Reactivation of Dormant Relay Pathways in Injured Spinal Cord by KCC2 Manipulations.

Many human spinal cord injuries are anatomically incomplete but exhibit complete paralysis. It is unknown why spared axons fail to mediate functional recovery in these cases. To investigate this, we undertook a small-molecule screen in mice with staggered bilateral hemisections in which the lumbar spinal cord is deprived of all direct brain-derived innervation, but dormant relay circuits remain. We discovered that a KCC2 agonist restored stepping ability, which could be mimicked by selective expression of KCC2, or hyperpolarizing DREADDs, in the inhibitory interneurons between and around the staggered spinal lesions. Mechanistically, these treatments transformed this injury-induced dysfunctional spinal circuit to a functional state, facilitating the relay of brain-derived commands toward the lumbar spinal cord. Thus, our results identify spinal inhibitory interneurons as a roadblock limiting the integration of descending inputs into relay circuits after injury and suggest KCC2 agonists as promising treatments for promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Systematic identification of factors for provirus silencing in embryonic stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) repress the expression of exogenous proviruses and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Here, we systematically dissected the cellular factors involved in provirus repression in embryonic carcinomas (ECs) and ESCs by a genome-wide siRNA screen. Histone chaperones (Chaf1a/b), sumoylation factors (Sumo2/Ube2i/Sae1/Uba2/Senp6), and chromatin modifiers (Trim28/Eset/Atf7ip) are key determinants that establish provirus silencing. RNA-seq analysis uncovered the roles of Chaf1a/b and sumoylation modifiers in the repression of ERVs. ChIP-seq analysis demonstrates direct recruitment of Chaf1a and Sumo2 to ERVs. Chaf1a reinforces transcriptional repression via its interaction with members of the NuRD complex (Kdm1a, Hdac1/2) and Eset, while Sumo2 orchestrates the provirus repressive function of the canonical Zfp809/Trim28/Eset machinery by sumoylation of Trim28. Our study reports a genome-wide atlas of functional nodes that mediate proviral silencing in ESCs and illuminates the comprehensive, interconnected, and multi-layered genetic and epigenetic mechanisms by which ESCs repress retroviruses within the genome.

Acetylation-mediated proteasomal degradation of core histones during DNA repair and spermatogenesis.

Histone acetylation plays critical roles in chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Proteasomes usually catalyze ATP- and polyubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Here, we show that the proteasomes containing the activator PA200 catalyze the polyubiquitin-independent degradation of histones. Most proteasomes in mammalian testes ("spermatoproteasomes") contain a spermatid/sperm-specific α subunit α4 s/PSMA8 and/or the catalytic ß subunits of immunoproteasomes in addition to PA200. Deletion of PA200 in mice abolishes acetylation-dependent degradation of somatic core histones during DNA double-strand breaks and delays core histone disappearance in elongated spermatids. Purified PA200 greatly promotes ATP-independent proteasomal degradation of the acetylated core histones, but not polyubiquitinated proteins. Furthermore, acetylation on histones is required for their binding to the bromodomain-like regions in PA200 and its yeast ortholog, Blm10. Thus, PA200/Blm10 specifically targets the core histones for acetylation-mediated degradation by proteasomes, providing mechanisms by which acetylation regulates histone degradation, DNA repair, and spermatogenesis.

High-entropy engineering with regulated defect structure and electron interaction tuning active sites for trifunctional electrocatalysis.

High-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEANs) possessing regulated defect structure and electron interaction exhibit a guideline for constructing multifunctional catalysts. However, the microstructure-activity relationship between active sites of HEANs for multifunctional electrocatalysts is rarely reported. In this work, HEANs distributed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HEAN/CNT) are prepared by Joule heating as an example to explain the mechanism of trifunctional electrocatalysis for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reaction. HEAN/CNT excels with unmatched stability, maintaining a 0.8V voltage window for 220 h in zinc-air batteries. Even after 20 h of water electrolysis, its performance remains undiminished, highlighting exceptional endurance and reliability. Moreover, the intrinsic characteristics of the defect structure and electron interaction for HEAN/CNT are investigated in detail. The electrocatalytic mechanism of trifunctional electrocatalysis of HEAN/CNT under different conditions is identified by in situ monitoring and theoretical calculation. Meanwhile, the electron interaction and adaptive regulation of active sites in the trifunctional electrocatalysis of HEANs were further verified by density functional theory. These findings could provide unique ideas for designing inexpensive multifunctional high-entropy electrocatalysts.

Supt16 haploinsufficiency causes neurodevelopment disorder by disrupting MAPK pathway in neural stem cells.

Chromatin regulators constitute a fundamental means of transcription regulation, which have been implicated in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopment disorders (NDDs). Supt16, one of candidate genes for NDDs, encodes the large subunit of facilitates chromatin transcription. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, Supt16+/- mice was generated, modeling the neurodevelopment disorder. Abnormal cognitive and social behavior was observed in the Supt16  +/- mice. Simultaneously, the number of neurocytes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus is decreased, which might be resulted from the impairment of mouse neural stem cells (mNSCs) in the SVZ. Supt16 haploinsufficiency affects the proliferation and apoptosis of mNSCs. As the RNA-seq and chromatic immunoprecipitation sequencing assays showed, Supt16 haploinsufficiency disrupts the stemness of mNSCs by inhibiting MAPK signal pathway. Thus, this study demonstrates a critical role of Supt16 gene in the proliferation and apoptosis of mNSCs and provides a novel insight in the pathogenesis of NDDs.

The fly homolog of SUPT16H, a gene associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, is required in a cell-autonomous fashion for cell survival.

SUPT16H encodes the large subunit of the FAcilitate Chromatin Transcription (FACT) complex, which functions as a nucleosome organizer during transcription. We identified two individuals from unrelated families carrying de novo missense variants in SUPT16H. The probands exhibit global developmental delay, intellectual disability, epilepsy, facial dysmorphism and brain structural abnormalities. We used Drosophila to characterize two variants: p.T171I and p.G808R. Loss of the fly ortholog, dre4, causes lethality at an early developmental stage. RNAi-mediated knockdown of dre4 in either glia or neurons causes severely reduced eclosion and longevity. Tissue-specific knockdown of dre4 in the eye or wing leads to the loss of these tissues, whereas overexpression of SUPT16H has no dominant effect. Moreover, expression of the reference SUPT16H significantly rescues the loss-of-function phenotypes in the nervous system as well as wing and eye. In contrast, expression of SUPT16H p.T171I or p.G808R rescues the phenotypes poorly, indicating that the variants are partial loss-of-function alleles. While previous studies argued that the developmental arrest caused by loss of dre4 is due to impaired ecdysone production in the prothoracic gland, our data show that dre4 is required for proper cell growth and survival in multiple tissues in a cell-autonomous manner. Altogether, our data indicate that the de novo loss-of-function variants in SUPT16H are indeed associated with developmental and neurological defects observed in the probands.

TTLL1 and TTLL4 polyglutamylases are required for the neurodegenerative phenotypes in pcd mice.

Polyglutamylation is a dynamic posttranslational modification where glutamate residues are added to substrate proteins by 8 tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) family members (writers) and removed by the 6 member Nna1/CCP family of carboxypeptidases (erasers). Genetic disruption of polyglutamylation leading to hyperglutamylation causes neurodegenerative phenotypes in humans and animal models; the best characterized being the Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mouse, a mutant of the gene encoding Nna1/CCP1, the prototypic eraser. Emphasizing the functional importance of the balance between glutamate addition and elimination, loss of TTLL1 prevents Purkinje cell degeneration in pcd. However, whether Ttll1 loss protects other vulnerable neurons in pcd, or if elimination of other TTLLs provides protection is largely unknown. Here using a mouse genetic rescue strategy, we characterized the contribution of Ttll1, 4, 5, 7, or 11 to the degenerative phenotypes in cerebellum, olfactory bulb and retinae of pcd mutants. Ttll1 deficiency attenuates Purkinje cell loss and function and reduces olfactory bulb mitral cell death and retinal photoreceptor degeneration. Moreover, degeneration of photoreceptors in pcd is preceded by impaired rhodopsin trafficking to the rod outer segment and likely represents the causal defect leading to degeneration as this too is rescued by elimination of TTLL1. Although TTLLs have similar catalytic properties on model substrates and several are highly expressed in Purkinje cells (e.g. TTLL5 and 7), besides TTLL1 only TTLL4 deficiency attenuated degeneration of Purkinje and mitral cells in pcd. Additionally, TTLL4 loss partially rescued photoreceptor degeneration and impaired rhodopsin trafficking. Despite their common properties, the polyglutamylation profile changes promoted by TTLL1 and TTLL4 deficiencies in pcd mice are very different. We also report that loss of anabolic TTLL5 synergizes with loss of catabolic Nna1/CCP1 to promote photoreceptor degeneration. Finally, male infertility in pcd is not rescued by loss of any Ttll. These data provide insight into the complexity of polyglutamate homeostasis and function in vivo and potential routes to ameliorate disorders caused by disrupted polyglutamylation.

The regulation of chromatin configuration at AGAMOUS locus by LFR-SYD-containing complex is critical for reproductive organ development in Arabidopsis.

Switch defective/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes are evolutionarily conserved, multi-subunit machinery that play vital roles in the regulation of gene expression by controlling nucleosome positioning and occupancy. However, little is known about the subunit composition of SPLAYED (SYD)-containing SWI/SNF complexes in plants. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana Leaf and Flower Related (LFR) is a subunit of SYD-containing SWI/SNF complexes. LFR interacts directly with multiple SWI/SNF subunits, including the catalytic ATPase subunit SYD, in vitro and in vivo. Phenotypic analyses of lfr-2 mutant flowers revealed that LFR is important for proper filament and pistil development, resembling the function of SYD. Transcriptome profiling revealed that LFR and SYD shared a subset of co-regulated genes. We further demonstrate that the LFR and SYD interdependently activate the transcription of AGAMOUS (AG), a C-class floral organ identity gene, by regulating the occupation of nucleosome, chromatin loop, histone modification, and Pol II enrichment on the AG locus. Furthermore, the chromosome conformation capture (3C) assay revealed that the gene loop at AG locus is negatively correlated with the AG expression level, and LFR-SYD was functional to demolish the AG chromatin loop to promote its transcription. Collectively, these results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of the Arabidopsis SYD-SWI/SNF complex in the control of higher chromatin conformation of the floral identity gene essential to plant reproductive organ development.

Integrated meta-analysis and transcriptomics pinpoint genomic loci and novel candidate genes associated with submergence tolerance in rice.

BACKGROUND: Due to rising costs, water shortages, and labour shortages, farmers across the globe now prefer a direct seeding approach. However, submergence stress remains a major bottleneck limiting the success of this approach in rice cultivation. The merger of accumulated rice genetic resources provides an opportunity to detect key genomic loci and candidate genes that influence the flooding tolerance of rice. RESULTS: In the present study, a whole-genome meta-analysis was conducted on 120 quantitative trait loci (QTL) obtained from 16 independent QTL studies reported from 2004 to 2023. These QTL were confined to 18 meta-QTL (MQTL), and ten MQTL were successfully validated by independent genome-wide association studies from diverse natural populations. The mean confidence interval (CI) of the identified MQTL was 3.44 times narrower than the mean CI of the initial QTL. Moreover, four core MQTL loci with genetic distance less than 2 cM were obtained. By combining differentially expressed genes (DEG) from two transcriptome datasets with 858 candidate genes identified in the core MQTL regions, we found 38 common differentially expressed candidate genes (DECGs). In silico expression analysis of these DECGs led to the identification of 21 genes with high expression in embryo and coleoptile under submerged conditions. These DECGs encode proteins with known functions involved in submergence tolerance including WRKY, F-box, zinc fingers, glycosyltransferase, protein kinase, cytochrome P450, PP2C, hypoxia-responsive family, and DUF domain. By haplotype analysis, the 21 DECGs demonstrated distinct genetic differentiation and substantial genetic distance mainly between indica and japonica subspecies. Further, the MQTL7.1 was successfully validated using flanked marker S2329 on a set of genotypes with phenotypic variation. CONCLUSION: This study provides a new perspective on understanding the genetic basis of submergence tolerance in rice. The identified MQTL and novel candidate genes lay the foundation for marker-assisted breeding/engineering of flooding-tolerant cultivars conducive to direct seeding.

Metal Variance in Multivariate Metal-Organic Frameworks for Boosting Catalytic Conversion of CO2.

Developing efficient, low-cost, MOF catalysts for CO2 conversion at low CO2 concentrations under mild conditions is particularly interesting but remains highly challenging. Herein, we prepared an isostructural series of two-dimensional (2D) multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) containing copper- and/or silver-based cyclic trinuclear complexes (Cu-CTC and Ag-CTC). These MTV-MOFs can be used as efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for the cyclization of propargylamine with CO2. The catalytic performance of these MTV-MOFs can be engineered by fine-tuning the Ag/Cu ratio in the framework. Interestingly, the induction of 10% Ag remarkably improved the catalytic efficiency with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 243 h-1, which is 20-fold higher than that of 100% Cu-based MOF (i.e., TOF = 10.8 h-1). More impressively, such a bimetallic MOF still exhibited high catalytic activity even for simulated flue gas with 10% CO2 concentration. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism has been examined through the employment of NMR monitoring experiments and DFT calculations.

Revealing the Orbital Interactions between Dissimilar Metal Sites during Oxygen Reduction Process.

A FeCo/DA@NC catalyst with the well-defined FeCoN6 moiety is customized through a novel and ultrafast Joule heating technique. This catalyst demonstrates superior oxygen reduction reaction activity and stability in an alkaline environment. The power density and charge-discharge cycling of znic-air batteries driven by FeCo/DA@NC also surpass those of Pt/C catalyst. The source of the excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity of FeCo/DA@NC originates from the significantly changed charge environment and 3d orbital spin state. These not only improve the bonding strength between active sites and oxygen-containing intermediates, but also provide spare reaction sites for oxygen-containing intermediates. Moreover, various in situ detection techniques reveal that the rate-determining step in the four-electron oxygen reduction reaction is *O2 protonation. This work provides strong support for the precise design and rapid preparation of bimetallic catalysts and opens up new ideas for understanding orbital interactions during oxygen reduction reactions.

A Highly NIR Emissive Cu16Pd1 Nanocluster.

The construction of stable copper nanoclusters (Cu-NCs) with near-infrared (NIR) emission that can be used for catalysis is highly desired, yet remains a challenge. Herein, an atomically precise bimetallic Cu/Pd NC with a molecular formula of Cu16Pd1L10(PPh3)2(Pz)6 (Pz = 3,5-(CF3)2Pyrazolate, L = 4-CH3OPhC≡C-), abbreviated as Cu16Pd1, is synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis of Cu16Pd1 reveals a Cu10Pd1 kernel with pseudo-gyroelongated square bipyramid confirmation surrounded by other 6 Cu(I) ions and protected ligands. Interestingly, it exhibits strong NIR emission with the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) among all the Cu NCs/Cu alloys (λem > 800 nm) in the solid-state, and also displays NIR emission in solution. Experimental results and theoretical calculations suggest that the impressive NIR emission is attributed to abundant supramolecular interactions in the solid-state, including intramolecular metal-metal and intermolecular interactions. Of note, the bimetallic Cu16Pd1 can catalyze the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. This work provides a novel method for synthesizing Cu/Pd NCs and reminds that the less studied Cu/Pd NC can serve as outstanding luminescent material, which is seldom noticed in atomically precise nanoclusters.

The role of Pleistocene dispersal in shaping species richness of sky island wintergreens from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains.

In addition to topography and climate, biogeographic dispersal has been considered to influence plant diversity in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (HHM), yet, the mode and tempo of sky island dispersal and its influence on species richness has been little explored. Through phylogenetic analysis of Gaultheria ser. Trichophyllae, a sky island alpine clade within the HHM, we test the hypothesis that dispersal has affected current local species richness. We inferred the dynamics of biogeographic dispersal with correlation tests on direction, distance, occurrence time, and regional species richness. We found that G. ser. Trichophyllae originated at the end of the Miocene and mostly dispersed toward higher longitudes (eastward). In particular, shorter intra-regional eastward dispersals and longer inter-regional westward dispersals were most frequently observed. We detected a prevalence of eastward intra-region dispersals in both glacial periods and interglacials. These dispersals may have been facilitated by the reorganization of paleo-drainages and monsoon intensification through time. We suggest that the timing of dispersal corresponding to glacial periods and the prevalence of intra-region dispersal, rather than dispersal frequency, most influenced the pattern of species richness of G. ser. Trichophyllae. This study facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity in the sky islands within the HHM.

Multifunctional Metal-Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Tandem Reactions.

Owing to well-defined structure as well as easy synthesis and modification, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising catalysts for tandem reactions. In this article, we aim to summarize the development of multifunctional MOFs, including mixed metal MOFs, MOFs that are synergistically catalyzed by metal nodes and organic linkers, MOFs loaded with metal nanoparticles, etc, as heterogenous catalysts for tandem reactions over the past five years. This concept briefly discusses on present challenges, future trends, and prospects of multifunctional MOFs catalysts in tandem reactions.

Glia-derived adenosine in the ventral hippocampus drives pain-related anxiodepression in a mouse model resembling trigeminal neuralgia.

Glial activation and dysregulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/adenosine are involved in the neuropathology of several neuropsychiatric illnesses. The ventral hippocampus (vHPC) has attracted considerable attention in relation to its role in emotional regulation. However, it is not yet clear how vHPC glia and their derived adenosine regulate the anxiodepressive-like consequences of chronic pain. Here, we report that chronic cheek pain elevates vHPC extracellular ATP/adenosine in a mouse model resembling trigeminal neuralgia (rTN), which mediates pain-related anxiodepression, through a mechanism that involves synergistic effects of astrocytes and microglia. We found that rTN resulted in robust activation of astrocytes and microglia in the CA1 area of the vHPC (vCA1). Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of astrocytes and connexin 43, a hemichannel mainly distributed in astrocytes, completely attenuated rTN-induced extracellular ATP/adenosine elevation and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Moreover, inhibiting microglia and CD39, an enzyme primarily expressed in microglia that degrades ATP into adenosine, significantly suppressed the increase in extracellular adenosine and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Blockade of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) alleviated rTN-induced anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine probably released by activated microglia, markedly increased intracellular calcium in vCA1 astrocytes and triggered ATP/adenosine release. The astrocytic metabolic inhibitor fluorocitrate and the CD39 inhibitor ARL 67156, attenuated IL-17A-induced increases in extracellular ATP and adenosine, respectively. In addition, astrocytes, microglia, CD39, and A2AR inhibitors all reversed rTN-induced hyperexcitability of pyramidal neurons in the vCA1. Taken together, these findings suggest that activation of astrocytes and microglia in the vCA1 increases extracellular adenosine, which leads to pain-related anxiodepression via A2AR activation. Approaches targeting astrocytes, microglia, and adenosine signaling may serve as novel therapies for pain-related anxiety and depression.

Clinical and genetic characterization of a Chinese family with pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 7.

We report compound heterozygous variants in TOE1 in siblings of Chinese origin who presented with dyskinesia and intellectual disabilities. Our report provides further information regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 7 syndrome (PCH7). Clinical manifestations were obtained, and genomic DNA was collected from family members. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify associated genetic variants. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify and characterize the pathogenicity of the heterozygous variants. Following long-term rehabilitation, both siblings showed minimal improvement, and their condition tended to progress. Whole-exome sequencing revealed two unreported heterozygous variants, NM_025077: c.C553T (p.R185W) and NM_025077: c.G562T (p.V188L), in the TOE1 gene mapped to 1p34.1. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the two variants in the proband and her brother were inherited from their parents. The NM_025077: c.C553T (p.R185W) variant was inherited from the father, and the NM_025077: c.G562T (p.V188L) variant was inherited from the mother. Although the two variants in the TOE1 gene have not been reported previously, they were associated with PCH7 based on integrated analysis. Thus, our report contributes to our knowledge regarding the etiology and phenotype of PCH 7.

Crenobacter oryzisoli sp. nov., a novel phosphate-solubilizing bacterium isolated from the paddy soil.

Two Gram-staining-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped and phosphate-solubilizing strains designated SG2303T and SG2305, were isolated from paddy soil in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16 S rRNA gene sequences indicated that SG2303T and SG2305 represented a member of the genus Crenobacter within the family Neisseriaceae of the phylum Pseudomonadota. Strain SG2303T displayed higher 16 S rRNA gene sequence similarities with members of the genus Crenobacter ranging from 93.5 to 94.0%. Strains C. luteus YIM 78141T and C. cavernae K1W11S-77T were closest related to the isolated strains and were considered as type strains. Growth of strain SG2303T occurred at 10-55 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 6.0-7.0) and 0-1% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0%). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG2303T and its closely related taxa were 76.1-78.2% and 20.5-22.1%, respectively. The genomic DNA G + C content was 62.2%. The quinone of strain SG2303T was Q-8. The major fatty acids (> 10%) of strain SG2303T were C16:0 (30.6%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c) (26.0%) and C12:0 3OH (12.1%). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phospholipids (PL), glycolipid (GL) and unidentified lipids (UL). Based on the results of the phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and morphological analysis, strain SG2303T is recognized as a novel species of the genus Crenobacter, for which the name Crenobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG2303T (= GDMCC 1.3970T = JCM 36468T). In addition, SG2303T was also able of phosphorus solubilization and promoting the growth of rice seeds. Strain SG2303T exhibited a relatively high dissolvable phosphorus content of 2.52 µg·mL- 1.

Effects of Connectivity Isomerization on Electron Transport Through Thiophene Heterocyclic Molecular Junction.

Connectivity isomerization of the same aromatic molecular core with different substitution positions profoundly affects electron transport pathways and single-molecule conductance. Herein, we designed and synthesized all connectivity isomers of a thiophene (TP) aromatic ring substituted by two dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene (BT) groups with ethynyl spacers (m,n-TP-BT, (m,n = 2,3; 2,4; 2,5; 3,4)), to systematically probe how connectivity contributes to single-molecule conductance. Single-molecule conductance measurements using a scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (STM-BJ) technique show ∼12-fold change in conductance values, which follow an order of 10-4.83 G0 (2,4-TP-BT) < 10-4.78 G0 (3,4-TP-BT) < 10-4.06 G0 (2,3-TP-BT) < 10-3.75 G0 (2,5-TP-BT). Electronic structure analysis and theoretical simulations show that the connectivity isomerization significantly changes electron delocalization and HOMO-LUMO energy gaps. Moreover, the connectivity-dependent molecular structures lead to different quantum interference (QI) effects in electron transport, e.g., a strong destructive QI near E = EF leads the smallest conductance value for 2,4-TP-BT. This work proves a clear relationship between the connectivity isomerization and single-molecule conductance of thiophene heterocyclic molecular junctions for the future design of molecular devices.

Three Fe(III)-reducing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Anaeromyxobacter terrae sp. nov., Anaeromyxobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. and Anaeromyxobacter soli sp. nov., isolated from paddy soil.

Three microaerophilic bacterial strains, designated SG22T, SG63T and SG29T were isolated from paddy soils in PR China. Cells of these strains were Gram-staining-negative and long rod-shaped. SG22T, SG63T and SG29T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the members of the genus Anaeromyxobacter. The results of phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis also indicated that these strains clustered with members of the genus Anaeromyxobacter. The main respiratory menaquinone of SG22T, SG63T and SG29T was MK-8 and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. SG22T, SG29T and SG63T not only possessed iron reduction ability but also harboured genes (nifHDK) encoding nitrogenase. The genomic DNA G+C contents of SG22T, SG63T and SG29T ranged from 73.3 to 73.5 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values between SG22T, SG63T and SG29T and the closely related species of the genus Anaeromyxobacter were lower than the cut-off values (dDDH 70 % and ANI 95-96 %) for prokaryotic species delineation. On the basis of these results, strains SG22T, SG63T and SG29T represent three novel species within the genus Anaeromyxobacter, for which the names Anaeromyxobacter terrae sp. nov., Anaeromyxobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. and Anaeromyxobacter soli sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are SG22T (= GDMCC 1.3185T = JCM 35581T), SG63T (= GDMCC 1.2914T = JCM 35124T) and SG29T (= GDMCC 1.2911T = JCM 35123T).