3 Biotech最新文献

In this study, chitosan/curcumin (CS/Cur) and chitosan/papain (CS/Pa) nanoparticles were prepared and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential light scattering (DLS). Subsequently, release rate, porosity, swelling, degradability, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cell viability tests were conducted to investigate and compare the healing potential of the nanoparticles for various types of wounds. The results of FTIR, XRD, and DLS indicated that the nanoparticles were manufactured correctly with a hydrodynamic diameter of 429 nm (CS/Cur) and 460 nm (CS/Pa), and zeta potential of 4.32 mV (CS/Cur) and 7.57 mV (CS/Pa). The release rate results indicated a higher release rate in a basic environment (pH 8.4) for curcumin, a higher release rate for papain in an acidic environment (pH 6.4), and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model for the release of curcumin and papain. The results indicated that CS/Cur with 41.6% antioxidant activity, high antibacterial effect, and cell growth up to 616% during 7 days, was more effective than CS/Pa. In comparison, CS/Pa (with a porosity of 70.5% and a swelling rate of 1392%) was more advantageous than CS/Cur in terms of porosity and swelling. In addition, CS/Cur was as effective as CS/Pa in terms of degradation and anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the outcomes represented that the CS/Cur and CS/Pa nanoparticles improved wound healing, and each was suitable for specific wounds and wound healing stages.

This study aimed to investigate the role of POU Class 4 Homeobox 1 (POU4F1) in regulating gemcitabine (GEM) resistance in lung cancer cells. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using RT-qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by CCK-8 assay and EdU assay. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry were employed to detect cell apoptosis. The m⁶A modification of TWF1 was detected using MeRIP assay. The interactions between molecules were validated using dual luciferase reporter gene, ChIP, and RIP assays. POU4F1 knockdown inhibited GEM resistance and autophagy in lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, POU4F1 transcriptionally activated methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3) in GEM-resistant cells by binding to the METTL3 promoter. METTL3 promoted the N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification and expression level of twinfilin-1 (TWF1). Overexpression of METTL3 and TWF1 weakened the effects of POU4F1 knockdown on GEM resistance and autophagy. Moreover, knockdown POU4F1 also enhanced GEM anti-tumor sensitivity in vivo. In conclusion, POU4F1 upregulation promoted GEM resistance in lung cancer cells by promoting autophagy through increasing METTL3-mediated TWF1 m⁶A modification.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04161-w.

The genus Chenopodium L. includes the domesticated seed crop Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and the semi-domesticated seed/fodder Chenopodiumalbum L., both valued for their high protein content and high-quality grains. This study investigates the morphological and molecular characteristics of starch granules in 50 accessions including C. quinoa Willd. and C. album L., to elucidate variations in amylose content and genetic markers. Starch granules were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, revealing primarily angular to polygonal shapes with an average size of ~ 1.5 µm. Dynamic light scattering showed size variation: C. album L. granules ranged from 115.1 ± 8.09 to 192.5 ± 5.11 nm, while C. quinoa Willd. granules from 204.5 ± 21.45 to 263.9 ± 12.48 nm. Apparent amylose content (AAC) was categorized via iodine staining into high (> 25%), intermediate (19-25%), low (11-19%), and very low (5-12%) classes. The results demonstrated a wide AAC range, with C. album L. displaying a broader spectrum compared to C. quinoa Willd. The molecular characterization of the Waxy locus, crucial for amylose synthesis, was performed using PCR and sequencing. The Waxy locus, consisting of 13 exons and 12 introns, showed significant sequence similarity with Chenopodium species. The key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AAC levels were identified, including variations in exons 1, 4, 6, 9, and 13. A 100 bp deletion in intron 9 was specific to C. album L., facilitating the development of an allele-specific PCR marker to distinguish between C. quinoa Willd. and C. album L. The phylogenetic analysis of Waxy sequences divided accessions into two primary clusters, reflecting their A-genome and B-genome origins. The study enhances understanding of genetic diversity and offers insights for breeding applications in Chenopodium species.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04173-6.

India is a treasure trove of biological diversity with its plant genetic resources playing a crucial role in the crop improvement serving as the foundation for the country's sustainable food and nutritional security. India's in vitro genebank (IVG) is part of the National Genebank at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR). The IVG houses distinctive multi-crop repository that utilizes several tissue culture techniques for short- to medium-term storage in in vitro active genebank (IVAG) and cryoconservation approaches for long-term storage in in vitro base genebank (IVBG). In IVAG, germplasm is conserved under normal and slow growth conditions with a subculture period of 1-36 months depending on the species/genotype and conservation approach. Currently, the IVAG holds 2,038 germplasm accessions (69 genera and 171 species) from six crop groups, viz. (a) tropical fruit crops (449), (b) temperate and minor tropical fruit crops (408), (c) tuber crops (530), (d) bulbous and ornamental crops (187), (e) medicinal and aromatic plants (232), and (f) spices and industrial crops (232). For long-term conservation, in vitro produced explants of various species are cryopreserved at the IVBG in liquid nitrogen. Utilizing various cryoconservation procedures, 347 accessions from several crop groups have been successfully conserved in the IVBG. Over the past four decades, in vitro conservation has been accomplished by the above mentioned cutting-edge techniques. This report highlights the efforts and achievements of the National Genebank in conserving horticultural genetic resources through in vitro and cryoconservation.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a pivotal medium of crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract. It is an intricate network of synergistic molecular pathways that exert their effects far beyond their local vicinity and even affect the systemic functioning of the body. The current review explores the involvement of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in the functioning of the nervous system, with a special emphasis on the neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and neuroinflammation that occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Gut-derived microbial metabolites play an important role in facilitating this interaction. We also highlighted the complex interaction between gut-derived metabolites and CNS processes, demonstrating how microbial dysbiosis might result in clinical disorders. Short-chain fatty acids have neuroprotective properties, whereas branched-chain amino acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and tryptophan derivatives such as indole have negative effects at high concentrations. Furthermore, we cover pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological approaches for restoring the gut microbial balance and promoting neurological health. We further expanded on nutritional therapies and lifestyle changes, such as the Mediterranean diet and exercise. Next, we focused on food-controlling habits such as caloric restriction and intermittent fasting. Moreover, interventional techniques such as prebiotics, probiotics, and pharmacological medications have also been utilized to modify the GBA. Historical microbiome research from early discoveries to recent studies linking gut health to cognitive and emotional well-being has increased our understanding of the GBA.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease marked by an excessive rise in blood sugar (glucose) levels caused by a partial or total absence of insulin production, combined with alterations in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 425 million individuals globally had diabetes in 2017 which will be 629 million by 2045. Several medications are used to treat DM, but they have limitations and side effects including weight gain, nausea, vomiting, and damage to blood vessels and kidneys. Therefore, it is essential to identify anti-diabetic drugs that have less or no side effects. Hence, the current study employed in silico approaches to discover new DPP-IV inhibitors that might be associated with diabetes. Thirty-four (34) co-crystalized DPP-IV enzymes were found from the protein data bank and the co-crystal ligands were docked into the active-site 6B1E protein to find out the hit compounds. From the docking results, we found two hit compounds (5T4E and 4J3J) which were used to find out the analogs from the experimental drug database using the DrugRep software. According to the results, twenty (20) analogs were found from the experimental drug database with the similarity score of ≥ 0.790 and docked once again into the active site of the DPP-IV (PDB ID: 6B1E) enzyme. Interestingly, DB02226 showed the best binding affinity (-10.3 kcal/mol) and prime MM/GBSA (-68.73 kcal/mol) compared to the reference drug (co-crystal ligand; -7.4 kcal/mol and -47.49 kcal/mol, respectively). Additionally, DB02226 has shown excellent reactivity, efficacy, and structural stability in the binding region of target proteins in studies using MD simulation, MM/GBSA, DFT, and MESP analysis. These findings can be utilized to support further in vitro, in vivo, pre-clinical and clinical research rather than definitively confirming anti-diabetic effectiveness.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a vital cereal crop, provides over 20% of the total calories and protein in the human diet. However, Fusarium graminearum, the pathogen responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB), poses a significant threat to wheat production by contaminating grains with harmful mycotoxins. Although Fusarium head blight is currently a minor disease in India, it has the potential to cause substantial yield and quality losses, especially if rain occurs during mid-anthesis. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and sRNA accumulation, are crucial in regulating gene expression and enabling plants to adapt to environmental stresses. Previous studies investigating wheat's response to F. graminearum through transcriptome analysis of lines differing in 2DL FHB resistance QTLs did not fully explore the role of methylation-related genes. To address this gap, we re-analyzed RNA-Seq data to uncover the response of methylation-related genes to pathogen infection. Our analysis revealed that 16 methylation-related genes were down-regulated in the susceptible line 2-2890, with Gene Ontology (GO) analysis linking these genes to L-methionine salvage from methylthioadenosine (GO:0019509), S-adenosylmethionine metabolism (GO:0033353), and steroid biosynthesis (GO:0006694) (p-value = 0.001). Co-expression analysis identified a negative correlation (-0.82) between methionine S-methyl-transferase (MSM; TraesCS1A02G013800) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR; TraesCS5A02G269300). HMGCR also showed negative correlations (-1.00) with genes encoding pathogenesis-related, detoxification proteins, and xylanase inhibitors, with GO associating these genes with methionine S-methyl transferase activity (p-value = 0.001). In pathogen-inoculated samples, the elevated expression of HMGCR (Log2 3.25-4.00) and the suppression of MSM (Log2 1.25-3.25) suggest a dual role in stress response and susceptibility, potentially linked to disrupted DNA methylation and isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways. Furthermore, 43 genes down-regulated by miR9678 were associated with biotic stimulus responses and glucan endo-1,4-beta-glucanase activity, highlighting the complex regulatory networks involved in wheat's defense against F. graminearum. This study reveals the roles of methylation-related genes in susceptible wheat lines 2-2890, providing new insights into their potential impact on pathogen response and plant susceptibility.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04179-0.

The present study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cleome arabica (CA) fruit extract against bisphenol A (BPA)-induced ovarian injury in female Wistar rats. The antioxidant activity was estimated by the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide radical (NBT) content. For the in vivo analyses, 24 animals were divided into the following 4 groups: the control group; the BPA group (50 mg/kg BW BPA for 30 days); the BPA  + CA group (50 mg/kg BW BPA and 50 mg/kg BW CA); and the CA group (50 mg/kg BW CA). The in vitro results demonstrated that CA exhibited strong antioxidant activity and scavenged O₂•- radicals. . Pharmacokinetic properties were also explored, reflecting the physiological dynamics of the five active molecules (quercetin, catechin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, and naringenin). The in vivo findings revealed a significant increase in body weight associated with a significant increase in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α), and testosterone levels (p < 0.01). In addition, ovarian histological disruption was observed. However, co-administration of CA extract significantly improved ovarian histological integrity and attenuated inflammatory and androgenic disturbances. Moreover, in silico investigations showed that CA compounds interacted more strongly with the active sites of IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α. The best binding energy was observed between catechin (five H-bonds) and IL-1β and IL-6, at -6.0 and -6.1 kcal/mol, respectively, and between rosmarinic acid (four H-bonds) and TNF-α, at -6.4 kcal/mol. The present study supports the use of Cleome arabica in the treatment of infertility for female polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

The etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are complex, and currently, no comprehensive treatment measures exist. In this study, we initially utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) to profile the bioactive constituents of SZLOL present in the bloodstream. Subsequent Y-maze experimental data demonstrated that SZLOL could ameliorate short-term memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, micro-positron emission tomography (Micro-PET) experiments revealed that SZLOL enhanced glucose metabolism in the cerebral cortex of the mice. To model AD in vitro, we utilized Aβ42-induced SH-SY5Y cells and assessed the effects of SZLOL-containing serum on cell growth and migration using immunofluorescence and wound-healing assays. Both in vivo and in vitro Western blot analyses indicated that SZLOL and SZLOL-containing serum were capable of activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which modulates the expression of inflammatory mediators. In future studies, we will validate our findings in more animal and cell models.