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Fungal α/β-glucans have significant importance in cellular functions including cell wall structure, host-pathogen interactions and energy storage, and wide application in high-profile fields, including food, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Fungal species and their growth/developmental stages result in a diversity of glucan contents, structures and bioactivities. Substantial progresses have been made to elucidate the fine structures and functions, and reveal the potential molecular synthesis pathway of fungal α/β-glucans. Herein, we review the current knowledge about the biosynthetic machineries, including: precursor UDP-glucose synthesis, initiation, elongation/termination and remodeling of α/β-glucan chains, and molecular regulation to maximally produce glucans in edible fungi. This review would provide future perspectives to biosynthesize the targeted glucans and reveal the catalytic mechanism of enzymes associated with glucan synthesis, including: UDP-glucose pyrophosphate phosphorylases (UGP), glucan synthases, and glucanosyltransferases in edible fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, a better understanding of the molecular pathways guiding its development is imperative. A key factor in prostate cancer is autophagy, a cellular mechanism that affects both cell survival and death. Autophagy is essential in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is a physiological mechanism wherein redundant or malfunctioning cellular constituents are broken down and recycled. It is essential for preserving cellular homeostasis and is implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Autophagy has been linked to metastasis, tumor development, and treatment resistance in prostate cancer. The deregulation of miRNAs related to autophagy appears to be a crucial element in the etiology of prostate cancer. These miRNAs influence the destiny of cancer cells by finely regulating autophagic mechanisms. Numerous investigations have emphasized the dual function of specific miRNAs in prostate cancer, which alter autophagy-related pathways to function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Notably, miRNAs have been linked to the control of autophagy and the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of prostate cancer cells. To create customized therapy approaches, it is imperative to comprehend the dynamic interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer. The identification of key miRNAs provides potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Unraveling the complex network of lncRNAs, like PCA3, also expands the repertoire of molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. This review explores the intricate interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer, focusing on their regulatory roles in cellular processes ranging from survival to programmed cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminant milk has been the main source of milk produced and consumed worldwide. But with the promotion of functional foods, people began to shift their attention to niche dairy products. The composition of mare's milk is similar to that of human milk and has unique healthcare effects and is hypoallergenic, so it has received widespread attention. The increase in demand for mare milk has also made dairy horses a research hotspot. This paper systematically summarized the contents from tissues and organs to molecular breeding, including the structure of horse udders, lactation rules, mare milk components and characteristics, factors affecting milk production and the molecular regulatory mechanism of lactation. It was hoped to provide a reference for theoretical and practical research ondairy horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fruit development can be generally classified into a set of biologically sequential stages including fruit initiation, growth, and ripening. Cucumber, a globally important vegetable crop, displays two important features during fruit development: parthenocarpy at fruit initiation and prematurity at harvest for consumption. Therefore, fruit growth plays essential role for cucumber yield and quality formation, and has become the research hot spot in cucumber fruit development. Here, we describe recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying fruit growth in cucumber, include key players and regulatory networks controlling fruit length variation, fruit neck elongation, and locule development. We also provide insights into future directions for scientific research and breeding strategies in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chen et al. report a molecular regulation strategy to efficiently control the advantageous OCFGs (a-OCFGs: C O and COO) of ramie activated carbon (RAC), revealing the structure–activity relationship of OCFGs with electrochemical performance in supercapacitors. This regulated RAC with a 3.5–folds–enhanced a-OCFGs achieves a supreme specific capacitance of 286.4F g−1 and excellent capacitance retention rate of 89.7%. Also, twice capacitance of this regulated RAC than that of YP-50F shows its commercial viability. [Display omitted] Effectively managing oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs) within activated carbon and methodically elucidating their intricate types and proportions are essential for considerably improving the electrochemical performance of carbon-based supercapacitors. Herein, we designed a ZnCl 2 -based molecular regulation strategy to introduce OCFGs into ramie-activated carbon (RAC), managing different OCFGs and revealing their structure–activity relationship with electrochemical performance. Thus, this regulated RAC, with a 3.5-fold enhancement in advantageous OCFGs (a-OCFGs: C O and COO), exhibits a supreme specific capacitance of 286.4F g−1 at 1 A/g and an excellent capacitance retention rate of 89.7 % at 20 A/g in an aqueous electrolyte, considerably surpassing that of nonregulated RAC (212.0F g−1 and 81.9 %). This confirms that a-OCFGs provide ample ion-storage accommodation and suppress solvent electronic oxidation, thereby enhancing electrochemical performance. Furthermore, its electrochemical performance is competitive with that of the commercial YP-50F (129.2F g−1 at 1 A/g). Therefore, this work not only highlights the contributions of specific OCFGs to high electrochemical performance but also designs a promising commercial electrode material to meet the demands of OCFGs-adequate carbon-based energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mycosystema is the property of Mycosystema Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cancer poses intricate challenges to treatment due to its complexity and diversity. Ferroptosis and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as innovative therapeutic avenues amid the evolving landscape of cancer therapy. Extensive investigations into circRNAs reveal their diverse roles, ranging from molecular regulators to pivotal influencers of ferroptosis in cancer cell lines. The results underscore the significance of circRNAs in modulating molecular pathways that impact crucial aspects of cancer development, including cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. A detailed analysis delineates these pathways, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs influence ferroptosis. Building upon recent experimental findings, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting circRNAs to induce ferroptosis. By identifying specific circRNAs associated with the etiology of cancer, this analysis paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutics that exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This review consolidates the existing understanding of ferroptosis and circRNAs, emphasizing their role in cancer therapy and providing impetus for ongoing research in this dynamic field.

A central question in neural tissue engineering is how the tissue-engineered nerve (TEN) translates detailed transcriptional signals associated with peripheral nerve regeneration into meaningful biological processes. Here, we report a skin-derived precursor-induced Schwann cell (SKP-SC)-mediated chitosan/silk fibroin-fabricated tissue-engineered nerve graft (SKP–SCs-TEN) that can promote sciatic nerve regeneration and functional restoration nearly to the levels achieved by autologous nerve grafts according to behavioral, histological, and electrophysiological evidence. For achieving better effect of neuroregeneration, this is the first time to jointly apply a dynamic perfusion bioreactor and the ascorbic acid to stimulate the SKP-SCs secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM). To overcome the limitation of traditional tissue-engineered nerve grafts, jointly utilizing SKP-SCs and their ECM components were motivated by the thought of prolongating the effect of support cells and their bioactive cues that promote peripheral nerve regeneration. To further explore the regulatory model of gene expression and the related molecular mechanisms involved in tissue engineering-aided peripheral nerve regeneration, we performed a cDNA microarray analysis of gene expression profiling, a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and a validation study on the grafted segments and dorsal root ganglia tissues. A wealth of transcriptomic and bioinformatics data has revealed complex molecular networks and orchestrated functional regulation that may be responsible for the effects of SKP-SCs-TEN on promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Our work provides new insights into transcriptomic features and patterns of molecular regulation in nerve functional recovery aided by SKP-SCs-TEN that sheds light on the broader possibilities for novel repair strategies of peripheral nerve injury.

To deepen our understanding of long-chain fatty acid carbon chain elongation and desaturation in ducks, this study systematically analyzed the transcriptional activities of key gene promoters, including ELOVLs, FADSs, and SCDs. Predictive modeling coupled with statistical analysis revealed a prevalence of binding motifs for transcription factors, particularly those associated with Sp1, NF-1, and C/EBPalpha. Moreover, variation analysis of resequencing data from both wild and domestic ducks, specifically mallards and Pekin ducks, informed targeted mutagenesis within the core promoter regions of ELOVL2, ELOVL5, and ELOVL6. Notably, mutations at positions -56 G>C in ELOVL2, -52 T>C in ELOVL5, and -513 T>C in ELOVL6 significantly diminished transcriptional activity. These findings substantially enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids in ducks and support future genetic selection initiatives aimed at developing Pekin duck breeds with enhanced nutritional value.

Plant secondary metabolism plays a paramount role in plant adaptation to global climate change, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between plant secondary metabolism and climate variations favors crop improvement in a climate-fluctuating world. Climate changes exert diverse effects on plant secondary metabolism, determined by factors such as metabolite type, stress intensity, and plant species. Combinations of two individual climatic factors can result in an amplifying, neutralizing, or one-factor-dominated consequence, but our knowledge of these consequences is limited. Resource allocation and growth-defense trade-off hypothesis partially explain how plants respond to climate changes through secondary metabolism at the ecological level, while hormone signaling, hormones, and transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation networks are involved with the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses. Climate changes have unpredictable effects on ecosystems and agriculture. Plants adapt metabolically to overcome these challenges, with plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) being crucial for plant–environment interactions. Thus, understanding how PSMs respond to climate change is vital for future cultivation and breeding strategies. Here, we review PSM responses to climate changes such as elevated carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen deposition, heat and drought, as well as a combinations of different factors. These responses are complex, depending on stress dosage and duration, and metabolite classes. We finally identify mechanisms by which climate change affects PSM production ecologically and molecularly. While these observations provide insights into PSM responses to climate changes and the underlying regulatory mechanisms, considerable further research is required for a comprehensive understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Current Biotechnology (2095-2341) is the property of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Biotechnology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cereal crops are crucial for global food security; however, they are susceptible to various environmental stresses that significantly hamper their productivity. In response, melatonin has emerged as a promising regulator, offering potential benefits for stress tolerance and crop growth. This review explores the effects of melatonin on maize, sorghum, millet, rice, barley, and wheat, aiming to enhance their resilience to stress. The application of melatonin has shown promising outcomes, improving water use efficiency and reducing transpiration rates in millet under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, it enhances the salinity and heavy metal tolerance of millet by regulating the activity of stress-responsive genes. Similarly, melatonin application in sorghum enhances its resistance to high temperatures, low humidity, and nutrient deficiency, potentially involving the modulation of antioxidant defense and aspects related to photosynthetic genes. Melatonin also exerts protective effects against drought, salinity, heavy metal, extreme temperatures, and waterlogging stresses in maize, wheat, rice, and barley crops by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through regulating the antioxidant defense system. The molecular reactions of melatonin upregulated photosynthesis, antioxidant defense mechanisms, the metabolic pathway, and genes and downregulated stress susceptibility genes. In conclusion, melatonin serves as a versatile tool in cereal crops, bolstering stress resistance and promoting sustainable development. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and refine application techniques to fully harness the potential role of melatonin in cereal crop production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp seeds are consumed in "Bama longevity villages" in China and are believed to contribute to the locals' longevity. However, the molecular breeding of hemp seeds is limited due to our lack of understanding of molecular regulation and metabolite accumulation at different maturity stages. Here, we conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of hemp seeds from the Bama region at four maturity stages (S1 to S4). In total, 1231 metabolites of 11 classes were detected in hemp seeds from S1–S4, including 233 flavonoids, 214 phenolic acids, 159 lipids, 118 amino acids and derivatives, 100 alkaloids, 100 organic acids, 71 nucleotides and derivatives, 43 lignans and coumarins, 14 terpenoids, 13 tannins, and 166 others. The metabolomic analysis of hemp seeds (from the Bama region) revealed a higher number of flavonoid metabolites compared with seven other varieties from other regions in China. Hemp seeds are rich in metabolites like cannflavin, trigonelline, citric acid, vitexin, choline alfoscerate, and choline, which may potentially contribute to the longevity of the Bama people. Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, a gradual decrease in the overall expression pattern of genes and metabolite accumulation was observed during seed maturation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that two genes (ncbi_115696993 and ncbi_115706674) are involved in regulating main metabolites, while transcription factor association analysis revealed that three transcription factor genes (MYB, NAC, and GRAS) are also involved in regulating the metabolites. The expression pattern of these five candidate genes was further verified by qPCR. Our study provides valuable insights into the metabolic substances during seed maturation and identifies candidate genes that could be utilized for future genetic engineering to enhance the endogenous biosynthesis of health-promoting metabolites in hemp seeds, potentially leading to improved nutritional and medicinal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periosteum is known as the thin connective tissue covering most bone surfaces. Its extrusive bone regeneration capacity was confirmed from the very first century-old studies. Recently, pluripotent stem cells in the periosteum with unique physiological properties were unveiled. Existing in dynamic contexts and regulated by complex molecular networks, periosteal stem cells emerge as having strong capabilities of proliferation and multipotential differentiation. Through continuous exploration of studies, we are now starting to acquire more insight into the great potential of the periosteum in bone formation and repair in situ or ectopically. It is undeniable that the periosteum is developing further into a more promising strategy to be harnessed in bone tissue regeneration. Here, we summarized the development and structure of the periosteum, cell markers, and the biological features of periosteal stem cells. Then, we reviewed their pivotal role in bone repair and the underlying molecular regulation. The understanding of periosteum-related cellular and molecular content will help enhance future research efforts and application transformation of the periosteum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light provides seeds with information that is essential for the adjustment of their germination to the conditions that are most favorable for the successful establishment of the future seedling. The promotion of germination depends mainly on environmental factors, like temperature and light, as well as internal factors associated with the hormonal balance between gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA), although other hormones such as auxins may act secondarily. While transcriptomic studies of light-germinating Arabidopsis thaliana seeds suggest that auxins and auxin transporters are necessary, there are still no functional studies connecting the activity of the auxin transporters in light-induced seed germination. In this study, we investigated the roles of two auxin efflux carrier (PIN3 and PIN7) proteins and one auxin influx (AUX1) carrier protein during Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination. By using next-generation sequencing (RNAseq), gene expression analyses, hormonal sensitivity assays, and the quantification of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, we assessed the functional roles of PIN3, PIN7, and AUX1 during light-induced seed germination. We showed that auxin levels are increased 24 h after a red-pulse (Rp). Additionally, we evaluated the germination responses of pin3, pin7, and aux1 mutant seeds and showed that PIN3, PIN7, and AUX1 auxin carriers are important players in the regulation of seed germination. By using gene expression analysis in water, fluridone (F), and ABA+F treated seeds, we confirmed that Rp-induced seed germination is associated with auxin transport, and ABA controls the function of PIN3, PIN7, and AUX1 during this process. Overall, our results highlight the relevant and positive role of auxin transporters in germinating the seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer poses intricate challenges to treatment due to its complexity and diversity. Ferroptosis and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as innovative therapeutic avenues amid the evolving landscape of cancer therapy. Extensive investigations into circRNAs reveal their diverse roles, ranging from molecular regulators to pivotal influencers of ferroptosis in cancer cell lines. The results underscore the significance of circRNAs in modulating molecular pathways that impact crucial aspects of cancer development, including cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. A detailed analysis delineates these pathways, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs influence ferroptosis. Building upon recent experimental findings, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting circRNAs to induce ferroptosis. By identifying specific circRNAs associated with the etiology of cancer, this analysis paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutics that exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This review consolidates the existing understanding of ferroptosis and circRNAs, emphasizing their role in cancer therapy and providing impetus for ongoing research in this dynamic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal-cord injury (SCI) is a severe condition that can lead to limb paralysis and motor dysfunction, and its pathogenesis is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the differential gene expression and molecular mechanisms in the spinal cord of mice three days after spinal cord injury. By analyzing RNA sequencing data, we identified differentially expressed genes and discovered that the immune system and various metabolic processes play crucial roles in SCI. Additionally, we identified UHRF1 as a key gene that plays a significant role in SCI and found that SCI can be improved by suppressing UHRF1. These findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of SCI and identify potential therapeutic targets that could greatly contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for SCI. Downregulation of UHRF1 promotes the recovery of motor function in mice with spinal cord injury. By analyzing the RNA sequencing results of mice with spinal cord injury for 3 days and selecting UHRF1 for experimental validation, the study found that inhibiting UHRF1 can promote motor function recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Flowering is a crucial process in the life cycle of most plants as it is essential for the reproductive success and genetic diversity of the species. There are situations in which breeders want to expedite, delay, or prevent flowering, for example, to shorten or prolong vegetative growth, to prevent unwanted pollination, to reduce the risk of diseases or pests, or to modify the plant's phenotypes. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge to use CRISPR/Cas9, a powerful genome-editing technology to modify specific DNA sequences related to flowering induction. We discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of the photoperiod, autonomous, vernalization, hormonal, sugar, aging, and temperature signal pathways regulating the flowering time. In addition, we are investigating the most effective strategies for nominating target genes. Furthermore, we have collected a dataset showing successful applications of CRISPR technology to accelerate flowering in several plant species from 2015 up to date. Finally, we explore the opportunities and challenges of using the potential of CRISPR technology in flowering time engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background “Red tides” are harmful algal blooms caused by dinoflagellate microalgae that accumulate toxins lethal to other organisms, including humans via consumption of contaminated seafood. These algal blooms are driven by a combination of environmental factors including nutrient enrichment, particularly in warm waters, and are increasingly frequent. The molecular, regulatory, and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie the heat stress response in these harmful bloom-forming algal species remain little understood, due in part to the limited genomic resources from dinoflagellates, complicated by the large sizes of genomes, exhibiting features atypical of eukaryotes. Results We present the de novo assembled genome (~ 4.75 Gbp with 85,849 protein-coding genes), transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome from Prorocentrum cordatum, a globally abundant, bloom-forming dinoflagellate. Using axenic algal cultures, we study the molecular mechanisms that underpin the algal response to heat stress, which is relevant to current ocean warming trends. We present the first evidence of a complementary interplay between RNA editing and exon usage that regulates the expression and functional diversity of biomolecules, reflected by reduction in photosynthesis, central metabolism, and protein synthesis. These results reveal genomic signatures and post-transcriptional regulation for the first time in a pelagic dinoflagellate. Conclusions Our multi-omics analyses uncover the molecular response to heat stress in an important bloom-forming algal species, which is driven by complex gene structures in a large, high-G+C genome, combined with multi-level transcriptional regulation. The dynamics and interplay of molecular regulatory mechanisms may explain in part how dinoflagellates diversified to become some of the most ecologically successful organisms on Earth.

Maintaining phloem transport under water stress is expected to be crucial to whole-plant drought tolerance, but the traits that benefit phloem function under drought are poorly understood. Nearly half of surveyed angiosperm species, including important crops, use sucrose transporter proteins to actively load sugar into the phloem. Plants can alter transporter abundance in response to stress, providing a potential mechanism for active-loading species to closely regulate phloem loading rates to avoid drought-induced reductions or failures in phloem transport. We developed an integrated xylem-phloem-stomatal model to test this hypothesis by quantifying the joint impacts of transporter kinetics, phloem anatomy, and plant water status on sucrose export to sinks. We parameterized the model with phloem hydraulic resistances and sucrose transporter kinetic parameters compiled from the literature, and simulated loading regulation by allowing loading rates to decline exponentially with phloem pressure to prevent excessive sucrose concentrations from inducing viscosity limitations. In the absence of loading regulation, where loading rates were independent of phloem pressure, most resistance values produced unrealistic phloem pressures owing to viscosity effects, even under well-watered conditions. Conversely, pressure-regulated loading helped to control viscosity buildup and improved export to sinks for both lower and higher resistant phloem pathways, while maintaining realistic phloem pressures. Regulation also allowed for rapid loading and export in wet conditions while maintaining export and viable phloem pressures during drought. Therefore, we expect feedbacks between phloem pressure and loading to be critical to carbon transport in active-loading species, especially under drought, and for transporter kinetics to be strongly coordinated with phloem architecture and plant water status. This work provides an important and underexplored physiological framework to understand the ecophysiology of phloem transport under drought and to enhance the genetic engineering of crop plants.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), a member of the Paniceae family, is a temperate and tropical grass species that is widely cultivated on the Eurasian continent. It is Chinese in origin and possesses a small genome, short growth cycle, and strong natural abiotic stress resistance. Elucidating the mechanism of millet tolerance to salt stress is becoming increasingly important with increasing soil salinization limiting crop productivity. The responses and mechanisms of tolerance to salt stress from other model plants such as Arabidopsis and rice, were compared with those from foxtail millet to summarize current research on responses to salt stress. Numerous processes are involved in these processes, including physiological reactions, sensing, signaling, and control at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels. To increase crop productivity and agricultural sustainability, a variety of technologies can be used to investigate how salt tolerance is mediated by physiological and molecular processes in foxtail millet.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. The detection of oncopathologies in the early stages of development is a paramount task of modern medicine, which can be solved only by improving modern diagnostic methods. The use of screening for certain tumor markers could complement modern tests such as testing for oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV), cytology, colposcopy with acetic acid and iodine solutions. Such highly informative biomarkers can be long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are highly specific compared to the mRNA profile and are involved in the regulation of gene expression. LncRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs molecules that are typically over 200 nucleotides in length. LncRNAs may be involved in the regulation of all major cellular processes, including proliferation and differentiation, metabolism, signaling pathways, and apoptosis. LncRNAs molecules are highly stable due to their small size, which is also their undoubted advantage. The study of individual lncRNAs as regulators of the expression of genes involved in the mechanisms of oncogenesis cervical cancer can be not only of great diagnostic value, but, as a result, of therapeutic significance in cervical cancer patients. This review article will present the characteristics of lncRNAs that allow them to be used as accurate diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as to consider them as effective therapeutic targets in cervical cancer.

Tumor development is closely associated with a complex tumor microenvironment, which is composed of tumor cells, blood vessels, tumor stromal cells, infiltrating immune cells, and associated effector molecules. T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, which are a subset of CD4+ T cells and are renowned for their ability to combat bacterial and fungal infections and mediate inflammatory responses, exhibit context-dependent effector functions. Within the tumor microenvironment, different molecular signals regulate the proliferation, differentiation, metabolic reprogramming, and phenotypic conversion of Th17 cells. Consequently, Th17 cells exert dual effects on tumor progression and can promote or inhibit tumor growth. This review aimed to investigate the impact of various alterations in the tumor microenvironment on the antitumor and protumor effects of Th17 cells to provide valuable clues for the exploration of additional tumor immunotherapy strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: New treatments that utilize targeted therapeutic agents or invigorations of the host immune system to destroy cancer cells are not effective against all cancers or responding patients. The mechanism underlying this failure is the ability of cancer cells to escape destruction and remain resistant to therapy. Understanding the gene products that make cancer cells resistant is beneficial in developing new drugs that inhibit resistant factors. One factor controlling the resistance in cancer cells is the gene regulator or transcription factor (TF) Yin Yang 1 (YY1). High levels of YY1 were detected in resistant cancer cells, while the inhibition restored sensitivities to cytotoxic therapies. This review discusses how YY1 overexpression regulates death protective proteins that control cancer cell resistance. Targeting YY1 in cancer cells for its inhibition or targeting its protective proteins will reverse resistance and allow for cancer cells to respond to therapies, tumor regression and the prolongation of survival. Cancer is a leading cause of death among the various diseases encountered in humans. Cancer is not a single entity and consists of numerous different types and subtypes that require various treatment regimens. In the last decade, several milestones in cancer treatments were accomplished, such as specific targeting agents or revitalizing the dormant anti-tumor immune response. These milestones have resulted in significant positive clinical responses as well as tumor regression and the prolongation of survival in subsets of cancer patients. Hence, in non-responding patients and non-responding relapsed patients, cancers develop intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to cell death via the overexpression of anti-apoptotic gene products. In parallel, the majority of resistant cancers have been reported to overexpress a transcription factor, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), which regulates the chemo-immuno-resistance of cancer cells to therapeutic anticancer cytotoxic agents. The relationship between the overexpression of YY1 and several anti-apoptotic gene products, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL), myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) and survivin, is investigated in this paper. The findings demonstrate that these anti-apoptotic gene products are regulated, in part, by YY1 at the transcriptional, epigenetic, post-transcriptional and translational levels. While targeting each of the anti-apoptotic gene products individually has been examined and clinically tested for some, this targeting strategy is not effective due to compensation by other overexpressed anti-apoptotic gene products. In contrast, targeting YY1 directly, through small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), gene editing or small molecule inhibitors, can be therapeutically more effective and generalized in YY1-overexpressed resistant cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolism of cells and blood circulation allow for the constant production and destruction of red blood cells. Erythrocyte formation allows red blood cells to regenerate, which is crucial for maintaining the equilibrium of the organism. Erythrocyte formation is a multi‐step, intricate process with distinct structural and functional characteristics at each stage. Erythropoiesis is regulated by a number of signaling pathways; malfunctional regulatory mechanisms may result in disease and aberrant erythropoiesis. Therefore, this article focuses on a review of the erythroid formation process, related signaling pathways, and red blood cell lineage diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Covalent surface modification of TiO 2 containing amine-based small molecules to construct highly active photocatalysts. • TiO 2 surface exhibits an electron-rich state, which can reduce the energy of photoexcitation and thus broaden the light absorption range. • DFT also obtained consistent results with narrowing band gap and enhanced light absorption with stronger H* adsorption. • The modified TiO 2 showed excellent stability of catalytic hydrogen production after 1 month of storage at room temperature. On the basis of the inherent property limitations of commercial P25-TiO 2 , many surface interface modification methods have attracted substantial attention for further improving the photocatalytic properties. However, current strategies for designing and modifying efficient photocatalysts (which exhibit complicated manufacturing processes and harsh conditions) are not efficient for production that is low cost, is nontoxic, and exhibits good stability; and therefore restrict practical applications. Herein, a facile and reliable method is reported for in situ amine-containing silane coupling agent functionalization of commercial P25-TiO 2 by covalent surface modification for constructing a highly efficient photocatalyst. As a consequence, a high efficiency of H 2 evolution was achieved for TiO 2 -SDA with 0.95 mmol h−1 g−1 (AQE ∼45.6 % at 365 nm) under solar light irradiation without a co-catalyst. The amination modification broadens the light absorption range of the photocatalyst, inhibits the binding of photogenerated carriers, and improves the photocatalytic efficiency; which was verified by photochemical properties and DFT theoretical calculations. This covalent modification method ensures the stability of the photocatalytic reaction. This work provides an approach for molecularly modified photocatalysts to improve photocatalytic performance by covalently modifying small molecules containing amine groups on the photocatalyst surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp seeds are consumed in “Bama longevity villages” in China and are believed to contribute to the locals’ longevity. However, the molecular breeding of hemp seeds is limited due to our lack of understanding of molecular regulation and metabolite accumulation at different maturity stages. Here, we conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of hemp seeds from the Bama region at four maturity stages (S1 to S4). In total, 1231 metabolites of 11 classes were detected in hemp seeds from S1–S4, including 233 flavonoids, 214 phenolic acids, 159 lipids, 118 amino acids and derivatives, 100 alkaloids, 100 organic acids, 71 nucleotides and derivatives, 43 lignans and coumarins, 14 terpenoids, 13 tannins, and 166 others. The metabolomic analysis of hemp seeds (from the Bama region) revealed a higher number of flavonoid metabolites compared with seven other varieties from other regions in China. Hemp seeds are rich in metabolites like cannflavin, trigonelline, citric acid, vitexin, choline alfoscerate, and choline, which may potentially contribute to the longevity of the Bama people. Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, a gradual decrease in the overall expression pattern of genes and metabolite accumulation was observed during seed maturation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that two genes (ncbi_115696993 and ncbi_115706674) are involved in regulating main metabolites, while transcription factor association analysis revealed that three transcription factor genes (MYB, NAC, and GRAS) are also involved in regulating the metabolites. The expression pattern of these five candidate genes was further verified by qPCR. Our study provides valuable insights into the metabolic substances during seed maturation and identifies candidate genes that could be utilized for future genetic engineering to enhance the endogenous biosynthesis of health-promoting metabolites in hemp seeds, potentially leading to improved nutritional and medicinal properties.

Cereal crops are crucial for global food security; however, they are susceptible to various environmental stresses that significantly hamper their productivity. In response, melatonin has emerged as a promising regulator, offering potential benefits for stress tolerance and crop growth. This review explores the effects of melatonin on maize, sorghum, millet, rice, barley, and wheat, aiming to enhance their resilience to stress. The application of melatonin has shown promising outcomes, improving water use efficiency and reducing transpiration rates in millet under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, it enhances the salinity and heavy metal tolerance of millet by regulating the activity of stress-responsive genes. Similarly, melatonin application in sorghum enhances its resistance to high temperatures, low humidity, and nutrient deficiency, potentially involving the modulation of antioxidant defense and aspects related to photosynthetic genes. Melatonin also exerts protective effects against drought, salinity, heavy metal, extreme temperatures, and waterlogging stresses in maize, wheat, rice, and barley crops by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through regulating the antioxidant defense system. The molecular reactions of melatonin upregulated photosynthesis, antioxidant defense mechanisms, the metabolic pathway, and genes and downregulated stress susceptibility genes. In conclusion, melatonin serves as a versatile tool in cereal crops, bolstering stress resistance and promoting sustainable development. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and refine application techniques to fully harness the potential role of melatonin in cereal crop production systems.

Dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells that can differentiate into multiple lineages including odontoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, neural cells, myocytes, cardiomyocytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells, melanocytes, and hepatocytes. Odontoblastic differentiation of DMSCs is pivotal in dentinogenesis, a delicate and dynamic process regulated at the molecular level by signaling pathways, transcription factors, and posttranscriptional and epigenetic regulation. Mutations or dysregulation of related genes may contribute to genetic diseases with dentin defects caused by impaired odontoblastic differentiation, including tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome, X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), Raine syndrome (RS), hypophosphatasia (HPP), Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD), and Elsahy-Waters syndrome (EWS). Herein, recent progress in the molecular regulation of the odontoblastic differentiation of DMSCs is summarized. In addition, genetic syndromes associated with disorders of odontoblastic differentiation of DMSCs are discussed. An improved understanding of the molecular regulation and related genetic syndromes may help clinicians better understand the etiology and pathogenesis of dentin lesions in systematic diseases and identify novel treatment targets.

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), an almost exclusively cytoplasmic enzyme, plays an essential role in many biological processes and exerts its deacetylationdependent/independent effects on a variety of target molecules, which has contributed to the flourishing growth of relatively isoform-specific enzyme inhibitors. Renal transplantation (RT) is one of the alternatively preferred treatments and the most cost-effective treatment approaches for the great majority of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). HDAC6 expression and activity have recently been shown to be increased in kidney disease in a number of studies. To date, a substantial amount of validated studies has identified HDAC6 as a pivotal modulator of innate and adaptive immunity, and HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i) are being developed and investigated for use in arrays of immune-related diseases, making HDAC6i a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of a variety of renal diseases. Based on accumulating evidence, HDAC6i markedly open up new avenues for therapeutic intervention to protect against oxidative stress-induced damage, tip the balance in favor of the generation of tolerance-related immune cells, and attenuate fibrosis by inhibiting multiple activations of cell profibrotic signaling pathways. Taken together, we have a point of view that targeting HDAC6 may be a novel approach for the therapeutic strategy of RT-related complications, including consequences of ischemia-reperfusion injury, induction of immune tolerance in transplantation, equilibrium of rejection, and improvement of chronic renal graft interstitial fibrosis after transplantation in patients. Herein, we will elaborate on the unique function of HDAC6, which focuses on therapeutical mechanism of action related to immunological events with a general account of the tantalizing potential to the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperatures (HTs) seriously affect the yield and quality of tea. Catechins, derived from the flavonoid pathway, are characteristic compounds that contribute to the flavour of tea leaves. In this study, we first showed that the flavonoid content of tea leaves was significantly reduced under HT conditions via metabolic profiles; and then demonstrated that two transcription factors, CsHSFA1b and CsHSFA2 were activated by HT and negatively regulate flavonoid biosynthesis during HT treatment. Jasmonate (JA), a defensive hormone, plays a key role in plant adaption to environmental stress. However, little has been reported on its involvement in HT response in tea. Herein, we demonstrated that CsHSFA1b and CsHSFA2 activate CsJAZ6 expression through directly binding to heat shock elements in its promoter, and thereby repress the JA pathway. Most secondary metabolites are regulated by JA, including catechin in tea. Our study reported that CsJAZ6 directly interacts with CsEGL3 and CsTTG1 and thereby reduces catechin accumulation. From this, we proposed a CsHSFA‐CsJAZ6‐mediated HT regulation model of catechin biosynthesis. We also determined that negative regulation of the JA pathway by CsHSFAs and its homologues is conserved in Arabidopsis. These findings broaden the applicability of the regulation of JAZ by HSF transcription factors and further suggest the JA pathway as a valuable candidate for HT‐resistant breeding and cultivation. Summary Statement: Jasmonate (JA) acts as an important participant in the adaption to environmental stressors. However, it remains unclear whether JA‐mediated flavonoid metabolites contribute to the adaptation to high temperature (HT) stress in tea. In this study, we demonstrated that CsJAZ6, which is activated downstream of CsHSFA1b/CsHSFA2, responds to HT stress and negatively impacts catechin biosynthesis. Based on our findings, we have proposed a mechanistic model of CsHSFA‐CsJAZ6‐mediated HT regulation of catechin biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-ionone（β-ionone, ΒI）is an important natural aroma volatile compound widely distributed in plants, which is an apocarotenoid produced by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases cleaving β-carotene at the 9, 10 and the 9', 10' positions. As a representative of cyclized isoprene, β-ionone has various biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor. Therefore, studies on the biosynthesis and metabolic regulation of β-ionone in plants has gradually become a hot topic. This paper summarizes the progress of β-ionone bioactivity, biosynthesis and regulation in plants, focusing on the β-ionone biosynthesis pathway and its related enzymes, followed by the control of β-ionone biosynthesis by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase genes at the molecular level, as well as transcription factors such as WRKY, NAC, ERF and MYB regulate the expressions of related structural genes and thus affect β-ionone biosynthesis. And the paper describes the effects of environmental factors such as temperature, light, water and soil salinity on β-ionone biosynthesis in plants. It also introduces the effects of genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of β-ionone on the color and aroma of plant leaves, flowers and fruits, as well as the improvement of β-ionone biosynthesis in plants using gene overexpression, gene silencing and other genetic engineering techniques, and makes reasonable prospects for the problems to be solved in the research on β-ionone in plants, aiming to provide theoretical assistance for the deeper research on the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanism of β-ionone in plants, and provide a theoretical foundation for improving plant floral aroma substances and obtaining a high yield of natural β-ionone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many bioactive secondary metabolites synthesized by fungi have important applications in many fields, such as agriculture, food, medical and others. The biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is a complex process involving a variety of enzymes and transcription factors, which are regulated at different levels. In this review, we describe our current understanding on molecular regulation of fungal secondary metabolite biosynthesis, such as environmental signal regulation, transcriptional regulation and epigenetic regulation. The effects of transcription factors on the secondary metabolites produced by fungi were mainly introduced. It was also discussed that new secondary metabolites could be found in fungi and the production of secondary metabolites could be improved. We also highlight the importance of understanding the molecular regulation mechanisms to activate silent secondary metabolites and uncover their physiological and ecological functions. By comprehensively understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, we can develop strategies to improve the production of these compounds and maximize their potential benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: We review the application and the molecular regulation of anthocyanins in colorful Brassica crops, the creation of new germplasm resources, and the development and utilization of colorful Brassica crops. Brassica crops are widely cultivated: these include oilseed crops, such as rapeseed, mustards, and root, leaf, and stem vegetable types, such as turnips, cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflowers. Colorful variants exist of these crop species, and asides from increased aesthetic appeal, these may also offer advantages in terms of nutritional content and improved stress resistances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pigmentation in Brassica as a reference for the selection and breeding of new colorful Brassica varieties for multiple end uses. We summarize the function and molecular regulation of anthocyanins in Brassica crops, the creation of new colorful germplasm resources via different breeding methods, and the development and multifunctional utilization of colorful Brassica crop types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is a trace element essential for normal plant life activities and is involved in various metabolic pathways such as chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, and respiration. Although iron is highly abundant in the earth's crust, the amount that can be absorbed and utilized by plants is very low. Therefore, plants have developed a series of systems for absorption, transport, and utilization in the course of long-term evolution. This review focuses on the findings of current studies of the Fe2+ absorption mechanism I, Fe3+ chelate absorption mechanism II and plant-microbial interaction iron absorption mechanism, particularly effective measures for artificially regulating plant iron absorption and transportation to promote plant growth and development. According to the available literature, the beneficial effects of using microbial fertilizers as iron fertilizers are promising but further evidence of the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and plants is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity has become an increasingly serious problem worldwide, greatly limiting crop development and yield, and posing a major challenge to plant breeding. Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are the most widely distributed and conserved transcription factors and are the main regulators controlling various plant response processes against external stimuli. The bZIP protein contains two domains: a highly conserved, DNA-binding alkaline region, and a diverse leucine zipper, which is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants. Plant bZIP is involved in many biological processes, such as flower development, seed maturation, dormancy, and senescence, and plays an important role in abiotic stresses such as salt damage, drought, cold damage, osmotic stress, mechanical damage, and ABA signal response. In addition, bZIP is involved in the regulation of plant response to biological stresses such as insect pests and pathogen infection through salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ABA signal transduction pathways. This review summarizes and discusses the structural characteristics and functional characterization of the bZIP transcription factor group, the bZIP transcription factor complex and its molecular regulation mechanisms related to salt stress resistance, and the regulation of transcription factors in plant salt stress resistance. This review provides a theoretical basis and research ideas for further exploration of the salt stress-related functions of bZIP transcription factors. It also provides a theoretical basis for crop genetic improvement and green production in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evolution of heterostyly, a genetically controlled floral polymorphism, has been a hotspot of research since the 19th century. In recent years, studies on the molecular mechanism of distyly (the most common form of heterostyly) revealed an evolutionary convergence in genes for brassinosteroids (BR) degradation in different angiosperm groups. This floral polymorphism often exhibits considerable variability that some taxa have significant stylar dimorphism, but anther height differs less. This phenomenon has been termed "anomalous" distyly, which is usually regarded as a transitional stage in evolution. Compared to "typical" distyly, the genetic regulation of "anomalous" distyly is almost unknown, leaving a big gap in our understanding of this special floral adaptation strategy. Methods: Here we performed the firstmolecular-level study focusing on this floral polymorphism in Guettarda speciosa (Rubiaceae), a tropical tree with "anomalous" distyly. Comprehensive transcriptomic profiling was conducted to examine which genes and metabolic pathways were involved in the genetic control of style dimorphism and if they exhibit similar convergence with "typical" distylous species. Results: "Brassinosteroid homeostasis" and "plant hormone signal transduction" was the most significantly enriched GO term and KEGG pathway in the comparisons between L- and S-morph styles, respectively. Interestingly, homologs of all the reported S-locus genes either showed very similar expressions between L- and S-morph styles or no hits were found in G. speciosa. BKI1, a negative regulator of brassinosteroid signaling directly repressing BRI1 signal transduction, was identified as a potential gene regulating style length, which significantly up-regulated in the styles of S-morph. Discussion: These findings supported the hypothesis that style length in G. speciosa was regulated through a BR-related signaling network in which BKI1 may be one key gene. Our data suggested, in species with "anomalous" distyly, style length was regulated by gene differential expressions, instead of the "hemizygous" S-locus genes in "typical" distylous flowers such as Primula and Gelsemium, representing an "intermediate" stage in the evolution of distyly. Genome-level analysis and functional studies in more species with "typical" and "anomalous" distyly would further decipher this "most complex marriage arrangement" in angiosperms and improve our knowledge of floral evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, which is mainly produced using the young leaves and buds of tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze), is one of the most common non-alcoholic beverages consumed in the world. The standard of tea mostly depends on the variety and quality of tea plants, which generally grow in subtropical areas, where the warm and humid conditions are also conducive to the occurrence of diseases. In fighting against pathogens, plants rely on their sophisticated innate immune systems which has been extensively studied in model plants. Many components involved in pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) triggered immunity (PTI) and effector triggered immunity (ETI) have been found. Nevertheless, the molecular regulating network against pathogens (e.g., Pseudopestalotiopsis sp., Colletotrichum sp. and Exobasidium vexans) causing widespread disease (such as grey blight disease, anthracnose, and blister blight) in tea plants is still unclear. With the recent release of the genome data of tea plants, numerous genes involved in tea plant immunity have been identified, and the molecular mechanisms behind tea plant immunity is being studied. Therefore, the recent achievements in identifying and cloning functional genes/gene families, in finding crucial components of tea immunity signaling pathways, and in understanding the role of secondary metabolites have been summarized and the opportunities and challenges in the future studies of tea immunity are highlighted in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periosteum is known as the thin connective tissue covering most bone surfaces. Its extrusive bone regeneration capacity was confirmed from the very first century-old studies. Recently, pluripotent stem cells in the periosteum with unique physiological properties were unveiled. Existing in dynamic contexts and regulated by complex molecular networks, periosteal stem cells emerge as having strong capabilities of proliferation and multipotential differentiation. Through continuous exploration of studies, we are now starting to acquire more insight into the great potential of the periosteum in bone formation and repair in situ or ectopically. It is undeniable that the periosteum is developing further into a more promising strategy to be harnessed in bone tissue regeneration. Here, we summarized the development and structure of the periosteum, cell markers, and the biological features of periosteal stem cells. Then, we reviewed their pivotal role in bone repair and the underlying molecular regulation. The understanding of periosteum-related cellular and molecular content will help enhance future research efforts and application transformation of the periosteum.

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microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of evolutionarily conserved endogenous small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), containing approximately 20-22 nucleotides, are involved in the regulating gene expressions and multiple physiological and biochemical processes by complementary functions with target gene mRNAs. Current studies mainly focus on the conventional functions of miRNAs negatively regulating the expressions of specific target genes by cleaving their mRNAs or otherwise inhibiting their translation into proteins. However, there are few studies on the unconventional functions of miRNAs. In this review, we emphatically summarized the 6 unconventional miRNA functions, including pri-miRNAs coding for peptides, miRNAs interacting with non-AGO proteins, miRNAs directly activating Toll-like receptors, miRNAs upregulating protein expression, miRNAs targeting mitochondrial transcripts, and miRNAs directly activating transcription, aiming to understand the unconventional miRNA functions more deeply and systematically, and provide novel ideas and methods for revealing the complex molecular regulation mechanism of miRNA in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandrium causes serious food safety and human death due to paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) production. The associated bacteria can affect PSTs production of Alexandrium. However, the influencing mechanism is still unclear. Here we firstly screened functional associated bacteria for affecting PSTs production of Alexandrium catenella in Yangtze Estuary and further studied their influence on physiological process and molecular regulation of A. catenella. Thirteen bacteria strains for affecting PSTs production of A. catenella were selected. The A. catenella strains co-cultured with different functional associated bacteria all produced more PSTs than axenic strain with antibiotic treatment. Compared with axenic A. catenella , the non-axenic A. catenella produced more algal cells, soluble sugar, soluble protein and neutral lipid. By RNA-seq, it was found that non-axenic A. catenella produced more upregulated functional genes than axenic A. catenella. The biosynthesis of cofactors and spliceosome were the dominant different pathways between axenic and non-axenic A. catenella strains. The sxt A expression was closely related with Arginine and proline metabolism, Arginine biosynthesis, Fatty acid biosynthesis, TCA cycle and Glutathione metabolism, which were all downregulated in axenic A. catenella. Meantime, the non-axenic A. catenella under nitrogen deprivation produced less PSTs and functional genes than non-axenic strain under common culture condition, indicating the nitrogen significance for PSTs production. The detailed signal molecular released by associated bacteria for regulating PSTs of A. catenella needs to be further studied. [Display omitted] • Thirteen bacteria affecting PSTs production were selected. • catenella strains with bacteria produced more PSTs. • The non-axenic A. catenella produced more molecular components of physiology. • Cofactors and spliceosome were the dominant signals with bacteria influence. • The sxtA and related pathways were downloaded in axenic algal stains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering is a crucial process in the life cycle of most plants as it is essential for the reproductive success and genetic diversity of the species. There are situations in which breeders want to expedite, delay, or prevent flowering, for example, to shorten or prolong vegetative growth, to prevent unwanted pollination, to reduce the risk of diseases or pests, or to modify the plant’s phenotypes. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge to use CRISPR/Cas9, a powerful genome-editing technology to modify specific DNA sequences related to flowering induction. We discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of the photoperiod, autonomous, vernalization, hormonal, sugar, aging, and temperature signal pathways regulating the flowering time. In addition, we are investigating the most effective strategies for nominating target genes. Furthermore, we have collected a dataset showing successful applications of CRISPR technology to accelerate flowering in several plant species from 2015 up to date. Finally, we explore the opportunities and challenges of using the potential of CRISPR technology in flowering time engineering.

The somatic embryogenesis (SE) process is better suited to large-scale production and automation than other clonal propagation methods such as the rooting of cuttings. SE is becoming a key technique to promote the asexual industrialization of conifers. Furthermore, somatic embryos are an ideal material to study the molecular mechanism of conifer embryo development, as the processes of somatic and zygotic embryo development are very similar. This brief review introduces the culturing techniques of the SE process in conifers and outlines the progress and deficiencies in conifer SE research. Emphasis is placed on the patterning formation of conifer somatic embryos.

During the third week of human pregnancy, an embryo transforms from two germinal disc layers of hypoblast and epiblast to three germinal layers of endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. Gastrulation is a complex process that includes cellular mobility, morphogenesis and cell signalling, as well as chemical morphogenic gradients, transcription factors and differential gene expression. During gastrulation, many signalling channels coordinate individual cell actions in precise time and location. These channels control cell proliferation, shape, fate and migration to the correct sites. Subsequently, the anteroposterior (AP), dorsoventral (DV) and left-right (LR) body axes are formed before and during gastrulation via these signalling regulation signals. Hence, the anomalies in gastrulation caused by insults to certain molecular pathways manifest as a wide range of body axes-related disorders. This article outlines the formation of body axes during gastrulation and the anomalies as well as the clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]