Biology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Integrated Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal a Two-Tier Adaptive Strategy for Wheat Root Salt Tolerance: Constitutive Auxin Biosynthetic Capacity and Stress-Responsive Transcriptional Repression.
Kim KH, Jeong JY, Kim T … +3 more , Park SY, Lee BM, Kim JY
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345821 · Full text
Soil salinity is a major constraint on global wheat productivity, yet the genetic and molecular determinants of root system architecture (RSA) adaptation under salt stress remain poorly characterized. We integrated a gen...
Soil salinity is a major constraint on global wheat productivity, yet the genetic and molecular determinants of root system architecture (RSA) adaptation under salt stress remain poorly characterized. We integrated a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 566 wheat accessions with comparative RNA-seq transcriptomics to identify the genetic and transcriptional determinants of RSA adaptation under 200 mM NaCl. GWAS identified a candidate locus on chromosome 7B harboring , which encodes a protein with predicted aldehyde oxidase-like activity consistent with a role in tryptophan-dependent auxin biosynthesis. Accessions carrying the favorable CC allele exhibited significantly greater root volume retention than those carrying the GG genotype ( < 0.001). Comparative RNA-seq revealed that the salt-tolerant Sarajevo 1 exhibited coordinated transcriptional repression of three distinct modules-cell wall expansion (), auxin redistribution (), and stress-associated ROS defense ()-whereas the sensitive genotype CI 17260 aberrantly induced or incompletely repressed these modules under stress. ELISA-based IAA quantification, ROS imaging, and qRT-PCR analysis provided independent physiological and transcriptional support for these patterns. These findings support a two-tier adaptive model in which constitutive genetic variation at the locus may contribute to a developmental baseline, coupled with coordinated stress-responsive transcriptional repression of energy-consuming modules, providing promising targets for marker-assisted breeding of salt-tolerant wheat.
Expression of Phosphomimetic OSTM1-T328E/S329D Variant Partially Restores Bone Resorption Defect in LRRK1-Deficient Mice.
Udayakumar A, Chen Y, Zhao H … +2 more , Mohan S, Xing W
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345820 · Full text
LRRK1 is essential for osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and loss of LRRK1 function causes osteopetrosis in mice and humans. However, the mechanisms by which LRRK1 regulates osteoclast activity remain incompletely def...
LRRK1 is essential for osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and loss of LRRK1 function causes osteopetrosis in mice and humans. However, the mechanisms by which LRRK1 regulates osteoclast activity remain incompletely defined. We previously identified that phosphorylation of OSTM1 at threonine 328 and serine 329 was compromised in LRRK1-deficient osteoclasts. To test the role for OSTM1 phosphorylation in LRRK1 regulation of osteoclast functions, we expressed a phosphomimetic OSTM1 variant in LRRK1-null osteoclasts. Overexpression of phosphomimetic, but not a dephosphomimetic variant, partially restored resorptive activity in LRRK1-deficient osteoclasts in vitro. To test OSTM1's role in rescuing defective bone resorption in mice, we generated knock-in (KI) mice and crossed them onto the -deficient background. KI mice displayed normal skeletal development and bone remodeling. When crossed to the -deficient background, OSTM1-T328E/S329D expression increased osteoclast resorptive activity and bone formation and partially improved trabecular architecture, although bone volume remained unchanged. These findings demonstrate that OSTM1 phosphorylation contributes to LRRK1-dependent regulation of osteoclast function and identify the LRRK1-OSTM1 pathway as a mechanistic node controlling bone resorption. Our work provides new insight into the molecular basis of LRRK1-mediated osteoclast function and highlights OSTM1 phosphorylation as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic bone diseases.
Molecular, Microbial, and Ecological Drivers of Duckweed Phytoremediation in Aquatic Environments.
Thingujam D, Malacrinò A, Pajerowska-Mukhtar KM … +1 more , Mukhtar MS
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345819 · Full text
Aquatic ecosystems are under severe stress from a diverse combination of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics, driven by rapid industrialization, intensive agriculture, and...
Aquatic ecosystems are under severe stress from a diverse combination of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics, driven by rapid industrialization, intensive agriculture, and urbanization. Globally, 80% of wastewater remains untreated, and conventional systems often fail to address emerging contaminants. Consequently, toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury can persist in water sources for decades. In response, phytoremediation has emerged as a scalable, eco-friendly, nature-based alternative. Among phytoremediation agents, duckweeds are increasingly recognized for their rapid growth, simple morphology, and continuous water-column contact. This review outlines the landscape of duckweed-based remediation, detailing molecular detoxification pathways and the synergistic role of associated microbiomes in enhancing environmental cleanup. Evidence indicates that contaminant removal is often supported by plant-microbe interactions. Despite extensive laboratory validation, field-scale implementation remains constrained by environmental complexity, pollutant mixtures, and variable climatic conditions. Furthermore, while duckweed systems hold promise within circular bioeconomy frameworks, converting wastewater into nutrient-rich biomass, contaminant accumulation in plant tissues raises concerns about biomass utilization and contaminant carryover. Addressing these challenges requires an integrative approach that links molecular detoxification, ecological interactions, and engineered system design to realize the full potential of duckweeds for sustainable aquatic pollution management.
Identification of the Gene Family in and Analysis of Its Expression Patterns Under Drought Stress.
Yang M, Sun S, Su W … +3 more , Ma Y, Hu X, Ji K
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345818 · Full text
is an important native economic and ecological tree species in southern China, where seasonal drought has emerged as a critical factor limiting its productivity. The gene family, recognized as core early auxin-responsiv...
is an important native economic and ecological tree species in southern China, where seasonal drought has emerged as a critical factor limiting its productivity. The gene family, recognized as core early auxin-responsive genes, plays a crucial role in balancing plant growth, development, and stress adaptation; however, research related to this family in conifers remains limited. Utilizing the chromosome-level genome of , this study identified 73 genes () through bioinformatics methods, systematically analyzing the physicochemical properties of the encoded proteins, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and cis-acting elements. Combined with transcriptome sequencing and molecular experiments, the drought stress response patterns of these genes were further elucidated. The results indicated that genes predominantly encode alkaline proteins, primarily localized in mitochondria and nuclei, with an uneven distribution across nine chromosomes, where tandem duplication serves as the primary mechanism driving family expansion. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into seven subfamilies, which include both conserved clades homologous to angiosperms and branches specific to . All members contain the Auxin_inducible conserved domain, with motif1 identified as the core essential motif. Promoter regions were enriched with MeJA (methyl jasmonate)-responsive (56%), ABA-responsive, and drought stress-related cis-elements. Under drought stress, 38 genes exhibited diverse temporal expression patterns. Four key genes (, and ), which are localized in the nucleus and exhibit high expression specifically in male cones or roots, were identified. These genes exhibit an expression pattern consistent with an auxin-negative response (i.e., repressed by IAA and induced by drought) and display a distinctive response pattern characterized by drought-induced upregulation coupled with IAA-mediated downregulation. This mechanism may contribute to the drought adaptation strategies of , involving regulatory processes for aboveground reproduction and adaptation of the underground root system. This study represents the first effort to elucidate the evolutionary characteristics and drought response patterns of the gene family in , thereby addressing the existing research gap regarding the functions of genes in coniferous trees. Furthermore, it offers candidate gene resources and theoretical support for the molecular breeding of stress resistance in . In addition, two auxin-induced genes ( and ) were identified as contrasting examples, but the main focus of this study is on the four auxin-repressed genes.
Horizontal Gene Transfer in : Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence in a One Health Context.
Stefan G, Gurau MR, Ciocîrlie N … +7 more , Tudor L, Bărăităreanu S, Tache-Codreanu DL, Sporea C, Gligor A, Iancu I, Herman V
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345817 · Full text
is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. Although infection in immunocompetent individuals is often asymptomatic or limited to mild s...
is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a foodborne zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. Although infection in immunocompetent individuals is often asymptomatic or limited to mild self-limiting gastroenteritis, may cause severe invasive disease in vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, neonates, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients. Although the incidence of listeriosis is relatively low compared with many other foodborne pathogens, the high hospitalization and mortality rates associated with clinical cases make this bacterium a major concern for food safety and public health. The evolutionary success of reflects the interaction between a conserved core genome and a dynamic accessory genome shaped by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), ecological selection, and expansion of specific clones. Transient intestinal carriage in humans and animals, potentially influenced by gut microbiome composition, creates ecological interfaces where plasmids, transposons, prophages, and integrative conjugative elements contribute to the exchange of antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence factors, and stress tolerance systems. Virulence diversification is further influenced by the differential distribution of pathogenicity islands such as LIPI-1, LIPI-3, and LIPI-4 across specific clonal lineages. These evolutionary processes occur across interconnected farm, food-production, environmental, and clinical ecosystems consistent with the One Health framework. Advances in whole-genome sequencing have clarified lineage-specific gene flow, expansion of specific clones, and the dynamics of the resistome and mobilome in populations. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the mobile genetic elements and ecological interfaces that shape horizontal gene transfer in . Its novelty lies in integrating antimicrobial resistance, virulence-associated genomic islands, stress adaptation, and gut microbiome-mediated selection within a One Health and metapopulation framework. The main message of this review is that HGT should be interpreted as a context-dependent contributor to adaptation, acting together with clonal background, ecological selection, and mobile genetic elements.
Abdominal Symptoms During the Febrile Phase Indicate Profound Innate Immune Responses in Dengue.
Do HT, Bhunyakarnjanarat T, Dityen K … +7 more , Kaewopas Y, Thammachareonrach N, Paiboonkasarp S, Jaroonwitchawan T, Boonyasuppayakorn S, Chancharoenthana W, Leelahavanichkul A
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345816 · Full text
Gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) (abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea) during the febrile phase of dengue (less than 5 days from fever onset) might indicate prominent innate immune responses. Serum and feces samples fro...
Gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) (abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea) during the febrile phase of dengue (less than 5 days from fever onset) might indicate prominent innate immune responses. Serum and feces samples from cases with GI symptoms versus those without GI symptoms ( = 20 per group) were analyzed. From these, only the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, and fecal microbiome analyses, but not the routine parameters, endotoxemia, or serum cytokines, were higher in the GI cases than in the non-GI cases. From the in vitro experiments, both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the dengue virus (DENV) upregulated the FGF receptor 1 () and cytokines in hepatocytes (HepG2) and THP-1-differentiated macrophages. Meanwhile, LPS and DENV induced NETs in isolated neutrophils from healthy volunteers. Only the starvation protocol, but not LPS or DENV, enhanced supernatant FGF-21 from hepatocytes. Incubation of recombinant FGF-21 in LPS + DENV-activated cells (hepatocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils) attenuated inflammation, as determined by supernatant cytokines and NETs. Hence, abdominal symptoms in dengue during the febrile phase indicate prominent innate immune responses, as detected by NETs and FGF-21 (an acute-phase protein), implying significant hepatic stress with a possible counteracting anti-inflammation.
Transcriptomic and Meat Quality Differences in Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Surgically Castrated Three-Year-Old Kazakh Horses.
Li Z, Ren W, Wang R … +6 more , Li L, Ma S, Su Y, Shan D, Huang Q, Wang J
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345815 · Full text
Although the Kazakh horse is a dual-purpose breed renowned for both milk and meat production, the extent to which surgical castration alters gene expression in its muscles has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study...
Although the Kazakh horse is a dual-purpose breed renowned for both milk and meat production, the extent to which surgical castration alters gene expression in its muscles has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, left longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) samples were obtained from six Kazakh stallions (W group) and six Kazakh geldings (S group) to comparatively evaluate meat quality parameters, examine histological characteristics in tissue sections, and apply transcriptomic profiling to comprehensively explore the principal regulatory pathways and candidate genes through which surgical castration modulates LDM growth. The results demonstrated that surgical castration did not induce significant alterations in meat color or pH-related parameters. However, cooking loss and shear force values were markedly diminished, accompanied by a marked decrease in muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Transcriptomic analysis identified 848 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in total, comprising 415 upregulated and 433 markedly downregulated DEGs, which were predominantly enriched in key biological pathways, including actin cytoskeleton regulation. Moreover, eleven core candidate genes, including MYL2, MYL3, and TNNI1, were further screened and identified.
Telomere-Associated Proliferative Capacity in Expandable Porcine Hepatocyte-like Progenitor Cells.
Ock SA, Kim Y, Ullah I … +5 more , Kim YI, Lee R, Oh KB, Hwang S, Lee J
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345814 · Full text
Primary hepatocytes are limited by poor proliferative capacity and a finite replicative lifespan, restricting their utility in long-term in vitro studies. Here, we report the generation of expandable hepatocyte-like prog...
Primary hepatocytes are limited by poor proliferative capacity and a finite replicative lifespan, restricting their utility in long-term in vitro studies. Here, we report the generation of expandable hepatocyte-like progenitor cells from GGTA1 knockout pigs, a large-animal model with reduced immunogenicity. Porcine fibroblasts were directly reprogrammed using a non-integrative episomal system encoding hepatic transcription factors, enabling stable lineage conversion without genomic integration. A simplified two-vector configuration combined with codon optimization enabled evaluation of vector-dependent effects while maintaining genomic safety without viral integration. The resulting cells exhibited hepatocyte-like morphology and gene expression, and transcriptomic analysis revealed a progressive shift toward liver-associated profiles during extended culture. Chromosomal analysis revealed vector-dependent differences in genomic stability, with codon-optimized cells showing increased aneuploidy, indicating a trade-off between proliferative capacity and genomic integrity. The cells also demonstrated sustained proliferative capacity, supported by maintenance of telomere length, increased expression of and , and reduced levels. Importantly, sustained proliferation was supported by complementary evidence from chromosomal and telomeric analyses. Although chromosomal alterations were observed during long-term culture, their biological significance remains to be fully determined. These cells partially recapitulate hepatocyte functions and provide a renewable in vitro system for studies of hepatic biology, proliferation, drug metabolism, toxicity, and repeated in vitro applications.
Influence of UV-C Irradiation Duration on Seed-Borne Fungal Suppression, Germination, and Seedling Development in Rice ( L.).
Al-Sager SM, Gomaa FH, Bekheet SMM … +5 more , Almasoud WA, Al-Ghamdi S, Almady SS, Aboukarima AM, Yehia ME
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345813 · Full text
The present study was conducted to study the effect of exposure time to ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation on seed germination, fungal suppression and seedling growth of three Egyptian rice cultivars, namely, Sakha 105, Sakh...
The present study was conducted to study the effect of exposure time to ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation on seed germination, fungal suppression and seedling growth of three Egyptian rice cultivars, namely, Sakha 105, Sakha 108, and Giza 183. Experiments were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Rice seeds were exposed to UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 253.7 nm and intensity of 1960 µW cm for 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. Initial seed health testing showed the presence of several seed-borne fungi, mainly , and , in addition to Aspergillus niger and . Results revealed that UV-C exposure time, rice cultivar and their interactions significantly ( < 0.05) affected germination percentage, reduction percentage of seed fungal infection, and seedling growth parameters. The optimum exposure time was 30 min, which was found to maximize germination and improve shoot and root growth to achieve high levels of fungal suppression. Giza 183 exhibited the highest average germination percentage (92.40%), while Sakha 105 obtained the highest shoot height (17.00 cm) and root length (12.91 cm). The results indicate that UV-C irradiation is an effective, residue-free and environmentally sustainable seed treatment technology for improving rice seed quality as well as early seedling performance.
Two-Step Challenge Reveals Transcriptional Reprogramming of Trained Immunity in Shrimp Hemocytes.
Li Z, Li S, Lv X … +1 more , Li F
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345812 · Full text
Invertebrates rely exclusively on innate immunity but exhibit memory-like responses termed immune priming or trained immunity. In the commercially vital whiteleg shrimp (), infection by causes severe economic losses, ye...
Invertebrates rely exclusively on innate immunity but exhibit memory-like responses termed immune priming or trained immunity. In the commercially vital whiteleg shrimp (), infection by causes severe economic losses, yet the molecular networks driving secondary immune recall remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a two-step immune challenge model in using formaldehyde-inactivated and performed transcriptomic analysis on hemocytes to compare primary and secondary immune responses. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) screening and enrichment analyses (GO, KEGG, and GSEA) suggest that shrimp hemocytes undergo a broad and coordinated transcriptional reprogramming rather than uniform upregulation of immune genes. Transcriptomic data show potential associations between secondary immune priming and the modulation of cell fate processes: genes related to cell cycle progression (e.g., CDK1, CCNB3) and spindle assembly (e.g., MPS1) were significantly upregulated alongside apoptosis inhibition (CASP6 downregulation). Concurrently, metabolic remodeling was observed through the upregulation of lipid synthesis (SREBF1, FASN) and carbohydrate uptake pathways, potentially providing anabolic support for hemocyte growth and immune activation. Furthermore, the humoral effector responses appear to be strengthened, characterized by upregulated antimicrobial peptides (PEN, ALF) and the proPO melanization cascade (PPAF3, PPO3), whereas the expression of intracellular NLR was relatively suppressed, which might help mitigate excessive immune inflammation and immunopathological damage. Collectively, these transcriptomic findings identify a putative coordinated transcriptional signature of hemocyte recall responses in . This study expands our understanding of innate immune memory in invertebrates and provides candidate molecular markers for further study in disease-resistant breeding research in shrimp aquaculture.
Effects of Dietary Sweet Potato Tuber Meal on Production Performance, Meat Quality and Intestine of Wenchang Chickens.
Yuan J, Liu J, Wei L … +5 more , Guo Q, Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhao G, Liu Q
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345811 · Full text
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with graded levels of SPTM on growth performance, slaughter performance, physiological parameters, and jejunal morphology of Wenchang chicken...
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with graded levels of SPTM on growth performance, slaughter performance, physiological parameters, and jejunal morphology of Wenchang chickens. A total of 400 female Wenchang chickens at 81 days of age with the same genetic background and similar body weight (1190.80 ± 5.54 g) were randomly allocated into four treatment groups with five replicates per group and 20 chickens per replicate. Birds were fed diets supplemented with 0%, 3%, 9%, and 12% SPTM, respectively. The experimental period lasted 40 days. The results showed that dietary SPTM supplementation had no significant effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, organ indices, or serum biochemical parameters ( > 0.05). However, significant effects were observed on serum enzyme activities, immune parameters, jejunal morphology, meat quality, and nutrient composition. Specifically, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the 9% SPTM group was significantly lower than that in all other groups ( < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the 3% SPTM group was significantly lower than that in the 12% SPTM group ( < 0.05). Breast muscle moisture content in the 12% SPTM group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( < 0.05). Total amino acid and threonine contents in the breast muscle of the 12% SPTM group were significantly lower than those in the 0% and 3% SPTM groups ( < 0.05). Lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) contents in the breast muscle of the 9% and 12% SPTM groups were significantly higher than those in the 0%, and 3% SPTM groups ( < 0.05). These selective effects on meat quality traits suggest that SPTM has potential as a partial corn replacer, but further studies are needed to optimize inclusion levels and validate sensory outcomes. This systematic investigation of the effects of SPTM on physiological parameters and meat quality in Wenchang chickens provides a theoretical basis for the rational and efficient utilization of SPTM in Wenchang chicken production.
Species: Biological Complexity, Bioactive Metabolites and Molecular Foundations for Medicinal and Agricultural Applications.
Duan Y, Huang Z, Yang X … +4 more , Tian Q, Ye L, Zhang B, Li X
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345810 · Full text
is a genus of macrofungi with high ecological, biological, medicinal, and edible value. As facultative plant pathogens and nutritional symbionts, species support the growth of valuable medicinal plants including and ....
is a genus of macrofungi with high ecological, biological, medicinal, and edible value. As facultative plant pathogens and nutritional symbionts, species support the growth of valuable medicinal plants including and . They also exhibit unique traits such as exceptional longevity, widespread clonal expansion, rhizomorph formation, and bioluminescence, making them a valuable model for studying fungal ecology, symbiosis, specialized metabolism, and applied research. This review summarizes recent progress in research, covering biological characteristics, nutritional components, bioactive constituents, species identification, genomic resources, and biosynthetic pathways. We discuss advances in artificial cultivation and the regulatory roles of exogenous phytohormones in mycelial and rhizomorph development. The nutritional value of fruiting bodies is highlighted, with a focus on key pharmacologically active metabolites such as protoilludane-type sesquiterpenes and polysaccharides. We also review multilocus phylogenetic analysis, comparative genomics, and the biosynthetic gene clusters of melleolides and bioluminescence, which have improved understanding of evolution and functional differentiation.
Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Three Rhinoceros Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) and Phylogenetic Implications.
Song N, Shao R, Zhai Q
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345809 · Full text
The subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as rhinoceros beetles, represents one of the most morphologically striking lineages within the Scarabaeidae. This distinctiveness arises from the elaborate horns present on the he...
The subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as rhinoceros beetles, represents one of the most morphologically striking lineages within the Scarabaeidae. This distinctiveness arises from the elaborate horns present on the head and pronotum of many species, particularly in males. Despite their significant ecological and economic importance, the phylogenetic relationships within this subfamily remain poorly understood, and available mitochondrial genomic data are remarkably scarce, hindering comprehensive phylogenomic analyses. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of three dynastine species for the first time, including the first representatives for the tribes Pentodontini and Cyclocephalini. All three genomes contain the typical set of 37 mitochondrial genes; however, a rearrangement in the tRNA gene cluster was observed. Given that this rearrangement is also present in other lineages within the subfamily Dynastinae but not in any other subfamilies, we propose it as a potential synapomorphy for Dynastinae. Furthermore, all three newly sequenced genomes exhibit relatively large sizes, which may be attributed to their expanded control regions. By integrating these sequences with existing Scarabaeidae mitogenome data, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Dynastinae. Our results showed that the tribes Dynastini and Oryctini were not monophyletic, suggesting the need for a taxonomic revision of these tribes. Our results also support the three-subtribe hypothesis for the tribe Dynastini.
The Effects of Bisphosphonates Used in Osteoporosis Treatment on Breast Cancer: Analysis with Integrative Bioinformatics Methods, DFT, ADMET and Molecular Docking Analysis.
Dogan SC, Goren K
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345808 · Full text
This study evaluated the structural, electronic, pharmacokinetic, and receptor-binding properties of three bisphosphonate derivatives, alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronate, to investigate their therapeutic relevance...
This study evaluated the structural, electronic, pharmacokinetic, and receptor-binding properties of three bisphosphonate derivatives, alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronate, to investigate their therapeutic relevance in osteoporosis and breast cancer. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level showed that risedronate exhibited the highest kinetic stability (ΔE = 6.7468 eV), whereas zoledronate displayed greater chemical reactivity (ΔE = 2.9669 eV) and the strongest nonlinear optical response (β = 1.20 × 10 esu). ADMET analysis indicated acceptable safety profiles for all compounds, although high polarity and low lipophilicity may limit oral bioavailability. Molecular docking against 11 breast cancer- and bone metabolism-related targets revealed favorable binding affinities, particularly for zoledronate and risedronate. Zoledronate showed strong interactions with , /, , and , whereas risedronate exhibited notable affinity for and . Bioinformatics analyses identified significant dysregulation of , , , , , and in breast cancer tissues, while survival analysis linked elevated FDPS, , and expression to poor prognosis. Network analyses highlighted pathways related to mevalonate metabolism, hormone signaling, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and the // axis. These findings support the potential repurposing of bisphosphonates, particularly zoledronate, for breast cancer-associated bone disease.
Transcriptional Bursting in Pluripotent Stem Cells.
Lin R, Liu Y, Wu Q
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345807 · Full text
Transcriptional bursting, the stochastic production of mRNA in episodic pulses, is a fundamental source of cell-to-cell heterogeneity. In pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), these bursting dynamics at core pluripotency loci a...
Transcriptional bursting, the stochastic production of mRNA in episodic pulses, is a fundamental source of cell-to-cell heterogeneity. In pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), these bursting dynamics at core pluripotency loci are not just noise but critical determinants of identity maintenance and lineage commitment. This review synthesizes current quantitative frameworks for dissecting bursting kinetics and elaborates on the multilayered regulatory hierarchy that governs them, ranging from promoter-intrinsic features and 3D genome architecture to the formation of transcriptional condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). By integrating findings from genomic profiling and live-cell imaging, we highlight how the integrated action between super-enhancers and epigenetic states shapes the unique bursting dynamics in PSCs. Furthermore, we explore the functional consequences of these kinetics in pluripotency surveillance and cell fate decisions. Collectively, this review establishes a unified regulatory framework, providing novel insights for understanding stem cell heterogeneity and offering key insights for regenerative medicine.
Targeting the Cerebellar Circuit: How Exercise Intervention Reshapes White Matter Networks to Alleviate Autism Symptoms.
Cai K, Shi Y, Qi K … +3 more , Liu Y, Liu Z, Chen A
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345806 · Full text
Although exercise interventions have been shown to alleviate core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the neural mechanisms underlying these improvements, particularly those involving the White Matter Network (WM...
Although exercise interventions have been shown to alleviate core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the neural mechanisms underlying these improvements, particularly those involving the White Matter Network (WMN), remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of a Mini-Basketball Training Program (MBTP) on core symptoms and WMN in children with ASD. This study adopted a two-site cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (cRCT) design. Participants from two special education centers in China were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (MBTP) or a control group (CON). The participants underwent a 12-week MBTP. Core symptom assessments and a Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) scan were conducted before and after the intervention. The individual WMNs were constructed using Deterministic Fiber Tracking (DFT). Graph theoretical analysis was applied to examine changes in WMN topological properties after MBTP. The MBTP significantly improved core symptoms in children with ASD, alongside the decreased normalized clustering coefficient (, ), characteristic path length (, ), small-world attributes (, ), and increased global efficiency (). The nodal clustering coefficient (NCC) increased in the left cuneus (CUN.L) and left cerebellum 9 (CRBL9.L). Notably, the increased NCC in CRBL9.L was significantly correlated with improvements in core symptoms following the MBTP. The improvement in core symptoms in children with ASD following exercise intervention is associated with the remodeling of the WMN, highlighting the cerebellum as a key node in this neural mechanism.
Eye Morphology, Foveal Structure and Photoreceptor Composition in Both Foveae of Common Kestrel ( Linnaeus, 1758).
Cobo R, Jiménez-Díaz D, Navarro-Sempere A … +2 more , García M, Segovia Y
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345805 · Full text
Vision is considered the most important of the five primary senses in birds, particularly in raptors, and the relatively large size of the avian eye reflects its importance. This study provides a morphological and histom...
Vision is considered the most important of the five primary senses in birds, particularly in raptors, and the relatively large size of the avian eye reflects its importance. This study provides a morphological and histomorphometric characterisation of the eye and retina of the Common Kestrel (), a diurnal raptor with bifoveate retinal organisation. Two adult Common Kestrels, obtained through a wildlife rehabilitation programme, were examined. Eye morphology was characterised using the ratio between corneal diameter and transverse eye diameter, while retinal morphology and layer thickness were evaluated using conventional histological procedures, and opsin expression was examined in both foveae. The eyes showed a globose morphology with a strongly protruding cornea and anterior segment, within the range reported for diurnal birds of prey. Marked regional variation in retinal morphology was observed, with the central retina displaying the greatest overall thickness (254.4 ± 27.04 µm), compared with 108.6 ± 15.58 µm in the peripheral retina. Two distinct foveae were identified: a deep convexiclivate fovea within the area centralis and a temporal fovea with a deep pit and steep walls. Both foveae showed displacement of the inner retinal layers and reduced thickness at the foveal pit. The central and temporal foveae exhibited depths of 217.66 µm and 106.38 µm, respectively. S- and L/M-opsin immunoreactivity was detected in both foveae, and the absence of rhodopsin immunoreactivity in the central foveal pit suggests that high-acuity vision in both foveae is predominantly mediated by cones.
From Plant Metabolites to Pollinator Safety: Rethinking Selectivity of Botanical Insecticides in Bees-A Review.
Souza SA, Padial IMPM, Conceição da Cruz JV … +3 more , Camargo MG, Faita MR, Mussury RM
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345804 · Full text
Botanical insecticides have re-emerged as promising tools within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) due to their biodegradability, chemical diversity, and potential compatibility with resistance management strategies. Alth...
Botanical insecticides have re-emerged as promising tools within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) due to their biodegradability, chemical diversity, and potential compatibility with resistance management strategies. Although frequently considered safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides, growing evidence indicates that these compounds may also affect non-target organisms, particularly bees. This review discusses the selectivity of botanical insecticides toward pollinators by integrating historical perspectives, mechanisms of action, ecotoxicological effects, and current limitations in risk assessment approaches. Botanical insecticides may induce both lethal and sublethal effects, including alterations in behavior, locomotion, feeding, development, reproduction, and physiology across different bee groups. We also demonstrate that most available studies remain concentrated on , adult workers, and acute laboratory assays, while important pollinator groups and chronic exposure scenarios remain poorly explored. Furthermore, current regulatory protocols are still largely based on models developed for synthetic pesticides. Expanding ecotoxicological approaches is therefore essential to improve pollinator safety assessments and support more sustainable pest management strategies.
Temperature-Dependent Tethered Locomotion Behavior in the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Using a Controlled-Environment Treadmill Platform with Exploratory Illumination Assays.
Gracidas-Reyes E, Diaz-Arango G, Vazquez-Leal H … +1 more , Marroquin-Gutierrez F
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345803 · Full text
Quantitative analysis of insect locomotion is important for understanding how environmental variables shape behavioral output and for developing reproducible experimental paradigms in neuroethology and biohybrid research...
Quantitative analysis of insect locomotion is important for understanding how environmental variables shape behavioral output and for developing reproducible experimental paradigms in neuroethology and biohybrid research. In this study, locomotor responses of the Madagascar hissing cockroach () were evaluated across a thermal range from 18 to 38 °C using an integrated low-cost platform combining a spherical treadmill motion-tracking system with synchronized environmental regulation of temperature and illumination. The results suggest a possible non-linear relationship between chamber temperature and locomotor activity. Thermal conditions below the programmed 30 °C chamber temperature were generally associated with higher cumulative activity and elevated peak activity-rate values but not low inactivity proportions. In contrast, higher temperatures were associated with more fragmented locomotor patterns characterized by preserved peak activity but increased inactivity proportions. Complementary repeated-measures illumination assays suggested preliminary UV-associated shifts in locomotor output under the tested treadmill conditions. Together, these findings provide a quantitative framework for studying environmentally modulated locomotion in .
Investigating the Shared Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Urogenital Tumors.
Liu C, Wu S, Zhou R … +2 more , Xiao S, Yang C
Biology (Basel) · 2026 Jun · PMID 42345802 · Full text
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are important environmental risk factors for urogenital malignancies, but the shared molecular mechanisms underlying their carcinogenic effects remain poorly understood. Here, we sys...
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are important environmental risk factors for urogenital malignancies, but the shared molecular mechanisms underlying their carcinogenic effects remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically investigated the common pro-tumorigenic mechanisms of 12 prevalent EDCs, including anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), bisphenol A, clofenotane, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, diazinon, dibutyl phthalate, glyphosate, malathion, perfluorooctanoic acid, polychlorinated biphenyls, and triclosan, across four urogenital cancers, including bladder cancer (BLCA), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), and testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT). By integrating network toxicology and protein-protein interaction analysis, we identified shared hub targets linking EDC exposure to tumor progression. EGFR and CASP3 were identified as core targets in BLCA, EGFR and CASP9 in RCC, and CASP3, ESR1, and EGFR in PRAD, whereas KIT emerged as a broadly relevant target in TGCT. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations supported the stable binding of EDCs to these targets. Among the predicted interactions, BaP showed strong binding affinity for CASP9 (ΔG = -9.8 kcal/mol) and was therefore selected for experimental validation. Analysis of TCGA data showed that elevated CASP9 expression was significantly associated with poorer overall survival in patients with RCC. In 786-O and ACHN cells, chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of BaP significantly increased CASP9 protein stability without altering its mRNA expression, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Collectively, these findings identify shared molecular targets of EDCs across urogenital cancers and provide new mechanistic insight into EDC-driven tumor progression, prioritizing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for environmentally related malignancies.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe