3 Biotech最新文献

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using an aqueous extract of the brown seaweed Sargassum polycystum and evaluated for their neuroprotective potential in an aluminium chloride (AlCl₃)-induced zebrafish model of neurotoxicity. Physicochemical characterization confirmed stable, spherical nanoparticles with a surface plasmon resonance peak at 445 nm, nanoscale size distribution, and negative zeta potential, indicating good colloidal stability. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. Embryo toxicity assessment demonstrated biocompatibility at lower concentrations, while higher doses produced concentration associated developmental toxicity. In adult zebrafish, AlCl₃ exposure induced significant locomotor impairment, anxiety-like behaviour, and cognitive deficits. Co-treatment with AgNPs, particularly at 100 µg/L, significantly improved locomotor activity, reduced anxiety-associated behaviours, and restored learning and memory performance. Biochemical analyses showed a significant reduction in malondialdehyde levels and acetylcholinesterase activity in AgNP-treated groups, indicating Attenuation of oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction. Histopathological evaluation further confirmed preservation of neuronal architecture and reduced neurodegeneration following AgNP treatment. Based on the results indicate that S. polycystum derived silver nanoparticles provide concentration associated neuroprotection against aluminium chloride -induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish and May represent a promising green nanotherapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04716-z.

The present study aims to explore the biological and functional properties of melanin derived from fungus Thermothelomyces hinnuleus SP1. Fungal melanin had detrimental effect on the tested bacterial strains with a zone size ranging from 18 ± 1-35.67 ± 2.08 mm and a minimal inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.97-1.95 µg/ml respectively. It exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging activity (27 ± 1.88-86 ± 2.56%), temperature-dependent superoxide dismutase activity (19.8 ± 3.45-87.82 ± 1.31%) and catalase-mimetic activity (59.48 ± 1.35%). Moreover, it showed biocompatibility (94.9 ± 3.18-98.83 ± 1.83% cell viability) with HaCaT cell lines, while it had a dose dependent anticancer effect on Hela, MCF and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 54 ± 1.7, 35 ± 1.5 and 60 ± 2 µg/ml respectively. Fungal melanin also exhibited photoprotection property with a SPF values of 10.67. These findings indicate that the fungal melanin obtained from Thermothelomyces hinnuleus SP1 possesses significant biological properties including photoprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and biocompatible activities. Such attributes underscore its potential as a multifunctional natural agent, particularly for applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04734-x.

The interaction between maize (Zea mays) and Aspergillus species poses a huge threat to global food safety due to the production of aflatoxins, the toxic secondary metabolites that contaminate maize and pose health risks to humans and animals. The molecular basis of maize defense to Aspergillus flavus infection was studied through the integration of transcriptome-wide differential expression, functional enrichment, network analysis and DNA methylation profiling combined with machine learning, and finally, these patterns were compared with normal seed germination. Aspergillus infection triggered a rapid reprogramming of maize gene expression, replacing germination-associated pathways-most notably starch hydrolysis via α-amylase-with the massive induction of seed storage protein genes. Concurrently, Aspergillus manipulates maize metabolism, degrades tissues, and exploits nutrient reserves, including zein proteins, to support its proliferation and aflatoxin production. Major down-regulated genes under fungal infection compared to normal germination that led to the weakening of maize defenses include acidic endochitinase, CRRSP and AFP1. Up-regulation of rRNA N-glycosylases and ricin-like lectin genes, key ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), highlights their critical role in maize defense against Aspergillus infection, offering potential for crop protection through advanced strategies like transgenic expression and CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Metabolic changes were reflected in the altered expression of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., alpha-amylase, phytase) and stress response proteins with a huge impact on seed germination and resistance. DNA methylation plays a significant role in regulating maize responses to fungal invasion, including zein metabolism, with hypomethylation activating defense genes and epigenetic stress memory priming plants for future challenges. Differential gene expression was correlated with promoter methylation in pathogenesis-related (PR) genes as well as zein and alpha-amylase genes. ML algorithms identified Zm00001eb115030, Zm00001eb078730, Zm00001eb089460, Zm00001eb375640 and Zm00001eb201830 as the most methylation-sensitive defense genes affecting maize reactions. This study identifies key players in the maize-Aspergillus crosstalk, focusing on the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that underpin this interaction, with implications for developing resistant maize varieties.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04726-x.

This study investigated the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Ocimum basilicum under salt stress, focusing on morphological, physiological, biochemical, essential oil composition, and gene expression responses. The factorial greenhouse experiment included three salinity levels (0, 75, and 150 mM NaCl) and four PGPR treatments (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Alcaligenes faecalis, and a non-inoculated control). Morphological traits such as seedling length, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight improved significantly with B. subtilis, increasing by 47.6%, 47.7%, and 27.8%, respectively, under moderate salinity. Physiological parameters, including photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration, were highest in B. subtilis-inoculated plants, with increases of 48.7%, 37.8%, and 33.9% under severe salinity. Biochemical attributes such as total chlorophyll (42.0%), proline (38.8%), phenolics (38.7%), and flavonoids (35.7%) were highest in B. subtilis-treated plants. PGPR significantly reduced oxidative stress, with B. subtilis decreasing H₂O₂ (54.3%), MDA (36.7%), and electrolyte leakage (32.8%). Essential oil yield declined under stress, but PGPR, especially P. fluorescens and B. subtilis, preserved oil content, reaching 1.04% and 0.97%, respectively, at 150 mM NaCl. Additionally, PGPR altered essential oil composition, with B. subtilis increasing linalool (34.05%) and 1,8-cineole (15.82%). Molecular analysis revealed that PGPR significantly upregulated essential oil biosynthetic genes (C7OMT, EOMT, LIS, MTS), with P. fluorescens inducing the highest expression levels of C7OMT (6.02-fold) and EOMT (7.86-fold), and B. subtilis showing the strongest upregulation of EOMT (8.87-fold) and MTS (7.12-fold). These findings highlight PGPR, particularly B. subtilis and P. fluorescens, as effective agents in enhancing basil growth, stress tolerance, and essential oil production under salinity stress, making them promising candidates for sustainable agriculture.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04741-y.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) enzymes have recently emerged as a highly promising target for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. Mutations in IDH genes result in the production of the oncometabolite, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), which contributes to tumorigenesis through epigenetic dysregulation, genomic methylation patterns and altered cellular metabolism. The functions of IDH1 and 2 under normal and cancer conditions are distinct from those of IDH3, although IDH1 and 2 are known to play a crucial role in cancer. IDH mutations are highly prevalent in various cancers such as gliomas, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chondrosarcoma. Thus, IDH inhibitors stand as a promising class of drugs in cancer treatments, by reducing tumor size and enhancing improvements in overall survival. In contrast, targeting specific IDH mutant with IDH inhibitors is associated with challenging and heterogenous outcome, as it causes resistance mechanisms such as isoform switching (From IDH 1-2 and vice versa), secondary mutations (D279N, S280F) and metabolic bypass, although these inhibitors are often well-tolerated with manageable side effects. On the other hand, wild type IDH itself acts as an oncogene when overexpressed, via, enhancing HIF1α signalling driven through Warburg effect, increasing tumor cell proliferation through prevention of oxidative stress response and inhibiting ferroptosis pathway, as reported in various cancers, including lung and breast cancer. Hence, this review emphasizes the biological functions of IDH enzymes, the impact of overexpressed wild type IDH levels and IDH mutations on cancer development and the recent therapeutic strategies, particularly targeting IDH for gliomas, AML and chondrosarcoma treatment. The potential of IDH inhibitors in personalized medicine approaches and their implications for improving patient outcomes, along with the computer-based emerging technologies such as Computer aided drug design, Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence tools for development of novel lead IDH inhibitors are also discussed.

This study analyzed genetic diversity, combining ability, and biochemical traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) for improved productivity and quality. Six parents were crossed in line × tester design and data were recorded for seven traits for estimation of heterosis, general and specific combining ability variances and effects. The genetic diversity was estimated though DNA markers. The analysis of variance revealed that significant differences among genotypes for studied characters indicated the presence of considerable amount of genetic variability among the genotypes. The per se performance of hybrids was higher than parents suggesting the possibility for heterotic hybrids. Combining ability effects revealed the presence of (non)additive gene action for the traits considered. Overall hybrids GAO 5 × AOL 20 - 03, GAO 8 × AOL 20 - 03 and AOL 21 - 10 × AOL 20 - 03 may be directly exploited for improving yield and nutritional qualities. Two molecular markers ISSR and RAPD markers revealed 88.04% polymorphism. The PIC value was highest in OPB-18 (RAPD) and Echt 5 (ISSR) (PIC-0.87). Fourteen accessions clustered into seven groups, with genetic similarity ranging from 0.37 to 1.00. Analyzing genetic diversity and combining ability in okra genotypes reveals the potential for developing superior, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich hybrids, which can significantly enhance productivity and crop quality.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04714-1.

Propolis, a natural wax-like resinous substance present in bee hives, has been extensively used in dietary supplements and as folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including neurological disorders. Propolis has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of depression and other neurological disorders. This review aims to investigate the clinical studies and various therapeutic potentials associated with propolis, direct the future scope of research, and discuss possible clinical implications. A total of 143 papers were selected using a database comprising Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Diverse keywords, such as propolis, bee, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical study, were used to search the content. This review highlights the diverse biological activities of propolis, as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies. In experimental models, propolis extract exhibited antidepressant-like and vasculoprotective effects, primarily through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. These benefits were associated with the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and angiogenic factors. Propolis extract was found to delay the progression of atherosclerosis by improving lipid metabolism and modulating apoptosis. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo investigations suggest that propolis may protect vascular endothelial function due to its antiproliferative activity. Notably, anticancer potential was observed against the ovarian cancer cell line M12.C3.F6. Clinical studies also provided encouraging findings. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, propolis extract has been shown to improve wound healing parameters in diabetic foot ulcers. Another trial reported promising outcomes with propolis extract formulated as niosomal oromucosal-adhesive films for recurrent aphthous ulcers. Overall, these results underline the multifaceted therapeutic promise of propolis across neurological, vascular, oncological, and wound-healing domains. This review summarizes clinical and experimental evidence on the therapeutic potential of propolis. It highlights its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer (skin, oral, lung, breast, cervical), antidepressant, anxiolytic, cardiovascular, chemopreventive, and anti-angiogenic properties. Several studies, including clinical trials, suggest its potential role in combating COVID-19 and other health conditions. Overall, findings indicate that propolis possesses significant medicinal promise and may serve as a lead candidate for developing novel therapeutic agents.

The present study investigated the effect of actinobacterial inoculation on the growth performance and secondary metabolite accumulation of Salvia hispanica cultivated under saline soil conditions. Two highly active isolates, Actinocorallia aurantiaca (NR_114514) and Streptomyces mutabilis (PP496558), designated as strains 9 and 34, respectively, were individually applied to sterile and non-sterile soils adjusted to a salinity level of 4 dS/m. Plants were grown under controlled conditions until the vegetative stage, after which growth parameters and major phytochemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, were quantified using standard biochemical assays. Actinobacterial inoculation significantly enhanced plant growth and secondary metabolite production compared to non-inoculated controls. S. mutabilis (PP496558) showed the highest stimulation of phenolic and flavonoid contents under saline conditions. In addition, sterile saline soils supported greater accumulation of bioactive compounds than non-sterile soils. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of actinobacteria as bio-enhancers for improving the productivity and phytochemical quality of S. hispanica under salinity stress, highlighting their potential application in sustainable medicinal plant cultivation in arid and saline environments.

Secondary metabolites from the marine bacterium Stenotrophomonas rhizophila strain BGNAK1 were evaluated for neuroprotective activity using biochemical and cellular assays relevant to Alzheimer's disease. The crude extract exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 106.0163 µg/mL, indicating effective modulation of cholinergic function. Antioxidant evaluation revealed strong free radical scavenging capacity, with DPPH radical inhibition of and 97% at 1.0 mg/ml. The extract also significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, showing a reduction compared to untreated control cells at the highest tested concentration. Cytotoxicity analysis using PC12 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines demonstrated > 85% cell viability across all tested concentrations, confirming good biocompatibility. No significant morphological alterations or growth inhibition were observed under treatment conditions. Overall, these results demonstrate that metabolites derived from S. rhizophila BGNAK1 exert multi-target neuroprotective effects through combined cholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant mechanisms. Although direct neuronal injury models were not employed, the integrated biochemical and cellular findings provide quantitative evidence supporting the neurotherapeutic potential of marine bacterial metabolites and justify further investigation into their role in Alzheimer's disease-oriented drug discovery.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04751-w.

Genome editing techniques, especially clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), brought researchers into a new era of molecular plant breeding because it enabled them to make targeted modifications in plant genomes and transcriptomes. However, the successful incorporation of large DNA segments into plant genomes, necessary for high genetic gains and desired traits, remains a critical challenge. As there is an increasing demand for technologies that support chromosomal integration of large DNA inserts suitable for application in synthetic biology and plant breeding, PrimeRoot editors have presented a revolutionary solution to this issue, as they integrate enhanced prime editing guide RNA (PegRNA) designs, improved plant prime editor systems and advanced recombinases, helping in the precise insertion of DNA fragments of up to 11.1 kb into the plant genomes. Third-generation PrimeRoot editors further enhanced the precision and efficiency of transformation under different gene delivery systems. This technology holds enormous promise for accurately inserting long DNA sequences across different species of plants. This review highlights expected developments, opportunities, applications, advantages and challenges associated with PrimeRoot editors as well as the significance of expanding their applicability to more varieties of plants.