Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ABC transporter”

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.

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

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evolutionary Conservation and Reproductive Expression of ABC Transporter Genes in Two Sphenomorphus Skinks.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent one of the largest membrane protein superfamilies in vertebrates, playing essential roles in translocating diverse substrates across membranes. However, knowledge of ABC transporter genes in reptiles remains limited. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the ABC gene family in oviparous Sphenomorphus incognitus and viviparous Sphenomorphus indicus. A total of 45 ABC genes were identified in each species and classified into seven subfamilies (ABCA-ABCG). Comparative and phylogenetic analyses revealed a generally conserved gene repertoire, with limited duplication events observed mainly in the ABCA and ABCG subfamilies, whereas other subfamilies (e.g., ABCE, ABCF, and ABCD) remained highly conserved. Interestingly, a lineage-specific duplication of ABCC2 was identified in lizards. Oviductal expression profiling revealed distinct temporal patterns of ABC gene expression across reproductive stages. Several genes, including ABCG1, ABCC3, and ABCD4, exhibited conserved expression trajectories across both species, suggesting shared transcriptional regulation. In contrast, ABCA1, ABCB1, and ABCG2 showed species-specific expression patterns, indicating regulatory divergence between the two lizard species. Overall, ABC gene expression was more dynamic in S. incognitus than in S. indicus. In summary, although the ABC transporter family is structurally conserved, it exhibits lineage-specific evolutionary changes and divergent transcriptional regulation in lizard oviducts. This study provides a foundation for understanding the diversity and regulation of ABC transporter genes in reptiles.

Animals

Integrative analysis of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility reveals promoter-proximal regulation and identifies candidate ABC transporters associated with cold stress responses in maize.

BACKGROUND: Low-temperature stress is a formidable environmental constraint that severely limits the growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.), particularly during the highly vulnerable early seedling stage. While cold tolerance is a critical agronomic objective, the integrated transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that govern this trait remain largely elusive. Characterizing these coordinated molecular networks is fundamental to the genetic enhancement of cold resilience in maize. METHODS: Using two maize inbred lines contrasting in chilling response (ZHB12 tolerant, B73 sensitive), we performed integrative time‑course RNA‑seq and ATAC‑seq to thoroughly and systematically characterize the precise dynamic interplay between gene expression and chromatin accessibility under cold stress conditions at the seedling stage. RESULTS: Physiological assessments confirmed that ZHB12 possesses superior cold tolerance, manifested by significantly attenuated electrolyte leakage and reduced foliar damage compared to B73. Transcriptomic profiling revealed a massive, time-dependent divergence in gene expression between the two genotypes, with a major regulatory transition identified at 24 h of cold exposure. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that ZHB12 preferentially activates a robust defense repertoire, including Photosystem II electron transport, diterpenoid biosynthesis, and ATP biosynthetic pathways. Notably, multiple ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were coordinately upregulated under chilling, suggesting their potential involvement in cellular homeostasis. ATAC-seq analysis indicated that cold stress is associated with chromatin remodeling in ZHB12, with increased accessibility observed in proximal promoter regions. Integrative analysis identified a core set of dual-responsive genes, in which increased promoter accessibility coincided with transcriptional upregulation. These genes were predominantly enriched in transporter activity and transcriptional regulation, suggesting potential epigenetic link to the superior stress response of ZHB12. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal extensive transcriptional and chromatin accessibility changes in ZHB12 under cold stress. The observed associations between promoter accessibility and gene activation, particularly in genes involved in transport processes, highlight candidate regulators potentially contributing to cold tolerance. This study provides a molecular framework and identifies high-value candidate genes that may inform future efforts in breeding cold-tolerant maize, pending functional validation.

Zea mays

Genome-wide identification and characterization of ABC transporters and their expression in response to saline-alkaline stress and WSSV infection in Fenneropenaeus chinensis.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play crucial roles in stress responses across organisms, yet their functions in Fenneropenaeus chinensis remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified 42 FcABC genes (FcABCs) in the F. chinensis genome and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and chromosomal distributions. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the FcABCs into eight subfamilies (ABCA-ABCH), with conserved motif and domain compositions within each subfamily. Expression analysis showed that several FcABC genes, including FcABCG5, FcABCA1, and FcABCC3, were significantly induced under saline-alkaline stress in gill and hepatopancreas tissues. In contrast, most FcABCs were downregulated after WSSV challenge, though a subset (e.g., FcABCB1, FcABCC1) exhibited early upregulation. Functional validation via RNA interference demonstrated that knockdown of FcABCG5 increased shrimp mortality under saline-alkaline stress. Cis-regulatory element analysis revealed an enrichment of stress- and immune-related elements in FcABC promoters. Protein-protein interaction network predictions indicated potential roles for FcABCs in cholesterol metabolism and organic anion transport. Our findings provide insights into the roles of FcABC genes in stress adaptation and immune defense, offering candidate genes for the breeding of stress-resistant shrimp varieties.

Animals

In-Silico and Functional Characterization of EcdLp, an ABC Transporter of Aspergillus nidulans NRRL11440.

Echinocandin B (ECB) biosynthesis in Aspergillus nidulans is primarily governed by multiple genes located within the biosynthetic echinocandin (ecd) gene cluster. The contributory functions of many genes, including transcription factors and tailoring enzymes of the ecd gene cluster, have been previously studied. The present study focused on determining the role of transporter proteins, EcdLp, EcdCp, and EcdDp, in ECB efflux using in silico and biochemical approaches. The molecular docking analysis revealed that ECB relatively showed higher binding affinity for EcdLp than the other co-clustered MFS transporters EcdCp and EcdDp, suggesting a preferred substrate of EcdLp. These results were further confirmed by heterologous integration of the ecdL gene in the ABC transporters-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae AD1-8u⁻, confirming active efflux. However, the binding of ECB in EcdLp is distinct from the R6G binding, overlapping the promiscuous site of farnesol, resulting in inhibition of R6G efflux in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these results decipher the ECB binding and efflux mechanism and unveil the evolutionarily specialized architecture of EcdLp that permits targeted metabolite export in addition to environmental responsiveness, and lay the groundwork for optimizing ECB production via transporter engineering.

Aspergillus nidulans

Integrating machine learning and GWAS for variant prioritization in the INCIPE cohort highlights ABC transporter genes in chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health challenge, affecting approximately 674 million people worldwide and representing one of the fastest-growing causes of mortality. Since CKD is frequently asymptomatic in its early stages, the identification of novel genetic biomarkers may improve early detection and risk stratification. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genetic loci associated with CKD and related traits; however, their performance is often limited in small and imbalanced cohorts, where reduced statistical power increases both false-positive and false-negative findings. Machine learning (ML) approaches can complement conventional GWAS by prioritizing biologically relevant genetic signals from high-dimensional genomic data. METHODS: In this study, we implemented a nested ensemble (NCBC) model composed of an undersampler and a CatBoostClassifier (CBC) to prioritize candidate genetic variants associated with CKD in the INCIPE cohort. Prioritized variants were functionally annotated and evaluated through enrichment analyses, GTEx gene expression profiling, and protein-protein interaction network analyses. Genes identified by the CKDGen Consortium were analysed as an external reference set and used to validate the biological relevance of the prioritized results. RESULTS: The NCBC model outperformed conventional ML classifiers, achieving a ROC AUC score of 87.77%, compared to 50%-53% for the other evaluated models. Among the prioritized genes, 56.25% showed protein-protein interactions with genes previously reported by the CKDGen Consortium, whereas only 1.9% of randomly generated gene sets showed interactions. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates that the NCBC model improves the prioritization of biologically plausible candidate variants in a small and imbalanced CKD cohort. Functional analyses suggested ABC transporter-related genes, including ABCA13, ABCA4, and ABCC4 genes, as promising candidate for future validation, with ABCA4 showing substantial expression in kidney tissues. Overall, these findings support the integration of ML with GWAS to prioritize candidate genes and investigate the genetic architecture of complex diseases.

SNP prioritization

Characterization of gut microbiota signatures in Indian preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis: a shotgun metagenomic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects preterm infants. Predisposing risk factors for NEC include prematurity, formula feeding, anemia, and sepsis. To date, no studies have investigated the gut microbiota of preterm infants with NEC in India. METHOD: In the current study, shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on fecal samples from premature infants with NEC and healthy preterm infants (n = 24). Sequencing was conducted using the NovaSeq X Plus platform, generating 2 &#xd7; 150 bp paired-end reads. The infants were matched based on gestational age and postnatal age. RESULT: The median time to NEC diagnosis was 9 days (range: 1-30 days). Taxonomic analysis revealed a high prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae at the family level, with the genera Klebsiella and Escherichia particularly prominent in neonates with NEC. No statistically significant differences in alpha or beta diversity were observed between stool samples from infants with and without NEC. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that Enterobacteriaceae were significantly more abundant in stool samples from infants with NEC than without NEC (q < 0.05). Differential abundance analysis using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) identified Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli as enriched in the gut microbiota of preterm infants with NEC. Functional analysis revealed an increase in genes associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen, the type IV secretion system (T4SS), the L-rhamnose pathway, quorum sensing, and iron transporters, including ABC transporters, in stool samples from infants with NEC. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae and enrichment of LPS O-antigen and T4SS genes may be associated with NEC in Indian preterm infants.

Humans

Molecular basis of Fenazaquin resistance in Polyphagotarsonemus latus revealed by transcriptome profiling and real-time validation.

The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), is a highly polyphagous tarsonemid pest that causes severe damage to a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. The excessive and indiscriminate use of Fenazaquin, a mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor, resulted in the rapid development of resistance in P. latus. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying acaricide resistance, a transcriptomic investigation was conducted on Fenazaquin-resistant (FEN-SEL) and susceptible (NBAIR-GR-TAR-01a) populations. The analysis identified putative genes involved in detoxification, including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), choline and carboxyl esterases (CCEs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Phylogenetic analysis revealed lineage-specific expansions of clan 3 CYPs, delta and acari-specific mu classes of GSTs, and ABCC, ABCG, and ABCH subfamilies of ABC transporters. Ten resistance-associated unigenes were validated using quantitative real-time PCR to assess gene expression patterns. The results showed significant upregulation of CYP4CL3, CYP4CF4, two delta-class GSTs, two CCEs belonging to clade J&#x2033;, and two ABC transporters from subfamily C. However, CYP4725A2 and CYP4726A1 showed downregulation. These findings highlight the potential association of multiple metabolism-related gene families with Fenazaquin resistance and their possible contribution to the resistant phenotype. Overall, this study provides molecular insights into Fenazaquin resistance in P. latus, supporting the need for targeted resistance management strategies. Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential of these genes as molecular targets for sustainable broad mite management.

Acaricide

Primulina pan-genome reveals differential gene retention following whole-genome duplications and provides insights into edaphic specialization.

Primulina, a genus of >200 species specialized to extreme soils, provides a model for edaphic adaptation. We assemble seven genomes and construct a pan-genome spanning nine species from karst, Danxia, and acidic soils. Comparative analyses reveal that karst-adapted species have smaller genomes. Two lineage-specific whole-genome duplications (WGDs) exhibit biased duplicate loss in large gene families but preferential retention of transcription factors, indicating combined adaptive and nonadaptive forces. Pan-genome analyses identify ion channel and transporter genes enriched in variant hotspots and under positive selection in karst lineages. Candidate genes for drought and salt stress tolerance include ABC transporters and ion channels. Notably, an ABC transporter shows positive selection in karst species and unique structural variation in non-karst species. Together, our findings show that genome downsizing, biased post-WGD retention, and evolution of ion-transport pathways shape adaptation to extreme soils. The Primulina pan-genome provides a resource for dissecting mechanisms underlying edaphic specialization.

Gene Duplication

A next-generation sequencing-based pharmacogenetic study of ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCC2 variants associated with antiseizure medication response in Turkish epilepsy patients.

OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a tendency to have recurrent seizures due to abnormal and excessive neuronal activity in the brain. Genetic variants in adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes, including ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCC2, may contribute to pharmacoresistance in epilepsy by altering the transport of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study aims to explore genetic polymorphisms in the ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCC2 genes in Turkish epilepsy patients and to assess their impact on responsiveness to ASMs. METHODS: Targeted next-generation sequencing was used for molecular genotyping of the ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCC2 genes in genomic DNA from 35 patients. RESULTS: A total of nine common variants were analyzed in ABCB1 (rs2032582, rs1045642, rs1128503), ABCC1 (rs35626, rs212087, rs246221), and ABCC2 (rs717620, rs22773697, rs3740066). A statistically significant association was found between ABCB1 rs2032582:T>G and ASMs response in the recessive model (TT&#x2009;+&#x2009;TG vs. GG, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.018, OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;13.13; 95% CI: 1.69-160.1; Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) FDR-adjusted q&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.09), with the TT&#x2009;+&#x2009;TG genotypes being more frequent among drug-responsive patients. Haplotype analysis showed that only the ABCB1 rs2032582 G allele was significantly more frequent in drug-persistent patients compared with drug-responsive patients (&#x3c7;2&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.916, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.047). However, none of these associations remained statistically significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction, and all findings should therefore be interpreted as exploratory. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that the ABCB1 rs2032582:T>G polymorphism may be associated with variability in treatment response among Turkish epilepsy patients. These results emphasize the potential involvement of ABC transporter-mediated drug efflux mechanisms in impacting the effectiveness of ASMs.

ABCB1

Partners in root nodule symbiosis respond uniquely to heavy metal stresses in a host genotype-dependent manner.

The mutualistic symbiosis between legume roots and soil rhizobia culminates in the formation of root nodules, where nitrogen is fixed. Root nodule symbiosis is inhibited by heavy metal stress. In this study, we investigated the relative responses of the symbiotic partners to a non-essential heavy metal cadmium (Cd) and an essential heavy metal zinc (Zn) stress and identified patterns in gene expression. We performed dual transcriptomics in nodules, using the Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiotic system. Phenotypes were measured in the wild-type Medicago truncatula and a mutant in an ABC transporter gene (Mtabcg36), which showed compromised nodule formation in control conditions and further after heavy metal treatment. We observed that the rhizobia were particularly sensitive to Zn in mutant nodules. The greatest degree of differential gene expression in the host plant were observed under Cd and Zn treatments in wild-type nodules. Most Cd-regulated host genes were also differentially regulated by Zn, revealing little discernment between an essential and a non-essential ion under increased exposure. Furthermore, the host response to both the stresses affected auxin and iron homeostasis genes in a host genotype-dependent manner. Our results suggested impaired cadmium export from the mutant nodules. These results have potential implications in agricultural management systems and bioremediation strategies.

Symbiosis

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Six Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Strains: Insights into Genetic Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a significant pathogen that causes respiratory diseases, which have had a substantial economic impact on the poultry industry. Despite the resistance of MG to antibiotics, it is imperative to identify genetic diversity in order to develop countermeasures. In this study, the genomes of six MG strains were examined to gain deeper insights into the mutations. The data pertaining to Variant Annotation and Mutation Analysis using SnpEff, along with the calculation of mutation rates as the ratio of total mutations to the length of the genomic regions analyzed, were thoroughly examined. The comprehensive evaluation yielded a total of 25,942 variants across the six strains, underscoring substantial genetic diversity. Notably, strain S6 exhibited a preponderance of frameshift mutations. A notable finding was the presence of a mutation in the MsbA gene shared by all six strains. Furthermore, five of the six strains, with the exception of strain F99 Lab, exhibited a mutation at position 5158, which impacts a multidrug transport system. Notably, strain ATCC exhibits a distinctive mutation at position 942, while strain S6 displays a unique mutation at position 6855, which is linked to efflux ABC transporter components. Furthermore, a substantial degree of genetic variation was observed among the CrmA, GapA, and vlhA genes among the various strains. High-impact changes, such as insertions and deletions, exhibited a higher frequency in CrmA, particularly in strain S6. Conversely, nonsynonymous variations demonstrated a heightened prevalence in GapA, particularly in strain F99 Lab. The vlhA gene exhibited a spectrum of effects, ranging from synonymous mutations to high-impact mutations such as stop-gains and frameshifts, particularly in strains k5111a and k4602. The functional variations observed among the strains can be attributed to these mutations, which have the potential to alter gene expression or protein function. Furthermore, substantial mutations in the dxr and rpoC genes were associated with antibiotic resistance. These mutations underscore the ongoing evolutionary adaptations of M. gallisepticum. Consequently, there is an imperative for the revision of treatment protocols and the formulation of targeted vaccines to regulate resistance within the poultry industry.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Diversity and distribution of the lanthanome in aerobic methane-oxidising bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Lanthanides (Ln) play important and often regulatory roles in the metabolism of methylotrophs, including methanotrophs, particularly through their involvement in methanol oxidation. However, the diversity, distribution, and ecological relevance of Ln-associated proteins (the lanthanome) in aerobic methane-oxidising bacteria (MOB) remain underexplored. This study investigates the lanthanome using genome, plasmid, and proteome data, alongside metatranscriptome data from methane-rich lake sediments. RESULTS: We surveyed 179 genomes spanning Proteobacterial, Verrucomicrobial, and Actinobacterial MOBs to examine the distribution of Ln-dependent methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs) and Ln transport proteins. Distinct lineage-specific patterns were observed: XoxF5 was the most widespread MDH variant in Proteobacteria, while XoxF2 was restricted to Verrucomicrobia. Transporter systems also showed distinct&#xa0;patterns, with LanM restricted to Alphaproteobacteria, LanPepSY and LanA confined to Gammaproteobacteria, and LutH-like receptors broadly distributed across all lineages. Homologues of these genes were also detected on plasmids, indicating potential for horizontal gene transfer. In Lake Washington sediment metatranscriptomes, lanthanome transcripts were detected, with Proteobacteria as dominant contributors. Notably, a large fraction of xoxF transcripts were affiliated with non-MOB Methylophilaceae, consistent with known cooperative interactions with MOB. Using Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b as a model, we assessed methane oxidation and proteomic responses to soluble CeCl3 and a mixed-lanthanide ore. Lag phases were prolonged in the presence of lanthanides, particularly with ore, but methane oxidation rates converged across treatments after acclimation. Proteomic analysis revealed extensive condition-specific responses, with 724 proteins differentially expressed in Ore treatment compared to 60 under CeCl3. XoxF3 and XoxF5 were upregulated while MxaF and its accessory proteins were downregulated, consistent with the "lanthanide switch". Notably, LanM was not expressed despite being encoded, whereas LutH-like receptor was downregulated under both treatments, likely reflecting regulatory control to prevent excess metal uptake. Additional upregulation of a TonB-dependent receptor and ABC transporter suggests a potential lanthanophore-mediated uptake strategy. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the diversity and ecological activity of Ln-binding and transport systems in MOBs, their plasmid localisation and potential mobility, and their distinct regulation under different Ln sources. The strong proteomic response to complex ore underscores the physiological flexibility of MOBs in coping with natural lanthanide forms. These findings provide a framework for ecological studies and candidate targets for biotechnological applications in methane bioconversion and sustainable lanthanide recovery from complex materials.

Horizontal gene transfer

Effects of faba bean-based crisping culture on phenotypic characteristics, muscle quality, and serum metabolome in Nile tilapia: Screening biomarkers to assess the degree of crisping.

Feeding Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) a faba bean-based crisping diet enhances muscle hardness (crispness) and overall flesh quality. However, the underlying mechanisms and reliable biomarkers remain insufficiently defined. This study integrated phenotypic traits, muscle texture, collagen content, serum antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px), MDA levels, and serum metabolomics to understand the determinants of muscle crisping. Fish were assigned to a crisping diet or a control group for 90&#xa0;days. Individuals in the crisping group were implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to enable correlation analyses among phenotypic traits (body weight/length/frame changes), serum indicators (NAM, FAD, and GSH-Px) and muscle hardness. Compared with controls, the crisping diet significantly increased muscle hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, accompanied by elevated collagen content. Antioxidant profiles were altered, with higher activities of serum SOD and CAT, together with elevated MDA levels and reduced GSH-Px activity (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Metabolomic analysis identified 830 differential metabolites (682 upregulated and 148 downregulated), predominantly comprising carboxylic acids and derivatives, glycerophospholipids, and benzene derivatives. Enrichment analysis indicated significant involvement in general metabolic pathways, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, amino acid biosynthesis, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Notably, acetylpyruvate was upregulated in glutathione metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and galactose metabolism; pantothenic acid was upregulated in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; whereas &#x3b4;-tocotrienol was downregulated. Correlation analysis revealed weak negative associations between muscle hardness and phenotypic traits (body weight/length/frame changes D5-7, D5-10, D7-8) (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). In contrast, serum NAM and FAD were weakly positively correlated with muscle hardness, whereas GSH-Px showed a weak negative correlation (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that body weight, body length, frame measurements (D5-7, D5-10, and D7-8), and serum NAM, FAD, and GSH-Px are associated with the degree of muscle crispness in Nile tilapia fed a faba bean-based crisping diet and may serve as candidate biomarkers under these culture conditions.

Animals

MicroRNA-driven regulatory networks in aphid ecological adaptation: integrating stress tolerance, dispersal plasticity, and population expansion.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are important agricultural pests and exhibit strong ecological adaptability, allowing them to persist under stress, disperse to new habitats, and rapidly increase population size. Recent advances in functional genomics have identified microRNAs (miRNAs) as key post-transcriptional regulators involved in these processes, yet their roles have remained fragmented across studies. Here, we synthesize current evidence into a "three-stage framework", encompassing population maintenance under stress, dispersal to new habitats, and population expansion upon establishment. We highlight how miRNAs regulate detoxification pathways (e.g., P450s, UGTs, ABC transporters), mediate interactions with host plants and symbionts, and integrate hormonal signaling networks including insulin, juvenile hormone, and ecdysteroid pathways. This framework identifies candidate miRNAs, target genes, and signaling pathways that may recur across different ecological contexts, including stress responses, dispersal-related plasticity, and reproductive regulation. However, direct evidence demonstrating that candidate shared miRNA regulators coordinate multiple life-history stages remains limited and requires further experimental validation. We critically evaluate the strength of functional evidence, distinguishing experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions from prediction- or expression-based associations. Finally, we discuss emerging applications of miRNA-based pest control, including artificial miRNAs, RNAi technologies, and nanocarrier delivery systems. By linking molecular mechanisms with ecological outcomes, this review provides a synthesis and highlights miRNAs as important regulators of aphid adaptation and candidate targets for sustainable management strategies.

Aphids

Integrated RNA-seq and RNAi analyses reveal that ABCF2 is involved in defense against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Penaeus vannamei.

The sustainable development of shrimp aquaculture is significantly compromised by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections. Identifying host resistance genes and characterizing their immunological roles are essential for developing effective disease control strategies. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of intestinal tissues from Penaeus vannamei exhibiting varying degrees of pathological damage post-V. parahaemolyticus challenge to identify key resistance genes. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the ABC transporter pathway was markedly enriched among upregulated genes in both the 9&#xa0;h vs 0&#xa0;h and 48&#xa0;h vs 0&#xa0;h comparison groups. Based on the expression profiles and domain characteristics of genes within this pathway, the full transporter PvABCA3, half transporter PvABCC1, and soluble protein PvABCF2 were selected for RNAi assays. The result indicated that silencing PvABCF2, but not PvABCA3 and PvABCC1, significantly increased mortality, tissue damage, and Vibrio load in V. parahaemolyticus-challenged shrimp. Further investigation revealed that PvABCF2 silencing substantially suppressed the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), components of the proPO-activating system, and key genes involved in the JAK-STAT and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling pathways. These findings suggested that the increased susceptibility of shrimp to V. parahaemolyticus following PvABCF2 silencing may be associated with downregulation of these specific immune-related genes. Moreover, one SNP within PvABCF2 was found to be markedly associated with resistance to V. parahaemolyticus via SNP association analysis. Collectively, these results suggested that PvABCF2 was involved in defense response against V. parahaemolyticus and identified a potential molecular marker for disease-resistant breeding.

Animals

Development of linezolid and daptomycin resistance in vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium during antibiotic treatment.

The increasing incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) over the past decade has reduced treatment options largely to linezolid and daptomycin. However, the emergence of resistance to both agents further complicates the management of VRE infections. While the mechanisms of linezolid resistance are relatively well understood, those underlying daptomycin resistance remain less clearly defined. In this study, we analyzed genomic changes associated with the development of linezolid and daptomycin resistance in initially susceptible isolates following treatment at a Danish university hospital. Phenotypic susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing were performed on eight isolates obtained from the same patient. We identified two distinct Enterococcus&#xa0;faecium clones with different mechanisms of linezolid resistance. Linezolid resistance was associated with a G2576T mutation in the 23S rRNA gene (ST80 clone) and the presence of the poxtA gene (ST3082 clone). The ST80 clone also developed daptomycin resistance during therapy. We found that daptomycin resistance might result from either a G173R substitution in a gene annotated as an "ABC transporter ATP-binding protein (LolD)" or a nonsense mutation (Q58*) in phosphoketolase, with both alterations potentially acting synergistically, but further studies are warranted to confirm if these mutations can confer resistance. Together with these findings, the study demonstrates that a single patient may harbor multiple E. faecium clones simultaneously, highlighting the risk of treatment failure if all clones are not accurately identified.

Daptomycin

Ergosterol-depleted clinical isolates of Nakaseomyces glabratus can develop multi-drug resistance without apparent fitness and virulence defects.

OBJECTIVES: Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata) is a leading cause of invasive candidiasis and rapidly develops antifungal drug resistance during treatment. An increasing number of clinical isolates shows reduced susceptibility to echinocandins and azoles, leaving amphotericin B (AMB) as a last therapeutic option. Resistance of N. glabratus to this drug is rare and its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we describe two independent multidrug resistant (MDR) bloodstream isolates displaying resistance to AMB and anidulafungin (ANF) as well as a reduced susceptibility to azoles. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing and sterol profiling were performed on nine clinical N. glabratus isolates which were resistant to ANF and displayed resistance or low susceptibility to fluconazole (FLU) and AMB. The transcriptional response of reference strain CBS138 and an AMBR+ANFR isolate was analyzed by RNA-seq. Furthermore, PDR1 was deleted in the latter isolate to examine its influence on efflux pump gene expression. Additionally, fitness and virulence of the AMBR+ANFR isolate were examined in growth assays and a Galleria mellonella infection model. RESULTS: Loss of function mutations in the genes ERG3 and ERG4 is linked to ergosterol depletion and AMB resistance. Ergosterol depletion also contributed to a Pdr1-mediated up-regulation of ERG and ABC transporter genes which was associated with low FLU susceptibility. The AMBR isolates displayed no fitness defects and one of them was fully virulent in a G. mellonella infection model. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that ergosterol depletion in N. glabratus leads to AMB resistance without affecting fitness or virulence.

Journal Article

Biallelic ABCA13 Loss-of-Function Variants in a Child With Neurodevelopmental Delay: A Case Report.

ABCA13 encodes ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 13, one of the largest members of the ABC transporter family. Rare ABCA13 variants have been reported in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental phenotypes, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and developmental delay; however, the mode of inheritance remains uncertain, and most published cases have focused on heterozygous variants in the context of a possible dominant or susceptibility model. We report a 5-year-old boy with neurodevelopmental delay, skeletal foot deformities, nonspecific dysmorphic features, convergent strabismus, and behavioral abnormalities. Initial genome sequencing analysis was nondiagnostic. Reanalysis after 6 months identified two rare predicted loss-of-function variants in ABCA13 in trans: c.2510del, p.(Leu837TyrfsTer21), a frameshift variant, and c.12064C>T, p.(Arg4022Ter), a nonsense variant previously reported in a patient with unexplained intellectual disability. The identification of compound heterozygous predicted loss-of-function variants supports the possibility that biallelic disruption of ABCA13 may contribute to neurodevelopmental disease, whereas previously reported heterozygous variants may represent incompletely penetrant risk alleles, susceptibility factors, or candidate findings rather than fully penetrant dominant causes. This case expands the emerging clinical and genetic spectrum associated with ABCA13 and supports further evaluation of a recessive model in patients with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental delay.

ABCA13