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PubMed2026

A Phase I Study Assessing the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Yinfenidone: A Novel, Potent Drug for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment in Healthy Chinese Subjects.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease with a median survival of only 2-3 years after diagnosis. Yinfenidone (HEC585) possesses the potential to inhibit the proliferation of pulmonary fibroblasts, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of IPF. This study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and metabolic profile of Yinfenidone hydrochloride capsule in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS: This single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending-dose trial included seven dose groups(20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg). Each group enrolled8 healthy subjects: 6 received Yinfenidone hydrochloride capsules and 2 received matching placebo under fasting conditions. Serial pharmacokinetic (PK) blood samples were collected pre-dose and post-dose, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the plasma concentrations of Yinfenidone. Additionally, metabolic biotransformation of Yinfenidone in plasma were conducted in the 100 mg dose group. Safety and tolerability endpoints were monitored via physical examinations, vital signs measurements, clinical laboratory tests, 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), and adverse events (AEs) documentation throughout the trial. FINDINGS: Yinfenidone was rapidly absorbed, with a median maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of 1.8-3.0 hours, and had a mean half-life (t1/2) ranging from 31.9 to 62.0 hours. Within the 20-100 mg dose range, systemic drug exposure generally increased with ascending dose, above 100 mg, exposure increased less than proportionally to dose. Metabolite profiling in the 100 mg group revealed that the parentcompound predominated in plasma, with metabolic pathways including mono-oxygenation and N-dealkylation. All reported AEswere mild, classified as Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03 grade 1. No serious AEs observed; no subject discontinued the trial due to AEs. Single oral doses of 20-800 mg Yinfenidone hydrochloride capsules administered under fasting conditions demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability profiles in healthy Chinese subjects. IMPLICATIONS: Yinfenidone exhibited rapid absorption (median Tmax, 1.8-3.0 hours) and a long terminal t1/2 ranging from 31.9 to 62.0 hours in this single ascending-dose study, indicating that Yinfenidone can be taken once a day in subsequent clinical studies. Yinfenidone mainly exists in human plasma as the original drug and is metabolized through a variety of metabolic pathways. The AEs observed with Yinfenidone in this study, such as diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness, were similar to those reported with pirfenidone. Overall, Yinfenidone demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in this cohort of healthy subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Clinicopathological response and survival outcomes of HER2-low versus HER2-zero early breast Cancer: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a key biomarker for classification and treatment. A subgroup with HER2-low expression has been identified, but existing evidence is heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared pathological response and survival outcomes between HER2-low and HER2-zero early-stage breast cancer to clarify prognostic features. METHODS: This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251120506). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and major oncology conferences were searched through September 2025. Cohort studies of early-stage breast cancer comparing HER2-low (IHC 1+/2+ and ISH-negative) vs. HER2-zero with extractable pCR, DFS, or OS data were included. Studies involving HER2-positive patients or inconsistent definitions were excluded. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies involving 115,182 patients were included. HER2-low patients showed significantly lower pCR rates (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.52-0.65). DFS favored HER2-low (multivariate HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.69-0.83), especially in HR+ tumors, with a weaker effect in HR- cases. OS also favored HER2-low (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.72-0.89), mainly driven by the HR- subgroup; no OS difference was seen in HR+ tumors. Sensitivity analyses and funnel plots indicated robust results with no apparent publication bias. Overall study quality was high (17 high-quality, 11 moderate-quality). CONCLUSION: HER2-low early breast cancer shows lower pCR after neoadjuvant therapy but better long-term survival. These findings support the clinical relevance of HER2-low as a biologically meaningful subgroup within HER2-negative disease, while its status as a stable and independent subtype still requires further validation through prospective studies, standardized testing, and multi-omics investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Methyltransferase 3 promotes v-set and transmembrane domain-containing 2-like protein expression to intensify ferroptosis-mediated prostate adenocarcinoma progression through the m6A methylation modification.

BACKGROUND: Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is a common malignancy with high incidence in men. The role of v-set and transmembrane domain-containing 2-like protein (VSTM2L) in PRAD remains largely unreported. METHODS: Gene expression was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN) databases, and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were examined by flow cytometry. Intracellular iron, Fe2+, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using commercial kits and flow cytometry. The role of VSTM2L in tumor growth was evaluated using xenograft mouse models, with protein expression in tumors evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification sites on VSTM2L mRNA were predicted using the sequence-based RNA adenosine methylation site predictor (SRAMP) website. The interaction between methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) and VSTM2L was confirmed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Correlation analysis was performed using the TCGA database. RESULTS: VSTM2L was overexpressed in PRAD tissues and cell lines. Silencing VSTM2L inhibited PRAD cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and enhanced ferroptosis and oxidative stress in vitro. Consistently, VSTM2L knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, METTL3 mediated m6A methylation to stabilize VSTM2L mRNA. Furthermore, METTL3 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, ferroptosis, and oxidative stress in PRAD cells via a VSTM2L-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: METTL3 promotes PRAD progression by stabilizing VSTM2L expression through m6A methylation, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis. This study establishes a direct link between RNA methylation and ferroptosis in PRAD, revealing the METTL3/VSTM2L axis as a novel regulatory pathway and a potential therapeutic target.

Male↗

PubMed2026

Coordinated use of three homocysteine methyltransferases supports l-methionine biosynthesis and environmental adaptation among plant-associated bacteria.

Plant pathogens colonize multiple plant-associated habitats throughout their life cycle, encountering distinct nutrient conditions and microbial communities. l-methionine is required for bacterial growth and environmental adaptation. However, how plant pathogens coordinate l-methionine biosynthetic pathways to adapt to different plant-associated environments remains poorly understood. Here, using the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris strain XC1 as a model, we show that three homocysteine methyltransferase pathways allow XC1 to catalyze the final step of l-methionine biosynthesis using different methyl donors and cofactors under different environmental conditions. Bioinformatic and transcriptional analyses identified three homocysteine methyltransferase-associated operons in XC1, mesMXD, mmuPM, and metHRHaHb, corresponding to the MesD-, MmuM-, and MetHaHb-dependent pathways, respectively. MesD uses an endogenously synthesized methyl donor and functions as the dominant homocysteine methyltransferase under l-methionine-limiting conditions, supporting bacterial growth, intracellular l-methionine accumulation, and full virulence. Furthermore, MmuM enables XC1 to use plant-derived S-methylmethionine for l-methionine biosynthesis, whereas MetHaHb enables XC1 to use vitamin B12 supplied by a neighboring bacterium for l-methionine biosynthesis in co-culture. Expression analyses showed that mesMXD was the only homocysteine methyltransferase-associated operon that responded to l-methionine availability, and its expression also decreased when S-methylmethionine- or vitamin B12-dependent pathways supported l-methionine biosynthesis. Comparative genomic analysis further showed that the three-homocysteine methyltransferase configuration is conserved in Xanthomonas and is also present in other plant-associated bacteria. Together, these findings show that a plant pathogen can coordinate endogenous, plant-derived, and microbially supported homocysteine methyltransferase pathways to maintain l-methionine biosynthesis, providing a metabolic strategy for adaptation to plant-associated environments.

Methionine↗

PubMed2026

Phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic analysis of graded salt stress responses in Pyrus betulifolia Bunge and functional characterization of the hub gene PbSTY46.

Pyrus betulifolia Bunge is a salt‑tolerant rootstock for pear, but its salt‑tolerance mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, P. betulifolia seedlings were subjected to graded NaCl stress at concentrations of 0 (CK), 50 (T1), 100 (T2), and 200 (T3) mM. We integrated phenotypic observation, physiological assessment, transcriptomic profiling, and functional gene validation to systematically elucidate its salt tolerance mechanisms. Salt stress inhibited seedling growth and root traits in a concentration-dependent manner, and T3 caused the most severe damage. Osmotic solutes responded differentially: soluble sugars peaked under T2, while proline peaked under T3. Antioxidant enzymes showed tissue-specific biphasic responses and declined after prolonged T3 stress. Meanwhile, chlorophyll and photosynthesis decreased, whereas anthocyanin increased, indicating a metabolic shift from photosynthesis to photoprotection. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct responses depending on stress intensity: mild stress induced membrane lipid remodeling, moderate stress activated circadian rhythm and hormone signaling, and severe stress enhanced phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and thiamine metabolism. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further highlighted progressive enrichment of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, heme binding, and oxidoreductase activity. Weighted Gene Co‑expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified a blue module significantly positively correlated with root traits, from which the hub gene PbSTY46 was identified. Functional validation via overexpression, loss‑of‑function mutants, and pharmacological interventions (MeJA/DIECA) confirmed that PbSTY46 acts through JA signaling to enhance antioxidant enzyme activities and thereby confer salt tolerance. Collectively, P. betulifolia adopts a "survival‑first" strategy that coordinates growth arrest, osmotic homeostasis, and ROS scavenging. These findings establish PbSTY46 as a key regulator that links JA signaling to antioxidant defense. Thus, PbSTY46 represents a promising candidate for marker‑assisted breeding of salt‑tolerant pear cultivars.

Salt Stress↗

PubMed2026

PGR expression as a pharmacogenomic companion biomarker to GENE70-derived genomic risk in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The biology of the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancers is heterogeneous even when they are categorized by their risk via genomics. Transcriptomic PGR expression reflects endocrine pathway activity and may provide complementary biological information within established GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories. Whether this molecular marker improves the biological interpretation of genomic-risk stratification beyond conventional clinicopathological assessment remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether transcriptomic PGR expression provides complementary biological and prognostic information within reconstructed GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories and refines the characterization of endocrine-related tumour biology in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. METHODS: This study analysed publicly available transcriptomic and clinical data from three cohorts: METABRIC (discovery cohort), GSE96058/SCAN-B cohort (validation cohort) and TCGA-BRCA cohort (molecular validation cohort). The GENE70-derived genomic-risk score was reconstructed for each cohort using matched genes. Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis and subgroup comparisons were used to assess relationships between PGR expression, clinicopathologic variables, molecular features and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Across the three independent cohorts, low transcriptomic PGR expression was consistently associated with higher GENE70-derived genomic risk, increased MKI67 expression, reduced ESR1 expression and enrichment of the Luminal B subtype. Survival findings differed between cohorts. In the discovery METABRIC cohort, transcriptomic PGR expression showed heterogeneous associations with survival, particularly within GENE70-derived high-risk subgroups, whereas the external GSE96058/SCAN-B validation cohort demonstrated consistent associations between low PGR expression and poorer overall survival in both the overall ER-positive/HER2-negative population and GENE70-derived high-risk subgroups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that transcriptomic PGR provides complementary biological and prognostic information within GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories. However, because treatment response was not evaluated in the present study, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of predictive or pharmacogenomic utility and prospective studies incorporating treatment-response analyses are required before such applications can be established.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Transpulmonary proteomic gradient analysis in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis.

This study investigated proteomic alterations in the pulmonary circulation of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis (PAH-SSc) by analyzing the transpulmonary protein gradient and comparing the proteomic profiles with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without PAH. Twenty women were included (10 PAH-SSc, 64.6 ± 10.8 years; 10 SSc, 62.8 ± 11.5 years). The transpulmonary gradient was defined as the difference in biomarker concentrations between wedge-position and pulmonary artery blood samples. Peptides were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and differentially abundant proteins were identified with Proteome Discoverer. Protein-protein interaction networks were generated with STRING and visualized in Cytoscape. A total of 270 proteins were detected, with no significant transpulmonary gradient alterations. However, patients with PAH-SSc showed distinct proteomic profiles compared to SSc. Multivariate analysis identified 48 differentially abundant proteins in pulmonary artery plasma, with 15 overrepresented and 33 downregulated in PAH-SSc. Among these, the downregulation of transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (TGFβI/ig-h3) points to a potential involvement of the TGF-β-related extracellular matrix remodelling pathway in PAH-SSc. However, further validation in larger and independent cohorts is required before its relevance as a biomarker or therapeutic target can be established. In conclusion, while no transpulmonary proteomic gradient was observed, the proteomic profiles of PAH-SSc and SSc were different. The profile in PAH-SSc was characterized by differences in immune response, lipid metabolism, and hemostatic proteins. SIGNIFICANCE: This study offers the first proteomic characterization of the transpulmonary gradient in PAH-SSc and SSc. Although no differences in the gradient were found, the pulmonary artery plasma proteome of PAH-SSc patients showed a distinct pattern compared to SSc. Several proteins associated with immune function, haemostasis, and cellular processes were altered, which may indicate specific pathophysiological features of PAH-SSc or suggest how lung dysfunction develops in SSc. Targeting dysregulated proteins like TGFβI/ig-h3 or addressing immune-coagulation imbalances may support future research studies. Overall, these findings refine the molecular profile of PAH-SSc and provide a basis for future large-scale studies aimed at clarifying disease mechanisms and identifying clinically relevant molecular signatures.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Lateral Luxation of Anterior Permanent Teeth: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among the traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), lateral luxation may present poor prognosis due to frequent root resorption and consequent tooth loss. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) modulates cellular activities (proliferation, differentiation, growth factor secretion) and may improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated PBMT (660 vs. 808 nm) for post-operative pain and pulp sensitivity recovery in lateral luxation of permanent anterior teeth. METHODS: Initially, 41 patients were included, with a total of 63 teeth traumatized by lateral luxation and were allocated to G1 (n = 21): Splinting + sham PBM (placebo), G2 (n = 21): Splinting + 808 nm infrared PBM and G3 (n = 21): Splinting + 660 nm red PBM. Four weekly sessions (3 J/point, 3 points) were administered. Pain (by numeric rating scale) and pulp sensitivity (by cold test) were assessed weekly. Pain was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by multiple comparisons using Dunn's method with Bonferroni correction, and pulp sensitivity by a logistic regression model (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Three participants (total of 5 teeth) were excluded due to loss to follow-up. Fifty-eight teeth were analyzed (G1 = 21, G2 = 17, G3 = 20). Pain: All groups showed a significant reduction in pain over time (p < 0.001). Both G2 and G3 demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to G1 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.026, respectively). No significant difference in pain reduction was observed between G2 and G3. Pulp sensitivity: G2 showed a significant improvement over time (p < 0.001), despite starting from a more unfavorable baseline. In contrast, no significant change in pulp sensitivity was observed for G1 or G3 between the initial and final assessments. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this clinical study, all intervention groups were effective in reducing pain in lateral luxation of permanent anterior teeth, with superior results for laser groups compared to the placebo. However, only the 808 nm laser irradiation protocol demonstrated a significant improvement in pulp sensitivity, suggesting it may offer a more complete therapeutic response.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Osimertinib With or Without Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With EGFR and Concurrent TP53 Mutations: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Combination therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its clinical benefit-risk profile remains a focus of ongoing debate. Identifying patients most likely to derive benefit from such regimens remains an unmet clinical need. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare the efficacy and safety of first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy with osimertinib monotherapy for patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC harboring concurrent TP53 mutations. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 study conducted at 17 sites in China. Between March 25, 2021, and July 11, 2024, a total of 294 eligible patients with treatment-naive, stage IV or recurrent nonsquamous NSCLC harboring concurrent TP53 and EGFR-sensitizing mutations were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive osimertinib plus chemotherapy (pemetrexed and carboplatin every 3 weeks for 4 cycles, followed by maintenance therapy of osimertinib plus pemetrexed; n = 146) or osimertinib monotherapy (n = 148). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival. Secondary end points included overall survival, response, safety, and quality of life. RESULTS: Among 294 enrolled patients, the median age was 57 years (range, 26-79 years), and 159 (54.1%) were female. The data cutoff date was November 11, 2025. At a median follow-up of 25.1 months for the osimertinib-chemotherapy group and 26.1 months for the osimertinib monotherapy group, median progression-free survival was significantly longer with osimertinib plus chemotherapy than with osimertinib monotherapy (34.0 vs 15.6 months; difference, 18.4 months [95% CI, 9.9-22.3]; hazard ratio, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.32-0.60]; P < .001). This benefit was consistent across prespecified subgroups, including those with brain metastases and L858R mutations. The overall survival data remained immature (30.6% maturity); however, a trend toward overall survival benefit with combination therapy was observed. The incidence of grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events was higher in the combination group, with no new safety signal identified. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this randomized clinical trial, osimertinib plus chemotherapy significantly increased progression-free survival among patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC harboring concurrent TP53 mutations. These findings provided a clinical rationale for individualized combination strategies in the management of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04695925.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Construction of an infectious clone of Spodoptera frugiperda densovirus and its biological characteristics.

Densoviruses are highly pathogenic to their insect hosts and have great potential for biocontrol. Spodoptera frugiperda densovirus (SfDV) was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda, while its biological functions remain unclear. Herein, we successfully constructed an infectious clone of SfDV. The S. frugiperda larvae transfected with the infectious clone exhibited anorexia, stunted growth, and reduced activity. Histopathological analysis further showed that the epidermis, fat body and trachea were infected instead of muscle and midgut tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that numerous virions of about 22 nm were distributed within both the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm of epidermal cells. Moreover, many virions were also found contained within vesicles in the cytoplasm. The replication kinetics of the rescued SfDV (rSfDV) was similar to that of the parental SfDV. The median lethal dose (LD50) and median lethal time (LT50) values of rSfDV were 6.63 × 107 viral genome copies (vgc), 5.23 d, respectively, which were also comparable to those of the parental SfDV. Taken together, the infectious clone of SfDV provides an important tool for further exploring the genome function, pathogenesis, and interactions with its hosts.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Metabolic engineering of Candida yeasts for biotechnological applications.

Candida yeasts represent a versatile yet underexploited platform for industrial biotechnology. These yeasts utilize a remarkably broad range of carbon sources, particularly for hydrophobic carbon sources, coupled with robust growth and diverse biosynthetic capacities, making them promising hosts for sustainable production of chemicals, fuels, and proteins. Despite these advantages, industrial deployment of Candida species has been hindered by concerns regarding opportunistic pathogenicity and the historical lack of efficient genetic manipulation tools, leading to a substantial gap between metabolic potential and practical utilization. Recent advances in functional genomics, genome editing, and systems metabolic engineering are rapidly overcoming these barriers, enabling more precise and efficient strain development. In this review, we systematically summarize recent progress in the metabolic engineering of Candida species as microbial cell factories, with particular emphasis on expanding genetic toolkits, utilizting renewable and non-conventional carbon sources, and biosynthesizing high-value compounds. In addition, we propose a biosafety-oriented classification framework to support their safe industrial deployment. Finally, we discuss current challenges and emerging opportunities, emphasizing that the synergy of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence-driven design holds the key to unlocking the biotechnological potential of Candida yeasts.

Candida↗

PubMed2026

Molecular adaptation of caspase genes to salinity stress in the tropical sea cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus: A comparative analysis across echinoderms.

Apoptosis is an essential physiological process that plays a critical role in development and tissue homeostasis. Caspases, as central regulators of apoptosis, are crucial in controlling inflammation and cell death. In this study, we investigated the caspase gene family in Stichopus monotuberculatus to explore their potential roles in salinity stress adaptation. Five caspase genes were identified from the genome of S. monotuberculatus, including Smcaspase3, Smcaspase6, Smcaspase8a, Smcaspase8b, and Smcaspase8c. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these Smcaspase genes clustered into distinct caspase subfamilies and showed high conservation with homologs from other echinoderms and representative vertebrates. Conserved motif and gene structure analyses showed relatively similar structural patterns within each clade, whereas divergence was observed among different subfamilies. Promoter analysis identified numerous cis-acting elements related to gene regulation, immune response, and growth and development. Expression profiling under salinity stress showed that Smcaspase8a was significantly upregulated, particularly under prolonged stress, whereas the other genes exhibited limited transcriptional responses. Our findings highlight caspase function in salinity stress and provide the foundation of molecular salinity adaptation mechanisms in S. monotuberculatus.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Dual signal-enhanced immunochromatographic test strip based on Au@PtNPs: From sensitive detection of thiamethoxam to multiplex pesticide screening in vegetables.

Immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) is a rapid analytical technique widely used in environmental and food detection owing to its merits of simple operation and short analysis time. Herein, three-dimensional nanoflower-structured gold‑platinum nanoparticles (Au@PtNPs) were synthesized via a seed-growth method. Compared with conventional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), Au@PtNPs exhibited stronger signal intensity, excellent catalytic performance, and efficient antibody binding efficiency. Colorimetric Au@PtNPs-ICTS and catalytic colorimetric Au@PtNPs-ICTS were developed for the sensitive detection of thiamethoxam (THI) in vegetables. The limits of detection (LODs) for colorimetric Au@PtNPs-ICTS and catalytic colorimetric Au@PtNPs-ICTS quantitative analysis were 0.18 ng/mL and 0.093 ng/mL, respectively, representing approximately 3-fold and 6-fold improvement compared to AuNPs-ICTS (0.56 ng/mL). Furthermore, highly sensitive detection of multiple pesticide residues (chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid) was achieved by replacing the corresponding target antigens and antibodies, which further verified the universality of this immunochromatographic strategy.

Thiamethoxam↗

PubMed2026

Functional characterization of the MdFLZ2 gene in drought and salt stress tolerance in apple.

Drought and salt stress are significant environmental limitations that severely constrain plant growth and productivity, therefore, enhancing stress tolerance is a key goal in crop improvement. The plant-specific FCS-like zinc finger (FLZ) proteins have been identified as important regulators of stress adaptation. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide characterization of the FLZ gene family in apple and functionally characterized MdFLZ2. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that MdFLZ2 was differentially expressed across various tissues and transcriptionally induced by both drought and salt stress. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated that the MdFLZ2 protein is localized to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The overexpression of MdFLZ2 in apple calli, Arabidopsis and tomato conferred increased resistance to drought and salt stress. In addition, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays confirmed that MdFLZ2 interacted with MdSnRK1.1, and similar interactions were also detected between other MdFLZ family members and MdSnRK1.1. Collectively, our findings suggest MdFLZ2 as a positive regulator of drought and salt tolerance and highlight its potential to serve as a genetic resource for abiotic stress improvement.

Malus↗

PubMed2026

Identification of aquaporin (AQP) genes in the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis and characterization of their expression under low-temperature stress.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channel proteins essential for water homeostasis and cellular stress responses. In marine bivalves, their roles in cold tolerance remain poorly understood despite frequent winter mortality events in aquaculture. Here, we identified nine AQP genes in the genome of the economically important noble scallop Chlamys nobilis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed strong conservation with other bivalve AQPs, and structural features, including conserved NPA motifs and ar/R selectivity filters, support their canonical water/glycerol transport functions. Tissue-specific expression profiling showed predominant enrichment in osmoregulatory tissues (gills, intestine) and gonads. Under both chronic and acute low-temperature stress from 23 °C to 9 °C, most CnAQP genes exhibited transient upregulation followed by suppression. Notably, CnAQP4 displayed sustained upregulation, implicating it as a key mediator of long-term cold adaptation. Promoter analysis further revealed abundant cis-elements linked to growth and development as well as immune regulation. Our findings provide the first comprehensive characterization of the AQP family in C. nobilis, highlighting its critical role in maintaining cellular integrity during cold stress and offering molecular targets for selective breeding of cold-tolerant scallop strains.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Handle with care: packaging the oocyte epigenome for the next generation.

During oocyte growth, substantial epigenetic programming occurs to establish a distinctive epigenome including appropriately patterned DNA methylation and histone modifications. Oocyte epigenetic programming must be tightly spatiotemporally regulated to ensure that a wide variety of epigenetic modifiers correctly establish their respective modifications to mediate precise control of gene expression. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications in oocytes include canonical and non-canonical genomic imprints, which are transmitted through meiosis to offspring. Significantly, disruptions in oocyte epigenetic programming can cause aberrant developmental outcomes in the next generation mediated by altered imprinting. Polycomb repressive complex 2 is an important epigenetic modifier that establishes histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation and non-canonical imprints during mouse oogenesis, which are important for normal offspring development. While it is widely recognised that altered oocyte epigenetic programming can disrupt offspring development, mechanisms controlling maternal epigenetic inheritance remain poorly understood. The possibility remains that non-canonical imprinting exists in humans, although this requires confirmation. This review discusses mouse and human oocyte epigenetic programming including interactions between various epigenetic modifiers and modifications that form the unique oocyte epigenome. Understanding how oocyte epigenetic programming is regulated will be crucial in discerning how changes to the oocyte epigenome can disrupt epigenetic memory and alter developmental outcomes in offspring.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Transcriptomic insights into exogenous fatty acid-enhanced halotolerance in Zygosaccharomyces rouxii.

BACKGROUND: High salinity restricts microbial growth during brine-based food fermentation. Although exogenous unsaturated fatty acids improve the salt tolerance of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, the associated transcriptional mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the transcriptomic response of Z. rouxii CGMCC 3791 to palmitoleic acid (C16:1) under high salt conditions. RESULTS: Cells were cultured in yeast extract peptone dextrose (YPD) containing 120 g L-1 NaCl, with or without 20 μg mL-1 C16:1. They were analyzed by RNA sequencing. Principal component analysis clearly separated the two treatments. Using q < 0.05 and |log2 fold change| > 1, 23 differentially expressed genes were identified - three upregulated and 20 downregulated. INO1, MLS1, POX1, MEP2, and SOD5 were among the major responsive genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated that peroxisome-associated functions, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress responses, nitrogen utilization, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling were the principal C16:1-responsive processes. CONCLUSION: Exogenous C16:1 elicited a focused transcriptional adjustment rather than broad transcriptome-wide reprogramming in salt-stressed Z. rouxii. The results indicated that peroxisome-linked lipid processes and redox regulation were candidate mechanisms underlying fatty-acid-associated halotolerance and provided targets for improving the robustness of high-salt food fermentation. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Zygosaccharomyces rouxii↗

PubMed2026

MARK1 suppresses infectious bursal disease virus replication via phosphorylating VP3.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) of the Birnaviridae family is a non-envelope, double-stranded RNA virus that encodes a VP3 protein with multiple functions, which controls viral genome replication, IFN-β production, and virus traffic in infected cells. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as ubiquitination, of VP3 have been demonstrated for affecting its function and stability. To clarify the mechanism by which VP3 is regulated in IBDV infected cells, we focused on the phosphorylation of VP3. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that microtubule-affinity regulating kinases 1 (MARK1) was a kinase interacting protein of VP3. Inhibitory function of MARK1 in affecting viral replication was validated. We describe the phosphorylation event at the serine 130 (S130) and serine 163 (S163) residues of VP3 mediated by MARK1 via mass spectrometry analysis. Alanine replacement of the phosphorylation sites in VP3 significantly enhanced its RNA-binding activity. Additionally, the mutation of two serine residues led to remarkably improved in its polymerase-enhancing function. We then incorporated the two mutations to rescue recombinant IBDV. Viral growth curve analysis revealed that replication of mutant IBDV was significantly enhanced relative to wild type (WT) virus. In conclusion, we found that VP3 functions are specifically regulated by MARK1 mediated phosphorylation at S130 and S163 and that this regulation suppresses IBDV replication ultimately.

Infectious bursal disease virus↗