Gene最新文献

{"title":"Retraction notice to “Correlation between TGF-β1-509 C>T polymorphism and risk of digestive tract cancer in a meta-analysis for 21,196 participants” [Gene 505 (2012) 66-74]","authors":"Jian Min Zhang , Xi Jun Cui , Yun Qiang Xia , Sen Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149948","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"981 ","pages":"Article 149948"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel tRNA-derived fragment tRF-Val-CAC-008 as a diagnostic biomarker and pyroptosis regulator in LSCC","authors":"Hongxia Deng ,&nbsp;Dong Ye ,&nbsp;Shijie Qiu ,&nbsp;Shuang Ye ,&nbsp;Chongchang Zhou ,&nbsp;Shuai Fang ,&nbsp;Yuna Zhang ,&nbsp;Shanshan Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149967","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149967","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck, with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) being the most significant pathological type. Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) fragments have been implicated in tumor progression through diverse regulatory mechanisms. This study examined the diagnostic value and role of tRF-Val-CAC-008 in LSCC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Levels of tRF-Val-CAC-008 were quantified in LSCC tissues, plasma, saliva, and cells using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic value of tRF-Val-CAC-008 was then assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. LSCC cells were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of tRF-Val-CAC-008, which increased or decreased its level accordingly. Cell proliferation was evaluated using EdU and the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in LSCC cells was measured using an LDH release assay. Pyroptosis-associated proteins were analyzed by Western blotting (WB).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>tRF-Val-CAC-008 exhibited significantly higher expression levels in LSCC tissues, plasma and saliva. This higher expression correlated with its pro-proliferative effects and suppression of pyroptosis observed in vitro. In LSCC cells, tRF-Val-CAC-008 mimics promoted cell proliferation and reduced LDH secretion. The expression of gasdermin E (GSDME) and caspase-3 proteins was also decreased by tRF-Val-CAC-008 mimics, which in turn regulated pyroptosis. The ROC curves suggest that combined plasma and saliva tRF-Val-CAC-008 can serve as a diagnostic marker to distinguish LSCC patients from healthy participants.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study concluded that tRF-Val-CAC-008 could act as a diagnostic marker for LSCC; it promotes tumor growth by suppressing pyroptosis and promoting cell proliferation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"982 ","pages":"Article 149967"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145793714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating the winding road toward precision prostate cancer care","authors":"Syed Rahman ,&nbsp;Adith S. Arun ,&nbsp;Isaac Yi Kim ,&nbsp;William K. Oh ,&nbsp;Joseph W. Kim ,&nbsp;William J. Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among U.S. men, driven in large part by metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) despite initial responses to androgen-receptor (AR)–targeted therapies. Over the last two decades, treatment options for mCRPC have significantly expanded to include novel therapeutic modalities that integrate biomarker-guided patient selection. These biomarker-driven therapies have ushered us into the era of “precision oncology” in prostate cancer care, and we highlight key developments. In light of these promising early results, we also review key opportunities and challenges ahead. Additionally, we share a conceptual roadmap to leverage multi-omics molecular data in the era of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to accelerate progress in prostate cancer precision medicine. Specifically, we discuss how these tools may help facilitate the development of near-patient preclinical models for prostate cancer to better capture key aspects of prostate cancer tumor biology. We also discuss a potential path toward accelerating translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice for PCa patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"984 ","pages":"Article 149966"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145793749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trolline attenuates diabetic vascular injury by regulating SLC7A11-mediated ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction","authors":"Wenbo Liu ,&nbsp;Cuifang Lu ,&nbsp;Bin Yang ,&nbsp;Ying Liu ,&nbsp;Jie Yan ,&nbsp;Tingyu Song ,&nbsp;Xiaofei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Trolline, a natural compound, for alleviating high-glucose (HG)-induced vascular endothelial ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction via the cystine/glutamate antiporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>In db/db mice, inflammatory damage; glucose tolerance; and the expression of SLC7A11, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected after treatment with Trolline. An HG-induced human microvascular endothelial cell (HMEC-1) injury model was established in vitro. Fe²⁺ deposition and GSH levels serve as important indicators of ferroptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential and the cytoskeleton were determined by JC-1 and F-actin staining, respectively. The levels of apoptosis, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometry. Oxidative stress levels were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Ferroptosis- and inflammation-related protein expression in HMEC-1 cells was verified by Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In vivo experiments revealed that Trolline can lower blood sugar levels, alleviate inflammatory damage, and regulate the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in db/db mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Trolline can alleviate various effects induced by HG. Under HG conditions, Trolline can inhibit apoptosis, reverse the cell cycle arrest in the SubG1 phase, reduce oxidative stress levels and Fe²⁺ overload, restore mitochondrial function, promote cytoskeletal remodelling, and regulate the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. Mechanistically, ferroptosis inhibitors (Ferrostatin-1) and Trolline have the same protective effect on HMEC-1 cells in an HG environment. However, overexpression of SLC7A11 led to loss of the inhibitory effect of Trolline on ferroptosis, which confirms that the effect of Trolline is dependent on the SLC7A11-ferroptosis axis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Trolline can alleviate diabetic vascular damage through SLC7A11-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced oxidative inflammatory damage, providing a basis for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"981 ","pages":"Article 149968"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145793729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative minicircle DNA vector encoding pri-miR-375 silences E6 and E7 oncoproteins in HPV16-positive CaSki cells","authors":"D. Pereira ,&nbsp;A.M. Almeida ,&nbsp;J.A. Queiroz ,&nbsp;F. Sousa ,&nbsp;N. Alves ,&nbsp;J.F.A. Valente ,&nbsp;A. Sousa","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The infection by Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) has long been established as one of the main causes of cervical cancer, with HPV16/HPV18 high-risk types expressing E6/E7 oncoproteins that inhibit p53/pRB tumor suppressor proteins. Therefore, this work focuses on gene therapy, using the innovative minicircle DNA (mcDNA) vector to protect and express the pri-miR-375 in the cancer cell nucleus, ultimately originating the microRNA-375 (miR-375) in the cytoplasm. This miR-375, initially downregulated in cervical cancer cells, can silence HPV E6/E7 transcripts, thereby negatively regulating the expression of these oncoproteins.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The mcDNA-pri-miR-375 vector was successfully constructed, biosynthesized in the host cell, extracted, and purified, followed by several <em>in vitro</em> transfection studies in CaSKi cells (HPV16-infected cervical cancer model) to evaluate the mcDNA-pri-miR-375 effect.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>FITC-stained-mcDNA-pri-miR-375 was present in cancer cell nucleus, confirmed by confocal microscopy. RT-PCR analysis showed a more intense band of miR-375 transcripts, and RT-PCR/ RT-qPCR confirmed that E6/ E7 transcript levels were nearly 80 % diminished 24 h after CaSki cells transfection. Also, western-blot showed a decreased band intensity for E6/ E7 proteins on transfected cells. Proliferation and cell invasion studies demonstrated growth and migration arrest for CaSki cells throughout 72 h. Cell viability study of these cells also revealed a gradual decrease for the same period, while the NHDF cell viability was not affected, indicating specificity towards CaSki. The consequent effect of silencing the E6/ E7 transcripts was also observed through an increase in p53 protein levels (determined by western blot and ELISA) and caspase-3 activity, after 48 h of CaSki cell transfection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results suggest that mcDNA-pri-miR-375 vector has the potential to be further explored in gene therapy for the treatment of HPV-caused cervical cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"981 ","pages":"Article 149964"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145793765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In vitro expression and seroreactivity of Toxoplasma gondii GRA1 protein encoded by unmodified and nucleoside-modified mRNA constructs","authors":"Mehmet Nadir Şahinci ,&nbsp;Mert Döşkaya ,&nbsp;Muhammet Karakavuk ,&nbsp;Seren Kaplan ,&nbsp;Gizem Mutlu ,&nbsp;Tuğçe Gizem Perçin ,&nbsp;Sedef Erkunt Alak ,&nbsp;Özlem Günay-Esiyok ,&nbsp;Aytül Gül Mete ,&nbsp;Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya ,&nbsp;Ayşe Gülten Kantarcı ,&nbsp;Adnan Yüksel Gürüz ,&nbsp;Hüseyin Can","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis is an infectious parasitic disease caused by <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, with a global seroprevalence estimated to affect more than one-third of the human population. <em>T. gondii</em> can be a serious health concern for pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Currently, there is no effective and safe vaccine for humans. However, mRNA technology is a promising platform to develop efficient and safe vaccines against toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we designed nucleoside-modified and unmodified mRNA vaccine transcripts expressing <em>T. gondii</em> recombinant GRA1 protein and analyzed their <em>in vitro</em> protein expression profile as well as potential immunogenicity using IFAT, Western blot, and ELISA. Moreover, to compare translational efficiency, poly-A tail was extended with an extra ∼150 bp in addition to the existing ∼120 bp poly-A tail in two distinct mRNA designs. The results showed that all four mRNA constructs expressed rGRA1 protein in HEK293T cells. However, mRNA constructs with extended poly-A tails exhibited reduced expression level of rGRA1 protein compared to other mRNA vaccine transcripts. Additionally, unmodified mRNA construct with or without extended poly-A tail yielded significantly higher protein expression compared to nucleoside-modified mRNA constructs through ELISA using anti-polyhis antibody (P&lt;0.05). Western blot showed that rGRA1 protein expressed by all four mRNA constructs reacted strongly with <em>T. gondii</em> IgG seropositive mice sera. Furthermore, ELISA revealed that rGRA1 proteins derived from unmodified and nucleoside-modified mRNA constructs formed significantly stronger immune complexes with <em>T. gondii</em> IgG antibodies compared to negative controls (P&lt;0.05). These data suggest that both unmodified and nucleosidemodified mRNA constructs expressing rGRA1 protein have potential as vaccine candidates and warrant further investigation for development of an mRNA-based vaccine against toxoplasmosis. However, encapsulation of the produced mRNA constructs in LNPs and <em>in vivo</em> studies are required to validate these preliminary results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"982 ","pages":"Article 149965"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Under the dual hit: genetic and phenotypic analysis of a Han family with severe adolescent cirrhosis from the convergence of Wilson’s disease and favism","authors":"Yu-qin Xie ,&nbsp;Zi-yan Xu ,&nbsp;Hong Lin ,&nbsp;Li-jun Xie ,&nbsp;Jie-wei Luo ,&nbsp;Li-jun Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhi-hai Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149953","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149953","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD, MIM:277900) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by excessive copper accumulation in hepatocytes, leading to hepatic and neurological abnormalities, hepatocellular injury, neurodegeneration, and copper deposition in the cornea. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common genetic cause of hemolytic anemia, which can be triggered by chronic conditions, drugs, food, or infections, and exhibits highly variable severity. In some cases, multiple genetic factors may collectively influence disease presentation and progression. This study reports a proband who developed abnormal liver function at age 20. Four years later, she exhibited severe jaundice, liver dysfunction, serous effusions, anemia, and Kayser–Fleischer rings, leading to diagnoses including decompensated cirrhosis, splenomegaly, suspected HLD, hemolytic anemia, portal hypertension, hypoproteinemia, low T3 syndrome, primary peritonitis, and gallstones with cholecystitis. Genetic screening identified two pathogenic heterozygous variants in ATP7B (NM_000053.4): c.2128G &gt; A (p.G710S) in exon 8 and c.525dupA (p.V176Sfs*28) in exon 2, together forming a compound heterozygous mutation. Additionally, a heterozygous mutation in G6PD (NM_001360016.2), c.1388G &gt; A (p.R463H) in exon 12, was found. Family members carrying the G6PD variant showed recurrent benign jaundice or remained asymptomatic. A heterozygous missense variant of uncertain significance, c.205C &gt; T (p.R69C), was also detected in exon 3 of STEAP3 (NM_182915.3), a gene linked to hypochromic microcytic anemia with iron overload type 2 (MIM#615234). This rare variant was predicted to be deleterious by in silico tools, suggesting possible genetic cosegregation.</div><div>SWISS-MODEL analysis indicated that these variants may alter the three-dimensional structures of the copper-transporting ATPase and G6PD proteins, potentially impairing function—particularly the frameshift mutation p.V176Sfs*28. We hypothesize that the accumulation of multiple pathogenic genetic factors resulted in a “double-hit” effect, leading to the patient’s severe phenotypes, including advanced liver cirrhosis and hemolytic anemia. Elucidating such multi-gene “double-hit” mechanisms may enhance the understanding of gene–gene interactions in complex diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"981 ","pages":"Article 149953"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-induced gene expression in Thoroughbred horse skeletal muscle highlights genes that enhance muscle architecture and function","authors":"Mian Feng ,&nbsp;Thomas J. Hall ,&nbsp;David E. MacHugh ,&nbsp;Lisa M. Katz ,&nbsp;Emmeline W. Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149951","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149951","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early skeletal muscle development is critical for young racehorses, yet research on the transcriptional changes during this period is limited. Additionally, the impact of age on the transcriptional response to exercise training in equine athletes is not well understood. A transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression in skeletal muscle was performed for five untrained Thoroughbred horses sampled at rest at two years old (UR2) and three years old (UR3). A total of 136 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 95 increased and 41 decreased in expression. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were primarily associated with terms related to muscle assembly and system development, including <em>Developmental process (GO:0032502</em>)<em>, Anatomical structure development (GO:0048856</em>)<em>, Actin cytoskeleton (GO:0015629</em>)<em>, and Growth factor binding (GO:0019838</em>)<em>.</em> KEGG pathway analysis indicated that <em>ECM-receptor interaction</em>, <em>Protein digestion and absorption</em>, <em>Focal adhesion</em>, and <em>PI3K-Akt signalling pathway</em> were the significant functional pathways. Protein-protein interaction network and hub gene analyses identified seven key regulatory genes: <em>COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, S100A4, NOTCH1, THY1</em> and <em>MT-ND2.</em> In addition, the <em>MSTN, COL4A1, COL4A2, SPEN, S100A4, NOTCH1, NOTCH3, and THY1</em> genes were found to play key roles in the functional development of skeletal muscle. This study provides insight into the transcriptional landscape of skeletal muscle development in young Thoroughbred horses. The period between two and three years of age represents a crucial stage in skeletal muscle adaptation in the juvenile horse, with a particular emphasis on muscle structural and functional integrity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"980 ","pages":"Article 149951"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145774290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic and epigenetic determinants of injury risk and recovery in elite athletes: toward precision sports medicine","authors":"Hao Ding ,&nbsp;Qilu Deng ,&nbsp;Zhenhua Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149957","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149957","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Musculoskeletal injuries and interindividual variability in recovery remain critical challenges for sustaining elite athletic performance. Despite advances in diagnostics, training, and rehabilitation, unexplained differences in injury risk and recovery efficiency persist. Growing evidence implicates genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in these disparities, influencing collagen integrity, inflammatory regulation, oxidative stress, and muscle regeneration. Key contributors include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in COL1A1, COL5A1, ACTN3, and IL6, as well as novel loci identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Polygenic risk scores (PRS), which integrate the effects of multiple low-impact variants, enhance prediction compared to single-gene markers. Epigenetic regulators, including DNA methylation and exercise-responsive microRNAs (e.g., miR-206, miR-133a, miR-486), provide a dynamic interface linking genetic predisposition with environmental factors such as training load and nutrition. Integration of genomic data with wearable technologies and artificial intelligence enables real-time monitoring, adaptive recovery, and precision load management. Yet, clinical translation faces challenges including limited population diversity, interpretative complexity, and ethical concerns over data privacy and potential misuse. Advancing precision sports medicine will require multidisciplinary, systems-level strategies that unite molecular insights with practical implementation, ultimately enabling individualized injury prevention, optimized rehabilitation, and the preservation of long-term athlete health and performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"980 ","pages":"Article 149957"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145755941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SR protein kinase FoSrk1 integrates RNA splicing, carbon metabolism, and virulence in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense","authors":"Han Ouyang ,&nbsp;Jiayi Peng ,&nbsp;Zhouqi Huang ,&nbsp;Yicong Huang ,&nbsp;Yinglan Wen ,&nbsp;Yuan Xu ,&nbsp;Yu Long ,&nbsp;Huijiao Lin ,&nbsp;Qiyan Fu ,&nbsp;Zhaojian Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149954","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gene.2025.149954","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f. sp. <em>cubense</em> (Foc), the causal agent of banana Fusarium wilt, is one of the most destructive plant pathogens worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms that integrate fungal growth, metabolism, and virulence remain poorly understood. This study identifies and functionally characterizes FoSrk1, a serine/arginine-rich protein kinase (SRPK), in Foc. Deletion of <em>FoSrk1</em> markedly impaired vegetative growth, reduced aerial mycelium formation and conidiation, and significantly attenuated virulence toward banana plantlets. The mutant also exhibited compromised utilization of diverse carbon sources, accompanied by altered expression of 32 genes involved in carbon metabolism. Complementation with the wild-type <em>FoSrk1</em> allele restored normal growth and pathogenicity, confirming the gene’s essential role. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that loss of <em>FoSrk1</em> altered the expression of 2,500 genes and was associated with changes in 37 alternative splicing events, predominantly intron retention, affecting transcripts linked to protein metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and redox processes. Moreover, several virulence-associated genes encoding ABC transporters, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and hydrophobins were downregulated in the <em>FoSrk1</em>-deficient strain. These findings suggest that FoSrk1 acts as an important regulator that couples RNA processing with metabolic and pathogenic pathways and is required for normal fungal development and virulence. This study provides new insight into the molecular basis of pathogenic adaptation and identifies FoSrk1 as a potential target for antifungal intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12499,"journal":{"name":"Gene","volume":"983 ","pages":"Article 149954"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145755939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}