Explore the vast range of titles available.

Somatic variations are a major source of genetic diversification in asexual plants, and underpin clonal evolution and the breeding of asexual crops. Sweet orange is a model species for studying somatic variation because it reproduces asexually through apomixis and is propagated asexually through grafting. To dissect the genomic basis of somatic variation, we de novo assembled a reference genome of sweet orange with an average of three gaps per chromosome and a N50 contig of 24.2 Mb, as well as six diploid genomes of somatic mutants of sweet oranges. We then sequenced 114 somatic mutants with an average genome coverage of 41×. Categorization of the somatic variations yielded insights into the single-nucleotide somatic mutations, structural variations and transposable element (TE) transpositions. We detected 877 TE insertions, and found TE insertions in the transporter or its regulatory genes associated with variation in fruit acidity. Comparative genomic analysis of sweet oranges from three diversity centres supported a dispersal from South China to the Mediterranean region and to the Americas. This study provides a global view on the somatic variations, the diversification and dispersal history of sweet orange and a set of candidate genes that will be useful for improving fruit taste and flavour. An improved reference genome of sweet orange and newly sequenced genomes of its somatic mutants uncover the global pattern of somatic variations, the diversification and dispersal history of sweet orange and candidate genes controlling fruit taste and flavour.

Background Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) and long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are ubiquitous in plants genomes, and highly important in their evolution and diversity. However, their mechanisms of insertion/amplification and roles in Citrus genome’s evolution/diversity are still poorly understood. Results To address this knowledge gap, we developed different computational pipelines to analyze, annotate and classify MITEs and LTR retrotransposons in six different sequenced Citrus species. We identified 62,010 full-length MITEs from 110 distinguished families. We observed MITEs tend to insert in gene related regions and enriched in promoters. We found that DTM63 is possibly an active Mutator -like MITE family in the traceable past and may still be active in Citrus . The insertion of MITEs resulted in massive polymorphisms and played an important role in Citrus genome diversity and gene structure variations. In addition, 6630 complete LTR retrotransposons and 13,371 solo-LTRs were identified. Among them, 12 LTR lineages separated before the differentiation of mono- and dicotyledonous plants. We observed insertion and deletion of LTR retrotransposons was accomplished with a dynamic balance, and their half-life in Citrus was ~ 1.8 million years. Conclusions These findings provide insights into MITEs and LTR retrotransposons and their roles in genome diversity in different Citrus genomes.

Curcumin content and expression patterns of curcumin synthase ( ) genes in three tissues (corms, leaves and inflorescences) of 16 genotypes were analysed in this study. This study aimed to investigate the variability of curcumin content and the expression patterns of genes in different tissues of various genotypes, in order to identify potential resources for curcumin extraction and genetic improvement. The curcumin synthase 2 ( ) and curcumin synthase 3 ( ) gene sequences were successfully cloned. Significant variations in curcumin content were observed among different genotypes and tissues. In corms, Twister (0.299 mg · g ) and Doitung (0.296 mg · g ) had the highest curcumin levels. In inflorescences, Lanna Snow (0.375 mg · g ) had the highest curcumin levels. In leaves, NewSolo (0.783 mg · g ) had the highest curcumin levels. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed tissue-specific expression patterns of genes: curcumin synthase 1 ( ) was highly expressed in corms, in leaves and in inflorescences. Additionally, and were successfully cloned from . Both genes have a CDS length of 1173 bp, encoding 390 amino acids, with high sequence conservation. Phylogenetic analysis indicated close evolutionary relationships between genes and those from and . This study provides a basis for curcumin extraction and genetic improvement of , and contributes to further research on curcumin biosynthesis.

Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) and long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are ubiquitous in plants genomes, and highly important in their evolution and diversity. However, their mechanisms of insertion/amplification and roles in Citrus genome's evolution/diversity are still poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we developed different computational pipelines to analyze, annotate and classify MITEs and LTR retrotransposons in six different sequenced Citrus species. We identified 62,010 full-length MITEs from 110 distinguished families. We observed MITEs tend to insert in gene related regions and enriched in promoters. We found that DTM63 is possibly an active Mutator-like MITE family in the traceable past and may still be active in Citrus. The insertion of MITEs resulted in massive polymorphisms and played an important role in Citrus genome diversity and gene structure variations. In addition, 6630 complete LTR retrotransposons and 13,371 solo-LTRs were identified. Among them, 12 LTR lineages separated before the differentiation of mono- and dicotyledonous plants. We observed insertion and deletion of LTR retrotransposons was accomplished with a dynamic balance, and their half-life in Citrus was 1.8 million years. These findings provide insights into MITEs and LTR retrotransposons and their roles in genome diversity in different Citrus genomes.

Background Exosomes have emerged as vital biomarkers of multiple cancers and contain abundant circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the potential for exosomal circRNAs to be used in diagnostics and their molecular mechanism of action in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Methods CRC-specific exosomal circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing, exoRBase database and a tissue microarray. The diagnostic performance of plasma exosomal circRNAs was evaluated among cancer-free controls, precancer individuals, CRC patients, and patients with other types of cancer. The corresponding biological functions were mainly assessed using circRNA pull-down, proteomic analysis, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay underlying cellular and mouse models. Results CircLPAR1 was encapsulated in exosomes with high stability and detectability, and its expression in plasma exosomes was remarkably decreased during CRC development but recovered after surgery. Exosomal circLPAR1 showed cancer specificity in CRC diagnosis and increased the diagnostic performance to an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.875, as determined by analysing its performance in combination with common clinical biomarkers CEA and CA19–9. Additionally, circLPAR1 was downregulated in CRC tissues and was associated with overall survival. Mechanistically, exosomal circLPAR1 was internalized by CRC cells, and it suppressed tumor growth, likely because exosomal circLPAR1 directly bound with eIF3h specifically suppressed the METTL3-eIF3h interaction, decreasing the translation of oncogene BRD4 . Conclusions This comprehensive study highlights plasma exosomal circLPAR1 as a promising predictor in CRC diagnosis and describes its biological regulation of colorectal tumorigenesis. This study provides a new perspective on early diagnosis in the clinic and pathogenesis in disease development.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. Previous evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play an important role in the occurrence and development of SNHL, while its mechanism remains unclear. We cultured dissected organs of Corti in medium containing different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25 mM) of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and established a four-concentration model of 0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mM to study different degrees of damage. We examined ROS-induced mitochondrial damage and the role of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Our results revealed that the number of ribbon synapses and hair cells appeared significantly concentration-dependent decrease with exposure to H2O2. Outer hair cells (OHCs) and inner hair cells (IHCs) began to be lost, and activation of apoptosis of hair cells (HCs) was observed at 0.75 mM and 1 mM H2O2, respectively. In contrast with the control group, the accumulation of ROS was significantly higher, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was lower in the H2O2-treated groups. Furthermore, the expression of SIRT3, FOXO3A, and SOD2 proteins declined, except for an initial elevation of SIRT3 between 0 and 0.75 mM H2O2. Administration of the selective SIRT3 inhibitor 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine resulted in increased damage to the cochlea, including loss of ribbon synapses and hair cells, apoptosis of hair cells, more production of ROS, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Thoroughly, our results highlight that ROS-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage drives hair cell degeneration and apoptosis. Furthermore, SIRT3 is crucial for preserving mitochondrial function and protecting the cochlea from oxidative damage and may represent a possible therapeutic target for SNHL.

Aims and objectives This study aims to explore the experiences of perinatal vulnerability between expectant mothers and partners, investigating how their vulnerabilities interact, accumulate, or resolve, and identifying coping strategies that strengthen resilience and mutual support. Background The perinatal period presents significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that increase vulnerability for both mothers and partners. While most research focuses primarily on maternal vulnerability, less attention is given to partners and the couple’s dynamic. A deeper understanding of these interrelated vulnerabilities is essential for improving perinatal care. Design A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with 40 participants (22 mothers and 18 partners) at a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The study was designed and reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Results Three main themes emerged: (1) “Not Just Her Pain”: Joint Immersion in the Whirlpool of Vulnerability; (2) “We Touch Each Other’s Vulnerability”: The Complex Interweaving of Dual Vulnerability; and (3) “This Is a New Beginning”: Transformation and Growth Through Vulnerability. Conclusions This study highlights the need to recognize the interrelated vulnerabilities of both expectant mothers and partners. Positive communication, mutual support, and interrelated decision-making are essential in reducing stress and fostering resilience. The study also enhances healthcare professionals’ ability to identify vulnerable populations not solely based on external factors, enabling more tailored and effective care. Relevance to clinical practice Healthcare providers should adopt a couple-centered approach in perinatal care, emphasizing joint decision-making and emotional support. This approach can improve perinatal outcomes and strengthen the emotional bonds within families.

Mycobacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect mycobacterial hosts. Owing to their ability to penetrate the unique and complex cell wall barrier of mycobacteria, mycobacteriophages have recently emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant mycobacterial infections. This review systematically summarizes the classification, genomic features, lytic and lysogenic mechanisms of mycobacteriophages, as well as the intricate defense and counter - defense strategies between phages and their hosts. Furthermore, from a One Health perspective, we explore the diverse applications of mycobacteriophages across human health, animal health, and environmental management, including rapid detection, treatment of drug-resistant infections, environmental surveillance and occupational exposure management. Collectively, mycobacteriophages are promising for combating drug-resistant infections and playing an important role in integrated One Health strategies.

Familial cerebral cavernous malformation (FCCM), especially severe cases, impose a heavy physical and psychological burden on patients and their families. To explore the differences in plasma biomarker levels between patients with FCCM and their healthy first-degree relatives (FDRs) and between FCCM patients with and without severe chronic disease aggressiveness (CDA). In a cross - sectional study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and genetic testing were performed in patients with multiple CCMs and their FDRs. Subsequently, sixty-seven plasma biomarkers were tested using a customised multiplex bead immunoassay kit. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between plasma factors and the risk of developing FCCM and severe CDA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for each independent risk factor. As a result, plasma factors of 37 patients with FCCM and 37 FDRs were examined. Low CD31 ( P  < 0.001) and BDNF levels ( P  = 0.013) were independent risk factors for FCCM. The best model was achieved by combining the results of CD31 and BDNF (AUC = 0.845, sensitivity 0.838, specificity 0.784, cutoff score − 4.295) to distinguish patients with FCCM from healthy FDRs. Low Serpin E1/PAI-1 ( P  = 0.011) and high ROBO4 levels ( P  = 0.013) were independent risk factors for severe CDA in patients with FCCM. The best model was achieved by combining the results of Serpin E1/PAI-1 and ROBO4 levels (AUC = 0.913, sensitivity 1.000, specificity 0.760, cutoff score − 0.525) to identify patients with FCCM and severe CDA. In summary, the plasma concentrations of CD31 and BDNF seem to be lower in patients with FCCM than in their healthy FDRs. Low Serpin E1/PAI-1 and high ROBO4 concentrations may be correlated with high lesion burden and risk of recurrent bleeding. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03467295.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant cancer and lacks effective therapeutic targets. The role of LIM/homeobox protein Lhx3 (LHX3) has been extensively studied in various tumor tissues, where it has been identified as a promoter of tumorigenesis and malignancy. However, the specific functional role and potential mechanism of LHX3 in human HCCs are not clearly clarified. We found that LHX3 was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Moreover, it was observed that LHX3 promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells, leading to increased proliferation, migration, and viability, and adhesion ability in vitro. Mechanistically, LHX3 facilitated TCF4 binding to β-catenin, forming a stable LHX3/TCF4/β-catenin complex that activated downstream target genes. Disruption of the β-catenin/TCF4 interaction by Toxoflavin prevented the EMT of HCC cells. Overall, these findings highlight the critical role of LHX3 in the EMT of HCC cells through the β-catenin/TCF4 axis, suggesting the LHX3/β-catenin/TCF4 axis as a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.