Bombinin-BO1 induces hepatocellular carcinoma cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis via the HSP90A-Cdc37-CDK1 axis.

Bombinin-BO1 (BO1), a bombinin peptide derived from the skin secretion of Bombina orientalis, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. To date, the anticancer effect of BO1 remains unclear. This study confirmed cytotoxicity of BO1 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing S-phase cycle block and apoptosis. In addition, BO1 was found to be localized in cytoplasm through endocytosis. The combined results of pull down, mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation suggested that BO1 induced misfolding of CDK1 and degradation by competitively binding HSP90A with Cdc37. It was verified that overexpression of HSP90A in BO1-treated cells significantly inhibited degradation of CDK1. In vivo, BO1 inhibited tumor without being toxic to individuals. This study reveals the anti-tumor mechanism of BO1 in inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis by interfering with HSP90A-Cdc37-CDK1 system. This is the first study to analyze the mechanism of BO1 regulation of tumor cells, providing theoretical basis for BO1 treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

MAPK signaling pathway participates in the regulation of intestinal phosphorus and calcium absorption in broiler chickens via 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Four experiments were performed to investigate the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in intestinal absorption of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) in broiler chickens. Experiment 1 assessed how dietary levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) influence the gene expression of intestinal P and Ca transporters in broilers. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 administered via intraperitoneal injection on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathways. Experiments 3 and 4 investigated the effect of ERK and p38MAPK inhibitors on the expression of intestinal P and Ca transporters. The findings demonstrated that broilers (1-21 days old) fed a 1,25(OH)2D3-deficient diet (0.625 µg/kg) exhibited reduced body weight, tibia P and Ca levels, and mRNA levels of P transporters (NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, and PiT-2), Ca transporters (NCX1, PMCA1b, and CaBP-D28k), vitamin D receptors (VDR), ERK, and p38MAPK in the duodenum (Experiment 1) (P < 0.05). By comparison, the growth, bone quality, and mRNA levels of genes (except for duodenal NaPi-IIb) in broilers were similar to those in broilers fed the control diet when dietary 1,25(OH)2D3 was adequate (5 µg/kg) (Experiment 1) (P > 0.05). After intraperitoneal injection of 1,25(OH)2D3, the mRNA level of jejunal NaPi-IIb and the protein level of p-p38MAPK/t-p38MAPK in broilers (9-14 days old) decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the mRNA level of CaBP-D28k and the protein level of p-ERK/t-ERK increased (Experiment 2) (P < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of jejunal NaPi-IIb and the protein expression of CaBP-D28k in broilers (9-17 days old) treated with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 were greater than those in the control group (Experiment 3) (P < 0.05). Similarly, compared with control broilers, broilers (9-17 days old) treated with the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 showed elevated mRNA expression of jejunal NaPi-IIb and CaBP-D28k (Experiment 4) (P < 0.05). These results suggest that adequate supplementation with 1,25(OH)2D3 (5 µg/kg) can restore broiler growth and bone quality by upregulating the transcription of genes involved in intestinal P and Ca absorption. Additionally, the ERK and p38MAPK signaling pathways are implicated in the modulatory effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the absorption of P and Ca in broilers.

Construction of multifunctional interface engineering on Cu-SSZ-13@Ce-MnOx/Mesoporous-silica catalyst for boosting activity, SO2 tolerance and hydrothermal stability.

Although small pore Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts have been successful as commercial catalysts for controlling NOx emissions from mobile sources, the challenges of high light-off temperature, SO2 tolerance and hydrothermal stability still need to be addressed. Here, we synthesized a multifunctional core-shell catalyst with Cu-SSZ-13 as the core phase and Ce-MnOx supported Mesoporous-silica (Meso-SiO2) as the shell phase via self-assembly and impregnation. The core-shell catalyst exhibited excellent low-temperature activity, SO2 tolerance and hydrothermal stability compared to the Cu-SSZ-13. The Ce-MnOx species dispersed in the shell are found to enhance both the acidic and oxidative properties of the core-shell catalyst. More critically, these species can rapidly activate NO and oxidize it to NO2, which allows the NH3-SCR reaction on the core-shell catalyst to be initiated in the shell phase. Meanwhile, Ce-MnOx species can react preferentially with SO2 as sacrifice components, effectively avoiding the sulfur inactivation of the copper active sites. Furthermore, the hydrophobic Meso-SiO2 shell provides an important barrier for the core phase, which reduces the loss of active species, acid sites and framework Al of the aged core-shell catalyst and mitigates the collapse of the zeolite framework. This work provides a new strategy for the design of novel and efficient NH3-SCR catalysts.

ATP homeostasis and signaling in plants.

ATP is the primary form of energy for plants, and a shortage of cellular ATP is generally acknowledged to pose a threat to plant growth and development, stress resistance, and crop quality. The overall metabolic processes that contribute to the ATP pool, from production, dissipation, and transport to elimination, have been studied extensively. Considerable evidence has revealed that in addition to its role in energy supply, ATP also acts as a regulatory signaling molecule to activate global metabolic responses. Identification of the eATP receptor DORN1 contributed to a better understanding of how plants cope with disruption of ATP homeostasis and of the key points at which ATP signaling pathways intersect in cells or whole organisms. The functions of SnRK1α, the master regulator of the energy management network, in restoring the equilibrium of the ATP pool have been demonstrated, and the vast and complex metabolic network mediated by SnRK1α to adapt to fluctuating environments has been characterized. This paper reviews recent advances in understanding the regulatory control of the cellular ATP pool and discusses possible interactions among key regulators of ATP-pool homeostasis and crosstalk between iATP/eATP signaling pathways. Perception of ATP deficit and modulation of cellular ATP homeostasis mediated by SnRK1α in plants are discussed at the physiological and molecular levels. Finally, we suggest future research directions for modulation of plant cellular ATP homeostasis.

The role of 13X molecular sieves in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

To overcome the weak adsorption and difficult activation of N2 on catalysts in the photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), we put forward that the introduction of molecular sieve 13X may realize the enrichment and activation of N2. 13X and the photoactive substrate BiOBr were assembled electrostatically to construct composite catalysts. In the presence of 13X, they are rich in nitrogen adsorption and activation sites, and the highest ammonia yield can reach 360.5 µmol h-1 gcat-1. It is surprising to find that 13X is able to optimize the photoelectric properties. This work extends the function of molecular sieves in the NRR and offers guidance to design catalysts with high photocatalytic activity.

High-Performance (Ce, Zr)O2-Free Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with an Active-Sintered Cathode Interface and a Low-Temperature Densified Micron-Scale Barrier Layer.

Incorporating a dense GDC (Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95) barrier layer is an effective strategy to avoid harmful reactions between the LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ) cathode and the YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) electrolyte. In this study, a micron-scale and dense GDC barrier layer is obtained by the combination of spin coating, low-temperature sintering, and hydrothermal-assisted densification. The cell exhibits decent output performance, with a peak power density of 1.07 W/cm2 at 780 °C. The ohmic and polarization resistances are significantly decreased by ∼44 and ∼36% than the cell with the screen-printed GDC barrier layer, respectively. Due to the low sintering temperature of the GDC barrier layer at 1200 °C, there is nearly no generation of (Ce, Zr)O2 at the interface of GDC/YSZ. The thin and dense GDC barrier layer effectively shortens the oxygen-ion conduction pathway, as well as hinders Sr migration from the cathode, highlighting its remarkable potential for industrial applications.

The occurrence and management of fumonisin contamination across the food production and supply chains.

BACKGROUND: Fumonisins (FUMs) are among the most common mycotoxins in plant-derived food products. FUMs contamination has considerably impacted human and animal health, while causing significant economic losses. Hence, management of FUMs contamination in food production and supply chains is needed. The toxicities of FUMs have been widely investigated. FUMs management has been reported and several available strategies have been developed successfully to mitigate FUMs contamination present in foods. However, currently available management of FUMs contamination from different phases of food chains and the mechanisms of some major strategies are not comprehensively summarized. AIM OF REVIEW: This review comprehensively characterize the occurrence, impacts, and management of FUMs contamination across food production and supply chains. Pre- and post-harvest strategies to prevent FUMs contamination also are reviewed, with an emphasis on the potential applications and the mechanisms of major mitigation strategies. The presence of modified FUMs products and their potential toxic effects are also considered. Importantly, the potential application of biotechnological approaches and emerging technologies are enunciated. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Currently available pre- and post-harvest management of FUMs contamination primarily involves prevention and decontamination. Prevention strategies are mainly based on limiting fungal growth and FUMs biosynthesis. Decontamination strategies are implemented through alkalization, hydrolysis, thermal or chemical transformation, and enzymatic or chemical degradation of FUMs. Concerns have been raised about toxicities of modified FUMs derivatives, which presents challenges for reducing FUMs contamination in foods with conventional methodologies. Integrated prevention and decontamination protocols are recommended to control FUMs contamination across entire value chains in developed countries. In developing countries, several other approaches, including cultivating, introducing Bt maize, simple sorting/cleaning, and dehulling, are suggested. Future studies should focus on biotechnological approaches, emerging technologies, and metagenomic/genomic identification of new degradation enzymes that could allow better opportunities to manage FUMs contamination in the entire food system.

Intestinal segment and vitamin D3 concentration affect gene expression levels of calcium and phosphorus transporters in broiler chickens.

Two experiments were conducted in this research. Experiment 1 investigated the spatial expression characteristics of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) transporters in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of 21-day-old broilers provided with adequate nutrient feed. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) concentration (0, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 IU/kg) on growth performance, bone development, and gene expression levels of intestinal Ca and P transporters in 1-21-day-old broilers provided with the negative control diet without supplemental VD3. Results in experiment 1 showed that the mRNA levels of calcium-binding protein 28-kDa (CaBP-D28k), sodium-calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1b (PMCA1b), and IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIb) were the highest in the broiler duodenum. By contrast, the mRNA levels of inorganic phosphate transporter 1 (PiT-1) and 2 (PiT-2) were the highest in the ileum. Results in experiment 2 showed that adding 125 IU/kg VD3 increased body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), bone weight, and percentage and weight of Ca and P in the tibia and femur of 1-21-day-old broilers compared with the negative control diet (p < 0.05). The rise in dietary VD3 levels from 125 to 1,000 IU/kg further increased the BWG, FI, and weights of the bone, ash, Ca, and P (p < 0.05). No difference in growth rate and leg bone quality was noted in the broilers provided with 1,000 and 2,000 IU/kg VD3 (p > 0.05). Supplementation with 125-2,000 IU/kg VD3 increased the mRNA abundances of intestinal Ca and P transporters to varying degrees. The mRNA level of CaBP-D28k increased by 536, 1,161, and 28 folds in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, after adding 1,000 IU/kg VD3. The mRNA levels of other Ca and P transporters (PMCA1b, NCX1, NaPi-IIb, PiT-1, and PiT-2) increased by 0.57-1.74 folds by adding 1,000-2,000 IU/kg VD3. These data suggest that intestinal Ca and P transporters are mainly expressed in the duodenum of broilers. Moreover, the addition of VD3 stimulates the two mineral transporter transcription in broiler intestines.

Fumonisin B1 Biosynthesis Is Associated with Oxidative Stress and Plays an Important Role in Fusarium proliferatum Infection on Banana Fruit.

Fungal response to oxidative stress during infection on postharvest fruit is largely unknown. Here, we found that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment inhibited the growth of Fusarium proliferatum causing crown rot of banana fruit, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. H2O2 exposure increased endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) production in F. proliferatum, possibly by modulating FUM or ROS-related gene expression. Importantly, H2O2 treatment inhibited F. proliferatum growth in vivo but induced FB1 accumulation in banana peel. Finally, we constructed the FpFUM21 deletion mutant (ΔFpfum21) of F. proliferatum that was attenuated in FB1 biosynthesis and less tolerant to oxidative stress. Moreover, the ΔFpfum21 strain was less virulent compared to the wild type (WT) due to the inability to induce FB1 production in the banana host. These results suggested that FB1 biosynthesis is associated with oxidative stress in F. proliferatum and contributes to fungal infection on banana fruit.

Involvement of miRNAs-mediated senescence and salicylic acid defense in postharvest litchi downy blight.

Litchi downy blight, caused by Peronophythora litchii, results in decline of market value of litchi fruit. In this study, roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating litchi fruit response to P. litchii infection was investigated. Results showed that P. litchii infection decreased anthocyanin content while accelerating fruit senescence. Salicylic acid (SA) content was also altered by P. litchii infection. Meanwhile, expression levels of LcmiR159, LcmiR828, LcmiR160 and LcmiR167 were investigated using stem-loop real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Then, we identified LcGAMYB, LcTT2, LcARF18 and LcARF8 as their target genes, respectively, based on RNA Ligase-Mediated (RLM)-5'-RACE, transient co-expression assay in Nicotiana benthamiana as well as expression change of target genes. Our results suggested that LcmiR159-LcGAMYB and LcmiR828-LcTT2 modules participated in litchi downy blight possibly through regulating fruit senescence while LcmiR160-LcARF18 and LcmiR167-LcARF8 through SA-mediated defense response. This study provides new knowledge on deployment of miRNAs to increase litchi fruit resistance against fungal disease.

Degradation of water-soluble polysaccharides in pulp of litchi during storage.

Water-soluble polysaccharides (WSP) were extracted from the pulp of litchi. Its main component was identified as arabinogalactan. The dominant monosaccharide constituents were arabinose and galactose. Galactose and mannose accumulated at the end of storage. ATP, ADP and AMP levels declined with increasing pulp breakdown index. WSP depolymerized which was characterized by a decrease in its content and molecular weight, while its structure remained stable during storage. Polygalacturonase and pectate lyase (PL) were active at the early storage time, and ß-galactosidase (GAL) and α-l-arabinofuranosidase followed thereafter. Except for some pectin methylesterase (LcPME), LcPL, LcGAL and LcPME gene expression was downregulated. It was deduced that depolymerization of polysaccharides was mainly caused by the rupture of the branched side chain and glacturonic acid backbone to smaller repeating units, and both cell wall-degrading enzymes and nonenzymatic factors, such as energy level, participated in the degradation of polysaccharides, and consequently pulp breakdown of litchi.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of bZIP transcription factors in relation to litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit ripening and postharvest storage.

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) is one of the largest transcription factor families and involved in diverse biological processes in plants. However, information on the functions of bZIP transcription factors in litchi fruit at genomic level is limited. Here, 54 LcbZIPs were identified from litchi genome and divided into 14 subfamilies: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, O and S. Further analysis on the distribution and collinearity of these LcbZIPs on chromosomes was conducted. Meanwhile, gene structure, promoter sequence as well as possible protein subcellular localizations of these LcbZIPs were characterized. Further, gene expression analysis of LcbZIPs accompanied with cis-element analysis as well as molecular interaction network provided further information on potential biological roles of LcbZIPs in litchi fruit development, senescence and response to fungal infection. Our results suggested that some members from subfamily C and S (LcbZIP7, LcbZIP21, LcbZIP28) as well as LcbZIP1 and LcbZIP4 might be involved in the regulation of litchi fruit senescence during postharvest storage. Additionally, subfamily D of LcbZIPs, especially LcbZIP40/41, might play important roles in the litchi fruit response to pathogen infection. Altogether, this study is beneficial to understand the function and structure of LcbZIP gene in litchi fruit.

Advances in chilling injury of postharvest fruit and vegetable: Extracellular ATP aspects.

Due to the global use of cold chain, the development of postharvest technology to reduce chilling injury (CI) in postharvest fruits and vegetables during storage and transport is needed urgently. Considerable evidence shows that maintaining intracellular adenosine triphosphate (iATP) in harvested fruits and vegetables is beneficial to inhibiting CI occurrence. Extracellular ATP (eATP) is a damage-associated signal molecule and plays an important role in CI of postharvest fruits and vegetables through its receptor and subsequent signal transduction under low-temperature stress. The development of new aptasensors for the simultaneous determination of eATP level allows for better understanding of the roles of eATP in a myriad of responses mediated by low-temperature stress in relation to the chilling tolerance of postharvest fruits and vegetables. The multiple biological functions of eATP and its receptors in postharvest fruits and vegetables were attributed to interactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in coordination with phytohormones and other signaling molecules via downstream physiological activities. The complicated interconnection among eATP in relation to its receptors, eATP/iATP homeostasis, ROS, NO, and heat shock proteins triggered by eATP recognition has been emphasized. This paper reviews recent advances in the beneficial effects of energy handling, outlines the production and homeostasis of eATP, discusses the possible mechanism of eATP and its receptors in chilling tolerance, and provides future research directions for CI in postharvest fruits and vegetables during low-temperature storage.

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol Improved the Growth Performance and Upregulated the Calcium Transporter Gene Expression Levels in the Small Intestine of Broiler Chickens.

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2-D3) is the final active product of vitamin D. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 on growth performance, bone development, and calcium (Ca) transporter gene expression levels in the small intestine of broiler chickens. On the day of hatching, 140 female Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted into two treatments with five replicates (14 birds per replicate). Two levels of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (0 and 1.25 µg/kg) were added to the basal diet without vitamin D. Results showed that the addition of 1.25 µg/kg 1,25-(OH)2-D3 increased the average daily feed intake and the average daily gain and decreased the feed conversion ratio and mortality in 1- to 19-day-old broiler chickens compared with the basal diet without vitamin D (P<0.05). 1,25-(OH)2-D3 also enhanced the length, weight, ash weight, and the percentage contents of ash, Ca, and P in the tibia and femur of broilers (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the Ca-binding protein (CaBP-D28k) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of 19-day-old broilers increased to 88.1-, 109.1-, and 2.7-fold, respectively, after adding 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the plasma membrane Ca ATPase 1b (PMCAlb) in the duodenum and the sodium (Na)/ Ca exchanger 1 (NCX1) in the duodenum and the jejunum were also enhanced to 1.57-2.86 times with the addition of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (P<0.05). In contrast, the mRNA expression levels of PMCA1b and NCX1 in the ileum and that of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the small intestine were not affected by 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (P>0.05). These data indicate that 1,25-(OH)2-D3 upregulated Ca transporter gene transcription and promoted Ca2+ absorption in the small intestine, especially in the proximal intestine (duodenum and jejunum), thereby improving growth performance and bone mineralization in broiler chickens.

Insight into the surface property modification-enhanced C3N4 performance of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

The surface properties of the catalyst have an important influence on the process of heterogeneous reactions. We modified g-C3N4 with dicarboxylic acids with different hydrophobicity. Through experiments, we found that the NH3 yields of modified carbon nitrides can reach 267.89 µmol h-1 g-1 when only dissolved nitrogen is involved. But if both dissolved nitrogen and gaseous nitrogen are present in the reaction, the NH3 yield can reach as high as 751.83 µmol h-1 g-1, demonstrating that the participation of dissolved nitrogen alone is not enough and gaseous nitrogen indeed promotes the reaction of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. Meanwhile, the nitrogen fixation performance of the catalyst is positively correlated with its hydrophobicity, indicating that a reasonable adjustment of the catalysts' hydrophobicity can give them a certain wettability to activate water, while also providing a hydrophobic surface for insoluble gas-phase nitrogen adsorption. This provides new ideas and directions for the design of future heterogeneous reaction catalysts.

Energy homeostasis mediated by the LcSnRK1α-LcbZIP1/3 signaling pathway modulates litchi fruit senescence.

Cellular energy status is a key factor deciding the switch-on of the senescence of horticultural crops. Despite the established significance of the conserved energy master regulator sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) in plant development, its working mechanism and related signaling pathway in the regulation of fruit senescence remain enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that energy deficit accelerates fruit senescence, whereas exogenous ATP treatment delays it. The transient suppression of LcSnRK1α in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit inhibited the expression of energy metabolism-related genes, while its ectopic expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) promoted ripening and a high energy level. Biochemical analyses revealed that LcSnRK1α interacted with and phosphorylated the transcription factors LcbZIP1 and LcbZIP3, which directly bound to the promoters to activate the expression of DARK-INDUCIBLE 10 (LcDIN10), ASPARAGINE SYNTHASE 1 (LcASN1), and ANTHOCYANIN SYNTHASE (LcANS), thereby fine-tuning the metabolic reprogramming to ensure energy and redox homeostasis. Altogether, these observations reveal a post-translational modification mechanism by which LcSnRK1α-mediated phosphorylation of LcbZIP1 and LcbZIP3 regulates the expression of metabolic reprogramming-related genes, consequently modulating litchi fruit senescence.

Age quadratically affects intestinal calcium and phosphorus transporter gene expression in broiler chickens.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to evaluate the effects of age on growth, tibia development, and intestinal calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) transporter gene expressions in broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 224 male Arbor Acres broilers were fed with nutrient-adequate diets and reared in eight cages (28 broilers per cage). Eight broilers (one broiler per cage) were selected and killed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 days of age, respectively. RESULTS: Body weight continuously increased with age of broiler chickens from 5 to 40 days. The bone weight, ash weight, diameter, and length of the tibia also increased with broiler age. By contrast, the tibia ash, Ca, and P percentages quadratically changed with age (p<0.001), and the highest values of mineral contents were observed at 20, 25, and 25 days of age, respectively. The mRNA abundances of calcium-binding protein 28-kDa (CaBP-D28k), sodium-calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), and plasma membrane ATPase 1b (PMCA1b) increased from 5 to 25 days and then decreased up to 40 days. Similar results were noted in the mRNA abundances of IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIb), inorganic phosphate transporter 1 (PiT-1), inorganic phosphate transporter 2 (PiT-2), nuclear vitamin D receptor (nVDR), and membrane vitamin D receptor (mVDR). The mRNA abundances of Ca and P transporters and VDRs were the highest at 25 days of age. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that age quadratically affects intestinal Ca and P transporter gene expression and mineral absorption capacity in broiler chickens.

MicroRNAs: emerging regulators in horticultural crops.

Horticulture is one of the oldest agricultural practices with great popularity throughout the world. Horticultural crops include fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, as well as medicinal and beverage plants. They are cultivated for food, specific nutrition, and medical use, or for aesthetic pleasure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which constitute a major class of endogenous small RNAs in plants, affect a multitude of developmental and physiological processes by imparting sequence specificity to gene regulation. Over the past decade, tens of thousands of miRNAs have been identified in more than 100 horticultural crops and their critical roles in regulating quality development of diverse horticultural crops have been demonstrated. Here, we review how miRNAs have emerged as important regulators and promising tools for horticultural crop improvement.

Discrimination of Geographical Origins of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) Fruits Using Stable Isotopes, Earth Elements, Free Amino Acids, and Saccharides.

To develop sophisticated approaches for distinguishing goji origins, 325 wolfberry fruit samples of a certain cultivar, plant age, drying method, and collection season were gathered from 26 producing areas across Northwest China in 2017 and 2018. We employed 49 indices, including stable isotopes, earth elements, soluble amino acids, and saccharides, to identify the regions of origin of these goji fruits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and heritability analysis were used to assess the effects of the environment (producing areas), cultivar, plant age, drying process, and collection season. Samples from the same place can be classified and partially discriminated using principal component analysis (PCA). We were able to distinguish fruits produced in Zhongning County from those produced in the other five producing provinces using orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), ornithine (Orn), cystine (Cys-Cys), glutamate (Glu), phenylalanine (Phe), phosphoserine (Ps), serine (Ser), lysine (Lys), taurine (Tau), proline (Pro), and tyrosine (Tyr) indices were chosen using S-plots and heritability analysis, and their repeatability was established with samples collected in 2018. The indices selected in this study can distinguish goji berries produced in Zhongning County from fruits originating from five other Provinces with high repeatability, which was validated with various cultivars, drying methods, harvest seasons, and plant ages and with heritability analysis.

Biosynthesis, regulation, and biological significance of fumonisins in fungi: current status and prospects.

Fumonisins are one of the most important mycotoxin classes due to their widespread occurrence and potential health threat to humans and animals. Currently, most of the research focuses on the control of fumonisin contamination in the food supply chain. In recent years, significant progress in biochemistry, enzymology, and genetic regulation of fumonisin biosynthesis has been achieved using molecular technology. Furthermore, new insights into the roles of fumonisins in the interaction between fungi and plant hosts have been reported. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the biosynthesis and regulation of fumonisins. The ecological significance of fumonisins to Fusarium species that produce the toxins is discussed, and the complex regulatory networks of fumonisin synthesis is proposed.