Role of gamma-irradiated sodium alginate on growth, physiological and active components of iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant.

BACKGROUND: One of the most widely recognized biostimulators of plant development; is oligoalginate, which regulates the biological processes of plants and was used in horticultural fields as a plant growth regulator. The plan of the current research was to study, however, the foliar application of un-irradiated and irradiated Na-alginate (UISA and ISA) to improve the growth, physiological activity, and other active components of the Egyptian iceberg lettuce plant. Degraded Na-alginate is equipped with exposure of sodium alginate in its solid state to gamma-rays at different dose levels (0.0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy). The characterization of the oligo-alginates achieved by γ-radiation deprivation at different dose levels was performed by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM. Different concentrations of irradiated sodium alginate at dose levels of 100 kGy (200, 400, 600, and 800 ppm, as well as deionized water used as a control) were sprayed with a hand sprayer every week after transplanting the iceberg lettuce seedlings in the field until the harvest stage. Morphological traits were evaluated, as well as pigments, ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, and antioxidant activity. RESULTS: Irradiated Na-alginate resulted in the depolymerization of Na-alginate into small molecular-weight oligosaccharides, and the best dose to use was 100 kGy. Certain chemical modifications in the general structure were observed by FTIR analysis. Two absorbed bands at 3329 cm-1 and 1599 cm-1, were recognized that are assigned to O-H and C-O stretching, respectively, and peaks achieved at 1411 cm-1 represent the COO-stretching group connected to the sodium ion. The peak obtained at 1028 cm-1 was owing to the stretching vibration of C-O. The results of TGA provided that the minimum weight reminder was in the ISA at 100 kGy (28.12%) compared to the UISA (43.39%). The images of TEM pointed out that the Na-alginate was globular in shape, with the particle distribution between 12.8 and 21.7 nm in ISA at 100 kGy. Irradiated sodium alginate caused a noteworthy enhancement in the vegetative growth traits (leaf area, stem length, head weight, and leaf number). By spraying 400 ppm, ISA showed a maximum increase in total pigments (2.209 mg/g FW), ascorbic acid (3.13 mg/g fresh weight), phenols (1.399 mg/g FW), flavonoids (0.775 mg/g FW), and antioxidant activities (82.14. %). Also, there were correlation coefficients (R values) between leaf area, stem length, head weight, and leaf number values with total pigment content, antioxidant activity, total soluble proteins, and ascorbic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of the recent investigation demonstrated that the application of spraying irradiated Na-alginate (100 kGy) resulted in an improvement of the considered characters.

A Multi-stage Segmentation Method for Tongue Ecchymosis.

Tongue diagnosis is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in which tongue ecchymosis is the main diagnostic basis for the blood stasis syndrome of TCM. Most of the existing methods are unsupervised and cannot accurately segment tongue ecchymosis. In this paper, we propose a multi-stage segmentation method for tongue ecchymosis. We first employ an object detection model for rough localization of tongue ecchymosis, and then use the unsupervised clustering and the watershed transform for rough segmentation and fine segmentation of tongue ecchymosis respectively. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to combine machine learning and deep learning to segment tongue ecchymosis. Experimental results show that the tongue ecchymoses obtained by our method are more similar to the real tongue ecchymoses compared with the existing methods, and the Intersection-over-Union (IoU) is improved by 0.12 compared with the latest method.Clinical Relevance-Tongue ecchymosis obtained by this paper is the main diagnostic basis for the blood stasis syndrome of TCM.

Human Serum Supplementation Promotes Streptococcus mitis Growth and Induces Specific Transcriptomic Responses.

Streptococcus mitis is a normal member of the human oral microbiota and a leading opportunistic pathogen causing infective endocarditis (IE). Despite the complex interactions between S. mitis and the human host, understanding of S. mitis physiology and its mechanisms of adaptation to host-associated environments is inadequate, especially compared with other IE bacterial pathogens. This study reports the growth-promoting effects of human serum on S. mitis and other pathogenic streptococci, including S. oralis, S. pneumoniae, and S. agalactiae. Using transcriptomic analyses, we identified that, with the addition of human serum, S. mitis downregulates uptake systems for metal ions and sugars, fatty acid biosynthetic genes, and genes involved in stress response and other processes related with growth and replication. S. mitis upregulates uptake systems for amino acids and short peptides in response to human serum. Zinc availability and environmental signals sensed by the induced short peptide binding proteins were not sufficient to confer the growth-promoting effects. More investigation is required to establish the mechanism for growth promotion. Overall, our study contributes to the fundamental understanding of S. mitis physiology under host-associated conditions. IMPORTANCE S. mitis is exposed to human serum components during commensalism in the human mouth and bloodstream pathogenesis. However, the physiological effects of serum components on this bacterium remain unclear. Using transcriptomic analyses, S. mitis biological processes that respond to the presence of human serum were revealed, improving the fundamental understanding of S. mitis physiology in human host conditions.

Proteomic and Biochemical Evidence Involving Root Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Modification, Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, and Glutathione Metabolism in Cultivar-Dependent Cd Accumulation of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica).

Proteomic analysis and biochemical tests were employed to investigate the critical biological processes responsible for the different cadmium (Cd) accumulations between two water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) cultivars, QLQ and T308. QLQ, with lower shoot Cd accumulation and translocation factor than T308, possessed higher expression of cell wall biosynthesis and modification proteins in roots, together with higher lignin and pectin contents, higher pectin methylesterase activity, and lower pectin methylation. The results demonstrated that QLQ could more effectively restrict root-to-shoot Cd translocation by compartmentalizing more Cd in root cell walls. In contrast, T308 showed higher expression of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glutathione (GSH) metabolism, and heavy metal transporter proteins, accompanied by higher GSH content and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, which accelerated Cd uptake and translocation in T308. These findings revealed several critical biological processes responsible for cultivar-dependent Cd accumulation in water spinach, which are important for elucidating Cd accumulation and transport mechanisms in different cultivars.

Tomato POLLEN DEFICIENT 2 encodes a G-type lectin receptor kinase required for viable pollen grain formation.

Pollen development is a crucial biological process indispensable for seed set in flowering plants and for successful crop breeding. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating pollen development in crop species. This study reports a novel male-sterile tomato mutant, pollen deficient 2 (pod2), characterized by the production of non-viable pollen grains and resulting in the development of small parthenocarpic fruits. A combined strategy of mapping-by-sequencing and RNA interference-mediated gene silencing was used to prove that the pod2 phenotype is caused by the loss of Solanum lycopersicum G-type lectin receptor kinase II.9 (SlG-LecRK-II.9) activity. In situ hybridization of floral buds showed that POD2/SlG-LecRK-II.9 is specifically expressed in tapetal cells and microspores at the late tetrad stage. Accordingly, abnormalities in meiosis and tapetum programmed cell death in pod2 occurred during microsporogenesis, resulting in the formation of four dysfunctional microspores leading to an aberrant microgametogenesis process. RNA-seq analyses supported the existence of alterations at the final stage of microsporogenesis, since we found tomato deregulated genes whose counterparts in Arabidopsis are essential for the normal progression of male meiosis and cytokinesis. Collectively, our results revealed the essential role of POD2/SlG-LecRK-II.9 in regulating tomato pollen development.

Metal-based compounds containing selenium: An appealing approach towards novel therapeutic drugs with anticancer and antimicrobial effects.

In recent years, both metal-based complexes and selenium-containing compounds have been widely explored for their therapeutic properties due to their roles in biological processes and modulation of diverse molecular targets. However, despite their growing interest, there is no review to date that covers the potential use of the combination of these entities to design new therapeutic derivatives. This review highlights the latest achievements in this particular field, with a focus on compounds with anticancer and/or antimicrobial properties. With this aim, the formation of coordination compounds including several metals bearing selenium either with direct interaction with the metal center or as part of the organic ligand elsewhere is covered. Besides, coordination compounds with a Se(IV) center have been assessed. The biological properties of several selenium-containing organometallic complexes have also been discussed, including metallocenes, half-sandwich complexes, and compounds with N-heterocyclic carbenes, CO, and π-ligands, and other σ-bonded entities. The information compiled in this review may be helpful to design and develop novel, more potent, and safer metal-based compounds for the treatment of several pathologies.

A converged approach of electro-biological process for decolorization and degradation of toxic synthetic dyes.

Being one of the leading industries worldwide, the textile industry has been consuming large quantities of groundwater and discharging huge volumes of dye-contaminated effluents into our aquatic environment. Augmentation of water sources via reuse of treated effluents is therefore highly necessary. In the present study, the decolorization and degradation of synthetic toxic dye from an aqueous solution were investigated through an electro-biological route. Initially, decolorization of synthetic dye solutions (100, 500, and 1000 mg L-1) was carried out by electrooxidation process using mixed metal oxide and titanium as anode and cathode, respectively. The electrooxidation solutions were further treated using bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that were isolated from petroleum-transporting pipelines. UV-Vis, TOC, chemical oxygen demand, and NMR analyses revealed that the biodegradation process with electrooxidation enhanced the mineralization of the synthetic dye solutions. An optimum NaCl electrolyte concentration of 3 g L-1 was sufficient to produce reactive species viz., free chlorine and hypochlorite, which are responsible for the Reactive Blue 19 (RB-19) decolorization. Among the three RB-19 concentrations, the highest removal percentage was noticed at 100 mg L-1 (100%) with energy consumption and energy costs equal to 5.44 kWh m-3 and 0.65 USD m-3, respectively.

The transcription factor TaGAMYB modulates tapetum and pollen development of TGMS wheat YanZhan 4110S via the gibberellin signaling.

Male reproductive development in higher plants experienced a series of complex biological processes, which can be regulated by Gibberellins (GA). The transcriptional factor GAMYB is a crucial component of GA signaling in anther development. However, the mechanism of GAMYB in wheat male reproduction is less understood. Here, we found that the thermo-sensitive genic male sterilitywheat line YanZhan 4110S displayed delayed tapetum programmed cell death and pollen abortive under the hot temperature stress. Combined with RNA-Sequencing data analysis, TaGAMYB associated with fertility conversion was isolated, which was located in the nucleus and highly expressed in fertility anthers. The silencing of TaGAMYB in wheat displayed fertility decline, defects in tapetum, pollen and exine formation, where the abortion characteristics were the same as YanZhan 4110S. In addition, either hot temperature or GA3 treatment in YanZhan 4110S caused the downregulation of TaGAMYB at binucleate stage and trinucleate stage, as well as fertility decrease. Further, the transcription factor TaWRKY2 significantly changed under GA3-treatment and directly interacted with the TaGAMYB promoter by W-box cis-element. Therefore, we suggested that TaGAMYB may be essential for anther development and male fertility, and GA3 activates TaGAMYB by TaWRKY2 to regulate fertility in wheat.

MYB2 Is Important for Tapetal PCD and Pollen Development by Directly Activating Protease Expression in Arabidopsis.

Tapetal programmed cell death (PCD) is a complex biological process that plays an important role in pollen formation and reproduction. Here, we identified the MYB2 transcription factor expressed in the tapetum from stage 5 to stage 11 that was essential for tapetal PCD and pollen development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Downregulation of MYB2 retarded tapetal degeneration, produced defective pollen, and decreased pollen vitality. EMSA and transcriptional activation analysis revealed that MYB2 acted as an upstream activator and directly regulated expression of the proteases CEP1 and ßVPE. The expression of these proteases was lower in the buds of the myb2 mutant. Overexpression of either/both CEP1 or/and ßVPE proteases partially recover pollen vitality in the myb2 background. Taken together, our results revealed that MYB2 regulates tapetal PCD and pollen development by directly activating expression of the proteases CEP1 and ßVPE. Thus, a transcription factor/proteases regulatory and activated cascade was established for tapetal PCD during another development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Highlight: MYB2 is involved in tapetal PCD and pollen development by directly regulating expression of the protease CEP1 and ßVPE and establishes a transcription factor/proteases regulatory and activated cascade.

Tenebrio molitor as a source of interesting natural compounds, their recovery processes, biological effects, and safety aspects.

Nowadays, it is urgent to produce in larger quantities and more sustainably to reduce the gap between food supply and demand. In a circular bioeconomy vision, insects receive great attention as a sustainable alternative to satisfy food and nutritional needs. Among all insects, Tenebrio molitor (TM) is the first insect approved by the European Food Safety Authority as a novel food in specific conditions and uses, testifying its growing relevance and potential. This review holistically presents the possible role of TM in the sustainable and circular solution to the growing needs for food and nutrients. We analyze all high value-added products obtained from TM (powders and extracts, oils and fatty acids, proteins and peptides, and chitin and chitosan), their recovery processes (evaluating the best ones in technical and environmental terms), their nutritional and economical values, and their biological effects. Safety aspects are also mentioned. TM potential is undoubted, but some aspects still need to be discussed, including the health effects of substances and microorganisms in its body, the optimal production conditions (that affect product quality and safety), and TM capacity to convert by-products into new products. Environmental, economic, social, and market feasibility studies are also required to analyze the new value chains. Finally, to unlock the enormous potential of edible insects as a source of nutritious and sustainable food, it will be necessary to overcome the cultural, psychological, and regulatory barriers still present in Western countries.

Sesame ß-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase I regulates pollen development by interacting with an adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter in transgenic Arabidopsis.

Male gametogenesis is an important biological process critical for seed formation and successful breeding. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of male fertility might facilitate hybrid breeding and increase crop yields. Sesame anther development is largely unknown. Here, a sesame ß-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase I (SiKASI) was cloned and characterized as being involved in pollen and pollen wall development. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the spatiotemporal expression of SiKASI protein was altered in sterile sesame anthers compared with fertile anthers. In addition, SiKASI overexpression in Arabidopsis caused male sterility. Cytological observations revealed defective microspore and pollen wall development in SiKASI-overexpressing plants. Aberrant lipid droplets were detected in the tapetal cells of SiKASI-overexpressing plants, and most of the microspores of transgenic plants contained few cytoplasmic inclusions, with irregular pollen wall components embedded on their surfaces. Moreover, the fatty acid metabolism and the expression of a sporopollenin biosynthesis-related gene set were altered in the anthers of SiKASI-overexpressing plants. Additionally, SiKASI interacted with an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. Taken together, our findings suggested that SiKASI was crucial for fatty acid metabolism and might interact with ABCG18 for normal pollen fertility in Arabidopsis.

Cytotoxicity and growth-inhibiting activity of Astragalus polysaccharides against breast cancer via the regulation of EGFR and ANXA1.

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has been frequently used as an adjuvant agent responsible for its immunoregulatory activity to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity of chemotherapy used in the management of breast cancer. However, the other synergism mechanism of APS remains unclear. This study was performed to evaluate the potential targets and possible mechanism behind APS in vivo direct anti-tumor activity on breast cancer. Multiple biological detections were conducted to investigate the protein and mRNA expression levels of key targets. In total, 116 down-regulated and 73 up-regulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) were examined from 7 gene expression datasets. Top ten hub genes were obtained in four typical protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs involved in each specific biological process (BP, cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and death) that was related to inhibitory activity of APS in vitro against breast cancer cell lines. Four common DEGs (EGFR, ANXA1, KIF14 and IGF1) were further identified in the above four BP-PPI networks, among which EGFR and ANXA1 were the hub genes that were potentially linked to the progression of breast cancer. The results of biological detections indicated that the expression of EGFR in breast cancer cells was down-regulated, while the expression of ANXA1 was markedly increased in response to APS. In conclusion, the present study may provide potential molecular therapeutic targets and a new insight into the mechanism of APS against breast cancer.

Phosphate removal via biological process coupling with hydroxyapatite crystallization in alternating anaerobic/aerobic biofilter reactor.

In this work, a laboratory-scale alternating anaerobic/aerobic biofilter (A/O BF) filled with self-made steel slag media was constructed, where the integrated biological and crystalline phosphorus removal process was realized to remove phosphorus and achieve phosphorus recovery from wastewater. Phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs) were successfully enriched within 30 days operation, the maximum phosphate removal efficiency was close to 80% under the optimal conditions with the anaerobic time of 34 h, HRT of 4 h and influent COD of 300 mg/L. The analysis of SEM-EDS and XRD indicated that hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals were formed inside biofilms without addition of chemical reagents. The high phosphate environment created by PAOs and the release of Ca2+ from the steel slag media might be responsible for the generation of HAP. These findings have crucial implications for the application BF technology to remove and recover phosphorus from wastewater.

CoQ10 improves meiotic maturation of pig oocytes through enhancing mitochondrial function and suppressing oxidative stress.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential to many fundamental biological processes. However, the effect of CoQ10 on meiotic maturation of pig oocytes still remains elusive. In the present study we aimed to understand the effects of CoQ10 on porcine oocyte maturation, by supplementing different concentrations of CoQ10 (25, 50 and 100 µM) into the maturation medium. We showed that CoQ10 at 50 µM had better capacity to promote the nuclear maturation of pig oocytes derived from both small and large antral follicles. Though the cleavage and blastocyst rates of parthenotes stayed stable, 50 µM CoQ10 treatment could accelerate the development of parthenotes to blastocyst stage, and increase the average cell number of blastocyst. For cumulus-oocyte complexes from large antral follicles categorized by the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test, 50 µM CoQ10 treatment could specifically promote the nuclear maturation of poor-quality oocytes in the BCB-negative group. Mitochondrial function of oocytes treated by 50 µM CoQ10 could be boosted, through increasing the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production and CoQ6, and changing the pattern of mitochondrial distribution as well. Moreover, 50 µM CoQ10 treatment suppressed the level of reactive oxygen species and reduced the percentage of oocytes with early apoptosis signal. Taken together, CoQ10 could improve the meiotic maturation of pig oocytes, especially for poor-quality oocytes, mainly through enhancing mitochondrial function and suppressing oxidative stress to reduce apoptosis.

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion inhibits colonic autophagy in Crohn's disease via signaling involving distinct classes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved biological process in eukaryotic cells that involves lysosomal-mediated degradation and recycling of related cellular components. Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion (HM) has been historically practiced to treat CD. However, the mechanism by which HM regulates colonic autophagy in CD remains unclear. AIM: To observe whether HM can alleviate CD by regulating colonic autophagy and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into a normal control (NC) group, a CD group, an HM group, an insulin + CD (I + CD) group, an insulin + HM (I + HM) group, a rapamycin + CD (RA + CD) group, and a rapamycin + HM (RA + HM) group. 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid was administered to establish a CD model. The morphology of the colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the formation of autophagosomes was observed by electron microscopy. The expression of autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B) was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Insulin and rapamycin were used to inhibit and activate colonic autophagy, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class I (PI3KC1), Akt1, LC3B, sequestosome 1 (p62), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of interleukin 18 (IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor κB/p65 (NF-κB p65), LC3B, p62, coiled-coil myosin-like BCL2-interacting protein (Beclin-1), p-mTOR, PI3KC1, class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3KC3/Vps34), and p-Akt were evaluated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the NC group, the CD group showed severe damage to colon tissues and higher expression levels of IL-18 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissues (P < 0.01 for both). Compared with the CD group, the HM group showed significantly lower levels of these proteins (P IL-18 < 0.01 and P p65 < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the expression of TNF-α protein in colon tissue among the rat groups. Typical autophagic vesicles were found in both the CD and HM groups. The expression of the autophagy proteins LC3B and Beclin-1 was upregulated (P < 0.01 for both) in the colon tissues of rats in the CD group compared with the NC group, while the protein expression of p62 and p-mTOR was downregulated (P < 0.01 for both). However, these expression trends were significantly reversed in the HM group compared with the CD group (P LC3B < 0.01, P Beclin-1 < 0.05, P p62 < 0.05, and P m-TOR < 0.05). Compared with those in the RA + CD group, the mRNA expression levels of PI3KC1, Akt1, mTOR, and p62 in the RA + HM group were significantly higher (P PI3KC1 < 0.01 and P Akt1, mTOR, and p62 < 0.05), while those of LC3B were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Compared with the RA + CD group, the RA + HM group exhibited significantly higher PI3KC1, p-Akt1, and p-mTOR protein levels (P PI3KC1 < 0.01, P p-Akt1 < 0.05, and P p-mTOR < 0.01), a higher p62 protein level (P = 0.057), and significantly lower LC3B and Vps34 protein levels (P < 0.01 for both) in colon tissue. CONCLUSION: HM can activate PI3KC1/Akt1/mTOR signaling while inhibiting the PI3KC3 (Vps34)-Beclin-1 protein complex in the colon tissues of CD rats, thereby inhibiting overactivated autophagy and thus exerting a therapeutic effect.

Actualidad en ortodoncia: las micro-osteoperforaciones en la aceleración del tratamiento ortodóncico / An update in orthodontics: micro-osteoperforations for accelerating orthodontic treatment

La búsqueda por encontrar métodos para acortar la duración de los tratamientos de ortodoncia tiene un pasado reciente, un presente y un futuro. Las fuerzas ortodóncicas que se ejercen sobre la membrana periodontal producen movimientos dentarios por modificaciones histológicas y biomoleculares. El conocimiento de los procesos biológicos da lugar a implementar cambios para favorecer la aceleración de los procesos resortivos y neoformativos. El objetivo de esta publicación es hacer una breve síntesis de lo acontecido con este tema y exponer el procedimiento de las micro-osteoperforaciones (MOPs) como una opción complementaria al tratamiento de ortodoncia convencional. Aún no existe suficiente apoyo de ensayos clínicos en humanos para aseverar su éxito. Más aún, distintos autores publican conclusiones contradictorias. Es de esperar que, en breve, nuevas investigaciones contribuyan a respaldarlo o desestimarlo (AU)

The quest to find methods to shorten the duration of orthodontic treatments has a recent past, a present, and a future. Orthodontic forces exerted on the periodontal membrane produce tooth movements by histological and biomolecular modifications. Knowledge of biological processes results in changes to promote the acceleration of spring and neoformative processes. The objective of this publication is to make a brief synthesis of what happened with this topic and expose the micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) procedure as a complementary option to conventional orthodontic treatment. There is not yet enough support from human clinical trials to assert its success. Moreover, different authors publish conflicting conclusions. It is to be expected that, shortly, further investigations will help to support or dismiss it (AU)

Proteome reallocation from amino acid biosynthesis to ribosomes enables yeast to grow faster in rich media.

Several recent studies have shown that the concept of proteome constraint, i.e., the need for the cell to balance allocation of its proteome between different cellular processes, is essential for ensuring proper cell function. However, there have been no attempts to elucidate how cells' maximum capacity to grow depends on protein availability for different cellular processes. To experimentally address this, we cultivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae in bioreactors with or without amino acid supplementation and performed quantitative proteomics to analyze global changes in proteome allocation, during both anaerobic and aerobic growth on glucose. Analysis of the proteomic data implies that proteome mass is mainly reallocated from amino acid biosynthetic processes into translation, which enables an increased growth rate during supplementation. Similar findings were obtained from both aerobic and anaerobic cultivations. Our findings show that cells can increase their growth rate through increasing its proteome allocation toward the protein translational machinery.

Bone resorption and body reorganization during maturation induce maternal transfer of toxic metals in anguillid eels.

During their once-in-a-lifetime transoceanic spawning migration, anguillid eels do not feed, instead rely on energy stores to fuel the demands of locomotion and reproduction while they reorganize their bodies by depleting body reserves and building up gonadal tissue. Here we show how the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) breaks down its skeleton to redistribute phosphorus and calcium from hard to soft tissues during its sexual development. Using multiple analytical and imaging techniques, we characterize the spatial and temporal degradation of the skeletal framework from initial to final gonadal maturation and use elemental mass ratios in bone, muscle, liver, and gonadal tissue to determine the fluxes and fates of selected minerals and metals in the eels' bodies. We find that bone loss is more pronounced in females than in males and eventually may reach a point at which the mechanical stability of the skeleton is challenged. P and Ca are released and translocated from skeletal tissues to muscle and gonads, leaving both elements in constant proportion in remaining bone structures. The depletion of internal stores from hard and soft tissues during maturation-induced body reorganization is accompanied by the recirculation, translocation, and maternal transfer of potentially toxic metals from bone and muscle to the ovaries in gravid females, which may have direct deleterious effects on health and hinder the reproductive success of individuals of this critically endangered species.

Transcriptome Profiles of Human Visceral Adipocytes in Obesity and Colorectal Cancer Unravel the Effects of Body Mass Index and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Genes and Biological Processes Related to Tumorigenesis.

Obesity, a low-grade inflammatory condition, represents a major risk factor for the development of several pathologies including colorectal cancer (CRC). Although the adipose tissue inflammatory state is now recognized as a key player in obesity-associated morbidities, the underlying biological processes are complex and not yet precisely defined. To this end, we analyzed transcriptome profiles of human visceral adipocytes from lean and obese subjects affected or not by CRC by RNA sequencing (n = 6 subjects/category), and validated selected modulated genes by real-time qPCR. We report that obesity and CRC, conditions characterized by the common denominator of inflammation, promote changes in the transcriptional program of adipocytes mostly involving pathways and biological processes linked to extracellular matrix remodeling, and metabolism of pyruvate, lipids and glucose. Interestingly, although the transcriptome of adipocytes shows several alterations that are common to both disorders, some modifications are unique under obesity (e.g., pathways associated with inflammation) and CRC (e.g., TGFß signaling and extracellular matrix remodeling) and are influenced by the body mass index (e.g., processes related to cell adhesion, angiogenesis, as well as metabolism). Indeed, cancer-induced transcriptional program is deeply affected by obesity, with adipocytes from obese individuals exhibiting a more complex response to the tumor. We also report that in vitro exposure of adipocytes to ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) endowed with either anti- or pro-inflammatory properties, respectively, modulates the expression of genes involved in processes potentially relevant to carcinogenesis, as assessed by real-time qPCR. All together our results suggest that genes involved in pyruvate, glucose and lipid metabolism, fibrosis and inflammation are central in the transcriptional reprogramming of adipocytes occurring in obese and CRC-affected individuals, as well as in their response to PUFA exposure. Moreover, our results indicate that the transcriptional program of adipocytes is strongly influenced by the BMI status in CRC subjects. The dysregulation of these interrelated processes relevant for adipocyte functions may contribute to create more favorable conditions to tumor establishment or favor tumor progression, thus linking obesity and colorectal cancer.