Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2025-12-15DOI: 10.1007/s42977-025-00303-0
Anjali Bhardwaj, Upma Bhatt, Sunita Parihar, Vineet Soni
{"title":"Beyond osmoprotection: the expanding roles of proline in plant signalling and development.","authors":"Anjali Bhardwaj, Upma Bhatt, Sunita Parihar, Vineet Soni","doi":"10.1007/s42977-025-00303-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-025-00303-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Proline, traditionally recognized as an osmoprotectant, has emerged as a multifunctional metabolite intricately involved in plant signaling and developmental regulation. Beyond its classical role in osmotic adjustment, proline modulates redox homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and metabolic reprogramming under stress conditions. Recent studies reveal its function as a signaling molecule that integrates stress perception with phytohormonal pathways such as abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and auxin. Proline also influences key developmental processes including root and shoot morphogenesis, floral induction, pollen fertility, embryogenesis, and seed maturation by coordinating redox cues and gene regulation. Furthermore, its participation in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and legume-rhizobia symbiosis underscores its role in plant immunity and microbe interactions. Advances in understanding proline transport, mitochondrial catabolism, and gene regulation highlight its centrality in linking metabolic and signaling networks. This review consolidates current insights into the expanding roles of proline in plant signaling and development, emphasizing its potential as a metabolic hub for improving stress resilience and growth optimization in crops.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"221-240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145755190","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-03-14DOI: 10.1007/s42977-026-00312-7
Maher Alnajjar, Endre Barta
{"title":"Leveraging large family analyses for more accurate de novo mutation detection.","authors":"Maher Alnajjar, Endre Barta","doi":"10.1007/s42977-026-00312-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-026-00312-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>De novo mutations (DNMs), which arise in the offspring and are absent in the parents, are increasingly studied in farm animals with the advent of whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Variant calling after genome sequencing is a crucial step in modern genomics, and its accuracy directly influences subsequent genetic analyses, which are vital not only in breeding and human healthcare but also in functional genomic research. Yet, using only families with trios neglects the important shared information in the family and leads to an inaccurate determination of DNMs. Here, we show that using inheritance-based Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data analysis on a larger family is an effective way to identify DNMs in offspring accurately, and we present the first such study in rabbits.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"379-385"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147455446","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":"Vitamin C mitigates thermal stress-induced oxidative imbalance and cortisol elevation in Wistar rats.","authors":"Damilare Emmanuel Rotimi, Adeola Aminat Ajibola, Gibson Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi","doi":"10.1007/s42977-026-00306-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-026-00306-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study investigated the effects of heat on redox balance in rat plasma and liver after 28 days of exposure. Twenty-four Wistar rats (140–150 g) were assigned into four (4) groups: non-heat-exposed (control), heat-exposed, heat-recovery (7 days of recovery post-exposure), and vitamin C (50 mg/kg bw) + heat-exposed. Compared with the control group, the animals exposed to heat exhibited a decrease in the levels of total protein and antioxidant markers (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity, nuclear erythroid factor 2-related factor-2 level (Nrf2), and catalase) in the rat plasma and liver. Furthermore, levels of oxidative stress markers (DNA fragmentation, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide) increased appreciably in the heat-exposed rats, as did the levels of plasma alanine transaminase, acetylcholine esterase, and cortisol. On the other hand, the heat-recovery group had significantly lower levels of DNA fragmentation and cortisol than the heat-exposed group. Meanwhile, the administration of vitamin C improved the biochemical alterations caused by heat exposure; there was an appreciable elevation in the levels of antioxidant molecules and a corresponding decrease in the level of stress markers. The liver histopathology showed no signs of acute or chronic damage across all treatment groups. Collectively, the data showed that heat exposure adversely affected redox balance, causing oxidative stress and raising cortisol levels in rats. However, vitamin C + heat-exposed and/or recovery groups had improved biochemical indices, suggesting the effects of heat exposure might be reversible. In addition, data suggest that the use of antioxidants like vitamin C could ameliorate heat-induced stress and related conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"335-345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145965176","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1007/s42977-026-00310-9
Zsuzsanna Fenyősi, Attila Lengyel, Jenő J Purger, Dragica Purger
{"title":"The estimation of population size and density of Hungarian crocus, Colchicum hungaricum, on its locus classicus (South Hungary).","authors":"Zsuzsanna Fenyősi, Attila Lengyel, Jenő J Purger, Dragica Purger","doi":"10.1007/s42977-026-00310-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-026-00310-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hungarian crocus, Colchicum hungaricum Janka is relict plant species of the Carpathian Basin, where it is known only from its locus classicus, Szársomlyó Hill in southern Hungary. Despite its limited distribution, data on its population have remained scarce. The previous assessments have been conducted with a different methodological approach without detailed explanations; therefore, the results are incomparable. The aim of our study was to reveal the current local distribution range of the species and to estimate its population size and density. Surveys carried out in January 2022 and 2023 revealed that the species occupies a 0.34 km2 area on the southern slope of Szársomlyó Hill. Population size was estimated based on counts of plants in 100 randomly selected 4 m2 plots, with values extrapolated to the total occupied area. To improve estimation accuracy, we applied a representative sampling design covering 0.12% of the species’ local range, combined with generalized linear models assuming quasi-Poisson error distribution and a bootstrap resampling approach. The estimated population size was higher than in previous estimations, exceeded 3.2 million individuals in 2022 and 3.4 million in 2023. Plant density ranged from 0–5 to 120–130 individuals/m2. We suggest that the results gained by this method provides a reliable base for future monitoring of Hungarian crocus, offering valuable insights into its population dynamics and trends.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"369-377"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146163934","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-03-13DOI: 10.1007/s42977-026-00313-6
Kriti Singh, Deepali Sambyal, J M Julka
{"title":"Metagenomic exploration of bacterial community shifts before, during, and after passage through earthworm Eutyphoeus waltoni.","authors":"Kriti Singh, Deepali Sambyal, J M Julka","doi":"10.1007/s42977-026-00313-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-026-00313-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the transformation of soil microbial communities during their passage through the earthworm gut provides essential insights into soil health and ecosystem functioning. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial community dynamics in the surrounding soil, gut, and casts of anecic earthworm Eutyphoeus waltoni, an important ecosystem engineer. This research aims to elucidate the microbial selection and transformation processes that occur as microorganisms pass through the earthworm’s alimentary canal. E. waltoni was selected for its significant role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling within Indian soils. While species like Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris are well-studied, E. waltoni remains understudied despite its ecological importance. We observed notable shifts in microbial communities across the three microhabitats, primarily composed of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria. The gut environment selectively enriched Firmicutes, particularly Clostridioides, and reduced Proteobacteria. In the cast, microbial recovery was partial, with the presence of genera such as Azospira and Nitrospira, which are linked to nutrient turnover. These findings demonstrate that E. waltoni selectively restructures microbial assemblages, promoting taxa that enhance nutrient cycling and biogeochemical processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"387-399"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147455392","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-03-09DOI: 10.1007/s42977-025-00302-1
A F Rosiles-Ortega, M J Abraham-Juárez, F Jaimes-Miranda
{"title":"Protein-protein interaction detection in plants: from classical approaches to future perspectives.","authors":"A F Rosiles-Ortega, M J Abraham-Juárez, F Jaimes-Miranda","doi":"10.1007/s42977-025-00302-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-025-00302-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is a central challenge in plant proteomics, allowing us to understand the full range of molecular mechanisms that drive biological processes. Elucidating PPIs is key to revealing the roles of proteins within different signaling pathways, offering insights into how plants live and respond to different stimuli. For this reason, various techniques have been developed and progressively refined to identify PPIs under different conditions, with specific adaptations for the detection of PPIs in plants. Techniques have been developed that range from using yeast as tools to techniques that allow precise detection of PPIs based on subcellular localization and biochemical properties of the proteins. In vitro and in vivo methods validate dynamic PPIs, while in silico tools like AlphaFold2 and Rosetta predict PPI structures with unprecedented accuracy, integrating deep learning and multiple sequence alignments. Over the next 50 years, AI-driven in silico predictions, high-resolution imaging, and advanced in vitro and in vivo assays will map comprehensive plant interactomes, designing stress-tolerant proteins to enhance crop resilience and address global food security, seamlessly merging computational and experimental approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"203-220"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389148","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1007/s42977-025-00305-y
Nishu, Kavita Verma, S Aneeqa Noor, Vartika Mathur
{"title":"Aboveground insect herbivory shapes plant-soil feedback and ecosystem resilience.","authors":"Nishu, Kavita Verma, S Aneeqa Noor, Vartika Mathur","doi":"10.1007/s42977-025-00305-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-025-00305-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The interaction between plants and their surrounding soil ecosystems is complex, with plant-soil feedback acting as legacy effects from previous plants, influencing subsequent plant growth and insect interactions. Recent studies have shown that experiments focusing on individual factors in isolation do not accurately predict the outcomes of these complex interactions. Aboveground herbivores impact the development of root exudates and their surrounding microbiome, suggesting that herbivory indirectly shapes belowground biotic communities. Such impact of insect herbivory on plant-soil feedback is a crucial area of ecological research. Most studies focus on root-associated organisms and their influence on foliar herbivorous insects, and little attention has been given to the reverse interaction-how foliar herbivory affects the soil environment and PSF. This study explores the bidirectional influence of herbivory and PSF, revealing that aboveground insect herbivory can significantly alter plant-soil feedback mechanisms, influencing not only plant performance but also the broader community structure. A holistic approach that integrates soil microbial complexity with insect herbivory is needed to better predict community-level outcomes and enhance plant protection strategies. Our study thus highlighted the need for a community-based perspective when studying interactions among plants, insects and soil microorganisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"257-276"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145951357","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-02-25DOI: 10.1007/s42977-026-00309-2
Muhammad Mubashar Shaukat, Robina Shaukat, Shaaf Ahmad, Nabila Roohi, Sajjad-Ur-Rahman
{"title":"Heat and humidity stress aggravate high-fat diet-induced kidney damage in albino rats.","authors":"Muhammad Mubashar Shaukat, Robina Shaukat, Shaaf Ahmad, Nabila Roohi, Sajjad-Ur-Rahman","doi":"10.1007/s42977-026-00309-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-026-00309-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High-fat diet and environmental stressors such as heat and humidity are known to impair physiological functions. This study investigates the combined effects of HFD and stress based on the temperature–humidity index on kidney function in male and female rats. A total of 90 male and 90 female rats were divided into six groups with routine diet (RD) and high-fat diet (HFD): controls (G1-RD, G2-HFD), heat-stressed (G3-RD, G4-HFD), and humidity-stressed (G5-RD, G6-HFD). Stress groups were exposed to 4 h/day of heat or humidity for 30 days. Serum biomarkers urea, creatinine, uric acid, and BUN were measured at three decapitation intervals (Days 10, 20, and 30). Kidney tissues were processed for histological evaluation. HFD-fed rats showed markedly higher urea, uric acid, and BUN levels compared to RD-fed rats, with males exhibiting greater elevations than females (P < 0.05). Heat and humidity stress further intensified these biochemical changes, particularly in HFD-fed groups, with the highest values observed at the 3rd decapitation. Creatinine levels rose progressively over-time regardless of stress but were diet-dependent. Histological findings revealed normal renal architecture in RD controls, mild vascular congestion in HFD controls, and pronounced renal injury, including glomerular shrinkage, tubular epithelial degeneration, cortical congestion, and epithelial desquamation in stressed HFD groups. Humidity stress produced slightly more severe damage than heat stress. Heat and humidity stress aggravate HFD-induced kidney damage, highlighting the need for dietary fat control and reduced heat exposure to protect renal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"359-368"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147281965","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}
Biologia futuraPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-03-02DOI: 10.1007/s42977-026-00311-8
Gabriel Viana Ferraz, Verônica Brito da Silva, Raimundo Nonato Oliveira Silva, Marcones Ferreira Costa, Ângela Celis de Almeida Lopes, Regina Lucia Ferreira Gomes
{"title":"Scientific trends and discoveries on heat tolerance in pepper plants (Capsicum spp.): a bibliometric analysis.","authors":"Gabriel Viana Ferraz, Verônica Brito da Silva, Raimundo Nonato Oliveira Silva, Marcones Ferreira Costa, Ângela Celis de Almeida Lopes, Regina Lucia Ferreira Gomes","doi":"10.1007/s42977-026-00311-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-026-00311-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Climate change poses a significant threat to human life, food security, and biodiversity, with direct effects on agricultural systems. In the present study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of research on the tolerance of Capsicum pepper plants to high temperatures using the Bibliometrix package in R. A total of 85 documents published between 1989 and 2024 were analyzed. We found that the topic has gained relevance in recent years, particularly in 2013, when it received the highest number of citations. Notably, China and the United States have conducted the most research on the thermal stress in pepper plants. The most cited studies have addressed the biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms of thermal stress tolerance and resistance to pathogens. Despite the relevance of the topic, only three of the 81 documents focused on the tolerance of ornamental pepper plants, and these included no Brazilian studies. These findings highlight the lack of studies in Brazil, emphasizing the need for studies to develop cultivars that are more resilient to climate change. Our findings can guide future investigations, including the selection of thermotolerant materials, and promote more sustainable agriculture adapted to climate challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"321-334"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324423","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":"Enhancing sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production in Europe: a case study of home gardening in Hungary.","authors":"Gideon Adu Donyina, Apolka Ujj, Vincent Agyemang Opoku, Lydia Bamfi, Adrienn Szarvas, Tamas Monostori","doi":"10.1007/s42977-025-00304-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42977-025-00304-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Home gardening plays a crucial role in developing a robust agri-food system. Although it is performed as a leisure activity, it tends to yield significant benefits that transcend the nutritional, health, socioeconomic, and ecological aspects of life. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a versatile root tuber crop rich in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and anthocyanins. In several European countries, including Hungary, the demand for this crop among consumers is growing. However, production has been significantly limited in these countries, resulting in imports from other continents to satisfy consumer demand. Incorporating sweet potatoes into home gardening has significant benefits, including increased crop production and yield. Through a thorough synthesis and analysis of information from relevant literature, the Scopus database, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) database, this review promotes the adoption of sweet potato as a garden crop in Hungary. It begins with global trends in research on home gardens and sweet potato production. This is followed by comprehensive information on crop description, uses, benefits, and propagation methods. It also presents information on the benefits of adopting sweet potato as a garden crop and simplified cultivation techniques for home gardeners. The strategic framework for achieving this goal is also highlighted for responsible stakeholders. The findings of this study could serve as a blueprint for advancing sweet potato production in other European countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":8853,"journal":{"name":"Biologia futura","volume":" ","pages":"241-255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145931926","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}