Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Computational discovery of marine natural phytochemicals as novel SIRT7 inhibitors for cancer treatment","authors":"K.M. Tanjida Islam,&nbsp;Roksana Khanam,&nbsp;Shahin Mahmud","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With cancer causing over 10 million deaths annually, identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial. SIRT7 is a NAD-dependent deacetylase that regulates oncogenic pathways, making it a promising therapeutic target. However, no approved medications currently exist against SIRT7, and available inhibitors exhibit limited efficacy alongside significant toxicity. Therefore, this study explores marine biodiversity as a source of SIRT7 inhibitors. Molecular docking screening of SIRT7 identified four promising marine phytochemicals (CMNPD28383, CMNPD24305, CMNPD24304, CMNPD14924) with superior binding affinities (−9.9 to −8.4 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable protein–ligand complexes with RMSD variations of 4.714 to 6.905 Å. Most of these phytochemicals demonstrated favorable ADMET profiles, high oral bioavailability, strong predicted anticancer activity (Pa &gt; 0,6), and potent machine learning (RandomForest Cross Validation R² = 0.8614 ± 0.0244) predicted inhibitory activity (pIC₅₀: −2.110 to −2.875; IC₅₀: 129 nM to 749 nM). Therefore, these marine phytochemicals could be potential novel SIRT7 inhibitors with excellent drug-like properties, providing a foundation for further experimental validation and potential clinical translation. In addition, these computational approaches offer a promising avenue to develop safer and effective cancer therapeutics from marine sources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100654"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification, characterization, and expression profiling of genes encoding tubby-like proteins in rice exposed to realistic environmental contamination of anilofos and bentazone","authors":"Zhi Jiang He ,&nbsp;Yang Yang Mo ,&nbsp;Xiao Lu Wang ,&nbsp;Zhi Zhong Zhou ,&nbsp;Yan Hui Wang ,&nbsp;Li Qing Zeng ,&nbsp;Ying Yu Zeng ,&nbsp;Xiao Liang Liu ,&nbsp;Xuesheng Li ,&nbsp;Zhao Jie Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tubby-like proteins, which are encoded by large multigene families in plants, play important roles in abiotic stress tolerance; however, it is still unclear how they work in rice during herbicides stress. In order to address this gap, we looked into the traits and roles of genes encoding tubby-like proteins in rice plants (<em>Oryza sativa</em>; hereafter referred to as <em>OsTLP</em> genes) exposed to two herbicides, anilofos and bentazone. Transcriptome analysis revealed 7 genes encoding tubby-like proteins. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR confirmed that the expression of 6 and 4 <em>TLP</em> genes was enhanced under anilofos- and bentazone-induced stress, respectively. Seven genes were found to be unevenly distributed over five of the twelve chromosomes, with segmental duplication playing a role in the growth of gene families, according to chromosomal mapping. According to a collinearity research, rice and other plant species have the following orthologous gene pairs: 17 with sorghum (<em>Sorghum bicolor</em>), 0 with Arabidopsis (<em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em>), 11 with maize (<em>Zea mays</em>), and 7 with soybean (<em>Glycine max</em>). These genes were divided into three clades by phylogenetic analysis. According to structural study, <em>TLP</em> genes have a variety of conserved domains, motif compositions, <em>cis</em>-acting elements, and designs that allow them to respond to both biotic and abiotic stress. Analysis of protein–protein interaction networks further showed that tubby-like proteins may contribute to anilofos and bentazone metabolism. According to in silico predictions of subcellular localization, all seven <em>TLP</em> genes’ encoded proteins are found in the nucleus. Docking analyses identified important amino acid residues implicated in pesticide binding between tubby-like proteins and the two herbicides (anilofos and bentazone). These results shed light on the <em>TLP</em> gene superfamily and provide useful resources for functional research on these genes’ functions in herbicides metabolism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100680"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unraveling the genetic diversity and population structure of Mesua ferrea L. Through RAPD and ISSR markers for effective conservation","authors":"Shraboni Mostofa Shila,&nbsp;Asfi Raian Ome,&nbsp;Ashfaque Ahmed,&nbsp;Rupa Rani Roy,&nbsp;Mohammad Ashraful Alam","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of <em>Mesua ferrea</em> L. in Bangladesh using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 63 individuals from six geographically distinct populations were analyzed. Thirty-nine and eighty-five polymorphic bands were generated using RAPD and ISSR primers, respectively, both showing 100 % polymorphism. ISSR markers showed higher polymorphic information content (PIC) (0.336 ± 0.055) and resolving power (Rp) (3.550 ± 1.47) than RAPD (PIC: 0.320 ± 0.055; Rp: 1.582 ± 0.813), indicating greater efficiency in detecting genetic variation. Genetic diversity parameters revealed substantial variability, with the Moulvibazar and BFRI populations showing the highest Nei’s diversity and Shannon indices. UPGMA dendrograms and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) indicated two major genetic clusters with significant overlap among populations, reflecting weak genetic structuring and strong gene flow. STRUCTURE analysis identified four and three genetic clusters (K = 4 and K = 3) for RAPD and ISSR data, respectively, confirming admixture among populations. AMOVA revealed that 65–77 % of total genetic variation occurred within populations, while 6–17 % was among populations, signifying moderate differentiation. The findings demonstrate high within-population diversity and genetic connectivity across regions. ISSR markers exhibited superior resolution, whereas RAPD captured broader inter-population relationships. Overall, the combined use of RAPD and ISSR markers provided complementary insights into the genetic architecture of <em>M. ferrea</em>. Populations from Moulvibazar, BFRI, and SUST, identified as genetically diverse and admixed, are recommended as priority sources for conservation, restoration, and breeding programs to ensure long-term genetic sustainability of the species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100649"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of lncRNA PVT1 rs13255292 variant and serum E-cadherin levels in breast cancer","authors":"Dina Abdelghafar ,&nbsp;Ghada Salum ,&nbsp;Mohga Abdalla ,&nbsp;Shimaa Ramadan ,&nbsp;Abeer Ismail ,&nbsp;Reham Dawood","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy, and a prime cause of lethality related to cancer worldwide. Genetic research, particularly on lncRNA, shows prospects for BC management. PVT1 can activate many tumorigenic pathways. This contributes to angiogenesis and pathological progression. This study examined the association between the PVT1 rs13255292 variants and serum E-cadherin levels with BC risk, hormone receptor status, and tumor grade.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Genotyping was performed on 120 blood samples (20 controls, 100 BCE patients, 100 stratified by histological grade: G1 = 3, G2 = 74, G3 = 23) using TaqMan assays. Also, Patients were classified as luminal A (n = 79) or non-luminal A (luminal B, HER2-enriched, TNBC) (n = 21). Serum E-cadherin was evaluated by an ELISA kit.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Findings revealed a statistically significant association between the PVT1 rs13255292 non-risk CC genotype and luminal A subtype patients, suggesting a potential protective effect. E-cadherin levels were significantly declined in BC patients compared to controls. Based on the histological grades, a notable reduction was detected in advanced G3 compared to G2. While serum E-cadherin showed promise as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker. Also, the genotype-specific analysis indicated a trend toward higher E-cadherin expression in CC carriers’ group, though without statistical significance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current finding underscores that the CC genotype is associated with less aggressive luminal A tumors. It also reveals an inverse link between tumor grade and E-cadherin serum levels. These findings suggest that combining genetic screening of PVT1 variants with E-cadherin surveillance could enhance prognostic stratification in BC management. Further validation in larger cohorts is required to confirm clinical utility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100653"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of key transcription factors and drought-responsive genes in wheat cultivars under drought stress","authors":"Mohamed A. Sakr,&nbsp;Eman A. El-Khateeb,&nbsp;Hanan I. Sayed-Ahmed,&nbsp;Reda M. Gaafar","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wheat is a vital crop. Its long-term sustainability and reliability are crucial for global food security. Drought is a major abiotic stress impacting growth of wheat. It is the main cause of low and inconsistent wheat yields. This study explores the role of transcription factors (TFs) and drought-responsive genes in the mechanisms controlling drought stress responses in six Egyptian wheat varieties (Misr1, Misr2, Misr3, Gemmiza9, Sids14, and Sakha95) under severe drought induced by polyethylene glycol. Drought stress was induced with PEG 6000 at 25%, applied for 3 and 6 days on 14-day-old wheat seedlings grown in a hydroponic system. Results showed that antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, and SOD) were significantly elevated, and H₂O₂ concentrations decreased. After 3 days, proline accumulation notably increased in Gemmiza9 and Misr2, while MDA levels increased across all cultivars, indicating enhanced lipid peroxidation. After 6 days, proline content was significantly elevated in all cultivars, with continued increases in MDA and reductions in H₂O₂ levels. This confirmed ongoing oxidative stress and adaptive responses. The qRT-PCR results revealed a time-dependent gene expression pattern under drought stress. After 3 days, Misr2 cultivar showed the highest induction of <em>TaMYB73</em> (1.56-fold), <em>TaWRKY13</em> (5.62-fold), and <em>TaDHN2.1</em> (4.92-fold), while Sakha95 exhibited the strongest <em>WDERB-2B</em> expression (3.94-fold). After 6 days, <em>TaMYB73</em> was highest in Misr3 (6.32-fold), while <em>TaNAC2</em> peaked in Misr2 (5.98-fold), <em>WDERB-2B</em> in Sakha95 (13.45-fold), and <em>TaDHN2.1</em> in Gemmiza9 (7.78-fold). <em>TaOBF-1B</em> was upregulated in all cultivars and reached its highest level in Misr1 (6.92-fold). This study categorizes Misr2 and Misr3 as tolerant cultivars, Misr1, Sakha95, and Gemmiza9 as semi-tolerant cultivars, and Sids14 as a sensitive cultivar. Our analysis identified key TF genes that regulate wheat’s drought stress response network.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100657"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of a novel NSD1 pathogenic variant in a Senegalese child with Sotos syndrome","authors":"Jean Pascal Demba Diop ,&nbsp;Aminata Mbaye ,&nbsp;Karamba Diallo ,&nbsp;Eric Pasmant ,&nbsp;Seydi Abdoul Ba ,&nbsp;Adama Sene ,&nbsp;Michele Videau ,&nbsp;Rokhaya Ndiaye Diallo (*)","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sotos syndrome previously known as cerebral gigantism is a genetic disease characterized by excessive growth from the prenatal stage to childhood, accompanied with distinctive facial dysmorphism (broad and prominent forehead, hypertelorism, downward-slanting palpebral fissures, and a pointed chin), advanced bone age, macrocephaly, congenital malformations (heart defects, seizures, scoliosis, increased tumor susceptibility) and developmental delay (speech delay, learning disabilities, infantile hypotonia). Most cases of Sotos syndrome (90%) are linked to heterozygous mutations of the <em>NSD1</em> gene.</div><div>Here we reported the first case of Sotos syndrome from Senegal, confirmed by genetic testing. We detected a novel heterozygous mutation in exon 5 of the NSD1 gene in the index case, resulting in a frameshift and a premature stop codon (NM_022455): c.2306dup: (p.Gly771Trpfs*38). This mutation occured de novo in the index case and was not detected in either parent. Further studies are needed to explore genotype-phenotype correlations and potential targeted therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Micropropagation of Vaccinium meridionale Sw.: Interaction between basal media and cytokinins, physiological quality of shoots, and ex vitro rooting","authors":"Eyner Huaman ,&nbsp;Carlos Muñoz ,&nbsp;Loreto Prat ,&nbsp;Jegnes Benjamín Meléndez-Mori ,&nbsp;Raúl Vargas ,&nbsp;Carmen N. Vigo ,&nbsp;José Jesús Tejada-Alvarado ,&nbsp;Angel Fernando Huaman-Pilco ,&nbsp;Manuel Oliva-Cruz","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Vaccinium meridionale</em> is an Andean species of high nutraceutical value whose conventional propagation is limited by its low multiplication rate. In this study, an integrated micropropagation protocol was developed, encompassing <em>in vitro</em> establishment through <em>ex vitro</em> rooting. During the establishment phase, fungal contaminants were identified, detecting genera such as <em>Diaporthe</em>, <em>Fusarium</em>, <em>Colletotrichum</em> and <em>Phoma</em>. In the multiplication phase, the basal media Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW), Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and Murashige and Skoog (MS) were evaluated, supplemented with zeatin (Zea), 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), meta-topolin (mT) and thidiazuron (TDZ), all applied at equimolar concentrations of 2.5 μM. Morphogenic parameters, photosynthetic pigment content, SPAD index and elemental composition of regenerated tissues were quantified. DKW medium supplemented with Zea or 2iP promoted the formation of 9–10 shoots, with lengths of 2.5–2.9 cm, SPAD values of 35–36, and chlorophyll content &gt;31 μg/mL. The accumulation of P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in the tissues varied widely among treatments. During rooting, the application of 500 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) induced the formation of longer roots, as well as vigorous and elongated shoots with a high number of leaves. This optimized protocol provides a valuable tool for the propagation of <em>V. meridionale</em>, with potential applications in conservation, genetic improvement and commercial plant production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100633"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative analysis of sulfate transporters in Citrus sinensis reveals CsSULTR3;5 involved in pathogen stress response","authors":"Xinyou Wang ,&nbsp;Xuetong Chen ,&nbsp;Nannan Lu ,&nbsp;Jiaoyan Zhong ,&nbsp;Xinlv Dai ,&nbsp;Xia Zhuang ,&nbsp;Fengxian Yao ,&nbsp;Ruimin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Selenium treatment has been shown to enhance plant resilience against both biotic and abiotic stresses; however, whether it can improve citrus resistance to bacterial diseases remains unexplored. In this study, we systematically identified sulfate transporter (Sultr) genes in the <em>Citrus sinensis</em> genome that are involved in selenate uptake. Analysis of gene structure, conserved motifs, and protein domains revealed a high degree of conservation among CsSultrs. Collinearity analysis between <em>C. sinensis</em> and <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> Sultr genes suggested possible evolutionary duplication and divergence events. Expression profiling of sulfur-related genes in <em>C. sinensis</em> following infection with <em>Candidatus</em> Liberibacter asiaticus, <em>Xanthomonas citri</em> subsp. <em>citri</em>, and <em>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</em> showed that <em>CsSULTR3;5</em> is responsive to pathogen infection. Subcellular localization indicated that CsSULTR3;5 is localized to the cell membrane and other intracellular organelles. Transient expression of <em>CsSULTR3;5</em> in <em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em> did not affect leaf chlorophyll or carotenoid content. Furthermore, overexpression of <em>CsSULTR3;5</em> enhanced resistance to citrus canker. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms by which selenium modulates biotic stress responses in citrus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100651"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unraveling the influence of TGF-β rs9282871 and miRNA let-7c relative expression on TGF-β production in hepatocellular carcinoma patients","authors":"Sally Farouk ,&nbsp;Maha M. Elbrashy ,&nbsp;Ahmed Khairy ,&nbsp;Noha G. Bader El Din","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2026.100678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ranked globally as the second most common cancer-related death. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a dual role in HCC. Meanwhile, miR-let-7c has been identified as a tumor suppressor microRNA that regulates oncogenic pathways, including the TGF-β signaling cascade. Dysregulation of miR-let-7c may enhance TGF-β1 overproduction, sustaining oncogenic signaling and accelerating HCC progression. To investigate the impact of TGF-β gene variants and the relative expression of miR-let-7c on TGF-β production in HCC patients. A total of 150 HCC patients and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. DNA was extracted for TGF-β genotyping, serum TGF-β1 levels were quantified using an ELISA assay, and miR-let-7c expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In silico analysis was performed to confirm interactions.</div><div>Our results revealed that HCC patients had TT genotype (59%), while the control group TT genotype represents (16%,) with high significance differences between control and HCC patients (P = 0.0001). TGF-β was significantly elevated in the HCC group (366 ± 111.8 pg/mL) versus controls (100 ± 26.57 pg/mL, P &lt; 0.0001). The relative expression of circulating miR-let-7c was significantly downregulated in HCC patients compared to the control group (P = 0.0001). TGF-β demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.9907, P = 0.0001). While miR-let7c showed AUC = 0.7172, P = 0.0001. Our results showed that TGF-β genotypes are significantly associated with increased serum TGF-β protein levels (P &lt; 0.0001) and reduced miR-let-7c serum levels (P &lt; 0.0001). Bioinformatics tools confirmed that miR-let7c targets the TGF-β pathway, supporting its regulatory role. TGF-β rs 9282871 affects TGF-β production in HCC patients. The T allele, TT genotype, and downregulation of miR-let-7c activate the TGF-β pathway. Both TGF-β protein and let-7c expression can be diagnostic biomarkers of HCC. the TT genotype of the TGF-β gene can be used as a genetic biomarker for disease progression and outcome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of gender and main comorbidities with expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in COVID-19 patients","authors":"Hassan Abolghasemi ,&nbsp;Hamidreza Kheiri ,&nbsp;Hamid Sedighian ,&nbsp;Elham Behzadi ,&nbsp;Reza Kachuei ,&nbsp;Mozhgan Kheirandish ,&nbsp;Masoud Arabfard ,&nbsp;Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi","doi":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgeb.2025.100650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>SARS-CoV-2 causes mortality in a considerable number of patients with COVID-19. The association of comorbidities and gender with the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in COVID-19 patients is not fully understood. The purpose of the present study was to explore this association.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We used Transcriptomics data for lncRNAs and mRNAs from the integrated Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) using R software for statistical and data analysis. Then, we carried out Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and constructed a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network to identify interactions between the genes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this study, we divided samples into four groups and compared Differentially Expressed lncRNAs (DEls) and DEGs. Genes enriched in immune response and cytokine pathways were identified by GO analysis. By considering the protein–protein interaction network, the hub genes were ALAS2, CCL2, AHSP, and IL5.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>mRNAs and lncRNAs could be used to identify the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on defined parameters (such as gender, main comorbidities in recovery, and treatment stages). Heme/hemoglobin metabolism was enriched in groups 1, 2, and 4, with four common genes (<em>ALAS2</em>, <em>AHSP</em>, <em>HBD</em>, and <em>CA1</em>) that are associated with the immune response to infection. <em>CCL2</em> was enriched in group 3 and its expression was remarkably high in patients with an unfavorable outcome compared to other cases. Also, while both <em>IL-5</em> and <em>ALAS2</em> were enriched in group 4, IL-5 appeared to have no significant role in COVID-19. Overall, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to predict how mRNAs and lncRNAs interact in patients with different characteristics such as gender, underlying disease, and treatment or recovery stages. mRNAs and lncRNAs can be potential biomarkers to examine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on defined parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53463,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology","volume":"24 1","pages":"Article 100650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}