A SCYL2 gene from Oryza sativa is involved in phytosterol accumulation and regulates plant growth and salt stress.

Rice is a crucial food for humans due to its high nutritional value. Phytosterols, essential components of the plant membrane lipid bilayer, play a vital role in plant growth and contribute significantly to lipid-lowering, antitumor, and immunomodulation processes. In this study, SCY1-like protein kinases 2 (SCYL2) was found to be closely related to the accumulation of phytosterols. The levels of campesterol, stigmasterol, and ß-sitosterol significantly increased in transgenic rice seeds, husks, and leaves, whereas there was a considerable reduction in scyl2 plants. Subsequent investigations revealed the crucial role of SCYL2 in plant development. Mutations in this gene led to stunted plant growth while overexpressing OsSCYL2 in Arabidopsis and rice resulted in larger leaves, taller plants, and accelerated development. When subjected to salt stress, Arabidopsis plants overexpressed OsSCYL2 showed significantly higher germination rates than wild-type plants. Similarly, transgenic rice seedlings displayed better growth than both ZH11 and mutant plants, exhibiting lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content and higher peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Conversely, scyl2 plants exhibited more yellow leaves or even death. These findings suggested that OsSCYL2 proteins might be involved in phytosterols synthesis and play an important role during plant growth and development. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing functional rice.

[Effects of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on EPCs function].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect on EPCs function by Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction. METHODS: After induced by serial concentrations of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction-contained serum (XZDCS) and blank serum, EPCs proliferation, migration, adhesion and uptake function were detected by MTT, Boyden chamber, adhesion and uptake of ac-LDL respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, 15% and 10% XZDCS could elevate the cell regeneration for 24 h and 48 h respectively. Both concentrations could improve the EPCs migration and adhesion for all 24, 48, 72 h and uptake of ac-LDL only 48 h. But 10% XZDCS could last effect on uptake of ac-LDL to 72 h and 5% XZDCS converted the inhibition of cell adhesion in the first 24 h to promotion in the next 48 - 72 h. CONCLUSION: Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction could induce EPCs differentiation into EC to angiogenesis by promoting its proliferation, migration, adhesion and uptake function.

The effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction on in vitro endothelial progenitor cell tube formation.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction ()-containing serum (XFZYD-CS) on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) tube formation in vitro. METHODS: Mononuclear cells from rat bone marrow were prepared in a Ficoll density gradient centrifuge. EPCs were separated by the differential attachment method, and observed with inverted microscope for the effect of XFZYD-CS on EPC tube formation. RESULTS: After one day, EPCs exposed to the serum containing 5%, 10% and 15% XFZYD-CS formed typical tubes or vessel networks. The tube formation time was two days ahead of the control group and the size of most tubes in the serum groups was smaller than in the control group. CONCLUSION: XFZYD-CS could induce EPC angiogenesis and hasten tube formation, especially in capillary vessels. The study provides experimental evidence for the plausibility of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of ischemic diseases.