Electronic Journal of Biotechnology最新文献

Background

Cold injury is one of the most important limiting factors for maize production in mid-high latitude regions in the world. A total of 314 QTLs for maize low temperature tolerance have been identified in different populations using different statistical methods. However, few identical QTLs have been identified in different research studies.

Results

A consensus map of QTLs related to maize low temperature tolerance was constructed, based on the public genetic map, IBM2 2008 Neighbors as a reference map, along with a set of 314 QTLs reported in the literature over the past 20 years. A total of 187 QTLs were projected onto the IBM2 2008 Neighbors by software BioMercator. Forty-seven consensus QTLs were detected. The confidence interval at all sites ranged from 0.04 cM to 102.73 cM, and the proportion of the phenotypic variance associated with each of them ranged from 3.32% to 20.11%. Major chromosomal sites were identified on Chr.6 (MQTL29, MQTL30, and MQTL31).

Conclusions

This study provides further insights into the genetic basis of maize low temperature tolerance. Moreover, the MQTLs reported here could be harnessed for functional marker development and candidate gene mining of maize low temperature tolerance.

How to cite: Yu T, Zhang J, Cao J, et al. A meta-analysis of low temperature tolerance QTL in maize. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.05.002

Background

Whey is the most abundant by-product of the cheese industry. It is estimated that it contains up to 55% of all nutrients of milk and therefore, it is considered a starting material for obtaining valuable products.

Results

The response surface methodology was used to find the combination of temperature (between 20 and 36°C), and the content of whey powder (37.5–77% (m/m)) to maximize the concentration of kefiran, the concentration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast in the supernatant. After validating the quadratic models of each transformed response variable, it underwent a maximization procedure to find the optimal condition obtaining two maximum spaces at the temperature range of 28.5–29.7°C and 43.3% (m/m) of whey-powder content, or 28.0–28.3°C and 71.2% (m/m) of whey-powder content. The validation experiments were carried out for the first suggested optimal solution, through three repetitions under the same optimal conditions, and it was confirmed that there is no significant difference with the values provided by the model.

Conclusions

Physicochemical characteristics (protein, fat, acidity, lactose, viscosity, alcoholic content) under optimal conditions were evaluated and proved its compliance with the Ecuadorian and Andean community regulations. These results suggest that we are in the presence of a functional beverage candidate in which the contents of LAB and yeast (probiotics) and kefiran (prebiotic) were simultaneously maximized.

How to cite: Alvarado-Cóndor PM, Núñez-Pérez J, Espín-Valladares RC, et al. Multiple-objective optimization of lactic-fermentation parameters to obtain a functional-beverage candidate. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.04.001

Background

Salicornia neei is a halophyte plant that has been proposed for use in the phytoremediation of the saline wastewater generated by land-based aquaculture. To identify the molecular mechanisms related to ammonium response, we analyzed the transcriptome of S. neei in response to growth in saline water containing 3 mM ammonium.

Results

The RNA sequencing generated a total of 14,680,108 paired-end reads from the control and stressed conditions. De novo assembly using the CLC Genomic Workbench produced 86,020 transcripts and a reference transcriptome with an N50 of 683 base pair.

A total of 45,327 genes were annotated, representing 51.2% of the contig predicted from de novo assembly. As regards differentially expressed genes, a total of 9,140 genes were differentially expressed in response to ammonium in saline water; of these, 7,396 could be annotated against functional databases. The upregulated genes were mainly involved in cell wall biosynthesis, transmembrane transport and antiporter activities, including biological Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, pathways linked to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant hormone signal transduction, autophagy, and nitrogen metabolism. In addition, a set of 72 genes was directly involved in ammonium metabolism, including glutamine synthetase 1, glutamate synthase 1, and ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase chloroplastic.

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that an ammonium detoxification system mediated by glutamine and glutamate synthase was activated in S. neei when exposed to ammonium and saline water. The present transcriptome profiling method could be useful when investigating the response of halophyte plants to saline wastewater from land-based aquaculture.

This manuscript includes an interactive 360 degree video, supplementary to the materials and methods section. To view the video correctly, it is necessary to scroll through the screen to navigate across the laboratory where you will find 6 interactive points. For an immersive experience a head-mounted display can be used. Please, visit this URL: http://ejbiotechnology.info/public/360view/2022/VTPGALLARDO_1v3/index.htm.

How to cite: Díaz-Silva M, Maldonado J, Veloso P, et al. RNA-seq analysis and transcriptome assembly of Salicornia neei reveals a powerful system for ammonium detoxification. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.05.003

Background

Pitaya is an important economic fruit worldwide due to its numerous health benefits. A systematic understanding of the mechanism underlying flower development is essential to obtain higher fruit yield and quality. However, the genetic mechanism of flower development is not yet investigated in pitaya. Herein, a transcriptome analysis was performed to determine the transcriptional changes during flower development in red-flesh pitaya by utilizing nine different stages of flower development.

Result

A total of 95,412 unigenes were generated with a mean length of 913 nt, and N50 value of 1878 nt. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the flower growth stages. Furthermore, an array of key DEGs were enriched in hormone signaling, transcription, carbohydrate transport, and energy production pathways. In particular, indole-3-acetic acid, abscisic acid, ethylene-responsive transcription factor, constans-like, teosinte branched 1/cycloidea/proliferating cell nuclear antigen factor, apetala1-like, agamous-like MADS-box protein, sepallata, growth-regulating factor, putative axial regulator yabby, leafy/floricaula homolog, and MYB gene-associated transcription factors displayed altered expression, suggesting their critical roles in floral organ development of pitaya. Besides, genes related to sugar synthesis, transportation, and utilization mediate flower growth regulation in pitaya. Eleven genes were selected to perform qRT-PCR analysis to verify the results of the RNA sequencing.

Conclusions

Our results provide important insights into the transcriptional regulation of pitaya flower development. These data resources will be a cornerstone for future research that aims at exploring the genetic control of flower development in pitaya.

How to cite: Wu Z, Huang L, Huang F, et al. Temporal transcriptome analysis provides molecular insights into flower development in red-flesh pitaya. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.05.005

Background

Endophytic fungi are associated within plant tissues without any harmful effects. They produce a diversity of metabolites and are well known as rich source of bioactive substances. This study aimed to identify fungal isolates from different medicinal plants, evaluate their antioxidant potency and detect components responsible for antioxidant activity.

Results

In the present investigation, 4 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from different medicinal plants Rumex nervosus, Pulicaria crispa and Withania somnifera. Those isolates were characterized as Penicilluim commune, Penicilluim glaucoroseum, Aspergillus flavipes and Fusarium chlamydosporum according to morphological and phylogenetic bases. These strains were propagated on humified rice and their crude ethyl acetate extracts were assayed for their total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant potency against DPPH free radicals. The results showed that the elevated constituent of phenolics was found in P. commune (148.24 mg/g), followed by F. chlamydosporum (124.25 mg/g), while the highest total flavonoids were determined in A. flavipes, followed by F. chlamydosporum, P. glaucoroseum, P. commune, respectively. Moreover, the maximum hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay was IC₅₀ = 2.13 mg/mL exhibited by P. commune, followed by F. chlamydosporum (2.68 mg/mL). Weak antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects were reported by the studied strains against pathogenic isolates and (HepG2) hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. The fungal EtOAc extracts were characterized quantitatively by the incidence of different phenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, as detected by HPLC.

Conclusions

Endophytic fungi derived from medicinal plants are a promising candidate for the wide industrial production of antioxidant agents with several useful medical and pharmaceutical applications.

How to cite: Hassane A. M. A, Taha T. M, Awad M. F, et al. Radical scavenging potency, HPLC profiling and phylogenetic analysis of endophytic fungi isolated from selected medicinal plants of Saudi Arabia. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.05.001

Background

The expression of miR-141-3p in many malignant tumors has been verified. Nevertheless, the relationship between ovarian cancer and miR-141-3p remains undetermined. Therefore, further exploration is required.

Results

According to data from 100 samples, the final results of RT-qPCR showed that miR-141-3p was highly expressed in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, miR-141-3p was able to distinguish ovarian cancer cells from ovary tissues. The most significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, was regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes in ovarian cancer. The expression of PIK3R1 was negatively correlated with miR-141- 3p. PIK3R1 has a combing site with miR-141-3p.

Conclusions

This study examined the expression levels and mechanism of miR-141-3p in ovarian cancer for the first time. The results suggested that miR-141-3p may promote the occurrence of ovarian cancer by down-regulating PIK3R1.

How to cite: Shi L, Sun H-J, Zeng J-J, et al. Evaluation of miR-141-3p over-expression in ovarian cancer. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.04.006

Background

Walnut production (Juglans regia) generates a large amount of waste, mainly comprised of husk and shell. The two by-products have several bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Given the above, this work seeks to establish productive and adequate conditions for the recovery of compounds with antioxidant activity (juglone among them) from such discards to use the extract as a bioherbicide.

Results

Temperature and extraction solvent (type of solvent and use of hydroalcoholic mixtures) are relevant factors on phenolic compounds’ (TPC, Folin-Ciocalteu method) recovery and antioxidant activity (AA, DPPH method), observing values from 2 to 17 mg GAE/g shell and 0.5 and 23 mg GAE/g husk, and 3 to 28 mg TE/g shell and 0.2–36 mg TE/g husk for TPC and AA, respectively. Using 50°C and ethanol as extraction solvent, 14,000 µmol TE/100 g of ORAC activity was obtained for both shell and husk. This value increased when a hydroalcoholic mixture was used. Juglone was recovered only from the husk at 166 mg/100 g. The bioherbicidal potential of the extract was evaluated; a phytotoxic effect and a lower plantar density when applying the product to broad-leaf weeds were observed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the walnut process’s residues have a high potential to be used under the circular economy concept in the agri-food sector by obtaining products with high added value.

How to cite: Soto-Maldonado C, Caballero-Valdés E, Santis-Bernal J, et al. Potential of solid wastes from the walnut industry: Extraction conditions to evaluate the antioxidant and bioherbicidal activities. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.04.005

Background

Coral diseases are one of the serious threats embroiling in the imbalance of the coral holobiont integrity through disruption of the complex symbiotic relationship between endobiotic alga, coral animal, and a group of microorganisms. Such diseases are usually associated with many bacterial pathogens inflicting gross lesions in corals which show resistance against antibiotics. Therefore, this has led scientists to draw more attention towards the curative compounds from natural resources like herbal plants and seaweeds as substitutes for chemical antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the crude extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol), alkaloids, and flavonoids from Sargassum fusiforme through Well Diffusion Assay against different isolated bacterial coral pathogens such as (Vibrio owensii, Empedobacter brevis, Providencia vermicola, and Brevibacterium linens) which cause white band disease to coral reef Porites lutea. This study was also validated by bacterial growth kinetics using optical density, dry weight, and plate count method for the isolated coral bacterial pathogens.

Results

The results indicated that the crude extract with n-hexane and alkaloid extract showed prominent inhibiting activity against the tested bacterial pathogens compared to other extracts.

Conclusions

Here we report S. fusiforme extracts as a novel antibacterial agent against four Porites lutea bacterial pathogens and further investigation is recommended against other coral pathogens. Overall, S. fusiforme extracts might be able to improve the health status of commercially important coral species.

How to cite: Ahmed N, Mohamed HF, Xu C, et al. Novel antibacterial activity of Sargassum fusiforme extract against coral white band disease. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.03.002.

Background

Sound is a kind of mechanical stimulus and has various effects on the growth and metabolism of plants and animal cells. In previous studies, it was confirmed that sound stimulation promotes the neurodifferentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we examined the effect of sound on the maturation of neuroblastoma cells, SH-SY5Y cells, and investigated its effect on an ischemic mouse stroke model. In the in vitro study, SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to the sound for 3 days and then performed rt-PCR, FACS, and western blot for analysis. In the in vivo study, mesenchymal stem cells were injected into the injured area, and then rats were exposed to sound for 4 weeks. Then, immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were performed.

Results

Sound upregulated the expression of presynaptic proteins synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95, as well as neuronal-related proteins such as NFL, Tau, and MAP2. T-type calcium channels such as CACNA1G and CACNA1I were also induced by sound. In an experiment using the brain of ischemic mice, the expression of proteins involved in neuronal differentiation such as MAP2, NF200, and S100 was increased, while the inflammation-related proteins IFNγ, MMP9, and TNFα were decreased. In this neuronal differentiation process, both ERK and CREB, which are proteins involved in the initial signal transduction process, were activated.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that sound, with the advantage of being non-invasive and easy to use, is an effective stimulus that induces neural differentiation and maturation on animal cells.

How to cite: Cho H, Park H-J, Choi J-H, et al. Sound affects the neuronal maturation of neuroblastoma cells and the repair of damaged tissues. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.03.001

Background

The consumption of antioxidant-rich foods can lower the risk of chronic diseases. In the present work, plain yogurt (control) and three kinds of herbal yogurts fortified with a polyphenol extract from nutmeg, black pepper, and white pepper were prepared. Post-acidification, proteolysis, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of yogurt samples were studied over 21 days. Additionally, all yogurt samples were subjected to sensory evaluations on the first day of storage.

Results

Higher production (p < 0.05) of lactic acids was observed in all herbal yogurts than in plain yogurt over 21 days of storage. Black pepper and nutmeg enhanced (p < 0.05) the proteolytic activity of yogurt as compared to control, with the maximum values at 21 days. All three herbal yogurts showed the highest TPC (48–55 µg GAE/ml) at day 14 of storage. The radical scavenging activity of yogurt was positively affected (p < 0.05) by the presence of the three kinds of herbal extracts (72–83%; day 0), with the highest values observed in nutmeg yogurt. Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) value of nutmeg yogurt was the highest (p < 0.05) among the other samples at day 7 of storage. The ferrous ion chelating (FIC) ability of all the three herbal yogurts ranged from 80% to 83% during 2 weeks. The highest overall preference scores among the three kinds of herbal yogurts were recorded for black pepper yogurt.

Conclusions

Polyphenol compounds derived from nutmeg, black pepper, and white pepper extracts could enrich yogurt with antioxidant properties, with nutmeg yogurt showing the best effect.

How to cite: Shori AB. Storage quality and antioxidant properties of yogurt fortified with polyphenol extract from nutmeg, black pepper, and white pepper. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.03.003