Genetic Analysis of Cotton Fiber Traits in Gossypium Hybrid Lines.

Cotton plays a crucial role in the progress of the textile industry and the betterment of human life by providing natural fibers. In our study, we explored the genetic determinants of cotton architecture and fiber yield and quality by crossbreeding Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense, creating a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Utilizing SNP markers, we constructed an extensive genetic map encompassing 7,730 markers over 2,784.2 cM. We appraised two architectural and seven fiber traits within six environments, identifying 58 QTLs, of which 49 demonstrated stability across these environments. These encompassed QTLs for traits such as lint percentage (LP), boll weight (BW), fiber strength (STRENGTH), seed index (SI), and micronaire (MIC), primarily located on chromosomes chr-A07, chr-D06, and chr-D07. Notably, chr-D07 houses a QTL region affecting SI, corroborated by multiple studies. Within this region, the genes BZIP043 and SEP2 were identified as pivotal, with SEP2 particularly showing augmented expression in developing ovules. These discoveries contribute significantly to marker-assisted selection, potentially elevating both the yield and quality of cotton fiber production. These findings provide valuable insights into marker-assisted breeding strategies, offering crucial information to enhance fiber yield and quality in cotton production.

Durable Nano-Flower Structured Foam Coupled with Electrically-Driven in Situ Aeration Enable High-Flux Oil/Water Emulsion Separation with Dynamic Antifouling Ability.

The conventional membranes used for separating oil/water emulsions are typically limited by the properties of the membrane materials and the impact of membrane fouling, making continuous long-term usage unachievable. In this study, a filtering electrode with synchronous self-cleaning functionality is devised, exhibiting notable antifouling ability and an extended operational lifespan, suitable for the continuous separation of oil/water emulsions. Compared with the original Ti foam, the in situ growth of NiTi-LDH (Layered double hydroxide) nano-flowers endows the modified Ti foam (NiTi-LDH/TF) with exceptional superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Driven by gravity, a rejection rate of over 99% is achieved for various emulsions containing oil content ranging from 1% to 50%, as well as oil/seawater emulsions. The flux recovery rate exceeds 90% after one hundred cycles and a 4-h filtration period. The enhanced separation performance is realized through the "gas bridge" effect during in situ aeration and electrochemical anodic oxidation. The internal aeration within the membrane pores contributes to the removal of oil foulants. This study underscores the potential of coupling foam metal filtration materials with electrochemical technology, providing a paradigm for the exploration of novel oil/water separation membranes.

Stress-induced epinephrine promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the USP10-PLAGL2 signaling loop.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis. Our previous study demonstrated that Pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) was a potential therapeutic target in HCC. However, the mechanisms that lead to the upregulation of PLAGL2 in HCC remain unclear. The present study revealed that stress-induced epinephrine increased the expression of PLAGL2, thereby promoting the progression of HCC. Furthermore, PLAGL2 knockdown inhibited epinephrine-induced HCC development. Mechanistically, epinephrine upregulated ubiquitin-specific protease 10 (USP10) to stabilize PLAGL2 via the adrenergic ß-receptor-2-c-Myc (ADRB2-c-Myc) axis. Furthermore, PLAGL2 acted as a transcriptional regulator of USP10, forming a signaling loop. Taken together, these results reveal that stress-induced epinephrine activates the PLAGL2-USP10 signaling loop to enhance HCC progression. Furthermore, PLAGL2 plays a crucial role in psychological stress-mediated promotion of HCC progression.

An efficient solution based on the synergistic effects of nickel foam in NiFe-LDH nanosheets for oil/water separation.

Efficient oil-water separation has always been a research hotspot in the field of environmental studies. Employing a one-step hydrothermal approach, NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDH) nanosheets were synthesized on nickel foam substrates. The resulting NiFe-LDH/NF membrane exhibited rejection rates exceeding 99% across six diverse oil-water mixtures, concurrently demonstrating a remarkable ultra-high flux of 1.4 × 106 L·m-2·h-1. This flux value significantly surpasses those documented in existing literature, maintaining stable performance over 1000 manual filtration cycles. These breakthroughs stem from the synergistic interplay among the three-dimensional channels of the nickel foam, the nanosheets, and the hydration layer. By leveraging the pore size of the foam to enhance the functionality of the hydration layer, the conventional trade-off between permeability and selectivity was transformed into a balanced force relationship between the hydration layer and the oil phase. The operational and failure mechanisms of the hydration layer were examined using the prepared NiFe-LDH/NF membrane, validating the correlation between oil phase viscosity and density with hydration layer rupture. Additionally, an extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory was employed to investigate changes in interaction energy, further reinforcing the study's findings. This research contributes novel insights and assistance to the comprehension and application of hydration layers in other membrane studies dedicated to oil-water separation.

ß-Catenin Activation Reprograms Ammonia Metabolism to Promote Senescence Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical tumor that undergoes metabolic reprogramming, differing from normal liver tissue in glucose, lipid, nucleic acid, and amino acid metabolism. Although ammonia is a toxic metabolic by-product, it has also been recently recognized as a signaling molecule to activate lipid metabolism, and it can be a nitrogen source for biosynthesis to support tumorigenesis. In this study, we revealed that ß-catenin activation increases ammonia production in HCC mainly by stimulating glutaminolysis. ß-Catenin/LEF1 activated the transcription of the glutamate dehydrogenase GLUD1, which then promoted ammonia utilization to enhance the production of glutamate, aspartate, and proline as evidenced by 15NH4Cl metabolic flux. ß-Catenin/TCF4 induced the transcription of SLC4A11, an ammonia transporter, to excrete excess ammonia. SLC4A11 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues, and high SLC4A11 expression was associated with poor prognosis and advanced disease stages. Loss of SLC4A11 induced HCC cell senescence in vitro by blocking ammonia excretion and reduced ß-catenin-driven tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, elevated levels of plasma ammonia promoted the progression of ß-catenin mutant HCC, which was impeded by SLC4A11 deficiency. Downregulation of SLC4A11 led to ammonia accumulation in tumor interstitial fluid and decreased plasma ammonia levels in HCC with activated ß-catenin. Altogether, this study indicates that ß-catenin activation reprograms ammonia metabolism and that blocking ammonia excretion by targeting SLC4A11 could be a promising approach to induce senescence in ß-catenin mutant HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: Ammonia metabolism reprogramming mediated by aberrant activation of ß-catenin induces resistance to senescence in HCC and can be targeted by inhibiting SLC4A11 as a potential therapy for ß-catenin mutant liver cancer.

The hedonic overdrive model best explains high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice.

OBJECTIVE: High-fat diets cause obesity in male mice; however, the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. Here, three contrasting ideas were assessed: hedonic overdrive, reverse causality, and passive overconsumption models. METHODS: A total of 12 groups of 20 individually housed 12-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to 12 high-fat diets with varying fat content from 40% to 80% (by calories), protein content from 5% to 30%, and carbohydrate content from 8.4% to 40%. Body weight and food intake were monitored for 30 days after 7 days at baseline on a standard low-fat diet. RESULTS: After exposure to the diets, energy intake increased first, and body weight followed later. Intake then declined. The peak energy intake was dependent on both dietary protein and carbohydrate, but not the dietary fat and energy density, whereas the rate of decrease in intake was only related to dietary protein. On high-fat diets, the weight of food intake declined, but despite this average reduction of 14.4 g in food intake, they consumed, on average, 357 kJ more energy than at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The hedonic overdrive model fit the data best. The other two models were not supported.

Five previously undescribed citrinin derivatives from the endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum GZWMJZ-836.

Penicillium citrinum GZWMJZ-836 is an endophytic fungus from Drynaria roosii Nakaike. Five previously undescribed citrinin derivatives (1-5) and six intermediates related to their biosynthesis (6-11) were obtained from the extract of this strain's solid fermentation using multiple column chromatography separations, including high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of these compounds were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, primarily using NMR and HRESIMS data. The stereochemistry was mainly confirmed by ECD calculations, and the configurations of C-7' in compounds 4 and 5 were determined using 13C NMR calculations. Compounds 4-5 and 8 showed antibacterial activity against five strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 7.8 to 125 µM. Compounds 4 and 7 exhibited inhibitions against three plant pathogenic fungi, with IC50 values ranging from 66.6 to 152.1 µM. Additionally, a putative biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1-5 derived from citrinin was proposed.

Mediation effect of antithrombin III between chronic renal insufficiency and chronic coronary artery disease in T2DM patients.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the potential effect of Antithrombin III (ATIII) between chronic renal insufficiency and chronic coronary artery disease (chronic CAD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: T2DM patients hospitalized in ZhongDa Hospital from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled. Relationships between renal function, ATIII, and chronic CAD risk were explored using multivariate regression models. Multiplicative and additive interactions were investigated between ATIII and renal function for CAD risk, and the role of ATIII was determined by bootstrap mediation analysis in patients with chronic renal dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 4197 patients were included in the study, with a chronic CAD prevalence of 23.02%. Low ATIII level was statistically associated with chronic renal insufficiency and elevated CAD risk even after adjustments (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between renal function and ATIII was demonstrated, and each 1 SD increase in renal function, ATIII increased by 2.947% (2.406-3.488%, P < 0.001) and 0.969% (0.297-1.642%, P < 0.001) in crude and adjusted models respectively. Patients with decreased renal function and ATIII were at the highest chronic CAD risk (OR = 1.51, 95%CI:1.15-1.98, P < 0.05), while no multiplicative and additive interaction effects were significant. Bootstrap mediation analysis estimated that ATIII mediated approximately 4.27% of the effect of chronic renal insufficiency on chronic CAD risk. CONCLUSION: ATIII may serve as a mediator between chronic renal insufficiency and chronic CAD, providing mechanistic clues for renal-heart association and new insight into clinical therapies.

Overexpression and knockdown of cotton GhdadD gene reveals its drought and salt stress tolerance role.

The 5'-deoxyadenosine deaminase (DADD), a member of the amidohydrolase family regulates biological purine metabolism. In this study, bioinformatic analysis, overexpression and knockdown of GhdadD gene were detected to identify its potential role in drought and salt stress tolerance. The results revealed that GhdadD was induced by ABA, Auxin, MBS and light responsive elements. In transgenic Arabidopsis, seed germination rate and root length were increased under drought or salt stress. GhdadD overexpressed seedlings resulted in higher plant height, less leaf damage and lower ion permeability. The expression of osmotic stress and ABA-responsive genes were up regulated. While in GhdadD-silenced cotton seedlings, CAT, SOD activity and soluble sugar content were reduced, MDA content was increased, and the stoma opening was depressed under drought or salt stress. Some osmics stress marker genes were also up regulated. These data indicating that GhdadD enhanced plant resistance to drought and salt stress through ABA pathways.

Transforming electrochemical hydrogen Production: Tannic Acid-Boosted CoNi alloy integration with Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes for advanced bifunctional catalysis.

The dimensions of alloy nanoparticles or nanosheets have emerged as a critical determinant for their prowess as outstanding electrocatalysts in water decomposition. Remarkably, the reduction in nanoparticle size results in an expanded active specific surface area, elevating reaction kinetics and showcasing groundbreaking potential. In a significant leap towards innovation, we introduced tannic acid (TA) to modify multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and CoNi alloys. This ingenious strategy not only finely tuned the size of CoNi alloys but also securely anchored them to the MWCNTs substrate. The resulting synergistic "carbon transportation network" accelerated electron transfer during the reaction, markedly enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, the exceptional synergy of Co and Ni elements establishes Co0.84Ni1.69/MWCNTs as highly efficient electrocatalysts. Experimental findings unequivocally demonstrate that TA-Co0.84Ni1.69/MWCNTs require minimal overpotentials of 171 and 294 mV to achieve a current density of ± 10 mA cm-2. Serving as both anode and cathode for overall water splitting, TA-Co0.84Ni1.69/MWCNTs demand a low voltage of 1.66 V at 10 mA cm-2, maintaining structural integrity throughout extensive cyclic stability testing. These results propel TA-Co0.84Ni1.69/MWCNTs as promising candidates for future electrocatalytic advancements.

Multiomics identifies metabolic subtypes based on fatty acid degradation allocating personalized treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Molecular classification is a promising tool for prognosis prediction and optimizing precision therapy for HCC. Here, we aimed to develop a molecular classification of HCC based on the fatty acid degradation (FAD) pathway, fully characterize it, and evaluate its ability in guiding personalized therapy. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), PCR-array, lipidomics, metabolomics, and proteomics analysis of 41 patients with HCC, in which 17 patients received anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) therapy. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to explore the tumor microenvironment. Nearly, 60 publicly available multiomics data sets were analyzed. The associations between FAD subtypes and response to sorafenib, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) were assessed in patient cohorts, patient-derived xenograft (PDX), and spontaneous mouse model ls. A novel molecular classification named F subtype (F1, F2, and F3) was identified based on the FAD pathway, distinguished by clinical, mutational, epigenetic, metabolic, and immunological characteristics. F1 subtypes exhibited high infiltration with immunosuppressive microenvironment. Subtype-specific therapeutic strategies were identified, in which F1 subtypes with the lowest FAD activities represent responders to compounds YM-155 and Alisertib, sorafenib, anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (T + A) treatment, while F3 subtypes with the highest FAD activities are responders to TACE. F2 subtypes, the intermediate status between F1 and F3, are potential responders to T + A combinations. We provide preliminary evidence that the FAD subtypes can be diagnosed based on liquid biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 3 FAD subtypes with unique clinical and biological characteristics, which could optimize individual cancer patient therapy and help clinical decision-making.

Mxenes for membrane separation: from fabrication strategies to advanced applications.

Transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides, commonly referred to as MXenes, have gained widespread attention since their discovery in 2011 as a promising family of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Their impressive chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and biological properties have fueled a surge in research focused on the synthesis and application of MXenes in various fields, including membrane-based separation. By engineering the materials and membrane structures, MXene-based membranes have demonstrated remarkable separation performance and added functionalities, such as antifouling and photocatalytic properties. In this review, we aim to have a timely and critical review of research on their fabrication strategy and performance in advanced molecular separation and ion exchange, beginning with a brief introduction of the preparation and physicochemical properties of MXenes. Finally, outlooks and future works are outlined with the aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for advancing membranes' applications in different separation domains.

Widespread incomplete lineage sorting and introgression shaped adaptive radiation in the Gossypium genus.

Cotton (Gossypium) stands as a crucial economic crop, serving as the primary source of natural fiber for the textile sector. However, the evolutionary mechanisms driving speciation within the Gossypium genus remain unresolved. In this investigation, we leveraged 25 Gossypium genomes and introduced four novel assemblies-G. harknessii, G. gossypioides, G. trilobum, and G. klotzschianum (Gklo)-to delve into the speciation history of this genus. Notably, we encountered intricate phylogenies potentially stemming from introgression. These complexities are further compounded by incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), a factor likely to have been instrumental in shaping the swift diversification of cotton. Our focus subsequently shifted to the rapid radiation episode during a concise period in Gossypium evolution. For a recently diverged lineage comprising G. davidsonii, Gklo, and G. raimondii, we constructed a finely detailed ILS map. Intriguingly, this analysis revealed the non-random distribution of ILS regions across the reference Gklo genome. Moreover, we identified signs of robust natural selection influencing specific ILS regions. Noteworthy variations pertaining to speciation emerged between the closely related sister species Gklo and G. davidsonii. Approximately 15.74% of speciation structural variation genes and 12.04% of speciation-associated genes were estimated to intersect with ILS signatures. These findings enrich our understanding of the role of ILS in adaptive radiation, shedding fresh light on the intricate speciation history of the Gossypium genus.

Selenium promotes immunogenic radiotherapy against cervical cancer metastasis through evoking P53 activation.

Radiotherapy is still the recommended treatment for cervical cancer. However, radioresistance and radiation-induced side effects remain one of the biggest clinical problems. Selenium (Se) has been confirmed to exhibit radiation-enhancing effects for cancer treatment. However, Se species dominate the biological activities and which form of Se possesses better radiosensitizing properties and radiation safety remains elusive. Here, different Se species (the valence state of Se ranged from - 2, 0, +4 to + 6) synergy screen was carried out to identify the potential radiosensitizing effects and radiation safety of Se against cervical cancer. We found that the therapeutic effects varied with the changes in the Se valence state. Sodium selenite (+4) displayed strong cancer-killing effects but also possessed severe cytotoxicity. Sodium selenate (+6) neither enhanced the killing effects of X-ray nor possessed anticancer activity by its alone treatment. Although nano-selenium (0), especially Let-SeNPs, has better radiosensitizing activity, the - 2 organic Se, such as selenadiazole derivative SeD (-2) exhibited more potent anticancer effects and possessed a higher safe index. Overall, the selected Se drugs were able to synergize with X-ray to inhibit cell growth, clone formation, and cell migration by triggering G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, and SeD (-2) was found to exhibit more potent enhancing capacity. Further mechanism studies showed that SeD mediated p53 pathway activation by inducing DNA damage through promoting ROS production. Additionally, SeD combined with X-ray therapy can induce an anti-tumor immune response in vivo. More importantly, SeD combined with X-ray significantly inhibited the liver metastasis of tumor cells and alleviated the side effects caused by radiation therapy in tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, this study demonstrates the radiosensitization and radiation safety effects of different Se species, which may shed light on the application of such Se-containing drugs serving as side effects-reducing agents for cervical cancer radiation treatment.

Liver Regeneration-Related Genes of Nontumor Liver Tissues Predict the Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most serious malignant tumors threatening human life with a high mortality rate. The liver regenerative capacity after hepatectomy in early-stage HCC patients is influenced by various factors, including surgical methods and energy metabolism. This study aims to provide a prognostic model based on genes related to liver regeneration that can predict the prognosis of non-tumor tissues in HCC patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 584 non-tumor tissues from HCC patients were collected from three independent databases. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to identify prognostic liver-regeneration genes. Subsequently, a prognostic indicator, designated as the Liver Regeneration score (LR score), was determined using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Independent cohorts were used to verify the relationship between LR score and prognosis in non-tumor tissues of HCC patients. Furthermore, a liver regeneration-related model was established to validate key genes identified through LASSO Cox regression analysis. Results: We constructed a gene set comprising 24 liver regeneration-related genes, and the LR score was utilized to predict the prognosis of HCC patients based on its levels in non-tumor tissues. In non-tumor tissues of HCC patients, higher LR scores were associated with improved prognosis. Higher LR scores in non-tumor tissues indicate improved liver metabolism in HCC patients, revealed by Enrichment analysis. LASSO Cox regression analysis identified two key genes, DHTKD1 (dehydrogenase E1 and transketolase domain containing 1) and PHYH (phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase), and higher expression levels of these genes in non-tumor tissues were correlated with better prognosis. The expression levels of these two genes also changed corresponding to the progression of liver regeneration. Conclusion: In summary, our study has introduced a novel LR gene signature for HCC patients, providing a predictive model for estimating clinical prognosis from non-tumor tissues. The LR score demonstrates promise as a reliable indicator for predicting overall survival in HCC.

Indole Diterpene Derivatives from the Aspergillus flavus GZWMJZ-288, an Endophytic Fungus from Garcinia multiflora.

A new indole diterpene, 26-dihydroxyaflavininyl acetate (1), along with five known analogs (2-6) were isolated from the liquid fermentation of Aspergillus flavus GZWMJZ-288, an endophyte from Garcinia multiflora. The structures of these compounds were identified through NMR, MS, chemical reaction, and X-ray diffraction experiments. Enzyme inhibition activity screening found that compounds 1, 4, and 6 have a good binding affinity with NPC1L1, among which compound 6 exhibited a stronger binding ability than ezetimibe at a concentration of 10 µM. Moreover, compound 5 showed inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 29.22 ± 0.83 µM, which is 13 times stronger than that of acarbose. The results suggest that these aflavinine analogs may serve as lead compounds for the development of drugs targeting NPC1L1 and α-glucosidase. The binding modes of the bioactive compounds with NPC1L1 and α-glucosidase were also performed through in silico docking studies.

Decoding the guardians of cotton resilience: A comprehensive exploration of the ßCA genes and its role in Verticillium dahliae resistance.

Plant Carbonic anhydrases (Cas) have been shown to be stress-responsive enzymes that may play a role in adapting to adverse conditions. Cotton is a significant economic crop in China, with upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) being the most widely cultivated species. We conducted genome-wide identification of the ßCA gene in six cotton species and preliminary analysis of the ßCA gene in upland cotton. In total, 73 ßCA genes from six cotton species were identified, with phylogenetic analysis dividing them into five subgroups. GHßCA proteins were predominantly localized in the chloroplast and cytoplasm. The genes exhibited conserved motifs, with motifs 1, 2, and 3 being prominent. GHßCA genes were unevenly distributed across chromosomes and were associated with stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements, including those responding to light, MeJA, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, cell cycle regulation, and defence/stress. Expression analysis indicated that GHßCA6, GHßCA7, GHßCA10, GHßCA15, and GHßCA16 were highly expressed under various abiotic stress conditions, whereas GHßCA3, GHßCA9, GHßCA10, and GHßCA18 had higher expression patterns under Verticillium dahliae infection at different time intervals. In Gossypium thurberi, GthßCA1, GthßCA2, and GthßCA4 showed elevated expression across stress conditions and tissues. Silencing GHßCA10 through VIGS increased Verticillium wilt severity and reduced lignin deposition compared to non-silenced plants. GHßCA10 is crucial for cotton's defense against Verticillium dahliae. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to enhance resistance against Verticillium wilt.

Genome-wide association study for boll weight in Gossypium hirsutum races.

High yield has always been an essential target in almost all of the cotton breeding programs. Boll weight (BW) is a key component of cotton yield. Numerous linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed to understand the genetic mechanism of BW, but information on the markers/genes controlling BW remains limited. In this study, we conducted a GWAS for BW using 51,268 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 189 Gossypium hirsutum accessions across five different environments. A total of 55 SNPs significantly associated with BW were detected, of which 29 and 26 were distributed in the A and D subgenomes, respectively. Five SNPs were simultaneously detected in two environments. For TM5655, TM8662, TM36371, and TM50258, the BW grouped by alleles of each SNP was significantly different. The ± 550 kb regions around these four key SNPs contained 262 genes. Of them, Gh_A02G1473, Gh_A10G1765, and Gh_A02G1442 were expressed highly at 0 to 1 days post-anthesis (dpa), - 3 to 0 dpa, and - 3 to 0 dpa in ovule of TM-1, respectively. They were presumed as the candidate genes for fiber cell differentiation, initiation, or elongation based on gene annotation of their homologs. Overall, these results supplemented valuable information for dissecting the genetic architecture of BW and might help to improve cotton yield through molecular marker-assisted selection breeding and molecular design breeding.

Maternal High Fat Diet in Lactation Impacts Hypothalamic Neurogenesis and Neurotrophic Development, Leading to Later Life Susceptibility to Obesity in Male but Not Female Mice.

Early life nutrition can reprogram development and exert long-term consequences on body weight regulation. In mice, maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during lactation predisposed male but not female offspring to diet-induced obesity when adult. Molecular and cellular changes in the hypothalamus at important time points are examined in the early postnatal life in relation to maternal diet and demonstrated sex-differential hypothalamic reprogramming. Maternal HFD in lactation decreased the neurotropic development of neurons formed at the embryo stage (e12.5) and impaired early postnatal neurogenesis in the hypothalamic regions of both males and females. Males show a larger increased ratio of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) to Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in early postnatal neurogenesis, in response to maternal HFD, setting an obese tone for male offspring. These data provide insights into the mechanisms by which hypothalamic reprograming by early life overnutrition contributes to the sex-dependent susceptibility to obesity in adult life in mice.

Fuse feeds as one: cross-modal framework for general identification of AMPs.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for the development of new antibiotics due to their broad-spectrum activity against a range of pathogens. However, identifying AMPs through a huge bunch of candidates is challenging due to their complex structures and diverse sequences. In this study, we propose SenseXAMP, a cross-modal framework that leverages semantic embeddings of and protein descriptors (PDs) of input sequences to improve the identification performance of AMPs. SenseXAMP includes a multi-input alignment module and cross-representation fusion module to explore the hidden information between the two input features and better leverage the fusion feature. To better address the AMPs identification task, we accumulate the latest annotated AMPs data to form more generous benchmark datasets. Additionally, we expand the existing AMPs identification task settings by adding an AMPs regression task to meet more specific requirements like antimicrobial activity prediction. The experimental results indicated that SenseXAMP outperformed existing state-of-the-art models on multiple AMP-related datasets including commonly used AMPs classification datasets and our proposed benchmark datasets. Furthermore, we conducted a series of experiments to demonstrate the complementary nature of traditional PDs and protein pre-training models in AMPs tasks. Our experiments reveal that SenseXAMP can effectively combine the advantages of PDs to improve the performance of protein pre-training models in AMPs tasks.