Role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway involved in self-renewing and maintaining biological properties of chicken primordial germ cells.

Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs) are important culture cells for the production of transgenic chickens and preservation of the genetic resources of endangered species; however, culturing these cells in vitro proves challenging. Although the proliferation of chicken PGCs is dependent on insulin, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the expression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in PGCs, investigated its effects on PGC self-renewal and biological properties, and identified the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicated that although supplementation with the PI3K/AKT activator IGF-1 failed to promote proliferation under the assessed culture conditions, the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 resulted in retarded cell proliferation and reduced expression of germ cell-related markers. We further demonstrated that inhibition of PI3K/AKT regulates the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis in PGCs by activating the expression of BAX and inhibiting that of Bcl-2. These findings indicated that the PI3K/AKT pathway is required for cell renewal, apoptosis, and maintenance of the reproductive potential in chicken PGCs. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the optimization and improvement of a culture system for chicken PGCs and provide insights into the self-renewal of vertebrate PGCs as well as potential evolutionary changes in this unique cell population.

Scale-Bridging Mechanics Transfer Enables Ultrabright Mechanoluminescent Fiber Electronics.

Mechanoluminescent (ML) fibers and textiles enable stress visualization without auxiliary power, showing great potential in wearable electronics, machine vision, and human-computer interaction. However, traditional ML devices suffer from inefficient stress transfer in soft-rigid material systems, leading to low luminescence brightness and short cycle life. Here, we propose a tendon-inspired scale-bridging mechanics transfer mechanism for ML composites, which employs molecular-scale copolymerized cross-linking and nanoscale inorganic nanoparticles as hierarchical stress transfer sites. This strategy effectively reduces the dissipation of stress in molecular chain segments and alleviates local stress concentration, increases luminescence by 9 times, and extends cycle life to more than 10,000 times. Furthermore, a scalable (kilometer-scale) anti-Plateau-Rayleigh instability manufacturing technology is developed for thermoset ML fibers, compatible with various existing textile techniques. We also demonstrate its system-level applications in motion capture, underwater interaction, etc., providing a feasible strategy for the next generation of smart visual textiles.

Comparison of primordial germ cell differences at different developmental time points in chickens.

Objective: Recently, the application in the field of germplasm resource conservation has become an important application of primordial germ cells (PGCs). However, due to the lack of deep understanding of the biological characteristics of PGCs at different time points, there is no systematic scheme for the selection of PGCs at which time points in practical application, which affects the practical application effect of PGCs. This study aims to clarify the differences in PGCs during development. Methods: Here, migration experiment, EdU proliferation assay and cell apoptosis assay were conducted to compare the differences in the migration ability, the proliferation ability and the recovery efficiency among female and male PGCs at E3.5, E4.5 and E5.5, which were explained by the following transcriptome sequencing analysis. Results: We found that there were larger differences between female and male PGCs at different embryonic ages, while smaller differences between female and male PGCs at the same embryonic age. Further comparison showed that the cell migration ability of female and male PGCs decreased gradually during development, so female and male PGCs at E3.5 are more suitable for in vitro allotransplantation. At the same time, the proliferation ability of PGCs gradually decreased during development, and cell adhesion and extracellular matrix communication were weakened, indicating that female and male PGCs of E3.5 are more suitable for in vitro long-term culture cell line establishment. Interestingly, female and male PGCs at E5.5 showed strong DNA damage repair ability, thus more suitable for in vitro long-term cryopreservation. Conclusion: This study provides a theoretical basis for systematically selecting PGCs at suitable developmental time points as cell materials for efficient utilization by analyzing the characteristics of female and male PGCs at different developmental time points based on transcriptome.

PTBP3 Mediates IL-18 Exon Skipping to Promote Immune Escape in Gallbladder Cancer.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary system, with poor response to current treatments. Abnormal alternative splicing has been associated with the development of a variety of tumors. Combining the GEO database and GBC mRNA-seq analysis, it is found high expression of the splicing factor polypyrimidine region- binding protein 3 (PTBP3) in GBC. Multi-omics analysis revealed that PTBP3 promoted exon skipping of interleukin-18 (IL-18), resulting in the expression of ΔIL-18, an isoform specifically expressed in tumors. That ΔIL-18 promotes GBC immune escape by down-regulating FBXO38 transcription levels in CD8+T cells to reduce PD-1 ubiquitin-mediated degradation is revealed. Using a HuPBMC mouse model, the role of PTBP3 and ΔIL-18 in promoting GBC growth is confirmed, and showed that an antisense oligonucleotide that blocked ΔIL-18 production displayed anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, that the H3K36me3 promotes exon skipping of IL-18 by recruiting PTBP3 via MRG15 is demonstrated, thereby coupling the processes of IL-18 transcription and alternative splicing. Interestingly, it is also found that the H3K36 methyltransferase SETD2 binds to hnRNPL, thereby interfering with PTBP3 binding to IL-18 pre-mRNA. Overall, this study provides new insights into how aberrant alternative splicing mechanisms affect immune escape, and provides potential new perspectives for improving GBC immunotherapy.

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol in Treating Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: A Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Approach with Molecular Docking Validation.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol is a potent phytochemical known for its potential in treating cardiometabolic multimorbidity. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our study systematically investigates the effects of resveratrol on cardiometabolic multimorbidity and elucidates its mechanisms using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. METHODS: We screened cardiometabolic multimorbidity-related targets using the OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases, and utilized the DSigDB drug characterization database to predict resveratrol's effects on cardiometabolic multimorbidity. Target identification for resveratrol was conducted using the TCMSP, SymMap, DrugBank, Swiss Target Prediction, CTD, and UniProt databases. SwissADME and ADMETlab 2.0 simulations were used to predict drug similarity and toxicity profiles of resveratrol. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed via the DAVID online platform, and target-pathway networks were established. Molecular docking validated interactions between core targets and resveratrol, followed by molecular dynamics simulations on the optimal core proteins identified through docking. Differential analysis using the GEO dataset validated resveratrol as a core target in cardiometabolic multimorbidity. RESULTS: A total of 585 cardiometabolic multimorbidity target genes were identified, and the predicted results indicated that the phytochemical resveratrol could be a major therapeutic agent for cardiometabolic multimorbidity. SwissADME simulations showed that resveratrol has potential drug-like activity with minimal toxicity. Additionally, 6703 targets of resveratrol were screened. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the main biological processes involved included positive regulation of cell proliferation, positive regulation of gene expression, and response to estradiol. Significant pathways related to MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were also identified. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated strong interactions between resveratrol and core targets such as MAPK and EGFR. CONCLUSIONS: This study predicts potential targets and pathways of resveratrol in treating cardiometabolic multimorbidity, offering a new research direction for understanding its molecular mechanisms. Additionally, it establishes a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of resveratrol.

Prognostic Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Localized or Locoregionally Advanced Gallbladder Cancer: A Population-Based and Propensity Score Matched SEER Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of NACT on overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) in patients with localized or locoregionally advanced GBC, and to explore possible protective predictors for prognosis. METHODS: Data for patients with localized or locoregionally advanced GBC (i.e., categories cTx-cT4, cN0-2, and cM0) from 2004 to 2020 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients in the NACT and non-NACT groups were propensity score matched (PSM) 1:3, and the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were performed to analyze the impact of NACT on OS and CSS. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were applied to identify the possible prognostic factors. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify patients who would benefit from NACT. RESULTS: Of the 2676 cases included, 78 NACT and 234 non-NACT patients remained after PSM. In localized or locoregionally advanced GBC patients, the median OS of the NACT and non-NACT was 31 and 16 months (log-rank P < 0.01), and the median CSS of NACT and non-NACT was 32 and 17 months (log-rank P < 0.01), respectively. Longer median OS (31 vs 17 months, log-rank P < 0.01) and CSS (32 vs 20 months, log-rank P < 0.01) was associated with NACT compared with surgery alone. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that NACT, stage, and surgery type were prognostic factors for OS and CSS in GBC patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that the survival hazard ratios (HRs) of NACT vs non-NACT for localized or locoregionally advanced GBC patients were significant in most subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: NACT may provide therapeutic benefits for localized or locoregionally advanced GBC patients, especially for those with advanced stage, node-positive, poorly differentiated or undifferentiated disease. NACT combined with radical surgery was associated with a survival advantage. Therefore, NACT combined with surgery may provide a better treatment option for resectable GBC patients.

The relationship between hypoxia and Alzheimer's disease: an updated review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, and the most prevalent form of dementia. The main hallmarks for the diagnosis of AD are extracellular amyloid-beta (Aß) plaque deposition and intracellular accumulation of highly hyperphosphorylated Tau protein as neurofibrillary tangles. The brain consumes more oxygen than any other organs, so it is more easily to be affected by hypoxia. Hypoxia has long been recognized as one of the possible causes of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases, but the exact mechanism has not been clarified. In this review, we will elucidate the connection between hypoxia-inducible factors-1α and AD, including its contribution to AD and its possible protective effects. Additionally, we will discuss the relationship between oxidative stress and AD as evidence show that oxidative stress acts on AD-related pathogenic factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction, Aß deposition, inflammation, etc. Currently, there is no cure for AD. Given the close association between hypoxia, oxidative stress, and AD, along with current research on the protective effects of antioxidants against AD, we speculate that antioxidants could be a potential therapeutic approach for AD and worth further study.

Neuropeptide natalisin regulates reproductive behaviors in Spodoptera frugiperda.

Natalisin (NTL) is a conserved neuropeptide, only present in insects, that has been reported to regulate their sexual activity. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NTL in the reproductive behaviors of a major invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda. We identified NTL precursor-encoded transcripts, and evaluated their transcript levels in different stages and tissues of S. frugiperda. The results showed that the NTL transcript level was expressed in both male and female pupae and both male and female adults in the later stage. It was highly expressed in male pupae, 3-day-old male and female adults, and 5-day-old male adults. In different tissues, the expression level is higher in the male and female adult brain and male testis. Immunohistochemical staining of the brain of S. frugiperda female and male adults revealed that three pairs of brain neurons of S. frugiperda adults of both sexes secreted and expressed NTL. To study the role of NTL in reproductive behaviors, NTL was silenced in S. frugiperda male and female adults by RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the results showed that silencing NTL could significantly affect the sexual activity behavior of the adults, reducing the calling rate of females, the courtship rate of males, and the mating rate. In summary, this study emphasizes the important role of NTL in regulating the mating behavior and sexual activity of S. frugiperda in both male and female adults, potentially laying a foundation to employ NTL as a new insect-specific target to control populations of pest insects.

Survival outcome and prognostic factors of remnant gastric cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Background: Studies on survival and prognostic factors in individuals with remnant gastric cancer (RGC) after gastric cancer (GC) are rare. It is debatable whether prognosis of RGC after GC is worse than that of only primary GC (OPGC). The objective of this study is to compare the survival outcomes between post-GC RGC and OPGC undergoing surgical resection and to identify the prognostic factors of disease-specific survival (DSS) for RGC. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database among patients who underwent GC surgery in 1988-2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to balance baseline characteristics. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis was performed to compare their overall survival (OS) and DSS. Multivariable Cox analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors of DSS for post-GC RGC by estimating hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There were 76 patients with RGC and 32,763 patients with OPGC included and analyzed. After balancing the baseline characteristics by PSM, no significant difference existed between OPGC and RGC groups in both OS (P=0.65) and DSS (P=0.28). Fixed-time analyses also showed no difference between the two groups for the 5-year (60.0%, RGC vs. 53.3%, OPGC, P=0.38) and 10-year DSS (56.7%, RGC vs. 48.3%, OPGC, P=0.34). Multivariable analysis revealed that area of lower income ($75,000+ vs. <$55,000, HR =0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.89, P=0.03), cardiac tumor [middle vs. cardia, HR =0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.77, P=0.02; distal vs. cardia, HR =0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.58, P=0.01; not otherwise specified (NOS) vs. cardia, HR =0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.51, P=0.004], deeper invasion (T3-4 vs. Tis-2, HR =5.19, 95% CI: 1.21-22.15, P=0.03), higher grade (G3 vs. G1-2, HR =7.35, 95% CI: 1.41-38.48, P=0.02) and not receiving chemotherapy (yes vs. no/unknown, HR =0.16, 95% CI: 0.04-0.60, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for postsurgical DSS in patients with post-GC RGC. Conclusions: The prognosis of post-GC RGC was comparable to that of OPGC following surgical resection. The independent prognostic factors for RGC are similar to those established for OPGC. Our findings suggest that RGC following first GC might be the same entity to OPGC and curative resection should be considered in selected patients.

Effect of flow-optimized pressure control ventilation-volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) on postoperative pulmonary complications: a consort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after one-lung ventilation (OLV) significantly impact patient prognosis and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of an optimal inspiratory flow rate on PPCs in thoracic surgery patients. METHODS: One hundred eight elective thoracic surgery patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups in this consort study (control group: n = 53 with a fixed inspiratory expiratory ratio of 1:2; and experimental group [flow rate optimization group]: n = 55). Measurements of Ppeak, Pplat, PETCO2, lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn), respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration were obtained at the following specific time points: immediately after intubation (T0); immediately after starting OLV (T1); 30 min after OLV (T2); and 10 min after 2-lung ventilation (T4). The PaO2:FiO2 ratio was measured using blood gas analysis 30 min after initiating one-lung breathing (T2) and immediately when OLV ended (T3). The lung ultrasound score (LUS) was assessed following anesthesia and resuscitation (T5). The occurrence of atelectasis was documented immediately after the surgery. PPCs occurrences were noted 3 days after surgery. RESULTS: The treatment group had a significantly lower total prevalence of PPCs compared to the control group (3.64% vs. 16.98%; P = 0.022). There were no notable variations in peak airway pressure, airway plateau pressure, dynamic lung compliance, PETCO2, respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration between the two groups during intubation (T0). Dynamic lung compliance and the oxygenation index were significantly increased at T1, T2, and T4 (P < 0.05), whereas the CRP level and number of inflammatory cells decreased dramatically (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Optimizing inspiratory flow rate and utilizing pressure control ventilation -volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) mode can decrease PPCs and enhance lung dynamic compliance in OLV patients.

Abrupt elevation of tumor marker levels in a huge splenic epidermoid cyst, a case report.

Epidermoid cyst of the spleen is a rare disease, and relatively few cases were reported by literatures. Most published case reports provided inadequate information on the impact of splenic epidermoid cyst on tumor markers. A 32-year-old woman with a giant splenic epidermoid cyst was reported, for whom the serum concentration of a collection of tumor markers (CA19-9, CEA, CA125, CA242, and CA50) increased abruptly accompanied by left upper abdominal pain for 5 days. After comprehensive preoperative examination and multidisciplinary team discussion, we ruled out any concurrent malignancy and a laparoscopic total splenectomy was performed, during which the splenic cyst spontaneously ruptured unexpectedly. After surgery, the elevated serum tumor marker levels decreased sharply until reaching normal range 3 months later. Learning from the case, we conclude that interval monitoring of serum tumor markers is of critical value for patients with splenic epidermoid cyst. Abrupt elevation of tumor marker levels and abdominal pain may serve as signs of cyst rupture, which is strongly indicative of surgical intervention as soon as possible. Total removal of the splenic cyst is strongly suggested considering the recurrence and malignant potential of the splenic epidermoid cyst.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on prognosis of patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is a growing global health problem, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of OSA on the prognosis of CMM patients remains unclear. METHODS: This study was a sub-study of OSA-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and included 1, 927 hospitalized ACS patients. Patients were divided into the CMM group and the non-CMM group. OSA was diagnosed using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The secondary endpoint included cardiac events, all-cause death and all repeat revascularizations. RESULTS: This study enrolled 1, 927 patients hospitalized for ACS, with a median follow-up of 3 years. Among them, 723 patients (37.5%) had CMM, while 1, 204 patients (62.5%) did not have CMM. Over half of the patients in each group had OSA. OSA patients exhibited worse cardiometabolic profiles than their non-OSA counterparts, including higher body mass index (BMI), glycemic indices, lipids and inflammation. In the CMM group, OSA patients had a significantly higher incidence of MACCE than non-OSA patients (34.7% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.004). These results remained significant after adjustment, indicating that OSA substantially increased the risk of MACCE in the CMM group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.432; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.017-2.016; p = 0.040). Conversely, the incidence of MACCE was similar between OSA and non-OSA subgroups within the non-CMM cohort. Subgroup analyses showed that OSA increased the risk of MACCE in CMM patients aged ≥ 60 years (adjusted HR: 1.642; 95% CI: 1.031-2.615; p = 0.037) and in those with specific clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: OSA significantly impacts the prognosis of CMM patients, highlighting the need for targeted OSA screening and management strategies to improve outcomes in this population potentially.

Investigating the therapeutic effects of a Japanese sake yeast supplement on a zebrafish model of Parkinson's disease: Antioxidant and inflammatory responses.

Sake may potentially halt the progression of Parkinson's disease due to its properties, yet no studies have explored its effects. This preliminary study aimed to assess the impact of sake supplementation on Parkinson's disease using a zebrafish model. Sixty fish were divided into six groups: control, rotenone (ROT), and groups administered rotenone along with sake at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L (25S, 50S, 75S, and 100S). After 28 days of treatment, behavioral responses and the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and COX-2, were evaluated. The results indicated that rotenone administration significantly reduced crossing number (P = 0.001), entries in the top area (P = 0.001), and time spent in the top area (P = 0.001). It also markedly increased levels of TBARS and SH compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Rotenone significantly decreased CAT, SOD, and GSH activities while increasing GST levels. Furthermore, it upregulated the expressions of TNF-α (P = 0.001), IL-1ß (P = 0.001), and COX-2 (P = 0.001). Supplementation with sake, particularly at higher doses, reversed the adverse effects of rotenone on behavioral, oxidative, and inflammatory responses. In conclusion, sake shows promise for preventing Parkinson's disease pending further clinical studies.

DDX5 Can Act as a Transcription Factor Participating in the Formation of Chicken PGCs by Targeting BMP4.

As an RNA binding protein (RBP), DDX5 is widely involved in the regulation of various biological activities. While recent studies have confirmed that DDX5 can act as a transcriptional cofactor that is involved in the formation of gametes, few studies have investigated whether DDX5 can be used as a transcription factor to regulate the formation of primordial germ cells (PGCs). In this study, we found that DDX5 was significantly up-regulated during chicken PGC formation. Under different PGC induction models, the overexpression of DDX5 not only up-regulates PGC markers but also significantly improves the formation efficiency of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLC). Conversely, the inhibition of DDX5 expression can significantly inhibit both the expression of PGC markers and PGCLC formation efficiency. The effect of DDX5 on PGC formation in vivo was consistent with that seen in vitro. Interestingly, DDX5 not only participates in the formation of PGCs but also positively regulates their migration and proliferation. In the process of studying the mechanism by which DDX5 regulates PGC formation, we found that DDX5 acts as a transcription factor to bind to the promoter region of BMP4-a key gene for PGC formation-and activates the expression of BMP4. In summary, we confirm that DDX5 can act as a positive transcription factor to regulate the formation of PGCs in chickens. The obtained results not only enhance our understanding of the way in which DDX5 regulates the development of germ cells but also provide a new target for systematically optimizing the culture and induction system of PGCs in chickens in vitro.

Development of multifunctional chitosan-based composite film loaded with tea polyphenol nanoparticles for strawberry preservation.

Incorporating polysaccharide-based composite films with nanobiotechnology offers a new strategy for food preservation. This study initially focuses on the preparation of tea polyphenol nanoparticles (TPNP), novel and derived from natural antibacterial agents, which serve to improve stability. Afterwards chitosan-based composite films loaded with TPNP (CTN film) were developed using solution casting method. The incorporation of TPNP significantly improved the UV/water/oxygen barrier properties, mechanical properties and thermal stability, alongside notable physical properties including water contact angle (93.65 ± 0.04°), low water vapor permeability (33.72 ± 3.32 g/m2h) and oxygen permeability (0.11 ± 0.02 g/m2h), tensile strength (61.83 ± 0.70 %), and elongation at break (31.60 ± 6.12 %). The CTN film not only exhibited exceptional biodegradability and nontoxicity, but also demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Additionally, it showcased potent antioxidant activity, boasting DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates up to 89.25 ± 0.18 % and 93.84 ± 0.42 %. The CTN film was successfully formed on the surface of strawberries through dip-coating process and their shelf life was extended from 4 to 6 days at 20 °C without side-effect on the weight loss, harness, pH and total soluble solids, illustrating its potential for enhancing food preservation.

Leveraging Isoreticular Principle to Elucidate the Key Role of Inherent Hydrogen-Bonding Anchoring Sites in Enhancing Water Sorption Cyclability of Zr(IV) Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Water adsorption/desorption cyclability of porous materials is a prerequisite for diverse applications, including atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), humidity autocontrol (HAC), heat pumps and chillers, and hydrolytic catalysis. However, unambiguous molecular insights into the correlation between underlying building blocks and the cyclability are still highly elusive. In this work, by taking advantage of the well-established isoreticular synthetic principle in Zr(IV) metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs), we show that the inherent density of hydrogen atoms in the organic skeleton can play a key role in regulating the water sorption cyclability of MOFs. The ease of isoreticular practice of Zr-MOFs enables the successful syntheses of two pairs of isostructural Zr-MOFs (NU-901 and NU-903, NU-950 and SJTU-9) from pyrene- or benzene-cored carboxylate linkers, which feature scu and sqc topological nets, respectively. NU-901 and NU-950 comprised of pyrene skeletons carrying more hydrogen-bonding anchoring sites show distinctly inferior cyclability as compared with NU-903 and SJTU-9 built of benzene units. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography analysis of the hydrated structure clearly unveils the water molecule-involved interactions with the hydrogen-bonding donors of benzene moieties. Remarkably, NU-903 and SJTU-9 isomers exhibit outstanding water vapor sorption capacities as well as working capacities at the desired humidity range with potential implementations covering indoor humidity control and water harvesting. Our findings uncover the importance of hydrogen-bonding anchoring site engineering of organic scaffold in manipulating the framework durability toward water sorption cycle and will also likely facilitate the rational design and development of highly robust porous materials.

Genome-wide characterization of RR gene family members in Zanthoxylum armatum and the subsequent functional characterization of the C-type RR.

Response Regulators (RRs) are crucial regulators in plant development and stress responses, comprising A-type, B-type, C-type, and pseudo-RR subfamilies. However, previous studies have often focused on specific subfamilies, which restricts our understanding of the complete RR gene family. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 63 RR members from Zanthoxylum armatum, using phylogenetic relationships, motif composition, cis-acting elements, gene duplication and collinearity analyses. Segmental repeats among ZaRR genes enhanced the various environmental adaptabilities of Z. armatum, and the B-type ZaRR exhibited significant collinearity with the RRs in P. trichocarpa and C. sinensis. Cis-element analysis indicated ZaRRs play a significant role in abiotic stress and phytohormone pathways, particularly in light, drought, cold, abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) responses. Abundant Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) and reproduction-associated binding sites in ZaRR promoters suggested their roles in stress and reproductive processes. A-type ZaRRs were implicated in plant vegetative and reproductive growth, whereas B-type ZaRRs contributed to both growth and stress responses. C-type ZaRRs were associated with plant reproductive growth, whereas pseudo-RRs may function in plant stress responses, such as water logging, cold, and response to ethylene (ETH), SA, and jasmonic acid (JA). Ectopic expression of ZaRR24, a C-type RR, inhibits growth, induces early flowering, and shortens fruit length in Arabidopsis. ZaRR24 overexpression also affected the expression of A- and B-type RRs, as well as floral meristem and organ identity genes. These findings establish a solid and comprehensive foundation for RR gene research in Z. armatum, and provide a platform for investigating signal transduction in other woody plants.

Chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of xerophyte secretohalophyte Reaumuria soongarica.

Reaumuria soongarica is a xerophytic shrub belonging to the Tamaricaceae family. The species is widely distributed in the deserts of Central Asia and is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to saline and barren desert environments. Using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technologies, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of R. soongarica. The genome assembly has a size of 1.28 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 116.15 Mb, and approximately 1.25 Gb sequences were anchored in 11 pseudo-chromosomes. A completeness assessment of the assembled genome revealed a BUSCO score of 97.5% and an LTR Assembly Index of 12.37. R. soongarica genome had approximately 60.07% repeat sequences. In total, 21,791 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 95.64% were functionally annotated. This high-quality genome will serve as a foundation for studying the genomic evolution and adaptive mechanisms to arid-saline environments in R. soongarica, facilitating the exploration and utilization of its unique genetic resources.

The cytochrome P450 gene CYP4g1 driven by high temperature confers abamectin tolerance on Liriomyza trifolii through promoting cuticular hydrocarbons biosynthesis.

Liriomyza trifolii, an invasive pest, poses a substantial threat to horticultural and vegetable plants. It spreads rapidly, especially in hot weather, leading to large-scale outbreaks with strong thermotolerance and insecticide resistance. In this study, mortality and LtCYP4g1 expression in L. trifolii were evaluated after thermal and insecticides exposure. Furthermore, functional verification of LtCYP4g1 was conducted through RNA interference and bacterial survival assays in Escherichia coli containing recombinant LtCYP4g1 protein. Results indicated that a short time exposure to high temperature incresed insecticide tolerance of L. trifolii, attributed to decreased mortality and induced LtCYP4g1 expression; LtCYP4g1 was involved in stimulating synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) and elevating epicuticle lipid content and thickness, and E. coli cells overexpressing LtCYP4g1 exhibited significant tolerance to thermal and insecticide stress. In general, P450-mediated tolerance of L. trifolii was enhanced by high temperature, with LtCYP4g1 playing a role in promoting biosynthesis of CHCs for thickening epidermal lipid barrier and reducing cuticular penetration. This study provides a framework for delving into the function of CYP450s in insecticide detoxification and illustrates the role of global warming in driving the evolution of L. trifolii.