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PubMed2026

Induced degradation of Ufd1 reveals regulation of cohesin by the VCP/p97Ufd1-Npl4 complex.

The AAA ATPase VCP/p97 has emerged as a critical regulator of ubiquitin and chromatin-associated processes but progress in understanding has been hampered by the complexity of p97 functions and the various p97 cofactors involved. Here, we combined ubiquitin profiling with acutely induced degradation of the Ufd1 subunit of the p97 ubiquitin adapter, Ufd1-Npl4, in human cells. We identified a set of chromatin regulators, HUS1, XRCC1, MORF4L1, and the cohesin subunit RAD21 as targets of p97Ufd1-Npl4 We find that RAD21 is ubiquitylated and targeted by p97Ufd1-Npl4 specifically in S phase to remove a subpopulation of cohesin from chromatin. Acute degradation of Ufd1 in S phase, after replication licensing is completed, impedes replication and leads to replication-associated DNA damage. Our findings suggest that a fraction of cohesin rings need to be removed by p97Ufd1-Npl4 from DNA to allow unhindered replication and reveal a critical function of p97 that ensures genome stability.

Cell Cycle Proteins↗

PubMed2026

The circadian clock proteins PRR modulate root hair development via the RHD6/RSL module in Arabidopsis.

Root hairs, derived from trichoblasts, are critical for plant growth and environmental adaptation. Although environmental cues are known to influence root hair development, how endogenous timing systems such as the circadian clock integrate into the core transcriptional network governing root hair formation remains unclear. Here, we show that the circadian clock-associated protein PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR5 (PRR5) physically interacts with ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE6 (RHD6) and RHD6 LIKE1 (RSL1), two basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors essential for root hair initiation. Genetic analyses suggest that PRR proteins contribute to root hair development under long-day conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana. Simultaneous disruption of PRR5, PRR7, and PRR9 results in defective root hairs, whereas PRR5 overexpression markedly increases root hair density and length. Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses reveal that PRRs enhance the expression of RHD6, RSL1, and multiple downstream root hair-responsive genes, while modulating their temporal expression patterns. Furthermore, PRR5-mediated root hair promotion requires RHD6/RSL1, and PRR proteins enhance RHD6-dependent activation of the RSL4 promoter. PRRs also contribute to root hair development under phosphate-deficient and salt-stress conditions. Together, these findings establish a molecular framework in which PRR proteins regulate the RHD6/RSL network to coordinate root hair development and environmental responses.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed2026

Advances in cereal protein applications for infant and Young child nutrition.

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of plant-derived proteins in infant and young child nutrition necessitates tailored amino acid profiles, high digestibility and strict safety controls. Cereal proteins, such as rice, oat, maize, millet, barley, and wheat, are widely used in complementary foods but face intrinsic limitations, notably lysine and tryptophan deficits, antinutritional factors that reduce bioavailability, gluten immunogenicity in wheat/barley, and inorganic arsenic risks in rice. SCOPE AND APPROACH: This review synthesizes recent advances in processing and formulation strategies, including enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, germination, extrusion, cereal-legume complementation, and micronutrient fortification. Their impacts on digestibility, techno-functionality, iron and zinc bioavailability, and protein quality, including Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) are critically reviewed using data from in vitro assays, product development, and clinical trials. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Processing and blending approaches can substantially improve protein digestibility, amino acid balance and micronutrient availability, and hydrolyzed rice protein holds clinical promise for cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). However, most evidence is preclinical, reporting of protein quality is inconsistent, and industrial translation is constrained by sensory, shelf-life, contaminant and cost issues. We recommend standardized DIAAS-based reporting, large-scale feeding trials, sensory /stability optimization, and targeted exploration of underutilized grains (e.g., oat, millet) with active allergen monitoring. Prioritizing amino acid-focused formulation coupled with strategies to enhance micronutrient bioavailability will accelerate safe adoption of cereal proteins in early-life nutrition.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Compliance With Ecological Momentary Assessment Among Patients With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer often experience substantial fluctuations in psychological states during disease management. Traditional research tools are limited in capturing these dynamic changes in real time, constraining clinicians' understanding of patients' true conditions. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) enables high-frequency, real-time data collection, providing patient-reported data with greater ecological validity. However, the effectiveness of EMA studies critically depends on patient compliance, and reported compliance rates vary widely, with a lack of systematic quantitative synthesis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review and quantitatively analyze compliance with EMA among patients with cancer, and to examine whether EMA design characteristics were associated with compliance. METHODS: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for literature published up to April 30, 2026. Compliance was defined as completed prompts divided by delivered prompts. Single-group proportions were pooled using logit transformation and random-effects models with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment. Prediction intervals were calculated to describe the expected distribution of compliance in future comparable settings. Subgroup analyses, univariable meta-regressions, leave-one-out sensitivity analyses, and tests for small-study effects were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data, methodological reporting quality was assessed using a modified Checklist for Reporting EMA Studies, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies involving 13,565 participants were included. The pooled compliance rate was 78.55% (95% CI 73.48%-82.87%), with a prediction interval of 48.59%-93.41%. Subgroup analyses identified no robust differences across study characteristics. Although study length showed a statistically significant subgroup test, the result was not stable after excluding singleton categories. Meta-regression analyses similarly found no significant linear associations for study length, prompts per day, items per prompt, or assessment window. Leave-one-out analyses showed that no single study drove the pooled estimate. Regarding the risk of bias, 2 studies were judged as low, while 21 were judged as moderate risk. Quality scores ranged from 6.5 to 9.0, and the certainty of evidence for the pooled compliance rate was rated as very low according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. CONCLUSIONS: Overall compliance with EMA among patients with cancer was moderate to high, suggesting that repeated real-world assessment may be feasible in oncology research settings. Nevertheless, the very high heterogeneity, wide prediction interval, and very low certainty of evidence indicate that compliance is context-dependent. The pooled estimate should therefore be interpreted as an approximate benchmark rather than a universal expected rate. Future oncology EMA studies should use standardized compliance denominators, report missing prompts transparently, and prospectively evaluate patient-centered design strategies that reduce burden while preserving data quality.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Risk factors for loss of skeletal muscle mass in patients with chronic kidney disease on a low-protein diet.

OBJECTIVES: A low-protein diet (LPD) is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to prevent a further decline in renal function. However, its impact on muscle mass in these patients remains unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for loss of muscle mass in patients with CKD on an LPD. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with predialysis CKD (59 men, mean age 61.9 ± 11.5 y) who participated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial initiated in 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. We collected data on baseline blood and urine tests, body composition, and dietary records at the start and end of the observation period. We evaluated muscle mass using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and analyzed risk factors for a decrease in SMI during the 24-wk observation period, using logistic regression analysis. Variables with an association (P < 0.1) in univariate analysis, as well as age, sex, use of low-protein rice, and changes in protein intake, were subjected to multivariate analysis. RESULTS: SMI decreased in 50 patients (59.5%) during the observation period. Multivariate analysis identified significant associations of the SMI with serum albumin at baseline (odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.52, P = 0.004) and changes in energy intake while on the LPD (odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence interval 1.00-11.43, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for reduced SMI in patients with CKD on an LPD were malnutrition when initiating the LPD and reduced energy intake during its implementation. Clinicians should optimize nutritional status before initiation of an LPD and ensure adequate energy intake throughout treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nurse-led attribution remodeling training based on the Neuman systems model to enhance resilience, adaptive coping, and attributional style in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Psychological interventions for patients with breast cancer often overlook the critical role of maladaptive attributional style in shaping their adjustment. Therefore, the need for theory-driven, scalable interventions that target cognitive restructuring, particularly during the vulnerable post-diagnosis period, is clear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led attribution remodeling training intervention grounded in the Neuman systems model for improving resilience, adaptive coping, and attributional style among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 130 eligible women newly diagnosed with breast cancer were recruited between March and November 2024. METHODS: A two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either attribution remodeling training plus routine nursing (n = 65) or routine nursing only (n = 65). The nurse-led attribution remodeling training intervention, delivered via a blended model of in-person sessions and continued support through the WeChat mobile platform, was designed to systematically reshape maladaptive attributions into more adaptive ones. Resilience (primary indicator), coping strategy (i.e., confrontation, avoidance, resignation), and attributional style (secondary indicators) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-baseline. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the effects of group, time, and group-by-time interactions. Effect sizes (Cohen's D) were calculated based on the means and standard deviations. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the intervention group had better outcomes than the control group in terms of resilience (mean difference: 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.37, 2.61), confrontation coping (3.35 [2.33, 4.37]), and adaptive attributional style (4.16 [3.87, 4.45]). Avoidance coping showed a small increase (0.82 [0.22, 1.42]), whereas resignation coping decreased (-1.66 [-2.49, -0.83]). Group effects and group-by-time interactions were statistically significant for all outcomes. Effect sizes at 6 months ranged from small for resilience (D = 0.28) and avoidance coping (D = 0.26) to moderate for confrontation coping (D = 0.60) and resignation coping reduction (D = -0.51), and large for attributional style (D = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Attribution remodeling training is a promising and effective theory-based intervention that can enhance psychological adaptation in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. By strengthening key defense mechanisms, as conceptualized by the Neuman systems model, the program is effective, scalable, and nurse-deliverable for psycho-oncology care, bridging a critical gap in supportive cancer care and empowering nurses as primary psychological support providers. REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000031827, registered prospectively on April 11, 2020, www.Chictr.or.cn.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Gastrointestinal digestion governs insect protein hydrolysis and predicted bioactive peptide release: Species-dependent implications for functional food applications.

This study investigates the digestion of insect proteins and the release of predicted bioactive peptides during human gastrointestinal digestion. Using the Infogest in vitro model, mealworm, cricket, and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) proteins were digested and analyzed through discovery proteomics and bioinformatics to identify predicted bioactive peptides. Sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH-MS) quantified insect proteins including predicted bioactive peptide precursor proteins, the precursors of predicted bioactive peptides. Results indicated that gastrointestinal digestion strongly influences peptide release, with the gastric phase exhibiting a richer predicted bioactive peptide profile than the small intestinal phase. Many predicted bioactive peptides were rapidly hydrolysed under small intestine conditions, which may lead to reduced stability or diminished activity in vivo, potentially explaining why certain peptides show strong bioactivity in vitro but limited effects in vivo. Additionally, predicted bioactive peptide release varied by insect species, influenced by genetic factors and peptide abundance. These findings highlight the importance of species selection and consideration of proteolytic digestion patterns in optimizing insect-derived bioactive peptides for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Olive leaf protein hydrolysates yield gastro-resistant peptides with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential: peptidomics, in vitro validation and molecular docking analyses.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves are an abundant olive-oil by-product and a promising feedstock for sustainable valorisation. An olive leaf protein isolate (OLPI) from olive-leaf powder (OLP) was enzymatically hydrolysed to yield seven hydrolysates (OLPHs). All showed notable antioxidant activity as whole hydrolysate matrices (EC₅₀ = 0.11-0.28 mg mL-1); likely reflecting the combined contribution of released peptides and co-extracted phenolic compounds; the 15-min Alcalase product (OLPH15A) showed high activity with the shortest processing time. Its INFOGEST digest (dOLPH15A) attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in Caco-2 cells, down-regulating pro-inflammatory and up-regulating anti-inflammatory genes. Peptidomics identified 7037 peptides in OLPH15A and 534 in dOLPH15A, from which twenty gastro-resistant sequences were prioritised for in silico analysis. Multi-tool prediction and docking highlighted four peptides, GAAGGIGQPL, QSAYPGTGPL, GGGAGGGDGGIL and LDAQFPGVN, with favourable predicted affinity for the TLR4/MD2 complex, suggesting that they may contribute to the observed immunomodulatory response. These findings position olive leaves as a viable source of protein hydrolysate-based ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, advancing the valorisation of olive-oil by-products.

Olea↗

PubMed2026

Antennal transcriptome analysis of chemosensory proteins in the raspberry weevil, Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a polyphagous pest of economic importance in southern Chile, the chemical ecology of which remains poorly characterized. Across insect species, chemosensory proteins, including odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), mediate the detection of chemical cues involved in host selection, reproduction, and other ecologically relevant behaviors. In this study, the antennal transcriptome of adult A. superciliosus was sequenced and analyzed using a de novo RNA-seq approach. Three independent biological replicates per sex were used for RNA-seq, and the same number of independent biological replicates was used for RT-qPCR validation; sequencing yielded 147,409,936 high-quality reads after quality filtering. A total of 112 candidate chemosensory genes were identified, comprising 43 ORs, 34 OBPs, 10 CSPs, 18 IRs, 5 GRs, and 2 SNMPs. Phylogenetic analyses assigned these candidate proteins to established clades, providing a comparative framework for functional inference for ORs and OBPs. Sex- and tissue-biased expression analyses revealed that several ORs, including AsupOR4, AsupOR19, and AsupOBP13, exhibit antennal enrichment and sex-specific expression patterns. Notably, AsupOR19 and AsupOBP13 displayed strong female-biased expression. In addition, transcripts of selected ORs and OBPs were detected in non-antennal tissues, such as the rostrum and legs, suggesting potential functional versatility beyond canonical olfaction. Together, these findings represent the first molecular identification of the chemosensory repertoire of A. superciliosus. This study establishes a foundation for reverse chemical ecology approaches aimed at identifying behaviorally active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) toward environmentally sustainable strategies for integrated pest management.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Longitudinal functional trajectory and surgical outcomes after intracranial meningioma resection: implications for surgical decision-making in older patients.

OBJECTIVE: As the population ages, meningiomas are increasingly encountered in older patients, yet longitudinal functional outcomes following surgery across age groups remain incompletely characterized. This study evaluated age-related differences in clinical and tumor characteristics, functional trajectory, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 396 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for intracranial meningiomas at a single academic center between January 2023 and September 2025. Patients were stratified into 5 age groups (< 65, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and ≥ 80 years). Neurological deficits and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) were assessed preoperatively, at discharge, and at last follow-up. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of prolonged length of stay (LOS) (> 5 days) and poor functional outcome at discharge (KPS < 80). RESULTS: Older patients presented with greater comorbidity burden, larger tumors, and lower preoperative KPS (all p < 0.05), while gross-total resection was achieved at comparable rates across all age groups (p = 0.504). A clinically meaningful inflection point was observed around age 75 years, with KPS < 80 at discharge rising from 7.4% and 9.7% in the < 65-year and 70- to 74-year subgroups and to 36.2% and 57.1% in the 75- to 79-year and ≥ 80-year subgroups (p < 0.001), and median LOS increased from 4 days in the younger groups to 9 and 7 days in the 75- to 79-year and ≥ 80-year groups (p < 0.001). However, recovery rates among patients who experienced functional decline at discharge were comparable across age strata. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of prolonged LOS were age ≥ 75 years (OR 2.31, p = 0.019), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.85, p = 0.004), posterior fossa location (OR 2.1, p = 0.008), tumor diameter (OR 1.33, p < 0.001), postoperative edema (OR 2.58, p = 0.015), and neurosurgical complications (OR 3.18, p = 0.002). Independent predictors of poor functional outcome at discharge were age ≥ 75 years (OR 5.84, p < 0.001), lower preoperative KPS (OR 2.8, p < 0.001), posterior fossa location (OR 3.72, p = 0.003), neurosurgical complications (OR 3.56, p = 0.008), and recurrent meningioma (OR 2.89, p = 0.025). Among 70 endoscopic endonasal approach patients, higher preoperative deficit burden and subtotal resection rates were observed compared to open craniotomy, though overall functional outcomes were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical risk in meningioma resection increases from age 75 years onwards, yet recovery capacity following initial functional decline remains similar across all age groups. Preoperative functional status, tumor location, comorbidity burden, and recurrence history should guide surgical decision-making rather than age alone.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Protein sorting and proteostasis mechanisms in CFTR-related exocrine pancreas dysfunction: A systematic narrative review.

The pancreas consists of exocrine and endocrine compartments. In the exocrine pancreas, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functions mainly in ductal epithelial cells as a chloride and bicarbonate channel. Its activity depends on proper protein folding, trafficking, and localization to the apical membrane. This systematic narrative review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the role of protein sorting machinery in CFTR channelopathies and its contribution to exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. A thorough search was conducted using PRISMA criteria on PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Scopus for studies published in English between January 2000 and November 2025. Twenty studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Pathogenic CFTR variants impair protein folding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit, and endosomal recycling, resulting in reduced apical membrane expression and stability. These defects disrupt the localization of associated transporters and secretory proteins, impair ductal bicarbonate secretion, alter zymogen handling, and promote acinar injury, although these claims are supported mainly by indirect experimental models and therefore require clinical confirmation. CFTR channelopathies in the exocrine pancreas encompass both ion transport defects and broader disruptions of protein sorting machinery. CFTR may contribute to the assembly, stabilization, or localization of selected apical transport complexes, and its loss can secondarily alter epithelial organization. Therapeutic approaches targeting both channel correction and intracellular trafficking may improve pancreatic function and mitigate disease progression.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide characterization of heat shock protein genes reveals thermal stress-responsive candidates in Litopenaeus vannamei.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are conserved molecular chaperones involved in protein folding, refolding, aggregation prevention, and degradation of damaged proteins. However, the genomic organization and thermal responsiveness of HSP genes in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) remain incompletely understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the HSP gene family and examined its phylogenetic relationships, structural features, duplication patterns, sequence variation, interaction networks, and transcriptional responses to acute heat stress. A total of 34 HSP genes were identified and classified into the HSP90, HSP70, HSP40/DNAJ, HSP60, and small HSP families. Phylogenetic, motif, gene structure, synteny, and subcellular localization analyses revealed evolutionary conservation and structural diversification among family members. Three duplicated gene pairs were identified, comprising two segmental duplications and one tandem duplication. All pairs exhibited Ka/Ks ratios below 1, consistent with purifying selection of varying strength. Sequence analysis identified 295 nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms, of which 12 were consistently predicted to be deleterious by multiple algorithms. Protein-protein interaction analysis indicated enrichment of protein-folding and cellular stress-response functions. RT-qPCR analysis showed significant induction of HSPA4, HSP90AA1, TRAP1, BiP, and DNAJA1 after 6, 12, and 24 h of exposure to 34 °C, whereas DNAJC3 was significantly induced only at 12 h. All six genes reached their highest transcript abundance at 12 h. These findings may provide a genomic framework for HSP genes in L. vannamei and identify candidate genes and variants associated with thermal stress responses.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

An overview of the use of proteomics and peptidomics to characterize alternative protein foods.

The global protein transition is accelerating the development of alternative protein foods, mainly derived from plants, insects, algae, fungi, and cellular agriculture. Ensuring the authenticity, safety, and nutritional adequacy of these emerging protein matrices requires molecular-level characterization beyond traditional compositional analyses. Proteomics and peptidomics have emerged as transformative analytical platforms capable of decoding the molecular signatures that define protein origin, structural integrity, digestibility, functionality, and health potential. The review comprehensively examines the application of proteomics, and peptidomics for profiling alternative protein foods. Further, the source authentication strategies based on species-specific protein and peptide biomarkers, detection of adulteration in complex matrices, and allergenicity assessment is discussed. Special attention is also given to nutritional proteomics with protein digestibility, gastrointestinal peptide release, and identification of bioactive sequences. SIGNIFICANCE: The importance of this review is that proteomics and peptidomics are becoming central in the management of the fast-growing environment of alternative protein foods, such as plant-based, insect, algal, fungal, and cultured meat products. It provides an explanation of the application of mass spectrometry-based processes to decode molecular signatures defining the origin of proteins, their structural integrity, digestibility, allergenicity, and bioactive properties, and thus directly contribute to safety, nutritional analysis, and authenticity of the product. Presentation of the article includes the integration of the knowledge of traditional muscle foods with alternative systems of proteins, where validated protein and peptide biomarkers are used in authentication, fraud detection, and allergy risk assessment in a wide variety of matrices. It also indicates the role of nutritional proteomics and peptidomics in informing the formulation strategy to promote digestibility and release of health-promoting peptides. In general, this review will guide scientists, the food industry, and regulatory bodies to use modern proteomic technologies in quality assurance, and decision-making, for the advancementof sustainable protein-based foods.

Proteomics↗

PubMed2026

Pathogenic Variants in HEPACAM Alter Protein Localization and Interactome in Astrocytes of the Developing Mouse Cortex.

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare leukodystrophy characterized by early-onset macrocephaly, white matter edema, seizures, and motor and cognitive decline. Approximately 25% of MLC patients carry HEPACAM pathogenic variants, many of which are dominant missense variants causing remitting MLC Type 2b. HEPACAM encodes hepatic and glial cell adhesion molecule (hepaCAM), also known as GlialCAM, an astrocyte-enriched transmembrane protein with important roles in astrocyte territory establishment, gap junction coupling, branching organization, synaptic function, and development of the gliovascular unit. The molecular mechanisms through which pathogenic variants in HEPACAM alter hepaCAM protein function in vivo and facilitate MLC pathogenesis during brain development remain largely unknown. Here, we used new viral tools and proximity-based proteomics to examine how three different dominant pathogenic variants alter hepaCAM subcellular localization and protein interactome in astrocytes of the developing mouse cortex. We found dramatic changes in hepaCAM distribution throughout the astrocyte, which were common to all mutants tested. We also observed significant changes in protein interactome between wild type and mutant hepaCAM, including decreased association with previously described hepaCAM-interacting proteins Connexin 43 and CLC-2. Moreover, we identified the epilepsy-associate potassium channel KCNQ2 as a novel hepaCAM interaction partner and found reduced association between KCNQ2 and pathogenic variants. Collectively, our data provide new insights into hepaCAM protein function in astrocytes during brain development, reveal altered protein dynamics of pathogenic variants, and provide a new resource to explore the molecular underpinnings of MLC pathogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Influence of nicotine on protein expression around hydrophilic osseointegrated implants: A proteomic study in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To ensure the success of dental implant treatment, various factors must be considered, including osseointegration and systemic conditions. There is evidence in the literature that smokers may exhibit alterations in tissue healing, which can compromise the success of implant rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of nicotine on the protein profile of bone tissue around hydrophilic implants during the osseointegration process in rats. DESIGN: Bone tissue samples from the control and nicotine groups (n = 3 per group) were subjected to protein extraction, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analyses. Protein identification was performed using Proteome Discoverer 2.1 software and the SEQUEST algorithm, and the protein data were compared with those of a protein database of Rattus norvegicus obtained from UniProt. RESULTS: A total of 740 proteins were detected in both the control group and the nicotine-exposed group. Among them, the proteins biglycan, periostin and histone H4 were highlighted because of their higher abundance in the healthy implant group, while they were reduced in the nicotine-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine has the potential to alter the protein profile of bone tissue around hydrophilic implants during osseointegration, which may impair tissue remodeling and healing.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Protein profiling and GC-MS product analysis provide insights into lignite solubilization and bioconversion by Lysinibacillus sphaericus strain SH19.

Lignite biosolubilization offers a mild route for valorizing low-rank coal, although the microbial processes that accompany solubilization remain incompletely defined. Here, an endogenous isolate designated Lysinibacillus sphaericus strain SH19 was evaluated using nitric-acid-pretreated Shengli lignite. Under the selected working conditions (4 M nitric-acid pretreatment, initial pH 8, 40°C, and 16 days), the apparent solubilization rate reached 66.81%. Changes in A450, residual solid mass, culture pH, and extracellular protein concentration showed that chemical pretreatment and bacterial culture were both associated with the release of soluble lignite-derived material. SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed treatment-associated differences in extracellular and intracellular protein patterns. LC-MS/MS analysis of excised protein spots yielded 85 candidate protein assignments; the revised supplementary table reports PEAKS scores, sequence coverage, peak area, and unique-peptide counts and highlights the limited support for several entries. GC-MS analysis produced 33 tentative library assignments in the solubilized fraction, but siloxane- and silyl-related signals were treated as possible analytical background, and no pathway was inferred from these assignments alone. Together, the data identify strain SH19 as a promising lignite-biosolubilizing isolate and provide candidate proteins and product signals for future validation. The proposed process model remains exploratory because direct enzyme assays, inhibitor experiments, carbon-balance measurements, transcriptomic or genetic validation, complete GC-MS blank subtraction, and authentic-standard confirmation were not available.

Bacillaceae↗

PubMed2026

Innovation-related perception as a key driver of alternative protein acceptance: evidence from an early-stage model for cultivated meat and algae-/microalgae-based alternative protein products in Italy.

Alternative proteins are increasingly considered part of the transition toward more sustainable food systems, yet their diffusion depends critically on consumer acceptance. This study investigates the early-stage acceptance of two alternative protein categories in Italy-cultivated meat and algae-/microalgae-based alternative protein products. Focusing on the first three phases of acceptance, the analysis examines how innovation-related perception (IRP) shapes consumer perceived value (CPV), consumer perceived risk (CPR), and subsequent affective (AFF), cognitive (COG), and conative (CON) responses. Data were collected through an online survey administered to 238 Italian respondents and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results show that IRP is the main upstream driver of early-stage acceptance in both product domains: more favourable perceptions strongly increase perceived value and reduce perceived risk. In turn, CPV exerts a much stronger influence than CPR on both affective and cognitive attitudes. A tentative cross-model comparison suggests only a descriptive variation in the final transition toward conative acceptance: affective and cognitive responses were both significant in the two models, with a relatively larger affective coefficient for cultivated meat and more balanced coefficients for algae-/microalgae-based products. Overall, the findings support a process-based interpretation of alternative protein acceptance and highlight the central role of innovation-related perception in shaping early consumer responses. These results provide relevant implications for communication strategies, product positioning, and policy actions aimed at improving the acceptability of alternative proteins in food cultures characterised by strong culinary traditions.

Italy↗

PubMed2026

Evolutionary conservation of heat shock proteins in Blattodea and their roles in wing morphogenesis and ovarian development of Blattella germanica.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are essential molecular chaperones for protein homeostasis and stress responses. However, the Hsp repertoires and functions in Blattodea remain underexplored. Our genome-scale survey of nine Blattodea species revealed 37-46 conserved Hsp90, Hsp70, and DNAJ (Hsp40) genes, with DNAJ the most abundant and Hsp90 the least. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the evolutionary conservation of three Hsp90, seven Hsp70, and 29 DNAJ subclades in Blattodea. Selection pressure analysis revealed predominant purifying selection (dN/dS ≪ 1) across lineages, strongest in DNAJ and highest in Hsp90 conservation. In Blattella germanica, expression of six representative BgHsp genes progressively increased during development, peaking in fifth-instar nymphs. Tissue expression profiling revealed that BgHspA1-2/3/4 were predominantly expressed in legs, BgDNAJB5 and BgHsp90AB1-2 were enriched in the fat body, and BgHsp90AB1 was highly expressed in the head. dsRNA injection targeting conserved Hsp gene regions achieved 61.9-94.1% knockdown of all six target genes. RNAi knockdown of six BgHsp genes disrupted wing morphogenesis, causing distinct phenotypes: wing whitening (56.7%, dsBgHspA1-4), unequal length (66.7%, dsBgHspA1-3; 76.7%, dsBgDNAJB5), and wing wrinkling (70%, dsBgHspA1-2; 63.3%, dsBgHsp90AB1; 76.7%, dsBgHsp90AB1-2). During ovarian formation, the developmental delay was most severe in the dsBgHsp90AB1 group, moderate in the dsBgHsp90AB1-2 and dsBgHspA1-2/3/4 groups, and weakest in the dsBgDNAJB5 group. Besides, knockdown significantly downregulated key developmental genes (apterous-a, nubbin, scalloped, ultrabithorax, wingless, and vitellogenin). These findings provide a reference for understanding the evolutionary patterns of Hsps in Blattodea, and offer mechanistic insights into the developmental regulation mediated by Hsps in this important public-health pest.

Animals↗