Models of Photoreceptor Degeneration in Adult Zebrafish.

Zebrafish maintain a remarkable ability to regenerate their neural retina following rapid and extensive loss of retinal neurons. This is mediated by Müller glial cells (MG), which re-enter the cell cycle to produce amplifying progenitor cells that eventually differentiate into the lost retinal neurons. For example, exposing adult albino zebrafish to intense light destroys large numbers of rod and cone photoreceptors, which are then restored by MG-mediated regeneration. Here, we describe an updated method for performing these acute phototoxic lesions to adult zebrafish retinas. Next, we contrast this method to a chronic, low light lesion model that results in a more muted and sustained damage to photoreceptors and does not trigger a MG-mediated regeneration response. Thus, these two methods can be used to compare and contrast the genetic and morphological changes associated with acute and chronic methods of photoreceptor degeneration.

Red Bull Energy Drink Impact on Salivary Glands in Wistar Rats: Can Blueberry Extract Reverse the Damage?

Energy drink (ED) consumption has become increasingly popular. Due to a lack of evidence, it was crucial to assess the effects of Red Bull (RB) consumption on the rat submandibular salivary gland and the potential therapeutic impact of blueberry (BB). Thirty rats were randomly assigned to five groups. Group 1 (Control) received distilled water. Group 2 (RB) received RB (10 mL/100 g/day) for 8 weeks. Group 3 (BB) rats were administered BB (500 mg/day for 8 weeks). Group 4 (RB + BB (L)) received RB for 8 weeks, and from the 5th week, were concurrently given BB (250 mg/day) for 4 weeks. Group 5 (RB + BB (H)) received RB for 8 weeks, and from the 5th week, were concurrently given BB (500 mg/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, the animals were euthanized, and their submandibular salivary glands were harvested. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GPx, CAT, and SOD) were assessed in both serum and tissue. Inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) were quantified in tissue. Submandibular gland specimens were prepared for light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-α-SMA. RB consumption resulted in a significant increase in MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, while GPx, CAT, and SOD levels decreased significantly. Degenerative changes in the gland's structure were observed in the RB group. A significant increase in α-SMA immunoreaction was detected in myoepithelial cells. Administration of BB, particularly at a high dose, ameliorated the aforementioned findings. In conclusion, blueberry administration exhibited therapeutic effects due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Albinism and Blood Cell Profile: The Peculiar Case of Asinara Donkeys.

The complete blood cell count (CBC) was screened in a group of 15 donkeys, of which 8 were of Asinara breed (oculocutaneous albinism type 1, OCA1) and 7 of Sardo breed (gray coat). All donkeys were kept under same management and dietary conditions and underwent periodic health monitoring in the month of June 2024, at the peak of the positive photoperiod, at Mediterranean latitudes. One aliquot of whole blood, drawn from each individual into K2-EDTA containing tubes, was analyzed for the complete blood cell count through an automatic analyzer, within two hours of sampling. Data were analyzed and compared by one-way ANOVA, where the breed was an independent variable. All animals appeared clinically healthy, though mild eosinophilia was observed in Sardo donkeys. The red blood cell line showed peculiar traits for Asinara donkeys, which displayed significantly higher circulating red blood cell numbers than gray coat Sardo donkeys (RBC, 5.19 vs. 3.80 1012/mL ± 0.98 pooled-St. Dev, respectively; p = 0.017). RBCs also exhibited a smaller diameter and higher degree of anisocytosis in Asinara donkeys, along with lower hematocrit value, albeit within physiological ranges. Taken all together, such hematological profile depicts a peculiar trait of the red blood cell line in albino donkeys during the positive photoperiod.

Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study of seaweed Halimeda macroloba using Wistar albino rats.

OBJECTIVES: Halimeda macroloba (H. macroloba) a seaweed commonly known as green macroalgae is a potential source of bioactive compounds utilised in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. However, there are no reliable scientific studies that describe harmful consequences, which attest to its safety. Thus, the current investigation focuses on a 14-day acute toxicity assessment of H. macroloba hydroalcoholic extract (HME). METHODS: HME was prepared using 70 % alcohol as solvent by the maceration method for 72 h & Soxhlet method. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard procedures, according to OECD 423 guidelines. Female Wistar albino rats fasted overnight and received a single oral dosage of 50, 300, and 2,000 mg/kg BW (Body Weight). Further rats were starved for 4 h and watched individually for every 30 minutes, then twice a day for 14 days. To determine the toxicity overall behaviour, BW, haematological, biochemical, histopathology, and gross morphology were examined. RESULTS: Pharmacologically active phytoconstituents were identified by phytochemical analysis. No significant abnormalities/fatalities from single-dose of HME at escalating doses. No BW or behavioural changes. The majority of the haematological and biochemical parameters were normal. Did not show any apparent changes. simultaneously, a few indicated slight variations that may or may not be caused by HME extract no lesions or anomalies in Gross morphology. Histopathological investigations revealed that HME had no adverse effects on organs. CONCLUSIONS: HME administration at doses up to 2,000 mg/kg BW didn't result in acute toxicity/impairment to the pancreas, liver or kidney. Nevertheless, the study's limited test dose of 2,000 mg/kg, BW, didn't result in any fatalities/ adverse effects.

Genome-Wide Identification of Pentatricopeptide Repeat (PPR) Gene Family and Multi-Omics Analysis Provide New Insights Into the Albinism Mechanism of Kandelia obovata Propagule Leaves.

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene family constitutes one of the largest gene families in plants, which mainly participate in RNA editing and RNA splicing of organellar RNAs, thereby affecting the organellar development. Recently, some evidence elucidated the important roles of PPR proteins in the albino process of plant leaves. However, the functions of PPR genes in the woody mangrove species have not been investigated. In this study, using a typical true mangrove Kandelia obovata, we systematically identified 298 PPR genes and characterized their general features and physicochemical properties, including evolutionary relationships, the subcellular localization, PPR motif type, the number of introns and PPR motifs, and isoelectric point, and so forth. Furthermore, we combined genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome analysis to identify the genetic architecture and potential PPR genes associated with propagule leaves colour variations of K. obovata. As a result, we prioritized 16 PPR genes related to the albino phenotype using different strategies, including differentially expressed genes analysis and genetic diversity analysis. Further analysis discovered two genes of interest, namely Maker00002998 (PLS-type) and Maker00003187 (P-type), which were differentially expressed genes and causal genes detected by GWAS analysis. Moreover, we successfully predicted downstream target chloroplast genes (rps14, rpoC1 and rpoC2) bound by Maker00002998 PPR proteins. The experimental verification of RNA editing sites of rps14, rpoC1, and rpoC2 in our previous study and the verification of interaction between Maker00002998 and rps14 transcript using in vitro RNA pull-down assays revealed that Maker00002998 PPR protein might be involved in the post-transcriptional process of chloroplast genes. Our result provides new insights into the roles of PPR genes in the albinism mechanism of K. obovata propagule leaves.

The yellow-cotyledon gene (ATYCO) is a crucial factor for thylakoid formation and photosynthesis regulation in Arabidopsis.

Chloroplast development underpins plant growth, by facilitating not only photosynthesis but also other essential biochemical processes. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms and functional components of chloroplast development remain largely uncharacterized due to their complexity. In our study, we identified a plastid-targeted gene, ATYCO/RP8/CDB1, as a critical factor in early chloroplast development in Arabidopsis thaliana. YCO knock-out mutant (yco) exhibited a seedling-lethal, albino phenotype, resulting from dysfunctional chloroplasts lacking thylakoid membranes. Conversely, YCO knock-down mutants produced a chlorophyll-deficient cotyledon and normal leaves when supplemented with sucrose. Transcription analysis also revealed that YCO deficiency could be partially compensated by sucrose supplementation, and that YCO played different roles in the cotyledons and the true leaves. In YCO knock-down mutants, the transcript levels of plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP)-dependent genes and nuclear-encoded photosynthetic genes, as well as the accumulation of photosynthetic proteins, were significantly reduced in the cotyledons. Moreover, the chlorophyll-deficient phenotype in YCO knock-down line can be effectively suppressed by inhibition of PSI cyclic electron transport activity, implying an interaction between YCO and PSI cyclic electron transport. Taken together, our findings de underscore the vital role of YCO in early chloroplast development and photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll deficiency in Agave angustifolia Haw.: unveiling the impact on secondary metabolite production.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The albino phenotype of Agave angustifolia Haw. accumulates higher levels of phenylalanine and phenylpropanoids, while the green phenotype has a greater concentration of phenolic compounds. The metabolic consequences of chlorophyll deficiency in plants continue to be a captivating field of research, especially in relation to production of metabolic compounds. This study conducts a thorough analysis of the metabolome in green (G), variegated (V), and albino (A) phenotypes of Agave angustifolia Haw. Specifically, it examines the differences in the accumulation of compounds related to the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Methanol extracts of leaf and meristem tissues from the three phenotypes grown in vitro were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-QTOF) for untargeted metabolomics and triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass spectrometry for targeted metabolomic analyses. By employing these methods, we discovered notable differences in the levels of important metabolites such as L-phenylalanine, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, and various flavonoids among the different phenotypes. The results of our study indicate that the A phenotype shows a significant increase in the levels of phenylalanine and phenylpropanoids in both leaf and meristem tissues. This is in contrast to a decrease in flavonoids, suggesting a metabolic reprogramming to compensate for the lack of chlorophyll. Significantly, compounds such as kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and rutin exhibited significant quantitative reduction in the A leaves, suggesting a subtle modification in the production of flavonols and potentially a changed mechanism for antioxidant protection. This study emphasizes the complex metabolic changes in A. angustifolia´s chlorophyll-deficient phenotypes, providing insight into the complex interplay between primary and secondary metabolism in response to chlorophyll deficiency. Our research not only enhances the comprehension of plant metabolism in albino phenotypes but also opens new avenues for exploring the biochemical and genetic basis of such adaptations, with potential biotechnological applications of these distinct plant variants.

Cytoprotective effect of garlic alone versus co-administration of garlic and resveratrol in adriamycin-induced lung toxicity in albino rat: light microscopic, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

Adriamycin is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of cancers. This study was made to detect the possible prophylactic effects of combining garlic and resveratrol in preventing adriamycin-induced pulmonary cytotoxicity. This study was conducted on a total number of 60 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided in an equally random manner into 6 groups: group I rats received nothing, group II received a dose of 50 mg/kg garlic extract orally for 3 weeks, group III received resveratrol in a dose of 20 mg/kg/day orally for 3 weeks, group IV rats were injected with 20 mg/kg adriamycin as a single dose via intraperitoneal route, group V received garlic extract for 3 weeks, then were injected with adriamycin in the same stated doses, and Group VI received garlic extract and resveratrol in same stated dose for 3 weeks, then were injected with adriamycin in the same stated dose. Lung specimens were processed for light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical studies. Adriamycin treatment caused histological alterations, thicker interstitial septa, extensive cellular infiltration, hypertrophied arterial wall, marked inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase immunoreaction, type I pneumocytes with destructed organelles as well as type II pneumocytes having large vacuoles. The combined garlic and resveratrol group demonstrated a considerable improvement in the changes to the histology and ultrastructure of adriamycin-induced lung injury. Combining garlic and resveratrol can prevent adriamycin-induced lung cytotoxicity in albino rats.

Effects of Multivitamin-Mineral Supplementation on Chronic Stress-Induced Oxidative Damage in Swiss Albino Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Stress is a hazardous occurrence that causes a variety of physiological and behavioral responses in a person. It increases energy metabolism and enhances oxidative stress, both of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of several diseases. Numerous vitamins and minerals have the ability to modulate oxidative stress. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multivitamin-mineral (MM) supplement in addressing oxidative imbalances caused by chronic stress in the plasma, hepatic, and renal tissues of Swiss albino mice. METHODS: Thirty healthy male Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned to one of the three groups, with 10 animals each: control, unpredictable chronic stress (UCS), and MM + UCS. The experiment lasted for four weeks, after which all the animals underwent cervical decapitation, and samples of their blood, liver, and kidney were taken for biochemical studies. DNA damage analysis was performed on lymphocytes. RESULTS: Exposure to UCS negatively affected all biochemical markers, as indicated by reduced levels of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione) in the plasma, liver, and kidney tissues, along with enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation and marker enzymes. MM supplementation normalized the deranged biochemical markers in stress-exposed mice. The results of DNA damage supported the biochemical findings mentioned above. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that MM supplementation could help reduce oxidative disturbances caused by stress in both healthy and diseased conditions.

Development of ocular dominance columns across rodents and other species: revisiting the concept of critical period plasticity.

The existence of cortical columns, regarded as computational units underlying both lower and higher-order information processing, has long been associated with highly evolved brains, and previous studies suggested their absence in rodents. However, recent discoveries have unveiled the presence of ocular dominance columns (ODCs) in the primary visual cortex (V1) of Long-Evans rats. These domains exhibit continuity from layer 2 through layer 6, confirming their identity as genuine ODCs. Notably, ODCs are also observed in Brown Norway rats, a strain closely related to wild rats, suggesting the physiological relevance of ODCs in natural survival contexts, although they are lacking in albino rats. This discovery has enabled researchers to explore the development and plasticity of cortical columns using a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging studies involving hundreds of individuals-an endeavor challenging in carnivore and primate species. Notably, developmental trajectories differ depending on the aspect under examination: while the distribution of geniculo-cortical afferent terminals indicates matured ODCs even before eye-opening, consistent with prevailing theories in carnivore/primate studies, examination of cortical neuron spiking activities reveals immature ODCs until postnatal day 35, suggesting delayed maturation of functional synapses which is dependent on visual experience. This developmental gap might be recognized as 'critical period' for ocular dominance plasticity in previous studies. In this article, I summarize cross-species differences in ODCs and geniculo-cortical network, followed by a discussion on the development, plasticity, and evolutionary significance of rat ODCs. I discuss classical and recent studies on critical period plasticity in the venue where critical period plasticity might be a component of experience-dependent development. Consequently, this series of studies prompts a paradigm shift in our understanding of species conservation of cortical columns and the nature of plasticity during the classical critical period.

Assessment of therapeutic efficacy of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells administration in hyperlipidemia-induced aortic atherosclerosis in adult male albino rats.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common disease seriously detrimental to human health. AS is a chronic progressive disease related to inflammatory reactions. The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the effects of adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs) in high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in a rat model. The present study comprises thirty-six rats and they were divided into three groups: the control group, the high-fat diet (HFD) group; which received a high-fat diet, and the high-fat diet + stem cells (HFD+SC) group; which was fed with a high-fat diet along with the administration of intravenous ADSCs. Food was given to the animals for 20 weeks to establish dyslipidemia models. After 20 weeks, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; blood was collected to measure total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL); aortae were collected to detect morphologic changes. Rats of the HFD group showed a significant increase in body weight (B.Wt), altered lipid profile increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and decreased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, in HFD+SC there was a significant decrease in body weight gain and an improvement in lipid profile. Histopathological and ultrastructural variations observed in the aorta of the HFD group when treated with ADSCs showed preserved normal histological architecture and reduced atherosclerosis compared with the HFD group. This was evidenced by laboratory, histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies. Thus, ADSCs reduced TC, TG, and LDL, reduced the expression of iNOS, and increased the expression of eNOS. The high-fat diet was likely to cause damage to the wall of blood vessels. Systemically transplanted ADSCs could home to the aorta, and further protect the aorta from HFD-induced damage.

Gastroprotective and microbiome-modulating effects of ubiquinol in rats with radiation-induced enteropathy.

Radiation enteritis is a frequently encountered issue for patients receiving radiotherapy and has a significant impact on cancer patients' quality of life. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in intestinal function, yet the impact of irradiation on gut microorganisms is not fully understood. This study explores the gastroprotective effect and gut microbiome-modulating potential of ubiquinol (Ubq), the reduced form of the powerful antioxidant CoQ-10. For this purpose, male albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, IRR (acute 7 Gy γ-radiation), Ubq_Post (Ubq for 7 days post-irradiation), and Ubq_Pre/Post (Ubq for 7 days pre and 7 days post-irradiation). The fecal microbiomes of all groups were profiled by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing followed by bioinformatics and statistical analysis. Histopathological examination of intestinal tissue indicated severe damage in the irradiated group, which was mitigated by ubiquinol with enhanced regeneration, goblet cells, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase expression. Compared to the irradiated group, the Ubq-treated groups had a significant recovery of intestinal interleukin-1ß, caspase-3, nitric oxide metabolites, and thio-barbituric reactive substances to near-healthy levels. Ubq_Pre/Post group displayed elevated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) level, suggesting heightened benefits. Serum insulin reduction in irradiated rats improved post-Ubq treatment, with a possible anti-inflammatory effect on the pancreatic tissue. Fecal microbiota profiling revealed a dysbiosis state with a reduction of bacterial diversity post-irradiation, which was re-modulated in the Ubq treated groups to profiles that are indistinguishable from the control group. These findings underscore Ubq's gastroprotective effects against radiation-induced enteritis and its potential in restoring the gut microbiota's diversity and balance.

Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Low-Temperature-Sensitive Albino Gene OsLTSA8 in Rice Seedlings.

Chloroplasts are organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plants, providing energy for growth and development. However, the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying early chloroplast development in rice remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identified a rice seedling thermosensitive chlorophyll-deficient mutant, osltsa8, and the genetic analysis of two F2 populations suggested that this trait may be controlled by more than one pair of alleles. Through reciprocal F2 populations and QTL-seq technology, OsLTSA8 was mapped to the interval of 24,280,402-25,920,942 bp on rice chromosome 8, representing a novel albino gene in rice. Within the candidate gene region of OsLTSA8, there were 258 predicted genes, among which LOC_Os08g39050, LOC_Os08g39130, and LOC_Os08g40870 encode pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins. RNA-seq identified 18 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) within the candidate interval, with LOC_Os08g39420 showing homology to the pigment biosynthesis-related genes Zm00001d017656 and Sb01g000470; LOC_Os08g39430 and LOC_Os08g39850 were implicated in chlorophyll precursor synthesis. RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression levels of LOC_Os08g39050, LOC_Os08g39130, LOC_Os08g40870, LOC_Os08g39420, LOC_Os08g39430, and LOC_Os08g39850 in the wild-type and mutant plants. Among them, the differences in the expression levels of LOC_Os08g39050 and LOC_Os08g39430 were the most significant. This study will contribute to further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of rice chloroplast development.

Conversion obstacle from Mg-protoporphyrin IX to protochlorophyllide might be responsible for chlorophyll-deficient phenotype of the Huangjinya's albino offspring.

The albino tea cultivar is one of the most important germplasms for key gene mining and high-quality tea producing. In order to elucidate the chlorophyll-deficient mechanism of albino cultivar 'Huangjinya' and its offspring, color difference, photosynthetic pigments and the relevant genes' expression of the tender shoots were comprehensively investigated in this study. Among the tested 16 offspring, 5 exhibited albino phenotype in spring and autumn, 3 showed albino phenotype in spring but normal green in autumn, while the rests were all normal green. The shoot of albino offspring had significantly higher lightness and/or yellowness than that of green ones, and possessed dramatically lower photosynthetic pigments and chlorophyll precursor protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), as well as higher chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b but lower chlorophylls/carotenoids in comparison with green ones. Among the tested genes involved in chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism pathways, expression of the magnesium protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase (CRD), 3,8-divinyl chlorophyllide 8-vinyl reductase (DVR), 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase 1 (HEMB1), 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase 1 (DXS1) and 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase (ISPH) was remarkably down-regulated in shoots of the albino offspring. Color difference indices of the offspring were significantly correlated with the levels of photosynthetic pigments and Pchlide, and low level of chlorophylls in shoot of albino offspring was mainly due to conversion obstacle from magnesium protoporphyrin Ⅸ (Mg-Proto IX) to Pchlide which might be attributed to down-regulatory expression of CRD and DVR.

Albino lethal 13, a chloroplast-imported protein required for chloroplast development in rice.

Chloroplasts play a vital role in plant growth and development, which are the main sites of photosynthesis and the production of hormones and metabolites. Despite their significance, the regulatory mechanisms governing chloroplast development remain unclear. In our investigation, we identified a rice mutant with defective chloroplasts in rice (Oryza sativa L.), named albino lethal 13 (osal13), which displayed a distinct albino phenotype in leaves, ultimately resulting in seedling lethality. Molecular cloning revealed that OsAL13 encodes a novel rice protein with no homologous gene or known conserved domain. This gene was located in the chloroplast and exhibited constitutive expression in various tissues, particularly in green tissues and regions of active cell growth. Our study's findings reveal that RNAi-mediated knockdown of OsAL13 led to a pronounced albino phenotype, reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, a vesicle chloroplast structure, and a decrease in the expression of chloroplast-associated genes. Consequently, the pollen fertility and seed setting rate were lower compared with the wild type. In contrast, the overexpression of OsAL13 resulted in an increased photosynthetic rate, a higher total grain number per panicle, and enhanced levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the roots and gibberellin A3 (GA3) in the shoot. These outcomes provide new insights on the role of OsAL13 in regulating chloroplast development in rice.

Cationic lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of a Cas9/crRNA ribonucleoprotein complex for transgene-free editing of the citrus plant genome.

KEY MESSAGE: A lipofectamine-mediated transfection protocol for DNA-free genome editing of citrus protoplast cells using a Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex resulted in the production of transgene free genome edited citrus.

CsNYC1a Mediates Chlorophyll Degradation and Albino Trait Formation in the Arbor-Type Tea Plant Camellia nanchuanica.

Albino germplasms are prized tea plant mutants with yellow/white leaves. However, understanding of the albino mechanisms in non-Camellia sinensis tea species remains limited. This study elucidated the albino trait formation in Nanchuan Dachashu (C. nanchuanica), an arbor-type tea species, and its association with tea quality. The yellow-leaved albino individual NH1 exhibited abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure and reduced chlorophyll/carotenoid levels compared to green-leaved NL1. Integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, yeast one-hybrid, and transgenic approaches identified the chlorophyll b reductase gene CsNYC1a as a key regulator, which was significantly up-regulated in NH1, and its overexpression in Arabidopsis recapitulated the albino phenotype. In yeast, histone CsH1.2 binds to the CsNYC1a promoter. These findings suggest that CsH1.2-CsNYC1a-mediated chlorophyll degradation may be a key mechanism underlying albino formation in Nanchuan Dachashu. In addition, as a germplasm with higher polyphenol-to-amino acid ratio than NL1, NH1 offers more possibilities for breeding and application.

Identification of the CsFtsH genes from Camellia sinensis reveals its potential role in leaf color phenotype.

The filamentation temperature-sensitive H (FtsH) metalloprotease participates in the chloroplast photosystem II (PSII) repair cycle, playing a crucial role in regulating leaf coloration. However, the evolutionary history and biological function of the FtsH family in albino tea plants are still unknown. In this study, 35 CsFtsH members, including 7 CsFtsH-like (CsFtsHi1-CsFtsHi7) proteins, mapping onto 11 chromosomes in 6 subgroups, were identified in the 'Shuchazao2' tea genome, and their exon/intron structure, domain characteristics, collinearity, protein interaction network, and secondary structure were comprehensively analyzed. Furthermore, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the expression levels of CsFtsH1/2/5/8 were significantly positively correlated with the leaf color of tea plants. The subcellular localization revealed that they were located in the chloroplast. The transgenic Arabidopsis has demonstrated that CsFtsH2 and CsFtsH5 could restore the chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence intensity in var1 and var2 mutants, respectively. Moreover, protein-protein interactions have confirmed that CsFtsH1 with CsFtsH5, and CsFtsH2 with CsFtsH8 could form a hetero-comples and function in chloroplasts. In summary, this study aims to not only increase the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of CsFtsH but also to provide a solid and detailed theoretical foundation for the breeding of albino tea plant varieties.

In Vivo Antioxidant and Nephroprotective Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Carica papaya Seeds and Its Isolated Flavonoid on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats.

Background The nephrotoxic side effects of gentamicin, a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic, significantly restrict its clinical use. Identifying compounds that can mitigate this nephrotoxicity is of paramount importance. The research examines how the ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds (EECPS) and isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid separated from them, protect the kidneys and fight free radicals in gentamicin-treated Wistar albino rats. Methodology A total of 48 mature Wistar albino rats were divided into eight groups, with each group consisting of six rats. The experimental setup included a normal control group receiving oral saline as a negative control, and a standard control group administered gentamicin intraperitoneally (IP) at 100 mg/kg body weight for 13 days to induce nephrotoxicity, followed by oral silymarin at 100 mg/kg body weight as a positive control from days 14 to 21. A toxicant control group was exposed to gentamicin IP without subsequent treatment. Two test groups were given 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of EECPS orally after being given gentamicin. Three other test groups were given 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg of ISL orally after being given gentamicin. Serum levels of creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were used to test renal function. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH), which are signs of oxidative stress, were also measured in renal tissues. Results Gentamicin administration markedly increased serum creatinine, urea, and BUN levels, confirming its nephrotoxic effect. Nephroprotection depended on the dose of EECPS and ISL used. It was found that 80 mg/kg of ISL had the most powerful effect, which was not what was thought at first. These treatments effectively reduced MDA and NO levels while enhancing GSH levels, exhibiting their strong antioxidant properties. Notably, the nephroprotective efficacy of these treatments exceeded that of silymarin, a known nephroprotective agent. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced renal damage and enhanced tissue repair in the treated groups. Conclusions These findings demonstrate how effective EECPS and ISL are at shielding the kidneys from gentamicin-caused damage. They do this by acting as antioxidants and nephroprotectants. Their ability to protect kidney function and fight oxidative stress makes them interesting as possible treatments for gentamicin-related kidney damage. These results advocate for further investigation into the utility of these natural compounds in the management of nephrotoxicity.

A novel PLS-DYW type PPR protein OsASL is essential for chloroplast development in rice.

Oryza longistaminata (OL), an AA-genome African wild rice which can propagate clonally via rhizome, is an important germplasm for improvement of Asian cultivated rice, however recessive lethal alleles can hitchhike clonal propagation in heterozygous state. Selfing of OL is difficult due to its self-incompatibility, but simple selfing of hybrid progeny between OL and O. sativa is effective to disclose and eliminate recessive lethal alleles. Here, we identified an exhibited albino-lethal phenotype mutant, from an F2 population between OL and O. sativa, named it albino seedling-lethal (asl). The leaves of asl mutant showed abnormal chloroplast development. The albino characteristics of asl were determined to be governed by a set of recessive nuclear genes through genetic analysis. Map-based cloning experiments found that a single nucleotide variation (G to A) was detected in the exon of OsASL in OL, which causes a premature stop codon. OsASL encodes a PLS-type PPR protein with 12 pentratricopeptide repeat domains, and is translocalized to chloroplasts. Complementation and knockout transgenic experiments further confirmed that OsASL is responsible for the albino-lethal phenotype. Loss-of-function OsASL (i.e. osasl) resulted in devoid of intron splicing of chloroplast RNA atpF, ndhA, rpl2 and rps12, and also RNA editing of ndhB, but facilitates the RNA editing of rpl2 in the plastid. Transcriptome sequencing showed that OsASL was mainly involved in chlorophyll synthesis pathway. The expression of Chlorophyll-associated genes were significantly decreased in asl plants, especially PEP (plastid-encoded RNA polymerase)-mediated genes. Our results suggest that OsASL is crucial for RNA editing, RNA splicing of chloroplast RNA group II genes, and plays an essential role in chloroplast development during early leaf development in rice.