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Direct background subtraction LC-MS/MS assay for human plasma progesterone: Full validation and comparative application.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method based on direct background subtraction for the quantification of endogenous progesterone in human plasma. METHODS: Protein precipitation was used for sample preparation with deuterated progesterone as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY C18 column using gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Mass spectrometry was operated in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Instead of using analyte-stripped matrix or surrogate matrix, authentic plasma was directly used for all validation experiments. Quantitation was achieved by subtracting the background signal, and results were compared with those from the classical method using stripped matrix. RESULTS: Excellent linearity was achieved over 0.1-100 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.99). Precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability all met FDA and ICH M10 acceptance criteria. Compared with the classical method, the bias in Cmax and AUC0-t was within ±15%, indicating no significant difference between the two methods. CONCLUSION: The direct background subtraction method avoids laborious preparation of blank matrix, eliminates matrix effect discrepancies, and is simple, efficient, and low-cost. It can serve as a general strategy for endogenous substance determination.

Humans

Bioprospecting microbial genomes to expand the biocatalytic toolbox of rubber oxygenases.

A set of rubber oxygenases was discovered through phylogenetic analysis and AI-based structural modeling of complexes of the putative enzymes with a substrate mimicking cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Sixteen candidate proteins were selected from thermophilic microorganisms, all sequence-related to the Latex clearing protein from Streptomyces sp. K30 (LcpK30). Sequence truncation and solubility tags were then evaluated to enhance protein expression, with the SUMO tag proving to be the most effective. Including LcpK30, nine heme-containing oxygenases were successfully expressed in E. coli NEB 10-beta cells, purified (35-157 mg L-1 yield) and characterized. Steady-state kinetics revealed significant rubber latex-degrading properties for six of them, with the truncated SUMO-fused LcpK30 (SUMO-LcpK30T) showing activity in agreement with literature. Notably, the catalytic efficiencies of all the expressed homologs lay within one order of magnitude and the oxygenase from Thermomonospora echinospora was found to be particularly promising in terms of activity, especially at high latex concentrations (more than 1% w/v). The analysis of reaction mixtures by both HPLC and HPLC-MS confirmed the oxidation of cis-1,4-polyisoprene to form the expected isoprenoid oligomers (n = 2-12), whose distribution was consistent with the usual endo-type cleavage pattern in all but one case. This bioprospecting effort afforded a platform of new rubber-degrading enzymes with diverse efficiencies and product profiles, capable of adapting to targeted applications.

Oxygenases

Integrated proteomic and acetylomic analyses reveal the metabolic reprogramming associated with increased tylosin-equivalent concentration in Streptomyces xinghaiensis sf106-B1.

Deciphering the metabolic basis of high-yield antibiotic production in Streptomyces is crucial for strain optimization. Atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis of Streptomyces xinghaiensis sf106 generated a mutant with a 30% increase in tylosin-equivalent concentration (μg/mL). 4D-FastDIA quantitative proteomics identified 279 differentially abundant proteins enriched in the Type I polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway, with increased abundance of key macrolide-biosynthesis-related proteins. Lysine-acetylome profiling identified 1152 differentially abundant acetylation sites and revealed altered acetylation of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, suggesting adjustments in central metabolism associated with acyl-CoA precursor availability and energy generation. Integration of proteomic and acetylomic data suggests coordinated changes in protein abundance and lysine acetylation associated with the increased tylosin-equivalent concentration. These results highlight candidate nodes for rational metabolic engineering of S. xinghaiensis.

Streptomyces

Oxygen-controlled gamma-irradiation and annealing enable terminal processing of collagen-based biomaterials.

Gamma irradiation is a widely adopted method for terminal sterilization of medical devices; however, its application to collagen-based extracellular matrix (ECM) materials remains limited due to radiation-induced degradation of structural integrity and mechanical performance. Here, we present an engineered terminal-processing strategy that combines oxygen controlled gamma irradiation (25-30 kGy) with post-irradiation dry-heat annealing to preserve ECM functionality while achieving effective sterilization. By modulating oxygen availability during irradiation, this approach alters radical reaction pathways, suppresses oxygen-mediated oxidative degradation, and generates a metastable radical-containing intermediate, which is subsequently converted into a structurally stabilized collagen network through thermal annealing. As a result, the treated matrices preserved ECM integrity and recovered clinically relevant mechanical properties. Furthermore, the process achieved cumulative viral reductions exceeding 6 log10 across a representative panel including enveloped and non-enveloped DNA and RNA viruses, demonstrating compatibility with sterility assurance and viral safety requirements for biologically derived medical devices. Notably, preliminary observations indicate that mechanical integrity can be partially preserved even at elevated irradiation doses up to 50 kGy, suggesting potential applicability to sterilization validation frameworks requiring higher assurance levels. Overall, this work establishes a mechanistically grounded terminal-processing paradigm that enables control of radical fate, decouples sterilization efficacy from material degradation, and integrates sterilization, viral safety, and functional preservation into a unified and scalable framework for collagen-based biomaterials. This concept repositions gamma-irradiation from a purely degradative process to a controllable tool for tuning collagen structure and performance.

Gamma Rays

UV-based homogeneous disinfection process for removal of antibiotic resistance genes: Efficiency, mechanisms and influencing factors.

The proliferation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments pose a serious threat to global public health. Ultraviolet-driven homogeneous advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) represent a prospective suite of technologies for the efficient removal of ARGs. This review critically assesses recent advances in the application of UV-AOPs, specifically UV/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2), UV/peracetic acid (UV/PAA), UV/persulfate (UV/PS), and UV/chlorine (UV/Cl), for the elimination of extracellular ARGs and intracellular ARGs. The underlying mechanisms involve direct ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, including pyrimidine dimer formation and strand breakage, as well as oxidation mediated by radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, sulfate radicals, carbon-centered radicals, and reactive chlorine species. The relative contribution of radical and non-radical pathways is strongly influenced by water chemistry and process conditions. We further expound on the critical operational and environmental factors governing ARG removal kinetics, including UV wavelength and fluence, oxidant type and dosage, ARG sequence characteristics, pH, ubiquitous anions, and dissolved organic matter, which collectively affect radical generation, quenching, and reaction microenvironments. Notably, for i-ARGs, UV-AOPs facilitate degradation not only through direct radical attack but also by disrupting cellular integrity and permeabilizing membranes, thereby enhancing the exposure of genetic materials to oxidative and photolytic damage. This review synthesizes current understanding to provide a mechanistic basis for the design and optimization of UV-AOP systems, highlighting their potential as effective barriers against the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in water reuse and purification scenarios.

Disinfection

Morphology-engineered NiFe@C nanocages boosting electrochemical quantification of ractopamine in meat samples.

It is essential to acquire efficient electrocatalysts to develop ractopamine (RAC) electrochemical sensors. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of carbon coated NiFe alloy nanostructures (e.g., NiFe@C nanoparticles, nanocubes and nanocages) using NiFe Prussian blue analogue (PBA) as the precursor. The NiFe@C nanocages exhibited the best electrocatalytic performance for RAC sensing. This is attributed to the embedded NiFe alloy nanoparticles that provide abundant active sites, and the unique nanocage structure facilitates electron transfer pathways while offering a high specific surface area. The resulting sensor achieves a low detection limit (LOD) of 54 nM (S/N = 3) within a linear range of 0.2-12 μM. Moreover, the sensor demonstrates good reproducibility, stability, and excellent long-term stability. Practical applicability was confirmed in meat samples, yielding satisfactory recovery rates ranging from 98% to 108%. A feasible strategy was introduced herein for rational design of metal@carbon electrocatalysts.

Phenethylamines

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

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RIPK1 inhibitor, SAR443820, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (HIMALAYA): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: RIPK1, a protein regulating inflammatory signalling and cell death, is implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathophysiology. SAR443820 is a selective, oral, CNS-penetrant, reversible RIPK1 inhibitor. We aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SAR443820 in participants with ALS. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial was conducted at 63 clinical sites in 13 countries (Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the USA). Adults (aged 18-80 years) with a diagnosis of possible ALS, clinically probable ALS, clinically probable laboratory-supported ALS, or clinically definite ALS, in accordance with the revised El Escorial World Federation of Neurology criteria, were randomly assigned (2:1) by use of a stratified block design (blocks of three) to receive either 20 mg SAR443820 orally twice per day or matching placebo in the 24-week double-blind period. Randomisation was done centrally using interactive response technology and stratified by geographical region of trial site, region of ALS onset, use of riluzole, use of edaravone, and use of the combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol. Participants, care providers, investigators, and outcomes assessors were masked to trial intervention. The primary outcome was a change in ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) total score from baseline to week 24 and was calculated for all participants who had an ALSFRS-R total score available at baseline and at week 24. Safety analyses included all randomly assigned participants receiving one dose or more of trial intervention. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05237284) and was terminated early. FINDINGS: Between April 13, 2022, and July 17, 2023, 397 participants were screened and 305 randomly assigned to SAR443820 (n=203) or placebo (n=102); six were excluded from the primary analysis due to missing baseline ALSFRS-R values. Mean age was 56·9 years (SD 11·5); 183 (60%) participants were male and 122 (40%) were female. Least squares mean change in ALSFRS-R from baseline to week 24 was -6·73 (95% CI -7·48 to -5·98) for SAR443820 group (n=169) and -6·32 (-7·36 to -5·27) for placebo group (n=87). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups (least squares mean difference -0·41 [95% CI -1·71 to 0·88]). Participants in the SAR443820 group had higher incidence of adverse events (171 [85%] of 202 vs placebo 80 [78%] of 102) and treatment discontinuations (28 [14%] of 202 vs placebo five [5%] of 102), with elevated hepatic enzymes being the most common cause. Nine deaths occurred in the double-blind period (seven [3%] of 202 in the SAR443820 group and two [2%] of 102 in the placebo group); none was attributed to SAR443820. INTERPRETATION: SAR443820 did not show clinical benefit and was associated with higher hepatic enzyme increase, indicating that further clinical development of SAR443820 in ALS is not warranted. FUNDING: Sanofi.

Humans

Peptide molecular lock-engineered nanobodies enable an oriented dual-modal immunoassay for reliable detection of Cronobacter sakazakii.

Conventional nanobody ELISAs for trace Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula suffer from random orientation and low signal output. We developed an oriented dual-modal immunoassay that combines site-specific biotinylation via a C-terminal AviTag and a peptide molecular lock, enabling controlled surface orientation while preserving nanobody structural integrity. This strategy was further integrated with phage-displayed nanobodies for multivalent amplification and both fluorescent and colorimetric readouts. The assay exhibited a broad linear range of 103-106 CFU/mL, with limits of detection (LODs) of 6.70 × 102 CFU/mL for fluorescence and 1.55 × 103 CFU/mL for colorimetry, showing improved sensitivity compared with the conventional passive adsorption-based Nb-ELISA evaluated in this study. XGBoost-based multimodal fusion improved quantitative accuracy, and SHAP analysis elucidated modality contributions. In spiked powdered infant formula samples, recoveries ranged from 92.1% to 118% with coefficients of variation below 5.98%, confirming acceptable matrix tolerance and analytical reliability.

Cronobacter sakazakii

Comprehensive analysis of mRNA-microRNA-lncRNA expression profiles in post-traumatic elbow heterotopic ossification using RNA sequencing and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to profile the molecular signatures of post-traumatic elbow heterotopic ossification (HO) to identify key regulators and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Total RNA from post-traumatic elbow HO tissues (n=4) and normal bone tissues (n=6) was subjected to high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs), microRNAs (DEMs), and lncRNAs (DELs). Bioinformatics analyses included Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction network construction, and transcription factor (TF)-microRNA-mRNA network analysis. The expression trends of four most upregulated and four most downregulated DEGs were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: We identified 2,138 DEGs, 40 DEMs, and 905 DELs. DEGs were significantly enriched in biological process "bone mineralization," cellular component "plasma membrane," molecular function "integrin binding," and pathways including PI3K-Akt, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and TNF signaling pathways. Hub genes with high connectivity included MMP9, IL6, MMP3, CTSK, and BGLAP. Integrated network analysis highlighted the transcription factor JUN and key microRNAs (hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-548c-3p, and hsa-miR-135b). The qRT-PCR results confirmed the expression trends of selected DEGs. CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, profiled the differentially expressed mRNAs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs in post-traumatic elbow HO using high-throughput RNA sequencing. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of HO following elbow trauma. The identified hub genes (MMP9, IL6, MMP3, CTSK, and BGLAP), key TF (JUN), and key microRNAs (hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-548c-3p, and hsa-miR-135b) may serve as potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating post-traumatic elbow HO.

Humans

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray for nasal function recovery after endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenectomy: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether short-term adjunctive oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray is associated with improved early nasal recovery after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. METHODS: This single-center retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study included adults undergoing first-time endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery between January 2021 and December 2024. Patients receiving oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% nasal spray plus routine saline irrigation were compared with those receiving saline irrigation alone. The primary outcome was longitudinal change in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score from postoperative baseline to weeks 1, 2, and 4. Secondary outcomes included endoscopic nasal findings, nasal comfort, responder-defined NOSE improvement, and short-term safety outcomes. RESULTS: Among 860 eligible patients, 630 remained after 1:1 propensity score matching, with 315 patients in each group. Baseline covariates and postoperative pre-intervention nasal status were well balanced. Adjunctive oxymetazoline was associated with lower NOSE scores and modestly more favorable endoscopic findings and nasal comfort during early follow-up, although the absolute between-group differences were small and attenuated by week 4. Responder analyses based on ≥ 30% NOSE score reduction showed no statistically significant between-group differences. Major postoperative nasal complications were comparable between groups. Potentially drug-related adverse reactions occurred in 55 patients in the oxymetazoline group (17.5%), mainly mild local symptoms, and no serious drug-related adverse events or treatment discontinuations were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term adjunctive oxymetazoline combined with routine saline irrigation was associated with modest early nasal recovery benefits after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. Its use should remain cautious, selective, and time-limited, pending prospective confirmation of clinical benefit and long-term safety.

Humans

Effect of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in the SELECT, FLOW, and SOUL trials: a prespecified pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: The GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduces clinically important kidney outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the pooled effects of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in prespecified analyses of participant-level data from the diverse populations of the SELECT, FLOW, and SOUL randomised placebo-controlled trials. METHODS: Participants with CKD (FLOW) or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (SELECT and SOUL) were randomly assigned semaglutide (once-weekly subcutaneous 1&#xb7;0 mg [FLOW], once-weekly subcutaneous 2&#xb7;4 mg [SELECT], or once-daily oral 14 mg [SOUL]) or matching placebo, added to standard of care. The primary outcome in this pooled analysis was time to first occurrence of a kidney composite, defined as onset of persistent 50% or greater reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), kidney failure (persistent eGFR <15 mL/min per 1&#xb7;73 m2, or initiation of kidney replacement therapy), kidney-related death, or cardiovascular-related death. Safety was also assessed. FINDINGS: The pooled participants from the trials (N=30&#x2008;787) had a mean follow-up of 39&#xb7;5-47&#xb7;5 months. Among participants assigned to semaglutide, 973 first events of the primary kidney composite occurred compared with 1134 first events for placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0&#xb7;84 [95% CI 0&#xb7;77-0&#xb7;91]). First events of a narrower secondary kidney composite (excluding cardiovascular-related death from the primary outcome) were also reduced with semaglutide versus placebo (347 and 416, respectively; 0&#xb7;80 [0&#xb7;69-0&#xb7;92]). Safety outcomes were overall similar between groups, and in line with other GLP-1 receptor agonist trials. Serious adverse events were numberically lower with semaglutide than with placebo. INTERPRETATION: Data pooled from three large phase 3 trials suggest that semaglutide reduces the risk of major kidney outcomes in a broad population with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease while having a favourable risk-benefit profile. In people with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease, with and without diabetes, semaglutide (oral or injected) prevents kidney-related and cardiovascular complications and induces adverse events in line with GLP-1 receptor agonist studies, regardless of baseline characteristics within the cardio-kidney-metabolic spectrum. This was a participant-level analysis conducted in a large database of three randomised controlled trials of similar design and examining the same treatment, but there were some differences in participants' baseline characteristics, and in the dose and route of administration of treatment. This pooled analysis adds evidence for the benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists in general, and semaglutide in particular, in a broad population of people with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease, suggesting that the benefit of semaglutide might not be explained only by its glycaemic effects, weight-management effects, or both. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk.

Humans

Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery CRISPR/Cas9: overcoming biological barriers, enhancing stability, and improving therapeutic precision.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) has emerged as a promising gene-editing platform for genetic disorders; however, its in vivo application remains limited by low delivery efficiency and biological barriers. Many CRISPR payloads fail to reach target sites due to extracellular degradation, immune clearance, and intracellular trafficking limitations. This review examines the interplay between biological barriers and nanoparticle engineering strategies for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. A barrier-oriented engineering approach is proposed as a central framework, encompassing ligand-based surface modification for enhanced targeting and uptake, improved circulation stability via PEGylation and biomimetic coatings, and optimized payload release through endosomal escape strategies. Stimulus-responsive nanoparticle systems further enable spatiotemporal control over payload release. Nuclear targeting strategies, including optimization of nuclear localization signals (NLS) and exploitation of endogenous trafficking pathways, are highlighted as key factors for improving genome-level editing efficiency. Despite these advances, major challenges-including limited intracellular delivery efficiency, insufficient targeting precision, and safety concerns-continue to hinder clinical translation. Future directions highlight artificial intelligence-driven nanoparticle design, personalized delivery systems, and next-generation CRISPR platforms. Overall, an integrated, barrier-oriented engineering strategy is essential for advancing CRISPR/Cas9 delivery toward clinical applications, ultimately advancing global good health and well-being.

CRISPR/Cas9

Variants in the interferon regulatory factor 5 gene confer genetic risk for systemic lupus erythematosus in a Han Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), integral to interferon signaling pathways, has been identified as a susceptibility locus for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nevertheless, the relationship between IRF5 variants and SLE risk within the Han Chinese demographic remains inadequately characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotyping of two functional single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in IRF5 was conducted in 167 individuals with SLE and 246 healthy controls utilizing sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP). Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to assess associations. RESULTS: The rs10954213 variant demonstrated a significant association with SLE susceptibility under the recessive model (GG vs. AG+AA, OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.30-3.75, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003, adjusted p [pc]&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.030) and homozygous model (GG vs. AA, OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.36-4.42, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003, pc = 0.032). Similarly, the rs2004640 variant was associated with an increased risk of SLE across allelic (T vs. G, OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.22-2.26, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001, pc = 0.011), dominant (TG+TT vs. GG, OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.19-2.63, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.005, pc = 0.047), and homozygous models (TT vs. GG, OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.58-8.78, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002, pc = 0.016). Haplotype analysis identified protective haplotype HT1 (A/G, OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41-0.73, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and risk haplotype HT4 (G/T, OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.42-4.42, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that IRF5 gene variants substantially modulate susceptibility to SLE in the Han Chinese population. They hold potential as biomarkers for evaluating SLE risk and offer valuable perspectives into disease pathogenesis.

Adult

Metabolomic differences in the Ophiura sarsii complex from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass and Bering Sea Cold Pool.

Metabolomics provides a functional readout of cellular physiology and can reveal metabolite-level differences associated with environmental and evolutionary contexts. Here, we used GC-MS- and LC-MS-based metabolomics to characterize metabolic profiles of the Ophiura sarsii complex from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) and the Bering Sea Cold Pool (BSCP). This metabolomics analysis identified 398 LC-MS/MS and 87 GC-MS/MS differential metabolites (DEMs). Marked metabolic differences were observed between the two taxa, involving antioxidant-related metabolites, central carbon-related intermediates, osmolyte-associated compounds, and membrane lipid components. O. sarsii vadicola from the YSCWM showed higher levels of glutathione, glucose, citric acid, D-ribulose 5-phosphate, and unsaturated lipid-related metabolites, indicating differences in antioxidant-related and energy-associated metabolic profiles. By contrast, O. sarsii from the BSCP was characterized by higher levels of sugar alcohols, particularly myo-inositol, together with differences in membrane lipid-associated metabolites. These results provide metabolomics-based evidence for metabolite-level physiological differences between two members of the O. sarsii complex sampled from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass and the Bering Sea Cold Pool, while the relative contributions of lineage divergence and site-specific environmental variation remain to be tested experimentally.

Metabolomics

Synergistic transcriptional modules in Trichoderma asperellum enhance glutathione detoxification to counteract fungal pathogen toxins.

Trichoderma fungi are potent biocontrol agents. However, their defence mechanisms against pathogen-derived toxins remain poorly understood. We identified two synergistic transcription factor modules in T. asperellum that orchestrate the detoxification of cytotoxic secondary metabolites from the poplar blight pathogen Alternaria alternata. Overexpression of the central regulator TasMYB46 reduced disease lesion area by approximately 22% and was associated with decreased pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, TasMYB46 directly activates the glutathione S-transferases TasGST61.1 and TasGST56.1 through distinct promoter binding sites (G-box/as-1/MBS), forming dedicated detoxification modules. Crucially, we identified urolithin C as the most abundant phytotoxin in A. alternata metabolites, which is efficiently detoxified through the TasMYB46-TasGST61.1 module. The transcription enhancer TasbHLH53.8 amplifies this system by binding to TasMYB46, boosting TasGST expression and enhancing glutathione-dependent detoxification capacity. This coordinated response elevates glutathione pools and antioxidant enzyme activities (GST/GPx), conferring increased oxidative stress resistance. This study reveals a novel defence mechanism in Trichoderma in which MYB-bHLH-GST modules enable biocontrol agents to neutralise pathogen-derived toxins. Given that Alternaria toxins threaten crops globally (tomatoes, potatoes, citrus), the discovered regulatory synergy represents a strategic advance in developing next-generation biocontrol solutions against toxin-producing plant pathogens.

Alternaria

ChIP-seq profiling identifies diapause-regulated H3K27me3 targets in the fat body of Culex pipiens.

Culex pipiens, a principal vector of significant arboviruses, survives winter through diapause, a hormonally controlled inactive phase that enhances endurance under severe cold circumstances. Recent data suggests that epigenetic processes, namely histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs), play a crucial role in regulating seasonal dormancy. Prior studies from our laboratory indicated a decrease in the methylation of Histone 3 (H3K27me3) in diapausing fat body tissue, associated with elevated expression of the histone demethylase UTX. Nonetheless, the precise genomic areas impacted by these chromatin alterations remained unidentified. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) to delineate the genome-wide distribution of H3K27me3 across fat body chromatin in diapausing (D) and non-diapausing (ND) female Cx. pipiens. Notably, the higher signal at transcription start sites (TSSs) reflects localized redistribution rather than a global decrease, as diapausing fat bodies retain less H3K27me3 overall but concentrate it at promoters. To investigate the functional significance of these chromatin alterations, we confirmed a number of target loci via ChIP-qPCR and assessed gene expression with qRT-PCR. We identified many critical genes that were markedly increased in diapausing mosquitoes, exhibiting an inverse relation to H3K27me3 enrichment. Our data demonstrates different H3K27me3 chromatin landscapes between diapausing and non-diapausing Cx. pipiens, corroborating a hypothesis of selective, locus-specific repression in the non-diapause state and its targeted removal during diapause to permit activation of dormancy-associated genes. These results suggest that chromatin remodeling is a core driver of the diapause switch.

Animals

Comprehensive source-risk assessment of organophosphate esters in surface water of the Dianchi Lake Basin, Yunnan, China.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers, have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. However, investigations of their distribution in high-altitude plateau lakes remain scarce. Identifying and quantifying the sources and associated risks of OPEs are crucial for subsequent water environment management. In this study, an integrated source-risk analysis approach was employed by combining the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, the Geodetector (GD) model, and risk quotient (RQ). Analysis of 14 OPEs in surface waters of the Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB) revealed 12 detectable compounds, with total OPEs concentrations (&#x3a3;OPEs) ranging from not detected (ND)-64.6 ng/L during the wet season and ND-35.8 ng/L during the dry season. Elevated &#x3a3;OPEs were primarily observed at inflow sites in the northern part of the lake and in urban rivers. Source apportionment indicated four major contributing sources: agricultural films containing flame-retardant and plasticizer additives, traffic-related particulate emissions, releases from household and personal care products, and industrial production and applications of flame retardants in plastics, electronics, and related products (the predominant source). The ecological impact caused by OPEs ranges from no risk to low risk, with tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate emitted from industrial source being the primary driver of potential environmental risk. These findings highlight the necessity of prioritizing industrial sources in future management strategies. Overall, this study provides a methodological framework for source apportionment and risk assessment of OPEs and offers scientific evidence to support environmental management of OPEs in the DLB.

Environmental Monitoring