is a crucial food-grade (GRAS) bacterial chassis widely utilized for the industrial production of amino acids and nutraceuticals. However, the efficient production of recombinant proteins and secondary metabolites in thi...is a crucial food-grade (GRAS) bacterial chassis widely utilized for the industrial production of amino acids and nutraceuticals. However, the efficient production of recombinant proteins and secondary metabolites in this host remains limited by context dependence and low translational efficiency. To overcome this, we introduce a 5'-end translationalization strategy. By repurposing passive 5' untranslated regions (5'UTRs) into actively translated fore-cistrons, we converted conventional monocistronic designs into context-independent, leaderless polycistronic designs (PCDs). This assembly of concatenated fore-cistrons functions as a translational amplifier, largely decoupling protein output from mRNA abundance. We validated this platform by optimizing two biomanufacturing paradigms: achieving a 4.07-fold enhanced secretion of OmlA, a porcine vaccine antigen, and boosting biosynthesis of the food-grade pigment indigoidine to 1.20 g/L (a 7.33-fold increase over baselines). Together, this framework establishes a versatile, portable toolkit to overcome translational bottlenecks, enabling robust hyperproduction of recombinant proteins and engineered metabolites in biotechnology.
Metalaxyl (MX) is a chiral fungicide widely used in aquaculture. Research indicates that there are significant differences in pharmacological activity and toxicity among the enantiomers of metalaxyl, but data on their en...Metalaxyl (MX) is a chiral fungicide widely used in aquaculture. Research indicates that there are significant differences in pharmacological activity and toxicity among the enantiomers of metalaxyl, but data on their enantioselective fate in aquaculture systems are limited. This study investigated the enantioselective behavior of metalaxyl in the water-sediment-grass carp () system through spray administration. Results showed that -metalaxyl is eliminated more rapidly in the kidney, liver, gills, and muscle of the grass carp, while -metalaxyl degraded faster in sediment. No interconversion was observed between the enantiomers of metalaxyl in the aquaculture system, and five metabolites were identified, including hydroxylation, demethylation, and didemethylation products. Toxicity predictions suggest that metabolites may be more developmentally toxic and mutagenic than the parent compound, but that the ecological and dietary safety risks of MX are controllable.
As one of the most consumed meat products globally, microplastics (MPs) residues in chickens may enter the human body through the food chain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of MPs exposure...As one of the most consumed meat products globally, microplastics (MPs) residues in chickens may enter the human body through the food chain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of MPs exposure on chicken health and the detoxification mechanisms of astaxanthin (AST). We found that MPs significantly impaired liver function, inducing injury characterized by hepatocyte ferroptosis, inflammation, lipid disorder, and fibrosis. This hepatic damage was linked to MPs-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of the intestinal barrier. AST exerted hepatoprotective effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and attenuating hepatic oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In parallel, AST improved gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier integrity, thereby potentially reducing gut-derived inflammatory burden. Together, these findings suggest that AST confers liver protection through both direct hepatic actions and indirect modulation of the gut-liver axis.
In-depth chemical characterization provides key fingerprints for honey authentication. An integrated approach combining UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based molecular networking (MN) with HSQC NMR-based small molecule accurate recogniti...In-depth chemical characterization provides key fingerprints for honey authentication. An integrated approach combining UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based molecular networking (MN) with HSQC NMR-based small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART) was applied to characterize the chemical profile of honey from the Qinling Mountains. Twenty-eight metabolites were identified, with alkaloids and lipids being the most abundant. Targeted isolation of predominant fractions yielded four alkaloids (lumichrome, chestnutamide, deoxyvascinone, and 2-quinolone), one ionone derivative (plasiaticine I), and one ester (cetyl triacontanoate), all first reported in honey as potential markers. H NMR-based metabolomics coupled with OPLS-DA showed 13 unifloral honeys clustered by botanical origin. With this model, characteristic NMR signals of honey (δ 2.28 [t], 3.45 [s], 4.05 [t] ppm) were identified, among which the two triplets match the oxygenated methylene of the isolated compounds. These findings clarify the chemical basis of honey and provide an integrated approach for authentication.
Extracting lignin from lignocellulosic biomass without uncontrolled condensation is challenging due to the formation of recalcitrant C-C bonds during traditional pulping and organosolv fractionation methods, leading to l...Extracting lignin from lignocellulosic biomass without uncontrolled condensation is challenging due to the formation of recalcitrant C-C bonds during traditional pulping and organosolv fractionation methods, leading to limited valorization of technical lignins. Emerging "lignin-first" strategies aim to prevent condensation using active stabilization methods but often yield modified protected lignin structures. Here, we report the production of an α-chloro-stabilized lignin, both directly from biomass and from acetal-protected lignin, with up to 96% α-chlorination of native α-hydroxy β-aryl ether (β-O-4) linkages. This α-chloro lignin can be converted to a native-like β-O-4 lignin via simple hydrolysis at conditions that are sufficiently mild to largely avoid lignin condensation, yielding up to 63% of the near-theoretical reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) monomer yield on hydrogenolysis. Moreover, we used α-chloro lignin under reductive conditions to produce up to 4.2 wt % of native plant monolignols─coniferyl and sinapyl alcohol, effectively reversing lignin biosynthesis.
Natural products serve as a vital source of compounds for the development of novel agricultural antifungal agents. In this study, a series of novel l-perillyl alcohol amide/hydrazide derivatives containing a piperazine m...Natural products serve as a vital source of compounds for the development of novel agricultural antifungal agents. In this study, a series of novel l-perillyl alcohol amide/hydrazide derivatives containing a piperazine moiety were designed and synthesized using l-perillyl alcohol as the structural scaffold. In vitro bioactivity assays demonstrated that most of the target compounds exhibited significant antifungal activity. Notably, compound displayed broad-spectrum antifungal potency, with EC values of 0.212, 2.35, 4.76, 2.31, and 1.90 μg/mL against , , , and , respectively. Further in vivo evaluations confirmed that compound exhibited favorable protective efficacy against , , and , highlighting its potential as a novel agricultural antifungal agent. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the antifungal activity of compound against is achieved by disrupting the normal morphology and cellular structure of hyphae, increasing cell membrane permeability, inducing the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and impairing mitochondrial function, which ultimately inhibits the growth and proliferation of hyphae. Moreover, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzymatic activity assays and molecular dynamic simulations further confirmed that compound shares a highly analogous action mechanism and binding mode to SDH with boscalid. These findings offer valuable insights for developing novel SDH-inhibiting fungicides.
Food allergy is a significant worldwide issue. This review comprehensively summarizes the allergenic mechanisms and allergen characteristics of "big nine" allergenic foods, highlighting glycation as a promising strategy...Food allergy is a significant worldwide issue. This review comprehensively summarizes the allergenic mechanisms and allergen characteristics of "big nine" allergenic foods, highlighting glycation as a promising strategy for reducing allergenicity and improving functional properties in foods. It is found that food allergenicity is related to major allergenic proteins. Glycation, via wet and dry methods, causes protein aggregation and structural changes to mask and destroy epitopes for decreasing food allergenicity. And oral administration of glycated proteins modulates Th1/Th2 balance and regulates gut microbiota to alleviate allergic reactions. The effectiveness of glycation depends on multiple factors such as sugar type and reaction conditions. Besides, glycated samples exhibit improved functional properties such as foaming and emulsifying properties and antioxidant activity. Therefore, glycation is an efficient and promising strategy for producing hypoallergenic food products with enhanced functionality. Future work should optimize processes, validate clinically, and balance allergenicity with function quality.
Maltogenic amylase (AmyM) hydrolyzes starch to produce maltodextrin, thereby retarding bread staling via starch retrogradation inhibition. However, poor thermal stability limits its industrial application in high-tempera...Maltogenic amylase (AmyM) hydrolyzes starch to produce maltodextrin, thereby retarding bread staling via starch retrogradation inhibition. However, poor thermal stability limits its industrial application in high-temperature baking. In this study, we employed a computer-aided dual strategy to enhance the thermostability of AmyM-M2 (D261G/T288P) from . Flexible regions were identified via AlphaFold3 and Gromacs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. By integrating MD-guided saturation and virtual screening-assisted mutagenesis, we obtained two highly stable mutants: M2-A138P and M2-F188I. At 70 °C, their half-lives extended dramatically from 3 h (parent) to 18 and 36 h, respectively. Baking experiments demonstrated both mutants exhibited superior performance in maintaining bread elasticity and delaying hardening compared to the parent enzyme. MD analysis revealed these mutations improve overall structural stability by restricting thermal fluctuations via enhanced local hydrophobic interactions and conformational rigidity. This rational design strategy provides a feasible scheme for engineering the thermostability of industrial enzymes.
RNA interference (RNAi) offers a sequence-specific and sustainable strategy for crop protection, yet inefficient double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery remains a major bottleneck for agricultural applications. Rapid enviro...RNA interference (RNAi) offers a sequence-specific and sustainable strategy for crop protection, yet inefficient double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery remains a major bottleneck for agricultural applications. Rapid environmental degradation, restricted penetration across biological barriers, and poor intracellular availability collectively constrain gene silencing outcomes. Nanocarriers can improve dsRNA stability, biological barrier penetration, cellular uptake, and intracellular release, but rational design principles for agricultural RNAi delivery are still lacking. This review systematically summarizes inorganic, organic, hybrid, and bioderived nanocarriers and establishes a barrier-guided design framework linking specific delivery obstacles with tailored physicochemical properties. Structure-activity relationships governing dsRNA protection, transport, uptake, and release are critically analyzed, together with key challenges associated with biological variability, scalability, biosafety, regulatory pathways, and field translation. Finally, we outline future directions for moving from laboratory proof-of-concept to field-deployable RNAi delivery systems, supporting the development of sustainable crop protection.
-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-'-phenyl--phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q) is an emerging environmental pollutant with limited research on its reproductive toxicity. In this study, female offspring mice were exposed to 6PPD-Q duri...-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-'-phenyl--phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q) is an emerging environmental pollutant with limited research on its reproductive toxicity. In this study, female offspring mice were exposed to 6PPD-Q during gestation and lactation. The results revealed that 6PPD-Q exposure disrupted the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis in postnatal day (PND) 22 female offspring mice, leading to precocious puberty and estrous cycle irregularities, accompanied by substantial metabolic alterations. At PND 71, disturbances in the HPO axis and metabolic functions were observed. In both and experiments, 6PPD-Q was found to suppress hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion via the Kisspeptin/GPR54 pathway, inhibit pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion through the PKC/c-Raf/ERK1/2/IEGs pathway, and induce oxidative stress in human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN), resulting in a reduction in estradiol (E) secretion. Collectively, this study provides novel theoretical insights into the potential reproductive toxicity and metabolic impact of 6PPD-Q.
We elucidate the molecular identity and salt-responsive dynamics of walnut storage proteins. Aqueous processing disperses them primarily as protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) and their fragments. Upon complete seed coat rem...We elucidate the molecular identity and salt-responsive dynamics of walnut storage proteins. Aqueous processing disperses them primarily as protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) and their fragments. Upon complete seed coat removal, they are identified as globulins, exhibiting exceptional solubility (>96%) at 9-17% NaCl. Crucially, they possess a halophilic-like architecture: a highly charged, low-lysine surface isolating scattered hydrophobic sites. This unique topology fundamentally dictates their phase behaviors. In dilute systems, it anchors a resilient hydration shell that prevents aggregation. In concentrated PSV isolates (5-13% NaCl), this architecture triggers liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), mirroring the crowded intracellular environments of halophilic microorganisms. The resulting lubricating microdroplets uniquely liquefy the dense PSV paste. Conversely, at extreme salinities (≥17% NaCl), severe macromolecular crowding and dehydration disrupt this barrier, triggering multivalent cross-linking and rheological fracture. Ultimately, this halophilic-like architecture comprehensively governs the hyper-solubility, salt-induced LLPS, and anomalous macroscopic functionality of walnut globulins.
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are emerging atmospheric contaminants in facility agriculture, yet their foliar transformations and phytotoxic mechanisms remain unclear. We compared the uptake, translocation, metabolism, and phy...Phthalate esters (PAEs) are emerging atmospheric contaminants in facility agriculture, yet their foliar transformations and phytotoxic mechanisms remain unclear. We compared the uptake, translocation, metabolism, and physiological effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in lettuce after foliar exposure. The more hydrophobic DEHP accumulated in cuticular wax and leaves and caused oxidative lipid damage, whereas DBP was weakly retained in wax, translocated more readily to roots, and elicited stronger antioxidant responses. Both compounds were converted to monoesters, which accumulated at higher concentrations than their parent PAEs. Metabolomics revealed that DBP specifically upregulated arginine metabolism, suggesting an enhanced defense, whereas DEHP was associated with glutathione metabolism and ABC transporter pathways, consistent with responses to membrane peroxidation. These findings show that PAE physicochemical properties govern their fate in plants and drive compound-specific metabolic disturbances with important implications for crop safety under atmospheric PAE pollution.
Lead (Pb) toxicity disrupts cellular redox homeostasis and photosynthesis, highlighting the need to uncover the mechanisms underlying Pb tolerance in phytoremediation. In this study, we characterized , an α/β gene enhanc...Lead (Pb) toxicity disrupts cellular redox homeostasis and photosynthesis, highlighting the need to uncover the mechanisms underlying Pb tolerance in phytoremediation. In this study, we characterized , an α/β gene enhancing Pb tolerance in tomato. was strongly Pb-induced (∼30-fold at 24 h) and was localized to the plasma membrane, acting as a methyl jasmonate esterase converting methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to jasmonic acid (JA). Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) revealed that SlABH15 interacts with KAT2, a key peroxisomal enzyme in JA biosynthesis, and this interaction was strongly enhanced by Pb and JA. overexpression improved Pb tolerance, reduced ROS accumulation, sustained photosynthesis, and decreased tissue Pb content. Conversely, silencing reduced JA levels, exacerbated oxidative damage, and repressed genes involved in JA and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Collectively, our results demonstrate that acts as a critical positive regulator integrating MeJA hydrolysis and JA biosynthesis to maintain plant defense and photosynthetic homeostasis under Pb stress.
Hull-less Barley (HB) is a staple crop cultivated on the Tibetan Plateau with a history of over 3500 years. It contains abundant nutrients and active components, including dietary fiber, proteins, starch, polyphenols, an...Hull-less Barley (HB) is a staple crop cultivated on the Tibetan Plateau with a history of over 3500 years. It contains abundant nutrients and active components, including dietary fiber, proteins, starch, polyphenols, and γ-aminobutyric acid, exhibiting diverse physiological activities including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. Among these, β-glucan and polyphenols are the most valuable bioactive components, contributing to the three most prominent functions of HB: hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant activities. Nowadays, the application of HB in developing novel value-added products has been impeded by the incomplete understanding of its phytochemistry, bioactivity, and pharmacology. In light of the potential benefits of HB, we systematically summarized up-to-date information on the nutrients and functional active ingredients in HB and focused on introducing their pharmacological characteristics as well as the specific biological effects. This review will promote the comprehensive utilization of HB to develop healthcare products to support the improvement of human well-being.
Isoflavones are flavonoids with antioxidant and health-promoting properties; however, the genetic basis underlying their accumulation remains unclear. Here, we integrate metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to investi...Isoflavones are flavonoids with antioxidant and health-promoting properties; however, the genetic basis underlying their accumulation remains unclear. Here, we integrate metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to investigate isoflavone biosynthesis in two sister soybean lines differing in seed isoflavone content. UPLC-MS/MS reveals that GD10 consistently accumulates higher levels of isoflavone glycosides during late seed maturation. Transcriptomic profiling shows that isoflavone 7-O-glucosyltransferase () and chalcone isomerase () are upregulated in GD10, whereas GD12 exhibits higher expression of flavonol synthase () and flavonoid 3'-monooxygenase (), redirecting flux toward competing flavonoid branches. Co-expression network analysis identified 20 transcription factors potentially involved in isoflavone regulation, of which colocalize with previously identified flavonoid QTLs. Hairy-root assays demonstrate that promotes daidzin accumulation, whereas Y1H and dual-luciferase assays demonstrate that TF_NAC_2 directly binds to the promoter and activates its expression. These findings provide molecular targets for breeding soybean cultivars with enhanced isoflavone content.
The immunomodulatory mechanisms of Fu brick tea polysaccharides (FBTPs) remain poorly defined, particularly regarding their structure-bioactivity relationship and the causal involvement of the gut microbiota. To address...The immunomodulatory mechanisms of Fu brick tea polysaccharides (FBTPs) remain poorly defined, particularly regarding their structure-bioactivity relationship and the causal involvement of the gut microbiota. To address this, we investigated structurally distinct FBTPs prepared via an optimized ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction protocol (designated UAEPS). Characterization revealed that UAEPS possesses unique structural features, such as a lower molecular weight and higher carbohydrate content, distinguishing it from polysaccharides obtained via traditional method (HWEPS). Functionally, UAEPS exhibited potent in vitro bioactivities, including significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects. In immunosuppressed mouse model, UAEPS restored immune homeostasis, attenuated multiorgan damage, and reshaped the gut microbiota, with marked enrichment of . The causal role of the gut microbiota was further confirmed by a fecal microbiota transplantation experiment, where recipients mirrored the protective immunomodulatory effects. Collectively, UAEPS represents structurally distinct FBTPs whose immunomodulatory activity is mediated through gut microbiota remodeling.
The present study engineered a bioactive seed coating based on molecularly optimized chitosan-salicylic acid (SA-CS) networks to fortify folate biosynthesis in wheat seedlings. Among tested phytohormones, salicylic acid...The present study engineered a bioactive seed coating based on molecularly optimized chitosan-salicylic acid (SA-CS) networks to fortify folate biosynthesis in wheat seedlings. Among tested phytohormones, salicylic acid (SA) promoted seedling growth, folate accumulation, and antioxidant capacity. Composite coatings were fabricated using chitosan of varying molecular weights; films formulated with 0.3% medium molecular weight chitosan and 0.1% SA (SA-MCS) exhibited moderate water vapor permeability and sustained release, creating a favorable microenvironment for germination. SA-MCS coatings significantly increased total folates from 569.87 to 702.75 μg 100 g DW. Mechanistically, controlled SA delivery upregulated GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) and aminodeoxychorismate synthase (ADCS), accelerating metabolic flux into the pterin and -aminobenzoic acid (ABA) branches. Multiomics analysis revealed coordinated mobilization of carbon units from histidine catabolism and glutamate into one-carbon metabolism, providing structural backbones and methyl groups for folate enrichment. These findings demonstrate SA-CS coatings as an efficient, biodegradable seed delivery platform for eco-friendly folate biofortification.
is one of the most destructive pathogens that cause serious damage to fruits and vegetables. The effective management of thus requires the continuous development of new fungicides with novel structures or distinct modes...is one of the most destructive pathogens that cause serious damage to fruits and vegetables. The effective management of thus requires the continuous development of new fungicides with novel structures or distinct modes of action. This study on nitropyridine chemistry led to the discovery of ). exhibits excellent fungicidal potency against (EC = 0.47 mg/L), superior to or comparable to the commercial products, such as procymidone, boscalid, and fluopyram. Notably, probably operates through a distinct fungicidal mechanism that does not affect energy metabolism but instead potently suppresses the ribosome biogenesis pathway of pathogenic fungi. This mechanism also allows to demonstrate a low toxicity to mammals, bees, and birds.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by spp. play a pivotal role in the biocontrol of phytopathogens. In this study, VOC profiles were characterized from 14 isolates representing eight species, and their antifung...Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by spp. play a pivotal role in the biocontrol of phytopathogens. In this study, VOC profiles were characterized from 14 isolates representing eight species, and their antifungal activity was evaluated against and . The isolates CRRI-T5 () and NRRI-T27 () were found to be the most potent isolates. VOCs of potent isolates were enriched in short-chain esters, alcohols, ketones, lactones, and monoterpenes. Orthogonal partial least-squares (OPLS) analysis showed that compounds 2-heptanone, 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP), p-dichlorobenzene, δ-dodecalactone, and 1-octanol were linked to inhibition of both pathogens. 6-PP showed the strongest antifungal effect against both and , with 3-methyl-1-butanol showing activity against . Molecular docking studies showed that these compounds could inhibit the activities of the enzymes trehalase, pectate lyase, and cytochrome P450 (CYP51). This integrated approach helped to identify antifungal VOCs of strains.
Dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) contribute to insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. This study investigated whether oat β-glucan (OBG) could alleviate AGE-induced metabolic dysfunction in mice. Mice w...Dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) contribute to insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. This study investigated whether oat β-glucan (OBG) could alleviate AGE-induced metabolic dysfunction in mice. Mice were fed a high-AGE (HA) diet, with OBG administered either by coingestion (HOS) or alternate-day intake (HOA). OBG supplementation reduced weight gain, hyperinsulinemia, and hepatic lipid accumulation without affecting food intake. Histology showed attenuated lipid deposition in the liver and kidney, with HOS exhibiting stronger improvement. Transcriptomics and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that OBG coingestion enhanced glycolysis, the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation, while downregulating steatosis-related genes. Western blot validated protein-level changes in key lipid regulators. These findings indicate that OBG protects against AGE-induced metabolic disorder mainly through transcriptional reprogramming of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. The superior efficacy of coingested OBG may be related to its potential physical barrier effect on intestinal AGE absorption, which needs to be further verified by direct experimental evidence.