Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread posttranscriptional regulatory process that modulates gene expression. However, its role in regulating () remains unknown. Using 3'RACE in chickens, we identified five...Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread posttranscriptional regulatory process that modulates gene expression. However, its role in regulating () remains unknown. Using 3'RACE in chickens, we identified five 3'UTR isoforms (S1, S2, M, L1, and L2). RHAPA analysis revealed tissue-specific expression patterns, with both the short (S1, S2, M) and long (L1, L2) isoform pools predominantly expressed in broiler adipose tissue. Reporter assays demonstrated that these isoforms differentially regulated mRNA abundance and translational efficiency, with S2 isoform exhibiting the highest and L2 isoform the lowest reporter activity, independent of mRNA stability. Consistently, the 3'UTR isoforms differentially modulated endogenous PPARγ mRNA and protein levels; however, they did not significantly alter PPARγ transactivation on a PPRE reporter or adipogenic differentiation. Overall, these results provide novel perspectives on the mechanisms regulating during adipogenesis and lipid metabolism in poultry.
Exogenous proteases can enhance protein digestion in feed. However, their precise impact on peptide release and allergenecity remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of a protease blend (Protease I) a...Exogenous proteases can enhance protein digestion in feed. However, their precise impact on peptide release and allergenecity remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of a protease blend (Protease I) and a single protease (Protease II) on soybean meal digestibility and peptide release, using the standardized INFOGEST model. Compared to the Control, Proteases I and II increased protein digestibility from 83-89% to 90-96% and 91-92%, respectively, while enhancing peptide release from typically enzyme-resistant regions. Peptide profiling showed broader sequence coverage of key soybean proteins and revealed distinct substrate specificities. Cleavage site analysis indicated that exogenous enzymes altered the proteolytic pattern. Importantly, epitope sequence comparison revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis reduced the presence of certain allergenic epitopes. These findings suggest that protease supplementation enhances digestibility and may reduce allergenic potential, offering a promising strategy to improve the nutritional quality and safety of plant-based feed proteins.
RhlA serves as the crucial rate-limiting enzyme in rhamnolipid biosynthesis. In this study, we developed a fusion model named EGCA-Net, integrating a cross-attention mechanism with ESM-2 and graph convolutional network (...RhlA serves as the crucial rate-limiting enzyme in rhamnolipid biosynthesis. In this study, we developed a fusion model named EGCA-Net, integrating a cross-attention mechanism with ESM-2 and graph convolutional network (GCN), to identify candidate RhlA mutants. Via an approach combining deep learning-based activity prediction, Rosetta analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, four novel RhlA mutants (R74A_L148C_S173K, R74A_A101M_S173T, R74A_S173L_Q176L, and R74A_L148C_S173A) were screened from a targeted mutant library. Structural analyses revealed that these mutants form stable conformations, enhancing substrate binding affinity. In wet-lab validation, the candidate mutants exhibited superior catalytic potential, with the enzymatic activity of R74A_L148C_S173A reaching 373.38 U/mg, representing a 3.6-fold increase compared to the wild-type enzyme. The remaining mutants also maintained high activity levels (290-317 U/mg). In summary, this study provides an EGCA-Net-based screening framework for the rapid identification and in-depth characterization of novel enzyme mutants.
2,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid is an important intermediate in agricultural and food chemistry. Salicylic acid decarboxylase catalyzes the carboxylation of resorcinol with CO to yield 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. However, this...2,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid is an important intermediate in agricultural and food chemistry. Salicylic acid decarboxylase catalyzes the carboxylation of resorcinol with CO to yield 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. However, this process suffers from poor regioselectivity and low carboxylation activity. Here, we propose that the unique microenvironment created by the enzyme's substrate-binding pocket, referred to here as the enzyme field, induces charge redistribution in resorcinol, thus altering the enzymatic regioselectivity. Charge distributions at carbon atoms were calculated under 14 different enzyme fields, and catalytic assays revealed the correlation between regioselectivity and the electronegativity of the corresponding carbon atom. Furthermore, K23A/Y64T/E291D/Y27A was obtained with 99% C4-carboxylation selectivity from 20%, and a 69-fold increase in /. The SAD-catalyzed carboxylation mechanism involving HCO-mediated proton transfer was proposed on the basis of QM/MM metadynamics simulations. This work elucidates the repurposing of regioselectivity by enzyme-induced substrate charge distribution and proposes the mechanism of the SAD-catalyzed carboxylation of resorcinol.
Critical to sensor performance in real agricultural matrices are high interference resistance and prevention of false-positive/negative signals. To address this, a Z-scheme BiOI nanoflakes (NFs)/Au NPs/TiO NPs heterojunc...Critical to sensor performance in real agricultural matrices are high interference resistance and prevention of false-positive/negative signals. To address this, a Z-scheme BiOI nanoflakes (NFs)/Au NPs/TiO NPs heterojunction was designed with photocurrent-polarity-switching capability, an inherent feature that could minimize interference from oxidative and reductive species. Subsequently integrated FeO NPs with catalase-mimicking activity suppressed the photocurrent response to baseline levels, substantially reducing the background noise. In the presence of glyphosate (Gly), the quenching effect was inhibited, leading to a "signal on-off-on" photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection mode. In addition, the inherent magnetism of FeO NPs enhanced the specificity by facilitating the efficient removal of nonbound interferents and enabling "split-type" PEC detection processes. This approach achieved Gly quantification within a linear range of 0.05-5 mg·L, with practical applicability demonstrated in three agricultural matrices. By strategically integrating heterojunction engineering with magnetic nanozyme signaling, this work establishes a PEC sensing paradigm exhibiting exceptional anti-interference capability.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3) deficiency is associated with impaired neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders, yet conventional DHA supplements show limited efficiency in brain targeting. Lysophosphatidy...Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3) deficiency is associated with impaired neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders, yet conventional DHA supplements show limited efficiency in brain targeting. Lysophosphatidylcholine-docosahexaenoic acid (LPC-DHA) has attracted increasing interest because it aligns with MFSD2A-mediated transport and may improve DHA targeting to the brain. This review systematically summarizes -1/-2 LPC-DHA from a food and health perspective, covering its physicochemical features, biological rationale, preparation strategies, analytical characterization, safety concerns, regulatory progress, and application prospects. Particular emphasis is placed on synthesis of -1 LPC-DHA via enzymatic regioselective esterification of glycerophosphocholine (GPC), together with key constraints on yield and purity, including substrate solubility, water activity, oxidation, and acyl migration. We further highlight the need for standardized orthogonal analysis for reliable structural assignment. Current evidence supports the promise of LPC-DHA in maternal-infant nutrition, neurodegenerative intervention, and visual health, but stronger safety evaluation and clearer regulatory frameworks are still required.
Fenpyrazone is a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicide registered in China in 2020, while its aquatic environmental fate remains unclear. This study provides the first investigation of its degrada...Fenpyrazone is a hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicide registered in China in 2020, while its aquatic environmental fate remains unclear. This study provides the first investigation of its degradation characteristics, products, and ecological risks in water. Results indicate that the degradation of fenpyrazone in aquatic environments is influenced by temperature, pH, and ionic conditions. Photolysis under neutral conditions was 193 times faster than hydrolysis, indicating photosensitivity. Five new metabolites, M440, M156, M140, M96 and M82 were identified, primarily formed via hydrolysis, decarboxylation, demethylation, and hydroxylation. In the photolysis process, ·OH, ·O, and O play key roles. Two key reactive sites are identified, the carboxylic ester bond for hydrolysis and the 1,3-dimethylpyrazole ring for photooxidation. Toxicity assessment revealed that metabolite M440 exhibited higher toxicity than the parent compound. Furthermore, most products were predicted to pose significantly higher chronic toxicity risks, highlighting long-term environmental hazards and providing critical data for ecological risk assessment.
Mungbean is an important legume and protein source, but its productivity is severely limited by the mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), and no MYMIV resistance gene has been cloned and functionally validated in m...Mungbean is an important legume and protein source, but its productivity is severely limited by the mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), and no MYMIV resistance gene has been cloned and functionally validated in mungbean. This study conducted extensive phenotypic variation research on the resistance of a newly developed mungbean multiparent advanced-generation intercross (MAGIC) population. Through an integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS), transcriptome analysis, and induced expression analysis, the candidate gene for MYMIV resistance was identified as , encoding alcohol dehydrogenase. Haplotype analysis revealed natural variation in , with being the elite haplotype that has undergone selection in regions severely affected by MYMIV. Functional validation demonstrated that significantly enhanced resistance by limiting excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing viral proliferation. Collectively, our results indicate that can contribute to MYMIV resistance, providing a valuable genetic resource for future molecular breeding and resistance improvement in mungbean.
Plant-parasitic nematodes cause major yield and economic losses and remain difficult to manage because of their soil-borne nature, persistent biology, and broad host range. Conventional nematicides provide rapid suppress...Plant-parasitic nematodes cause major yield and economic losses and remain difficult to manage because of their soil-borne nature, persistent biology, and broad host range. Conventional nematicides provide rapid suppression but face regulatory, safety, and environmental concerns, while cultural practices, biological control, and host resistance are constrained by variable field performance, durability, or breeding limitations. Molecular biopesticides, including double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), recombinant proteins/peptides, and characterized secondary metabolites, offer mechanism-based targeting of nematode genes, effectors, or essential pathways with greater specificity and potentially lower ecological footprints. This review summarizes advances in molecular biopesticides, including RNAi-based approaches (including host-delivered RNAi and exogenous dsRNA), with emphasis on dsRNA instability and nanocarrier-enabled protection, release, and uptake. It also examines nematotoxic proteins, engineered fusion constructs, and secondary metabolite-derived nematicides, highlighting the formulation and bioavailability challenges. Finally, target discovery, delivery platforms, efficacy evidence, biosafety considerations, field validation, manufacturing, and integrated pest management integration are also discussed.
The development of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXPS) inhibitors still needs an innovative extension with novel chemotypes to avoid herbicide resistance. Herein, a series of 2,4-diphenylquinoline derivatives...The development of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXPS) inhibitors still needs an innovative extension with novel chemotypes to avoid herbicide resistance. Herein, a series of 2,4-diphenylquinoline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and structurally optimized from lead compound via stepwise A/B/C-ring modification. Greenhouse assays identified (3-CF A-ring) as the most potent analogue, exhibiting the higher herbicidal activity (71.4% inhibition on DESSO at 375 g a.i./ha) and dosage tolerance than . The mechanism of compound targeting DXPS proteins has been also identified using surface plasmon resonance binding assay, physiological biomarker measurement, substrate accumulation, and molecular docking. The key active motifs between and DXPS have been further defined based on the structure-activity relationships. This work will further expand the structural diversity of DXPS inhibitors with higher bioactivity.
is an important halotolerant yeast in high-salt fermentations, although the systems underlying its salt adaptation and nutritional regulation remain unknown. We characterized CGMCC 3791 growing in YPD under control cond...is an important halotolerant yeast in high-salt fermentations, although the systems underlying its salt adaptation and nutritional regulation remain unknown. We characterized CGMCC 3791 growing in YPD under control conditions or 120 g/L NaCl and assessed palmitoleic acid supplementation during salt stress. DIA-based LC-MS/MS proteomics and UPLC-Orbitrap metabolomics were combined with KEGG enrichment and pathway mapping. PCA effectively differentiated the three groups across both omics layers, demonstrating that palmitoleic acid induces a unique reprogramming beyond the salt-only response. The enrichment analysis revealed the coordinated regulation of amino acid metabolism, glutathione-associated redox activities, ABC transporters, oxidative phosphorylation, and cofactor pathways, including pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. Integrated mapping demonstrated increased purine-related intermediates (FAICAR, IMP, ADP, and inosine) and lipid-related remodeling. Overall, these results suggest that palmitoleic acid may contribute to salt-stress adaptation in by modulating energy and nucleotide turnover, while helping maintain redox balance and metabolic flexibility.
This study characterized low-molecular-weight fucoidan (Degradation Laminaria japonica fucoidan (DLJF)) and evaluated its protective effects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Structural characterizati...This study characterized low-molecular-weight fucoidan (Degradation Laminaria japonica fucoidan (DLJF)) and evaluated its protective effects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Structural characterization revealed that DLJF had a molecular weight of 40.64 kDa and was a fucose-rich sulfated heteropolysaccharide predominantly composed of sulfated α-L-Fucp residues, with minor α-D-Manp and α-D-Glcp units. DLJF administration markedly alleviated colitis and suppressed pro-inflammatory factors, possibly through the modulation of the Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB pathway. It also improved intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating - and Furthermore, DLJF was associated with alterations in gut microbiota composition, including increased relative abundances of , , , and , and elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids, including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. Metabolomics analysis identified cholic acid, xanthine, inosine, and pantothenic acid as key metabolites following DLJF supplementation. Notably, DLJF attenuated DSS-induced brain inflammatory responses and was associated with partial improvement in colitis-associated behavioral abnormalities. These findings highlight DLJF as a potential functional food ingredient for colitis management.
Arsenic is an environmental contaminant with potent renal toxicity. Accumulating evidence has indicated that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in kidney disease. However, the role of gut microbiota in arse...Arsenic is an environmental contaminant with potent renal toxicity. Accumulating evidence has indicated that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in kidney disease. However, the role of gut microbiota in arsenic-exposure-induced renal injury remains unclear. In our study, chronic exposure to NaAsO and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from NaAsO-exposed mice increased intestinal permeability and elevated renal indoxyl sulfate (IS), a key metabolite of gut microbiota, which promoted renal fibrosis and activated the AhR/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. Moreover, AST-120, a non-specific adsorbent, alleviated chronic NaAsO exposure-induced renal fibrosis by reducing the IS level in mice. In HK-2 cells, IS mediated NaAsO-induced fibrosis via the AhR/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. Collectively, we confirmed that chronic exposure to NaAsO caused renal fibrosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Meanwhile, the gut-kidney axis plays a significant role in the mechanism of NaAsO-induced renal fibrosis, providing a new therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of arseniasis.
Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by pv (), is a major constraint to rice productivity worldwide. This study investigated cuticular wax as a physical and biochemical barrier associated with BLB resistance using eight...Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by pv (), is a major constraint to rice productivity worldwide. This study investigated cuticular wax as a physical and biochemical barrier associated with BLB resistance using eight contrasting genotypes (two each from the resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible, and highly susceptible groups). The resistant genotypes showed higher wax content (2.7-3.5 μg cm), along with greater surface hydrophobicity (contact angle >100°), and dense wax crystal deposition. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed clustering of genotypes based on wax metabolite profiles. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) indicated a strong correlation between wax composition and BLB response. Heptadecane and octacosane were key resistant genotypes associated wax metabolites. RT-qPCR showed upregulation of cuticular wax biosynthesis pathway genes ( and ) in resistant genotypes. These results highlight wax content and composition as targets for developing disease-resilient rice cultivars.
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a refractory chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lacks adequate treatments, necessitating new natural therapeutic candidates. Schisandrin A (Sch A), a bioactive lignan from Schisandra chine...Ulcerative colitis (UC), a refractory chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lacks adequate treatments, necessitating new natural therapeutic candidates. Schisandrin A (Sch A), a bioactive lignan from Schisandra chinensis, was explored for its protective efficacy against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Sch A markedly repaired colonic barrier function, and remodeled gut microbiota by enriching probiotics and depleting pathogenic bacteria, as verified via 16S rRNA sequencing. Mechanistically, Sch A robustly suppressed ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. Multiomics analyses pinpointed arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) as a core target. Molecular docking (MD), dynamics simulations, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) experiments confirmed the direct binding between Sch A and ALOX15. In summary, Sch A alleviates UC via regulating gut flora and targeting ALOX15 to block ferroptosis, representing a promising food-derived agent for UC therapy.
The escalating global burden of food allergy (FA), which cannot be explained solely by genetics, highlights modifiable risks, such as increased consumption of processed foods. This review synthesizes the role of processi...The escalating global burden of food allergy (FA), which cannot be explained solely by genetics, highlights modifiable risks, such as increased consumption of processed foods. This review synthesizes the role of processing-derived hazardous compounds, evaluates their impact on modulating protein allergenicity, and identifies limitations in current risk assessment, including the neglect of neoallergens and matrix effects. It focuses on immunomodulatory compounds, such as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), acrylamide, and furan derivatives, generated during thermal processing, which disrupt intestinal integrity and promote pro-allergic Th2 immunity. By impairing the gut barrier, inducing dysbiosis, and potentially creating neoantigens, these compounds foster a permissive environment for sensitization. Mitigating these risks necessitates a paradigm shift in food safety toward a proactive framework that integrates immunology, food technology, and predictive biomarkers to prevent immunological threats.
Porous hollow silica microcapsules enable stable, sustainable pesticide formulations, but their synthesis is complex and solvent-dependent. In this study, a green method was developed using a choline-based ionic liquid a...Porous hollow silica microcapsules enable stable, sustainable pesticide formulations, but their synthesis is complex and solvent-dependent. In this study, a green method was developed using a choline-based ionic liquid as both a solvent and soft template. The resulting choline-chlorantraniliprole-porous hollow silica (CHO-CHL-PHS) microcapsules achieved a chlorantraniliprole loading of 47.17%, exhibited a spherical morphology, and were synthesized without organic solvents or additional surfactants. The microcapsules improved the photostability of chlorantraniliprole, extending its UV half-life from 0.89 to 1.27 h, and showed sustained diffusion release at pH 5.0-10.0. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated that CHO-CHL-PHS possessed significantly higher virulence against nymphs than technical-grade CHL. Persistence trials confirmed that its efficacy within 7 days was superior to that of a commercial suspension concentrate. Safety assessments showed no phytotoxicity on ryegrass or corn and reduced toxicity to zebrafish. This study offers a promising strategy for developing effective and environmentally compatible agrochemical formulations.
This study elucidated how synchronized glucose and amino acid availability regulates muscle deposition. 540 21 day-old broilers followed a 3 × 3 factorial design: AM/AP ratios (0.19, 0.29, 0.41) and SID Lys levels (1.00%...This study elucidated how synchronized glucose and amino acid availability regulates muscle deposition. 540 21 day-old broilers followed a 3 × 3 factorial design: AM/AP ratios (0.19, 0.29, 0.41) and SID Lys levels (1.00%, 1.20%, 1.40%). Significant interactions between AM/AP ratios and SID Lys levels on BW, BWG, breast and thigh muscle percentage, and protein deposition, 0.19 AM/AP with 1.20% SID Lys was highest, whereas 0.41 AM/AP with 1.40% SID Lys was lowest. These represented synchronized (RDS) and asynchronous (SDS) model, respectively. Compared to SDS, RDS increased serum glucose and IGF-1 levels, nutrient digestibility, and transporter expression (GLUT2, SGLT1, CAT1). Metabolomics revealed RDS optimized glycolytic and TCA flux while attenuating Lys catabolism (AASS, ALDH7A1, AADAT). Molecularly, RDS activated AKT/mTOR-mediated synthesis and suppressed AMPK/FoxO3a-mediated degradation. Collectively, synchronizing nutrients via rapidly digestible starch (0.19 AM/AP) optimizes metabolic flux and mitigates amino acid wastage, offering a critical strategy for enhancing performance in low-protein diets.