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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Molecular mechanisms of plant thermal response: from signal transduction and epigenetic regulation to signaling integration.

Global warming intensification elevates heat stress to one of the major threats to crop productivity. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the mechanisms governing plant responses to both moderate and acute heat stress, with a focus on the integration of epigenetic regulation and signaling networks that underpin thermal adaptation. This review highlights how transcription factors PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4, during thermomorphogenesis) and HEAT SHOCK FACTOR A1s (HSFA1s, in heat shock responses) orchestrate plant adaptive growth through crosstalk among light, circadian, and hormone signaling pathways. Importantly, epigenetic mechanisms, including histone variant H2A.Z dynamics and histone modification reprogramming, function as central regulators of thermal plasticity. Key among these processes are HSFA2-mediated chromatin remodeling and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-dependent control of transgenerational thermomemory. Despite this progress, fundamental questions persist regarding temperature sensing, HSFA1s activation dynamics, and stress signal integration. Multi-omics and synthetic biology approaches are proposed to be pivotal in deciphering conserved principles of plant thermal resilience, ultimately providing a theoretical foundation and molecular breeding strategies for climate-smart crops.

Epigenesis, Genetic↗
PubMed2024

Diffusion within the synaptonemal complex can account for signal transduction along meiotic chromosomes.

Meiotic chromosomes efficiently transduce information along their length to regulate the distribution of genetic exchanges (crossovers). However, the mode of signal transduction remains unknown. A conserved protein interface called the synaptonemal complex forms between the parental chromosomes. The synaptonemal complex exhibits liquid-like behaviors, suggesting that the diffusion of signaling molecules along its length could coordinate crossover formation. Here, we directly test the feasibility of such a mechanism by tracking a component of the synaptonemal complex (SYP-3) and a conserved regulator of exchanges (ZHP-3) in live Caenorhabditis elegans gonads. While we find that both proteins diffuse within the synaptonemal complex, ZHP-3 diffuses 4- and 9-fold faster than SYP-3 before and after crossover designation, respectively. We use these measurements to parameterize a physical model for signal transduction. We find that ZHP-3, but not SYP-3, can explore the lengths of chromosomes on the time scale of crossover designation, consistent with a role in the spatial regulation of exchanges. Given the conservation of ZHP-3 paralogues across eukaryotes, we propose that diffusion along the synaptonemal complex may be a conserved mechanism of meiotic regulation. More broadly, our work explores how diffusion compartmentalized by condensates could regulate crucial chromosomal functions.

Synaptonemal Complex↗
PubMed2026

Genetic Tools in the Nakaseomyces clade for Evolutionary Comparisons of Signal Transduction Pathways.

The genus Nakaseomyces provides four species that are closely related but have different characteristics. For example, N. glabratus (formerly known as Candida glabrata) is a common human pathogen, whereas N. bracarensis and N. nivariensis have been isolated in clinical settings but are not common human pathogens. N. delphensis was isolated from fruit and there is no evidence it is pathogenic. Given the differences, we developed the clade as a molecular genetic system where we could introduce plasmids and assess transcriptional output from cloned promoters. We engineered a CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid that allows for rapid Gibson cloning of gRNAs, generated auxotrophic strains for amino acids and nucleotides, and introduced plasmids into each species. We used promoter-YFP plasmids to determine that while there are differences between the species, each species likely has intact thiamine and phosphate (THI and PHO) signal transduction pathways, and that gene expression in N. glabratus and N. bracarensis is more similar to one another than to the other two species. Finally, we determine that N. glabratus, N. bracarensis, and N. nivariensis persist in a murine macrophage for 24 h, whereas N. delphensis does not. This work describes new molecular tools for genetic manipulation in the Nakaseomyces clade and allows for evolutionary questions to be explored.

Signal Transduction↗
PubMed2026

Symmetric and near-symmetric cyanine probes for G-quadruplexes: molecular recognition, signal transduction, and biological applications.

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are dynamic noncanonical nucleic-acid structures involved in genome maintenance, transcription, RNA metabolism, and mitochondrial function, and are implicated in disease-associated processes. Symmetric and near-symmetric cyanines are versatile platforms for G4 recognition because their polymethine length, terminal heterocycles, charge distribution, conformational freedom, and supramolecular organization can be systematically tuned within related scaffolds. This review discusses how these structural features control G4 recognition and optical signal transduction through terminal G-tetrad stacking, loop and groove contacts, restriction of molecular motion, and aggregate reorganization. We first summarize in vitro recognition, structural discrimination, and G4-mediated sensing, and then discuss DNA and RNA G4 imaging, G4-associated biological processes, and emerging in vivo applications. Particular attention is given to several distinctions that are essential for interpreting probe performance: binding affinity versus fluorescence activation, topology preference versus DNA/RNA selectivity, organelle accumulation versus molecular targeting, and imaging contrast versus biological validation. Overall, molecular symmetry is considered a tunable design variable rather than a direct predictor of performance. Future studies should emphasize matched structural series, reversible and minimally perturbing probes, optical readouts that are less dependent on probe concentration, clear separation of DNA and RNA contributions, and standardized validation across solution, cellular, and whole-organism studies.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1979

Lipid synthesis: an indicator of antigen-induced signal transduction in antigen-binding cells.

A biochemical parameter of lymphocyte activation, lipid synthesis, has been measured in a purified specific antigen-binding cell population (ABC). ABC isolated form immune and nonimmune animals by sequential centrifugation on buoyant density and sedimentation velocity gradients have a 2- to 7-fold higher rate of 14-C choline incorporation into phospholipid than either unfractionated spleen cells or cells depleted of ABC. Aslo ABC from immune animals were shown to have a 4- to 7-fold higher rate of 14C-acetate incorporation into their neutral lipids than nonbinding controls. The elevated lipid synthesis seen in both nonimmune SRBC-ABC and TNP-SRBC ABC indicates that antigenic contact via the B cell immunoglobulin receptor results in signal transduction and activation of the specific receptor-bearing lymphocyte population. Binding of the same particle (SRBC) to B cells via their Fc receptors did not regularly result in activation of lipid synthesis. The magnitude of the increased lipid synthesis in ABC populations approached that seen in LPS-stimulated spleen cells. We propose that the measurement of early activation events in purified ABC may be a more appropriate criterion for antigen-induced signals that later events such as thymidine incorporation or antibody secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Relation of chemotactic response to the amount of receptor: evidence for different efficiencies of signal transduction.

We determined the content of galactose-glucose-, maltose-, and ribose-binding proteins in cells of Escherichia coli K-12 grown in a variety of media and also measured the respective transport and chemotactic activities that depend on those binding proteins. Correlation of the level of induction of a particular binding protein with the extent of tactic activity mediated by that protein indicates that the magnitude of the tactic response to a particular stimulating compound is a direct function of the number of receptors per cell. In contrast, comparison of the magnitudes of response to substances recognized by independent receptors indicates that some stimulus-receptor complexes are more effective in eliciting tactic responses than are others. Thus, the magnitude of response to any particular stimulating compound is a function both of the number of receptors per cell and of the effectiveness of the stimulus-receptor complex. Considerations of available information about the tactic response to maltose suggest that the effectiveness of a stimulus-receptor complex is related to the transducer with which the receptor interacts. The tar product appears to be a relatively effective transducer of the signals it accepts from receptors for aspartate, alpha-methylaspartate, and maltose, whereas the trg product appears to be a relatively ineffective transducer of signals it accepts from receptors for galactose and ribose.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2026

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Drought-Stress-Responsive Genes in Two Bermudagrass Genotypes.

Drought inhibits grass development and survival. However, molecular-based studies on drought tolerance mechanisms in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) remain scarce. Therefore, a drought-resistant bermudagrass (Tianshui) and a drought-sensitive (Zhengzhou) genotype were selected and subjected to 28 days of 50% drought stress. Leaves were sampled for RNA sequencing. Under drought stress, 2410 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered in which 1214 were upregulated (tolerant vs. sensitive) and 1196 downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated that these specific DEGs are notably present in hormonal signal transduction pathways, flavonoids biogenesis, carbohydrate metabolic processes, abscisic acid-mediated pathways, MAPK signaling, and gluconeogenesis. Additionally, the plant hormone signal transduction pathway is predominantly linked to abscisic acid signal transduction, and many other plant hormones were also drought-responsive. The study specifically targeted genes associated with the antioxidant enzyme system, with a particular emphasis on responsive TFs such as MYB, bHLH, bZIP, GRAS, and WRKY. This study establishes the theoretical framework and identifies gene sources for the genetic enhancement and breeding of bermudagrass in the future.

Cynodon↗
PubMed2024

Tailored UPRE2 variants for dynamic gene regulation in yeast.

Genetic elements are foundational in synthetic biology serving as vital building blocks. They enable programming host cells for efficient production of valuable chemicals and recombinant proteins. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a stress pathway in which the transcription factor Hac1 interacts with the upstream unfolded protein response element (UPRE) of the promoter to restore endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. Here, we created a UPRE2 mutant (UPRE2m) library. Several rounds of screening identified many elements with enhanced responsiveness and a wider dynamic range. The most active element m84 displayed a response activity 3.72 times higher than the native UPRE2. These potent elements are versatile and compatible with various promoters. Overexpression of HAC1 enhanced stress signal transduction, expanding the signal output range of UPRE2m. Through molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we pinpointed the DNA-binding residue Lys60 in Hac1(Hac1-K60). We also confirmed that UPRE2m exhibited a higher binding affinity to Hac1. This shed light on the mechanism underlying the Hac1-UPRE2m interaction. Importantly, applying UPRE2m for target gene regulation effectively increased both recombinant protein production and natural product synthesis. These genetic elements provide valuable tools for dynamically regulating gene expression in yeast cell factories.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae↗
PubMed2025

WhiB6 Transduces Contact-Dependent Signaling in Mycobacterium smegmatis and Coordinately Induces Both ESX-1 and ESX-4.

Bacteria have evolved complex conditional pathways that respond to environmental stresses and signals. We use conjugation in Mycobacterium smegmatis to identify contact-recognition and response pathways that mediate interactions between donor and recipient cells. Contact with a compatible donor cell initiates a response in the recipient that requires the ESX-1 secretion system and subsequently activates the dormant ESX-4 secretion system. The links of this signal transduction pathway, the mechanism of coordination and dependency between ESX-1 and ESX-4 secretion systems, are unknown. Previous studies identified SigM as a cell-contact responsive sigma factor dedicated to activating ESX-4. WhiB proteins are iron-sulfur-binding stress-response transcription factors exclusively found in Actinobacteria. WhiB6 has been shown to regulate ESX-1 associated gene expression in other mycobacteria. Here, we show that WhiB6 is required both for conjugation and for transducing cell-contact dependent signaling in the recipient cell. Our RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and proteomic profiling data define a WhiB6 regulon that supports conjugative cell-cell interaction. The WhiB6 regulon includes genes encoding ESX-1, ESX-4, SigM, as well as dispersed operons that likely support ESX secretion. Our data demonstrate that WhiB6 is epistatic to SigM and ESX-4 in this signal transduction pathway. This work shows that WhiB6 functions as a signal transduction node in recipient cells: it coordinates the expression of two ESX systems and it also induces uncharacterized proteins that collectively constitute a complete secretion response to recipient contact with a donor cell.

Mycobacterium smegmatis↗
PubMed2026

Non-telomeric function deficiency of TERT enhances pressure overload-induced mouse cardiac remodeling by activation of CNBP-mediated THBS3/ITGB1 pathway.

Recent studies show that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) possesses important new biological functions in gene transcription regulation, signal transduction, tumorigenesis, vascular development and mitochondrial DNA protection independent of the maintenance of telomere length. In this study we investigated the role and mechanisms of TERT in regulating the gene expression and signal transduction during pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. The first-generation TERT knockout (Tert-/-) and wild-type littermate control (Tert+/+) male mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery to establish a pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling model. We showed that pressure overload significantly increased TERT expression in the hearts at 8 weeks after TAC, whereas TERT deficiency remarkably exacerbated pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and reduced the survival rate of the mice. In contrast, TERT overexpression reversed phenylephrine (PE)-stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). Ttranscriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction was a key Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway regulated by TERT in hemodynamic overload-induced cardiac remodeling. TERT knockdown greatly enhanced, while TERT overexpression inhibited the activation of the THBS3/ITGB1 signaling pathway, in which transcription factor cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) played a pivotal mediating role by interacting with TERT. In conclusion, the non-telomeric function of TERT in gene transcription regulation and signaling transduction plays an important role during pressure overload-induced myocardial remodeling via modulating CNBP-mediated THBS3/ITGB1 signaling pathway, which provides new targets and strategies for the prevention and treatment of pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Long-day photoperiod promotes growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) via auxin biosynthesis and polar transport.

Photoperiodic sensitivity is an essential factor that may affect agricultural practices under current climate scenarios. This study used pea (Pisum sativum) to examine effects of varying photoperiods on growth and photosynthetic parameters and then reveal the mechanistic basis of this process by linking them with tissue-specific distribution of auxin and regulation of related genes. This was achieved by transcriptome sequencing, genome-wide gene family identification, and expression pattern analysis. Best results in terms of growth and yield were obtained with a 20 h/4 h light/dark photoperiod and these plants had the highest content of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in both the shoot apex and the root. Genes consistently upregulated with prolonged light exposure were significantly enriched in pathways related to light signal transduction, photosynthetic carbon metabolism, and phytohormone signal transduction. Through genome-wide identification, we characterized the TAA/TAR and YUCCA families (key gene families involved in auxin biosynthesis) as well as the PIN family (responsible for auxin polar transport) in pea. Extending the light duration positively affected expression of several genes related to auxin biosynthesis and transport, among them members of the Elongated Hypocotyl (HY) and Phytochrome-Interacting Factor (PIF) families being key light-induced transcription factors, PsTAR2, the principal gene regulating auxin biosynthesis, as well as PsPIN4, PsPIN5, PsPIN11, and PsPIN13 which mediate polar auxin transport. By elucidating mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of pea growth by light and auxin, this work provides a significant reference for photoperiod research on long-day crops for both protected- and field-based horticulture.

Auxin↗
PubMed2026

From dormancy to germination: Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential involvement of heat shock proteins in gibberellin-induced seed dormancy release in Solanum torvum.

Solanum torvum, a superior vegetable grafting rootstock and medicinal Solanaceae plant, exhibits strong seed dormancy, which limits its commercial cultivation. Among various strategies explored to improve the germination rate of S. torvum, exogenous application of gibberellin (GA) has been shown to be effective. In this study, a GA concentration of 2.5 mM was established as the optimal for breaking dormancy in S. torvum seeds. Transcriptome analysis of dry, water-soaked, GA-soaked, and GA-induced germinated seeds was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism of GA-mediated dormancy release. During the soaking period, GA application significantly induced transcriptome changes in processes including protein processing, translation, and peptide biosynthesis. Concurrently, GA treatment promoted plant hormone signal transduction, enhanced DNA-binding transcription factor activity, and activated monocarboxylic acid biosynthetic process, all of which facilitated seed water absorption. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by GA during soaking primarily functioned in signal transduction or activation. While most of these DEGs returned to their pre-treatment expression levels before subsequent recovery, a subset persisted until seed germination. During radicle protrusion, the persistent DEGs were associated with energy metabolism and cell structure establishment. Notably, heat shock protein (HSP) genes showed dynamic expression across all stages (soaking, germination, and radicle penetration). Furthermore, by adjusting germination conditions, temperature was confirmed to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for GA-induced S. torvum seed germination. However, functional validation (e.g., using HSP inhibitors or genetic approaches) is still required to confirm the causal role of HSPs. Collectively, these findings not only clarify the molecular basis of GA-regulated seed dormancy breaking in S. torvum but also provide practical guidance for optimizing its commercial propagation protocols.

Gibberellins↗
PubMed2026

ATX1-COMPASS-like complex participates in the bud dormancy release of tree peony by regulating H3K4me3 modification.

Bud dormancy release in woody plants is crucial for survival, regrowth, flowering, and fruiting. Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), an important ornamental and economic plant, undergoes bud endodormancy in winter, and sufficient chilling duration and exogenous gibberellins (GAs) can effectively break the dormancy. However, the epigenetic regulation mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, immunoblotting revealed that H3K4me3, but not H3K4me1 or H3K4me2, was associated with chilling- and GA3-induced dormancy release. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) combined with RNA-seq results revealed that H3K4me3 enriched near transcription start sites (TSS). H3K4me3 enrichment genes (HEGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were commonly enriched in KEGG pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction and MAPK signaling. The expression patterns of these marker genes, such as EARLY BUD-BREAK 3 (PsEBB3), CYCLIND3.1 (PsCYCD3.1), CYCLIND3.3 (PsCYCD3.3), and β-1,3-glucanase 6 (PsBG6), were correlated with their H3K4me3 enrichment and were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR). Four COMPASS-like component homologs and one histone methyltransferase were screened; among them, PsWDR5a, PsRBL, PsASH2R, and PsATX1 were upregulated by prolonged chilling and GA3 treatments. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), yeast three-hybrid (Y3H), luciferase complementation (LCA), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses revealed that PsRBL interacts with PsWDR5a and PsASH2R as a bridge. PsATX1 was confirmed as an H3K4me3 methyltransferase and interacted with PsWDR5a and PsRBL to form the PsATX1-COMPASS-like complex using Y2H, LCA, and Co-IP assays. Functional analyses showed that PsWDR5a, PsRBL, PsASH2R, and PsATX1 significantly promoted budburst by elevating genomic H3K4me3 levels. Our findings provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of dormancy transitions in woody perennials.

Histones↗
PubMed2026

Transcriptomic insights into the coordinated regulation of signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during Sinonovacula constricta larval metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis is a critical ontogenetic transition for marine bivalves, marking the shift from planktonic to benthic lifestyles, where successful transformation dictates survival. The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is economically important; however, low larval metamorphosis rates remain a major bottleneck in seedling production. To elucidate the mechanisms governing this process, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of S. constricta larvae at pre- and post-metamorphosis stages using Illumina sequencing. A total of 3701 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 3254 up-regulated and 447 down-regulated genes. Functional annotation of the respective top 20 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs indicated their potential pivotal roles in signal transduction (e.g., up-regulated: CAV1, CHRNA2; down-regulated: APP, NOTCH1), cellular proliferation and differentiation (e.g., up-regulated: TUBA, EGF1; down-regulated: KIF23, TTC25), transcriptional and epigenetic regulation (e.g., up-regulated: NFIL3; down-regulated: OVO, HMX1), substance transport (e.g., up-regulated: LRP2, LRP1B; down-regulated: SLC51A, Slc33a1), substance metabolism (e.g., up-regulated: CPK3, CYP26A1; down-regulated: RDMT1, ADAC), immunomodulation (e.g., up-regulated: CPN2, CRISP2), and protein homeostasis (e.g., up-regulated: HSP27, NAS-27). Functional enrichment analysis further revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to signal transduction and developmental regulation (e.g., Ras, TNF), cell death and homeostasis (e.g., apoptosis), immune responses (e.g., Toll-like receptor), energy metabolism (e.g., lipid), cardiovascular related (e.g., Fluid shear stress), cell junction and architecture (e.g., Tight junction), and infectious disease (e.g., measles). These results suggest a synergistic interplay between signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during S. constricta metamorphosis. This study advances our understanding of marine bivalve metamorphosis and offers candidate genes for further mechanistic studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2007

Renal albumin excretion: twin studies identify influences of heredity, environment, and adrenergic pathway polymorphism.

Albumin excretion marks early glomerular injury in hypertension. This study investigated heritability of albumin excretion in twin pairs and its genetic determination by adrenergic pathway polymorphism. Genetic associations used single nucleotide polymorphisms at adrenergic pathway loci spanning catecholamine biosynthesis, storage, catabolism, receptor action, and postreceptor signal transduction. We studied 134 single nucleotide polymorphisms at 46 loci for a total of >51,000 genotypes. Albumin excretion heritability was 45.2+/-7.4% (P=2x10(-7)), and the phenotype aggregated significantly with adrenergic, renal, metabolic, and hemodynamic traits. In the adrenergic system, excretions of both norepinephrine and epinephrine correlated with albumin. In the kidney, albumin excretion correlated with glomerular and tubular traits (Na(+) and K(+) excretion; fractional excretion of Na(+) and Li(+)). Albumin excretion shared genetic determination (genetic covariance) with epinephrine excretion, and environmental determination with glomerular filtration rate and electrolyte intake/excretion. Albumin excretion associated with polymorphisms at multiple points in the adrenergic pathway: catecholamine biosynthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase), catabolism (monoamine oxidase A), storage/release (chromogranin A), receptor target (dopamine D1 receptor), and postreceptor signal transduction (sorting nexin 13 and rho kinase). Epistasis (gene-by-gene interaction) occurred between alleles at rho kinase, tyrosine hydroxylase, chromogranin A, and sorting nexin 13. Dopamine D1 receptor polymorphism showed pleiotropic effects on both albumin and dopamine excretion. These studies establish new roles for heredity and environment in albumin excretion. Urinary excretions of albumin and catecholamines are highly heritable, and their parallel suggests adrenergic mediation of early glomerular permeability alterations. Albumin excretion is influenced by multiple adrenergic pathway genes and is, thus, polygenic. Such functional links between adrenergic activity and glomerular injury suggest novel approaches to its prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2024

Transcriptome analysis under pecan scab infection reveals the molecular mechanisms of the defense response in pecans.

Pecan scab, caused by the fungal pathogen Venturia effusa, is the most devastating disease of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) in the southeastern United States. Resistance to this pathogen is determined by a complex interaction between host genetics and disease pathotype with even field-susceptible cultivars being resistant to most scab isolates. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of scab resistance in pecan, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the pecan cultivar, 'Desirable', in response to inoculation with a pathogenic and a non-pathogenic scab isolate at three different time points (24, 48, and 96 hrs. post-inoculation). Differential gene expression and gene ontology enrichment analyses showed contrasting gene expression patterns and pathway enrichment in response to the contrasting isolates with varying pathogenicity. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis of differentially expressed genes detected 11 gene modules. Among them, two modules had significant enrichment of genes involved with defense responses. These genes were particularly upregulated in the resistant reaction at the early stage of fungal infection (24 h) compared to the susceptible reaction. Hub genes in these modules were predominantly related to receptor-like protein kinase activity, signal reception, signal transduction, biosynthesis and transport of plant secondary metabolites, and oxidoreductase activity. Results of this study suggest that the early response of pathogen-related signal transduction and development of cellular barriers against the invading fungus are likely defense mechanisms employed by pecan cultivars against non-virulent scab isolates. The transcriptomic data generated here provide the foundation for identifying candidate resistance genes in pecan against V. effusa and for exploring the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance.

Carya↗
PubMed2026

Network pharmacology insights into the mechanistic basis of Taohe Chengqi Decoction in the treatment of constipation.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder associated with impaired motility, inflammation, and altered neuro-intestinal regulation. Taohe Chengqi Decoction, a classical prescription from Shang Han Lun, has been widely applied in the treatment of constipation, yet its pharmacological mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. We integrated systems pharmacology and network analysis to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi Decoction against constipation. Active compounds and their putative targets were retrieved from traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology and PubChem, while constipation-related genes were collected from GeneCards and OMIM. Shared targets were identified and subsequently analyzed using STRING to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Hub proteins were ranked by degree centrality. A drug-disease-target network was built to map the interactions between Taohe Chengqi Decoction and constipation. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were performed to uncover functional modules and signaling pathways. A total of 188 common targets were identified. Protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted AKT1, interleukin-6 (IL6), IL1B, and JUN as hub proteins, suggesting central roles in regulating inflammation, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Additional nodes with high connectivity, such as caspase-3, PTGS2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, estrogen receptor 1, and epidermal growth factor receptor, were implicated in apoptosis, oxidative stress, and transcriptional regulation. The drug-disease-target network revealed a dense and highly interconnected structure, reflecting the multicomponent, multi-target nature of Taohe Chengqi Decoction. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment indicated significant involvement of the advanced glycation end-product binding to their receptor signaling pathway, along with IL-17, TNF, and HIF-1 pathways, underscoring the contribution of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related processes. This study, based on computational pharmacology analysis, predicts that Taohe Chengqi Decoction may exert therapeutic effects on constipation through an integrated regulation involving multiple components, targets, and pathways. The potential mechanisms are likely associated with the modulation of inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, with the advanced glycation end-product binding to their receptor signaling pathway possibly acting as a key mediator. These findings provide theoretical insights and future directions for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Taohe Chengqi Decoction against constipation.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal↗