SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Food adulteration”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

156 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Temporal shifts in gyrA mutation types and sublineage replacement in ST11 Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis over a decade (2014-2023): A genomic epidemiological study in Guangxi, China.

The overuse or abuse of antibiotics drives the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance. Although bans on certain veterinary antibiotics, such as colistin, have proven effective, the impact of fluoroquinolone stewardship on the evolution of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) remains unclear. Here, we conducted a decade-long (2014-2023) retrospective longitudinal genomic epidemiological analysis of 441 ST11 S. Enteritidis isolates from Guangxi, China, alongside a global reference dataset of 4297 genomes. Our aim was to elucidate the effect of real-world antibiotic stewardship on the shift of gyrA point mutations and lineage distribution. Surveillance identified three global epidemic clade sublineages (GEC-L2, L3, L4), with the multidrug-resistant GEC-L4 (i.e., GC-c or MMC2), characterized by the gyrA mutation with amino acid substitution D87Y, being domestically dominant (70.07%, 309/441). Following China's 2016 ban on the veterinary use of critical fluoroquinolones, the proportion of the highly resistant GEC-L4 sublineage decreased continuously (from 86.84% in 2017 to 56.00% in 2023), while the less resistant GEC-L3 sublineage (i.e., GC-b or MMC1), mainly characterized by gyrA D87G, increased simultaneously (from 13.16% to 44.00%). This phenomenon might be attributed to the fact that the GEC-L4 sublineage exhibited a higher fitness cost compared with the GEC-L3 sublineage, as confirmed by the competition assay. A Random Forest Model validated that the gyrA mutation with amino acid substitution D87Y was the paramount feature for these sublineages' identification. In contrast, global data showed a continuous increase in gyrA mutations (from 8.63% in 2006 to 68.85% in 2024), primarily D87Y (from 1.44% to 31.15%) and D87N (from 4.32% to 22.95%), correlating with rising average fluoroquinolone consumption. This study provides direct genomic evidence that national-level antibiotic stewardship can drive the replacement of highly resistant sublineages with moderately resistant ones. These findings offer crucial scientific evidence for evaluating the impact of antibiotic management policies and inform strategies for the rational use of antimicrobials.

China↗

PubMed2026

Low-burden metrics for monitoring healthy diets among nonpregnant females aged 15 to 49 years: a multicountry validation analysis using quantitative 24-hour dietary intake data.

BACKGROUND: Limited nationally representative quantitative dietary intake data and a lack of consensus on lower-burden tools and metrics hinder high-frequency monitoring of healthy diets globally. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the comparative construct validity and potential complementarity of low-burden metrics of a healthy diet among nonpregnant females aged 15 to 49 y. METHODS: Quantitative 24-h dietary intake data collected from 77,118 adolescent and adult females across 27 countries were used to construct low-burden metrics and reference metrics of dietary intake. Associations between mean-standardized low-burden measures or indicators and reference metrics were assessed using linear and logistic mixed-effect models, with Spearman's ρ used for survey-level rank correlations. Test characteristics identified low-burden indicators best differentiated adherence to reference indicators. RESULTS: An indicator reflecting nonconsumption of sweet foods and/or sweet beverages was most robustly associated with greater adherence to <10% energy from free sugars in upper-middle-income countries {odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 5.35 [5.05, 5.66]}. Food group diversity score (FGDS) was most strongly associated with and differentiated higher mean adequacy ratio of micronutrients [β of 1-standard deviation (SD) change: ∼11 percentage points (9, 12); ρ: 0.79], whereas noncommunicable disease-Protect score best reflected consumption of ≥400 g/d of fruits and vegetables [range OR of 1-SD changes (95% CI): 2.56-3.01 (2.40, 3.13) in lower-middle and high-income countries, respectively; ρ: 0.56]. FGDS and Global Diet Quality Score Positive were most consistently associated with achieving ≥25 g/d of fiber and ≥3510 mg/d of potassium across contexts. CONCLUSIONS: Low-burden data collection tools yield valid metrics, enabling high-frequency monitoring of healthy diets across contexts. Specifically, avoiding sweet foods and/or sweet beverages is an indicator for adherence to WHO free sugar guidelines among nonpregnant females in upper-middle-income countries, whereas metrics reflecting nutritious food group diversity strongly reflect better micronutrient adequacy and adherence to WHO guidelines for fruits and vegetables, fiber, and potassium intakes within and across contexts.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Recent advances in electrode materials for electrochemical detection of zearalenone.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin commonly found in cereals, animal feed, and processed foods, making it an important concern for food safety and public health. Conventional chromatographic and immunological methods can detect ZEN; however, they often require expensive instruments, lengthy sample preparation, and skilled personnel, which restrict their use for rapid and on-site testing. Electrochemical sensors have attracted enormous interest of the scientific community because of their high sensitivity, rapid response, low cost, miniaturization potential, and compatibility with portable systems. The analytical performance of the electrochemical sensors is strongly influenced by electrode materials, morphology, conductivity, porosity, surface functionality, and the efficiency of bioreceptor immobilization. Despite several reviews on mycotoxin detection, a systematic assessment connecting electrode-material design, modification strategies, sensing mechanisms, and electroanalytical performance specifically for ZEN sensing remain limited. This review critically evaluates recent advances in metal oxides, carbon-based materials, metal-organic- and covalent organic frameworks, MXenes, polymers, and hybrid composites for electrochemical ZEN detection. Particular attention has been given to their roles in electron transfer, analyte enrichment, selectivity, and real-sample analysis. The review also compares the major limitations of current sensing systems, including complex fabrication, matrix interference, insufficient long-term stability, poor inter-electrode reproducibility, and limited scalability. Finally, future directions for developing robust, cost-effective, portable, and commercially viable ZEN sensors are discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Transcriptomics reveals species-specific adaptive strategies to calorie restriction in two Argopecten scallops with distinct lifespans.

Calorie restriction (CR) is a well-established non-genetic intervention for lifespan extension in multiple model organisms. Seasonal food shortage in cold and temperate seas may mimic CR, inducing in bivalves a response similar to that in vertebrates and thereby prolonging life expectancy. However, the relationship and the mechanism underlying the food availability and lifespan in bivalves remain largely unexplored. Two closely related scallop species the short-lived warm-water Argopecten irradians (lifespan <2 years) and the longer-lived cold-water Argopecten purpuratus (7-10 years) provide an ideal comparative system to investigate species-specific adaptive strategies. In this study, we subjected both species to CR for 30 and 56 days and performed comparative transcriptomic profiling, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and physiological assays to elucidate their distinct molecular responses. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. purpuratus exhibited substantially more DEGs than A. irradians at both time points under CR, with both species showing downregulation of metabolic pathways but to different extents. A. irradians mounted an early nutrient-sensing response at 30 days (IGF1R, PIK3R3, INSR suppression), indicating acute sensitivity to limitation; by contrast, A. purpuratus displayed delayed FoxO activation at 56 days, along with its downstream effectors NFKBIA, CREB3L4, and SMAD4, suggesting a gradual adaptive program may link to its extended lifespan. WGCNA identified three negatively correlated modules in each species, with coral2 being the most prominent in A. irradians and darkolivegreen in A. purpuratus. The former was dominated by ciliary motility genes, whereas the latter featured coordinated repression of oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, both species exhibited conserved suppression of mTOR/S6K growth signaling and activation of cellular maintenance programs. Collectively, these findings expand the understanding of CR-mediated longevity regulation in bivalves and provide candidate gene resources for future functional studies and breeding programs.

Pectinidae↗

PubMed2026

Effects of intensive lifestyle interventions with calorie-carbohydrate-restricted diet versus time-restricted eating on appetite and binge eating in type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

The impact of intensive lifestyle interventions on appetite regulation and binge eating in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of combined lifestyle interventions on appetite responses and binge eating in overweight or obese adults with T2D. In a randomized trial, 120 participants with T2D were allocated to three groups (n = 40 each): (1) Calorie-carbohydrate restriction (CCR), (2) Time-restricted eating with CCR (TRE + CCR), or (3) Control. Intervention groups received structured exercise and behavioral education based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model. Appetite perceptions (hunger, satiety, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption) and binge eating (Binge Eating Scale; BES and objective binge episodes) were evaluated at baseline, week 12, and week 24 using linear mixed models. Both CCR and TRE + CCR significantly improved subjective appetite compared with the control group at 12 and 24 weeks (all p < 0.01). At 24 weeks, hunger decreased by -24.1 mm (95% CI: -35.8, -12.5) in the CCR group and -32.7 mm (95% CI: -44.2, -21.3) in the TRE + CCR group. Satiety also increased by 21.7 mm (95% CI: 9.46, 33.9) and 29.4 mm (95% CI: 17.4, 41.4), respectively. Significant reductions were observed for desire to eat and prospective food consumption. In contrast, changes in BES and objective binge episodes were not significantly different between groups at any time point. No significant differences were detected between the CCR and the TRE + CCR groups. Intensive lifestyle interventions incorporating CCR or TRE + CCR effectively reduced appetite in adults with T2D but did not significantly affect binge eating. Future research should target individuals with higher baseline BES scores to clarify potential benefits for binge eating behavior.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Spore-forming Clostridia as overlooked determinants of microbial risk in wastewater reuse systems.

Using treated municipal wastewater for crop irrigation is a key strategy to combat drought-induced water scarcity. However, current wastewater reclamation standards systematically underestimate risks from spore-forming pathogens. As highlighted in a recent minireview by A. Mrozinski, C. Le Maréchal, and E. Topp in Applied and Environmental Microbiology (92:e00173-26, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.00173-26), Clostridioides difficile and Clostridium perfringens survive conventional disinfection, persist indefinitely in agricultural soils, and harbor critical antibiotic resistance genes. To safeguard the food supply and protect public health, regulatory frameworks must shift from relying solely on standard vegetative bacterial indicators and include monitoring resilient, spore-forming pathogens.

Clostridium↗

PubMed2026

Orchard netting impacts on biodiversity leading to cascading effects at the ecosystem level.

Agriculture must ensure food production without further compromising the ecosystem functions upon which it depends. Agricultural practices should therefore avoid harming farmland biodiversity, especially of taxa that supply the key ecosystem services (e.g. pollination, pest control and nutrient uptake) that ultimately support crop production. Orchards are among the largest permanent plantations worldwide and are increasingly characterised by the spread of plastic nets used to protect fruits/nuts from either abiotic (anti-hail, anti-rain, shade nets) or biotic (exclusion nets) hazards. Despite having received little attention to date, these nets may impact natural communities, acting both as physical barriers and as drivers of habitat changes to which biota must respond. Species-level responses to netting depend on the organism's ability to enter the netted environment and successfully exploit available resources. Net-mediated ecological filtering and plastic behavioural responses may alter species interactions, leading to cascading ecological impacts that may create species-poorer 'netted communities' with simplified ecological networks. Such changes may erode biological control potential, other ecosystem functions, and overall system stability. We conducted a systematic review on the effects of protection nets on biota, and reported novel empirical evidence on anti-hail nets' impacts on communities of orchard-dwelling birds, flower-visiting insects, and rodents. In total, we identified 48 studies from the literature, however this literature was strongly biased towards apple orchards, western countries, and pest taxa. Net deployment was highly effective in deterring target pest species, in some cases regardless of their original function, as even weather-protection nets limited pest populations. Side effects on non-target taxa were also often reported, such as decreases in pollinators and natural enemies, and/or increases in secondary pests or microbial diseases. However, most assessments largely disregarded non-pest taxa and the broader ecological consequences of netting. The few studies that addressed the effects of nets at the guild/community level, including our empirical study, confirmed that orchard netting resulted in species-poor assemblages, with possible ecosystem-level consequences. We propose that future assessments should pay more attention to the indirect effects of netting on non-target taxa, and on the supply of crop-supporting ecosystem services mediated by wild species occurring in agroecosystems. Due to the trade-offs between these services and net-mediated crop protection, integrated alternatives should be tested to improve the environmental sustainability of food production and biodiversity conservation in farmed landscapes.

Biodiversity↗

PubMed2026

Genetic overlap between estimated glomerular filtration rate and cardiovascular disease identifies potential targets for cardiorenal syndrome.

Heart and kidney diseases frequently coexist, but the genetic basis of this relationship remains unclear. We analyzed genetic data from large-scale studies to investigate how kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) and six common cardiovascular diseases share genetic risk factors. Using MiXeR method, and conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) to identify overlapping genetic regions, we found 478 shared genomic loci between eGFR and cardiovascular diseases. These shared genes are involved in tissue development and structure. We also identified 29 genes that could be targeted by existing medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, such as PRKAG2, PDE1A, and IGF1R. Among these, genetically predicted higher level of IGF1R expression is associated with a higher eGFR, which reflects good kidney function and is protective against cardiorenal diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction. These findings reveal genetic overlap between kidney function and cardiovascular diseases, highlighting potential targets for understanding and treating cardiorenal syndrome.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Long-Term Weight Trajectories in Infants Receiving Prolonged Breastfeeding: Impact of Formula Supplementation.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared weight trajectories in infants breastfed for at least 1 year, with or without formula supplementation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort of 252 infants followed in well-baby clinics. All infants were breastfed ≥12 months and received complementary foods at 4-6 months. Of these, 174 received no formula, and 78 received daily formula supplementation. Anthropometric data were collected from birth to 5 years of age. RESULTS: Among males, those breastfed without formula had significantly lower body weight between 13 and 18 months compared with those receiving formula (10.20 kg vs. 10.97 kg, p < 0.001). From 19 months onward, no significant weight differences were observed and trajectories converged through 5 years. CONCLUSION: Prolonged breastfeeding in male infants is associated with lower weight in early toddlerhood; however, differences resolve by age two. These findings suggest early variations may represent physiological patterns. Further controlled studies are needed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of intradialytic nutrition on dialysis adequacy and fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess intradialytic nutrition's effects on dialysis adequacy and fatigue in maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A randomized, two-period, two-sequence, self-controlled crossover trial was conducted in two outpatient hemodialysis centers in Türkiye. Thirty-six patients were randomized; 32 completed both periods. The participants received standardized intradialytic nutrition in one period and no food intake during the control period. Dialysis adequacy was evaluated using the urea reduction ratio and single-pool Kt/V. Intradialytic blood pressure was recorded during dialysis sessions, and fatigue severity was measured using the Piper Fatigue Scale at the end of each period. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in dialysis adequacy or fatigue scores between the two periods. Intradialytic nutrition was associated with greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly during the second hour of dialysis. No clinically relevant adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Intradialytic nutrition did not compromise dialysis adequacy or worsen fatigue severity but was associated with increased intradialytic blood pressure reductions. Individualized clinical decisions and careful hemodynamic monitoring are warranted when implementing intradialytic nutritional interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07687498.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Predictive evolutionary genomics: principles, validation, and practice.

Climate change and habitat loss are driving rapid evolutionary responses in populations world-wide, which creates an urgent need for evolutionary forecasting in conservation and agriculture. Such forecasting can be categorized into three time scales: trait-based models that use multivariate quantitative genetic equations to project correlated phenotypic responses up to c. 20 generations, allele-based analyses that model allele frequency dynamics up to 100 generations, and composite adaptation scores that aggregate many small effects to yield predictions across longer horizons. However, these approaches have remained largely disconnected. Here, we present a Bayesian framework that integrates these three complementary approaches for evolutionary prediction. Our framework combines genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data to yield probabilistic predictions with explicit uncertainty. We show how predictive evolutionary forecasts can be validated with experimental evolution, field experimentation, historical specimens, and reciprocal transplants. These validated forecasts can help advance conservation and agricultural programmes by helping predict which populations are at risk of future extinction, optimizing breeding programmes for future climates, and planning ecosystem management under environmental change. By supporting a shift towards more predictive approaches in evolutionary biology, this framework may help improve our ability to manage biodiversity and food security in a changing world.

Genomics↗

PubMed2026

Structural and physicochemical characterisation of branched dextrans produced by an active α-(1→2) branching sucrase from Apilactobacillus kunkeei PDER37.

Recently, branching sucrases encoded in the genomes of certain Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains have become novel enzymes to obtain branched α-glucans. In this study an active α-(1 → 2) branching sucrase from Apilactobacillus kunkeei PDER37 was expressed, characterised and distinct branched dextrans was obtained with reactions under different sucrose: dextran ratio. Structural characterisation by 1H and 13C NMR analysis demonstrated the branching of the dextran with (1 → 2)-linked α-d-glucose units with no alteration in the final structure depending on sucrose: dextran ratio (D0) but this ratio was effective for the determination of the molecular weights of the branched dextrans (D1, D2 and D3). FTIR analysis further supported the dextran structures and suggested the higher accumulation of the α-Glc units in the branched dextrans. Thermal characterisation of the branched dextrans obtained by TGA and DSC analysis suggested the increased hygroscopicity of the branching units. Both SEM and AFM analysis demonstrated more porous chain like structures in the branched dextrans. This study provides valuable information on the role of active α-(1 → 2) branching sucrase (BS37) for the production of branched dextrans with potential increased physicochemical status applicable for food and other industries.

Dextrans↗

PubMed2026

Portable metagenomics for preventive surveillance and outbreak control in livestock and poultry: Pathogen detection, resistome profiling, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Conventional diagnostics for livestock and poultry outbreaks commonly rely on culture or targeted PCR panels, which may be too slow or too narrow to guide early control decisions. Portable metagenomics, particularly real-time nanopore sequencing, offers a route to broad pathogen detection, antimicrobial-resistance gene profiling, and outbreak investigation within an integrated workflow. This implementation-focused review evaluates how near-point-of-care metagenomics may support preventive veterinary medicine through earlier detection, surveillance, cohorting, biosecurity decisions, and antimicrobial stewardship. We synthesize sample-to-answer workflows for enteric and respiratory disease in food-producing animals, including sampling, nucleic-acid extraction, host depletion or target enrichment, library preparation, sequencing, bioinformatics, quality control, and interpretation. Applications in calf diarrhea, bovine respiratory disease, poultry outbreaks, mastitis, and resistome monitoring are considered alongside the central limitation that detection alone does not establish causation. Pathogen and resistance-gene signals must therefore be interpreted with clinical signs, lesions, epidemiology, controls, and confirmatory testing. We also propose a minimum reporting checklist, intended as a practical framework rather than a validated consensus standard. Portable metagenomics is not a replacement for conventional diagnostics, but appropriately validated workflows can reduce uncertainty during time-sensitive outbreaks and support more judicious antimicrobial use.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Diet and sleep among college student populations: a systematic review.

College students are at-risk for both poor diet and poor sleep. We aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding associations between diet and sleep health within this population. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from the earliest possible date through February 6, 2026. A total of 57 studies representing 44 countries were retained; most were cross-sectional. There were 22 studies that examined dietary patterns in relation to sleep, generally showing that healthier diet patterns, including the Mediterranean Diet, were related to better sleep quality. Among 20 studies that examined individual foods or nutrients, there was evidence that fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages were linked to better sleep health, although some findings were mixed. Finally, 15 studies related meal timing to sleep quality, showing that breakfast skipping and later last meals were associated with poor sleep health. Overall, these studies reveal robust cross-sectional associations between diet and sleep among college students, but more longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate directionality. Moreover, a key direction for future study is consideration of sleep and nutrition situated within the unique contexts of college settings and academic schedules.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Post-exercise rehydration: a randomized cross-over trial comparing a 100% fruit juice, a glucose-based sports drink, and water.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that sports drinks may improve rehydration, compared to water, an effect likely achieved by manufacturing sports drinks to contain carbohydrates and sodium. However, there is a growing preference for natural products and a "food first" approach to sports nutrition. Fruit juices naturally contain similar concentrations of carbohydrates to sports drinks, but fruit juices may produce a more stable blood glucose profile. Fruit juices also naturally contain electrolytes, particularly potassium, but their potential as effective rehydration alternatives to sports drinks, which have higher sodium concentrations, is not well understood. This study compared the rehydration efficacy and glucose responses following consumption of a 100% fruit juice (Raw Hydrate®; FRU), a glucose-based sports drink (SPO), and water (WAT) after exercise-induced hypohydration. Importantly, rehydration beverages were matched for water volume, rather than total volume, to ensure that any potential differences in water balance were not due to unequal water volumes between trials, a limitation affecting previous rehydration research. METHODS: After familiarization, 17 adults (age: 28 ± 8  years; BMI: 23.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2) completed three trials in a randomized cross-over design. The participants cycled in the heat (~35°C) to induce ~2% body mass loss (BML), then rehydrated over a 1 h period in a laboratory (~21°C) with a water volume equivalent to 150% of BML from either FRU, SPO, or WAT. This was followed by an additional 4 h of seated rest (5 h rehydration period), when blood glucose was measured (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 h after beverage consumption), and all urine produced was collected. RESULTS: During the 5 h rehydration period, there was no effect of trial on total urine volume (FRU: 1266 ± 403 mL, SPO: 1338 ± 361 mL, WAT: 1394 ± 360 mL; P = 0.156) or water retention (FRU: 42 ± 12%, SPO: 37 ± 10%, WAT: 35 ± 11%; P = 0.059). The blood glucose area under the curve differed by trial (P < 0.001), with all beverages significantly different from each other (FRU: 10.12 ± 0.72 mmol/L/2h, SPO: 12.48 ± 1.34 mmol/L/2h, WAT: 7.90 ± 0.47 mmol/L/2h; P < 0.003). CONCLUSION: Rehydration efficacy was similar between all beverages, but each elicited a distinct glycemic response. For sports drink consumers seeking a natural alternative or implementing a "food first" nutritional strategy, switching to a 100% fruit juice will not compromise rehydration effectiveness, but may elicit a lower blood glucose response. Although, it should be noted that an additional three participants were withdrawn from the study because of gastrointestinal issues after consuming the 100% fruit juice. This was likely a product of the present study's design, where a large volume of 100% fruit juice (average ~2,300 mL) was consumed in a short period of time (1 h). Whilst this is a commonly used study design to robustly assess the rehydration efficacy of different beverages, future studies should distribute fluid intake over a longer duration, in order to improve ecological validity and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A cooperative regulatory module between TAGL2 and JMJC1 activates specific defense genes against root-knot nematodes in tomato.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) threaten global food security. Although epigenetic modifications are crucial for plant immunity, how histone modifiers contribute to root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne incognita) resistance remains unclear. Here, using genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches, we investigated the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms underlying RKN resistance mediated by the histone demethylase (HDM) JMJC1 and the MADS-box transcription factor TAGL2 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We identified JMJC1 as an RKN-induced positive defense regulator targeting H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 histone marks. JMJC1 physically interacts with TAGL2, which also positively regulates RKN resistance. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that TAGL2 regulates multiple layers of the plant defense network, transcriptionally activating representative genes from distinct pathways (including PUB10, bHLH98, CCaMK, and SAUR3), which we validated as positive regulators of RKN resistance via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). At the chromatin level, TAGL2 and JMJC1 co-regulate these loci, associating with localized H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 reduction. Furthermore, TAGL2 directly activates JMJC1 transcription, establishing a positive feedback loop that amplifies immune signaling. Our findings reveal a cooperative model wherein a HDM and a transcription factor coordinate at specific loci to fine-tune multiple defense layers at both epigenetic and transcriptional levels, providing insights for breeding durable nematode-resistant plants.

Solanum lycopersicum↗

PubMed2026

Comparative analysis of DDR-related genes and microRNA expression during rice germination: Implications for salinity susceptibility screening.

Soil salinity poses a significant threat to the agri-food sector and particularly to rice cultivation. High salinity during germination induces overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause lesions in the DNA resulting in reduced vigor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to modulate stress response in plants, however, studies focusing on its relation with the expression of the DNA damage response (DDR)-related genes are not thoroughly explored. In this regard, the aim of this work was to investigate the link between the expression of miRNAs and putative targeted DDR-related genes in response to salinity stress during germination. Eight varieties representative of indica and japonica rice subspecies were categorized into clusters through a principal component analysis (PCA) based on their germination performance and stress tolerance index under varying concentrations of NaCl. Subsequently, the expression patterns of six miRNAs and their putative targeted DDR genes were measured in two contrastive cultivars through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) while correlations were examined through Pearson's analysis. Results showed distinct expression profiles between halotolerant and sensitive cultivars. Two miRNAs were further investigated in mature dry seeds of all the cultivars to verify their earliest, seed-specific discriminative potential. The distinct miR414 expression pattern may represent a potential biomarker for identifying salinity-susceptible cultivars during early-stage breeding screening.

Oryza↗

PubMed2026

Post-weaning social isolation increases reward-seeking behavior in mice.

Social isolation is a growing public health concern. Although isolation at any age is harmful, previous studies have shown that isolation during adolescence, correlating with critical periods of brain development, can impair cognitive function and increase the risk for psychiatric illness later in life. In this study, we utilized a mouse model of social isolation (SI) during adolescence (postnatal day 21-35) and compared performance of isolated and group-housed mice on a touchscreen-based continuous performance test (rCPT) and fixed ratio/progressive ratio (FR/PR) tasks in adulthood. SI improved performance in the rCPT and the improvement in performance was consistent across time bins within the 45-minute testing session. There were no effects of SI on reaction times or reward retrieval latencies. A possible confound for performance in the rCPT would be SI-induced changes in reward-seeking or motivation for the strawberry milk reward. We next compared the SI mice to their group-housed littermate controls on both PR and FR schedules of reinforcement and found that SI mice had higher breakpoints on a PR4 schedule and earned significantly more reinforcers on an FR1 schedule of reinforcement compared to their group-housed littermates, suggesting that high performance in the CPT may be due to increased motivation for food rewards. These data indicate that SI during adolescence has significant effects on reward-seeking behavior in adult mice and may provide a useful behavioral model for studying the link between SI and risk for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Animals↗