International Journal of Molecular Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Bioaccumulation of the Heavy Metal Cadmium and Its Tolerance Mechanisms in Experimental Plant <i>Suaeda salsa</i>.","authors":"Qingchao Ge, Tianqian Zhang, Liming Jin, Dazuo Yang, Yang Cui, Huan Zhao, Jie He","doi":"10.3390/ijms26146988","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26146988","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Suaeda salsa</i> is relatively tolerant to cadmium (Cd) contamination. In order to investigate the bioaccumulation and stress responses of <i>S. salsa</i> under chronic exposure, we explored the growth, accumulation, and changes in antioxidant enzymes and glutathione (GSH) under different Cd concentrations over a 30-day soil culture experiment. Seedling height and weight in the 13.16 mg/kg Cd group were 13.26 cm and 0.21 g, significantly higher than the control group. Growth was significantly inhibited under high Cd concentration exposure, with a seedling and root length of 9.65 cm and 3.77 cm. The Cd concentration in all tissues was positively related to Cd treatment concentration, with the Cd contents in the roots being higher than in the other tissues. At a subcellular level, Cd was mainly concentrated in the cell walls, organelles, and soluble components within the range of 0.05-8.29, 0.02-2.40 and 0.08-1.35 μg/g, respectively. The accumulation of Cd in the roots tracked its proportion in the cell walls. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the plant tissues increased with increasing Cd concentration, indicating that Cd stress caused oxidative damage. The GSH content increased with increasing Cd concentration, with maximum values of 0.515 μmol/g in the stem in the 66.07 mg/kg Cd group. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activity showed different change trends under Cd exposure. The results in this study could provide useful information on the tolerance mechanism of Cd in <i>S. salsa</i>, which provides information for exploiting <i>S. salsa</i> as a candidate for phytoremediation of Cd contamination.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12294872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prioritized SNP Selection from Whole-Genome Sequencing Improves Genomic Prediction Accuracy in Sturgeons Using Linear and Machine Learning Models.","authors":"Hailiang Song, Wei Wang, Tian Dong, Xiaoyu Yan, Chenfan Geng, Song Bai, Hongxia Hu","doi":"10.3390/ijms26147007","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26147007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genomic prediction has emerged as a powerful tool in aquaculture breeding, but its effectiveness depends on the careful selection of informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the application of appropriate prediction models. This study aimed to enhance genomic prediction accuracy in Russian sturgeon (<i>Acipenser gueldenstaedtii</i>) by optimizing SNP selection strategies and exploring the performance of linear and machine learning models. Three economically important traits-caviar yield, caviar color, and body weight-were selected due to their direct relevance to breeding goals and market value. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were obtained from 971 individuals with an average sequencing depth of 13.52×. To reduce marker density and eliminate redundancy, three SNP selection strategies were applied: (1) genome-wide association study (GWAS)-based prioritization to select trait-associated SNPs; (2) linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning to retain independent markers; and (3) random sampling as a control. Genomic prediction was conducted using both linear (e.g., GBLUP) and machine learning models (e.g., random forest) across varying SNP densities (1 K to 50 K). Results showed that GWAS-based SNP selection consistently outperformed other strategies, especially at moderate densities (≥10 K), improving prediction accuracy by up to 3.4% compared to the full WGS dataset. LD-based selection at higher densities (30 K and 50 K) achieved comparable performance to full WGS. Notably, machine learning models, particularly random forest, exceeded the performance of linear models, yielding an additional 2.0% increase in accuracy when combined with GWAS-selected SNPs. In conclusion, integrating WGS data with GWAS-informed SNP selection and advanced machine learning models offers a promising framework for improving genomic prediction in sturgeon and holds promise for broader applications in aquaculture breeding programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Curcumin and Dementia: A Systematic Review of Its Effects on Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Outcomes in Animal Models.","authors":"Samuel Abiodun Kehinde, Wai Phyo Lin, Bo Bo Lay, Khin Yadanar Phyo, Myat Mon San, Rinrada Pattanayaiying, Sasitorn Chusri","doi":"10.3390/ijms26147026","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26147026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dementia is marked by progressive cognitive decline linked to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound from Curcuma longa, has shown promising neuroprotective effects. This systematic review analyzed 29 preclinical studies using rodent models of dementia induced by chemical, genetic, or dietary methods. The review focused on curcumin's effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive outcomes. All studies assessing malondialdehyde (MDA) reported significant reductions, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in all measured cases, while glutathione (GSH) levels rose in about one-third of studies. A literature search was comprehensively conducted using PubMed, Scopus, AMED, and LILACS databases through April 2024. Curcumin also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, with over 80% of studies showing reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Additionally, 40% of studies noted increases in anti-inflammatory markers like IL-4 and IGF-1. Cognitive performance improved in around 80% of studies, especially in spatial learning and memory. Some studies also reported behavioral improvements, including reduced anxiety and enhanced locomotion. Curcumin demonstrated potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects across diverse dementia models. Its ability to modulate multiple pathological pathways highlights its potential as a bioactive compound for mitigating cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases. However, variability in study design and curcumin formulations suggests the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality research to facilitate clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295257/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improved Degradome Sequencing Protocol via Reagent Recycling from sRNAseq Library Preparations.","authors":"Marta Puchta-Jasińska, Jolanta Groszyk, Maja Boczkowska","doi":"10.3390/ijms26147020","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26147020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the key elements in the analysis of gene expression and its post-translational regulation is miRNAs. Degradome-seq analyses are performed to analyze the cleavage of target RNAs in the transcriptome. This work presents the first degradome-seq library preparation protocol that enables successful construction of libraries, even from highly degraded RNA samples with RIN below 3, thus significantly expanding the possibilities for research when working with low-quality material. The developed protocol improves the efficiency of library preparation in degradome-seq analysis used to identify miRNA targets, reduces library preparation time, and lowers the cost of purchasing reagents by using reagents from the RNA-seq library preparation kit and proprietary-designed primers. A crucial feature of this new protocol is optimizing the purification step for short library fragments, which increases the yield of correctly sized fragments compared to previously used methods. This is achieved by implementing an original method involving tube-spin purification with gauze and precipitation using sodium acetate with glycogen, greatly enhancing recovery efficiency-a factor especially critical when working with degraded RNA. Cloning to a plasmid and sequencing of the inserted fragment verified the correctness of the library preparation using the developed protocol. This protocol represents a groundbreaking tool for degradome research, enabling the construction and sequencing of degradome libraries, even from degraded samples previously considered unsuitable for such analyses. This is due to the use of residues from the sRNA-seq library kit. It noticeably reduces the cost of library construction. The precision of the excised fragment after electrophoresis was performed during the procedure to isolate fragments of the correct length, which was improved using additional size markers. Compared to previously used methods, optimizing the purification method of degradome-seq libraries allowed an increase in the yield of fragments obtained.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295840/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Titin's Intrinsically Disordered PEVK Domain Modulates Actin Polymerization.","authors":"Áron Gellért Altorjay, Hedvig Tordai, Ádám Zolcsák, Nikoletta Kósa, Tamás Hegedűs, Miklós Kellermayer","doi":"10.3390/ijms26147004","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26147004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The multi-domain muscle protein titin provides elasticity and mechanosensing functions to the sarcomere. Titin's PEVK domain is intrinsically disordered due to the presence of a large number of prolines and highly charged residues. Although PEVK does not have canonical actin-binding motifs, it has been shown to bind F-actin. Here, we explored whether the PEVK domain may also affect actin assembly. We cloned the middle, 733-residue-long segment (called PEVKII) of the full-length PEVK domain, expressed in <i>E. coli</i> and purified by using His- and Avi-tags engineered to the N- and C-termini, respectively. Actin assembly was monitored by the pyrene assay in the presence of varying PEVKII concentrations. The structural features of PEVKII-associated F-actin were studied with atomic force microscopy. The added PEVKII enhanced the initial and log-phase rates of actin assembly and the peak F-actin quantity in a concentration-dependent way. However, the critical concentration of actin polymerization was unaltered. Thus, PEVK accelerates actin polymerization by facilitating its nucleation. This effect was highlighted in the AFM images of F-actin-PEVKII adsorbed to the supported lipid bilayer. The sample was dominated by radially symmetric complexes of short actin filaments. PEVK's actin polymerization-modulating effect may, in principle, have a function in regulating sarcomeric actin length and turnover. Altogether, titin's PEVK domain is not only a non-canonical actin-binding protein that regulates sarcomeric shortening, but one that may modulate actin polymerization as well.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"AI-Driven Polypharmacology in Small-Molecule Drug Discovery.","authors":"Mena Abdelsayed","doi":"10.3390/ijms26146996","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26146996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polypharmacology, the rational design of small molecules that act on multiple therapeutic targets, offers a transformative approach to overcome biological redundancy, network compensation, and drug resistance. This review outlines the scientific rationale for polypharmacology, highlighting its success across oncology, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. Emphasis is placed on how polypharmacological agents can synergize therapeutic effects, reduce adverse events, and improve patient compliance compared to combination therapies. We also explore how computational methods-spanning ligand-based modeling, structure-based docking, network pharmacology, and systems biology-enable target selection and multi-target ligand prediction. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative models, have further accelerated the discovery and optimization of multi-target agents. These AI-driven platforms are capable of de novo design of dual and multi-target compounds, some of which have demonstrated biological efficacy in vitro. Finally, we discuss the integration of omics data, CRISPR functional screens, and pathway simulations in guiding multi-target design, as well as the challenges and limitations of current AI approaches. Looking ahead, AI-enabled polypharmacology is poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation drug discovery, with potential to deliver more effective therapies tailored to the complexity of human disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295758/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aminopeptidase A Effect on Angiotensin Peptides and Their Blood Pressure Action.","authors":"Peter Forster, Jan Wysocki, Yasemin Abedini, Tilman Müller, Minghao Ye, Carlos M Ferrario, Daniel Batlle","doi":"10.3390/ijms26146990","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26146990","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aminopeptidase A (APA) cleaves a single aspartate residue from the amino terminus of peptides within the renin angiotensin system (RAS). Since several RAS peptides contain an N-terminal aspartate, we developed an assay to evaluate the effect of recombinant APA on the cleavage of Ang I, Ang II, Ang-(1-7), Ang-(1-9), and Ang-(1-12). The latter peptide has been proposed to be a functional Ang II-forming substrate with a hypertensive action attributable to the formed Ang II acting on AT1 receptors. Here we investigated the following: (a) the hydrolytic action of APA on Ang-(1-12), Ang I (1-10), Ang-(1-9), Ang II and Ang-(1-7) and (b) whether Ang-(1-12) pressor activity is altered by recombinant APA (r-APA) or genetic APA deficiency. We found that (a) r-APA cleaves the N-terminal aspartate of not only Ang II but also [Ang-(1-12), Ang I (1-10), Ang-(1-9)] and [Ang-(1-7)]; (b) the pressor activity of Ang-(1-12) was abolished in the presence of Lisinopril or Telmisartan; (c) r-APA significantly attenuated the pressor activities of infused Ang I and Ang II but not Ang-(1-12); and (d) r-ACE2 also did not attenuate the pressor effect of infused Ang-(1-12). Thus, in addition to increasing blood pressure indirectly via the formation of Ang II, Ang-(1-12) increases blood pressure by an Ang II-independent mechanism. We conclude that APA has an antihypertensive effect attributable to rapid degradation of Ang II, and this action may have a therapeutic potential in forms of hypertension that are Ang II-dependent. In addition, APA metabolizes Ang-(1-12), a peptide that has a prohypertensive action, in part, as a source of Ang II formation but also by a yet to be determined action independent of Ang II.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12296148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and Expression of TGF-β Proteins and Receptor in Sea Cucumber (<i>Holothuria scabra</i>): Insights into Potential Applications via Molecular Docking Predictions.","authors":"Siriporn Nonkhwao, Jarupa Charoenrit, Chanachon Ratanamungklanon, Lanlalin Sojikul, Supawadee Duangprom, Sineenart Songkoomkrong, Jirawat Saetan, Nipawan Nuemket, Prateep Amonruttanapun, Prasert Sobhon, Napamanee Kornthong","doi":"10.3390/ijms26146998","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26146998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Holothuria scabra</i> has long been acknowledged in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily is crucial in regulating cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and immune responses. This study marks the first exploration of the gene expression localization, sequence conservation, and functional roles of <i>H. scabra</i> TGF-β proteins, specifically activin (<i>Holsc</i>Activin), inhibin (<i>Holsc</i>Inhibin), and the TGF-β receptor (<i>Holsc</i>TGFBR), across various organs. In situ hybridization indicated that <i>Holsc</i>Activin and <i>Holsc</i>Inhibin are expressed in the intestine, respiratory tree, ovary, testis, and inner body wall. This suggests their roles in nutrient absorption, gas exchange, reproduction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Notably, <i>Holsc</i>TGFBR demonstrated a similar tissue-specific expression pattern, except for its absence in the respiratory tree. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that <i>Holsc</i>TGFBR shares significant sequence similarity with <i>Homsa</i>TGFBR, especially in regions essential for signal transduction and inhibition. Molecular docking results indicate that <i>Holsc</i>Activin may promote receptor activation, while <i>Holsc</i>Inhibin functions as a natural antagonist, reflecting the signaling mechanisms of human TGF-β proteins. Interestingly, cross-species ternary complex docking with human TGF-β receptors further supports these findings, showing that <i>Holsc</i>Activin moderately engages the receptors, whereas <i>Holsc</i>Inhibin exhibits strong binding, suggestive of competitive inhibition. These results indicate that <i>H. scabra</i> TGF-β proteins retain the structural and functional features of vertebrate TGF-β ligands, supporting their potential applications as natural modulators in therapeutic and functional food development.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295056/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation and Risk Assessment of Inflammation-Based Parameters on Cardiovascular Parameters and Clinical Events in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Leyla Schweiger, Andreas Meinitzer, Dieter Szolar, Marianne Brodmann, Christian Dejaco, Franz Hafner, Philipp Jud","doi":"10.3390/ijms26147016","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26147016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated associations of inflammation-based biomarkers with endothelial dysfunction and lipids and their predictive value for clinical outcome parameters in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). A total of 138 patients with inactive GCA were retrospectively analyzed to investigate potential differences in inflammatory biomarkers regarding clinical GCA subtypes and potential correlations between inflammatory parameters with markers of endothelial dysfunction and lipid parameters. Additionally, the predictive role of inflammatory biomarkers for clinical outcomes, including disease relapse, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and glucocorticoid adverse effects, was analyzed. GCA individuals without concomitant symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and those who received initial glucocorticoid pulse therapy exhibited significantly higher levels of white blood cells and neutrophils (all with <i>p</i> < 0.05). No other significant differences were observed between inflammatory biomarkers and clinical GCA subtypes. Additionally, significant correlations were identified between selected inflammation-based ratios and specific markers of endothelial dysfunction and lipid parameters (all with <i>p</i> < 0.05). Elevated white blood cells and neutrophils were significant and independent predictors of disease relapse in GCA (all with <i>p</i> < 0.05) in multiple logistic regression analysis. No significant associations were found between any other inflammatory biomarker and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, mortality, or glucocorticoid-related adverse effects. In patients with inactive GCA, selected inflammatory parameters correlated with endothelial dysfunction and dyslipidemia and may be predictive of disease relapse.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295461/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolation and Structural Characterization of Melanins from Red and Yellow Varieties of <i>Stropharia rugosoannulata</i>.","authors":"Zhen-Fei Xie, Wei-Wei Zhang, Shun-Yin Zhao, Xiao-Han Zhang, Shu-Ning You, Chun-Mei Liu, Guo-Qing Zhang","doi":"10.3390/ijms26146985","DOIUrl":"10.3390/ijms26146985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Melanin is a complex natural pigment that imparts a variety of colors to the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, influencing both their nutritional quality and commercial value. <i>Stropharia rugosoannulata</i> is an emerging type of edible fungus that has been widely cultivated in recent years. It can be categorized into red and yellow varieties based on cap color, while its pigment characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the melanins from the two varieties were obtained using an alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method, followed by comprehensive characterization of their chemical properties and ultrastructural features. Both melanins displayed distinct absorption maxima at approximately 211 nm. The melanin extracted from the red variety consisted of 55.63% carbon (C), 7.40% hydrogen (H), 30.23% oxygen (O), 5.99% nitrogen (N), and 0.64% sulfur (S), whereas the yellow variety comprised 52.22% C, 6.74% H, 29.70% O, 5.91% N, and 0.99% S. Both types of melanin included eumelanin and phaeomelanin forms, with eumelanin being the predominant type. Variations in the quantities and relative proportions of eumelanin and phaeomelanin contributed to the observed color differences in the mushroom caps. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed the melanins were primarily localized in the cell wall, consistent with findings in other fungal species. These findings contribute valuable insights into fundamental knowledge and potential applications of mushroom pigments.</p>","PeriodicalId":14156,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Molecular Sciences","volume":"26 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12295496/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144730601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}