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PubMed2026

Genetic Diversity of BK Polyomavirus Among Renal Transplant Recipients in Yunnan, China.

BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection, a common complication following kidney transplantation, can lead to BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN). Molecular genetic studies have classified BKV into four genotypes (I-IV); however, comprehensive molecular characterization of BKV strains circulating in China remains limited. This study aimed to elucidate the predominant subtypes and clinical infection characteristics of BKV strains among kidney transplant recipients in Yunnan, a province in southwestern China. PCR-amplified BKV DNA sequences from kidney transplant recipients were aligned with reference strains and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The viral VP1 gene was successfully amplified from 180 participants, spanning 16 ethnic groups. Genotype I was the predominant viral strain (56.66%, 102/180), followed by genotype IV (43.33%, 78/180), while genotypes II and III were not detected. Among genotypic subtypes, IVc-1 was most prevalent (40.0%, 72/180), followed by Ic (38.3%, 69/180) and Ib-1 (18.3%, 33/180). IVa-1 and IVa-2 were rare, identified in only 0.6% (n = 1) and 2.2% (n = 4) of cases, respectively. No significant differences in sex, age, BKVN incidence, BK viremia, or viruria were observed between patients with BKV-I and BKV-IV infections. Among the five confirmed BKVN cases, two were genotyped as subtype Ic, one as Ib-1, and two as IVc-1. Clinical phenotypes were also comparable between patients with BKV-I and BKV-IV infections. This study represents the largest single-center sequencing analysis of BKV in kidney transplant recipients in China, offering a valuable genomic resource for future research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Role of Small Segmental Duplications in Generating Identical Isoforms Through Alternative Splicing Sites.

Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in expanding proteomic diversity but can also generate identical isoforms under certain conditions. While mutually exclusive splicing of tandem exons has occasionally been reported to produce identical isoforms, the extent to which other splicing events contribute to this phenomenon remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that alternative 5' and 3' splice site selection can also lead to the formation of identical isoforms, providing an additional type of splicing event for functional redundancy in transcriptomes. To address this, we analyzed reference genome annotations from 15 plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana and wheat (Triticum aestivum), obtained from the RefSeq database. Identical isoforms were computationally defined as transcripts with distinct exon-intron structures but identical coding sequences. Our analysis reveals that the majority of alternative 5' and 3' fragments originate from small segmental duplications, suggesting that sequence repetition within gene regions facilitates the emergence of such splicing patterns. We also observed differences in the annotated 5' UTRs of some identical isoforms. However, since the alternative splicing sites themselves were not located within UTRs, these differences may reflect annotation uncertainty rather than genuine AS-derived variation. Given that UTR predictions in reference databases are not always precise, such observations should be interpreted cautiously. Expression analysis using an isoform-specific k-mer approach confirmed that identical isoforms can be differentially regulated. These findings suggest that, beyond expanding protein diversity, alternative splicing can also generate redundant isoforms that are differentially expressed at the RNA level, indicating potential regulatory roles. By elucidating the structural and regulatory factors contributing to the formation and retention of identical isoforms, our study provides new insights into the evolutionary and functional significance of alternative splicing in plants.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed2026

Boosting domestic wastewater treatment with quorum signal-augmented heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacterial-algal aerobic granular sludge.

The aerobic bacterial-algal granular sludge (ABGS) enhanced with heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacteria, as a novel symbiotic technology, exhibits fluctuating treatment efficiency and unstable performance primarily due to the unstable symbiotic relationship. This study proposes an innovative approach to strengthening the bacteria-algae symbiosis by introducing exogenous signaling molecules. Concurrently, high-throughput, correlation analysis of environmental factors and metagenomic sequencing techniques are employed to elucidate the enhancement mechanisms of the signaling molecules. The results demonstrate that signaling molecule enhancement boosted total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency by 24.51 % in the bacteria-algae symbiotic system (X1). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization revealed that the addition of signaling molecules resulted in more compact aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and markedly improved stability. High-throughput sequencing showed signaling molecules enriched denitrifying bacteria (Hydrogenophaga, Pseudoxanthomonas, Thauera, Zoogloea) and organic-degrading Desulfomicrobium, optimizing microbial diversity and enhancing nitrogen/organic removal. Correlation analysis of environmental factors indicate that the addition of C8-HSL facilitates the enrichment and functional activation of specific genera. Metagenomic analysis revealed that signaling molecules enhanced the system's denitrification performance by modulating gene expression and associated metabolic pathways. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis further confirmed that the signaling molecules upregulated the expression of the napA, nirK, and nirS genes. An increased abundance of the napA gene facilitated aerobic denitrification (NO₃⁻-N→NO₂⁻-N), while upregulated abundance of the nirK and nirS genes accelerated nitrite reduction (NO₂⁻-N→N₂). This study aims to provide theoretical and practical foundations for implementing advanced bacteria-algae symbiotic technologies.

Denitrification↗

PubMed2026

Effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on periodontal ligament stem cells: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) at two osteogenic induction stages (undifferentiated and late-stage) differentially affect periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and to explore the potential molecular basis. DESIGN: UCMSCs and PDLSCs were isolated and cultured. Exosomes were harvested from undifferentiated UCMSCs (Exo-D0) and UCMSCs after 14 days of osteogenic induction (Exo-D14). PDLSCs were treated with both exosome types. Proliferation and migration were analyzed using EdU and scratch assays, the latter under serum-free conditions. Early osteogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase staining and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by high-throughput sequencing and further analyzed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. RESULTS: Both exosome types promoted PDLSC migration. Exo-D0 enhanced early osteogenic differentiation, whereas Exo-D14 enhanced proliferation but reduced early osteogenic marker expression. Sequencing identified 21 differentially expressed miRNAs (13 upregulated, 8 downregulated). Bioinformatic prediction suggested that the putative target genes were enriched in Ras signal transduction, regulation of kinase activity, and focal adhesion, and further predicted significant enrichment in the MAPK, Ras, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, which are central to cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomes from undifferentiated and osteogenically induced UCMSCs exerted distinct effects on PDLSCs, potentially associated with differentially packaged miRNAs. These findings offer a basis for hypotheses about exosome-mediated mechanisms and support matching exosome sources to the intended therapeutic outcome as potential cell-free strategies for periodontal tissue regeneration and alveolar bone repair.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Antagonistic regulation by mango MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b regulates flowering time, drought and salt stress in Arabidopsis.

SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) transcription factors, which are unique to plants, contain a highly conserved SBP domain that regulates gene expression by binding to downstream targets. They play critical roles in various biological processes, especially in the regulation of flowering in plants. In this study, two SPL-like genes (MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b) were identified from mango genomic and transcriptomic data, and their sequence, expression and function were further analyzed. Sequence analysis revealed that MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b have open reading frames of 1173 bp and 1158 bp, respectively, with slight differences in the number of cis-regulatory elements within their promoter regions. Expression analysis under stress conditions revealed distinct patterns: MiSPL9a expression significantly differed under drought stress but did not significantly differ under salt stress, whereas MiSPL9b expression responded significantly to salt stress but changed minimally under drought stress. Phenotypic analysis of the transgenic Arabidopsis lines revealed that MiSPL9a overexpression delayed flowering, whereas MiSPL9b overexpression promoted early flowering. Under stress conditions, compared with wild-type plants, MiSPL9a-overexpressing plants presented increased drought tolerance but did not significantly differ. In contrast, MiSPL9b-overexpressing plants were sensitive to salt stress, with no notable phenotypic differences observed under drought conditions. Physiological assays revealed that under drought stress, MiSPL9a transgenic plants presented significantly reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and increased proline (Pro) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Under salt stress, MiSPL9b transgenic plants presented opposite trends in terms of these physiological markers. In summary, both MiSPL9a and MiSPL9b are involved in the regulation of plant flowering time and stress responses, but their functions differ.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed2026

Molecular characterization and biological characteristics of a highly pathogenic recombinant ALV-J strain (HUE2023) with cross-clade gp85 recombination.

Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) has undergone extensive diversification into phylogenetically distinct clades, yet whether recombination between these clades within the gp85 envelope glycoprotein generates variants with altered pathogenicity has received little direct investigation. A field strain (HUE2023) was recovered from breeding roosters displaying vascular tumors. The viral genome was sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic and recombination analyses. The three-dimensional structure of gp85 was predicted with AlphaFold3; electrostatic surface potentials and surface hydrophobicity were computed using the Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver and the Eisenberg hydrophobicity scale, respectively. Pathogenicity and immunosuppressive effects were assessed in Hy-Line Brown chickens. Recombination analysis revealed that HUE2023 is an inter-clade recombinant derived from Clade 1.1 (major parent: JS14NT01) and Clade 1.2 (minor parent: JS09GY3). A single-residue deletion at position 61 within receptor-binding domain 1 (RBD-1), unique to the recombinant, induced a localized conformational rearrangement that generated a concentrated electronegative surface patch and a contiguous hydrophobic pocket not observed in either parental gp85. Animal challenge showed that HUE2023 is highly pathogenic: female chickens in the high-dose group reached only 61% survival and displayed significant growth retardation (P < 0.05) together with marked immunosuppression. The recombination in the RBD-1 led to local conformational rearrangement, resulting in a concentrated and negatively charged surface area as well as a continuous hydrophobic pocket, which were never present in any of the parental gp85 sequences. These results indicate that gp85 recombination across clades can yield variants with fundamentally altered receptor-binding surfaces and argue for integrating structural surveillance into ALV-J monitoring programmes.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

From commensal to pathobiont: The emergence of virulence-enhanced Escherichia coli in China's food-animal systems - insights with future implications.

A fundamental shift in Escherichia coli epidemiology is being driven by convergence of virulence determinants and antimicrobial resistance within linked human-animal-environment systems. In China, the rapid growth of food-animal production, extensive antimicrobial use, and complex food networks are accelerating the emergence and dissemination of virulence-enhanced E. coli pathobionts. This review synthesizes recent epidemiological, genomics, and outbreak data to characterize China's evolving landscape of food-animal-associated E. coli. We highlight a significant shift from classical pathotypes to hybrid lineages that simultaneously carry virulence factors and last-resort antibiotic resistance determinants, including mcr-1, tet(X4), and blaNDM. These traits disseminate rapidly via plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer, facilitating rapid adaptation and enabling cross-sectoral One Health transmission. National surveillance, foodborne outbreak investigations, and whole-genome sequencing data show that food-animal reservoirs are active evolutionary niches that drive pathogen diversity and fitness, rather than serving merely as contamination sources. Whole-genome sequencing also pinpoints high-risk clones (e.g., ST394) and plasmid-mediated co-selection of virulence and AMR. The emergence of hybrid pathotypes (e.g., STEC/ETEC) and AMR-virulence co-selection challenges traditional classification and limits the effectiveness of conventional surveillance approaches. The 2017 colistin ban reduced mcr-1, yet ongoing resistance and emerging tet(X4) demand integrated surveillance. Collectively, these findings call for reconceptualizing E. coli as a dynamic genomic entity embedded within a unified ecological network. Addressing this threat requires an integrated One Health strategy including genomic surveillance, agricultural antimicrobial stewardship, and coordinated food-environment-clinical monitoring to prevent high-risk clone emergence and global spread.

Animals↗

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

Selective monitoring of trace-level catechin and myricetin in herbal and aqueous matrices using magnetic MIP-DSPME: Optimization via design of experiments.

A novel dispersive solid-phase microextraction approach utilizing a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) integrated with HPLC-UV detection was developed for the concurrent quantification of catechin and myricetin in herbal extracts and aqueous samples. The sorbent was engineered as a core-shell nanocomposite, consisting of a selective polymer layer deposited onto Fe3O4@SiO2-APTMS magnetic nanoparticles. Dual-template imprinting using catechin and myricetin generated complementary binding cavities within the polymer framework. Experimental variables influencing extraction were systematically screened and subsequently optimized. A Plackett-Burman design was first applied to identify the most influential factors, with pH and sorption time identified as the dominant variables. These parameters were subsequently fine-tuned using a central composite design, and the optimization process was completed in only 30 experimental runs. The sorption characteristics of the imprinted sorbent (MMIP) were compared with those of its non-imprinted counterpart (MNIP). The MMIP demonstrated markedly higher maximum binding capacities (Qmax), reaching 119.3 mg g-1 for myricetin and 112.1 mg g-1 for catechin, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were 32.55 and 32.08 mg g-1, respectively. Moreover, the affinity constants (KL = 0.760-0.950 L mg-1) were approximately 2.3-fold higher for the MMIP, confirming its stronger and more selective interactions with the target analytes. The selectivity coefficients for the targeted flavonoids relative to structurally related compounds, including ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, melatonin, and curcumin, exceeded 3.5 for the MMIP, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were close to 1.1, demonstrating the high molecular recognition capability of the imprinted sorbent. Method validation demonstrated limits of detection (LODs) of 0.33-0.59 ng mL-1 and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.10-1.96 ng mL-1, and excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5.0-5500 ng mL-1 (R2 > 0.998). The method achieved recoveries of 93.96% to 105.69% with RSDs below 5.5%, while the preconcentration factors ranged from 209 to 229. Furthermore, the sorbent retained more than 95% of its extraction efficiency after four consecutive reuse cycles and more than 80% after six cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of six medicinal plant extracts and water samples, showing negligible matrix interference and superior sensitivity, selectivity, and operational simplicity compared with conventional solid-phase extraction methods.

Flavonoids↗

PubMed2026

Epithelial regeneration in the gastrointestinal tract.

The gastrointestinal tract possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity to maintain tissue homeostasis against various injuries. However, the intestine and stomach exhibit distinct regenerative strategies. In the intestine, damage to Lgr5-positive (Lgr5+) stem cells induces cellular plasticity and the emergence of transient Revival stem cells (RevSCs), a process critically dependent on YAP/TAZ signaling. Conversely, the stomach utilizes paligenosis, where quiescent p57-positive (p57+) mature chief cells act as reserve stem cells, dedifferentiating to restore damaged tissue. Although the cellular origins differ, both organs appear to share some common regenerative features, including transient activation of pro-proliferative programs such as YAP/TAZ signaling. In contrast, whether Retinoic Acid (RA) signaling also serves as a conserved mechanism for regenerative resolution in the stomach remains to be determined. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing regeneration in these two organs. This comparative analysis provides a framework for future research.

Regeneration↗

PubMed2026

Ossicle occurrence characteristics and related molecular mechanisms in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.

To investigate the morphogenetic pattern and molecular mechanism of ossicle formation in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, this study systematically examined the morphological development and temporal sequence of spicules using the NaClO maceration method, in-situ squash preparation and microscopic observation. Comparative transcriptome sequencing was performed between doliolaria and pentactula larvae to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to ossicles formation, followed by pathway enrichment analysis. The function of the candidate key gene papilin-like was verified using siRNA-mediated gene silencing. The results were as follows: 1) Ossicles of A. japonicus first appeared at the late auricularia stage, initiating as X-shaped ossicles at the base of the oral tentacles. The number of X-shaped ossicles increased dramatically during the doliolaria stage. X-shaped ossicles were gradually replaced by table-shaped and rosette-shaped ossicles at the pentactula stage, suggesting that X-shaped ossicles may differentiate into these two ossicle types. The morphology of table-shaped ossicles showed a "simple-complex-simple" pattern with development. 2) Key genes related to ossicles formation, including CA1, COL1A2, and papilin-like, were identified by transcriptome analysis. After papilin-like knockdown, abnormal morphologies were observed in table-shaped ossicles of 1-year-old A. japonicus, such as spine-like protrusions on the outer margin of the disc and loss of table legs, confirming its crucial roles in maintaining ossicle morphology. This study clarified the morphological development pattern of ossicles in A. japonicus and identified a key regulatory gene (papilin-like) involved in ossicle morphogenesis, providing preliminary insights into the underlying molecular regulatory mechanism. These findings enrich our understanding on ossicles formation in echinoderms, and provide important morphological and molecular biological information for further studies on the developmental mechanism of ossicles in A. japonicus.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus in thai pregnant women: role of GCKR, CDKAL1, TCF7L2, NEDD1, and CMIP variants.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has a high global prevalence and arises from complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. GDM is associated with metabolic disturbances and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between GDM and 135 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 20 genes related to metabolic traits. METHODS: In this case-control study, 152 pregnant women with GDM and 684 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) who underwent antenatal examination at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, were enrolled. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Genomic DNA was isolated and subjected to whole-genome sequencing using the DNBSEQ-T7RS high-throughput sequencing platform. Genotype analyses were performed using R software, and haplotype analyses were conducted using the online SNPStats software. RESULTS: After adjusting for maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index, polymorphisms in TCF7L2 (rs34872471, rs7901695, rs4506565, rs7903146, rs12243326, and rs12255372), NEDD1 (rs10431408, rs11830756, rs249579, rs249585, and rs4762339), CMIP (rs2306115 and rs201681534), CDKAL1 (rs4710942), GCKR (rs2293572 and rs2293571), and GCK (rs5883890) were significantly associated with the risk of GDM. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that the TCF7L2 rs12243326-rs12255372 CA haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of GDM (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.81), while the NEDD1 rs249579-rs249585-rs4762339 GGT haplotype was associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that genetic variations in TCF7L2, NEDD1, CMIP, CDKAL1, GCK, and GCKR contribute to GDM susceptibility in the Thai population.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Ecr positively regulates activity of the PhoQ/PhoP signalling system in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of polymyxin resistance in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae presents a critical situation with limited therapeutic options. METHODS: Methods Genomic sequencing of 15 clinical polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae strains with multidrug resistance revealed that MgrB inactivation, predominantly disrupted by insertion sequences (ISs) in the IS1, IS4, and IS5 families, was the leading cause of polymyxin resistance. Comparative transcriptomics of wild-type, ΔmgrB, and ΔmgrBΔphoP were performed to elucidate the MgrB-PhoPQ regulatory network. RESULTS: This study conducted a system-wide analysis of the regulatory network and identified a species-specific PhoPQ regulon in K. pneumoniae.Beyond the classical MgrB-PhoPQ-ArnBCADTEF pathway, we identified a previously unannotated PhoPQ-regulated gene, 144 bp LN739_RS09850, encoding an Ecr homologue from Enterobacter cloacae. This protein has been reported to confer colistin heteroresistance, with the underlying mechanism not yet functionally validated. This study revealed that overexpression of Ecr homologues decreased colistin susceptibility in both K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae, but this phenotype was abolished upon phoP deletion, confirming PhoP's essential role. Consistent with this dependency, comparative transcriptomics of Ecr-overexpressing K. pneumoniae vs. control revealed significant upregulation of mgrB, phoPQ, arnBCADTE, and pmrD. Two-hybrid bacterial assays further demonstrated direct Ecr-PhoQ interaction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed that PhoP directly binds to the ecr promoter in vitro, and a β-galactosidase reporter assay demonstrated that PhoP enhanced ecr promoter activity, indicating that PhoP regulates ecr expression by directly controlling its transcription. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings suggest that PhoP may directly activate the transcription of Ecr, with Ecr feedback activating the PhoPQ system via interaction with PhoQ, leading to induction of the arn operon and consequent polymyxin resistance.

Klebsiella pneumoniae↗

PubMed2026

First Report of Fibromyxoma in a Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) From Aquarium of Genoa.

In teleosts, mesenchymal tumours like fibromas are frequently observed, whereas their malignant counterparts, fibrosarcomas, occur only sporadically. In our study, an adult female greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reared at the Aquarium of Genoa developed a slow-growing mass protruding from the ventral right side of the head. The tissue was firm and white greyish with localized cranial haemorrhaging on the external surface. Cut-section examination showed a homogeneous, dry, whitish and richly vascularized tissue layout. Tissue samples from the mass were stained with Masson's Trichrome, Alcian Blue-PAS (pH 2.5), and Toluidine blue for differential diagnosis. Microscopically, it was characterized by alternating collagenous spindle-cell septa and hypocellular metachromatic myxoid areas positive for acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans. The absence of cellular atypia, mitotic activity and necrosis confirms the diagnosis of fibromyxoma. Documenting rare tumours in aquarium fish expands comparative pathology literature and highlights public aquaria as valuable research platforms for long-term health monitoring under controlled husbandry conditions.

fibromyxoma↗

PubMed2026

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure on Azadirachta indica A. Juss. in an Urban Metropolitan: Ahmedabad, India.

Azadirachta indica (A. indica) A. Juss., commonly known as Neem, is a valuable multipurpose tree with profound medicinal properties and socioeconomic importance, widely recognized since ancient Ayurvedic times. Despite its prominence, knowledge about its genetic diversity within the metropolitan area of Ahmedabad is limited. This study marks the first in-depth exploration of the genetic diversity and population structure of A. indica in Ahmedabad. The authenticity of the species was validated through DNA barcoding, and a Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to collect the samples. A total of 35 A. indica accessions were analyzed using five Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers. Genetic diversity and population structure were evaluated using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers through polymorphism assessment, clustering, ordination, and Bayesian population structure analyses. ISSRs revealed a high level of polymorphism (75.66%), indicating substantial genetic variability among accessions. An analysis of genetic diversity indices revealed low to moderate diversity (Hs = 0.14, Ht = 0.217, I = 0.217). Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) analysis depicted 81% variation within the population and 19% among the population. Low to moderate genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.319) and moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.06) indicated that urban development has not hindered gene flow among populations. Mantel's test revealed a weak but significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances, suggesting limited isolation by distance. The estimated ΔK using STRUCTURE exhibited two subpopulations, representing two gene pools for A. indica accessions (K = 2). Collectively, these patterns indicate that urbanization has not severely disrupted genetic connectivity in A. indica, reflecting its resilience and adaptive potential in a metropolitan environment. These findings provide pivotal knowledge for further understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of A. indica in one of the fastest-growing cities in India, which can be utilized for new breeding programmes, sustainable development and future conservation strategies around the globe.

India↗

PubMed2026

Integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals cross-talking hub genes and therapeutic agents between sepsis and acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are two significant diseases that may share overlapping etiological mechanisms. This study aims to systematically identify core genes common to both conditions and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets and drug candidates through an integrative analysis of clinical data and bioinformatics. METHODS: The AMI dataset was obtained from the GEO database, and RNA sequencing data were collected from blood samples of patients with sepsis at our hospital. Common genes were identified using differential expression gene analysis (DEG) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, were performed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and hub genes were identified using the MCC/Degree algorithm. Diagnostic value was assessed via receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Immune infiltration patterns, single-cell sequencing data, and molecular docking simulations were employed to evaluate immune relevance and identify potential therapeutic compounds. RESULTS: A total of 417 genes were identified between sepsis and AMI, with enrichment analysis revealing significant involvement in inflammatory responses. Three hub genes-JAK2, MYD88, and TIMP1-were selected for further investigation. ROC curves confirmed their strong diagnostic performance for both diseases. Immune infiltration analysis showed that these core genes were significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of various immune cell types. Molecular docking indicated that quercetin exhibited stable binding affinity with the proteins encoded by these genes. qPCR validation further confirmed the upregulation of these three genes, supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin as a potential targeted therapy. CONCLUSION: JAK2, MYD88, and TIMP1 were identified as shared core genes in sepsis and AMI. These genes not only serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers but also offer novel targets for developing common therapeutic strategies for both conditions. Furthermore, quercetin emerges as a promising candidate for targeted treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Suppression of AAV-Delivered Transgene Expression Using Artificial MicroRNAs Delivered by an Alternative AAV Serotype.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer vectors mediate long-term expression in nondividing cells, an advantage for treating chronic disorders. However, current platforms lack a way to selectively shut down transgene expression if adverse effects arise. To create an "off switch," we hypothesized that incorporating unique artificial microRNA (amiRNA) target sequences into an AAV expression cassette would allow subsequent suppression of transgene expression using a second AAV vector encoding the cognate amiRNA. We introduced 22-nt sequences absent from human and mouse transcriptomes into the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of a therapeutic AAV cassette. To identify optimal amiRNAs, two tandem copies of each amiRNA were cloned into the 3'UTR of an mCherry reporter gene. In vitro assessment of six amiRNA/target pairs using a dual luciferase assay identified four amiRNAs that efficiently suppressed reporter expression. Cells cotransfected with target site 3 (TS3) and amiRNA-T3B showed the greatest reduction in luciferase activity (80%, p < 0.0001) and were selected for further study. The "off-switch" system was then evaluated using an AAV5 therapeutic vector expressing a recombinant humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (AAV5-TBG-anti-IgE-TS3), designed for long-term suppression of allergen-induced reactions. Co-transfection of HEK293T cells with anti-IgE-TS3 and amiRNA-T3B significantly reduced anti-IgE mRNA and protein levels relative to a control amiRNA (p < 0.0001). In vivo testing in Balb/c mice (n = 5) involved intravenous administration of AAV5-anti-IgE-TS3 (3.2 × 1010 gc), followed 4 weeks later by an AAVrh.10 amiRNA vector (AAVrh.10-TBG-amiRNA-T3B; 1 × 1011 gc). Control mice receiving only the therapeutic vector expressed 18.4 ± 13.8 µg/mL serum anti-IgE at 10 weeks. In contrast, mice receiving the amiRNA "off" vector showed marked suppression of anti-IgE (0.3 ± 0.15 µg/mL, p < 0.0001). These findings provide proof-of-concept that AAV-delivered amiRNAs can selectively switch off transgene expression, offering a strategy to improve the safety of AAV-mediated gene therapies.

Dependovirus↗

PubMed2026

[A case of bilateral open-lip schizencephaly with West syndrome due to variant of PAFAH1B1 gene and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical manifestations, genetic features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a child with bilateral open-lip schizencephaly complicated by West syndrome due to a variant of PAFAH1B1 gene, and review the relevant literature. METHODS: Clinical data of a 4-month-old boy were retrospectively analyzed, and 35 previously reported cases were systematically reviewed. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital (Ethics No.: 2025-871). RESULTS: The 4-month-old boy presented with clustered flexor spasms, hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalography, and developmental regression. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral pachygyria, schizencephaly, and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum. Trio whole-exome sequencing identified a de novo heterozygous NM_000430.4: c.703_704delAG (p.Glu235Metfs*20) frameshift variant in the PAFAH1B1 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that neither parent carried this variant. Based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant has met the criteria for PVS1+PS2_Moderate+PM2_Supporting, and was classified as pathogenic. After treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone combined with vigabatrin and other antiseizure medications, the epileptic spasms were controlled and the electroencephalographic abnormalities had improved. However, global developmental delay persisted at the 12-month follow-up. Analysis of the present case and 35 previously reported cases showed that PAFAH1B1-related phenotypes were highly consistent, mainly including infantile spasms (28/36), developmental delay/intellectual disability (29/36), and abnormal brain MRI findings (30/36), predominantly cortical malformations. The reported variant types included deletions, frameshift variants, nonsense variants, missense variants, and splice-site variants. CONCLUSION: PAFAH1B1 gene variants are an important cause for cortical malformations, including schizencephaly, and may lead to secondary West syndrome. This study has systematically summarized the genotypic and phenotypic features of bilateral open-lip schizencephaly complicated by West syndrome associated with a frameshift variant of the PAFAH1B1 gene. For infants with epileptic spasms or early-onset epilepsy accompanied by structural brain abnormalities, early genetic evaluation should be performed, and antiseizure treatment should be integrated with neurodevelopmental rehabilitation to facilitate long-term management.

Humans↗