Generation of INS-jGCaMP7f knock-in Ca reporter human embryonic stem cell line, GZLe001-C, using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene targeting.

As a member of the single-fluorophore genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs), jGCaMP7f is widely applied to investigate intracellular Ca concentrations. Here, we established an INS-jGCaMP7f knock-in H1 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line by integrating jGCaMP7f gene into insulin locus via CRISPR/Cas9 system. The reporter cell line not only effectively labelled the insulin-producing cells induced from hESC, but also reflected the cytosolic change of Ca level in response to different stimuli.

[Recombinant VLP Vaccines Synthesized in Plant Expression Systems: Current Updates and Prospects].

The development and creation of a new generation vaccines based on recombinant proteins that assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs), as well as recombinant proteins in the form of nanoparticles, are promising directions in modern biotechnology. Due to their large size (20-200 nm) and multiplicity of viral antigenic determinants on the surface, VLPs can stimulate strong humoral and cellular immune responses. The main types of VLPs, as well as the features and disadvantages of the main expression systems used for their biosynthesis, are considered in this review.

AthRiboNC: an Arabidopsis database for ncRNAs with coding potential revealed from ribosome profiling.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are traditionally considered incapable of encoding proteins, but new evidence suggests that small open reading frames (sORFs) within ncRNAs can actually encode biologically functional small peptides. Despite growing recognition of their importance, a systematic exploration of plant ncRNAs with coding potential has remained largely uncharted territory, especially in the context of their translational activities. By collecting and analyzing Ribo-Seq data from 226 Arabidopsis thaliana samples, we have integrated extensive information on Arabidopsis ncRNAs with coding potential and developed the AthRiboNC database, a novel and dedicated database that consolidates extensive information on ncRNAs with coding potential in Arabidopsis.

Thraustochytrids: Evolution, Ultrastructure, Biotechnology, and Modeling.

The thraustochytrids are a group of marine protists known for their significant ecological roles as decomposers and parasites as well as for their potential biotechnological applications, yet their evolutionary and structural diversity remains poorly understood. Our review critically examines the phylogeny of this taxa, utilizing available up-to-date knowledge and their taxonomic classifications. Additionally, advanced imaging techniques, including electron microscopy, are employed to explore the ultrastructural characteristics of these organisms, revealing key features that contribute to their adaptive capabilities in varying marine environments.

Shedding New Light on the Hull-Pericarp Adhesion Mechanisms of Barley Grains by Transcriptomics Analysis of Isogenic and Lines.

In barley having adherent hulls, an irreversible connection between the pericarp with both palea and lemma is formed during grain maturation. A mutation in the () gene prevents this connection and leads to the formation of barley with non-adherent hulls. A genetic model of two isogenic lines was used to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of hull adhesion: a doubled haploid line having adherent hulls and its derivative with non-adherent hulls obtained by targeted mutagenesis of the gene.

Generation of Isogenic iPSC Lines for Studying the Effect of the p.N515del (c.1543_1545delAAC) Variant on MYBPC3 Function and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Pathogenesis.

The clinical significance of numerous cardiovascular gene variants remains to be determined. CRISPR/Cas9 allows for the introduction and/or correction of a certain variant in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The resulting isogenic iPSC lines can be differentiated into cardiomyocytes and used as a platform to assess the pathogenicity of the variant.

Candidate SNP Markers Significantly Altering the Affinity of the TATA-Binding Protein for the Promoters of Human Genes Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. This condition leads to optic nerve degeneration and eventually to blindness. Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, fast-food diets, obesity, heavy weight lifting, high-intensity physical exercises, and many other bad habits are lifestyle-related risk factors for POAG.

Accumulation of Anthocyanin in the Aleurone of Barley Grains by Targeted Restoration of the Gene.

Blue barley grain pigmentation results from anthocyanin accumulation in the aleurone layer. Anthocyanins are known for their beneficial effects on human health. The gene encoding the MYELOCYTOMATOSIS 2 (MYC2) transcription factor is potentially responsible for the blue coloration of the aleurone.

Aminomethylmorpholino Nucleosides as Novel Inhibitors of PARP1 and PARP2: Experimental and Molecular Modeling Analyses of Their Selectivity and Mechanism of Action.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases 1 and 2 (PARP1 and PARP2) play a key role in DNA repair. As major sensors of DNA damage, they are activated to produce poly(ADP-ribose). PARP1/PARP2 inhibitors have emerged as effective drugs for the treatment of cancers with BRCA deficiencies.

A Novel Polymer Film to Develop Heart Valve Prostheses.

Polymer heart valves are a promising alternative to bioprostheses, the use of which is limited by the risks of calcific deterioration of devitalized preserved animal tissues. This is especially relevant in connection with the increasingly widespread use of transcatheter valves. Advances in modern organic chemistry provide a wide range of polymers that can replace biological material in the production of valve prostheses.

Invisible but Insidious Effects of Microplastics.

Increasing evidence on the adverse health impacts of microplastics (MPs) is available, but their associated risks to the well-being of humans and long-term impacts are poorly understood. An indicator of the remote effects of MPs may be their influence on the rate of aging. To assess the effects of MPs on the aging process, we used accelerated senescence OXYS rats that develop a complex of geriatric diseases.

Effect of Biopesticide Novochizol on Development of Stem Rust f. sp. in Wheat, L.

The use of biological plant protection products is promising for agriculture. In particular, chitosan-based biopesticides have become widespread for stimulating growth and protecting plants from a wide range of pathogens. Novochizol is a product obtained by intramolecular cross-linking of linear chitosan molecules and has a globular shape, which provides it with a number of advantages over chitosan.

Could Be a Promising Marker for Preoperative Diagnosis of High-Grade Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma?

Background/objectives: A modern classification distinguishes between two nosological entities posing an intermediate risk between differentiated and anaplastic carcinoma: poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma and differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma. There are currently few studies searching for the preoperative molecular genetic markers of high-grade papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC HG), primarily because of a recent WHO reclassification and singling out of a separate entity: high-grade follicular cell-derived nonanaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, this work was aimed at identifying PTC HG-specific microRNAs and mRNAs that reliably distinguish them from differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma in preoperative cytology specimens (fine-needle aspiration biopsies).

Ultrastructural organization of the liver of rat pups in early postnatal ontogenesis when pregnant and lactating rats are kept on a low-protein diet.

Protein deficiency in the diet during pregnancy and lactation has a serious impact on the offspring by programming a predisposition to such serious diseases as hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In our study, we examined liver ultrastructure of rat pups at ages 2, 21, and 40 days with maternal protein deficiency. Body weight of the pups progressively lagged behind the control throughout the experiment, and the timing of eye opening indicated a slowdown of development.

EHMT2 as a Candidate Gene for an Autosomal Recessive Neurodevelopmental Syndrome.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) comprise clinical conditions with high genetic heterogeneity and a notable enrichment of genes involved in regulating chromatin structure and function. The EHMT1/2 epigenetic complex plays a crucial role in repression of gene transcription in a highly tissue- and temporal-specific manner. Mutations resulting in heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) of EHMT1 are implicated in Kleefstra syndrome 1 (KS1).

Comparative liver transcriptome analysis in hamsters infected with food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, or Clonorchis sinensis.

Background: Epidemiologically important food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are recognized as biological carcinogens of Group 1A, while Opisthorchis felineus is in Group 3 as noncarcinogenic to humans. Mechanisms of the biological carcinogenesis are still elusive. Some studies highlight chronic inflammation as a key factor and common pathway for cancer initiation and progression.

Using chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity to assess drought tolerance of spring wheat.

The improvement of phenotyping methods is necessary for large-scale screening studies of wheat ( L.) drought tolerance. The objective of our research was to find out whether it is possible to use chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters instead of biochemical indicators of drought tolerance when screening wheat.

Investigating the properties of fMRI-based signature of recognizing one's own face.

Multivariate pattern analysis has revolutionized the field of neuroimaging. Many hope it will help elucidate how mental states are encoded in brain activity, though others caution that such optimism may be premature. In this study, we sought to identify an fMRI-based signature of a relatively simple but basic feeling of recognizing one's own face (SFRS), and to examine its properties.

Design of Ctenophore Ca-Regulated Photoprotein Berovin Capable of Being Converted into Active Protein Under Physiological Conditions: Computational and Experimental Approaches.

Here, we describe (1) the AlphaFold-based structural modeling approach to identify amino acids of the photoprotein berovin that are crucial for coelenterazine binding, and (2) the production and characterization of berovin mutants with substitutions of the identified residues regarding their effects on the ability to form an active photoprotein under physiological conditions and stability to light irradiation. The combination of mutations K90M, N107S, and W103F is demonstrated to cause a shift of optimal conditions for the conversion of apo-berovin into active photoprotein towards near-neutral pH and low ionic strength, and to reduce the sensitivity of active berovin to light. According to the berovin spatial structure model, these residues are found in close proximity to the 6-(-hydroxy)-phenyl group of the coelenterazine peroxyanion.

The Generation of Genetically Engineered Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Overexpressing IFN-β for Future Experimental and Clinically Oriented Studies.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from various adult cells, genetically modified and differentiated into diverse cell populations. Type I interferons (IFN-Is) have multiple immunotherapeutic applications; however, their systemic administration can lead to severe adverse outcomes. One way of overcoming the limitation is to introduce cells able to enter the site of pathology and to produce IFN-Is locally.