Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system potentially detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) following viral invasion. While some Toll-like receptors (TLRs) offer protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, various studies suggest that Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) activity is linked to heightened inflammatory responses and severe disease outcomes.
Methods
This study investigated two TLR2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs5743708 and rs3804099, using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in patients with mild and severe COVID-19.
Results
Genotypic and allelic analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between severity groups. However, rs3804099 showed a significant association with creatinine and sodium levels in severe COVID-19 patients—creatinine differed between CT and TT genotypes, and sodium between CT and CC genotypes. Previous evidence associates this polymorphism with proteinuria after kidney transplantation, suggesting a role in renal homeostasis.
Conclusion
Our findings raise the possibility that rs3804099 may serve as a genetic marker for susceptibility to renal dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance during COVID-19, extending the clinical relevance of TLR2 polymorphisms beyond inflammatory signaling.
{"title":"Impact of genetic variants TLR2 rs5743708 and rs3804099 on the susceptibility of individuals to severe coronavirus disease 2019","authors":"Maryam Noroozi , Kamran Heidarnejad , Reza Shafiei , Reza Shahbazi , Kurosh Kalantar , Mona Fani","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system potentially detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) following viral invasion. While some Toll-like receptors (TLRs) offer protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, various studies suggest that Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) activity is linked to heightened inflammatory responses and severe disease outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study investigated two TLR2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs5743708 and rs3804099, using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in patients with mild and severe COVID-19.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Genotypic and allelic analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between severity groups. However, rs3804099 showed a significant association with creatinine and sodium levels in severe COVID-19 patients—creatinine differed between CT and TT genotypes, and sodium between CT and CC genotypes. Previous evidence associates this polymorphism with proteinuria after kidney transplantation, suggesting a role in renal homeostasis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings raise the possibility that rs3804099 may serve as a genetic marker for susceptibility to renal dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance during COVID-19, extending the clinical relevance of TLR2 polymorphisms beyond inflammatory signaling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102384"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In the present study, we have investigated and compared metagenome sample of plastic-laden landfill soil with garden soil for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Interestingly, during the analysis, we identified several AMR genes that include sul1and sul2 encoding sulfonamide resistance, emr (A) and emr (33) encoding macrolide resistance, bla AQU-3 coding β lactam resistance, vanX (A) coding glycopeptide resistance and drfG coding diaminopyrimidine resistance in plastic-laden landfill soil, whereas no AMR genes could be annotated in the garden soil metagenome sample. Furthermore, screening of AMR phenotype from a plastic-laden landfill soil reveals a bacterium demonstrating resistance to different classes of antibiotics. The whole genome sequencing and analysis reveals its close similarity with Acinetobacter junii, the strain identified henceforth named A. junii JPR0524. Assembled genome demonstrated ∼40 % GC content, and a genome size of ∼3.5 Mbp. Interestingly, several AMR genes could be annotated in A. junii JPR0524 genome. We also predicted several horizontal gene transfer (HGT) sites in JPR0524 genome, noticeably many of these sites overlapped with the predicted AMR genes sites. In addition, insertion of phage DNA fragments was also predicted at one end of the assembled genome, presumably attributed to horizontal gene transfer. Altogether, it appears that strain A. junii JPR0524 might have acquired these multidrug resistance genes in landfill sites through the horizontal gene transfer as evident from identification of putative HGT site in its genome.
{"title":"Acquisition of multiple drug resistance genes by a novel isolate of A. junii from plastic laden landfill soil through horizontal gene transfer","authors":"Kaustubh Jumle , Naveen Malik , Sudarshan Singh Lakhawat , Baljinder Singh , Himanshu Gogoi , Akhilesh Kumar , Pushpender Kumar Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the present study, we have investigated and compared metagenome sample of plastic-laden landfill soil with garden soil for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes<em>.</em> Interestingly, during the analysis, we identified several AMR genes that include <em>sul1</em>and <em>sul2</em> encoding sulfonamide resistance, <em>emr</em> (A) and <em>emr</em> (33) encoding macrolide resistance, <em>bla</em> AQU-3 coding β lactam resistance, <em>vanX</em> (A) coding glycopeptide resistance and <em>drfG</em> coding diaminopyrimidine resistance in plastic-laden landfill soil, whereas no AMR genes could be annotated in the garden soil metagenome sample. Furthermore, screening of AMR phenotype from a plastic-laden landfill soil reveals a bacterium demonstrating resistance to different classes of antibiotics. The whole genome sequencing and analysis reveals its close similarity with <em>Acinetobacter junii</em>, the strain identified henceforth named <em>A. junii</em> JPR0524. Assembled genome demonstrated ∼40 % GC content, and a genome size of ∼3.5 Mbp. Interestingly, several AMR genes could be annotated in <em>A. junii</em> JPR0524 genome. We also predicted several horizontal gene transfer (HGT) sites in JPR0524 genome, noticeably many of these sites overlapped with the predicted AMR genes sites. In addition, insertion of phage DNA fragments was also predicted at one end of the assembled genome, presumably attributed to horizontal gene transfer. Altogether, it appears that strain <em>A. junii</em> JPR0524 might have acquired these multidrug resistance genes in landfill sites through the horizontal gene transfer as evident from identification of putative HGT site in its genome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102387"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102381
Rafael de Souza Rodrigues , Antonia Queiroz Lima de Souza , Jania Lilia da Silva Bentes , Elison de Souza Sevalho , Kamila Rangel Primo Fernandes , Anderson Nogueira Barbosa , Maria de Fátima Oliveira Almeida , Rafael Pinto e Souza , Roneres Deniz Barbosa , Jeferson Chagas da Cruz , Ivanildes dos Santos Bastos , Patrícia Puccinelli Orlandi , Gilvan Ferreira da Silva , Afonso Duarte Leão de Souza
The genus Kitasatospora (phylum Actinobacteria) includes over 44 recognized species, yet their potential to produce bioactive compounds remains largely unexplored. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of Kitasatospora sp. LaBMicrA B282, demonstrating its distinctiveness as an actinomycete associated with the rhizosphere of Inga edulis in an Amazonian urban forest fragment. The strain is Gram-positive, aerobic, and forms brownish-white aerial and grayish-brown substrate mycelia on ISP2+starch medium. The BLAST analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (<99 %% identity) and low genomic relatedness (ANI: 82.86–83.42 %; dDDH2: 27.20–29.60 %; dDDH4: 27.1–27.2 %) support its classification as a distinct species within the genus. Genome mining via antiSMASH identified 63 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), including clusters with 100 % similarity to those for geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, and ε-poly-l-lysine. Bioactivity assays revealed that the aqueous supernatant fraction displayed antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum W2 (IC₅₀ = 36.10 μg/mL), while the AcOEt/2-propanol fraction showed fungicidal activity against four pathogenic fungi. These results highlight the remarkable biosynthetic and therapeutic potential of Kitasatospora strains from underexplored environments. Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating microbial diversity in unique ecological niches like the Amazonian rhizosphere and reinforce the need to conserve these environments as reservoirs of novel bioactive compounds.
{"title":"Genomic characterization and bioactive potential of a Kitasatospora sp. from the rhizosphere of Inga edulis","authors":"Rafael de Souza Rodrigues , Antonia Queiroz Lima de Souza , Jania Lilia da Silva Bentes , Elison de Souza Sevalho , Kamila Rangel Primo Fernandes , Anderson Nogueira Barbosa , Maria de Fátima Oliveira Almeida , Rafael Pinto e Souza , Roneres Deniz Barbosa , Jeferson Chagas da Cruz , Ivanildes dos Santos Bastos , Patrícia Puccinelli Orlandi , Gilvan Ferreira da Silva , Afonso Duarte Leão de Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102381","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102381","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Kitasatospora</em> (phylum Actinobacteria) includes over 44 recognized species, yet their potential to produce bioactive compounds remains largely unexplored. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of <em>Kitasatospora</em> sp. LaBMicrA B282, demonstrating its distinctiveness as an actinomycete associated with the rhizosphere of <em>Inga edulis</em> in an Amazonian urban forest fragment. The strain is Gram-positive, aerobic, and forms brownish-white aerial and grayish-brown substrate mycelia on ISP2+starch medium. The BLAST analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (<99 %% identity) and low genomic relatedness (ANI: 82.86–83.42 %; dDDH2: 27.20–29.60 %; dDDH4: 27.1–27.2 %) support its classification as a distinct species within the genus. Genome mining via antiSMASH identified 63 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), including clusters with 100 % similarity to those for geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, and ε-poly-<span>l</span>-lysine. Bioactivity assays revealed that the aqueous supernatant fraction displayed antiplasmodial activity against <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> W2 (IC₅₀ = 36.10 μg/mL), while the AcOEt/2-propanol fraction showed fungicidal activity against four pathogenic fungi. These results highlight the remarkable biosynthetic and therapeutic potential of <em>Kitasatospora</em> strains from underexplored environments. Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating microbial diversity in unique ecological niches like the Amazonian rhizosphere and reinforce the need to conserve these environments as reservoirs of novel bioactive compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102381"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to assess whether hyperglycemia-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause a long-range deletion in the mitochondrial genome.
Methods
We assessed oxidative damage byproducts, such as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in blood serum samples using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method in diabetes and healthy cohorts. In addition, the long-range mtDNA deletion (ΔmtDNA4977) assay was used to evaluate mtDNA deletions in peripheral blood leucocytes of type 2 diabetes patients. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was computed to analyse the relationship between oxidative markers in the study groups.
Result
Serum 8-OHdG (34.44 ± 1.17 ng/mL) and MDA (65.90 ± 3.15 μmol/L) levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the diabetic group compared to the healthy controls (18.72 ± 0.71 ng/mL and 43.60 ± 2.47 μmol/L, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension also differed significantly between groups (p < 0.0001) and appeared to be positively associated with elevated 8-OHdG levels. However, ΔmtDNA4977 was not detected in the peripheral blood leucocytes of either study group. The ROC curve analysis indicated that 8-OHdG exhibited greater diagnostic accuracy than MDA for distinguishing diabetic patients, demonstrating higher specificity and a larger area under the curve (AUC).
Conclusion
Hyperglycemia elevated oxidative markers but failed to induce ΔmtDNA4977 in peripheral blood leucocytes. There was no ostensible association between ΔmtDNA4977 and diabetes mellitus.
{"title":"Hyperglycemia elevates oxidative stress markers without triggering mitochondrial large-scale deletions in peripheral blood leukocytes of type 2 diabetes patients","authors":"Tejas Tajane , Prafulla Ambulkar , Pranita Waghmare , Bharati Taksande , Jwalant Waghmare","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess whether hyperglycemia-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause a long-range deletion in the mitochondrial genome.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We assessed oxidative damage byproducts, such as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in blood serum samples using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method in diabetes and healthy cohorts. In addition, the long-range mtDNA deletion (ΔmtDNA<sup>4977</sup>) assay was used to evaluate mtDNA deletions in peripheral blood leucocytes of type 2 diabetes patients. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was computed to analyse the relationship between oxidative markers in the study groups.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Serum 8-OHdG (34.44 ± 1.17 ng/mL) and MDA (65.90 ± 3.15 μmol/L) levels were significantly higher (<em>p</em> < 0.0001) in the diabetic group compared to the healthy controls (18.72 ± 0.71 ng/mL and 43.60 ± 2.47 μmol/L, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension also differed significantly between groups (<em>p</em> < 0.0001) and appeared to be positively associated with elevated 8-OHdG levels. However, ΔmtDNA<sup>4977</sup> was not detected in the peripheral blood leucocytes of either study group. The ROC curve analysis indicated that 8-OHdG exhibited greater diagnostic accuracy than MDA for distinguishing diabetic patients, demonstrating higher specificity and a larger area under the curve (AUC).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Hyperglycemia elevated oxidative markers but failed to induce ΔmtDNA<sup>4977</sup> in peripheral blood leucocytes. There was no ostensible association between ΔmtDNA<sup>4977</sup> and diabetes mellitus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102385"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145532934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer in its advanced stages is not associated with much success. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of anticancer drugs represents an innovative approach for efficient and specific targeting of cancer cells. In this work, ZnO NPs were functionalized with glucose and conjugated with Lapatinib. Next, their anticancer effects on colon cancer cells were investigated. Physicochemical properties of ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, EDS, DLS, Zeta potential measurement, and SEM and TEM microscopy. Cell viability in the colon cancer (SW480) and normal (HEK293) cells treated with the NPs was determined and 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Cell cycle and apoptosis/necrosis analyses in the cancer cells were performed by flow cytometry and the expression level of the CASP8 and CASP9 genes was investigated by real-time PCR. Hoechst staining was performed to see the morphology of apoptotic cells. The ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs were correctly synthesized with a spherical shape, DLS of 872.4 nm, zeta potential of −39.2, without impurity and diameter of 43.7–63.8 nm in their dry form. The IC50 of ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs in the normal and cancer cell lines were 36.82 and 7.78 μg/mL, respectively. Treatment of cancer cells with ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs increased cell apoptosis, mainly early apoptosis (74.3 %) and elevated cell cycle blockage at the G0/G1 phase (79.9 %). Alterations in nuclear morphology such as chromatin condensation and fragmentation in favor of apoptosis were evident in cancer cells treated with ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs in Hoechst staining. The expression levels of the CASP8 and CASP9 in the treated cancer cells increased to 6.4 and 3.9 folds, respectively. ROS analysis showed a 50.9-fold increase in reactive oxygen species oxidative after treatment. This study exhibited that ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib is a potential anticancer candidate that reduces the viability of colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis pathways.
{"title":"Zinc oxide nanoparticle conjugated with Lapatinib has apoptogenic effect on colon cancer cell line","authors":"Seyed Milad Mousavi Eshkelani , Riham Nasser , Fatemeh Ghaderibarmi , Fatemeh Mirzaee , Farideh Tahmoresi , Arash Davoudi , Hedyeh Bagheri Darestani , Nafiseh Khakzad , Diba Heidari , Sana Tarashandeh Hemmati , Shahrzad Aghajani , Taraneh Ghasemipour , Fahimeh Abedini Bajgiran , Ahmed Raheem Rayshan , Ali salehzadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102383","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102383","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer in its advanced stages is not associated with much success. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of anticancer drugs represents an innovative approach for efficient and specific targeting of cancer cells. In this work, ZnO NPs were functionalized with glucose and conjugated with Lapatinib. Next, their anticancer effects on colon cancer cells were investigated. Physicochemical properties of ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, EDS, DLS, Zeta potential measurement, and SEM and TEM microscopy. Cell viability in the colon cancer (SW480) and normal (HEK293) cells treated with the NPs was determined and 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>) was calculated. Cell cycle and apoptosis/necrosis analyses in the cancer cells were performed by flow cytometry and the expression level of the <em>CASP8</em> and <em>CASP9</em> genes was investigated by real-time PCR. Hoechst staining was performed to see the morphology of apoptotic cells. The ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs were correctly synthesized with a spherical shape, DLS of 872.4 nm, zeta potential of −39.2, without impurity and diameter of 43.7–63.8 nm in their dry form. The IC<sub>50</sub> of ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs in the normal and cancer cell lines were 36.82 and 7.78 μg/mL, respectively. Treatment of cancer cells with ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs increased cell apoptosis, mainly early apoptosis (74.3 %) and elevated cell cycle blockage at the G0/G1 phase (79.9 %). Alterations in nuclear morphology such as chromatin condensation and fragmentation in favor of apoptosis were evident in cancer cells treated with ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib NPs in Hoechst staining. The expression levels of the <em>CASP8</em> and <em>CASP9</em> in the treated cancer cells increased to 6.4 and 3.9 folds, respectively. ROS analysis showed a 50.9-fold increase in reactive oxygen species oxidative after treatment. This study exhibited that ZnO@Glu-Lapatinib is a potential anticancer candidate that reduces the viability of colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102383"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102382
Jia-Li Shi , Yong-Qiang Hu , Jian-Qiang Ye , Xu-Zhou Liu , Shi-Yan Wei , Li-Ying Li , Ming-Guo Jiang , Liang-Liang Qi
Tremella fuciformis relies on the nutrient supply from its host fungus Annulohypoxylon stygium during development, but the molecular basis of enzyme activity in their interaction remains unclear. Here, we measured the activities of cellulase, neutral xylanase, amylase, neutral protease, and chitinase during the fruiting process. Enzyme activities showed dynamic changes, with consistently higher levels in mixed mycelium than in A. stygium mycelium. To explore the underlying basis, transcriptome analyses were conducted at three stages, detecting 2533, 2276, and 1326 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BHy_14 vs AHy_14, BHy_21 vs AHy_21, and BHy_28 vs AHy_28, respectively (BHy represents the mixed mycelia of T. fuciformis and A. stygium, while AHy represents the mycelia of A. stygium alone; 14, 21, and 28 represent the 14th, 21st, and 28th days of cultivation, respectively). GO and KEGG enrichment indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways. Notably, the largest number of upregulated genes occurred at 21 d, suggesting this as a key stage of metabolic regulation. Ten candidate DEGs from the BHy_21 vs AHy_21 comparison were validated by qRT-PCR, showing expression patterns consistent with the transcriptome data. Overall, this study reveals the pivotal roles of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in T. fuciformis–A. stygium interaction, providing molecular insights into developmental regulation and cultivation improvement.
{"title":"Deciphering functional genes and pathways associated with enzyme activity during fruiting development of Tremella fuciformis and Annulohypoxylon stygium","authors":"Jia-Li Shi , Yong-Qiang Hu , Jian-Qiang Ye , Xu-Zhou Liu , Shi-Yan Wei , Li-Ying Li , Ming-Guo Jiang , Liang-Liang Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102382","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Tremella fuciformis</em> relies on the nutrient supply from its host fungus <em>Annulohypoxylon stygium</em> during development, but the molecular basis of enzyme activity in their interaction remains unclear. Here, we measured the activities of cellulase, neutral xylanase, amylase, neutral protease, and chitinase during the fruiting process. Enzyme activities showed dynamic changes, with consistently higher levels in mixed mycelium than in <em>A. stygium</em> mycelium. To explore the underlying basis, transcriptome analyses were conducted at three stages, detecting 2533, 2276, and 1326 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BHy_14 vs AHy_14, BHy_21 vs AHy_21, and BHy_28 vs AHy_28, respectively (BHy represents the mixed mycelia of <em>T. fuciformis</em> and <em>A. stygium</em>, while AHy represents the mycelia of <em>A. stygium</em> alone; 14, 21, and 28 represent the 14th, 21st, and 28th days of cultivation, respectively). GO and KEGG enrichment indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways. Notably, the largest number of upregulated genes occurred at 21 d, suggesting this as a key stage of metabolic regulation. Ten candidate DEGs from the BHy_21 vs AHy_21 comparison were validated by qRT-PCR, showing expression patterns consistent with the transcriptome data. Overall, this study reveals the pivotal roles of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in <em>T. fuciformis</em>–<em>A. stygium</em> interaction, providing molecular insights into developmental regulation and cultivation improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 102382"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The improper expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) genes could affect various regions of tumor suppressor genes. MicroRNAs target the DNMTs and modulate gene expression of tumor suppressor genes like stratifin. Cinnamaldehyde is also a methylation modulator with anti-cancer properties. The study predicted the miRNA targeting DNMT3A, 3B, and 1 and evaluated the expression of DNMTs, stratifin, miR-548, miR-200c, miR-193a, and miR-148a-5p before and after treatment with cinnamaldehyde in A375 melanoma cell lines. MicroRNAs were predicted and selected by miRanda, miRDB, miRWalk, RNAhybrid, PICTAR4, PICTAR5, PITA, RNA22, and Targetsca. The analysis of this relationship included docking and 2D interaction plots, and the expression of stratifin, DNMTs, and miRNAs was determined by real-time PCR.
The expression of hsa-miR-548, miR-193a, and miR-148 was dramatically reduced, while the expression of hsa-miR-200c was elevated. Following treatment with Cinnamaldehyde, the results were reversed for DNMT3B and stratifin genes in melanoma compared with melanocytes. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations showed increased RMSD and Rg values, reduced hydrogen bonding, and higher SASA following cinnamaldehyde binding to DNMT3B, supporting ligand-induced conformational shifts.
We hypothesized that abnormal microRNA expression may disrupt DNMT function by methylating stratifin, but this effect may be reversed with cinnamaldehyde treatment.
{"title":"Therapeutic potential of cinnamaldehyde in melanoma: An in silico and in vitro analysis of stratifin and DNMT expression","authors":"Ali Afgar , Reza Vahidi , Mehrnaz Sadat Ravari , Maryam Samareh Salavatipour , Fatemeh Sharifi , Mahla Sattarzadeh Bardsiri , Mostafa Amopour Bahnamiry , Hoda Ebrahimi , Marzie Ghanbarian , Mohammad-Javad Sanaei","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102380","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The improper expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) genes could affect various regions of tumor suppressor genes. MicroRNAs target the DNMTs and modulate gene expression of tumor suppressor genes like stratifin. Cinnamaldehyde is also a methylation modulator with anti-cancer properties. The study predicted the miRNA targeting DNMT3A, 3B, and 1 and evaluated the expression of DNMTs, stratifin, miR-548, miR-200c, miR-193a, and miR-148a-5p before and after treatment with cinnamaldehyde in A375 melanoma cell lines. MicroRNAs were predicted and selected by miRanda, miRDB, miRWalk, RNAhybrid, PICTAR4, PICTAR5, PITA, RNA22, and Targetsca. The analysis of this relationship included docking and 2D interaction plots, and the expression of stratifin, DNMTs, and miRNAs was determined by real-time PCR.</div><div>The expression of hsa-miR-548, miR-193a, and miR-148 was dramatically reduced, while the expression of hsa-miR-200c was elevated. Following treatment with Cinnamaldehyde, the results were reversed for DNMT3B and stratifin genes in melanoma compared with melanocytes. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations showed increased RMSD and Rg values, reduced hydrogen bonding, and higher SASA following cinnamaldehyde binding to DNMT3B, supporting ligand-induced conformational shifts.</div><div>We hypothesized that abnormal microRNA expression may disrupt DNMT function by methylating stratifin, but this effect may be reversed with cinnamaldehyde treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 102380"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal, complex multifactorial disease involving acquired, clinical and genetic risk factors. VTE results in formation of abnormal blood clots affecting 1–3 individuals per thousand in general population. Etiology to VTE is largely attributed to presence of genetic risk factors such as increased activity of coagulation factors and decreased expression of natural anti-coagulants. In such a scenario, it becomes utmost important to have a genetic predictive tool based on which the individuals susceptible to VTE pre-disposition could be screened and prophylactic measures could be taken to mitigate morbidity and mortality. Present study screened sixteen single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in blood coagulation and anti-coagulation genes. A total of 89 VTE patients and 116 age-matched healthy controls were genotyped using TaqMan-based SNP real-time PCR assays targeting coagulation and anticoagulation pathway genes. Genotypic distribution of each SNP was compared between cases and controls using chi-square (χ2) and Student's t-tests. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess VTE risk. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Genetic analysis revealed that variants in F7 (rs6046) and F13 (rs6003) were associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), whereas changes in F13 and F10 (rs321175) appeared protective. Among anticoagulant genes, a PLG rs4252125 variant showed strong risk association, while variations in COX2 rs5788 and COX1 rs3842788 showed protective associations. Other tested variants showed no significant association with VTE. This study identifies both novel and established SNPs associated with VTE risk in the Indian population, highlighting the importance of genetic screening for personalized risk prediction.
{"title":"Estimating genetic basis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in Indian population: A case control study","authors":"Babita Kumari , Sunanda Arya , Rashi Khare , Iti Garg , Prince , Rajneesh Kumar Joshi , Rajiv Kumar , Swati Srivastava","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal, complex multifactorial disease involving acquired, clinical and genetic risk factors. VTE results in formation of abnormal blood clots affecting 1–3 individuals per thousand in general population. Etiology to VTE is largely attributed to presence of genetic risk factors such as increased activity of coagulation factors and decreased expression of natural anti-coagulants. In such a scenario, it becomes utmost important to have a genetic predictive tool based on which the individuals susceptible to VTE pre-disposition could be screened and prophylactic measures could be taken to mitigate morbidity and mortality. Present study screened sixteen single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in blood coagulation and anti-coagulation genes. A total of 89 VTE patients and 116 age-matched healthy controls were genotyped using TaqMan-based SNP real-time PCR assays targeting coagulation and anticoagulation pathway genes. Genotypic distribution of each SNP was compared between cases and controls using chi-square (χ<sup>2</sup>) and Student's <em>t</em>-tests. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess VTE risk. A <em>p</em>-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Genetic analysis revealed that variants in F7 (rs6046) and F13 (rs6003) were associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), whereas changes in F13 and F10 (rs321175) appeared protective. Among anticoagulant genes, a PLG rs4252125 variant showed strong risk association, while variations in COX2 rs5788 and COX1 rs3842788 showed protective associations. Other tested variants showed no significant association with VTE. This study identifies both novel and established SNPs associated with VTE risk in the Indian population, highlighting the importance of genetic screening for personalized risk prediction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 102379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102376
Huynh Kim Khanh Ta , L. Minh Dang , Lan Thuy Ty Nguyen
Molecular Cloning is a cornerstone technology for amplifying, expressing, and manipulating specific DNA sequences. Traditional Restriction Enzyme Cloning (REC) methods are limited by sequence dependency and the introduction of undesirable “scar” sequences, which have driven the development of more advanced assembly strategies. In this review, we critically analyze major DNA Cloning techniques—from early methods to modern seamless assembly and in vivo systems. We delineate the fundamental differences between cloning vectors, which are primarily designed for DNA amplification and stable maintenance in host cells, and expression vectors, which incorporate regulatory elements that drive the expression of recombinant proteins or the transcription of guide RNAs (gRNAs) for cell therapy applications. We describe the mechanisms and enzymes involved in each approach and evaluate their key advantages and limitations. We emphasize the distinction between “scarred” methods (e.g., Restriction Enzyme Cloning, Gateway® Cloning) and “seamless” methods (e.g., Golden Gate Assembly, Exonuclease-based Seamless Cloning), highlighting the superior precision and multi-fragment assembly capability of seamless strategies for complex DNA Cloning projects in Synthetic Biology. Finally, we compare the trade-offs between in vitro systems, which are highly efficient but costly, and in vivo assembly approaches, which are simpler and more cost-effective but typically exhibit lower efficiency—making them suitable for self-sustained academic laboratories. We conclude that the optimal cloning strategy should be selected based on the specific requirements of the project, balancing junction type (scarred/seamless), sequence dependency, multi-fragment capability, flexibility, and cost to meet the needs of each experiment.
{"title":"A comparative review of DNA assembly strategies: From traditional to modern","authors":"Huynh Kim Khanh Ta , L. Minh Dang , Lan Thuy Ty Nguyen","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Molecular Cloning is a cornerstone technology for amplifying, expressing, and manipulating specific DNA sequences. Traditional Restriction Enzyme Cloning (REC) methods are limited by sequence dependency and the introduction of undesirable “scar” sequences, which have driven the development of more advanced assembly strategies. In this review, we critically analyze major DNA Cloning techniques—from early methods to modern seamless assembly and in vivo systems. We delineate the fundamental differences between cloning vectors, which are primarily designed for DNA amplification and stable maintenance in host cells, and expression vectors, which incorporate regulatory elements that drive the expression of recombinant proteins or the transcription of guide RNAs (gRNAs) for cell therapy applications. We describe the mechanisms and enzymes involved in each approach and evaluate their key advantages and limitations. We emphasize the distinction between “scarred” methods (e.g., Restriction Enzyme Cloning, Gateway® Cloning) and “seamless” methods (e.g., Golden Gate Assembly, Exonuclease-based Seamless Cloning), highlighting the superior precision and multi-fragment assembly capability of seamless strategies for complex DNA Cloning projects in Synthetic Biology. Finally, we compare the trade-offs between in vitro systems, which are highly efficient but costly, and in vivo assembly approaches, which are simpler and more cost-effective but typically exhibit lower efficiency—making them suitable for self-sustained academic laboratories. We conclude that the optimal cloning strategy should be selected based on the specific requirements of the project, balancing junction type (scarred/seamless), sequence dependency, multi-fragment capability, flexibility, and cost to meet the needs of each experiment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 102376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Copy number variation in the SMN1 gene is the main cause of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We assessed the carrier frequency of SMA, which is the second most common genetic disease, in the Iranian population. This paper demonstrates the largest population including unrelated subjects and also provides an evaluation with variant analysis of SMN1 in cis. To acquire inclusive molecular data about the carrier frequency of SMA and the frequency of SMN1 polymorphisms g.27134T>G (c.*3+80T>G) among Iranian population, we analyzed data from 2157 individuals referred to the Pars-Genome and Genome-Nilou laboratories for SMA carrier detection between 2018 and 2024. A total of 2003 unrelated non-consanguineous healthy individuals were selected from 2157 individuals underwent MLPA using kit P460 or P021. We also assessed available whole exome sequencing (WES) data of another cohort of patients for the presence of the c.*3+80T>G variant in the SMN1. The results indicated that 3.5 % (n = 70) were carriers of the disease, possessing only one copy of the SMN1 gene. Totally, 89 % (n = 1783) of all participants exhibited two copies of SMN1. Among 526 cases underwent assessment by P460 kit and 2211 cases underwent WES, c.*3+80T>G variant was detected in 28 (1 %) cases. This data can be used in the genetic counseling, carrier screening, and prenatal diagnosis of SMA in Iran.
{"title":"Carrier frequency of spinal muscular atrophy: a large-scale study in Iranian population","authors":"Shahram Savad , Mohammad-Hossein Modarressi , Mahnaz Seifi-Alan , Niusha Samadaian , Saloomeh Amidi , Mona Masoomy , Shima Norouzi , Sanaz Seifi-Alan , Alireza Ronagh , Shahab Nourian , Sarang Younesi , Mohammad Mahdi Taheri Amin , Maryam Eslami , Mostafa Iranpour , Asyeh Mohammadi , Bahar Parastooei , Mahdi Heydari , Amirreza Boroumand , Mahmoud Reza Ashrafi , Donya Jahedi , Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard","doi":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102378","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102378","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Copy number variation in the <em>SMN1</em> gene is the main cause of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We assessed the carrier frequency of SMA, which is the second most common genetic disease, in the Iranian population. This paper demonstrates the largest population including unrelated subjects and also provides an evaluation with variant analysis of <em>SMN1</em> in <em>cis</em>. To acquire inclusive molecular data about the carrier frequency of SMA and the frequency of <em>SMN1</em> polymorphisms g.27134T>G (c.*3+80T>G) among Iranian population, we analyzed data from 2157 individuals referred to the Pars-Genome and Genome-Nilou laboratories for SMA carrier detection between 2018 and 2024. A total of 2003 unrelated non-consanguineous healthy individuals were selected from 2157 individuals underwent MLPA using kit P460 or P021. We also assessed available whole exome sequencing (WES) data of another cohort of patients for the presence of the c.*3+80T>G variant in the <em>SMN1</em>. The results indicated that 3.5 % (<em>n</em> = 70) were carriers of the disease, possessing only one copy of the <em>SMN1</em> gene. Totally, 89 % (<em>n</em> = 1783) of all participants exhibited two copies of <em>SMN1</em>. Among 526 cases underwent assessment by P460 kit and 2211 cases underwent WES, c.*3+80T>G variant was detected in 28 (1 %) cases. This data can be used in the genetic counseling, carrier screening, and prenatal diagnosis of SMA in Iran.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12673,"journal":{"name":"Gene Reports","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 102378"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145462419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}