A simple one-pot and biomimetic synthetic method for producing pimeforazine A and B, fluorescent benzoxazines with neuroprotective activity isolated from the olive weevil Pimelocerus perforatus, was developed. This synthesis uses the oxidation of commercially available 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenol (tyrosol) with 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX), followed by the addition of concentrated aqueous ammonia. The reaction produced pimeforazines A and B in a ratio of 3.4:1, which is consistent with the natural product ratio. This method provides a practical and efficient alternative to extracting these compounds from the olive weevil.

The skin tubercle gland of the stonefish Synanceia verrucosa secretes ichthyocrinotoxin. Ichthyocrinotoxins have been suggested to act as antifeedants against predators. Brominated natural products, namely synanceins D (4) and E (5), were newly isolated and characterized from the ichthyocrinotoxin of S. verrucosa. Synanceins D (4) and E (5) exhibited strong bitterness at 10 μg in the bitterness detection test. This was similar to synanceins A-C (1-3), previously isolated as the major components of the ichthyocrinotoxin from S. verrucosa. Furthermore, synanceins A-E (1-5) were evaluated for their growth-inhibitory activities against the parasitic protozoan Leishmania major. Among them, synancein C (3) exhibited the highest antileishmanial activity, showing 90.5% inhibition at a concentration of 100 μg/mL.

Analysis of various parts of cocoa by LC-ESI-MS/MS revealed that fermented cocoa bean shells contained high amounts of ceramides, especially a hydroxy phytoceramide (t18:0-h24:0, 466.6 μg/g) present in human skin. Its total ceramide content was higher than that in the skins of soybean, coffee bean, or peanut, suggesting that this high content is a unique feature of fermented cocoa bean shells.

In RAW264 macrophages, demethyltorosaflavone C (DTFC)-luteolin derivative from Cassia nomame-suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production without cytotoxicity. DTFC exhibited no NO radical scavenging activity but downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 at protein and mRNA levels, indicating anti-inflammatory effects through pathways similar to those of luteolin. These results suggest that DTFC appears to have potential comparable to luteolin.

L-theanine is derived from green tea leaves. It has neuroprotective properties that promote brain development through the migration of cerebellar granule cells, but its exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examine receptor-mediated CGC migration signaling pathways modulated by L-theanine. We treated cerebellar explants and primary CGCs from postnatal mice with L-theanine (0.1-1000 µM), with and without receptor blockers CNQX, MK-801, and bicuculline. Changes at the cellular level and activation of signaling proteins were studied. The results showed that L-theanine stimulated CGC migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect was nullified by blocking the AMPA and NMDA receptors and was enhanced by blocking GABAA receptors. Moreover, L-theanine stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, CaMKII, CREB, and AMPA, indicating activation of pathways related to synaptic plasticity and cytoskeletal changes. These findings suggest that L-theanine likely promotes CGC migration through specific receptor pathways, supporting its role in neurogenesis.

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze the transfer of a methyl group. In Caenorhabditis elegans, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines are abolished in prmt-1; prmt-5 mutant, but half of monomethylarginine remains. Using this mutant as a biological resource for monomethylation, we identified stomatin-1, a membrane protein, as being monomethylated at Arg80. These findings may provide evidence to expand PRMT-mediated modification to membrane proteins.

This study aimed to convert black soldier fly pupal exuviae to functional material through Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA) fermentation. The fermentation was carried out in two steps. First, BSFP was treated by protease and then inoculated with Bacillus amyloliquefacienss Y2 trains (BA Y2) to start fermentation. Reducing sugar contents, cellulose activity, and chitinase activity of FBSFP peaked after 3000U/g protease treatment and 5 days of fermentation. Fermented black soldier fly pupal exuviae showed great antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and better total phenols contents, reducing power, and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity than black soldier fly pupal exuviae. In black soldier fly pupal exuviae, chitooligosaccharides content was measured, while the contents of N-acetyl-chitobiose, N-acetyl-chitotriose, N-acetyl-chitopentaose, and N-acetyl-chitohexaose were higher in fermented black soldier fly pupal. In conclusion, using BA Y2 to ferment H. illucens pupal exuviae is feasible and possesses potential for the production of feed additive with bioactive functions.

Callus cultures derived from medicinal plants offer useful platforms for producing valuable secondary metabolites. We established a callus culture system from Bergera koenigii leaves and examined the effects of phytohormone composition on callus growth and carbazole alkaloid accumulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of girinimbine (1), a carbazole alkaloid, isolated from leaf-derived callus, and we further synthesized 1. Compound 1 displayed potent antiproliferative activity against cancer stem-like cells (IC₅₀ = 4.1 µM) and non-cancer stem-like cells (IC₅₀ = 14.0 µM) derived from human glioblastoma U-251 MG cells. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that alkaloid content in the callus varied with culture conditions. Callus cultured with 0.20 mg/L IAA and 0.40 mg/L BA tended to produce more 1 than the roots. These findings demonstrate the potential of optimized callus cultures as useful sources of bioactive carbazole alkaloids, especially 1, from B. koenigii.

The brown alga Dictyopteris polypodioides produces a variety of sesquiterpene derivatives; however, its potential as an anti-melanogenic agent remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the ability of D. polypodioides extract and its constituent compounds to inhibit melanin biosynthesis. Methanolic extracts of D. polypodioides significantly suppressed melanin accumulation in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells. We identified four sesquiterpene hydroquinone derivatives, zonarol (1), yahazunol (2), isozonarol (3), and chromazonarol (6), as active constituents. Structure-activity relationship analyses, including those of semi-synthetic analogs, indicated that the hydroquinone moiety is crucial for the anti-melanogenesis activity. Chromazonarol (6), which lacks a hydroquinone group, inhibits tyrosinase (monophenolase) in an uncompetitive manner, with 50% inhibitory concentration of 6.2 µM. Quantitative analysis revealed that these sesquiterpene derivatives accounted for approximately 5.6% of the dried algal biomass. D. polypodioides is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in preventing melanogenesis and food browning.

Zinc and iron are essential trace elements indispensable for life in all organisms. However, even when these metals are sufficiently supplied to cells, the disruption of their proper distribution among intracellular organelles can lead to various diseases. ZIP13, a member of the Zrt-, Irt-like protein (ZIP) transporters that is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, was originally identified as an intracellular zinc transporter, but was recently shown to also transport iron ions. The dysfunction of ZIP13 disrupts metal distribution in the ER and Golgi apparatus, thereby impairing the homeostasis and function of various tissues. In this review, we summarize current understanding of ZIP13 biology, highlight its dual roles in zinc and iron transport, and discuss future perspectives on how ZIP13 research may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying diseases associated with dysregulated intracellular metal homeostasis.

Bionanocapsules (BNCs), hollow nanoparticles derived from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface L protein, originated from HB vaccine development and has evolved into a versatile biotechnological platform. Evolving from the first-generation S antigen vaccine, we developed second-generation (M antigen) and third-generation (L antigen) vaccines with enhanced protective efficacy, the latter giving rise to BNCs. BNCs retain the human liver-specific infection machinery of HBV and exhibit stealth, targeting, and endosomal escape abilities as a drug delivery system (DDS). Furthermore, BNCs have been applied to re-targeting via antibody display and as nanoscaffolds for high-sensitivity biosensors, resulting in breakthroughs across DDS, infection-mechanism elucidation, and biosensing technologies.

Ferritin, a protein ubiquitously found in living organisms, is well known for its major role in iron homeostasis. However, recent studies in invertebrates have revealed that it possesses diverse physiological functions beyond iron homeostasis. Especially in mollusks, ferritin has been suggested to be involved in functions such as restricting iron availability to pathogens during immune responses, mediating iron transport to specific tissues via hemolymph, and contributing to the formation of mineralized tissues, such as shells and radulae. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that mollusks possess not only the cytoplasmic ferritin found in vertebrates, but also a secretory ferritin, which contains a signal peptide. This review provides a comprehensive overview of molluscan ferritin, summarizing the broad aspects of its molecular structure and physiological functions.

In skeletal muscle cells, the resting membrane potential is primarily determined by Cl-, necessitating precise regulation of intracellular and extracellular Cl- balance. Potassium chloride cotransporters (KCCs), members of the cation-chloride cotransporter superfamily, facilitate the efflux of K+ and Cl- at a 1:1 ratio. However, the specific roles of KCCs in skeletal muscle remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the function of KCCs in skeletal muscle cells using [(dihydroindenyl)oxy]acetic acid (DIOA), a KCCs inhibitor. DIOA treatment of cultured C2C12 myotubes impaired contractility in response to electrical pulse stimulation. Additionally, DIOA-treated myotubes exhibited muscle atrophy, accompanied by increased expression of atrogenes such as Atrogin-1 and MuRF1. These findings reveal a novel role for KCCs in skeletal muscle and provide insights that may contribute to the development of preventive or therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders and atrophy.

Rising global demand for food has led to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing yields but damaging soils, biodiversity, and microbial communities. Alternatives such as the application of beneficial bacteria could restore diminished soil health and maintain productivity without these long-term costs. Bacillus species and related genera, such as Paenibacillus and Priestia, combine several useful traits, including phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, production of growth hormones, enzyme release, and generation of antimicrobial compounds. These abilities improve nutrient use, protect plants from pathogens, and increase stress tolerance. Applied as single strains or in microbial consortia, they have consistently increased yields, improved soil health, and reduced reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. Continued work on strain optimization, consortia design and modeling, and adaptation to specific environments will further unlock their potential for sustainable agriculture.

Some fungi form fairy rings by secreting fairy chemicals that regulate plant growth. Among them, 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX) has been proposed as a new phytohormone, but its mechanisms remain unclear. We treated Arabidopsis thaliana with 400 μM AHX and observed growth inhibition, contrasting with earlier reports in bentgrass. To elucidate this effect, we performed transcriptome sequencing and identified differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology enrichment revealed activation of hormone- and stress-related terms and suppression of photosynthesis-related terms. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry further showed an increase in 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid, an ethylene precursor, after AHX treatment. These results suggest that AHX alters the stress response in A. thaliana by regulating genes associated with multiple plant hormones, including abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and cytokinins.

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, 10(R)-acetoxy-8(Z)-octadecenoic acid and 10(R)-hydroxy-8(Z)-octadecenoic acid (collectively termed nitrogen signaling factors, NSFs), function as signaling molecules mediating cell-cell communication in nitrogen catabolite repression. However, it remains unclear whether production of these compounds is conserved across related yeasts. Here, we developed a sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based method for their absolute quantification and applied it to diverse yeast species. Both compounds were detected in Schizosaccharomyces octosporus, Schizosaccharomyces osmophilus, Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus as well as in S. pombe, but not in Schizosaccharomyces japonicus or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, natural isolates of S. pombe produced levels similar to or lower than those of the laboratory strain. These findings indicate that the ability to produce NSFs is partially conserved within the Schizosaccharomyces genus and suggest that these molecules are utilized across related species in nature.

Reactive carbonyl species (RCS), such as acrolein (Acr), are generated through the degradation of lipid peroxides and exert cytotoxic effects. To identify natural RCS scavengers, we examined 80% ethanol extracts from 46 angiosperm species for Acr-trapping activity using an HPLC-based assay. Strong activities were observed in several taxa, including garlic, spinach, avocado, broccoli, and lotus. In garlic, the active metabolite was identified as S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (alliin), a characteristic Allium amino acid. Alliin and its S-(1E)-propenyl and S-methyl derivatives (isoalliin and methiin, respectively) trapped up to two Acr molecules at the amino group and exhibited higher activities than known scavengers such as carnosine and epigallocatechin gallate. These findings highlight S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides as potent secondary antioxidants and suggest that structurally diverse RCS scavengers remain to be discovered in plants.

Rice produces a diverse array of phytoalexins, including diterpenoid compounds (momilactones and phytocassanes) and the flavonoid sakuranetin, which serve as crucial defense metabolites against environmental stresses such as pathogen attack. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms and evolutionary insights of rice phytoalexin biosynthesis. Jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine (JA-Ile) is one of the signal molecules inducing phytoalexin production. OsCOI2 functions as the primary JA-Ile receptor for phytoalexin production. Multiple transcription factors, including DPF/bHLH25, OsTGAP1, and various WRKY proteins, coordinately regulate the expression of biosynthetic genes. Remarkably, genes encoding diterpenoid phytoalexin biosynthetic enzymes are organized into biosynthetic gene clusters in the rice genome. Comparative genomic analyses reveal dynamic evolutionary processes involving gene duplications, cluster rearrangements, and occasional losses across Oryza species. These findings provide fundamental insights into the evolution of plant chemical defense and offer potential strategies for developing stress-tolerant crops by targeting the manipulation of phytoalexin biosynthetic pathways and their regulatory networks.

Sugar transporter SWEETs play diverse roles in plants. To assess the role of SWEETs in floral thermogenesis, we analyzed Symplocarpus renifolius SWEET2, SWEET4, and SWEET6, whose mRNA expression increased from the pre-thermogenic to thermogenic stages in RNA-seq data. Yeast complementation using hexose transport-deficient strains showed that SrSWEET4 and SrSWEET6 transport both glucose and fructose; SrSWEET4 also transports galactose. SrSWEET2 did not complement hexose transport deficiency in the yeast. Intracellular localization of GFP-tagged proteins in S. renifolius leaf protoplasts revealed that SrSWEET4 and SrSWEET6 localize to the plasma membrane, whereas SrSWEET2 may localize to the tonoplast. In qPCR, SrSWEET4 and SrSWEET6 exhibited prominent organ-specific expression in the spadix, particularly in the stamen, whereas SrSWEET2 was not differentially expressed at any stage or organ. In situ localization of SrSWEET6 mRNA was detected in developing pollen. These results suggest that SrSWEET4 and SrSWEET6 are involved in stamen development via hexose transport during thermogenesis.

Euglena gracilis cells grown in the dark accumulate a β-1,3-glucan called paramylon, synthesized from organic carbon sources. Paramylon has potential applications as a raw material for bioplastics and nanofibers. Strain SM-ZK, a streptomycin-bleached mutant of E. gracilis, lacks chloroplasts permanently and accumulates more paramylon than the wild-type strain. However, data are limited on the fermentation characteristics of this mutant strain. This study compares the cultivation characteristics of E. gracilis strains Z (wild-type strain) and SM-ZK were compared under fed-batch cultivation conditions. Strain SM-ZK showed significantly higher productivity in terms of both biomass yield and glucose consumption than strain Z. Moreover, strain SM-ZK cells appeared to be gradually enlarged during fed-batch cultivation compared with strain Z that grows uniform sizes. These novel findings support the potential use of strain SM-ZK for industrial scale production of paramylon.

The relationship between obesity-induced leptin resistance and skin function remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of leptin signaling on collagen production in mouse skin. Mice were divided into three groups: control diet, high-fat diet, and switching diet [from the high-fat diet to the control diet]. We measured the expression of leptin signaling-related genes and type I tropocollagen levels in the skin. In an additional experiment, leptin was administered to leptin-deficient ob/ob mice to examine the direct effect of leptin signaling on type I collagen synthesis in the skin. Type I tropocollagen levels and Ob-Rb gene expression were decreased in the high-fat diet group. These abnormalities were reversed by the switching diet. We also observed that type I tropocollagen levels were decreased in ob/ob mice, but this abnormality was reversed by leptin administration. It is likely that leptin will help to improve obesity-induced skin fragility.