stacked the ADHαcassette independently with CDG.The high betalain accumulation in CDGA lines(which also exhibited higher transgene copy number)resulted in a 2.85–7.58-fold improvement in endosperm antioxidant capacity compared to WT(versus 2.48–2.80-fold in CDG+A).Importantly,transgenic plants maintained a normal phenotype.Transcriptome and metabolome analyses further indicated that metabolism of phenylalanine,alanine,aspartate,and glutamate contributes to betalain production.Hybridization with sweet corn successfully created a high-sugar eRUBY maize variety.Collectively,these results demonstrate the successful development of a novel maize germplasm with significantly enhanced nutritional value through high betalain accumulation.
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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32325039)
文摘Cotton production faces significant challenges from insect pests,with chemical pesticide use becoming increasingly limited by resistance and environmental concerns.This study explores the potential use of caffeine,a natural plant alkaloid,as an environmentally friendly insect resistance strategy in cotton.Exogenous caffeine application demonstrated potent insecticidal effects against cotton bollworm(Helicoverpa armigera)larvae,with concentrations≥2 mg mL−1 causing near-complete feeding cessation and up to 70%larval mortality.Building on this,we engineered transgenic cotton(Gossypium hirsutum cv.Jin668)for heterologous caffeine biosynthesis by introducing three key N-methyltransferase genes(CaXMT1,CaMXMT1,CaDXMT1)by multiple gene transformation.Transgenic lines expressing all three genes showed remarkable caffeine accumulation(up to 3.59 mg g−1 dry weight),whereas two-gene combinations exhibited wild-type-level production.Feeding preference assays revealed that caffeine-enriched cotton strongly deterred feeding by H.armigera.Non-choice feeding trials demonstrated reduced leaf consumption and reduced larval growth in H.armigera fed on caffeine-producing cotton.The study highlights the effectiveness of synthetic biology approaches using the TGSII-UNiE multigene stacking system,despite challenges in transgene stability.This work advances plant-derived insect resistance research and provides a sustainable framework for reducing chemical pesticide reliance in cotton production,while underscoring unique potential of cotton as a synthetic biology platform for secondary metabolite engineering.
文摘目的:探讨胸椎分掌压旋法(thoracic press rotate manipulation,TPRM)操作中产生的咔哒声,对健康个体脑电活动的潜在影响。方法:招募40名健康志愿者接受T6节段的标准化TPRM操作,根据是否产生咔哒声分组。将19名受试者分配至TPRM有咔哒声组,其中男10名,女9名;年龄(24.58±3.53)岁;身体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)为(21.37±3.94)kg·m^(-2)。21名参与者分配至TPRM无咔哒声组,其中男10名,女11名;年龄(24.11±3.42)岁,BMI为(22.82±3.88)kg·m^(-2)。干预前后采集静息态脑电图(electroencephalogram,EEG),分析Delta、Theta、Alpha、Beta波在6个电极通道(FZ、PZ、O1、O2、T7、T8)的功率变化。采用情绪量表(international positive and negative affect schedule short form,I-PANAS-SF)评估受试者的主观感受,视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评估受试者的满意程度。结果:两组受试者在操作前后脑电功率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但在干预后的组间比较中,有咔哒声组在部分脑区的Delta、Theta、Alpha、Beta波频段功率显著高于无咔哒声组,尤其集中于枕叶、颞叶及额叶区域(P<0.05)。结论:TPRM操作中产生的咔哒声可能与特定频段和脑区的神经活动调节相关,提示其在手法治疗中的潜在神经生理作用,值得进一步在临床人群中深入研究。
文摘硫酸软骨素A(chondroitin sulfate A,CSA)是关节软骨修复中不可或缺的重要成分。CSA由软骨素4-O-磺基转移酶-1(chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase-1,C4ST-1)催化软骨素中N-乙酰氨基半乳糖胺(N-acetylgalactosamine,GalNAc)4号位羟基磺酸化合成。然而,由于C4ST-1酶活性较低,其催化能力受限,进而阻碍了CSA的工业化生产进程。为此,该研究旨在通过结合重组菌构建和培养基优化提升C4ST-1酶活性。首先在筛选确定了以毕赤酵母GS115为底盘细胞的基础上,进一步优化了以OST1-α分泌信号肽和SUMO Pro 3促溶标签的组合方式进行C4ST-1分泌表达,经摇瓶发酵C4ST-1最高酶活性为1889.2 U/L。鉴于前期研究发现无机盐对C4ST-1酶活性的抑制以及现有培养基成本较高问题,该研究通过优化培养基组分,发现不添加昂贵成分酵母无氨基氮源(yeast nitrogen base without amino acids,YNB)时,C4ST-1酶活性较原培养基提高68.4%。此外,结合碳源、其他氮源以及生物素的筛选与优化使C4ST-1酶活性进一步提高。最终,在5L发酵罐补料分批发酵72 h时,获得最高酶活性为5040.7 U/L。该研究不仅为CSA规模化生产奠定了基础,也将为其他糖胺聚糖(如肝素、硫酸皮肤素)合成所需的磺基转移酶发酵生产提供借鉴。
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12302070)the Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia(Grant No.2024AAC05002)+1 种基金the Youth Science and Technology Talent Cultivation Project of Ningxiathe Ningxia Science and Technology Leading Talent Training Program(Grant No.2022GKLRLX04)。
文摘Neuromorphic circuits based on superconducting tunnel junctions have attracted much attention due to their highspeed computing capabilities and low energy consumption.Josephson junction circuits can effectively mimic biological neural dynamics.Leveraging these advantages,we construct a Josephson junction neuron-like model with a phasedependent dissipative current,referred to as a memristive current.The proposed memristive Josephson junction model exhibits complex dynamical behaviors.Furthermore,considering the effect of a fast-modulated synapse,we explore synchronization phenomena in coupled networks under varying coupling conductances and excitatory/inhibitory interactions.Finally,we extend the neuromorphic Josephson junction model—exhibiting complex dynamics—to the field of image encryption.These results not only enrich the understanding of the dynamical characteristics of memristive Josephson junctions but also provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the development of new neural networks and their applications in information security technology.
文摘1.Introduction Crop breeding is transitioning to engineering by synthetic biology.Conventional breeding,constrained by limited genetic variation and lengthy development cycles,cannot meet the challenges of micronutrient malnutrition and yield reductions from climate change with sufficient speed or precision[1].Consequently,agriculture is transitioning from selection-based breeding to designbased engineering.Synthetic biology enables the precision modification of metabolic pathways and the construction of novel trait combinations[1,2].This special issue,Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement,brings together 26 articles that showcase the field’s transition from laboratory curiosity to field-validated agricultural technology.The collection spans 13 plant species,from staple grains and major industrial crops to horticultural and medicinal plants,demonstrating the universal applicability of metabolic engineering.These studies reveal maturation toward field readiness:independent groups achieving reproducible results in identical pathways,greenhouse concepts advancing to multi-season field trials,and engineered traits delivering measurable agronomic value.This progression answers the central question in crop synthetic biology,shifting the paradigm from asking“can it work?”to demonstrating“how it works,and here are the yields”.This transformation is grounded in understanding and manipulating plant metabolism at molecular resolution[3].
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22273026)Scientific Research Innovation Capability Support Project for Young Faculty(No.ZYGXQNJSKYCXNLZCXM-I15)+3 种基金Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(2024A1515012401)GJYC program of Guangzhou(No.2024D03J0002)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2024M750938)Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF(No.GZC20240492)for their financial support。
文摘In contrast to cyclic polymers with ring-like backbones,side-chain cyclization is another intriguing structural feature that has not been extensively studied.In this study,a library of orthogonally protected monomers featuring monocyclic,dicyclic,or tricyclic pendant motifs was designed and prepared based on malic acid derivatives.Polyesters with precise chemical structures and uniform chain lengths were prepared modularly through iterative growth.Meticulous control over the chemical details allows for a close investigation of the topological effects on the polymer properties.Compared to their linear side chain counterparts,the presence of cyclic pendant groups has a significant impact on chain conformation,leading to a reduction in hydrodynamic volume and an enhancement in the glass transition temperature.These results underscore the potential of tailoring polymer properties through rational engineering of side chain topology.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of Chinathe National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.2024YFA1408000,12474097,and2023YFA1406001)+2 种基金the Guangdong Provincial Quantum Science Strategic Initiative (Grant No.GDZX2201001)the Center for Computational Science and Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology,the Major Science and Technology Infrastructure Project of Material Genome Big-science Facilities Platform supported by Municipal Development and Reform Commission of Shenzhen(for J.L.Z.and Y.L.)the Chinese funding sources applied via HPSTAR。
文摘The magnetic properties and Kondo effect in Ce_(3)TiBi_(5) with a quasi-one-dimensional structure were investigated using in situ high-pressure resistivity measurements up to 48 GPa.At ambient pressure,Ce_(3)TiBi_(5) undergoes an antiferromagnetic(AFM)transition at T_(N)∼5 K.Under high pressures within 8.9 GPa,we find that Kondo scattering contributes differently to the high-temperature resistance,R(T),depending on the applied current direction,demonstrating a significantly anisotropic Kondo effect.The complete P–T phase diagram has been constructed,in which the pressure dependence of T_(N) exhibits a dome-like shape.The AFM order remains robust under pressure,even when the coherence temperature T^(*) far exceeds 300 K.We attribute the observed anisotropic Kondo effect and the robust AFM to the underlying anisotropy in electronic hybridization under high pressure.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2023YFB3812400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51890871)the GJYC Program of Guangzhou(No.2024D02J0004)。
文摘The development of high-performance transparent substrates is critical for next-generation flexible electronic devices.Herein,we designed two novel meta-substituted diamines incorporating trifluoromethyl(―CF_(3))and methyl(―CH_(3))groups to synthesize colorless copolyimide(CPI)films via copolymerization with 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride(6FDA)/3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride(BPDA).The combination of meta-substituted architecture and substituents enables the simultaneous attainment of an ultralow dielectric constant(D_k)and high transparency.The meta-substitution geometry and electronic effects of―CF_(3)/―CH_(3) effectively suppressed charge-transfer complex(CTC)formation,expanded fractional free volume(FFV),and restricted π-electron conjugation,as validated by DFT calculations and wide-angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD)analysis.The optimized CPI film(PIA_(1)-6FDA/BPDA(10/0))achieved outstanding transmittance(T_(450)=88.15%),ultralow dielectric constant(D_(k)=2.08 at 1 k Hz),and minimal dielectric loss(D_(f)=0.0012),while maintaining robust thermal stability(T_(d5%)>523℃)and mechanical strength(σ=87.5 MPa).This work establishes a molecular engineering strategy to concurrently enhance the optical and dielectric properties,positioning meta-substituted CPIs as promising candidates for transparent flexible devices.
