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PubMed2026

High-Content CRISPR Screening: Methods and Applications.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 screening has become a central technology in functional genomics, enabling genome-scale interrogation via pooled perturbations. Early CRISPR screens employed survival or simple phenotypic readouts to identify essential genes and drug resistance mechanisms. However, as biological questions have shifted toward understanding regulatory networks, cellular heterogeneity, and context-dependent gene functions, there has been increasing demand for screening strategies capable of capturing complex cellular phenotypes beyond cell fitness. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing, high-content imaging, and spatial transcriptomics have expanded the resolution of CRISPR screening by enabling multidimensional phenotypic characterization following genetic perturbation. By integrating pooled perturbations with diverse readouts, these approaches systematically map targeted gene edits to transcriptional states, cellular phenotypes, and microenvironmental contexts. Meanwhile, innovations in library design, delivery, and computational pipelines have further improved the robustness and interpretability of high-content screening platforms. This review synthesizes the methodological evolution of CRISPR screening, emphasizing advances in perturbation strategies, delivery systems, and multimodal readouts. Representative applications spanning oncology, immunotherapy, developmental biology, neurobiology, and infectious diseases are delineated to demonstrate refined gene network annotations. Additionally, existing technical bottlenecks, such as scalability, cost constraints, and in vivo limitations, are critically assessed. Finally, future directions are proposed to facilitate the development of precise medicine.

CRISPR screening↗

PubMed2026

From stress signaling to yield stability: physiological and molecular mechanisms of wheat resilience to heat and drought stress.

Wheat resilience depends on coordinated signaling, reproductive protection, and source-sink regulation, providing a framework to breed robust trait combinations that stabilize yield under combined heat and drought. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat and drought events, posing a major threat to wheat productivity, yield stability, and food security. Because these stresses often coincide in the field, their combined effects can impair growth, reproductive development, grain filling, and final yield more severely than either stress alone. Wheat resilience under such conditions depends on coordinated physiological adjustment and molecular regulation that sustain cellular homeostasis, protect reproductive tissues, and preserve yield-related traits. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physiological and molecular bases of wheat resilience to heat and drought, with emphasis on their combined effects. We discuss major physiological responses, including photosynthetic adjustment, stomatal regulation, canopy cooling, osmotic balance, antioxidant defense, membrane stability, and source-sink coordination. We also examine key regulatory pathways involved in stress perception and adaptation, including calcium and reactive oxygen species signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, phytohormonal crosstalk, transcriptional regulation, heat shock proteins, late embryogenesis abundant proteins, and osmoprotective and redox-associated pathways. In addition, we highlight the growing contribution of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics to the identification of candidate genes, biomarkers, and adaptive traits. Finally, we consider how mechanistic insights can be translated into wheat improvement through molecular markers, genomic selection, gene editing, and climate-realistic phenotyping. An integrated understanding of stress signaling and adaptive trait deployment will be essential for developing wheat cultivars with improved resilience and yield stability under future climates.

Triticum↗

PubMed2006

Biological activity and biotechnological aspects of peptide nucleic acid.

During the latest decades a number of different nucleic acid analogs containing natural nucleobases on a modified backbone have been synthesized. An example of this is peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a DNA mimic with a noncyclic peptide-like backbone, which was first synthesized in 1991. Owing to its flexible and neutral backbone PNA displays very good hybridization properties also at low-ion concentrations and has subsequently attracted large interest both in biotechnology and biomedicine. Numerous modifications have been made, which could be of value for particular settings. However, the original PNA does so far perform well in many diverse applications. The high biostability makes it interesting for in vivo use, although the very limited diffusion over lipid membranes requires further modifications in order to make it suitable for treatment in eukaryotic cells. The possibility to use this nucleic acid analog for gene regulation and gene editing is discussed. Peptide nucleic acid is now also used for specific genetic detection in a number of diagnostic techniques, as well as for site-specific labeling and hybridization of functional molecules to both DNA and RNA, areas that are also discussed in this chapter.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Multi-omics technologies: Novel tools and methods for assessing nerve injury and regeneration.

Recently, with the rapid advancement of multi-omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, new tools and approaches have been introduced for studying nerve injury and regeneration. This review highlights the application and progress of multi-omics in uncovering the mechanisms of nerve injury, guiding the development of regenerative strategies, and promoting clinical translation. By integrating multi-omics datasets, researchers can comprehensively track dynamic molecular changes following nerve injury, including abnormal gene expression, disrupted protein signaling, altered metabolic programs, and shifts in the immune microenvironment. Single-cell multi-omics technologies resolve cellular heterogeneity, revealing the distinct functions of neurons, glial cells, and immune cell subpopulations during the injury response. Spatially resolved transcriptomics maintain the spatial context of lesion and regeneration sites, enabling precise localization for targeted interventions. Multi-omics technologies not only identify key molecular players involved in nerve regeneration but also create opportunities for personalized medicine. Nonetheless, integrating multi-omics data poses technical challenges, including high dimensionality, batch effects, and algorithmic constraints, while ethical concerns related to stem cell therapy and gene editing require stringent oversight. To transition from structural reconstruction to functional remodeling, future research should emphasize artificial intelligence-driven data integration, organ-on-a-chip modeling, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to overcome existing technical barriers and accelerate the clinical application of neuroregenerative therapies.

artificial intelligence↗

PubMed2025

Tdrd15 is dispensable for male fertility and spermatogenesis in the golden hamster.

Tudor domain-containing proteins (TDRDs) constitute an evolutionarily conserved protein family and are critical for germline development and piRNA pathway regulation, with established roles in male fertility. While multiple TDRD family members have been functionally linked to spermatogenic impairment, the precise biological role of TDRD15 remains to be elucidated. We used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to generate Tdrd15 knockout (KO) golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), a model necessitated by the absence of a functional Tdrd15 ortholog in the mouse genome, to investigate its function in male reproduction. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that TDRD15 is strongly conserved among eutherian mammals, with testis-restricted expression patterns in hamsters. Despite the successful induction of frameshift mutations and significant transcriptional knockdown, Tdrd15 KO males maintained normal fertility parameters, including unaltered testicular architecture, spermatogenic progression (confirmed by periodic acidic-Schiff (PAS) staining and immunohistochemistry), and sperm quality metrics determined using a computer-assisted analysis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed compensatory overexpression of paralogous Tdrd genes in KO testes, implying functional redundancy within this protein family. This study provides the first experimental evidence that TDRD15 is dispensable for male fertility in golden hamsters under physiological conditions, thereby challenging the prevailing assumptions of its obligatory function in spermiogenesis. Altogether, these findings support a more targeted allocation of research efforts within the field of male reproductive biology.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Establishment of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system for targeted editing of the MFS gene in mint.

The key message of this study is that we established a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome-editing system for Mentha haplocalyx "738" by optimizing protoplast transient assay and screening effective regulatory elements. Targeted knockout of the MFS gene generated edited mint plants with reduced menthofuran content, offering a strategy for quality improvement of mint essential oil. The commercial value of mint (Mentha spp.) essential oil is often diminished by the presence of undesirable metabolites, notably menthofuran, which impairs flavor and raises safety concerns. This study aimed to develop a robust CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system for mint 738 (Mentha haplocalyx "738") and apply it to disrupt the menthofuran synthase (MFS) gene, thereby redirecting metabolic flux to enhance oil quality. We established an optimized system for high-efficiency protoplast isolation and transient transformation from young mint leaves. Key parameters for enzymatic digestion (1.5% cellulase R10, 0.2% macerozyme R-10, 3 h) and PEG-mediated transformation (40% PEG6000, 0.4 M mannitol, 0.4 M CaCl₂) were systematically determined. Using this platform, we screened endogenous regulatory elements, identifying a truncated mint U6 promoter (HmU6.1-3P) and the tomato SlEF1α promoter as the most effective drivers for sgRNA and Cas9 expression, respectively. A CRISPR/Cas9 vector targeting the MFS gene was constructed and used for Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation. The positive transgenic mint lines were obtained. Sequencing confirmed heritable mutations at the target sites within the MFS gene in multiple independent lines. The results revealed a substantial decrease in menthofuran content in the essential oil of the edited line #10 compared to the wild-type control, thereby demonstrating a viable strategy for improving mint essential oil quality through genome-editing.

CRISPR-Cas Systems↗

PubMed2026

Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery CRISPR/Cas9: overcoming biological barriers, enhancing stability, and improving therapeutic precision.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) has emerged as a promising gene-editing platform for genetic disorders; however, its in vivo application remains limited by low delivery efficiency and biological barriers. Many CRISPR payloads fail to reach target sites due to extracellular degradation, immune clearance, and intracellular trafficking limitations. This review examines the interplay between biological barriers and nanoparticle engineering strategies for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. A barrier-oriented engineering approach is proposed as a central framework, encompassing ligand-based surface modification for enhanced targeting and uptake, improved circulation stability via PEGylation and biomimetic coatings, and optimized payload release through endosomal escape strategies. Stimulus-responsive nanoparticle systems further enable spatiotemporal control over payload release. Nuclear targeting strategies, including optimization of nuclear localization signals (NLS) and exploitation of endogenous trafficking pathways, are highlighted as key factors for improving genome-level editing efficiency. Despite these advances, major challenges-including limited intracellular delivery efficiency, insufficient targeting precision, and safety concerns-continue to hinder clinical translation. Future directions highlight artificial intelligence-driven nanoparticle design, personalized delivery systems, and next-generation CRISPR platforms. Overall, an integrated, barrier-oriented engineering strategy is essential for advancing CRISPR/Cas9 delivery toward clinical applications, ultimately advancing global good health and well-being.

CRISPR/Cas9↗

PubMed2026

Molecular mechanisms underlying low glycemic index in rice: Insights from Indian landrace diversity.

The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus, especially among populations with high rice consumption, underscores the need for functional staple crops with a low glycemic index (GI). This review examines the molecular and genetic factors influencing low-GI traits in rice, highlighting the importance of diversity within Indian landraces. Traditional cultivars like Mappillai Samba, Karuppu Kavuni and Kattuyanam contains high level of Resistant starch, dietary fiber and bioactive phytochemicals. The Waxy (Wx) gene, which codes for granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI), is very important for controlling the production of amylose. For example, functional alleles like Wxa and Wxlv are linked to higher amylose levels and lower starch digestibility. Moreover, secondary metabolites, such as anthocyanins and phytosterols like stigmasterol, play a role in regulating blood sugar levels by stopping the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Interactions within the starch-dietary matrix, including starch-protein, starch-lipid, and starch-polyphenol complexes, further influence enzymatic hydrolysis and glucose release kinetics. Recent advancements in genomics, encompassing QTL mapping and gene editing techniques, offer innovative prospects for the creation of biofortified, low-GI rice cultivars. The integration of these molecular insights into rice breeding programs can facilitate the development of low-glycemic, nutritionally enhanced rice cultivars that contribute to improved metabolic health and food security.

Oryza↗

PubMed2026

New Insights into Genomic Variations and Mutational Events Associated with Plant-Pathogen Interactions.

Plant diseases threaten global food security, causing up to 40% crop yield losses and more than $220 billion in annual economic damage. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the genomic variations and mutational events underlying plant-pathogen interactions and durable plant disease resistance. Key insights into evolutionary dynamics, genetic variability, and coadaptive strategies reveal the complexity of host-pathogen relationships and the implications for developing durable disease resistance. Integrative approaches combining genome-wide association studies and functional genomics have uncovered the polygenic and epistatic architecture of quantitative resistance. Advances in pan-genomics and high-throughput sequencing have revealed extensive genetic variability in cultivated/elite germplasm and wild relatives. Emerging technologies, including gene editing, multi-omics, and machine learning, enable predictive modeling of resistance traits and support evolution that informs plant breeding strategies. Collectively, these advances provide a robust framework for developing durable resistance and sustainable crop protection in the face of global agricultural challenges.

Host-Pathogen Interactions↗

PubMed2021

Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) Capsid Chimeras with Enhanced Infectivity Reveal a Core Element in the AAV Genome Critical for both Cell Transduction and Capsid Assembly.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have attracted significant attention in the field of gene and cell therapy due to highly effective delivery of therapeutic genes into human cells. The ability to generate recombinant AAV vectors compromised of unique or substituted protein sequences has led to the development of capsid variants with improved therapeutic properties. Seeking novel AAV vectors capable of enhanced transduction for therapeutic applications, we have developed a series of unique capsid variants termed AAV X-Vivo (AAV-XV) derived from chimeras of AAV12 VP1/2 sequences and the VP3 sequence of AAV6. These AAV variants showed enhanced infection of human primary T cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and neuronal cell lines over wildtype parental viruses, and superiority over AAV6 for genomic integration of DNA sequences by AAV alone or in combination with CRISPR gene editing. AAV-XV variants demonstrate transduction efficiency equivalent to AAV6 at multiplicities of infection 2 logs lower, enabling T cell engineering at low AAV doses. The protein coding sequence of these novel AAV chimeras revealed disruptions within the assembly-activating protein (AAP) which likely accounted for observed lower virus yield. A series of genome alterations, reverting the AAP sequence back to wildtype AAV6, had a negative impact on the enhanced transduction seen with AAV-VX, indicating overlapping functions within this sequence for both viral assembly and effective T cell transduction. Our findings show these AAV-XV variants are highly efficient at cell transduction at low dose and demonstrates the importance of the AAP coding region in both viral particle assembly and cell infection.IMPORTANCE A major hurdle to the therapeutic potential of AAV in gene therapy lies in achieving clinically meaningful AAV doses, and secondarily, ability to manufacture commercially viable titers of AAV to support this. By virtue of neutralizing antibodies against AAV that impede patient repeat-dosing, the dose of AAV for in vivo gene delivery has been high, which has resulted in unfortunate recent safety concerns and deaths in patients given higher-dose AAV gene therapy. We have generated new AAV variants possessing unique combinations of capsid proteins for gene and cell therapy applications termed AAV-XV, which have high levels of cell transduction and gene delivery at lower MOI. Furthermore, we demonstrate a novel finding, and an important consideration for recombinant AAV design, that a region of the AAV genome encoding the capsid viral protein and AAP is critical for both virus yield and the enhancement of infection/transduction.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Ultrastructural Insights Into the Reproductive Anatomy and Eggs of Cotton Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders is a major pest of cotton, notorious for its high reproductive potential and rapid evolution of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Despite its economic significance, detailed knowledge of its reproductive anatomy and egg ultrastructure has remained limited, constraining the development of advanced molecular control strategies such as CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. The present study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the reproductive system and egg surface morphology of P. gossypiella using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The male reproductive system consists of fused, bean-shaped testes, seminal vesicles, duplex and simplex ejaculatory ducts, and paired accessory glands. The female reproductive system comprises paired ovaries with four polytrophic ovarioles per ovary, lateral and common oviducts, accessory glands, corpus bursae, and spermathecal glands. Eggs are oval, dorsoventrally flattened, exhibit a reticulated chorion with distinct micropylar and aeropylar regions. SEM images revealed 6-9 rosette cells encircling a circular micropylar plate, 14-19 first order and 17-23 s order ribs, and 250-291 polygonal surface cells. The structural features of P. gossypiella eggs reveal key sites for sperm entry, aeropylar respiration, and candidate zones for microinjection in gene editing applications. These findings establish a morphological baseline critical for optimizing embryo manipulation and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery in lepidopteran genome editing. This study represents a pioneering effort to integrate classical egg morphology with molecular entomology, thereby advancing precision genetic interventions aimed at resistance management and population suppression in P. gossypiella.

Animals↗

PubMed2022

Endothelial Retargeting of AAV9 In Vivo.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are frequently used for gene transfer and gene editing in vivo, except for endothelial cells, which are remarkably resistant to unmodified AAV-transduction. AAVs are retargeted here toward endothelial cells by coating with second-generation polyamidoamine dendrimers (G2) linked to endothelial-affine peptides (CNN). G2CNN AAV9-Cre (encoding Cre recombinase) are injected into mTmG-mice or mTmG-pigs, cell-specifically converting red to green fluorescence upon Cre-activity. Three endothelial-specific functions are assessed: in vivo quantification of adherent leukocytes after systemic injection of - G2CNN AAV9 encoding 1) an artificial adhesion molecule (S1FG) in wildtype mice (day 10) or 2) anti-inflammatory Annexin A1 (Anxa1) in ApoE-/- mice (day 28). Moreover, 3) in Cas9-transgenic mice, blood pressure is monitored till day 56 after systemic application of G2CNN AAV9-gRNAs, targeting exons 6-10 of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a vasodilatory enzyme. G2CNN AAV9-Cre transduces microvascular endothelial cells in mTmG-mice or mTmG-pigs. Functionally, G2CNN AAV9-S1FG mediates S1FG-leukocyte adhesion, whereas G2CNN AAV9-Anxa1-application reduces long-term leukocyte recruitment. Moreover, blood pressure increases in Cas9-expressing mice subjected to G2CNN AAV9-gRNAeNOS . Therefore, G2CNN AAV9 may enable gene transfer in vascular and atherosclerosis models.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Precision Medicine in Transfusion-Dependent and Non-Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia: Toward Personalized Diagnosis and Therapy.

β-thalassemia comprises a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders in which anemia severity, transfusion exposure, iron loading, and organ complications vary widely among individuals. This structured narrative review summarizes practical applications of precision medicine in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT), with explicit attention to which strategies apply to each clinical category. Literature indexed in PubMed and Scopus from 2000 to 2025 was reviewed using terms related to thalassemia, precision medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chelation tailoring, next-generation sequencing (NGS), fetal hemoglobin (HbF) modifiers, luspatercept, mitapivat, hepcidin, gene therapy, gene editing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Evidence was synthesized descriptively because interventions, outcomes, and populations were heterogeneous, and no pooled meta-analysis was performed. In TDT, precision care is centered on individualized transfusion planning, extended red-cell antigen matching, MRI-guided cardiac and hepatic iron monitoring, organ-directed chelation intensification, and selection of disease-modifying or curative approaches. In NTDT, precision care emphasizes accurate phenotype classification, MRI liver iron concentration, because serum ferritin may underestimate iron burden, selective chelation, surveillance for NTDT-specific complications, and individualized use of agents that improve anemia. Personalized chelation should include deferiprone, either alone or in combination, when cardiac iron is increased. Comprehensive molecular diagnosis should include HBB together with HBA1 and HBA2 assessment, while secondary and tertiary modifiers help explain phenotypic variability and complication risk. Hepcidin and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are discussed as investigational biomarkers; transferrin saturation is not recommended for routine iron-overload assessment in thalassemia. AI currently has its strongest role in screening and diagnosis, whereas risk-stratification models remain exploratory. Equitable implementation requires standardized TDT/NTDT pathways, regional MRI and genomics access, longitudinal registries, and multidisciplinary interpretation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging and Emerging Rejuvenation Strategies.

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) aging is a complex biological process driven by both cell-intrinsic alterations and extrinsic cues from the bone marrow niche. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing therapies against aging-related hematopoietic disorders. This review synthesizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying HSCs aging, including microenvironmental aging, genomic instability, epigenetic dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant nuclear mechanotransduction. We summarize that the functional decline of HSCs during aging drives a compensatory expansion of the phenotypically defined stem cell pool, leading to an aberrant increase in cell number. We also highlight aging-associated HSCs heterogeneity, including CD150high and P-selectin-positive subsets that enrich for myeloid-biased or functionally compromised HSCs states while emphasizing that surface phenotype alone may not fully indicate functional rejuvenation. Finally, we discuss emerging rejuvenation strategies-including targeting myeloid-biased HSCs, modulating inflammatory pathways, and implementing epigenetic or metabolic interventions-supported by cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell multi-omics, gene editing, and computational modeling. These approaches hold promise for counteracting age-related hematopoietic decline and restoring immune competence.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The Adaptive Roles of Active Transposable Elements in Insect Hosts.

Active transposable elements (TEs) are capable of generating new insertions in genomes and have historically been viewed as genomic parasites due to their largely detrimental or neutral effects. However, emerging evidence suggests that these elements also play a crucial role in driving adaptive evolution in insects. This mini-review synthesizes recent findings on how active TEs contribute to insect adaptation through various mechanisms, including regulation of gene expression, structural variation, and epigenetic effects. Notable examples of adaptation driven by active TEs include their roles in insecticide resistance, morphological adaptations, tolerance to harsh climates, and antiviral immune responses. We argue that while host silencing mechanisms, such as the piRNA pathway, tightly regulate TE activity to minimize harmful effects, the context-dependent activation of active TEs can generate beneficial genetic variation that enhances insect adaptations to anthropogenic and climatic pressures. Future research that integrates long-read sequencing, single-cell omics, and gene editing techniques will provide a robust mechanistic foundation for understanding the adaptive significance of active TEs in insects, with important implications for pest management, pollinator protection, and evolutionary biology.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide identification and functional validation of asparagine synthetase genes (NtASNs) in Nicotiana tabacum.

Asparagine (Asn) is pivotal for plant nitrogen (N) metabolism and plays indispensable roles in plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. However, the systematic characteristics and core functions of asparagine synthetase genes (NtASNs) in tobacco remain unclear. Through a comprehensive genome-wide investigation, nine members of the NtASN gene family were identified. Subsequent CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout and overexpression assays of these NtASN genes revealed that NtASN1e, NtASN2a, and NtASN2b are the core genes responsible for Asn biosynthesis in tobacco. Their knockout reduced asparagine synthetase activity and Asn content, delayed seed germination by 2-3 days, and displayed elevated oxidative injury when exposed to salinity conditions. In contrast, overexpression of these genes elevated Asn accumulation. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that NtASN1e was localized to both the cytoplasm and chloroplasts, whereas NtASN2a exhibited dual localization in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum, and NtASN2b was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. This study systematically clarifies the evolutionary characteristics and core functions of the NtASN gene family and provides candidate genes for optimizing nitrogen metabolism and improving salt-stress adaptation in tobacco. These findings hold important practical significance for molecular breeding and product quality improvement in industrial crops.

Nicotiana↗

PubMed2026

Generation of isogenic rescue iPSC lines by targeted CTG-repeat excision for myotonic dystrophy type 1.

An expanded CTG repeat in the Dystrophia Myotonica Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene is associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder characterised by progressive muscle weakness, myotonia, cognitive decline, and a variety of other manifestations. Here, we report the generation of isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, derived from patient DM1 iPSC lines carrying varying expanded (CTG)n repeats in DMPK. These gene-edited isogenic iPSC lines, in which the pathogenic repeat has been excised, serve as a reference for assessing DM1-associated phenotypes in relevant differentiated cell types, such as muscle progenitor cells and neurons.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Can host genetics transform the sustainable control of tropical theileriosis? Insights from the Tick-Theileria interface.

Tropical theileriosis, caused by the tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata, remains a major constraint on cattle production across North Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and South Asia. Current control depends on acaricides, the theilericidal drug buparvaquone and live attenuated schizont vaccines, but acaricide resistance, buparvaquone-resistance mutations and the logistical demands of vaccination are eroding the sustainability of these tools. Host genetics offers a complementary and durable alternative. Indigenous Bos indicus breeds are consistently more resistant to ticks and tolerate T. annulata infection better than exotic Bos taurus cattle, and this advantage has a measurable heritable component. Unlike previous reviews, which treat tick resistance, T. annulata immunobiology and livestock genomic selection as separate subjects, we integrate all three and assess host genetics specifically against the failure modes of current control. We review the tick, parasite and host interface, the evidence for natural resistance, and the genetic and immunological mechanisms involved, including signal-regulatory protein, bovine major histocompatibility complex class II and inflammatory pathway genes. We then assess whether genomic selection, multi-omics, machine learning and gene editing can translate these mechanisms into resistant cattle, and we weigh the biological, economic and infrastructural barriers to implementation. The evidence indicates that host genetics will not replace existing control but could reduce reliance on acaricides and chemotherapy. That contribution remains prospective rather than demonstrated: no resistance marker for T. annulata has yet been validated, prediction accuracies are moderate and transfer poorly between breeds, and no endemic production system has implemented selection for resistance.

Animals↗