Current cereals face unassailable yield trade-offs under combined water deficit (D) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress. Using integrated omics in qingke barley subjected to D, UV-B (low: LUVB; high: HUVB), and abscisic acid...Current cereals face unassailable yield trade-offs under combined water deficit (D) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress. Using integrated omics in qingke barley subjected to D, UV-B (low: LUVB; high: HUVB), and abscisic acid (ABA), we show that ternary DUVB-ABA cotreatment elevates ABA and GA, enabling concurrent stress resilience and growth recovery. This treatment activated genes for ABA biosynthesis and for GA biosynthesis. ABA with UV-B preserved membrane fluidity by upregulating fatty acid desaturases () and suppressing lipoxygenases (); LUVB-ABA reduced oxidative damage by 81.8%. Crucially, conventional trade-offs were eliminated: D-LUVB-ABA improved 1000-seed weight by 10.3% above controls, while D-HUVB-ABA elevated grain sugar and protein content significantly. Potassium accumulation in the stem (>51%) and spectral priming (LUVB for stress memory; HUVB for growth reactivation) supported these effects. Findings show ABA-UVB interaction reprograms stress cues into productivity triggers, identifying spectral hormone discrimination and stem nutrient buffering as key adaptations for climate-resilient cereals.
Bioactive peptides are emerging as promising candidates for therapeutic wound repair due to their potent wound-healing activity. However, in the complex wound microenvironment, they face drawbacks, including degradation,...Bioactive peptides are emerging as promising candidates for therapeutic wound repair due to their potent wound-healing activity. However, in the complex wound microenvironment, they face drawbacks, including degradation, rapid clearance, and short duration of action, which limit their sustained healing efficacy. As functional carriers, hydrogels can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of bioactive peptides by preserving their activity, maintaining local concentrations, controlling the release behavior, and providing a three-dimensional microenvironment. This Review summarizes the latest advances in bioactive peptide-loaded hydrogels for wound repair. First, we review the sources of wound-healing peptides and then explain how hydrogel-mediated delivery, through mechanisms such as the protection of bioactivity and controlled release, has, to some extent, overcome the limitations of applying peptides directly to wounds. Additionally, we summarize several loading strategies and present the applications of these hydrogels for promoting acute and chronic wound repair. We conclude with research directions and future perspectives, aiming to provide references for further studies and clinical applications.
Plants release herbivore-induced volatiles that attract parasitoid wasps. Whether plants can distinguish eggs of different insect species and mount targeted indirect defenses remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence th...Plants release herbivore-induced volatiles that attract parasitoid wasps. Whether plants can distinguish eggs of different insect species and mount targeted indirect defenses remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that rice exhibits differential responses. Rice responds differently to eggs of its specialist pest species, the striped stem borer (, SSB), from eggs of two generalists, the Asian corn borer (, ACB) and the fall armyworm (, FAW). Notably, only SSB egg induces a volatile blend that strongly attracts the egg parasitoid . D-limonene and methyl salicylate (MeSA) were identified as two key attractants contributing to this differential attraction. Mechanistically, the response to SSB eggs triggers an oxidative burst, salicylic acid accumulation, and jasmonic acid suppression, which is associated with the activation of two biosynthetic genes, and . CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of either gene markedly reduces or even eliminates volatile emission and reduces parasitoid attraction, and exogenous application of the synthetic blend significantly restores this defect. Together, our work provides a detailed analysis of specific genetic and chemical components underlying differential parasitoid attraction in a major crop and identifies a two-gene module that may enable precision biocontrol strategies.
Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder necessitating safe and effective interventions. Although probiotics demonstrate potential in HUA management, the specific contributions of their cellular components r...Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder necessitating safe and effective interventions. Although probiotics demonstrate potential in HUA management, the specific contributions of their cellular components remain unexplored. In this study, peptidoglycan (PGN) isolated from YC was characterized as an A1γ-type chemotype (l-Ala-d-iGln-mDAP-d-Ala) via amino acid analysis, FTIR, NMR, and MALDI-TOF MS. In HUA mice, oral PGN significantly reduced serum uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels. Mechanistically, PGN inhibited hepatic xanthine oxidase activity and transcriptionally remodeled the urate transport machinery by upregulating renal / and colonic expression, while downregulating renal / and colonic expression. Furthermore, PGN attenuated systemic inflammation by lowering TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Integrative multiomics revealed that PGN remodeled gut microbiota, notably enriching and , and modulated purine and amino acid metabolism. These findings identify YC-derived PGN as a promising postbiotic candidate for targeted HUA intervention via the microbiota-gut-kidney axis.
Fluoride (F) exerts a dual role in agricultural systems, supporting dental mineralization at low levels but inducing multiorgan toxicity under chronic exposure. While the detrimental effects of F have been well documente...Fluoride (F) exerts a dual role in agricultural systems, supporting dental mineralization at low levels but inducing multiorgan toxicity under chronic exposure. While the detrimental effects of F have been well documented, its interactions with co-occurring micronutrients (e.g., Zn, Se, I) and toxicants (e.g., Al, Cd, As) remain incompletely characterized in the context of food production and animal husbandry. Accumulating evidence indicates that essential micronutrients can attenuate F toxicity by potentiating antioxidant defenses and stabilizing metalloenzyme activity, whereas toxicants aggravate F-mediated injury through synergistic oxidative damage. These multielement interactions modulate F bioavailability, tissue distribution, and organ-specific pathology in livestock tissues and food commodities. Critical knowledge gaps persist regarding cumulative exposure thresholds and the practical relevance of animal models for food safety risk assessment. This review synthesizes mechanistic insights into F-element interactions and discusses emerging mitigation strategies to prevent or ameliorate fluorosis under real-world multicontaminant scenarios in agricultural settings.
Terpenoids are valuable natural products that are widely used in medicine, agriculture, energy, and food. Traditional production by plant extraction or chemical synthesis is inefficient, costly, and polluting. Microbial...Terpenoids are valuable natural products that are widely used in medicine, agriculture, energy, and food. Traditional production by plant extraction or chemical synthesis is inefficient, costly, and polluting. Microbial fermentation via synthetic biology offers a greener alternative but faces challenges such as metabolic flux competition, cofactor imbalance, and product toxicity that limit yields. Genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs), as essential tools in systems biology, can provide computational guidance for the rational design. This paper systematically reviews the progress of GSMMs in four typical terpenoid-producing microorganisms: the model microorganisms and , as well as the nonmodel microorganisms cyanobacteria and . It focuses on their applications in fermentation process optimization and metabolic engineering strategies. Furthermore, future development directions, such as multiconstraint models and the integration of machine learning with synthetic biology, are discussed, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the intelligent design and efficient construction of terpenoid cell factories.
Carbonyl reductases (CRs) are a class of oxidoreductases that convert carbonyl groups into hydroxyl groups. The application of CRs in the refined chemical industry is hindered by an unclear catalytic mechanism and low ca...Carbonyl reductases (CRs) are a class of oxidoreductases that convert carbonyl groups into hydroxyl groups. The application of CRs in the refined chemical industry is hindered by an unclear catalytic mechanism and low catalytic activity. In this study, CpCR from ATCC 7330 was engineered via error-prone PCR and semirational design. The T171F mutant exhibited 2-fold enhanced catalytic efficiency toward PAAH, with an extended by 7.0 h and elevated T by 1 °C. Consequently, 2-phenethyl alcohol (2-PE) production achieved a yield of 91.31%, representing a 2.36-fold improvement over wtCpCR. Simultaneously, the P284D/P285W variant displayed 6.2-fold higher / toward CPMK and increased T by 2 °C. ()-(4-Chlorophenyl)(pyridin-2-yl)methanol (CPMA) synthesis using P284D/P285W reached 42.71% yield, which is 9.23-fold greater than that of wtCpCR. Molecular dynamics simulations provided mechanistic insights into enhanced catalytic efficiency. This study establishes rational strategies for CR evolution and advances the green biosynthesis of high-value chiral alcohols.
A purified polysaccharide, named LENP-1, was prepared from and characterized. Structural analysis revealed that this polysaccharide was a (1 → 4)-glucan with a branched structure at the O-6 position via side chains of s...A purified polysaccharide, named LENP-1, was prepared from and characterized. Structural analysis revealed that this polysaccharide was a (1 → 4)-glucan with a branched structure at the O-6 position via side chains of single α-d-glucopyranose (t-Glc) residues. This polysaccharide did not inhibit the proliferation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) but significantly weakened the inhibitory effect of MDSCs on T cell proliferation and reduced the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). LENP-1 could significantly upregulate the levels of MyD88, TAK1, JNK, and c-Jun in MSC-2 cells, while both the ratio of NADP/NADPH and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly downregulated. After blocking JNK or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the above effects of LENP-1 disappeared. In conclusion, LENP-1 could reduce the level of ROS in MDSCs, thereby decreasing the generation of Tregs. This effect is related to the TLR4-MyD88-TAK1-JNK-c-JUN-ROS signaling pathway.
Amino acid-based formulas (AAFs) are increasingly consumed in infants with food allergy (FA), while the effects of their long-term consumption on FA remain poorly known. This study investigated the effects of the long-te...Amino acid-based formulas (AAFs) are increasingly consumed in infants with food allergy (FA), while the effects of their long-term consumption on FA remain poorly known. This study investigated the effects of the long-term consumption of AAFs on FA by subjecting neonatal mice to an amino acid-based diet (AAD). Long-term consumption of AAD exacerbated allergic symptoms, Th2 responses, and mast cell activation and concurrently suppressed the differentiation of CD103 DCs and Tregs in the MLN. Furthermore, integrated metabolomics and metagenomics analysis revealed that AAD induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and altered the systemic metabolome, characterized by a marked depletion of and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA). Critically, oral supplementation with GCDCA effectively attenuated the FA response in AAD-fed mice. In summary, our findings suggest that long-term consumption of AAD aggravates FA via GCDCA depletion, which highlights the necessity to avoid the excessive use of AAFs and positions GCDCA supplementation as a promising therapeutic strategy for FA.
Sodium pheophorbide a (SPA) exhibits positive effects against leaf spot blight caused by in , but how SPA affects resistance to leaf spot blight is currently unknown. This investigation represents the inaugural applicat...Sodium pheophorbide a (SPA) exhibits positive effects against leaf spot blight caused by in , but how SPA affects resistance to leaf spot blight is currently unknown. This investigation represents the inaugural application of integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling to characterize the responses of to SPA exposure. The results demonstrated that 1200 differentially expressed genes and 144 differentially accumulated metabolites were detected in . Integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data sets, we observed that genes and metabolites related to chlorophyll, flavonoid, and lignin metabolic pathways were highly significantly modulated in after SPA treatment, revealing that the three pathways served as key regulators of SPA-triggered resistance of . Our results provide scientific support for elucidating the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying SPA-mediated control of leaf spot blight in .
Cephalosporin residues in agricultural soils, food systems, and aquatic environments pose severe threats to food safety, public health, and the ecological environment. While biodegradation represents a promising remediat...Cephalosporin residues in agricultural soils, food systems, and aquatic environments pose severe threats to food safety, public health, and the ecological environment. While biodegradation represents a promising remediation strategy, the degradation mechanisms for most cephalosporins remain elusive. In this study, TY12 was isolated and demonstrated a broad-spectrum ability to degrade multiple cephalosporins. Notably, strain TY12 exhibited the highest cefixime (CFX) degradation efficiency, achieving a 93.87% removal of 100 mg/L CFX within 12 h. Ten degradation products of CFX were identified via high-resolution mass spectrometry, leading to a proposed degradation pathway. Notably, these products exhibited significantly attenuated antibacterial activity. Transcriptomic analysis and heterologous expression identified β-lactamase TY3865 as the key enzyme. Furthermore, molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis revealed the residues critical for its catalytic activity. These findings provide mechanistic insights into antibiotic biodegradation and demonstrate the potential of TY12 for treating cephalosporin-contaminated wastewater.
Honeydew excreted by phloem-feeding insects is a major plant-derived carbohydrate resource in agroecosystems, yet its chemical sensitivity to climate change remains poorly understood. We examined how elevated atmospheric...Honeydew excreted by phloem-feeding insects is a major plant-derived carbohydrate resource in agroecosystems, yet its chemical sensitivity to climate change remains poorly understood. We examined how elevated atmospheric CO and water limitation affect honeydew primary metabolites and a honeydew-feeding parasitoid. Using a tritrophic system comprising grapevine (), the vine mealybug (), and its parasitoid (), plants were grown under ambient or elevated CO and well-watered or water limitation conditions. Honeydew was quantified, primary metabolites were profiled by GC-MS, and parasitoid longevity and egg load were measured. Honeydew quantity was unaffected by treatments, but elevated CO reduced sugar concentrations, including those of sucrose and erlose, while water limitation increased raffinose and -inositol concentrations. These chemical changes were associated with reduced parasitoid longevity and fecundity, demonstrating that climate-driven alterations in honeydew composition may compromise its nutritional quality, with implications for biological control in vineyard systems.
Phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils is often limited by phytotoxicity and metal availability. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of L. and its symbiotic rhizobia. A nationwide soil survey...Phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils is often limited by phytotoxicity and metal availability. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of L. and its symbiotic rhizobia. A nationwide soil survey revealed significantly lower arsenic (As) in planted versus unplanted soils, and key factors governing metal retention were attenuated in planted soils, indicating plant-mediated interference. Pot experiments confirmed that L. cultivation significantly reduced soil cadmium (Cd) (33.33%), lead (Pb, 39.73%), copper (Cu, 12.92%), and As (23.70%). Among rhizobial isolates, sp. XS6-2 exhibited the highest heavy metal tolerance. Inoculation with XS6-2 increased plant biomass and specifically enhanced chromium (Cr) and Pb remediation. Microbiome analysis showed that XS6-2 reshaped the rhizosphere community and strengthened microbial interactions. Our findings demonstrate a potent plant-microbe synergy that alleviates phytotoxicity and increases metal availability, offering an effective strategy to advance phytoremediation.
Iron deficiency remains a critical global nutritional challenge, and food iron fortification is the primary intervention strategy for alleviating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In this study, iron complexes based on fibro...Iron deficiency remains a critical global nutritional challenge, and food iron fortification is the primary intervention strategy for alleviating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In this study, iron complexes based on fibrous aggregates (FA-Fe) and amorphous aggregates (AA-Fe) of Antarctic Krill protein were fabricated to investigate their structure-activity relationships and iron supplementation efficacy. Both complexes coordinated Fe via carboxyl and amino groups, with FA-Fe exhibiting higher iron chelation capacity and structure-dependent functional divergence. In vitro digestion revealed sustained gastric release of FA-Fe, resulting in higher intestinal soluble iron content (19.05%) and bioaccessibility than AA-Fe and FeSO. In the IDA model, FA-Fe restored hemoglobin, tissue iron stores, and iron homeostasis-related gene expression while mitigating gastric inflammation and oxidative stress, demonstrating superior biocompatibility. Thus, FA-Fe combines high efficacy with low gastrointestinal irritation, positioning structurally diverse Antarctic Krill protein aggregates as promising iron supplement carriers.
Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) are highly reactive molecules linked to chronic diseases. Dihydromyricetin (DMY), a high-activity RCS scavenger, exhibited MGO- and ACR-scavenging rates of 70.1% (0.5 h) and 70.3% (2 h) at...Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) are highly reactive molecules linked to chronic diseases. Dihydromyricetin (DMY), a high-activity RCS scavenger, exhibited MGO- and ACR-scavenging rates of 70.1% (0.5 h) and 70.3% (2 h) at 37 °C, respectively. Multiple RCS-DMY adducts were characterized using UPLC-MS/MS, and DMY-2MGO-1 and DMY-2ACR-1 were synthesized. RCS adducts formed by DMY and its six degradation products were semiquantified in a DMY-Δ + RCS model system and in human urine and fecal samples after consuming hot-brewed (3 g) and cold-brewed (3 and 6 g) vine tea as DMY carriers. A dose-dependent increase in RCS-adduct excretion was observed in the cold-brewed tea groups, while hot-brewed tea contributed to RCS-scavenging via DMY degradation products (13.5%). No significant difference in RCS-adduct levels was found between the cold-brewed (6 g) and hot-brewed (3 g) tea groups. Overall, these findings suggest that DMY and vine tea are effective RCS scavengers.
The intestinal barrier-protective efficacy of quercetin (Que) is limited by its poor gastrointestinal stability and insufficient bioaccessibility. To overcome this, we engineered a dual-fibril gel delivery system for Que...The intestinal barrier-protective efficacy of quercetin (Que) is limited by its poor gastrointestinal stability and insufficient bioaccessibility. To overcome this, we engineered a dual-fibril gel delivery system for Que, termed QTC, through the assembly of tiger-nut protein fibrils and carboxylated cellulose nanofibrils. In the DSS-induced intestinal barrier injury mouse model, QTC outperformed free Que in preserving intestinal mucosal architecture and mitigating epithelial damage. It markedly restored intestinal barrier integrity, reflected by the upregulation of tight-junction proteins and reduced intestinal permeability. Furthermore, QTC effectively suppressed inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, thereby maintaining barrier homeostasis. Notably, QTC intervention positively modulated the gut microbiota, enriching for beneficial genera and boosting short-chain fatty acid production. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the novel QTC gel significantly amplified the intestinal barrier-protective effects of Que. This study provides an effective food-grade delivery strategy to enhance the efficacy of polyphenols for gut health management.
, commonly known as Chinese pepper, widely used globally as a spice for its unique numbing-tingling sensation and flavor-enhancing properties, owes its key biological activity to sanshool, a major polyunsaturated fatty a..., commonly known as Chinese pepper, widely used globally as a spice for its unique numbing-tingling sensation and flavor-enhancing properties, owes its key biological activity to sanshool, a major polyunsaturated fatty acid amide component, mainly present in its pericarps. This work comprehensively examines and summarizes sanshool's distribution, biosynthesis, stability, and bioavailability, while reviewing and discussing its potent biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms, including antioxidation, analgesia, anti-inflammation, antiobesity, and antidiabetic effects. Various delivery systems for improving the stability and bioavailability of sanshool are also summarized and evaluated, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and emulsions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of sanshool's physiochemical properties and health benefits, facilitating its greater application in the food and nutraceutical industries.
Drug resistance and toxicity have made methicillin-resistant (MRSA) a major threat to livestock, creating an urgent need for novel anti-MRSA agents that are potent, safe, and less prone to resistance. Using magnolol and...Drug resistance and toxicity have made methicillin-resistant (MRSA) a major threat to livestock, creating an urgent need for novel anti-MRSA agents that are potent, safe, and less prone to resistance. Using magnolol and dunnianol as leads, we developed anti-MRSA derivatives. Bioactivity screening identified derivative as the most promising candidate, exhibiting MICs of 1-2 μg/mL against standard and clinical MRSA strains, low hemolysis (HC = 129.66 μg/mL), and a high selectivity index (64.83). Mechanistically, rapidly disrupted bacterial membrane integrity, causing content leakage, out-performing vancomycin in speed, showing no resistance tendency, and exhibiting good plasma stability. also demonstrated low cytotoxicity and no adverse effects on liver, kidney, or hematopoietic function in mice. In a murine MRSA skin infection model, reduced abscess size and alleviated inflammation comparable to vancomycin, but without nephrotoxicity. Overall, is a promising anti-MRSA agent for animal husbandry.
As the share of chiral pesticides rises annually, conducting enantiomer-specific toxicology can promote single-isomer application, helping to reduce pesticide use and environmental risks. Pydiflumetofen (PYD) is a chiral...As the share of chiral pesticides rises annually, conducting enantiomer-specific toxicology can promote single-isomer application, helping to reduce pesticide use and environmental risks. Pydiflumetofen (PYD) is a chiral fungicide with a long half-life; however, its enantioselective neurotoxicity remains poorly understood. This study revealed the toxic risks of PYD and its isomers, demonstrating that PYD induces neurodevelopmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos, with the toxic effects primarily attributed to -PYD. The results showed that PYD exposure caused morphological abnormalities, reduced spontaneous movement, brain tissue damage, and decreased numbers of central and motor neurons. Mechanistically, PYD suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating and downregulating , β-, , a, and . Notably, cotreatment with the pathway agonist TWS119 significantly attenuated -PYD-induced neurotoxicity, strongly indicating that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a key target of -PYD. Overall, PYD impairs zebrafish neurodevelopment by inhibiting the Wnt/β- pathway, with -PYD being the most toxic enantiomer.
Yam starch (YS) alleviates ulcerative colitis (UC), but whether heat-moisture treatment (HMT) enhances this effect remains unclear. This study examined the impact of HMT on the structural features of yam starch and yam f...Yam starch (YS) alleviates ulcerative colitis (UC), but whether heat-moisture treatment (HMT) enhances this effect remains unclear. This study examined the impact of HMT on the structural features of yam starch and yam flour (YF) and their UC-mitigating capacity. The results showed that HMT increased the resistant starch (RS) content in YF by forming starch-lipid complexes and, in YS, it enhanced the RS content through recrystallization. Animal experiments demonstrated that YF, HMT-modified YF, YS, and HMT-modified YS all alleviate UC symptoms, with HMTYS being the most effective. Specifically, HMTYS corrected DSS-induced intestinal flora imbalances by promoting beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, bacteroides, and akkermansia). Short-chain fatty acids produced from RS fermentation by these bacteria repaired the intestinal barrier and inhibited inflammation, creating a cycle that alleviated the colitis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments confirmed that HMTYS alleviates UC by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing the level of SCFA production.