Tire wear microplastics (TWMs) are continuously generated during driving and are subsequently released into the environment, where they pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. In this study, the effects of untreated, hydrated, and aged (in stream water) TWMs on the growth, root development, photosynthesis, electron transport system (ETS) activity, and energy-rich molecules of duckweed Lemna minor were investigated. The results indicated that untreated and aged TWMs have the most pronounced negative effects on Lemna minor, as evidenced by reduced growth and impaired root development. In contrast, the effects of hydrated TWMs were less pronounced compared to untreated and aged TWMs. The negative effects associated with untreated and hydrated TWMs are primarily attributed to the abrasive nature of these particles, which physically damage the plant tissue. On the other hand, aged TWMs showed a different mode of action as they serve as transport vectors for algae. Once introduced into a new environment via aged TWMs, these algae competed with Lemna minor for available nutrients and space, further impairing the growth, root length, photosynthetic efficiency, and carbohydrate content of Lemna minor. This study revealed the dual threat posed by TWMs: direct physical damage from newly released particles and indirect ecological disruption from aged particles that facilitate the spread of algae.
- Klíčová slova
- Macrophytes, Microplastics, Nutrients, Transport of species, Vector transport,
- MeSH
- Araceae * účinky léků růst a vývoj MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * toxicita MeSH
- fotosyntéza účinky léků MeSH
- mikroplasty * toxicita MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- mikroplasty * MeSH
Nitrogen (N) deficiency is one of the critical factors that induce leaf senescence by integrating with abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism, which results in a shortened leaf photosynthetic period and markedly lowered grain yield. However, the metabolic pathway by which ABA signaling participates in the regulation of senescence-associated change in sugar metabolism and its relationship with N allocation in plant tissues are not well understood. In this paper, the effect of supply level on leaf C/N allocation and its relation to ABA signalling, sugar metabolism, and N assimilation were investigated by using two rice genotypes subjected to four N treatments. Results indicated that N-deficiency markedly induced PYR1-like (PYL) expression and ABA biosynthesis, consequently leading to the activation of ABA signaling. The increased ABA concentration in leaf tissues triggered the catabolic pathways of sugar and N metabolisms, resulting in the reduced photosynthetic pigments and intensified oxidative damage in N-deficient leaves. ABA signaling induced by N-deficiency upregulates the expression of senescence-associated genes (SAGs) and C/N allocation by mediating several senescence-promoting factors, such as NAC, bZIP, and WRKY TFs, along with the suppression of PP2Cs. Therefore, N-deficiency impairs chlorophyll biosynthesis and triggers chlorophyll degradation to accelerate the timing and rate of leaf senescence. This metabolic network could provide helpful information for understanding the regulatory mechanism of leaf senescence in relation to sugar signaling, N-assimilation and N-use efficiency.
- MeSH
- chlorofyl metabolismus MeSH
- cukry metabolismus MeSH
- dusík * metabolismus nedostatek MeSH
- fotosyntéza MeSH
- kyselina abscisová * metabolismus MeSH
- listy rostlin * metabolismus fyziologie MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u rostlin MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny metabolismus genetika MeSH
- rýže (rod) * metabolismus genetika fyziologie MeSH
- senescence rostlin MeSH
- signální transdukce * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chlorofyl MeSH
- cukry MeSH
- dusík * MeSH
- kyselina abscisová * MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny MeSH
Carotenoids are crucial for photosynthesis, playing key roles in light harvesting and photoprotection. In this study, spheroidene and bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a) were reconstituted into the chromatophores of the carotenoidless mutant Rhodobacter sphaeroides R26.1, resulting in the preparation of high-quality LH2 complexes. Global and target analyses of transient absorption data revealed that incorporating B800 Bchl a significantly enhances excitation energy transfer (EET) efficiency from carotenoids to Bchl a. EET predominantly occurs from the carotenoid S2 state, with additional pathways from the S1 state observed in native LH2. Unique relaxation dynamics were identified, including the generation of the carotenoid S* state in reconstituted LH2 with both spheroidene and B800 Bchl a and the formation of the carotenoid T1 state in reconstituted LH2. These findings underscore the critical influence of pigment composition and spatial organization on energy transfer mechanisms. They provide valuable insights into the molecular interplay that governs excitation energy transfer in photosynthetic light-harvesting systems.
- Klíčová slova
- B800 bacteriochlorophyll a, carotenoid, light-harvesting, photoprotection, purple photosynthetic bacteria, reconstitution,
- MeSH
- bakteriální proteiny metabolismus genetika chemie MeSH
- bakteriochlorofyl A * metabolismus chemie MeSH
- fotosyntéza MeSH
- karotenoidy * metabolismus chemie MeSH
- přenos energie * MeSH
- Rhodobacter sphaeroides * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- světlosběrné proteinové komplexy * metabolismus chemie genetika MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- bakteriální proteiny MeSH
- bakteriochlorofyl A * MeSH
- karotenoidy * MeSH
- světlosběrné proteinové komplexy * MeSH
Ochrophyta is a vast and morphologically diverse group of algae with complex plastids, including familiar taxa with fundamental ecological importance (diatoms or kelp) and a wealth of lesser-known and obscure organisms. The sheer diversity of ochrophytes poses a challenge for reconstructing their phylogeny, with major gaps in sampling and an unsettled placement of particular taxa yet to be tackled. We sequenced transcriptomes from 25 strategically selected representatives and used these data to build the most taxonomically comprehensive ochrophyte-centered phylogenomic supermatrix to date. We employed a combination of approaches to reconstruct and critically evaluate the relationships among ochrophytes. While generally congruent with previous analyses, the updated ochrophyte phylogenomic tree resolved the position of several taxa with previously uncertain placement and supported a redefinition of the classes Picophagea and Synchromophyceae. Our results indicated that the heterotrophic, plastid-lacking heliozoan Actinophrys sol is not a sister lineage of ochrophytes, as proposed recently, but rather phylogenetically nested among them, implying that it lacks a plastid due to loss. In addition, we found the heterotrophic ochrophyte Picophagus flagellatus to lack all hallmark plastid genes yet to exhibit mitochondrial proteins that seem to be genetic footprints of a lost plastid organelle. We thus document, for the first time, plastid loss in two separate ochrophyte lineages. Furthermore, by exploring eDNA data, we enrich the ochrophyte phylogenetic tree by identifying five novel uncultured class-level lineages. Altogether, our study provides a new framework for reconstructing trait evolution in ochrophytes and demonstrates that plastid loss is more common than previously thought.
- Klíčová slova
- Actinophrys sol, Ochrophyta, Picophagus flagellatus, Synchromophyceae, environmental DNA, phylogenomics, plastid loss, stramenopiles, uncultured protists,
- MeSH
- fotosyntéza genetika MeSH
- fylogeneze * MeSH
- Heterokontophyta * genetika fyziologie klasifikace MeSH
- plastidy * genetika MeSH
- transkriptom MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
There is a need for ground-breaking technologies to boost crop yield, both grains and biomass, and their processing into economically competitive materials. Novel cereals with enhanced photosynthesis and assimilation of greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and ozone, and tailored straw suitable for industrial manufacturing, open a new perspective for the circular economy. Here we describe the vision, strategies, and objectives of BEST-CROP, a Horizon-Europe and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project that relies on an alliance of academic plant scientists teaming up with plant breeding companies and straw processing companies to use the major advances in photosynthetic knowledge to improve barley biomass and to exploit the variability of barley straw quality and composition. We adopt the most promising strategies to improve the photosynthetic properties and ozone assimilation capacity of barley: (i) tuning leaf chlorophyll content and modifying canopy architecture; (ii) increasing the kinetics of photosynthetic responses to changes in irradiance; (iii) introducing photorespiration bypasses; (iv) modulating stomatal opening, thus increasing the rate of carbon dioxide fixation and ozone assimilation. We expect that by improving our targeted traits we will achieve increases in aboveground total biomass production without modification of the harvest index, with added benefits in sustainability via better resource-use efficiency of water and nitrogen. In parallel, the resulting barley straw is tailored to: (i) increase straw protein content to make it suitable for the development of alternative biolubricants and feed sources; (ii) control cellulose/lignin contents and lignin properties to develop straw-based construction panels and polymer composites. Overall, by exploiting natural- and induced-genetic variability as well as gene editing and transgenic engineering, BEST-CROP will lead to multi-purpose next generation barley cultivars supporting sustainable agriculture and capable of straw-based applications.
- Klíčová slova
- barley, biolubricants, canopy photosynthesis, circular bioeconomy, composites, feed, straw quality, straw‐based panels,
- MeSH
- biomasa MeSH
- chlorofyl metabolismus MeSH
- fotosyntéza * fyziologie MeSH
- ječmen (rod) * fyziologie metabolismus MeSH
- listy rostlin fyziologie metabolismus MeSH
- oxid uhličitý metabolismus MeSH
- ozon MeSH
- šlechtění rostlin metody MeSH
- zemědělské plodiny * MeSH
- zemědělství metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chlorofyl MeSH
- oxid uhličitý MeSH
- ozon MeSH
Microbial transglutaminase (MTG) is an enzyme widely used in the food industry because it creates cross-links between proteins, enhancing the texture and stability of food products. Its unique properties make it a valuable tool for modifying the functional characteristics of proteins, significantly impacting the quality and innovation of food products. In this study, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the fermentation conditions for microbial transglutaminase production by the strain Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum KKP 1658. The effects of nitrogen dose, cultivation time, and initial pH on the activity of the produced transglutaminase were investigated. The significance of the examined factors was determined as follows: cultivation time > nitrogen dose > pH. The interaction between nitrogen dose and cultivation time was found to be crucial, having the second most significant impact on transglutaminase activity. Optimal conditions were identified as 48 h of cultivation with a 2% nitrogen source dose and an initial medium pH of approximately 6.0. Under these conditions, transglutaminase activity ranged from 4.5 to 5.5 U/mL. The results of this study demonstrated that response surface methodology is a promising approach for optimizing microbial transglutaminase production. Future applications of transglutaminase include the development of modern food products with improved texture and nutritional value, as well as its potential use in regenerative medicine for creating biomaterials and tissue scaffolds. This topic is particularly important and timely as it addresses the growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in the food and biomedical industries, contributing to an improved quality of life.
- Klíčová slova
- MTG, Response surface methodology, Streptoverticillium, Transglutaminase,
- MeSH
- dusík * metabolismus MeSH
- fermentace * MeSH
- koncentrace vodíkových iontů MeSH
- kultivační média * chemie MeSH
- transglutaminasy * metabolismus MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- dusík * MeSH
- kultivační média * MeSH
- transglutaminasy * MeSH
Halophytes display distinctive physiological mechanisms that enable their survival and growth under extreme saline conditions. This makes them potential candidates for their use in saline agriculture. In this research, tomato (Solanum lycopersium Mill.) was cultivated in moderately saline conditions under two different managements involving Arthrocaulon macrostachyum L., a salt accumulator shrub: intercropping, i.e., co-cultivation of tomato/halophyte; and crop rotation, in which tomato is grown where the halophyte was previously cultivated. The effect of these crop managements was evaluated in tomato plants in comparison with tomato in monoculture, with regards to physiological and biochemical variables and metabolomic and proteomic profiles. Both halophyte-based managements reduced soil salinity. Crop rotation enhanced photosynthesis and protective mechanisms at the photosynthetic level. In addition, both crop managements altered the hormone profile and the antioxidant capacity, whereas a reactive oxygen species over-accumulation in leaf tissues indicated the establishment of a controlled mild oxidative stress. However, tomato production remained unchanged. Metabolomic and proteomic approaches suggest complex interactions at the leaf level, driven by the influence of the halophyte. In this regard, an interplay of ROS/lipid-based signalling pathways is proposed. Moreover, improved photosynthesis under crop rotation was associated with accumulation of sugar metabolism-related compounds and photosynthesis-related proteins. Likewise, acylamino acid-releasing enzymes, a class of serine-proteases, remarkably increased under both halophyte-based managements, which may act to modulate the antioxidant capacity of tomato plants. In summary, this work reveals common and distinctive patterns in tomato under intercropping and crop rotation conditions with the halophyte, supporting the use of A. macrostachyum in farming systems.
- MeSH
- fotosyntéza * MeSH
- halotolerantní rostliny * metabolismus fyziologie MeSH
- listy rostlin metabolismus fyziologie MeSH
- metabolomika * MeSH
- proteom metabolismus MeSH
- proteomika * metody MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny metabolismus MeSH
- salinita MeSH
- Solanum lycopersicum * metabolismus fyziologie růst a vývoj MeSH
- zemědělské plodiny metabolismus MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- proteom MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny MeSH
BACKGROUND: The medication used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in men over 50 years of age, can alter the levels of biomarkers used in prostate cancer detection. Commonly used medications for BPH include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), and muscarinic antagonists. We studied the impact of these drugs on total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), [-2]proPSA, fPSA/tPSA ratio, and the Prostate Health Index (PHI), as well as novel potential biomarkers in the form of glycan composition of fPSA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 564 males with BPH, with a mean age of 68.5 years. The samples were used to measure levels of tPSA, fPSA, and [-2]proPSA. The fPSA/tPSA and PHI were then calculated. The glycan composition of fPSA was analyzed using lectin-based glycoprofiling. Pharmacotherapy data was collected from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: Alpha-blocker monotherapy was associated with higher fPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio, and decreased PHI. Levels of tPSA were not impacted. Alpha-blocker and 5-ARI dual therapy was associated with reduced levels of fPSA, [-2]proPSA, and PHI. Therapy combining alpha-blockers and antimuscarinic agents did not significantly influence biomarker levels apart from an increase in a Maackia amurensis lectin-recognized glycan originating in fPSA. CONCLUSION: BPH pharmacotherapy notably affects prostate cancer biomarkers. Recognizing the impact of pharmacotherapy is crucial for achieving an accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer and for planning treatment.
- Klíčová slova
- 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors, PSA, alpha‐blockers, antimuscarinic agents, benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer,
- MeSH
- alfa blokátory terapeutické užití MeSH
- antagonisté muskarinových receptorů * terapeutické užití MeSH
- glykosylace MeSH
- hyperplazie prostaty * krev farmakoterapie MeSH
- inhibitory 5-alfa-reduktasy terapeutické užití MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory prostaty krev farmakoterapie MeSH
- prostata patologie metabolismus MeSH
- prostatický specifický antigen * krev MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- alfa blokátory MeSH
- antagonisté muskarinových receptorů * MeSH
- inhibitory 5-alfa-reduktasy MeSH
- prostatický specifický antigen * MeSH
Bone lengthening and fracture repair depend on the anabolic properties of chondrocytes that function in an avascular milieu. The limited supply of oxygen and nutrients calls into question how biosynthesis and redox homeostasis are guaranteed. Here we show that glucose metabolism by the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is essential for endochondral ossification. Loss of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in chondrocytes does not affect cell proliferation because reversal of the non-oxidative PPP produces ribose-5-phosphate. However, the decreased NADPH production reduces glutathione recycling, resulting in decreased protection against the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during oxidative protein folding. The disturbed proteostasis activates the unfolded protein response and protein degradation. Moreover, the oxidative stress induces ferroptosis, which, together with altered matrix properties, results in a chondrodysplasia phenotype. Collectively, these data show that in hypoxia, the PPP is crucial to produce reducing power that confines ROS generated by oxidative protein folding and thereby controls proteostasis and prevents ferroptosis.
- MeSH
- chondrocyty * metabolismus MeSH
- ferroptóza * fyziologie MeSH
- glukosa-6-fosfátdehydrogenasa metabolismus MeSH
- glukosa metabolismus MeSH
- myši MeSH
- oxidace-redukce MeSH
- oxidační stres * MeSH
- pentózofosfátový cyklus * MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku * metabolismus MeSH
- sbalování proteinů * MeSH
- signální dráha UPR MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- glukosa-6-fosfátdehydrogenasa MeSH
- glukosa MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku * MeSH
BACKGROUND: Celosia argentea is a widely recognized plant for its ornamental qualities and therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. As demand for such multipurpose plants grows, enhancing its phenotypic and physiological traits could further expand its commercial potential. Polyploidization, particularly through chemical treatments like oryzalin, offers a method to induce genetic variation and potentially improve desirable traits in plants. RESULTS: Tetraploid (2n = 4×= 36) nodal segments of C. argentea were treated with oryzalin under in vitro conditions, resulting in successful induction of octoploidy (2n = 8×= 72). Flow cytometry and chromosome counting confirmed polyploidization, with the highest induction rate achieved using 40 µM oryzalin for 24 h. Comparative analyses between octoploid and tetraploid plants revealed significant differences in morphological traits, including increased stem and leaf thickness, larger leaf area, inflorescence characteristics and more compact growth in the octoploids. Additionally, octoploids exhibited enhanced chlorophyll content and altered photosynthetic characteristics, along with notable changes in stomatal size and density. Ploidy stability was maintained across generations, ensuring the heritability of the induced traits. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro polyploidization in C. argentea led to significant phenotypic and physiological improvements, demonstrating its potential for application in ornamental horticulture and plant breeding. This research contributes to the understanding of the impact of in vitro polyploidization on plant development, offering insights for the commercial cultivation and enhancement of C. argentea. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
- Klíčová slova
- Chromosome doubling, Cockscomb, Crop improvement, Offspring stability, Oryzalin, Polyploid induction, Polyploidization,
- MeSH
- Celosia * genetika MeSH
- chlorofyl metabolismus MeSH
- dinitrobenzeny farmakologie MeSH
- fenotyp MeSH
- fotosyntéza * MeSH
- listy rostlin genetika růst a vývoj fyziologie MeSH
- polyploidie * MeSH
- sulfanilamidy MeSH
- tetraploidie * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chlorofyl MeSH
- dinitrobenzeny MeSH
- oryzalin MeSH Prohlížeč
- sulfanilamidy MeSH
