Transcriptomics and Plant Hormone Analysis Reveal the Mechanism of Branching Angle Formation in Tea Plants ().

The branching angle of tea plants is a key factor in determining their branching structure, which significantly affects yield, suitability for mechanical harvesting, and overall plant architecture. However, the mechanisms underlying branching angle formation in tea plants remain unclear. In this study, we explored the mechanism of branching angle formation in tea plants by analysing the transcriptome and plant hormone levels of tea plant cultivars with different branching angles.

Jun, an Oncological Foe or Friend?

Jun/JUN is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein and a prototypic member of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors that can act as homo- or heterodimers, interact with DNA elements and co-factors, and regulate gene transcription. Jun is expressed by both immune and inflammatory cells. Jun is traditionally seen as an oncoprotein that regulates processes involved in transformation and oncogenesis in human tumours.

An FGF2-Derived Short Peptide Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting Collagen Deposition and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via the FGFR/MAPK Signaling Pathway.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis has increased significantly, placing patients at higher risk and presenting new therapeutic challenges. Current anti-fibrotic drugs, such as Nintedanib, can slow the decline in lung function, but their severe side effects highlight the urgent need for safer and more targeted alternatives. This study explores the anti-fibrotic potential and underlying mechanisms of an endogenous peptide (P5) derived from fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), developed by our research team.

Degenerative Disease Diagnosis and Analysis Based on Tissue Specificity of DNA Methylation.

The tissue specificity of DNA methylation refers to the significant differences in DNA methylation patterns in different tissues. This specificity regulates gene expression, thereby supporting the specific functions of each tissue and the maintenance of normal physiological activities. Abnormal tissue-specific patterns of DNA methylation are closely related to age-related diseases.

A Multi-Omics Analysis of a Mitophagy-Related Signature in Pan-Cancer.

Mitophagy, an essential process within cellular autophagy, has a critical role in regulating key cellular functions such as reproduction, metabolism, and apoptosis. Its involvement in tumor development is complex and influenced by the cellular environment. Here, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of a mitophagy-related gene signature, composed of , , , , , , and , across various cancer types, revealing significant differential expression patterns associated with molecular subtypes, stages, and patient outcomes.

Mitochondrial Ribosomal Proteins and Cancer.

Mitochondria play key roles in maintaining cell life and cell function, and their dysfunction can lead to cell damage. Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) are encoded by nuclear genes and are assembled within the mitochondria. MRPs are pivotal components of the mitochondrial ribosomes, which are responsible for translating 13 mitochondrial DNA-encoded proteins essential for the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Mycobacteria Exploit Host GPR84 to Dampen Pro-Inflammatory Responses and Promote Infection in Macrophages.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the major cause of mortality and morbidity, causing approximately 1.3 million deaths annually. As a highly successful pathogen, () has evolved numerous strategies to evade host immune responses, making it essential to understand the interactions between and host cells.

Hallmarks of DNA Damage Response in Germination Across Model and Crop Species.

DNA damage response (DDR) contributes to seed quality by guarding genome integrity in the delicate phases of pre- and post-germination. As a key determinant of stress tolerance and resilience, DDR has notable implications on the wider scale of the agroecosystems challenged by harsh climatic events. The present review focuses on the existing and documented links that interconnect DDR efficiency with an array of molecular hallmarks with biochemical, molecular, and physiological valence within the seed metabolic networks.

Genome-Wide microRNA Expression Profiling in Human Spermatozoa and Its Relation to Sperm Quality.

Background: Sperm samples are separated into bad and good quality samples in function of their phenotype, but this does not indicate their genetic quality.

Methods: Here, we used GeneChip miRNA arrays to analyze microRNA expression in ten semen samples selected based on high-magnification morphology (score 6 vs. score 0) to identify miRNAs linked to sperm phenotype.

Integrative Transcriptomic and Small RNA Analysis Uncovers Key Genes for Cold Resistance in Rice.

Background/objectives: Cold stress is the main environmental factor that affects the growth and development of rice, leading to a decrease in its yield and quality. However, the molecular mechanism of rice's low-temperature resistance remains incompletely understood.

Methods: In this study, we conducted a joint analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the cold-resistant material Yongning red rice and the cold-sensitive material B3 using high-throughput sequencing.

Systematic Analysis of UFMylation Family Genes in Tissues of Mice with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Background/objectives: UFMylation, a newly identified ubiquitin-like modification, modulates a variety of physiological processes, including endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis maintenance, DNA damage response, embryonic development, and tumor progression. Recent reports showed that UFMylation plays a protective role in preventing liver steatosis and fibrosis, serving as a defender of liver homeostasis in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the regulation of UFMylation in MASLD remains unclear.

Polygenic Score Approach to Predicting Risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

Background/objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition linking obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, representing a major challenge in clinical care. Its rising global prevalence, driven by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes, underscores the need for effective management. This study aims to explore the genetic mechanisms behind MetS, including adiposity, inflammation, neurotransmitters, and β-cell function, to develop a prognostic tool for MetS risk.

Cell Type Specific Suppression of Hyper-Recombination by Human RAD18 Is Linked to Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen K164 Ubiquitination.

RAD18 is a conserved eukaryotic E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes genome stability through multiple pathways. One of these is gap-filling DNA synthesis at active replication forks and in post-replicative DNA. RAD18 also regulates homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA breaks; however, the current literature describing the contribution of RAD18 to HR in mammalian systems has not reached a consensus.

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy: Pathogenesis of Intellectual Disability Beyond Channelopathies.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of neuropediatric diseases associated with epileptic seizures, severe delay or regression of psychomotor development, and cognitive and behavioral deficits. What sets DEEs apart is their complex interplay of epilepsy and developmental delay, often driven by genetic factors. These two aspects influence one another but can develop independently, creating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

iNOS-Produced Nitric Oxide from Cancer Cells as an Intermediate of Stemness Regulation by PARP-1 in Colorectal Cancer.

PARP-1 has been linked to the progression of several types of cancer. We have recently reported that PARP-1 influences tumor progression in CRC through the regulation of CSCs in a p53-dependent manner. In this study, we propose that nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) could act as a mediator.

Lipid Coating Modulates Effects of Nanoceria on Oxidative Metabolism in Human Embryonic Lung Fibroblasts: A Case of Cardiolipin.

The unique redox properties of nanoscale cerium dioxide determine its diverse application in biology and medicine as a regulator of oxidative metabolism. Lipid modifiers of the nanoparticle surface change their biochemical properties and bioavailability. Complexes with lipids can be formed upon contact of the nanoparticles with the membrane.

VDAC1: A Key Player in the Mitochondrial Landscape of Neurodegeneration.

Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 (VDAC1) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular energy metabolism and apoptosis by mediating the exchange of ions and metabolites between mitochondria and the cytosol. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are central features of neurodegenerative diseases. The pivotal functions of VDAC1 in controlling mitochondrial membrane permeability, regulating calcium balance, and facilitating programmed cell death pathways, position it as a key determinant in the delicate balance between neuronal viability and degeneration.

Co-Localized in Amyloid Plaques Cathepsin B as a Source of Peptide Analogs Potential Drug Candidates for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular amyloid plaques, predominantly consisting of amyloid- (A) peptides. The oligomeric form of A is acknowledged as the most neurotoxic, propelling the pathological progression of AD. Interestingly, besides A, other proteins are co-localized within amyloid plaques.

Mechanical Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Critical Challenge in the Intensive Care Units.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality. We evaluated the causative pathogens involved and their resistance to the major classes of antibiotics in patients with VAP and assessed the differences between patients with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). : This study was a single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis involving 122 patients who were hospitalized in the ICU of Târgu Mureș County Clinical Hospital from 1 April 2021, to 1 April 2023.

Unraveling the Anti-Cancer Mechanisms of Antibiotics: Current Insights, Controversies, and Future Perspectives.

Cancer persists as a significant global health challenge, claiming millions of lives annually despite remarkable strides in therapeutic innovation. Challenges such as drug resistance, toxicity, and suboptimal efficacy underscore the need for novel treatment paradigms. In this context, the repurposing of antibiotics as anti-cancer agents has emerged as an attractive prospect for investigation.

Standardization of the Agar Plate Method for Bacteriophage Production.

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments such as bacteriophage (phage) therapy. Phage therapy offers a targeted approach to combat bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotics. This study aimed to standardize an agar plate method for high-mix, low-volume phage production, suitable for personalized phage therapy.

Transferrin Receptor 2 in Canine Testicular Tumors: An Emerging Key Role in Seminomas.

Transferrin Receptor 2 (TfR2) is a homolog of Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), involved in regulating intra and extracellular iron levels. Altered iron pathways have been associated with cancer onset and progression; however, their role in canine tumors remains poorly explored. This study investigated TfR2 immunohistochemical expression in non-neoplastic canine testis for the first time and in the most common types of canine testicular tumors: intratubular seminomas (ITSEMs), diffuse seminomas (DSEMs), Leydig cell tumors (LCTs), and Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs).

Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus: An Overview of Virus Structure and Virus-Host Interactions.

SADS-CoV, a recently identified bat coronavirus HKU2-associated swine coronavirus, is a malignant pathogen that causes acute diarrhea, severe diarrhea, and weight loss in infected piglets. The virus was first detected in Guangdong Province, China, in 2017 and has since been observed in Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangxi Provinces. In 2023, the virus was detected in Henan Province, in inland China.

Morphokinetic Analyses of Fishing Cat-Domestic Cat Interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos Through A Time-Lapse System.

A time-lapse live embryo monitoring system provides a powerful approach to recording dynamic developmental events of cultured embryos in detail. By obtaining continuous short-interval images, blastocyst formation can be predicted and embryos can be selected. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphokinetic parameters of fishing cat-domestic cat interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos from one-cell to blastocyst stages, and in particular, the cleavage patterns of the first division in iSCNT and IVF embryos, as these play a central role in euploidy.

Assessing Heat Resistance and Selecting Heat-Resistant Individuals of Largemouth Bass () with Tiered Thermal Exposure.

Largemouth bass (LMB, ), a commercially important farmed fish, is vulnerable to heat stress. Breeding heat-resistant LMB is highly desirable in the face of global warming. However, we still lack an efficient method to assess the heat resistance of LMB.