PubMed
Machine learning-based classification and prediction of typical Chinese green tea taste profiles
Food Res Int. 2025 Feb;203:115796. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115796. Epub 2025 Jan 27.ABSTRACTThe taste of Chinese green tea is highly diverse. In this study, a combination of unsupervised and supervised learning methods was utilized to develop a model for classifying and predicting typical Chinese green tea taste. Three clustering methods were assessed based on quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) results, with the Hierarchical-K means method chosen to classify 88 tea infusions into seven distinct taste types. Electronic tongue sensors, near-infrared spectroscopy, and metabolomics, along with the analysis of key chemical constituents, were applied to construct various datasets as model data. The performance of four multivariate statistical methods and six artificial intelligence algorithms was compared across the three datasets. Dataset 3, comprising chemical components, taste activity value (Tav), and their ratios, achieved the highest accuracy. The random forest (RF) model achieved the highest accuracy (0.98) and Kappa value (0.97) in predictions. The results indicate that key chemical components, Tav, and their relationships are more critical for classifying green tea taste. This study can provide a more accurate representation and prediction of typical Chinese tea taste profiles from a consumer standpoint. Significant variations in sensory attributes and chemical composition were observed among the identified taste categories, with the MU type displaying the lowest TavTC (total Tav of catechins)/TavTAA (total Tav of amino acids) ratio, indicating the strongest umami and sweetness characteristics. The findings of this study offer the potential for the development of personalized tea products, thereby contributing to an enhanced consumer experience.PMID:40022327 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115796
Cork impact on red wine aging monitoring through (1)H NMR metabolomics: A comprehensive approach
Food Res Int. 2025 Feb;203:115772. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115772. Epub 2025 Jan 17.ABSTRACTCork stoppers have a significant impact on aging as a place of gas exchange. This study investigates the effects of different cork closures on red wines using 1H NMR metabolomics approach. The objective is to understand how different cork stoppers affect the chemical evolution of wine during aging. Six Syrah wines from the Côtes du Rhône and Languedoc-Roussillon regions, matured in either steel tanks or oak barrels, were bottled with four micro-agglomerated cork stoppers. Over 24 months, wines were analyzed using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Data were processed using multivariate analyses: principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The analyses revealed significant changes along the wine aging process. Distinct chemical signatures were identified for wines at the initial and 24-month stages. At the initial stage, wine maturation conditions, stainless steel tank or oak barrel, seem to impact wine constituents, including methanol, ethyl lactate, acetic acid, myo-inositol, and isobutanol. Finally, corks with higher oxygen transfer rate (OTR) showed higher content in acetoin, suggesting its application as an oxygenation marker of wines. The findings highlight the complex role of cork permeability in red wine aging, suggesting that the choice of cork can be strategically used to steer the aging process and enhance wine quality.PMID:40022317 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115772
Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal changes during Streptococcus thermophilus JM66 fermentation in milk: Fermentation characteristics, flavor profile, and metabolic mechanism
Food Res Int. 2025 Feb;203:115770. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115770. Epub 2025 Jan 27.ABSTRACTMicrobial metabolism influences the physicochemical properties and flavor compound formation in fermented milk during fermentation. Streptococcus thermophilus is one of the primary fermentation strains used in fermented milk production. Herein, we investigated the fermentation characteristics, flavor profiles, and associated metabolic mechanisms of Streptococcus thermophilus JM66 in milk matrix through multi-stage dynamic monitoring and multi-omics techniques. A total of 66 volatile metabolites were identified across three fermentation stages of S. thermophilus JM66, with ketones (such as acetoin and nonanone) being the predominant flavor metabolites in the fermented milk. Metabolomic analyses revealed an increase in pyruvic acid, L-lactic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, D-proline, and L-tyrosine, alongside a decrease in D-arginine, L-aspartic acid, and acetoacetyl-CoA, which were enriched in pyruvate metabolism, butanoate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, integrating transcriptomic results, high expression of LDH, budC and genes related to glycolysis, urea cycle and fatty acid biosynthesis promoted compound metabolism and flavor development. This comprehensive analysis of S. thermophilus JM66 provides a theoretical foundation for its future application as a starter culture or in strain mutagenesis aimed at enhancing fermentation characteristics.PMID:40022315 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115770
Identification of the key tryptophan metabolic characteristics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum for aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation and ulcerative colitis alleviation
Food Res Int. 2025 Feb;203:115766. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115766. Epub 2025 Jan 23.ABSTRACTLactiplantibacillus plantarum can activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in the gut by metabolizing tryptophan, thereby counteracting inflammation. However, the tryptophan metabolic characteristics of microorganisms are strain-specific and significantly influence their AHR-activating effects. In this study, four strains with different tryptophan metabolic profiles were screened, and a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The key tryptophan metabolic characteristics of L. plantarum involved in AHR downstream signaling activation to alleviate colitis were explored. The results showed that strain SFFI50, characterized by poor tryptophan metabolism, and strain SFFI175, which produced high levels of IAA and ICA, did not alleviate colitis. Strain SFFI118, capable of metabolizing tryptophan to produce IAA, ICA, and ILA, could slightly restore mouse body weight, DAI, and IL-22 expression. L. plantarum SFFI23 significantly restored body weight, colon length, histopathological damage, and cytokine expression in mice. Moreover, it activated the downstream signaling of AHR, specifically CYP1A1, and repairs the intestinal barrier function. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed a significant increase in indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) in the mouse intestine. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between high ILA production of L. plantarum, CYP1A1 expression, intestinal barrier function restoration, ILA levels in vivo, and colitis alleviation. Therefore, we inferred that high ILA production is a key tryptophan metabolic characteristic of L. plantarum which activated AHR downstream signaling (such as CYP1A1, IL-22, and STAT3) to alleviate colitis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of personalized dietary interventions to improve gut health.PMID:40022314 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115766
Genome mining and metabolite profiling illuminate the taxonomy status and the cytotoxic activity of a mangrove-derived Microbacterium alkaliflavum sp. nov
BMC Microbiol. 2025 Feb 28;25(1):103. doi: 10.1186/s12866-025-03801-2.ABSTRACTThe genus Microbacterium in the phylum Actinomycetota contains over 100 species to date that little is known about their bioactive metabolites production. In this study, a mangrove sediment-derived strain B2969T was identified as a novel type strain within the genus Microbacterium due to the low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (< 99%), and low overall genome relatedness indices (ANI, 75.4%-79.5%; dDDH, 18.5%-22.7%, AAI, 68.7%-76.3%; POCP, 48.3%-65.0%) with the validly named species of the genus. The type strain B2969T (= MCCC 1K099113T = JCM 36707 T) is proposed to represent Microbacterium alkaliflavum sp. nov.. The crude extracts of strain B2969T showed weak cytotoxicity against NPC cell lines TW03 and 5-8F, with IC50 values of ranging from 3.5 µg/µL to 2.4 µg/µL respectively. Genome analysis of strain B2969T found 8 clusters of genes responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including cytotoxic compounds desferrioxamines. In addition, the application of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based molecular networking strategy led to the identification of 10 compounds with potent cytotoxic activity in ethyl acetate extracts of strain B2969T. Results from the cytotoxicity assay, genome mining, and metabolite profiling based on LC-MS/MS analysis revealed its ability to produce bioactive compounds.BackgroundMangrove ecosystems are largely unexplored sources of Actinomycetota, which represent potential important reservoirs of bioactive compounds. The genus Microbacterium in the phylum Actinomycetota contains over 100 species to date that little is known about their bioactive metabolites production. In this study, a novel species, namely B2969T, within the genus Microbacterium that showed cytotoxicity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines was isolated from mangrove sediments. Genome mining and metabolic profiling analyses were explored here to assess its biosynthetic potential of metabolites with cytotoxic properties.ResultsHere, a mangrove sediment-derived strain B2969T was identified as a novel species within the genus Microbacterium due to the low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (< 99.0%), and low overall genome relatedness indices (ANI, 75.4%-79.5%; dDDH, 18.5%-22.7%, AAI, 68.7%-76.3%; POCP, 48.3%-65.0%) with the type strains of this genus. We proposed that strain B2969T represents a new species, in which the name Microbacterium alkaliflavum sp. nov. is proposed. The strain showed weak cytotoxicity against NPC cell lines TW03 and 5-8F, with IC50 values of ranging from 3.512 µg/µL to 2.428 µg/µL respectively. Genome analysis of strain B2969T found 8 clusters of genes responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including desferrioxamines. In addition, the application of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based molecular networking strategy led to the identification of 10 potent cytotoxic compounds in ethyl acetate extracts of strain B2969T.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the taxonomy status of type strain B2969T (= MCCC 1K099113T = JCM 36707 T) within the genus Microbacterium, in which the name Microbacterium alkaliflavum sp. nov.. Results from the cytotoxicity assay, genome mining, and metabolite profiling based on LC-MS/MS analysis revealed its ability to produce bioactive substances, providing sufficient evidence for the potential of Microbacterium species in the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals.PMID:40021979 | DOI:10.1186/s12866-025-03801-2
Discovery of metabolites prevails amid in-source fragmentation
Nat Metab. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1038/s42255-025-01239-4. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:40021935 | DOI:10.1038/s42255-025-01239-4
Neonatal microbiome in the multiomics era: development and its impact on long-term health
Pediatr Res. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1038/s41390-025-03953-x. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe neonatal microbiome has been the focus of considerable research over the past two decades and studies have added fascinating information in terms of early microbial patterns and how these relate to various disease processes. One difficulty with the interpretation of these relationships is that such data is associative and provides little in terms of proof of causality or the underpinning mechanisms. Integrating microbiome data with other omics such as the proteome, inflammatory mediators, and the metabolome is an emerging approach to address this gap. Here we discuss these omics, their integration, and how they can be applied to improve our understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease. IMPACT: This review introduces the concept of multiomics in neonatology and how emerging technologies can be integrated improve understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease. We highlight considerations for performing multiomic research in neonates and the need for validation in separate cohorts and/or relevant model systems. We summarise how the use of multiomics is expanding and lay out steps to bring this to the clinic to enable precision medicine.PMID:40021924 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-025-03953-x
Quantitative trait loci mapping of circulating metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid to uncover biological mechanisms involved in brain-related phenotypes
Mol Psychiatry. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1038/s41380-025-02934-0. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTGenomic studies of molecular traits have provided mechanistic insights into complex disease, though these lag behind for brain-related traits due to the inaccessibility of brain tissue. We leveraged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to study neurobiological mechanisms in vivo, measuring 5543 CSF metabolites, the largest panel in CSF to date, in 977 individuals of European ancestry. Individuals originated from two separate cohorts including cognitively healthy subjects (n = 490) and a well-characterized memory clinic sample, the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (ADC, n = 487). We performed metabolite quantitative trait loci (mQTL) mapping on CSF metabolomics and found 126 significant mQTLs, representing 65 unique CSF metabolites across 51 independent loci. To better understand the role of CSF mQTLs in brain-related disorders we integrated our CSF mQTL results with pre-existing summary statistics on brain traits, identifying 34 genetic associations between CSF metabolites and brain traits. Over 90% of significant mQTLs demonstrated colocalized associations with brain-specific gene expression, unveiling potential neurobiological pathways.PMID:40021830 | DOI:10.1038/s41380-025-02934-0
Metabolomic analysis of the intrinsic resistance mechanisms of Microtus fortis against Schistosoma japonicum infection
Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 28;15(1):7147. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-91164-z.ABSTRACTMicrotus fortis (M. fortis) is the only mammal known in China that is intrinsically resistant to Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection. Nevertheless, the underlying resistance mechanism of M. fortis against schistosomes are still unclear. In this study, we detected and compared colon aqueous extracts and serum metabolic profiles between M. fortis and ICR mice before and after S. japonicum infection using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We identified 232 specific colon aqueous extract metabolites and 79 specific serum metabolites of M. fortis infected with or without S. japonicum at two weeks compared with those of ICR mice, which might be closely correlated with the time-course of schistosomiasis progression and could also be used as indicators for the M. fortis against S. japonicum, for example, nonadecanoic acid, hesperetin, glycocholic acid, 2-Aminobenzoic acid, 6-hydroxydaidzein and spermidine. And the enriched pathways were further identified, our findings revealed that S. japonicum infection induced the metabolic changes involved in a variety of metabolic pathways including amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, ABC transporters, central carbon metabolism in cancer and bile secretion. These results indicated that the colon aqueous extracts and serum metabolic profiles were significantly different between M. fortis and ICR mice before and after S. japonicum infection and will provide new insights into the underlying resistance mechanism of M. fortis against S. japonicum infection and identify promising candidates for the use of drugs against schistosomes.PMID:40021829 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-91164-z
A guide to reverse metabolomics-a framework for big data discovery strategy
Nat Protoc. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1038/s41596-024-01136-2. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTUntargeted metabolomics is evolving into a field of big data science. There is a growing interest within the metabolomics community in mining tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based data from public repositories. In traditional untargeted metabolomics, samples to address a predefined question are collected and liquid chromatography with MS/MS data are generated. We then identify metabolites associated with a phenotype (for example, disease versus healthy) and elucidate or validate their structural details (for example, molecular formula, structural classification, substructure or complete structural annotation or identification). In reverse metabolomics, we start with MS/MS spectra for known or unknown molecules. These spectra are used as search terms to search public data repositories to discover phenotype-relevant information such as organ/biofluid distribution, disease condition, intervention status (for example, pre- and postintervention), organisms (for example, mammals versus others), geography and any other biologically relevant associations. Here we guide the reader through a four-part process: (1) obtaining the MS/MS spectra of interest (Universal Spectrum Identifier) and (2) Mass Spectrometry Search Tool searches to find the files associated with the MS/MS that are in available databases, (3) using the Reanalysis Data User Interface framework to link the files with their metadata and (4) validating the observations. Parts 1-3 could take from hours to days depending on the method used for collecting MS/MS spectra. For example, we use MS/MS spectra from three small molecules: phenylalanine-cholic acid (a microbially conjugated bile acid), phenylalanine-C4:0 and histidine-C4:0 (two N-acyl amides). We leverage the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking-based framework to explore the microbial producers of these molecules and their associations with health conditions and organ distributions in humans and rodents.PMID:40021805 | DOI:10.1038/s41596-024-01136-2
Involvement of propionate, citrulline, homoserine, and succinate in oral microbiome metabolite-driven periodontal disease progression
Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 28;15(1):7149. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-91105-w.ABSTRACTDysbiosis of the oral microbiome has been implicated in the onset and progression of periodontal diseases. An altered oral microbiome can significantly affect the concentration and composition ratio of bacterial-derived metabolites, thereby contributing to disease development. However, there is limited research on the role of metabolites derived from the oral microbiota. This study aimed to identify specific bacteria-derived metabolites and their contributions to pathogenicity. Mouth-rinsed water was collected from 24 patients with periodontal disease and 22 healthy individuals. We conducted a correlation analysis between periodontal disease-associated bacteria and metabolites present in mouth-rinsed water. We evaluated the effects of these metabolites on human gingival epithelial cells analysis of oral bacteria culture supernatants confirmed the origin of these metabolites. We identified 20 metabolites associated with bacteria that are significantly more prevalent in periodontal disease. Notably, propionate, succinate, citrulline, and homoserine-metabolites derived from the oral microbiome-were identified as being associated with periodontal disease. These results suggested that metabolites derived from the oral microbiota are involved in periodontal disease.PMID:40021789 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-91105-w
ArgR-dependent bacterial resistance to host lipid droplets in Edwardsiella piscicida
Commun Biol. 2025 Feb 28;8(1):333. doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-07777-7.ABSTRACTLipid droplets (LDs), as innate immune hubs, function in the front line of antimicrobial defense involved in the host-pathogen arms race. Particularly for intracellular bacterial pathogens, the endowed capacity to resist host LDs can effectively facilitate pathogen in vivo colonization and evasion from the host's innate immune response. Here, to investigate the genetic mechanisms of intracellular bacteria response to host LDs, we utilized transposon insertion sequencing to dissect critical fitness determinants of Edwardsiella piscicida under the treatment of LDs isolated from its native host, turbot. Targeted metabolomics indicated that LD challenge resulted in the accumulation of intracellular arginine. The core arginine metabolism regulatory factor, ArgR, was found to play a pivotal role in combating LDs, emphasizing the importance of orchestrating intracellular arginine levels for bacterial LD adaptation. Specifically, ArgR enhanced the expressions of genes involved in arginine catabolism (speA/B and arcC) and diminished gene transcripts associated with arginine import (artP) and synthesis (argD/E/H). Furthermore, ArgR contributed to the pathogenesis of E. piscicida, promoting the proliferation in host cells and virulence in turbot. Collectively, our results shed light on the underlying mechanism of intracellular pathogens resisting LDs during bacterial infections and highlighting the crucial role of arginine in the host-pathogen interactions.PMID:40021749 | DOI:10.1038/s42003-025-07777-7
Publisher Correction: Identification of potential biomarkers and pathways involved in high-altitude pulmonary edema using GC-MS and LC-MS metabolomic methods
Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 28;15(1):7209. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-90954-9.NO ABSTRACTPMID:40021693 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-90954-9
Advanced multi-modal mass spectrometry imaging reveals functional differences of placental villous compartments at microscale resolution
Nat Commun. 2025 Feb 28;16(1):2061. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-57107-y.ABSTRACTThe placenta is a complex and heterogeneous organ that links the mother and fetus, playing a crucial role in nourishing and protecting the fetus throughout pregnancy. Integrative spatial multi-omics approaches can provide a systems-level understanding of molecular changes underlying the mechanisms leading to the histological variations of the placenta during healthy pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Herein, we advance our metabolome-informed proteome imaging (MIPI) workflow to include lipidomic imaging, while also expanding the molecular coverage of metabolomic imaging by incorporating on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD). The improved MIPI workflow advances biomedical investigations by leveraging state-of-the-art molecular imaging technologies. Lipidome imaging identifies molecular differences between two morphologically distinct compartments of a placental villous functional unit, syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and villous core. Next, our advanced metabolome imaging maps villous functional units with enriched metabolomic activities related to steroid and lipid metabolism, outlining distinct molecular distributions across morphologically different villous compartments. Complementary proteome imaging on these villous functional units reveals a plethora of fatty acid- and steroid-related enzymes uniquely distributed in STB and villous core compartments. Integration across our advanced MIPI imaging modalities enables the reconstruction of active biological pathways of molecular synthesis and maternal-fetal signaling across morphologically distinct placental villous compartments with micrometer-scale resolution.PMID:40021619 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-57107-y
Hair regeneration in androgenetic alopecia using secretome of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and minoxidil: a comparative study of three groups
Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Mar 1;317(1):486. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-04006-3.ABSTRACTAndrogenetic alopecia is one of the most common cause of hair loss disorder. This hereditary and androgen-dependent disorder tends to progress into partial or even complete baldness Several therapeutic options are now available for AGA, including conventional medications such as finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil. However, side effects of these medications are also commonly reported. The use of adipose derived stem cells and their secreted bioactive molecules, "secretome" has gained attention which could produce many effects for hair growth promotion and has been proven in clinical trials. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of with minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia cases. 60 subjects were divided into three treatment groups (minoxidil only, secretome only, and combination of both) and were given intervention on week 0, 4, and 8. All subjects were evaluated by physical examination, photography, trichoscopy, and trichoscan until week 12. All groups showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) on hair growth parameters with the best improvement observed on week 12. The combination group had the best improvement substantially on hair growth parameters. Side effects are minimum and reported by the subjects in minoxidil group. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06066827. Registered 05 October 2023, Retrospectively. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/Home.vm?uid=U0004ES6_ts=7_sid=S000DOK9_cx=-igh2d .PMID:40021536 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-025-04006-3
The Monochoria genome provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral heteranthery
J Genet Genomics. 2025 Feb 26:S1673-8527(25)00055-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2025.02.008. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHeteranthery, the occurrence of functionally and structurally distinct stamens within a flower, represents a striking example of convergent evolution among diverse animal-pollinated lineages. Although the ecological basis of this somatic polymorphism is understood, the developmental and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we selected Monochoria elata (Pontederiaceae) as our study system due to its typical heterantherous floral structure. We constructed a chromosome-level genome assembly of M. elata, conducted transcriptomic analyses and target phytohormone metabolome analysis to explore gene networks and hormones associated with heteranthery. We focused on three key stamen characteristics-colour, spatial patterning, and filament elongation-selected for their significant roles in stamen differentiation and their relevance to the functional diversity observed in heterantherous species. Our analyses suggest that gene networks involving MelLEAFY3, MADS-box, and TCP genes regulate stamen identity, with anthocyanin influencing colour, and lignin contributing to filament elongation. Additionally, variation in jasmonic acid and abscisic acid concentration between feeding and pollinating anthers appears to contribute to their morphological divergence. Our findings highlight gene networks and hormones associated with intra-floral stamen differentiation and indicate that whole genome duplications have likely facilitated the evolution of heternathery during divergence from other Pontederiaceae without heteranthery.PMID:40020913 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgg.2025.02.008
Metabolomics Unveils the Role of Pipecolic Acid in Regulating Monocytes/Macrophages-Endothelial Cells Crosstalk to Modulate Choroidal Neovascularization
Exp Eye Res. 2025 Feb 26:110315. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2025.110315. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTChoroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a leading cause of vision loss in ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of CNV remain incompletely understood, with a predominant focus on endothelial dysfunction. CNV, however, is a multi-cellular, multi-stage process involving complex interactions between endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, and other immune cells. In this study, we employed a dual-platform metabolomics approach combining liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify key metabolic alterations associated with CNV. Our results revealed significant changes in metabolic pathways during CNV progression. Using a myeloid lineage tracing mouse model, we further explored how Pipecolic acid regulates interactions between monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells, key players in CNV development. We found that Pipecolic acid modulates monocyte/macrophage-endothelial cell crosstalk, inhibiting pathological angiogenesis. These results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving CNV and highlight potential therapeutic targets for treating ocular neovascular diseases.PMID:40020897 | DOI:10.1016/j.exer.2025.110315
The International Space Station has a unique and extreme microbial and chemical environment driven by use patterns
Cell. 2025 Feb 21:S0092-8674(25)00108-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.039. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSpace habitation provides unique challenges in built environments isolated from Earth. We produced a 3D map of the microbes and metabolites throughout the United States Orbital Segment (USOS) of the International Space Station (ISS) with 803 samples collected during space flight, including controls. We find that the use of each of the nine sampled modules within the ISS strongly drives the microbiology and chemistry of the habitat. Relating the microbiology to other Earth habitats, we find that, as with human microbiota, built environment microbiota also align naturally along an axis of industrialization, with the ISS providing an extreme example of an industrialized environment. We demonstrate the utility of culture-independent sequencing for microbial risk monitoring, especially as the location of sequencing moves to space. The resulting resource of chemistry and microbiology in the space-built environment will guide long-term efforts to maintain human health in space for longer durations.PMID:40020666 | DOI:10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.039
Metabolome of different cultivars of peas, lentils, faba beans and lupins - An (1)H NMR spectroscopic exploration of their sensory attributes and potential biofunctionality
Food Chem. 2025 Feb 24;477:143579. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143579. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe transition to a more plant-based diet embraces a higher consumption of diversified pulses. Understanding the chemical composition of pulses is crucial to decipher their biofunctionality. This study analyzed 14 different cultivars of 4 types of pulses (pea, lentil, faba bean, and lupin) using NMR-based metabolomics. Sucrose, glutamate, and citrate were the metabolites representing the most abundant polar chemical classes (carbohydrates, amino acids, and organic acids). Lupin had a higher content of carbohydrates, and a lower content of free amino acids than the other species. Differences among the cultivars related to carbohydrates were found for peas and lentils, which was reflected in variations in their metabolic pathway potential. Faba beans showed highest concentrations of phenolic compounds. Correlation with data from descriptive sensory profiling enabled pinpointing several amino acids and some organic acids that contributed to explain variations in perceived smell and taste among the cultivars.PMID:40020623 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143579
Metabolomic and phenotypic effects of ocean acidification on cuttlefish differ across early life stages
Mar Environ Res. 2025 Feb 19;205:107013. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107013. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOcean acidification (OA) affects the physiology and behaviour of some marine organisms, impacting their development and metabolism during vulnerable early-life stages. Among them, the embryo of the cuttlefish develops for about two months in encapsulated eggs with harsh perivitelline conditions of hypoxia and hypercapnia, potentially worsened by OA. In this study, common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis embryos and juveniles, were exposed to five pH conditions (pHT 8.08 to 7.43). Growth, development and metabolite profiles were explored during the embryonic development period up to 10 days-post-hatching. Our results show delayed embryonic development and decreased hatching success at pH 7.43, but no effect on juvenile weight upon hatching. The 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed that decreasing pH affected metabolites profiles in embryos until a metabolic suppression was observed at pH 7.43. The O2 consumption in 10d-old juveniles did not change with pH whereas metabolites indicated a switch to anaerobic metabolism under low pH. Overall, our results suggest that the transition from the encapsulated embryonic stage to the free juvenile life shapes a metabolomic reprogramming more drastically than ocean acidification.PMID:40020618 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107013