SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “WD40”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

High-variance phenome database reveals important roles of WD40 proteins in the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum.

WD40 is a highly conserved protein domain in eukaryotes that functions as a versatile platform for protein-protein interactions and participates in diverse biological processes. We performed a genome-wide functional analysis of WD40 domain-containing proteins in Fusarium graminearum, a phytopathogenic fungus that causes severe yield losses and mycotoxin contamination in major cereal crops. Comprehensive phenotypic profiling of 119 WD40 gene deletion mutants across 22 phenotypic traits established a systematic WD40 phenome dataset, revealing the broad functional involvement of WD40 proteins and a strong correlation between sexual reproduction and virulence. Protein interaction analyses of selected WD40 proteins revealed diverse WD40-mediated interaction patterns and provided further insights into WD40-mediated protein interactions and their roles in protein complex formation. This study provides a foundation for further characterization of WD40 proteins in filamentous fungi.

Fusarium graminearum↗

PubMed2026

Adaptive genomic evolution and WD40-regulated temporal dynamics of anthocyanins support leaf photoplasticity in Parrotia subaequalis.

BACKGROUND: Parrotia subaequalis, a Tertiary relict endemic to China, plays a significant role in phylogeny and adaptive evolution as a key species in the early differentiation of angiosperms. It has abundant leaf colors and great potential as an ornamental tree. RESULTS: This study assembled the first chromosome-level genome of P. subaequalis (Contig N50 = 2.15 Mb), revealing transposable element proliferation, key paleopolyploid events and dynamic gene family evolution, including the expansion of secondary metabolite transport and synthesis genes (such as WD40, 2OG-FeII_Oxy) and the contraction of gene families related to flower morphogenesis (such as F-box-like, K-box). Through integrative transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics approaches, we further revealed that the color transition of young leaves from red to green was driven by temporal accumulation differences of malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, whose biosynthesis is progressively down-regulated during leaf development. WGCNA revealed that a subset of WD40 genes (light-signaling, TTG1/HOS15-like, etc.) coexpresses with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, like 4CLL9, GT1, in anthocyanin-related modules enriched for auxin signaling and hydrolase activity, suggesting a potential link between WD40 expansion and photoprotective plasticity. Relevant regulatory networks were found to complement the species-specific gene pool related to leaf color regulation. CONCLUSION: This genomic resource of P. subaequalis advanced our understanding of early angiosperm adaptation through neofunctionalized regulatory networks and established a foundation for molecular breeding aimed at enhancing environmental resilience while preserving ornamental traits.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2025

Therapeutic targeting of WDR5-MLL1 by EMBOW-derived peptides suppresses leukemia progression.

WD40 repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) is a core component of the SET1/mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) complex that regulates gene expression via H3K4 methylation and plays a key role in maintaining oncogenic gene expression programs, particularly in MLL1-rearranged leukemias. In this study, we leveraged a microprotein, endogenous microprotein binder of WDR5 (EMBOW), to develop peptide-based inhibitors that specifically targeted WDR5. Through comprehensive biophysical analyses and high-resolution structural studies, we revealed that EMBOW mainly bound to the WDR5 interaction (WIN) site of WDR5. Structure-guided optimization led to the development of EMBOW-derived peptides, notably Ac7, which exhibited high affinity for WDR5 (Kd = 9.17 ± 4.01 nM). These peptides effectively inhibited H3K4 methylation, suppressed oncogenic gene expression, and impeded leukemia cell proliferation in vitro. Importantly, in xenograft mouse models, Ac7 demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity with low toxicity. This work offers a promising strategy for targeting epigenetic regulators with peptide-based therapeutics, providing a foundation for innovative treatments in leukemia.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comprehensive Identification of WDR Gene Family in Panax ginseng: PgWDR Gene Expression Analysis with Ginsenosides Biosynthesis Under MeJA.

Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) produces pharmacologically valuable ginsenosides. WD40-repeat (WDR) proteins act as versatile regulators of plant specialized metabolism, yet their biological roles under methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elicitation remain largely uncharacterized in ginseng. In this study, we identified 29 PgWDR family members at the whole-genome level, and systematically analyzed their phylogeny, gene structure, cis-acting promoter elements, as well as organ- and development-dependent expression patterns. Six candidate genes potentially associated with ginsenoside biosynthesis were screened through integrating gene-metabolite correlation analysis and gene co-expression analysis. Under MeJA treatment, three of these candidates showed statistically significant expression responses, while the other three exhibited variable expression fluctuations with no statistical significance. PgWDR24 displayed a positive correlation with key ginsenoside biosynthetic enzyme genes, and a negative correlation with protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside accumulation. Combined with its predicted nuclear localization, we hypothesize that PgWDR24 participates in the negative modulation of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside accumulation, although further genetic functional validation is still required. This work provides valuable candidate genes for deciphering ginsenoside regulatory networks and offers support for molecular-assisted breeding of high-quality ginseng.

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.↗

PubMed2026

R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB113 specifically regulates anthocyanin accumulation in Lycium ruthenicum.

LrMYB113 drives anthocyanin biosynthesis in Lycium ruthenicum by forming an MBW complex and directly activating LrDFR and LrANS promoters, providing a genetic target for enhancing flavonoid production. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (black goji berry), a Solanaceae medicinal plant, is valued for its high flavonoid content. However, the transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum remains unclear, hindering its pharmaceutical development. Here, we identified and characterized LrMYB113, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum. Phylogenetic analysis grouped LrMYB113 into the anthocyanin-associated S6 subgroup of MYBs. Heterologous expression of LrMYB113 in tobacco induced pigment accumulation and upregulated anthocyanin pathway genes. LrMYB113 overexpression in L. ruthenicum hairy roots enhanced accumulation of four acylated anthocyanins and activated anthocyanin pathway genes. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed LrMYB113 interacts with bHLHs (LrJAF13/LrAN1b) and WD40 (LrAN11) to form an MBW complex. Promoter binding and transactivation assays demonstrated LrMYB113 directly binds to and activates LrDFR and LrANS promoters. Dual-luciferase assays showed LrMYB113 alone strongly activates LrDFR and LrANS promoters; MBW complexes enhanced activity compared to individual bHLH/WD40 but not to LrMYB113 alone. Our findings identify LrMYB113 as a critical regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum, shedding light on flavonoid molecular mechanisms and supporting genetic improvement for pharmaceutical use.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2025

WDFY2 promotes MRN complex formation required for homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair.

The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex is fundamental for detecting and repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), thereby safeguarding genome integrity. However, the precise mechanism governing MRN complex recruitment to DSBs remains largely unexplored. Here, we identify WD40- and FYVE domain-containing protein 2 (WDFY2) as an important regulator of MRN complex formation at DNA damage sites, facilitating homologous recombination (HR) repair. Mechanistically, WDFY2 is phosphorylated at serine 84 by the ATM-CHK2 axis, priming it for recruitment to DSBs. Through direct interactions with MRE11 and NBS1, WDFY2 bridges the MRE11-RAD50 subcomplex with NBS1, thereby promoting MRN complex formation at DSBs and DNA end resection. WDFY2 deficiency, as well as the non-phosphorylatable S84A mutant, results in impaired HR repair and reduced cell survival following DNA damage. Collectively, our findings establish WDFY2 as a key platform for MRN complex loading at DSBs and HR repair, highlighting it as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genomic signatures of cold adaptation in a Himalayan drosophilid.

Drosophila nepalensis is a cold-adapted drosophilid endemic to the Himalayan region. Its ability to survive in harsh, cold conditions makes it a valuable Drosophila model for investigating how adaptation to thermal extremes may influence species persistence under future climate change. Here, we report the first de novo genome assembly of D. nepalensis, based on a hybrid sequencing strategy that combines Illumina short reads and Oxford Nanopore long reads. Illumina sequencing generated 49.88 million 150 bp paired-end reads (∼14.96 Gbp), while Nanopore sequencing produced 1.35 million long reads totaling ∼0.76 Gbp. The assembled genome spanned ∼178 Mb with an N50 of 83.6 kb and 98% BUSCO completeness, comparable to other well-annotated Drosophila genomes. Annotation identified 10,560 protein-coding genes, including transcription factor-rich and stress-related domains such as zinc fingers, WD40 repeats, and ankyrin motifs. Comparative orthology analysis across 6 Drosophila species identified 14,168 orthologous clusters, of which 9,173 were shared among all 6 species, indicating a conserved core genomic set across the sampled taxa. D. nepalensis showed 83 unique orthogroups and 50 singletons, suggesting some lineage-specific gene expansions associated with cold adaptation and endemicity, including families encoding caspase-family apoptotic regulators, chromatin remodeling proteins (HMGB/protamine-like), and SNARE-domain vesicle trafficking factors. Gene family evolution analysis revealed the highest expansions in the cold-tolerant Himalayan drosophilid, D. nepalensis, including significant expansions in serine protease, chaperone, and neurotransmitter transporter families, alongside dramatic contractions of core histone gene families, suggesting lineage-specific chromatin remodeling and ecological specialization.

Drosophila nepalensis↗

PubMed2026

The link between phosphate starvation-triggered anthocyanin biosynthesis and jasmonate-driven regulation in tomato.

Phosphate Starvation Response (PSR) in plants integrates inorganic phosphate (Pi) sensing with hormonal and metabolic reprogramming. Recent evidence supports a PSR-jasmonate (JA)-anthocyanin axis in which the PSR-associated PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE (PHR)/PHR-like-SYG1-PHO81-XPR1-inositol pyrophosphate 8 (PHR/PHL-SPX-InsP8) module gates transcriptional activation, while the core JA components JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) and MYELOCYTOMATOSIS 2 (MYC2) mediate hormone-induced activation of secondary metabolism. In Solanum lycopersicum, PHR/PHL transcription factors (TFs) serve as core PSR hubs, with expanded regulatory networks and InsP-associated control layers that tune SPX buffering and transcriptional output. Downstream, JA signaling and MYC2-dependent transcription interface with anthocyanin regulators, including key MYB and bHLH TFs that form the MYB-basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-WD40 repeat (MBW) complex, thereby regulating tissue capacity for pigmentation under Pi starvation (PiS). Anthocyanin-rich tomato cultivars such as 'Indigo Rose' exemplify how genetic configuration can enhance MBW responsiveness and potentiate pigment accumulation under PiS. Here, we collate recent advances linking PSR gating, JA response, and anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation in tomato, and propose a working model with testable predictions to accelerate causal validation, and enable breeding strategies targeting phosphorus use efficiency and nutritional quality.

Solanum lycopersicum↗

PubMed2026

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor ScMYB20 negatively regulates drought and salt tolerance through a dual-repression of ScCHALCONE SYNTHASE-1 (ScCHS1)-mediated flavonoid biosynthesis in the desert moss Syntrichia caninervis.

The desert moss Syntrichia caninervis is one of the most desiccation-tolerant land plants known and provides a powerful system for dissecting the molecular foundations of extreme stress adaptation in early-diverging land lineages. The MYB transcription factor superfamily orchestrates secondary metabolism and stress signaling across plants, yet its lineage-specific evolution and mechanistic deployment in bryophytes remain poorly understood. Here, we identified 65 ScMYB genes in the S. caninervis genome and showed that the family expanded predominantly through dispersed duplication, with no detectable synteny to vascular-plant MYBs, indicating bryophyte-specific neo-functionalization. Integrating phylogenetic clustering, cis-element architecture and stress-responsive expression profiling, we pinpointed ScMYB20, a nuclear-localized, S13-subgroup R2R3-MYB that is rapidly and strongly induced by dehydration and salinity. Heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis, together with overexpression and RNAi in S. caninervis, demonstrated that ScMYB20 negatively regulates drought and salt tolerance by suppressing antioxidant capacity, osmotic adjustment and photosynthetic performance, while concomitantly elevating ROS and MDA accumulation. Mechanistically, ScMYB20 directly binds a TAACCA motif in the ScCHS1 promoter to repress its transcription, and simultaneously sequesters the WD40 protein ScTTG1, a positive transcriptional activator of ScCHS1, thereby antagonising ScTTG1-mediated activation. Transient ScCHS1 overexpression restored flavonoid accumulation, antioxidant capacity and stress tolerance. Together, our findings define a dual-repression module (ScMYB20-ScTTG1-ScCHS1) that fine-tunes flavonoid flux under abiotic stress, and provide evolutionary and mechanistic insights into how R2R3-MYB repressors evolved to balance metabolic investment and stress survival in land plants.

Syntrichia caninervis↗

PubMed2025

Comprehensive analysis of a novel LYST mutation in a Tunisian patient with Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chediak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, bleeding tendencies, and progressive neurological impairment. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the LYST gene, which plays a crucial role in lysosomal trafficking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the molecular basis of CHS in a Tunisian patient by identifying mutations in the LYST gene and analyzing their impact on the protein function, correlating these findings with the patient's clinical presentation. METHODS: A comprehensive clinical assessment was conducted on the patient, followed by biochemical, hematological, and microbiological analyses. Additionally, LYST protein levels were quantified in the patient and their parents using an ELISA assay. Genomic DNA was extracted from the patient's blood, and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed to identify mutations in the LYST gene. The findings were confirmed through Sanger sequencing, and bioinformatic tools were employed to predict the functional consequences of the detected mutations. RESULTS: The patient presented with classical symptoms of CHS, including silver hair, hypopigmented skin, recurrent infections, and neurological decline, with an unusually late onset at 18 years. ELISA results demonstrated significantly reduced LYST levels in the patient (1.8 ng/ml) compared to heterozygous parents (7.8 ng/ml and 8.1 ng/ml) and controls (9.2 ng/ml). Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous deletion, c.10269_10275del (p.Gly3424SerfsTer15), in the LYST gene, leading to a frameshift mutation and premature termination of the protein. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that this mutation leads to the deletion of five out of sven WD40 repeats in the protein's C-terminal region, which are critical for protein-protein interactions and lysosomal trafficking. CONCLUSION: The study identifies a novel LYST mutation in a Tunisian patient with CHS, expanding the spectrum of known genetic variants associated with the disease. The findings highlight the importance of genetic screening in populations with high consanguinity and underscore the need for targeted therapies to address the molecular defects in CHS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2025

Yield and yield component trait analysis with DArT genotyping for GWAS in soybean grown in drought conditions of Kazakhstan.

Development of drought tolerant cultivars of soybean is the single best way to address the challenge of global climate change and very limited water resources for crop irrigation in Central Asia including Kazakhstan. A set of 188 soybean cultivars with diverse origins was assessed for genome-wide association study (GWAS) for yield and eight yield-related traits in both irrigated (well-watered, WW) and non-irrigated (drought) conditions during 2 years in field trials in South-Eastern Kazakhstan. The 295K Diversity array technology (DArT) analysis was applied, and 16K filtered DArT markers were used for genotyping of 183 soybean accessions. In the results, 41 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTN) were identified as significantly associated with nine studied traits. To verify these results, bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was carried out in six breeding lines originating from two crosses between high-yielding under drought cvs, Sponsor and Zen, with drought sensitive cv Lastochka. The evaluation of combined results revealed 10 most significant QTN and eight most promising putative candidate genes, which were selected and tested for their gene expression using RT-qPCR under drought compared with WW controls. Among them, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI), pentatricopeptide repeats (PPR) protein, and ABC transporter, associated with seed yield, seed weight per plant, and plant height, were highly upregulated in drought tolerant genotypes. In contrast, two other genes, Rab-GDP dissociation inhibitor (Rab-GDI) and Transducin with WD40 repeats, associated with seed yield, showed repression in the same genotypes. These verified genes involved in the control of yield and yield-related traits can be used for marker-assisted selection to develop novel genotypes and new soybean cultivars tolerant to strong drought in Kazakhstan and in other countries with similar conditions.

Diversity array technology (DArT)↗