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This experiment was conducted to provide a better insight into the plant responses to nitric oxide (NO) and selenium nanoparticle (nSe). Chicory seedlings were sprayed with nSe (0, 4, and 40 mg l −1 ), and/or NO (0 and 25 μM). NO and/or nSe4 improved shoot and root biomass by an average of 32%. The nSe40 adversely influenced shoot and root biomass (mean = 26%), exhibiting moderate toxicity partly relieved by NO. The nSe and NO treatments transcriptionally stimulated the dehydration response element B1A ( DREB1A ) gene (mean = 29.6-fold). At the transcriptional level, nSe4 or NO moderately upregulated phenylalanine ammonia-lyase ( PAL ) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate transferase ( HCT1 ) genes (mean = sevenfold). The nSe4 + NO, nSe40, and nSe40 + NO groups drastically induced the expression of PAL and HCT1 genes (mean = 30-fold). With a similar trend, hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA Quinate/shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase ( HQT1 ) gene was also upregulated in response to nSe and/or NO (mean = 25-fold). The activities of nitrate reductase and catalase enzymes were also induced in the nSe- and/or NO-treated seedlings. Likewise, the application of these supplements associated with an increase in ascorbate concentration (mean = 31.5%) reduced glutathione (mean = 35%). NO and/or nSe enhanced the PAL activity (mean = 36.4%) and soluble phenols (mean = 40%). The flowering was also influenced by the supplements in dose and compound dependent manner exhibiting the long-time responses. It appears that the nSe-triggered signaling can associate with a plethora of developmental, physiological, and molecular responses at least in part via the fundamental regulatory roles of transcription factors, like DREB1A as one the most significant genes for conferring tolerance in crops.

This study attempted to address molecular, developmental, and physiological responses of tomato plants to foliar applications of selenium nanoparticles (nSe) at 0, 3, and 10 mgl -1 or corresponding doses of sodium selenate (BSe). The BSe/nSe treatment at 3 mgl -1 increased shoot and root biomass, while at 10 mgl -1 moderately reduced biomass accumulation. Foliar application of BSe/nSe, especially the latter, at the lower dose enhanced fruit production, and postharvest longevity, while at the higher dose induced moderate toxicity and restricted fruit production. In leaves, the BSe/nSe treatments transcriptionally upregulated miR172 (mean = 3.5-folds). The Se treatments stimulated the expression of the bZIP transcription factor (mean = 9.7-folds). Carotene isomerase ( CRTISO ) gene was transcriptionally induced in both leaves and fruits of the nSe-treated seedlings by an average of 5.5 folds. Both BSe or nSe at the higher concentration increased proline concentrations, H 2 O 2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation levels, suggesting oxidative stress and impaired membrane integrity. Both BSe or nSe treatments also led to the induction of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and peroxidase), an increase in concentrations of ascorbate, non-protein thiols, and soluble phenols, as well as a rise in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme. Supplementation at 3 mgl -1 improved the concentration of mineral nutrients (Mg, Fe, and Zn) in fruits. The bioaccumulated Se contents in the nSe-treated plants were much higher than the corresponding concentration of selenate, implying a higher efficacy of the nanoform towards biofortification programs. Se at 10 mgl -1 , especially in selenate form, reduced both size and density of pollen grains, indicating its potential toxicity at the higher doses. This study provides novel molecular and physiological insights into the nSe efficacy for improving plant productivity, fruit quality, and fruit post-harvest longevity.

To gain a better insight into the selenium nanoparticle (nSe) benefits/toxicity, this experiment was carried out to address the behavior of bitter melon seedlings to nSe (0, 1, 4, 10, 30, and 50 mgL-1) or bulk form (selenate). Low doses of nSe increased biomass accumulation, while concentrations of 10 mgL-1 and above were associated with stem bending, impaired root meristem, and severe toxicity. Responses to nSe were distinct from that of bulk in that the nano-type exhibited a higher efficiency to stimulate growth and organogenesis than the bulk. The bulk form displayed higher phytotoxicity than the nano-type counterpart. According to the MSAP-based analysis, nSe mediated substantial variation in DNA cytosine methylation, reflecting the epigenetic modification. By increasing the concentration of nSe, the expression of the WRKY1 transcription factor linearly up-regulated (mean = 7.9-fold). Transcriptions of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and 4-Coumarate: CoA-ligase (4CL) genes were also induced. The nSe treatments at low concentrations enhanced the activity of leaf nitrate reductase (mean = 52%) in contrast with the treatment at toxic concentrations. The toxic concentration of nSe increased leaf proline concentration by 80%. The nSe supplement also stimulated the activities of peroxidase (mean = 35%) and catalase (mean = 10%) enzymes. The nSe-treated seedlings exhibited higher PAL activity (mean = 39%) and soluble phenols (mean = 50%). The nSe toxicity was associated with a disrupted differentiation of xylem conducting tissue. The callus formation and performance of the explants originated from the nSe-treated seedlings had a different trend than that of the control. This experiment provides new insights into the nSe-associated advantage/ cytotoxicity and further highlights the necessity of designing convincing studies to introduce novel methods for plant cell/tissue cultures and agriculture.

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that are considered as a potential source of natural compounds, and can be applied in various industries. The aims of this research were molecular identification of endophytic fungi isolated from the Gundelia tournefortii stems, and investigation their biological activities as well as phenolic and fatty acid profile. Surface sterilized stems of G. tournefortii were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) to isolate the fungal endophytes. Genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB method, and PCR amplification was performed by ITS 1 and ITS 4 as primers. The enzyme production of endophytic fungi was determined based on the formation of a clear zone that appeared around the colonies of fungus. The anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the amount of free radicals DPPH. Also, the total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured obtained by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Moreover, the separation and identification of phenolic acids and fatty acids were done by HPLC and GC, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was done based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and five isolates were identified as following: Aspergillus niger , Penicillium glabrum , Alternaria alternata , A. tenuissima , and Mucor circinelloides . Evaluation of the enzymatic properties showed that P. gabrum (31 ± 1.9 mm), and A. niger (23 ± 1.7) had more ability for producing pectinase and cellulase. The anti-oxidant activity of isolates showed that A. alternata extract (IC 50  = 471 ± 29 µg/mL) had the highest anti-oxidant properties, followed by A. tenuissima extract (IC 50  = 512 ± 19 µg/mL). Also, the extract of A. alternata had the greatest amount of total phenols and flavonoids contents (8.2 ± 0.4 mg GAL/g and 2.3 ± 0.3 mg QE/g, respectively). The quantification analysis of phenolic acid showed that rosmarinic acid, para-coumaric acid, and meta-coumaric acid (42.02 ± 1.31, 7.53 ± 0.19, 5.41 ± 0.21 mg/g, respectively) were the main phenolic acids in the studied fungi. The analysis of fatty acids confirmed that, in all fungi, the main fatty acids were stearic acid (27.9–35.2%), oleic acid (11.3–17.3%), palmitic acid (16.9–23.2%), linoleic acid (5.8–11.6%), and caprylic acid (6.3–10.9%). Our finding showed that endophytic fungi are a source of bioactive compounds, which could be used in various industries. This is the first report of endophytic fungi associated with G. tournefortii , which provides knowledge on their future use on biotechnological processes.

This study aimed to explore the physiological, epigenetic, and transcriptional responses of Datura stramonium, a stress-resistant plant, to long-time exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO; 0, 100, and 500 mg l−1). The results of the study illustrate that the nZnO100 promoted biomass accumulation and growth indices, whereas nZnO500 caused severe phytotoxicity. Unlike nZnO500 treatment which reduced leaf K (34.7%) and Fe (16.2%), implying impaired nutrition, the nZnO100-treated seedlings encompassed higher concentrations of K (20.8%) and Fe (21.7%) than the control. Moreover, the nZnO displayed a higher efficacy to improve Zn bioaccumulation than the bulk counterpart, and the supplements induced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, catalase, and peroxidase activities. Besides, nZnO500 treatment enhanced leaf proline concentration. The nZnO treatments also led to variations in the expression of histone deacetylase (HDA3), indicating an epigenetic modification. The nZnO treatments transcriptionally stimulated the WRKY1 transcription factor by an average of 9.5-fold. With increasing the concentration of nZnO, transcriptions of AREB and bZIP transcription factors were induced by averages of 4.3- and 8.7-fold, respectively. The supplements transcriptionally upregulated proteinase inhibitor II (PI-II). While nZnO500 was associated with a drastic induction (11.28-fold) in hyoscyamine 6 beta-hydroxylase (H6H), the nZnO100 treatment slightly (3.2-fold) induced transcription of H6H. The upregulations in the expression of tropinone reductase I (TRI) resulted from the nZnO treatments. Ultimately, positive correlations were found among transcription factors (AREB, bZIP, and WRKY1), H6H, TRI, and PI-II. This study provides deeper insights into the nZnO-associated molecular responses in transcription factors, epigenetics, secondary metabolism, and defense-related genes in resistant plant species.

BackgroundThe macro/micro-morphology of nutlets in 11 species (and 22 accessions) of the Boraginaceae family was investigated using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the taxonomic relevance of the traits. To evaluate the phylogenetic significance of the character evolution, phylogenetic analysis was carried out by comparing available DNA sequence data from GenBank with selected original nutlet data.ResultsThe Rochelieae nutlets' shape varied from ovoid (ovoid, ovoid-triangular, and ovoid-rectangular) to pyramid. Six major patterns were recognized based on the nutlet ultrastructure characters. Rocheliae is characterized by a transition from “without appendage” to “with tubercles and prickles” on the nutlet disk, and also via a shift from “lack of prickles” to “glossy prickles”.ConclusionsThe results show that the nutlet ultrastructure pattern of Rochelieae is systematically informative at the genus level, but not at the species level. Findings demonstrated that glochid is not an ancestral trait but is a synapomorphy and the transition to this trait occurred in the genus Lappula. The close boundary of nutlet microstructures between L. barbata and L. microcarpa has been discussed.

Aims This study aimed to delineate the effect of hyperglycemia on the Alu/LINE‐1 hypomethylation and in ERK1/2 genes expression in type 2 diabetes with and without cataract. Methods This study included 58 diabetic patients without cataracts, 50 diabetic patients with cataracts, and 36 healthy controls. After DNA extraction and bisulfite treatment, LINE‐1 and Alu methylation levels were assessed using Real‐time MSP. ERK1/2 gene expression was analyzed through real‐time PCR. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured using colorimetric methods. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS23, setting the significance level at P < 0.05. Results The TAC levels were significantly lower for cataract and diabetic groups than controls (259.31 ± 122.99, 312.43 ± 145.46, 372.58 ± 132.95 nanomole of Trolox equivalent) with a significant correlation between FPG and TAC levels in both the cataract and diabetic groups (P < 0.05). Alu and LINE‐1 sequences were found to be statistically hypomethylated in diabetic and cataract patients compared to controls. In these groups, TAC levels were directly correlated with Alu methylation (P < 0.05) but not LINE‐1. ERK1/2 gene expression was significantly higher in diabetic and cataract patients, showing increases of 2.41‐fold and 1.43‐fold for ERK1, and 1.27‐fold and 1.5 for ERK2, respectively. ERK1 expression correlated significantly with FPG levels. A reverse correlation was observed between TAC levels and ERK1/2 expression. Conclusions Our findings indicate that hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress may alter ERK1/2 gene expression patterns and induce aberrant hypomethylation in Alu and LINE‐1 sequences. These aberrant changes may play a contributing role in diabetic complications such as cataracts. We show that oxidative stress induces global genome hypomethylation and alters the pattern of ERK1/2 gene expression.

Veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency (VODI) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by immune system irregularities and a significant mortality rate, despite its infrequency. , situated on chromosome 2q37.1, plays a pivotal role in VODI syndrome, and its association with tuberculosis has been extensively studied. The identification of mutations holds promise for accelerating the diagnosis and treatment of VODI syndrome, by providing a comprehensive panel for diagnosis and potentially leading to targeted therapies. In this case study, we examined a three-year-old girl born to a consanguineous union who was suspected of having an immunodeficiency disorder. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and clinical assessments were conducted to screen for and confirm potentially pathogenic mutations. The detected mutation was further analyzed using bioinformatics tools to forecast its impact on protein structure. WES analysis revealed a novel deletion-insertion mutation, , within . Protein analysis indicated substantial structural modifications in the SP110 protein. This study identified a novel deletion-insertion mutation as a potential contributor to VODI syndrome by affecting the functionality of the SP110 protein. By including various mutations associated with the gene, this study aimed to expedite diagnosis by creating a comprehensive panel for VODI syndrome.

Nitrogen (N) availability often limits primary productivity in terrestrial ecosystems, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance plant N acquisition. This study investigated the interactive effects of N fertilization and AMF inoculation on N uptake, plant performance and phenolic acid content in Hyssopus officinalis L., with the aim of promoting sustainable N management in H. officinalis cultivation. A factorial randomized complete block design was employed to evaluate four AMF inoculation strategies (no inoculation, root inoculation, soil inoculation and combined root–soil inoculation) across three N application rates (0, 0.5 and 1,1 g N pot−1 (7 L)) in a controlled greenhouse environment. Combined root and soil AMF inoculation alongside moderate N fertilization (0.5 mg N pot−1) optimized N use efficiency, maximizing plant biomass and bioactive compound production. Compared to non-inoculated controls, this treatment combination increased N uptake by 30%, phosphorus uptake by 24% and potassium uptake by 22%. AMF colonization increased chlorophyll content and total phenolic compounds under moderate N supply. However, excessive N application (1 g N pot−1) reduced AMF effectiveness and secondary metabolite accumulation. Notably, AMF inoculation without N fertilization yielded the highest levels of anthocyanin and salicylic acid, indicating differential N-dependent regulation of specific biosynthetic pathways. The interaction between AMF and N demonstrated that moderate N fertilization (0.5 g N pot−1) combined with dual inoculation strategies can reduce total N input requirements by 50%, while maintaining optimal plant performance. These findings provide practical insights for developing N-efficient cultivation protocols in medicinal plant production systems, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental N losses.