3 Biotech最新文献

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by hyperresponsiveness, airflow obstruction, and recurrent respiratory symptoms. Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments, current therapies often have side effects and show variable effectiveness, underscoring the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis, commonly known as Kakarsinghi, has traditionally been used in South Asia to treat respiratory conditions, including cough, bronchitis, and asthma. This practice is prevalent in Ayurveda, Unani medicine, and local folklore. Phytochemical studies have identified various bioactive compounds in Kakarsinghi, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and bronchodilatory properties. Preclinical research demonstrates that P. integerrima extracts and isolated constituents can modulate key molecular pathways associated with asthma pathophysiology, including the inhibition of NF-κB, suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, modulation of mast cell stabilization, and downregulation of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Clinical studies indicate that galls may effectively prevent respiratory attacks and enhance chest expansion and respiratory rate when used in poly-herbal formulations. These findings support the traditional use of galls and suggest their potential as an adjunct therapy. This review speculates on the available data, comprising ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and multifaceted therapeutic prospects of P. integerrima, highlighting its potential role as a natural intervention for asthma.

Taxol (paclitaxel) is a widely used anticancer drug with a complex biosynthetic pathway that has puzzled biochemists for decades. The endophytic fungus Fusarium tricinctum T6 isolated from the bark of Taxus baccata comprises potential anticancer and antioxidant activities. In the present study, the fungal extract profiling using the UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS technique confirmed the Taxol production from F. tricinctum T6 strain. The study further addressed the long-standing challenge of uncovering the fungal Taxol biosynthesis genes and pathway. In genome-wide sequence analysis, among 13,249 predicted gene models, 8 associated with the mevalonate pathway and 19 other Taxol biosynthesis genes were determined, whereas no single 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway-related gene was found. The identified fungal Taxol biosynthesis genes are mainly homologous to those in Taxus and other plant species, with low percentage identities. Contrary to past studies, the conserved "DXDD" motif was observed in predicted taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene synthase of F. tricinctum and Pestalotiopsis microspora. Notably, despite the low sequence identities between F. tricinctum and Taxus brevifolia taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene synthase, the remarkable structural similarity of their active sites indicates likely conservation of enzymatic function. The study revealed the Taxol production and sole involvement of the mevalonate pathway in the biosynthesis of Taxol precursors, while supporting the potential independent origin of the Taxol biosynthesis pathway in F. tricinctum from the host plants. This work also provides an understanding of Taxol biosynthesis and establishes a foundation for its biotechnological production.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04657-z.

Soybean plants showing the symptoms of veinal necrosis and bud blight were examined to identify the associated viral agent. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the flexuous and filamentous virus particles. DAC-ELISA of symptomatic samples confirmed the presence of cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) while other tested viruses GBNV, SMV, SVNV, TSV and TRSV were found to be absent. RT-PCR using CPMMV coat protein (CP) gene primers consistently produced an 867-bp amplicon, whereas amplification was not observed for other viruses confirming its association with the disease. Sequence analysis of the CPMMV CP gene showed 99% similarity with Indian urdbean isolate (MH345698) followed by other CPMMV isolates (89-98%) and clustered phylogenetically distinct from Brazil, China and Ghana isolates. Mechanical sap inoculation resulted in 30-60% transmission efficiency across host species. Nicotiana benthamiana exhibited severe systemic infection and seedling wilting, indicating high susceptibility. Cowpea and French bean developed systemic chlorosis and necrosis, while soybean genotypes showed restricted symptoms. DAC-ELISA, RT-PCR and RT-qPCR confirmed CPMMV infection, with viral copy numbers ranging from 8.54 × 10⁵ to 5.7 × 10⁸ in field-collected soybean and 4.7 × 10⁸ in N. benthamiana. Cowpea and French bean accumulated moderate viral loads, whereas soybean genotypes Pusa-12 and PS-1670 supported limited replication. No other viruses were detected. These results conclusively establish CPMMV as the causal agent of veinal necrosis and bud blight disease in soybean and demonstrate its differential infectivity and accumulation across host species.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04640-8.

The aging process is associated with gradual cognitive decline resulting from deficits in synaptic plasticity, the brain's natural ability to adapt and reshape its neural circuitry. This review highlights the importance of synaptic plasticity in cognitive function. It provides a full overview of the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms involved in enhanced or diminished synaptic plasticity in the aging brain. We also go over issues in neurotransmitter systems, calcium signaling, neurotrophic support (ex., BDNF-TrkB), cellular signaling pathways (e.g. mTOR, CaMK, CREB, and MAPK/ERK), and neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular integrity, all of which redirect the trajectory of synaptic failure associated with cognitive decline in aging. Therapeutic approaches toward increasing or restoring synaptic plasticity are evaluated, including pharmacological (e.g., nootropics, cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor modulators), natural (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, bacoside A), and new interventions (e.g., psychoplastogens, gene therapy, nanocarriers, and digital therapeutics). Lifestyle approaches, especially physical exercise, cognitive training, intermittent fasting, and mindfulness approaches to stimulation, have highly potent effects on plasticity enhancements and employ multiple neurobiological mechanisms. Despite much promise, there remain substantial translational challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, lack of personalized biomarkers, and ethical considerations concerning cognitive enhancement. As we look ahead, a multidisciplinary integrative approach that includes molecular therapeutics, lifestyle interventions, and next-generation neurotechnologies will be most useful for protecting cognitive health and enhancing brain resilience in aging individuals. This review highlights the immediate necessity for personalized, ethical, and evidence-based approaches to take advantage of synaptic plasticity for healthy cognitive aging.

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Euphorbiaceae family is an important tropical crop cultivated for seeds containing industrially valuable oil. With economic development, demand for castor beans and oil is rapidly increasing, yet production is severely affected by fungal diseases, particularly Fusarium and Macrophomina, due to limited advanced breeding methods. F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini -induced wilt in castor is a major pathogenic factor responsible for severe yield losses. Wilt resistance, a complex trait controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs), was investigated in this study by developing a linkage map and identifying novel QTLs in castor using F2:3 population. The was developed from the cross between two castor inbred lines, 48 - 1 (Jwala) and the wilt-susceptible genotype JI-35, and screened under pot conditions. Linkage map was developed using 71 SSR markers. A genetic map comprising 13 linkage groups, spanning a total of 1,028.7 cM centimorgans (cM). Analysis of genotypic and phenotypic data from the mapping population, evaluated for wilt in pots, identified two QTLs on LG1 and 6 explaining 12.44-16.58% of phenotypic variation. PCR amplification using linked markers on LG 1 in resistant and susceptible F₄ families of the mapping population demonstrated that these markers effectively distinguish plants resistant or susceptible to wilt disease. These markers can be utilized for developing resistant varieties via backcross breeding and for screening germplasm at the seedling stage.

Quercetin (QR), a plant-derived flavonoid, was evaluated as an adjuvant to enhance ciprofloxacin (CP) and tetracycline (TE) efficacy against Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor (C6706) and non-O1/non-O139 (SC134) strains. Checkerboard assays revealed additive effects (FICI = 0.75) for QR+CP and QR+TE against both strains, with synergy (FICI = 0.5) for QR+TE in C6706. QR-antibiotic combinations significantly increased membrane permeability (by 162-188% in C6706 and 151-189% in SC134) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (by 229-262% in C6706 and 211-241% in SC134), potentiating antibiotic-induced bacterial death. Sub-MIC combinations markedly inhibited biofilm formation (67-76%) and reduced viable biofilm cells (CFU counts), supported by crystal violet (CV) and FESEM imaging. QR and antibiotics at higher doses (multiple MICs) eradicated preformed biofilms (77-79% in C6706; 40-43% in SC134). Quantitative assays confirmed significant reductions in biofilm matrix components, exopolysaccharides (73-82%), proteins (59-67%), and extracellular DNA (79-92%). QR also decreased cell surface hydrophobicity, induced morphological elongation, and impaired adhesion. Furthermore, QR combinations significantly suppressed swimming motility and protease activity, indicating attenuation of virulence. In silico docking showed strong binding of QR-antibiotic complexes to key regulatory proteins governing biofilm (VpsR, RbmA, Bap1), virulence (LuxO, AphA), and morphology (CrvA), suggesting targeted pathway interference. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that QR enhances the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence efficacy of CP and TE against V. cholerae through multi-mechanistic modulation of membrane permeability, oxidative stress, and virulence regulation, supporting its potential as an effective antibiotic adjuvant.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04621-x.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly impacts tumor development, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to conventional treatments. Recent nanomedicine advancements aid the formation of intelligent, multipurpose nanosystems that precisely target and modify various TME elements, including hypoxia, extracellular matrix, tumor-associated macrophages, and immunological checkpoints. The review highlights recent advancements in nanotechnology-based methods for optimizing medication delivery, renewing the TME, and enhancing treatment outcomes. It discusses the impact of nanomedicines on the TME, including immune modulation, stimuli-responsive drug release, and the restoration of abnormal vasculature. It also demonstrates the translational landscape of these methods, focusing on safety profiles, clinical trials, and scaling challenges from preclinical models to clinical applications. Nanomedicine offers personalized cancer treatments by regulating tumor TME, enhancing immunity, restoring tumor vasculature, and targeting multiple TME components through smart nanocarriers. Combination approaches with immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy show synergistic results. Clinical trials show promise but face scalability and reproducibility issues.

The blast disease of rice is caused by a well-known pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae infecting the rice crop in all growth stages and results in devastating yield losses. Due to the complex polyphyletic lineage of the pathogen population and the existence of numerous transposable elements, understanding its genetic diversity is essential for effective disease management. The present study aims to minimize the rapid breakdown of disease resistance and in a way that limit the emergence of new races. Virulence screening on a set of rice differentials revealed the presence of 18 International races collected from various cultivars across three agroclimatic zones of Telangana, India. Further, 40 single spore isolates of M. oryzae were characterized using PCR-based genetic techniques such as RAPD, SSR, and Pot2-TIR. Notably, Lineage - I identified through Pot2 - TIR analysis contained the largest number of isolates, while other lineages represent smaller numbers of isolates. In broader terms, each lineage included isolates with different geographic origins, cultivars and diseased plant parts and there was no discernible relationship between pathotypes and DNA fingerprinting. Having been contemplated, these findings demonstrated that the M. oryzae population collected from various rice cultivars grown in Telangana had greater individual diversity than population diversity. Hence, for efficient disease management, use of certified seed and removal of collateral hosts are recommended.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04610-0.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease involving dysregulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) activity, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition and lung tissue deterioration. This study investigated bioactive compounds from Mentha piperita L. as potential MMP9 inhibitors for IPF therapy. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified nine phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of peppermint leaves. Drug-likeness screening using Lipinski's Rule of Five identified two lead compounds: (-)-carvone and cis-dihydrocarvone. ADMET analysis revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including appropriate solubility (-3.089 and -3.12, respectively) and blood-brain barrier permeability values (0.345 and 0.357). TOPKAT toxicity prediction classified both compounds as non-carcinogenic with negligible skin sensitization potential. Molecular docking against MMP9 (PDB ID: 1GKD) yielded MolDock scores of -84.22 for (-)-carvone and  -87.47 for cis-dihydrocarvone, indicating strong binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns demonstrated stable protein-ligand complexes with consistent RMSD values (~ 0.8 Å for ligand), sustained hydrogen bonding interactions, and minimal conformational changes. Key residues LEU188, VAL398, HIS401, and TYR423 were identified as critical for binding stability. These computational findings establish (-)-carvone and cis-dihydrocarvone as promising MMP9 inhibitor candidates for IPF treatment, warranting in vitro and in vivo experimental validation.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a naturally occurring, functional, non-protein amino acid that is ubiquitously present in biological cells, including microorganisms, plants, and animals. It functions as a key precursor in the biosynthesis of tetrahydropyrrole compounds in organisms. Due to its biodegradable, non-toxic, and residue-free properties, 5-ALA has been extensively utilized in medicine, agriculture, and animal production. In recent years, rapid advances in biotechnology have intensified interest in the biological synthesis of 5-ALA. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent developments in microbial 5-ALA production via the C4 or C5 pathway, including engineering of key enzymes, enhancing the supply of precursors and cofactors, engineering product transporters, reducing by-product generation, dynamic regulation based on biosensors, and utilization of omics technology. These technologies have enabled the production of 5-ALA using bacteria, thereby significantly promoting the industrialization of 5-ALA synthesis. In addition, this review addresses the current challenges associated with the biological synthesis of 5-ALA and proposes prospects that offer guidance for its biosynthesis and industrial production.