The escalating global demand for clean energy has spurred substantial interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a promising solution for large-scale energy storage systems. However, the insufficient reaction kinetics and considerable volume changes inherent to anode materials present significant hurdles to enhancing the electrochemical performance of SIBs. In this study, hierarchical MoS2/WS2 heterostructures were constructed into dual carbon layers (HC@MoS2/WS2@NC) and assessed their suitability as anodes for SIBs. The internal hard carbon core (HC) and outer nitrogen-doped carbon shell (NC) effectively anchor MoS2/WS2, thereby significantly improving its structural stability. Moreover, the conductive carbon components expedite electron transport during charge-discharge processes. Critically, the intelligently engineered interface between MoS2 and WS2 modulates the interfacial energy barrier and electric field distribution, promoting faster ion transport rates. Capitalizing on these advantageous features, the HC@MoS2/WS2@NC nanocomposite exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance when utilized as an anode in SIBs. Specifically, it delivers a high capacity of 415 mAh/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g after 100 cycles. At a larger current density of 2 A/g, it maintains a commendable capacity of 333 mAh/g even after 1000 cycles. Additionally, when integrated into a full battery configuration with a Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the Na3V2(PO4)3//HC@MoS2/WS2@NC full cell delivers a high capacity of 120 mAh/g after 300 cycles at 1 A/g. This work emphasizes the substantial improvement in battery performance that can be attained through the implementation of dual carbon confinement, offering a constructive approach to guide the design and development of next-generation anode materials for SIBs.
Defensins are a class of small antimicrobial peptides that play a crucial role against pathogens. However, recent research has highlighted defensins exhibit the ability to influence cell cycle checkpoints, promoting or inhibiting specific phases such as G1 arrest or S/M transition. By regulating the cell cycle, defensins impact the proliferation of normal and cancerous cells, with implications for cancer development and progression. Dysregulation of defensin expression can disrupt the delicate balance of cell cycle regulation, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and an increased risk of tumor formation. Defensins contribute to the resolution of inflammation, stimulate angiogenesis, and enhance the migration and proliferation of cells involved in tissue repair. Furthermore, The ability of defensins to respond to microenvironmental changes further demonstrates the significance of these peptides in host defense mechanisms and immune function. By adjusting their expression, defensins continue to combat pathogens effectively and maintain homeostasis within the body. This review highlights the multifaceted role of defensins in regulating the cell cycle and their broader implications in cancer progression, tissue repair, and microenvironmental response.
Root rot is a very destructive soil-borne disease, which severely affects the quality and yield of Angelica sinensis in major planting areas of Gansu Province, China. Twelve Fusarium strains were identified from root rot tissue and infected soil in the field, by comparing each isolate strain internal transcriptional spacer, translation elongation factor 1-α sequence and RNA polymerase second largest subunit gene (RPB2) with the sequences of known fungal species in the NCBI database. Of these isolates, four were F. acuminatum, followed by three F. solani, two F. oxysporum, and one each of F. equiseti, F. redolens, and F. avenaceum. Under greenhouse conditions, pathogenicity testing experiment was carried out using five strains: two F. acuminatum, one F. solani, one F. oxysporum, and one F. equiseti. Among them, the incidence of F. acuminatum-induced root rot on A. sinensis was 100%; hence, it was the most aggressive. Liquid chromatography was used to show that F. acuminatum was capable of producing neosolaniol (NEO), deoxynivalenol (DON), and T-2 toxins. Of these, the level of NEO produced by F. acuminatum was high, compared with the other two toxins. By isolating Fusarium spp. and characterizing their toxin-producing capacity, this work provides a new information for effectively preventing and controlling A. sinensis root rot in the field, as well as improving the quality of its medicinal materials. Keywords: Angelica sinensis, Fusarium spp., mycotoxins, pathogenicity tests, root rot disease.
MYB transcription factors are one of the largest TF families involved in plant growth and development as well as biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we report the identification and functional characterization of a stress-responsive MYB gene (GhMYB3) from drought stress related transcriptome of upland cotton. GhMYB3, belonging to the R2R3-type, has high sequence similarity with AtMYB3 and was localized in the nucleus. Silence of GhMYB3 enhanced the drought tolerance of cotton seedlings and plants, reduced the water loss rate, and enhanced stomatal closure. In addition, GhMYB3i lines exhibited less ROS accumulation, as well as higher antioxidant enzyme activity and increased content of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins than WT plants after drought stress. The expression level of flavonoid biosynthesis- and stress-related genes were up-regulated in GhMYB3i lines under drought stress condition. These results demonstrated that GhMYB3 acted as a negative regulator in upland cotton response to drought stress by regulating stomatal closure and ROS accumulation.
Droughts , Genes, myb , Anthocyanins/metabolism , Antioxidants/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Gossypium/genetics , Gossypium/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Stress, Physiological
Centella asiatica belongs to the Umbelliferae family of perennial herbaceous plants, which are grown worldwide for use as health supplements, edible vegetables and traditional herbs, and are of vital medicinal and edible value in China. (Biswas et al. 2021). In October 2022, the investigation in the 800 m2 garden of Lanzhou (36°06' N,103°43' E) found that more than 80% of C. asiatica plants were infected by powdery mildew, and the leaf infection rate was 90%. The disease severely affects the actual value of C. asiatica. At the beginning of the disease, thin, radial, irregular white colonies appear on the leaves and gradually spread to the stems. The white colony then expands and thickens, covering the upper surface of the whole leaf, and gradually spreading to the lower parts of the stem and leaf. In severe cases, the leaves wither and die. A small portion of fungal spores was glued from the leaf surface with adhesive tape and placed in sterile water for microscopic examination (Zhang et al. 2022). The conidiophore is upright, cylindrical, composed of 3-4 cells, and its size is 72 to 110 × 8 to 10 µm. Conidial pedicels have 16 to 26 µm long cylindrical podocytes. Monoconidia are cylindrical or oval in shape, 16 to 37 µm long, width 11 to 18 µm (n=80). Conidia lack an obvious cellulose body. The bud tube is formed from the end of conidia, and papillary appressorium develops on the epiphytic mycelia. Based on these morphological characteristics, the pathogen was initially identified as Erysiphe cruciferarum (Braun et al. 2012). To validate the identity, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the pathogen (JXC) rDNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced with PM6/ITS5 and PM5/ITS4 primers (Takamatsu et al. 2001). The resulting sequences were registered to GenBank (GenBank Accession OP935627 and OQ253404). At the same time, the ITS sequence size was 535 bp and 521 bp respectively. The ITS sequence of the JXC was 99% (527/534) identical to E.cruciferarum (KT588635) on Eschscholzia californica in Slovakia and 99% (527/534) identical to E.cruciferarum (KC878683) on Chinese Cabbage in China. The ITS sequences from GenBank were subjected to conduct maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis by MEGA 7.0. The data indicate that strain JXC and E. cruciferarum are clustered on the same branch. The pathogenicity test was performed according to Koch's postulate. By gently pressing the infected leaves on five healthy potted C. asiatica. Meanwhile, five uninoculated plants were used as controls (Zhang et al. 2022). The plants were put into a greenhouse culture (25â, 14 h light, 10 h dark, humidity ≥ 70%). After 12 days, the inoculated plants showed symptoms of powdery mildew, while the control group had no symptoms. The fungus on the inoculated plant was re-isolated, and identified as E. cruciferarum based on morphological observations and molecular identification. The powdery mildew caused by E.cruciferarum has been reported on Indian mustard in Korea and Chinese cabbage in China, respectively (Kim et al. 2009; Zhao et al. 2014). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. asiatica powdery mildew caused by E.cruciferarum in China. This finding poses a potential threat to the quality and yield of C. asiatica plants, while providing a preventive basis for the cultivation of C. asiatica.
Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising energy storage devices due to the advantageous features of Zn. However, developing suitable cathode materials with high performance is still an urgent task for the development of ZIBs. In this work, we report on the preparation of a flexible cathode for ZIBs consisting of carbon fiber supported MnMoO4 nanostructures protected with N-doped carbon coatings (CF/MnMoO4@NCs). The N-doped carbon coating on MnMoO4 nanostructures can buffer volume expansion of MnMoO4, and the CF and NCs with good electronic conductivity can facilitate quick electrons transportation in the CF/MnMoO4@NCs system. The optimized CF/MnMoO4@NCs cathode exhibits high capacity and good rate capability. Specifically, it delivers an outstanding discharge capacity of 663 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A/g after 100 cycles, and at a current density of 2 A/g, the cathode can still achieve a discharge capacity of 212 mA h g-1. This work expands the choice of cathode material and provides constructive direction on designing high-performance cathode materials for ZIBs.
Leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) is the critical enzyme in the synthesis pathway of proanthocyanidins, which are the primary pigments in brown cotton fibers. Our previous study has revealed significant differences in the expression levels of GhLAR1 between white and brown cotton fibers at 10 DPA. In this work, the expression pattern of the GhLAR1 gene was further studied, and the promoter of GhLAR1 (1780 bp) was isolated and characterized. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that GhLAR1 promoter contained many known light response elements and several defenses related to transcriptional factor-binding boxes, which may partially explain the response of the GhLAR1 to temperature, NaCl, and PEG treatments. Furthermore, GhLAR1 was preferentially and strongly expressed in fibers and flowers of cotton, and the expression levels in all tested tissues (especially fibers) of brown cotton were significantly higher than those in white cotton. Consistent with the expression analysis, the GhLAR1 promoter mainly drove GUS expression in epidermal trichomes and floral organs.
Anthocyanins , Gossypium , Gossypium/genetics , Anthocyanins/genetics , Anthocyanins/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Cotton Fiber , Oxidoreductases/genetics , Oxidoreductases/metabolism
As one of the important secondary metabolites, proanthocyanidins (PAs) are not only a defense mechanism for plants to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses, but also a key factor affecting the development and quality of plants. Although the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of proanthocyanidins have been basically clarified in the model plants, the regulatory mechanism in cotton has not been fully elucidated. In this work, a transcription factor gene GhTT2 (transparent testa 2) was cloned from Gossypium hirsutum. Its gene structure, expression pattern, subcellular localization, and function were further analyzed. The results show that the GhTT2 has a typical MYB domain and is predominantly expressed in fibers. Its transcription level was negatively correlated with anthocyanin content. The GhTT2-GFP fusion protein is located in the nucleus. Moreover, yeast transformation results show that GhTT2 has obvious transcriptional activation characteristics. Furthermore, the content of proanthocyanidins in GhTT2-silenced cottons is significantly reduced, indicating that GhTT2 may be involved in regulation of the proanthocyanidins biosynthesis in Gossypium hirsutum. These results provide a reference for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MYB transcription factors involved in the regulation of the biosynthetic pathway of PAs.
Gossypium , Proanthocyanidins , Gossypium/genetics , Proanthocyanidins/metabolism , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/physiology , Plants/genetics , Cloning, Molecular
The CTX-M-55 type extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae is increasing in prevalence worldwide without the transmission mechanism being fully clarified, which threatens public and livestock health. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been shown to mediate the gene horizontal transmission in some species. However, whether blaCTX-M-55 can be transmitted horizontally through OMVs in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) has not been reported yet. To test this hypothesis, an ESBL-producing APEC was isolated and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to analyze the location of blaCTX-M-55. Ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography was used to isolate and purify OMVs, and the transfer experiment of blaCTX-M-55 via OMVs was performed finally. Our results showed that the blaCTX-M-55 was located on an IncI2 plasmid. The number and diameter of OMVs secreted by ESBL-producing APEC treated with different antibiotics were significantly varied. The transfer experiment showed that the OMVs could mediate the horizontal transfer of blaCTX-M-55, and the frequency of gene transfer ranged from 10-5 to 10-6 CFU/mL with the highest frequency observed in the Enrofloxacin treatment group. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the antibiotics in promoting and disseminating resistance in the poultry industry and support the restrictions on the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry.
Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in regulating virus infection and replication. However, the mechanism by which miRNA regulates Zika virus (ZIKV) replication remains elusive. We aim to explore how the differentially expressed miR-103a-3p regulates ZIKV replication and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: Small RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in A549 cells with or without ZIKV infection and some of the dysregulated miRNAs were validated by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effect of miR-103a-3p on ZIKV replication was examined by transfecting miR-103a-3p mimic or negative control (NC) into A549 cells with or without p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 and expression levels of ZIKV NS5 mRNA and NS1 protein were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The potential target genes for miR-103a-3p were predicted by four algorithms and further validated by mutation analysis through luciferase reporter assay. The predicated target gene OTU deubiquitinase (DUB) 4 (OTUD4) was over-expressed by plasmid transfection or silenced by siRNA transfection into cells prior to ZIKV infection. Activation status of p38 MAPK signaling pathway was revealed by looking at the phosphorylation levels of p38 (p-p38) and HSP27 (p-HSP27) by Western blot. Results: Thirty-five differentially expressed miRNAs in ZIKV-infected A549 cells were identified by RNA-Seq analysis. Five upregulated and five downregulated miRNAs were further validated by qRT-PCR. One of the validated upregulated miRNAs, miR-103a-3p significantly stimulated ZIKV replication both at mRNA (NS5) and protein (NS1) levels. We found p38 MAPK signaling was activated following ZIKV infection, as demonstrated by the increased expression of the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and HSP27. Blocking p38 MAPK signaling pathway using SB203580 inhibited ZIKV replication and attenuated the stimulating effect of miR-103a-3p on ZIKV replication. We further identified OTUD4 as a direct target gene of miR-103a-3p. MiR-103a-3p over-expression or OTUD4 silencing activated p38 MAPK signaling and enhanced ZIKV replication. In contrast, OTUD4 over-expression inhibited p38 MAPK activation and decreased ZIKV replication. In addition, OTUD4 over-expression attenuated the stimulating effect of miR-103a-3p on ZIKV replication and activation of p38 MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Zika virus infection induced the expression of miR-103a-3p, which subsequently activated p38 MAPK signaling pathway by targeting OTUD4 to facilitate ZIKV replication.
Shigella flexneri is a serious threat to global public health, and a rapid detection method is urgently needed. The CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) system is widely used in gene editing, gene therapy, and in vitro diagnosis. Here, we combined loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and CRISPR/Cas12a to develop a novel diagnostic test (CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP) for the diagnosis of S. flexneri. The CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP protocol conducts LAMP reaction for S. flexneri templates followed by CRISPR/Cas12a detection of predefined target sequences. LAMP primers and sgRNAs were designed to the highly conserved gene hypothetical protein (accession: AE014073, region: 4170556-4171,068) of S. flexneri. After the LAMP reaction at 60°C for 20 min, the pre-loaded CRISPR/Cas12a regents were mixed with the LAMP products in one tube at 37°C for 20 min, and the final results can be viewed by naked eyes with a total time of 40 min. The sensitivity of CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP to detect S. flexneri was 4 × 100 copies/µl plasmids and without cross-reaction with other six closely related non-S. flexneri. Therefore, the CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP assay is a useful method for the reliable and quick diagnosis of S. flexneri and may be applied in other pathogen infection detection.
KEY MESSAGE: Cotton male fertility-associated gene GhGLP4, encoding a germin-like protein, is essential for anthers development by keeping ROS homeostasis through reducing H2O2 level. Utilization of heterosis is an important way to increase cotton yield and improve fiber quality in hybrid cotton development programs. Male sterility is used in the development of cotton hybrids to reduce the cost of hybrid seed production by eliminating the process of emasculation. From the transcriptome analysis of genic male sterile mutant (ms1) and its background C312 of G. hirsutum, a gene encoding germin-like protein (GhGLP4) was found significantly down-regulated in different developmental stages of ms1 anthers. To explore the gene function in cotton fertility, GhGLP4 was further studied and interfered by virus-induced gene silencing. In the GhGLP4 interfered cotton lines, the expression level of GhGLP4 was significantly decreased in the stamens, and the down-regulation of GhGLP4 resulted in pollen sac closure, stigma exertion, filament shortening, decrease in the number of anthers and complete male sterility. The expression levels of respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rboh, NADPH oxidase) were significantly altered. Further investigation showed that the SOD activity decreased while the H2O2 content increased in the atypical stamens. These results indicated that GhGLP4 gene affected the cotton anther development through maintenance of ROS homeostasis by H2O2 reduction.
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Gossypium/growth & development , Gossypium/genetics , Phenotype , Plant Infertility/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Pollen/chemistry , Flowers/chemistry , Gene Expression Profiling , Glycoproteins/genetics , Glycoproteins/metabolism , Hydrogen Peroxide/analysis , Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism , Plant Proteins/genetics
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with a special covalently closed circular structure, which is formed by precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) through "back-splicing". CircRNAs are more stable than linear RNAs because they are resistant to exoribonucleases. Viral infections often cause abnormal expression of circRNAs, which could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of viral infections by detecting specific circRNAs in cells, body fluids, or tissues. CircRNAs also play a critical role in regulating host immune response and virus replication. Here, we reviewed the production and function of circRNAs, mainly focusing on their regulation on virus infection, to provide novel insights into the potential role of circRNAs as diagnostic marker or treatment targets for viral infection.
Host Microbial Interactions , Immunity , RNA, Circular/genetics , Virus Diseases/genetics , Virus Diseases/immunology , Biomarkers , Host Microbial Interactions/genetics , Host Microbial Interactions/immunology , Humans , RNA Splicing , RNA, Circular/immunology , Virus Diseases/diagnosis , Virus Diseases/physiopathology , Virus Replication
Sperchon fuxiensis Zhang, 2017 was published as a new species based on females alone. Two males of Sperchon were found in the same locality during our recent collection. The males resemble S. fuxiensis female in the integument pattern, excretory pore and the palps shape, but the chitinous plates of both dorsum and venter differ greatly. The males were paired with the female of S. fuxiensis using DNA barcoding, revealing unusual sexual dimorphism in the species. Descriptions and illustrations of the male of S. fuxiensis are given in the present study. Species identification based on the full-length DNA barcoding (658bp) of COI in water mites is also discussed.
Mites , Animals , DNA , DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic , Female , Male , Mites/genetics , Sex Characteristics , Water
