PubMed

New Phytol. 2025 Feb 26. doi: 10.1111/nph.70003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSecondary metabolites are a crucial source of bioactive compounds playing a key role in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Recently, biosynthetic research has benefited significantly from progress on various fronts, including reduced sequencing costs, improved genome/metabolome mining strategies, and expanding tools/databases to compare and characterize chemical diversity. Steady advances in these fields are crucial for research on non-modal organisms such as lichen-forming fungi (LFF). Although most fungi produce bioactive metabolites, biosynthetic research on LFF (c. 21% of known fungi) lags behind, primarily due to experimental challenges. However, in recent years, several such challenges have been tackled, and, in parallel, a critical foundation of genomic data and pipelines has been established to accomplish the valorization of this potential. Integrating these concurrent advances to accelerate biochemical research in LFF provides a promising opportunity for new discoveries. This review summarizes the following: recent advances in fungal and LFF omics, and chemoinformatics research; studies on LFF biosynthesis, including chemical diversity and evolutionary/phylogenetic aspects; and experimental milestones in LFF biosynthetic gene functions. At the end, we outline a vision and strategy to combine the progress in these research areas to harness the biochemical potential of LFF for pharmaceutical development.PMID:40007421 | DOI:10.1111/nph.70003

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Feb 20;221:109678. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109678. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPlutella xylostella (diamondback moth; DBM) is a significant pest of Brassica crops, causing billions of dollars in annual global damage and developing resistance to many insecticides. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of infestations by influencing the moth's reproduction and expanding its range, leading to increased crop losses. In this study, we examined the early metabolomic responses of four Brassica napus accessions to DBM infestation, focusing on identifying the metabolic basis of tolerance. Phenotypic analysis showed that R4220 and R4415 were highly susceptible, with remaining leaf areas of 27 and 38%, respectively, while the tolerant accessions R4637 and R5064 retained 85 and 91% of their leaf area post-infestation. Metabolomic profiling revealed a distinct separation between tolerant and sensitive accessions under both control and infested conditions. Notably, tolerant accessions exhibited differential accumulation of metabolites, with abundant metabolites belonging to lipid and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, and benzenoids. Additionally, 31 metabolites were found to be consistently expressed at higher levels in tolerant accessions as compared to sensitive ones, notably tridecanedioic acid, 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine and benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid. Furthermore, KEGG analysis revealed that pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and ABC transporters were enriched, indicating their critical roles in the defense mechanisms. This comprehensive analysis of metabolomic alterations provides valuable insights into the biochemical pathways underpinning insect tolerance in rapeseed, potentially guiding the development of more resilient cultivars and leading a pathway to improve crop farming for sustainable agriculture.PMID:40007373 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109678

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Feb 20;489:137687. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137687. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIn recent years, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) has attracted significant attention in environmental science, yet its behavior in biological systems remains poorly understood. This study involved a 28-day zebrafish exposure experiment at three concentrations (2, 20, and 200 μg/L), to investigate its physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) properties, the formation of biotransformation products, and the metabolic characteristics of liver tissue. The results indicated that the liver and intestines are key organs for 6PPD accumulation, with tissue-specific distribution patterns. The biotransformation of 6PPD in the liver involves various phase I and phase II metabolic reactions, including hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, and sulfation processes. Furthermore, Metabolomics analysis revealed substantial changes in both the diversity and abundance of liver metabolites with increasing 6PPD concentrations, particularly in key biological processes such as lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and redox balance. Notably, significant disruptions in sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid pathways suggest 6PPD may impair membrane fluidity and stability, potentially leading to membrane damage and dysfunction. Overall, this study provides crucial insights into the biological behavior of 6PPD in zebrafish, contributing essential knowledge for its ecotoxicological evaluation.PMID:40007367 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137687

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Feb 20;489:137684. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137684. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTApart from directly affecting the growth and development of crops, Cd in the soil can easily enter the human body through the food chain and pose a threat to human health. Therefore, understanding the toxicity of Cd to specific crops and the molecular mechanisms of their response to Cd is essential. In this study, hydroponic experiments were utilized to study the response of foxtail millet to Cd stress through phenotypic investigation, enzyme activity determination, ultrastructure, ionome, transcriptome and metabolome. With the increase in cadmium concentration, both the growth and photosynthetic capacity of foxtail millet seedlings are severely inhibited. The ultrastructure of cells is damaged, cells are deformed, chloroplasts swell and disappear, and cell walls thicken. Cd stress affects the absorption, transport, and redistribution of beneficial metal ions in the seedlings. Multi-omics analysis reveals the crucial roles of glycolysis, glutathione metabolism and phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis pathways in Cd detoxification via energy metabolism, the antioxidant system and cell wall changes. Finally, a schematic diagram of foxtail millet in response to Cd stress was we preliminarily drew. This work provides a basic framework for further revealing the molecular mechanism of Cd tolerance in foxtail millet.PMID:40007366 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137684

Anim Reprod Sci. 2025 Feb 20;275:107800. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107800. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMetabolomic analysis of boar semen associated with sexual maturation is essential for improving fertility management and breeding, with amino acids and amines playing key roles in the reproductive process. This study aimed to explore changes in amino acids and amines in boar spermatozoa and seminal plasma during puberty to sexual maturity and identify potential biomarkers of sexual maturity. Semen was collected from the same 15 Duroc boars over time at approximately 7 months (Age 1), 8.5 months (Age 2), and 10 months (Age 3). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyse amino acids and amines in spermatozoa and seminal plasma separately. Multivariate analysis (PLS-DA) revealed pronounced age-dependent changes in amino acids and amines in spermatozoa between Age 1 and Age 3, and more subtle shifts in seminal plasma. Univariate analysis (Repeated measure ANOVA/Friedman) revealed that glutamate and taurine had significant pairwise differences in seminal plasma (P < 0.05). In sperm, 15 amino acids (glutamate, alanine, aspartate, choline, taurine, histidine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, cystine, tyrosine, arginine, lysine, valine and glycine) exhibited significant pairwise differences (P < 0.05). VIP scoring (>1.5) prioritised glutamate, alanine, aspartate, and choline as key contributors to the variations and pathway analysis implicated alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and histidine metabolism linked to sexual maturity. Our study highlights metabolic changes during sexual maturation, identifying potential biomarkers for assessing reproductive maturity. These findings are initial steps toward optimising younger boars' usage in breeding, enhancing genetic gain, and reducing costs associated with their non-productive days at AI centres.PMID:40007344 | DOI:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107800

New Phytol. 2025 Feb 25. doi: 10.1111/nph.70004. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHerbivore-induced plant volatiles act as danger signals to prime defense responses in neighboring plants, yet in many cases the mechanism behind this priming is not known. Volatile signals may be recognized directly by receptors and/or converted into other active compounds. Here we investigate the metabolic fate of volatile indole, a known priming signal in maize (Zea mays), to determine if its conversion to other compounds could play a role in its priming of defenses. We identified benzoxazinoids as major products from volatile indole using heavy isotope-labeled volatile indole and Pathway of Origin Determination in Untargeted Metabolomics (PODIUM) analysis. We then used benzoxazinoid biosynthesis maize mutants to investigate their role in indole-mediated priming. Labeled volatile indole was converted into DIMBOA-glucoside in a bx2 (benzoxazinone synthesis2)-dependent manner. The bx2 mutant plants showed elevated green leaf volatile (GLV) production in response to wounding and Spodoptera frugiperda regurgitant irrespective of indole exposure. Thus, volatile indole is converted into benzoxazinoids, and part of its priming mechanism may be due to the enhanced production of these phytoanticipins. However, indole-mediated enhanced GLV production does not rely on the conversion of indole to benzoxazinoids, so indole also has other signaling functions.PMID:40007166 | DOI:10.1111/nph.70004

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2025 Feb 25. doi: 10.1021/jasms.4c00434. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTUntargeted metabolomics often produce large datasets with missing values. These missing values are derived from biological or technical factors and can undermine statistical analyses and lead to biased biological interpretations. Imputation methods, such as k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) and Random Forest (RF) regression, are commonly used, but their effects vary depending on the type of missing data, e.g., Missing Completely At Random (MCAR) and Missing Not At Random (MNAR). Here, we determined the impacts of degree and type of missing data on the accuracy of kNN and RF imputation using two datasets: a targeted metabolomic dataset with spiked-in standards and an untargeted metabolomic dataset. We also assessed the effect of compositional data approaches (CoDA), such as the centered log-ratio (CLR) transform, on data interpretation since these methods are increasingly being used in metabolomics. Overall, we found that kNN and RF performed more accurately when the proportion of missing data across samples for a metabolic feature was low. However, these imputations could not handle MNAR data and generated wildly inflated or imputed values where none should exist. Furthermore, we show that the proportion of missing values had a strong impact on the accuracy of imputation, which affected the interpretation of the results. Our results suggest imputation should be used with extreme caution even with modest levels of missing data and especially when the type of missingness is unknown.PMID:40007142 | DOI:10.1021/jasms.4c00434

Viruses. 2025 Jan 26;17(2):175. doi: 10.3390/v17020175.ABSTRACTEnterovirus 68 (EV-D68) is a non-enveloped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome that causes respiratory diseases and acute flaccid myelitis, posing significant threats to human health. However, an effective vaccine remains undeveloped. SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent enzyme, plays a key role in cellular metabolism, but its interaction with NAD+ during viral infections is not well understood. In this study, through a metabolomics analysis, we demonstrate that EV-D68 infection influences cellular metabolism. Additionally, we show that NAD+ inhibits EV-D68 infection both in vivo and in vitro. EV-D68 reduces cellular NAD+ levels by regulating the expression of enzymes involved in NAD+ consumption and synthesis. Moreover, the infection increases the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which inhibits EV-D68 replication in turn. Mechanistically, SIRT1 suppresses EV-D68 5'UTR-mediated translation, and the antiviral effect of SIRT1 on EV-D68 replication is enhanced by NAD+. Collectively, our findings highlight the critical role of NAD+ metabolism in EV-D68 infection and reveal the antiviral potential of SIRT1, providing valuable insights for the development of antiviral strategies.PMID:40006932 | DOI:10.3390/v17020175

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 19;14(4):629. doi: 10.3390/plants14040629.ABSTRACTCereal crops are important staple foods, and their defense metabolites hold significant research importance. In this study, we employed LC-MS-based untargeted and widely-targeted metabolomics to profile the leaf metabolome of nine cereal species, including rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, common oat, foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, and adlay. A total of 9869 features were detected, among them, 1131 were annotated, encompassing 18 classes such as flavonoids, lipids, and alkaloids. Results revealed that 531 metabolites were detected in all species, while each cereal crop possessed 4 to 12 unique metabolites. Focusing on defense metabolites, we identified eight benzoxazinoids uniquely present in maize, wheat, and adlay. Hierarchical clustering based on metabolite abundance divided all metabolites into nine clusters, and subsequent pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the stress-related flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was enriched in multiple clusters. Further analysis showed that four downstream compounds of HBOA (2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) in the benzoxazinoid biosynthesis pathway were enriched in maize. Wheat uniquely accumulated the 4'-methylated product of tricin, trimethoxytricetin, whereas adlay accumulated the tricin precursor tricetin in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. In summary, this study elucidates the metabolic diversity in defense metabolites among various cereal crops, providing valuable background information for the improvement of stress resistance in cereal crops.PMID:40006888 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040629

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 19;14(4):625. doi: 10.3390/plants14040625.ABSTRACTFlavonoids are secondary metabolites that are beneficial to life activities and are mainly concentrated in buds and leaves in the form of glycosides. Flavonoid glycosides have important effects on the properties and quality of tea plants. Research has shown that the abundance of flavonoid glycosides varies greatly among different cultivars, but research on the regulatory mechanisms that cause their differential accumulation among tea plant cultivars with different leaf colors is lacking. In this study, an integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics was conducted to determine the regulatory networks regulating astringency and color-related flavonoids in tea plant cultivars with diverse leaf colors. A total of five anthocyanidins, four catechins, and nine flavonol glycosides were found to partially contribute to the differences in taste and leaf color among tea plant cultivars with diverse leaf colors. Furthermore, 15 MYB genes and 5 Dof genes were identified as potential regulators controlling the expression of eight key structural genes, resulting in differences in the accumulation of specific compounds, including epicatechin (EC), catechin (C), cyanidin, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside, in tea plant cultivars with diverse leaf colors. These findings provide insights into the development and utilization of resources from tea plants with diverse leaf colors.PMID:40006884 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040625

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 18;14(4):613. doi: 10.3390/plants14040613.ABSTRACTCamellia oleifera is a unique woody edible oil tree species in China, and the ovule development affects the yield of seeds. This study selected three different types of C. oleifera clones and used LC-MS, RNA-seq, and other techniques to compare the endogenous hormone contents, gene expression levels, and metabolite changes between normal and aborted ovules. The results showed that high levels of ABA, JA, and SA may lead to the phenotype of ovule abortion. A total of 270 differential metabolites were identified in the metabolome, with L-methionine, citrulline, L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, and indolepyruvate being downregulated to varying degrees in the aborted ovules. Genes involved in plant hormone synthesis and response, such as GH3.1, IAA14, PIN1, AUX22, ARF1_2, BZR1_2, GA2ox, ERFC3, ABF2, and PYL8, responded to ovule development. This study elucidates the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional responses to ovule abortion, providing a theoretical basis for understanding ovule development and yield regulation in C. oleifera.PMID:40006872 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040613

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 12;14(4):560. doi: 10.3390/plants14040560.ABSTRACTCallus browning is a significant problem that hinders plant tissue regeneration in Paeonia ostii "Fengdan" by causing cell death and inhibiting growth. However, the molecular mechanism underlying callus browning in P. ostii remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the metabolites and potential regulatory genes involved in callus browning of P. ostii using metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. We found a significant accumulation of phenolic compounds in the browned callus, represented by flavonoid compounds. Notably, the accumulations of luteotin and disomentin were higher in browning calli compared to non-browning calli. Transcriptomic analysis identified that candidate genes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis, including flavonoid 3-hydroxylase (PoF3H) and flavone synthase II (PoFNSII), were highly expressed in the browned callus of P. ostii "Fengdan". Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further highlighted that polyphenol oxidase (PoPPO) which encoded polyphenol oxidase, together with flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes such as flavanone 3-hydroxylase (PoF3H) and flavonone Synthase II (PoFNSII), as well as cellular totipotency-related genes wuschel-related homeobox 4 (PoWOX4), were involved in callus browning. Based on these findings, we proposed the molecular mechanism by which flavonoid accumulation, polyphenol oxidation, and cellular totipotency pathways contribute to callus browning in P. ostii. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying callus browning and offers the foundations to facilitate the establishment of an efficient plant tissue regeneration system in P. ostii.PMID:40006819 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040560

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 12;14(4):558. doi: 10.3390/plants14040558.ABSTRACTThe color of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum) is a key quality indicator and a factor limiting the development of its industry. However, the underlying mechanisms governing color formation remain largely unexplored. In this study, an integrative analysis of transcriptome and metabolome profiles was conducted across four developmental stages to elucidate the color formation mechanism in Z. bungeanum. A total of 137 flavonoids were identified as the fruits ripened, with high levels of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including tricetin and (-)-epigallocatechin, which were strongly associated with color formation. This suggests their significant contribution to the pigmentation process. Nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as candidate genes involved in color development. Additionally, 15 transcription factors (TFs) (12 MYB and 3 bHLH) exhibited expression patterns similar to those of structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, indicating their role in regulating flavonoid synthesis. The bioinformatics analysis of three key flavonoid synthesis genes-ZbCHI, ZbFLS, and ZbANR-revealed that all three proteins exhibit hydrophobic structures without transmembrane domains. Among them, ZbANR possesses signal peptide regions, whereas ZbCHI and ZbFLS do not. Subcellular localization predictions suggest that ZbCHI is most likely localized in the chloroplast, ZbFLS in the cytoplasm, and ZbANR in the membrane. Functional analyses revealed that their transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) increased the flavonoid content, with ZbANR overexpression producing a distinct white phenotype in the plants. This study enriches transcriptomic data and provides a comprehensive understanding of flavonoid metabolism and the molecular basis of color formation in Z. bungeanum, offering a valuable theoretical foundation for future breeding programs.PMID:40006817 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040558

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 11;14(4):557. doi: 10.3390/plants14040557.ABSTRACTCeratonia siliqua L. (Fabaceae) is an evergreen sclerophyllous species that successfully overcomes the challenges of the Mediterranean climate. Commonly, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is a major reaction of the plants thriving in the Mediterranean formations against temperature stress. Due to concerns about the climate crisis, we studied the impact of 6-day low (5 °C) and high (40 °C) temperature stress on young carob seedlings. In stressed plants, mainly the heat-treated, the leaves appear xeromorphic. Parameters of the physiology of the plants such as chlorophyll-a and -b, total phenolic content, and oxidative stress were measured and presented via Principal Component Analysis. Chlorophyll-a and -b contents are inferior in cold-stressed leaves while heat-stressed leaves accumulate more phenolics and experience higher oxidative stress as compared to their cold-stressed counterparts. The phytochemical profile of different extracts obtained from stressed carob leaves was identified so as to gain insight into metabolites produced under stress. Moreover, LC-HRMS/MS metabolomic workflow was utilized for the discovery of biomarkers, over- or under-regulated in stressed conditions. The antimicrobial activity of carob leaf extract fractions was assessed against six human pathogen strains and three phytopathogen bacterial strains. MeOH-H2O and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts presented notable activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while DCM extracts inhibited the growth of Erwinia amylovora. We may conclude that carob tree exposure to temperature stress does not have a significant influence on secondary metabolic pathways.PMID:40006816 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040557

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 11;14(4):549. doi: 10.3390/plants14040549.ABSTRACTAlthough the mechanisms underlying albino phenotypes have been examined in model plants and major crops, our knowledge of bract albinism is still in its infancy. Davidia involucrata, a relic plant called dove tree, is best known for the intriguing trait with a pair of white bracts covering the capitula. Here, comparative physiological, cytological, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses were performed to dissect the albinism mechanism of D. involucrata bracts. The bracts exhibited low chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, reduced photosynthetic efficiency, and impaired chloroplast structure. The severe deficiency of photosynthetic pigments and the substantial decrease in cuticle thickness made the bracts light-sensitive. In total, 1134 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were obtained between bracts and leaves. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEPs revealed that photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis and photosynthesis were suppressed, whereas protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, flavonoid biosynthesis, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) were activated in bracts. Strikingly, DEPs implicated in chloroplast development, including PPR and AARS proteins, were mainly down-regulated in bracts. We further investigated albinism-induced metabolic changes and detected 412 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs). Among them, enhanced flavonoids accumulation can plausibly explain the role of bracts in pollinator attraction. Amino acids and their derivatives in bracts showed remarkably increased abundance, which might be causally linked to enhanced UPS function. Our work could lay foundations for understanding albinism mechanisms and adaptive significance of plant bracts and facilitate future utilization of D. involucrata resources.PMID:40006808 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040549

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 10;14(4):538. doi: 10.3390/plants14040538.ABSTRACTAlthough metabolomics is widely used to assess the detrimental effects of antibiotics and characterize stress response, the relationships between metabolites and biological endpoints following antibiotics remain unknown. In our study, we exposed ryegrass seeds to sulfamethoxazole for five days. The results showed that sulfamethoxazole inhibited plant growth (by 12.90-85.83%). It also decreased chlorophyll content (by 35.40-93.32%), carotenoid content (by 32.76-90.18%), and root cell permeability (by 98.43-99.29%), but increased root reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration (increasing rate: 11.32- to 137.36-times). Moreover, high sulfamethoxazole concentrations increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities. To elucidate the association between metabolites and biological endpoints, we conducted an orthogonal partial least squares analysis. The results showed that sulfamethoxazole significantly altered six metabolic pathways. Among the metabolites modulated by sulfamethoxazole, amino acids mainly affected root growth and ROS concentration, whereas carbohydrates were substantially associated with the effect of sulfamethoxazole on cell permeability. Many metabolites had contrasting effects. For example, some metabolites increased root fresh weight and improved cell permeability by decreasing ROS levels and SOD, POD, and CAT activities. By contrast, some metabolites negatively affected root fresh weight and cell permeability by increasing ROS levels and SOD, POD, and CAT activities. These observations bring new insights into ryegrass responses to sulfamethoxazole-induced stress.PMID:40006797 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040538

Plants (Basel). 2025 Feb 9;14(4):531. doi: 10.3390/plants14040531.ABSTRACTResurrection plants employ unique metabolic mechanisms to protect themselves against damage caused by desiccation. This study aimed to identify metabolites, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which were differentially abundant in Eragrostis nindensis at different stages of dehydration and rehydration in leaves which are destined to senesce on desiccation termed "senescent tissue" (ST) and those which remain desiccation-tolerant during water deficit and are termed "non-senescent tissue" (NST). Furthermore, the study compared the shoot and root systems during extreme water deficit and recovery therefrom to unravel similarities and differences at the whole plant level in overcoming desiccation. Shoot metabolomics data showed differentially abundant metabolites in NST, including raffinose, sucrose, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, and allantoin, which act as major drivers for plant desiccation tolerance and aid the plant post-rehydration. The metabolites which accumulated in the ST-indicated initiation of programmed cell death (PCD) leading to senescence. The roots accumulated fewer metabolites than the shoots, some exclusive to the root tissues with functions such as osmoprotection, reactive oxygen species quenching, and signaling, and thus proposed to minimize damage in leaf tissues during dehydration and desiccation. Collectively, this work gives further insight into the whole plant responses of E. nindensis to extreme dehydration conditions and could serve as a model for future improvements of drought sensitive crops.PMID:40006790 | DOI:10.3390/plants14040531

Vet Sci. 2025 Feb 8;12(2):147. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12020147.ABSTRACTPorcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a contagious disease that impacts swine health worldwide. Lipid metabolism plays a vital role in energy production and is regulated by various genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis. In this study, we found that PRRSV infection significantly reduced the protein expression of STEAP3. The overexpression of STEAP3 can notably inhibit PRRSV replication. Additionally, we utilized transcriptomics and metabolomics to examine the effects of STEAP3 on PRRSV replication, identifying important pathways associated with energy metabolism and lipogenesis. We subsequently found that STEAP3 can suppress PRRSV replication by regulating fatty acid synthesis and enhancing lipid droplet formation. Overall, these findings indicate that STEAP3 could be a potential target for developing strategies to manage PRRSV infection by modulating lipid metabolism.PMID:40005907 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci12020147

Vet Sci. 2025 Feb 7;12(2):138. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12020138.ABSTRACTViruses can manipulate the host metabolism to achieve optimal replication conditions, and central carbon metabolism (CCM) pathways are often crucial in determining viral infections. Feline calicivirus (FCV), a diminutive RNA viral agent, induces upper respiratory tract infections in feline hosts, with highly pathogenic strains capable of precipitating systemic infections and subsequent host cell necrosis, thereby presenting a formidable challenge to feline survival and protection. However, the relationship between FCV and host cell central carbon metabolism (CCM) remains unclear, and the precise pathogenic mechanisms of FCV are yet to be elucidated. Upon FCV infection of Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells, an enhanced cellular uptake of glucose and glutamine was observed. Metabolomics analyses disclosed pronounced alterations in the central carbon metabolism of the infected cells. FCV infection was found to augment glycolytic activity while sustaining the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux, with cellular ATP levels remaining invariant. Concurrently, both glutamine metabolism and the flux of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were noted to be intensified. The application of various inhibitory agents targeting glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, and the PPP resulted in a significant suppression of FCV proliferation. Experiments involving glucose and glutamine deprivation demonstrated that the absence of either nutrient markedly curtailed FCV replication. Collectively, these findings suggest a critical interplay between central carbon metabolism and FCV proliferation. FCV infection stimulates CRFK cells to augment glucose and glutamine uptake, thereby supplying the necessary metabolic substrates and energy for viral replication. During the infection, glutamine emerges as the primary energy substrate, ensuring ATP production and energy homeostasis, while glucose is predominantly channeled into the pentose phosphate pathway to facilitate nucleotide synthesis.PMID:40005898 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci12020138

Vet Sci. 2025 Feb 1;12(2):102. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12020102.ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the changes in fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content in UCP1 knock-in pigs (KI pigs) and their effect on adipogenesis. Fecal samples from five 6-month-old wild-type (WT) and KI pigs were collected for targeted metabolomics and 16s rRNA sequencing analyses to identify differences in SCFAs and gut microbiota that may contribute to regulating fat deposition in pigs. The metabolome of pig fecal samples targeted for an analysis of SCFAs identified seven SCFAs, with caproic acid (except isovaleric acid) being the significantly different one. The results of the fecal 16s rRNA analysis demonstrated a notable reduction in the abundance of Streptococcus spp. in the KI pigs in comparison to the WT pigs, with a statistically significant difference. Correlation analyses demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between the abundance of Streptococcus spp. and SCFAs, as well as pig body weight and fatness. It was postulated that the reduction in SCFAs in the intestinal tracts of KI pigs may be associated with a reduction in Streptococcus spp. abundance. Compared to WT pigs, the concentration of fecal SCFAs in KI pigs was significantly reduced, which may be related to the decreased abundance of Streptococcus. The in vitro experiments showed that caproic acid could significantly enhance the differentiation efficiency of porcine SVF cells into mature adipocytes by activating the FFAR4 gene.PMID:40005862 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci12020102