Molecular Biology Reports最新文献

{"title":"Recent advances in miRNAs mediated agronomical advantageous traits improvement in rice.","authors":"Tilak Chandra, Saurabh Gangola, Sarika Jaiswal, Mir Asif Iquebal","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11884-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11884-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A central enigma in crop improvement lies in introducing beneficial traits without fitness trade-offs. Rice, the cornerstone of global food security, demands multifaceted genetic innovation to sustain yield, quality, and resilience in the face of mounting climatic constraints. With the global population projected to surpass ten billion, functional master regulators such as miRNAs stand out as transformative molecular tools, capable of orchestrating complex trait networks and offering a tangible path toward the next green revolution. These are robust fine-tuners that orchestrate a myriad of functional processes and provide a value addition in emerging technologies such as assisted breeding, genome editing, and genomic selection to make rice production feasible. Herein, we have provided a comprehensive synthesis and updates on functional miRNA-mediated agronomically advantageous trait improvement exclusively for rice. It represents the latest functional understanding of miRNAs and their involvement as signatures of domestication and divergence processes, in support of the previously established notion and recent updates on emerging miRNA-assisted resources and technologies, such as their application as artificial solutions for improving genotypes, coding, and dietary potentialities for environmental safeguards and innovative biotherapeutics. Recent updates signify their robust cross-kingdom communicators' potential for multifaceted non-host dialoguing, and their integrative action relies on the coordination with other non-coding regulatory elements for various downstream trait regulation. Moreover, specific highlights refer to the application of miRNAs for rice agronomical trait improvements, broadly classified into three functional domains, viz., biotic and abiotic stresses and yield and quality traits. Such updated functional aspects of different miRNA modules would strengthen rice improvement by facilitating a foundation and future roadmap for miRNA-mediated trait discovery and improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of m6A modification in spermatogenic dysfunction.","authors":"Jiale Wang, Xiaobao Zhang, Pingping Tang, Xiaohan Tang, Wenyu Cao, Yang Xu, Suyun Li","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11784-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11784-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid and visually interpretable LAMP assay for detection of pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa in artificial sputum.","authors":"Shukla Banerjee, Sukesh Kumar Bajire, Adarsh B Mynalli, Rajesh P Shastry","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11873-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11873-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common pathogens causing severe complications of lower respiratory tract infections. To rapidly and visually detect P. aeruginosa in sputum samples, we have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the oprM gene, a key component of the outer-membrane MexAB-OprM and MexXY-OprM efflux pumps.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>To evaluate the LAMP method, an artificial sputum sample spiked with P. aeruginosa was used; it was more efficient than PCR and showed no interference under the test conditions. The LAMP assay was optimised by varying the reaction temperature and amplification time for the oprM gene target. The assay demonstrated selective detection of P. aeruginosa compared with other bacterial strains isolated from sputum samples. The analytical limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 2 CFU/mL. Validation with clinical isolates confirmed the assay's specificity and sensitivity, particularly in distinguishing P. aeruginosa strains from other bacterial species in artificial sputum and in indicating intrinsic antibiotic resistance, highlighting its potential for clinical diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The developed oprM gene-targeted LAMP assay exhibits rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of P. aeruginosa in artificial sputum. The assay's low detection limit shows the reliable differentiation from other respiratory bacteria, making it a potentially effective diagnostic tool for early detection of P. aeruginosa infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulated WNT/β-Catenin signaling in polycystic ovary syndrome: A review.","authors":"Khurshid Ahmad Padder, Mohd Ashraf Ganie, Nusrat Jahan, Mohmad Aadil Yousuf, Wasia Showkat","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11889-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11889-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted reproductive and endocrine health issue affecting reproductive aged women, characterized by insulin resistance (IR), chronic low-grade inflammation (LGI), oxidative stress (OS) and dysregulated WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Although a part of the involved mechanism in PCOS occurrence is discovered, the exact etiology involving intricate relationships between OS, inflammatory markers and dysregulated WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in PCOS are still unknown. This review aimed to explore the interplay between IR, LGI, OS and dysregulated WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of PCOS. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the role of OS, inflammatory markers and WNT/β-catenin signaling in PCOS. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched using keywords as, \"PCOS and oxidative stress\", \"Insulin Resistance and PCOS\", \"Inflammation and PCOS\", \"WNT/β-catenin signaling in PCOS\". The search was limited to studies published in English up to 2025 without any restrictions on publication year. In conclusion, PCOS is a complex and multifactorial disorder driven by the intricate involvement of insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulated WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway among reproductive age women. Although substantial progress has been made in elucidating these interconnected mechanisms, the etiological pathways remain incompletely understood. The evidences collected in this study highlights that these physiological and signaling factors do not act in isolation but collectively contribute to the initiation and progression of various pathological mechanisms of PCOS among young women. A deeper understanding of their physiological and molecular crosstalk is essential for identifying reliable biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knockdown of FAXDC2 promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in HepG2 cells by upregulating c-Met and its phosphorylation.","authors":"Fangling Wu, Yudie Zhao, Xinren Wang, Linkun Pan, Tao Chen, Sheng Wang, Jiajie Luan, Xiaofang Tao","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11869-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11869-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, and the lack of effective therapeutic targets limits the clinical treatment efficacy. Fatty acid hydroxylase domain containing 2 (FAXDC2) regulates the synthesis of cholesterol and sphingomyelin and promotes cancer development in various types of cancer. However, the role and mechanism of FAXDC2 on HCC still remained to be clarified.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>TCGA-LIHC database was utilized to identify the expression of FAXDC2 and its effect on the prognosis in HCC patients. The efficiency of FAXDC2 knockdown interfered by siRNA in HepG2 cells was detected by western blot and qPCR. CCK-8, colony formation, transwell migration and invasion assays were used to evaluate the functions of FAXDC2 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in HepG2 cells. Western blot and qPCR were applied to examine the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal trasnsition (EMT)-related markers and c-Met signaling pathway. Furthermore, c-Met knockdown by siRNA and c-Met activity inhibition by Tepotinib were used to explore the regulatory relationship between FAXDC2 and c-Met in HCC cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The FAXDC2 mRNA level was downregulated in the liver tissues of HCC patients and its expression was significantly correlated with clinical stage. The lower FAXDC2 expression in the HCC patients was associated with a poor prognosis. FAXDC2 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, we found that FAXDC2 knockdown not only upregulated the expression of c-Met, but promoted its phosphorylation. Above all, both knockdown of c-Met and Tepotinib-mediated c-Met activity inhibition significantly counteracted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of HepG2 cells caused by knocking down FAXDC2.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FAXDC2 acts as a tumor suppressor in HCC, and its knockdown promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT via upregulating c-Met expression and enhancing its phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Therefore, the FAXDC2/c-Met axis may serve as a noval potential therapeutic target for HCC intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond CRISPR/Cas9: emerging genome editing technologies for next-generation crop improvement.","authors":"Demilew Deres, Motbaynor Terefe","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11879-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11879-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genome editing has changed plant biology and accelerated crop improvement. CRISPR/Cas9 allows precise and efficient genetic changes in many species. Still, Cas9 has limits like PAM restrictions, off-target effects, and varying editing success. This led to new systems. Editors like Cas12a, CasΦ, CasMINI, and CasX offer more targeting options, can edit RNA, and work better with hard to edit plant genomes. Precision tools such as base editors and prime editors make precise changes by swapping nucleotides or adding small pieces without cutting both DNA strands. This improves accuracy. Beyond single tools, combined and step by step editing methods can be used for handling complex traits controlled by many genes. Using several methods like CRISPR knockouts, base and prime editing, epigenome editing and recombinase systems-breeders can improve traits while reducing unwanted side effects. Stepwise editing helps to test changes, confirm their effects, and improve entire biological pathways. Combining these approaches with AI-driven analysis, target prediction, and design optimization makes it easier to pick the best genes and edits for desired traits. These advanced editing methods are used to boost stress tolerance, fight diseases, improve nutrition, increase yields, and enhance quality after harvest. Despite progress, problems remain with how efficient edits can be made, delivering tools into plants, reliance on specific genotypes, unclear regulations, and acceptance by society. Looking ahead, joying genome editing with AI, fast breeding techniques help develop stronger, high yielding crops and support global food security.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of irisin on miRNA-associated changes in the PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF Axis in an in vitro model of MPP⁺-induced Parkinson's disease.","authors":"Tutku Karabaş, Hilal Sancar, Deniz Şumnulu, Lokman Ayaz","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11861-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11861-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitochondrial nad5 gene-based genetic diversity analysis of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato hydatid cysts in small ruminants of north India.","authors":"Pallavi Moudgil, Anil K Nehra, Aman D Moudgil","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11880-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11880-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cystic echinococcosis, a neglected parasitic cyclo-zoonosis is endemic in the Indian subcontinent. The etiological agent for this potentially fatal disease is a cryptic species complex, Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.). The present study aimed at evaluating the role of small ruminants in circulating various E. granulosus s. l. genotypes in north India.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>The cladistics, haplotype network and genetic structure analyses were performed on the E. granulosus s. l. isolates collected from the slaughtered small ruminants (n = 1049) of north India (Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana) along with GenBank-archived E. granulosus s. l. sequences (n = 20) of ruminant origin from the Indian subcontinent by targeting the mitochondrial nad5 gene. The NCBI BLASTn analysis revealed the presence of zoonotic genotypes G1, G3 (E. granulosus sensu stricto), G5 (E. ortleppi), and G6 (E. canadensis). Haplotype network analysis exhibited the presence of 14 haplotypes, where the haplotypes corresponding to E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.) species (genotypes G1 and G3) were arranged in a stellate conformation. High haplotype (0.837 ± 0.059, 0.836 ± 0.068 and 0.894 ± 0.078) and low nucleotide (0.0249 ± 0.0104, 0.0369 ± 0.0142 and 0.0036 ± 0.0008) diversities were recorded for the overall data set, as well as Indian and Pakistani E. granulosus s. l. populations, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the mitochondrial nad5 gene, the present study provided comprehensive insights into the cladistics and population structure of E. granulosus s. l. genotypes circulating in north India and highlighted the role of sheep/goat-dog cycle in the circulation of the zoonotic genotypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular dynamics simulations along with the synthesis of innovative engineered nanobodies targeting Interleukin-2.","authors":"Mohammad Mehdi Heidari, Aida Bemaninejad, Elahe Anbar Shirazi, Mehri Khatami, Mahsa Mirzaei, Mersad Hajian, Elnaz Showti","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11824-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11824-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an essential cytokine that plays a significant role in the immune response. The use of anti-IL-2 antibodies to inhibit IL-2 may help mitigate the excessive immune response observed in conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Single-domain VHH antibodies (nanobodies) offer advantages over traditional antibodies, including their small size, enhanced thermal stability, reduced immunogenicity, superior tissue penetration, and cost-effective production. Consequently, nanobodies have become a promising approach for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>We employed a structure-guided complementarity-determining region (CDR) grafting approach to design two anti-IL-2 nanobodies, denoted Nb-IL2-01 (derived from 7DR4) and Nb-IL2-02 (derived from 6YE3), by transplanting CDRs from established monoclonal antibodies into a nanobody framework. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the predicted structural stability of the designed constructs and their potential molecular interactions with IL-2. Following expression in E. coli and purification, the capacity of the designed nanobodies to bind immobilized IL-2 was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Molecular dynamics simulations predicted that the Nb-IL2-02/IL-2 complex would exhibit greater conformational stability than the Nb-IL2-01/IL-2 complex. Experimentally, both nanobodies demonstrated specific, concentration-dependent binding to IL-2 in ELISA, confirming that the designed constructs possess antigen-binding functionality.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We successfully generated IL-2-binding nanobody constructs using a CDR grafting-based design approach. The integration of computational design with experimental characterization demonstrates a feasible pipeline for developing functional single-domain binders against therapeutic targets. The specific binding of the designed nanobodies supports their potential as candidates for further development and optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neurotrophic and metabolic consequences of virgin coconut oil and ethanol: implications for growth and antioxidant defense.","authors":"Beenish Asrar, Darakhshan Jabeen Haleem, Asra Khan, Ikram Ullah, Judith R Homberg","doi":"10.1007/s11033-026-11846-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-11846-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The hypothalamus serves as a central regulator of metabolism, integrating signals pertinent to food intake and energy balance. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is widely distributed in brain, including expression in hypothalamic nuclei, which regulates feeding behavior. Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption has adverse effects on metabolic function, affecting the hypothalamus and striatum, a reward-associated region. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), a dietary lipid rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which have been shown to modulate BDNF expression. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that chronic EtOH consumption would impair metabolic regulation and causes oxidative stress, while VCO would counteract these effects. To test this, water drinking control and EtOH drinking Wistar male rats received water as vehicle or VCO by gavage (12 days). Growth, diet and fluid consumption were recorded throughout the experiment. Hypothalamic BDNF, striatal oxidative stress, and serum metabolic markers following EtOH and VCO exposure were examined. Statistical analysis utilized t-test, two-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings revealed that VCO reduced hypothalamic BDNF, decreased food and food caloric intake, and led to weight loss in EtOH exposed rats. Metabolic effects were further modulated by alterations in serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, where EtOH lowered glucose and cholesterol due to reduced caloric intake, while VCO increased all three markers. Additionally, VCO restored oxidative stress markers in the striatum, potentially mitigating EtOH- induced neurotoxicity by normalizing catalase and peroxide levels. This study highlights the complex interaction between EtOH and VCO in metabolic regulation, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine function, warranting further research to explore its potential therapeutic implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18755,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Biology Reports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147776613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}