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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

Effectiveness of a blended care intervention in physiotherapy with exercise and education for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (SmArt-E): A multicentre pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a twelve-month smartphone-assisted physiotherapy (SmArt-E) intervention versus usual care in hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to assess usability and patient satisfaction with the digital support. METHOD: We conducted a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel-group randomized controlled trial in 27 physiotherapy practices in Germany. Patients with physician-diagnosed hip and/or knee OA aged ≥50 (hip) or ≥38 years (knee) were randomly allocated to SmArt-E (IG; n=166) or usual care (CG; n=164). The twelve-month intervention combined supervised and smartphone-assisted training and education (blended care). Primary outcomes were pain (NRS, 0-10) and physical function (HOOS/KOOS-ADL, 0-100) at twelve months. Secondary outcomes followed OARSI domains; usability and patient satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS: Among 330 participants (mean age 64±8 years), baseline NRS was 3.2±2.3 in the CG and 3.5±2.4 in the IG; HOOS/KOOS-ADL was 71.6±17.7 and 69.4±17.5, respectively. No significant between-group differences were found for pain (-0.36; 95% CI: -0.84 to 0.12; p=0.14) or physical function (2.66; 95% CI: -0.46 to 5.77; p=0.09). Among 13 secondary outcomes, significant differences favouring the IG emerged at three and twelve months for several domains; however, effect sizes were small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. CONCLUSION: SmArt-E did not demonstrate superior effectiveness over usual care in mild hip and/or knee OA. Both groups improved over time, with slightly more favourable but clinically inconclusive outcomes in the IG. Findings highlight the need to refine the intervention, better identify eligible patients, and optimize digital and in-person components.

Humans

Evolutionary diversification of invertase paralogs couples carbon metabolism and sexual reproduction in fission yeasts.

Dynamic patterns of gene gain and loss play a major role in the diversification of eukaryotes, reflecting adaptation to a broad range of ecological contexts. Reconstructing the evolutionary history of genes provides a powerful framework for understanding how functional innovation shapes life-history traits. Here we report a comprehensive analysis of gene gain and loss across the fission yeast clade, whose evolutionary trajectory remains elusive. Reductive evolution of metabolic genes is a major contributor to species diversification, as observed in other fungal taxa. Notably, we uncovered an evolutionary scenario in which an ancestral gene duplication was followed by lineage-specific loss of one or the other paralog, except in S. pombe, which retained both. We demonstrate that these paralogs encode catalytically-active invertases, named Inv1 and Inv2, with distinct enzymatic properties, localization, regulation, and physiological roles. Inv1 is a secreted enzyme subject to glucose catabolite repression and is the sole invertase required for sucrose assimilation, resembling canonical yeast invertases. In contrast, Inv2 is intracellular, constitutively expressed, and required for inducing sexual differentiation in response to nutrient availability. Overall, these findings reveal an unexpected role for carbon metabolism in modulating the haploid-diploid cycle of fission yeasts, suggesting that diversification of core metabolic functions may contribute to adaptation to environments with distinct sugar compositions.

Evolution

Multiomic insights into fungal polylactic acid degradation: Metabolic adaptation and hydrolytic mechanisms of Sporobolomyces pararoseus.

Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polyester from renewable resources, is a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics. However, its environmental degradation is inefficient naturally, requiring specific microbial activities. While bacterial PLA-degrading mechanisms are well documented, fungal degrading systems-particularly their molecular mechanisms-are underexplored.We isolated Sporobolomyces pararoseus ZRQ01 from the gut microbiota of PLA-fed mealworms. This fungal strain noticeably degraded PLA in PLA-containing medium supplemented with 2% glucose. Biodegradation assays revealed 22.8% loss of the PLA film weight after 35 days of incubation, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive surface erosion and pore formation. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, together with the reference genome of S. pararoseus ZRQ01, revealed that S. pararoseus ZRQ01 upregulates hydrolytic enzymes at both transcript and protein levels to cleave PLA into lactic acid. After lactic acid is transferred into S. pararoseus ZRQ01 cells by monocarboxylate transporters with increased abundance, it is assimilated by pathways of pyruvate metabolism and the TCA cycle with increased protein abundance. Intriguingly, upregulation of genes in autophagy-related and MAPK signaling pathways underscores an adaptive stress response potentially supporting cellular homeostasis and degradation-related gene expression. Our results highlight S. pararoseus ZRQ01's metabolic potential for bioremediation and offer insights into fungal bioplastic degradation pathways.

Polyesters

Risk Factors and Predictive Model for Postoperative High Myopia in Children Undergoing Congenital Cataract Surgery With Intraocular Lens Implantation.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors associated with the development of high myopia following congenital cataract surgery and to establish a robust predictive model. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study. SUBJECTS: This retrospective study included 106 pediatric patients who underwent congenital cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation (mean follow-up 8.19 years). The model was externally validated in an independent cohort of 72 patients with a mean follow-up of 7.83 years. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative ocular biometric parameters were collected. Risk factors for postoperative high myopia were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression, which served as the basis for model construction. The predictive performance of the model was rigorously evaluated for discrimination and calibration. Discriminative ability was quantified using Harrell's C-index and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Model calibration was assessed via calibration plots by comparing predicted probabilities with actual observed outcomes. Internal validation was performed using a bootstrapping method (500 iterations) to ensure model stability and adjust for potential overfitting. RESULTS: An initial postoperative refraction of <+0.75D, and a higher IOL Power to Axial length Ratio (IOL/AL ratio) were identified as significant risk factors for the development of postoperative high myopia. Shorter preoperative axial length was associated with a greater magnitude of postoperative myopic shift. The predictive model demonstrated robust performance, achieving a C-index of 0.711 (internal validation C-index: 0.713). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values for predicting high myopia at 5 and 10 years were 0.858 and 0.745, respectively. Furthermore, calibration curves demonstrated excellent agreement between the predicted and observed outcomes throughout the follow-up period. In external validation, the model achieved a C-index of 0.825, 5-year AUC of 0.833, and 10-year AUC of 0.713. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis established that initial postoperative refraction <+0.75D, and an elevated IOL/AL ratio are key determinants of high myopia risk following surgery. Shorter preoperative axial length was associated with a greater magnitude of postoperative myopic shift. This predictive framework provides clinicians with a practical tool to optimize preoperative IOL selection and identify high-risk infants who require vigilant myopia prevention and balanced amblyopia management.

Humans

Pharmacogenomic and drug interactions risk in cardio-oncology: A precision medicine perspective for India.

Cardio-oncology patients may face complex treatment regimens due to the concurrent existence of cancer and cardiovascular disease, leading to a considerable polypharmacy burden. This significantly increases the prospect of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and gene-drug interactions. The majority of these interactions arise from comparable pharmacokinetic and pharmacological pathways associated with drug transporters and cytochrome P450 enzymes. The significance of pharmacogenomics in tailored treatment strategies are emphasised by the fact that genetic variability enhances individual differences in drug response, safety, and efficacy. This narrative review focus on the effects of key genetic polymorphisms (e.g., DPYD, CYP2C19, and CYP2C9) on the metabolism and efficacy of commonly prescribed anticancer and cardiovascular medications such as fluoropyrimidines, clopidogrel, and warfarin. In addition it explore the role of pharmacogenomic variants on drug-drug interactions within the field of cardio-oncology. The study ultimately emphasizes the necessity of precision medicine in India to address the genetic diversity and underrepresentation in global genomic databases. The absence of pharmacogenomic testing, infrastructural deficiencies, financial constraints, and insufficient clinical integration hinder the widespread use of this technology in India. The Genome India Project and other national initiatives establish the foundation for pharmacogenomic-guided therapy. Utilizing genetic data, together with artificial intelligence-based predictive tools, for clinical decision-making may enhance medication safety and yield optimal outcomes in Indian cardio-oncology patients.

Humans

Biallelic Variants in ATP1A4 Are Associated with Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and Male Infertility.

Male infertility, often caused by structural and functional sperm defects, remains genetically unexplained in a substantial proportion of cases. ATP1A4 encodes a testis-specific isoform of the Na+, K+-ATPase, a membrane enzyme crucial for maintaining cellular ionic homeostasis. Previous studies on Atp1a4 knockout mice have demonstrated severe defects in sperm motility and flagellar architecture; however, the contribution of ATP1A4 variants to human male reproduction remains to be elucidated. In this study, we identified compound biallelic variants in ATP1A4, a missense variant (c.2578&#x2009;T>A, p.Tyr860Asn) and a frameshift variant (c.2582del, p.Gly861Aspfs*5), in a patient presenting with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Both variants markedly affected ATP1A4 protein expression. Morphological analyses revealed coiled and folded flagella, disrupted mitochondrial sheaths, and irregular head morphology in the patient's spermatozoa. Expression profiling revealed that ATP1A4 was highly enriched in post-meiotic spermatids and localized along the entire flagellum of mature sperm in both humans and mice, indicating a critical role in flagellar assembly and structural integrity. Notably, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in this patient resulted in low fertilization efficiency and failed implantation, suggesting a potential adverse impact of ATP1A4 deficiency on sperm functional competence beyond motility. These findings broaden the genetic spectrum of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and highlight ATP1A4 as a potential gene associated with human male infertility.

Male

How I do it: 3-Suture robotic pyeloplasty: Step-by-step technique.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty is now a gold standard in the treatment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We describe a standardized "3-suture" technique designed to facilitate the pyelo-ureteral anastomosis. We used this technique in 65 paediatric patients aged 3-17 years. Early major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III) occurred in 3 patients (4.6%). The median operative time was 150 min. Surgical success was achieved in 96% of cases at a median follow-up of 9.5 months. This 3-suture approach offers a highly reproducible method for robotic pyeloplasty, facilitating accurate anatomical reconstruction with excellent surgical outcomes.

Humans

Are there any common effects in preclinical models of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure? A systematic review.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants detected in food sources and the marine food chain, raising concerns about human health. Although no causal relationship has been established between MNP exposure and specific diseases, growing evidence suggests adverse developmental, behavioral, cognitive and biochemical effects. This systematic review synthesized evidence from common preclinical neurotoxicology models, including C. elegans, D. rerio, D. melanogaster, in vitro systems and rodents, to identify convergent developmental, behavioral and biochemical outcomes. The protocol was preregistered in OSF, followed PRISMA-P guidelines, applied PICOS criteria, and assessed methodological quality using the European Commission's ToxRTool. Overall, 185 studies were included. Consistent findings showed impaired survival and disrupted development across all models. Behavioral alterations affecting anxiety, memory, learning, sociability and locomotor activity were also consistently reported. In addition, numerous studies identified disruptions in the serotonergic (5-HT) system, including changes in neurotransmitter levels, transporters and metabolic enzymes. Despite methodological heterogeneity, these findings indicate that MNP exposure produces reproducible neurodevelopmental and neurochemical alterations across experimental models. Future studies should improve methodological harmonization, strengthen cross-model comparability and identify robust biomarkers and key mechanisms underlying MNP-induced neurotoxicity, facilitating translation to human health risk assessment frameworks.

Animals

Pangenome-wide identification and expression analysis of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene family in five yellowhorn spp.

Chalcone synthase (CHS) is a pivotal enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis involved in plant development, defense, and secondary metabolism. Xanthoceras sorbifolium (yellowhorn) is a medicinal and ornamental species with high resistance to environmental stresses, but its CHS gene family remains uncharacterized. We performed a pangenome-wide identification of CHS genes across five yellowhorn genomes (Xzs4, Xwf8, Xjg, Xg11, and Xzg2). Across the five yellowhorn genomes, 27 CHS genes were identified and classified into four core pangenes, present in all five genomes, and two dispensable genes, present only in a subset of genomes. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into three major clades, and chromosomal mapping and duplication analyses identified four tandemly duplicated gene pairs under purifying selection. The analyses of conserved structural features, including protein motifs and exon-intron organization, together with promoter cis-regulatory elements and gene ontology annotation, further indicated the potential involvement of CHS genes in flavonoid biosynthesis and stress-responsive mechanisms. Gene expression profiling identified significant upregulation of Xg11_CHS1 and Xg11_CHS3 under cold and drought stress, with tissue-specific expression patterns. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolution, functional diversification, and stress-responsive roles of the CHS gene family, identifying candidate genes for future studies targeting stress tolerance and flavonoid biosynthesis in yellowhorn.

Acyltransferases

Optimizing Initial Dosing for Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Critical Review.

BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetics (PK) of immunosuppressive agents in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients are expected to differ from those in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) recipients because of the smaller initial liver volume transplanted and pathophysiological changes during liver regeneration. Consequently, the hepatic metabolism, CYP enzyme activity, and glucuronidation may be reduced. The PK of tacrolimus (metabolized by CYP3A5) and mycophenolate (metabolized through glucuronidation) are expected to be affected early post-LDLT. However, the initial dosing recommendations for post-LDLT remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to recommend initial dosing approaches for tacrolimus and mycophenolate in LDLT recipients based on available PK data in humans. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted in March 2025 to identify studies investigating the PK data of immediate-release tacrolimus and mycophenolate in pediatric or adult LDLT recipients. RESULTS: After screening, 8 and 8 articles on tacrolimus and mycophenolates, respectively, met the review criteria. The current literature suggests that LDLT recipients require lower tacrolimus doses than DDLT recipients, particularly in the early post-transplant period. In addition, CYP3A5 polymorphisms in both donors and recipients contribute to interindividual variability in tacrolimus exposure, further complicating tacrolimus management. Studies on mycophenolate use in LDLT recipients are limited, with insufficient evidence to support dose reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the initial tacrolimus dose in LDLT recipients by 30%-50% compared with that in DDLT recipients would be reasonable while maintaining the same initial dose of mycophenolate between LDLT and DDLT recipients.

Humans

Proteomic responses of the oil palm pest Metisa plana (Psychidae) to farnesyl acetate exposure.

Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a major defoliator of oil palm in Malaysia, causing substantial economic losses. Farnesyl acetate (FA), a sesquiterpenoid compound, has been proposed as a potential insecticidal agent against M. plana, yet its molecular impact on larval physiology remains poorly understood. Here, we employed label-free quantitative proteomics, functional enrichment analysis, and targeted transcript assessment to characterize the temporal proteomic response of M. plana larvae at 7 and 14&#xa0;days after treatment (DAT) with FA. Principal component analysis revealed robust separation between treated and control samples at both time points, indicating sustained treatment-driven proteomic restructuring. Early exposure (7 DAT) elicited a heterogeneous response involving stress-associated proteins, redox enzymes, and cytoskeletal regulators, whereas later exposure (14 DAT) produced a consolidated profile characterized by metabolic reprogramming, downregulation of ribosomal proteins, induction of heat shock proteins, and enrichment of RNA surveillance and mitochondrial pathways. Targeted transcript analysis qualitatively supported proteomic trends for HSP83 and aldehyde dehydrogenase X, although limited amplification precluded quantitative inference. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FA exposure drives a shift from acute proteomic perturbation toward a maintenance-oriented physiological state, prioritizing proteostasis, energy management, and stress adaptation over growth and development. This integrated molecular perspective provides mechanistic insight into the chronic effects of FA, highlighting its potential to suppress larval performance and informing the development of biorational, physiology-based pest management strategies in non-model insects.

Animals

Optimizing eco-engineering pedogenesis of bauxite residues: Synergistic effects of humus and FeSO4/sulfur on microbial community and function.

Eco-engineered pedogenesis represents a promising approach for soil amelioration of bauxite residues (BRs) through exogenous organic matter. However, the role of humus in mediating this process remains poorly understood, significantly impeding the eco-engineering rehabilitation of BRs. In this study, we conducted pot experiments and subsequent microbial analysis to evaluate the individual improvement of humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and corn straw (SWZ) on the BRs' pedogenesis. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that both FA and SWZ were more effective than HA in steering microbial community assembly, as community diversity, dominant taxa enrichment, and species' interaction were all significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the FA/SWZ treatments than in HA treatments. Notably, the combination of FA with FeSO4 specifically enriched halophilic taxa, while FA coupled with sulfur (S) significantly improved the connectivity and complexity of the microbial network, as the average connection degree increasing from 1.008 to 1.113. Hydrolytic enzyme activity assays further indicated that FA, especially when combined with S, was the most effective treatment in restoring microbial function during BR pedogenesis. These findings highlight FA as a critical driver of microbial restructuring and functional recovery in BRs. Moreover, its efficacy can be enhanced by co-amendment with FeSO4 or S. This study provides important theoretical and practical insights for optimizing organic-inorganic amendment strategies to accelerate the eco-engineering pedogenesis of bauxite residues.

Humic Substances

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

Effects of permissive hypercapnia on intraoperative cerebral oxygenation and early postoperative cognitive function in older patients with fragile brain function during the non-acute phase undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Older adults with non-acute fragile brain function (NFBF) may be particularly susceptible to perioperative disturbances in cerebral oxygenation and postoperative neurocognitive decline. Permissive hypercapnia (PHC) may enhance cerebral oxygenation, but its effects in this population remain unclear. We examined whether PHC-based ventilation improves intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and early postoperative cognitive outcomes in older patients with NFBF undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: In this single-center, single-blind randomized trial, 76 patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to PHC-based or conventional ventilation. The primary outcome was the absolute change in rSO2 from baseline (T0) to the end of surgery (T4). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle, with prespecified per-protocol sensitivity analysis. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative rSO2 trajectories, cerebral oxygen extraction-related indices, early postoperative cognitive screening, serum neuron-specific enolase and interleukin-6, and safety outcomes. RESULTS: PHC significantly increased rSO2 relative to conventional ventilation (left: adjusted mean difference [aMD] 10.64, 95% CI 8.96-12.33; right: aMD 10.16, 95% CI 8.22-12.11; both P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), with consistent sensitivity results. Repeated-measures analyses showed persistently higher intraoperative rSO2 in the PHC group. Cerebral oxygen extraction-related indices were generally lower with PHC. However, early postoperative cognitive outcomes and serum biomarkers did not differ between groups. Emergence time was modestly longer with PHC, whereas adverse events were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: PHC-based ventilation favorably modified intraoperative cerebral oxygenation and oxygen-extraction profiles but did not translate into detectable early postoperative cognitive or biomarker benefits in older adults with NFBF.

Humans

Biochemical Insights Into the Conserved Interactions of NMD Factors From Budding Yeast to Humans.

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is one of the most extensively studied pathways of cytoplasmic mRNA degradation. It plays a critical role in diverse cellular processes by eliminating aberrant transcripts containing premature stop codons and by regulating the stability of physiological mRNAs. NMD factors were initially identified through genetic screens in S. cerevisiae (UPF1, 2, 3) and C. elegans (SMG-1, SMG5-7). Subsequent biochemical and genetic studies revealed the composition of NMD complexes and identified additional factors. A major protein hub for NMD is Upf1, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that is part of two mutually exclusive NMD assemblies, the Upf1-Upf2-Upf3 complex and the Upf1-decapping complex, which contains the decapping enzyme and its co-factors. Here, we discuss recent findings, primarily from budding yeast, on the protein-protein interactions driving NMD complexes dynamics and their similarities to human NMD. Together, the N-terminal cysteine and histidine rich (CH) and helicase domains (HD) of Upf1 act as a hub for binding multiple partners. Upf1 is required for binding to NMD substrates and for the initiation of RNA degradation through decapping (yeast) or endonucleolytic hydrolysis (humans). We focus on the interplay between Upf2, Dcp2 and Nmd4 (yeast SMG6), which ensures the mutually exclusive formation of Upf1-bound subcomplexes modulating Upf1's affinity for RNA. Thus, the study of NMD factors interactions in different organisms sheds new light on the remarkable conservation of NMD molecular mechanisms.

Nonsense Mediated mRNA Decay

Maternal transfer of nonylphenol drives oxidative, immune, and epigenetic dysregulation in zebrafish offspring.

Nonylphenol (NP), a widespread surfactant and endocrine-disrupting pollutant, poses significant ecological and public health risks globally; however, its transgenerational effects remain poorly understood. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio), we compared chronic maternal NP exposure (50 and 100 &#xb5;g/L, 28 days) with acute embryonic exposure (0.22 &#xb5;mol/L) during 0-3 days post-fertilization (dpf) to delineate mechanistic differences in toxicity. Maternal NP exposure produced severe developmental defects in offspring, including edema, axial curvature, impaired swim bladder inflation, reduced growth, cardiac dysfunction, and decreased viability. These phenotypes were accompanied by systemic molecular disruptions including oxidative stress, altered estrogen receptor (ER) expression, dysregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and suppressed innate immune response characterized by attenuated neutrophil/macrophage density, reduced CD68 and complement protein C3 expression, diminished nitrite load, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators at both transcript and protein levels. Maternal exposure further induced apoptosis and persistent epigenetic reprogramming (alterations in DNA methylation and histone-modifying enzymes), hallmarks of transgenerational toxicity. In contrast, direct embryonic NP exposure elicited morphological abnormalities without significant lethality, accompanied by induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and MAPK activation, reflecting an augmented inflammatory response. These mechanistic contrasts reveal that maternal NP exposure is a potent driver of systemic, heritable molecular reprogramming, whereas embryonic exposure triggers acute inflammatory pathways. Together, our findings underscore the global relevance of NP as a transgenerational toxicant, advocating for its urgent inclusion in ecotoxicological risk assessments and regulatory frameworks.

Animals

Early proteomic and metabolic signatures of liver and eye in OAT-deficient mice.

Ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) deficiency causes hyperornithinemia and gyrate atrophy (GA) of the choroid and retina, a rare inherited retinal degeneration. To understand the early molecular changes that make the eye susceptible to damage, we performed quantitative proteomic and metabolomic profiling of liver, retina, and retinal pigment epithelium and choroid (RPE/Cho) from OAT-deficient (Oatrhg) mice prior to detectable vision impairment. In addition to reduced OAT expression and elevated ornithine, methylation-related metabolites such as N(6)-methyl-lysine were altered in all examined tissues of Oatrhg mice. In the liver, excess ornithine was directed into urea cycle metabolism, together with altered expression of detoxification enzymes and histone H2B proteins. In contrast, the retina showed minimal proteomic changes but pronounced alterations in amino acid pathways that support glutamate homeostasis. The RPE/Cho demonstrated the most extensive proteomic changes, particularly in mitochondrial metabolism, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix, along with changes in metabolites involved in lysine metabolism, energy metabolism, and antioxidant capacity. Incubation with 13C lysine demonstrated that lysine was primarily degraded in RPE/Cho but not the retina, and ornithine enhanced lysine degradation in an OAT-dependent manner. Together, these findings highlight common and tissue-specific impacts of OAT on the liver and ocular tissues and provide insight into early molecular changes that contribute to the selective vulnerability of the eye in GA. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD063614) and metabolomics data via MassIVE repository (MSV000101103).

Animals