Review
Cell Biology
Huiwen Zhou, Juan Hua, Hongdi Li, Xinyu Song, Shihong Luo
Summary: Maize, originating from southern Mexico, has been bred into various hybrid varieties during domestication. It contains specialized plant metabolites (SPMs) that enable it to resist stresses and pathogens. A wide range of compounds, including terpenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and others, have been identified in maize. These SPMs have diverse chemical structures and exhibit broad-spectrum biological activities, providing valuable insights for breeding and promoting the maize industry.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ali Javed, Melanie D. Balhuizen, Arianne Pannekoek, Floris J. Bikker, Dani A. C. Heesterbeek, Henk P. Haagsman, Femke Broere, Markus Weingarth, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen
Summary: This study systematically investigates the influence of O-antigen and Lipid A composition on the antibacterial and anti-endotoxin activity of four HDPs. The results show that O-antigen does not affect antibacterial activity, while Lipid A modification can affect the immunomodulatory role of HDPs. The findings have important implications for the application of HDPs in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew Drayton, Julia P. Deisinger, Kevin C. Ludwig, Nigare Raheem, Anna Mueller, Tanja Schneider, Suzana K. Straus
Summary: The rapid rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has raised concerns about the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides, with their diverse mechanisms of actions, offer a promising solution to combat these pathogens. This review discusses the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the potential of antimicrobial peptides in providing a more robust treatment of bacterial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aetas Amponnawarat, Chalatip Chompunud Na Ayudhya, Hydar Ali
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat due to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, but a lipidated HDP mimetic called murepavadin has shown antibacterial activity against multi-drug-resistant strains. Murepavadin activates human MCs via MRGPRX2 and murine MCs via MrgprB2, potentially contributing to bacterial clearance and wound healing.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Fernando Lobo, Alicia Boto
Summary: Host-defense peptides (HDP) are emerging as promising phytosanitaries due to their potency, low toxicity, and low induction of antimicrobial resistance. They are natural compounds that have been used by animals and plants for millions of years to defend against pathogens. HDPs are being discovered through genome mining and produced using biofactories. Truncated or modified peptides have been developed to improve their bioactivities and reduce production costs. The combination of HDP and other antimicrobials, as well as the development of hybrid molecules, has shown promising results. However, cautionary measures need to be taken for the sustainable use of HDPs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suemin Lee, Bethany R. Schefter, Sattar Taheri-Araghi, Bae-Yeun Ha
Summary: In this study, a biophysical model was used to quantitatively demonstrate the dependence of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) selectivity on the presence and density of host cells and peptide trapping in a mixture of bacteria and host cells. The results showed that the selectivity increases with increasing host-cell density, but decreases with bacterial cell density. The model also clarified the difference between cell selectivity and membrane selectivity of AMPs.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hashem Etayash, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: Amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers and surface engineered polymeric-brush-tethered HDP are promising strategies that aim to overcome limitations of HDPs, enhance physicochemical properties and therapeutic performance, and address unmet therapeutic needs.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Isabel Tobin, Guolong Zhang
Summary: The rise of antimicrobial resistance has led to an urgent need for antibiotic alternatives in disease control and prevention. Host defense peptides (HDPs), with their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, offer a promising solution to treating infections without the risk of developing resistance. Polyphenols, natural compounds found in plants, have been found to stimulate HDP synthesis and show potential as antibiotic alternatives.
Article
Entomology
Xiaoyue Hu, James P. Hereward, Duoqi Wang, Qinglang Yang, Yongmo Wang
Summary: In this study, the performance of different host lineages of the aphid Aphis gossypii on cucumbers was investigated. The researchers found that the Malvaceae lineage showed poor performance on cucumbers, but its performance significantly improved after feeding on cucumbers previously infested by the Cucurbit lineage. The infestation altered the metabolism of cucumbers and disrupted the defense-associated phytohormones, leading to the incompatibility of the Malvaceae lineage with cucumbers.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wu-Bin Shao, Rong-Shuang Luo, Jiao Meng, Xiao-Kang Lv, Hong-Mei Xiang, Wan-Lin Xiao, Xiang Zhou, Li-Wei Liu, Zhi-Bing Wu, Song Yang
Summary: Phenothiazine derivatives showed excellent bioactivity against different bacteria and demonstrated potential as pesticide candidates for plant diseases. Compound C-2 had high effectiveness against rice leaf blight, outperforming commonly used pesticides.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ernest Y. Lee, Liana C. Chan, Huiyuan Wang, Juelline Lieng, Mandy Hung, Yashes Srinivasan, Jennifer Wang, James A. Waschek, Andrew L. Ferguson, Kuo-Fen Lee, Nannette Y. Yount, Michael R. Yeaman, Gerard C. L. Wong
Summary: This study confirms the antimicrobial role of PACAP and reveals its selective induction in the brain during infection. Through various mechanisms, including disruption of pathogen membrane integrity and activation of cell death pathways, PACAP exhibits antimicrobial activity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qing Yang, Amanda C. Burkardt, Lakshimi T. Sunkara, Kan Xiao, Guolong Zhang
Summary: The study found that certain natural cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors can enhance the expression of host defense peptides (HDP) genes in chickens. These inhibitors demonstrated a strong synergistic effect with butyrate in increasing the expressions of multiple HDP genes. Additionally, they promoted the expressions of barrier function-related genes and suppressed inflammatory responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hao Li, Thinam Tamang, Chanin Nantasenamat
Summary: This study used the random forest algorithm to analyze the relationship between peptide sequence information and bioactivity data, and found that factors influencing selectivity mainly included the composition and distribution patterns of molecular charge and solubility related parameters, as well as the influence of bacterial target species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wentao Lyu, Dehui Mi, Paige N. Vinson, Yingping Xiao, Guolong Zhang
Summary: The study aimed to identify small-molecule compounds that can induce the synthesis of endogenous HDPs as novel antimicrobial agents. Through high-throughput screening, 110 compounds were identified, among which mocetinostat showed strong ability to enhance HDP gene expression and the antibacterial activity of chicken macrophages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Jhon A. Serna-Duque, Alberto Cuesta, M. Angeles Esteban
Summary: Host defense peptides, particularly hepcidins, play a crucial role in the innate immune system of vertebrates. The study on hepcidins in gilthead seabream revealed a massive duplication of hamp genes on chromosome 17, suggesting high adaptation and diversity within this species. Additionally, the research indicated different immune roles for hepcidins in seabream and showcased specific-tissue expression profiles in response to bacterial challenge, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of innate immunity in fish and vertebrates.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
L. Curry Woods, Yaokun Li, Yi Ding, Jianan Liu, Benjamin J. Reading, S. Adam Fuller, Jiuzhou Song
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yuji Mushirobira, Osamu Nishimiya, Jun Nagata, Takashi Todo, Akihiko Hara, Benjamin J. Reading, Naoshi Hiramatsu
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. C. Guillette, James McCord, Matthew Guillette, M. E. Polera, Kyle T. Rachels, Clint Morgeson, Nadine Kotlarz, Detlef R. U. Knappe, Benjamin J. Reading, Mark Strynar, Scott M. Belcher
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Physiology
Chelsea A. Phillips, Benjamin J. Reading, Matthew Livingston, Kimberly Livingston, Chris M. Ashwell
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Nathalie M. LeBlanc, Benjamin I. Gahagan, Samuel N. Andrews, Trevor S. Avery, Gregory N. Puncher, Benjamin J. Reading, Colin F. Buhariwalla, R. Allen Curry, Andrew R. Whiteley, Scott A. Pavey
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
Linas W. Kenter, Adrienne Kovach, Kristopher J. Wojtusik, Benjamin J. Reading, David L. Berlinsky
NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUACULTURE
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
L. K. Andersen, R. W. Clark, M. S. Hopper, R. G. Hodson, J. Schilling, H. V. Daniels, L. C. Woods, A. I. Kovach, D. L. Berlinsky, L. W. Kenter, A. S. McGinty, B. J. Reading
Summary: The study demonstrates the successful batch spawning of domestic striped bass in captivity without the use of exogenous hormone administration. It shows that a 1:1 ratio of female to male bass is more favorable for production, and using at least 25 fish of each sex can yield commercially scalable larval production. Additionally, genetic analysis reveals that females will reproduce with multiple males and males will reproduce with multiple females, leading to an effective broodstock size of 33.
Article
Fisheries
L. K. Andersen, R. W. Clark, A. S. McGinty, M. S. Hopper, L. W. Kenter, S. A. Salger, J. Schilling, R. G. Hodson, A. I. Kovach, D. L. Berlinsky, B. J. Reading
Summary: The study conducted 71 tank spawning trials on 5th generation domestic striped bass to evaluate the efficacy of hormone compounds and a novel pace-set strategy for inducing volitional tank spawning behavior. Results showed minimal differences in productivity between hormone treatment groups, but increasing the number of males or females in the tank improved fry yield. The pace-set spawning method successfully stimulated untreated females to spawn in the same tank with hormone-treated fish.
Review
Fisheries
Linnea K. Andersen, Jason Abernathy, David L. Berlinsky, Greg Bolton, Matthew M. Booker, Russell J. Borski, Travis Brown, David Cerino, Michael Ciaramella, Robert W. Clark, Michael O. Frinsko, S. Adam Fuller, Steve Gabel, Bartholomew W. Green, Eric Herbst, Ronald G. Hodson, Michael Hopper, Linas W. Kenter, Frank Lopez, Andrew S. McGinty, Barry Nash, Matthew Parker, Stacey Pigg, Steve Rawles, Kenneth Riley, Marc J. Turano, Carl D. Webster, Charles R. Weirich, Eugene Won, L. Curry Woods, Benjamin J. Reading
Summary: Striped bass is an important anadromous fish native to the North American Atlantic Coast and is recognized as one of the most important recreational fisheries in the United States. Extensive research has been conducted on striped bass and its hybrid and established culture methods, making it a significant industry with high market potential.
JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Lee M. Demi, Brad W. Taylor, Benjamin J. Reading, Michael G. Tordoff, Robert R. Dunn
Summary: The paper discusses a major conceptual gap in taste biology, the lack of a general framework for understanding the evolution of different taste modalities among animal species. Through two complementary nutritional frameworks, hypotheses for the evolution of different taste modalities in animals are developed, emphasizing the importance of nutritional imbalances and consumer homeostasis.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Benjamin S. Prior, Miles D. Lange, Scott A. Salger, Benjamin J. Reading, Eric Peatman, Benjamin H. Beck
Summary: Fish-derived antimicrobial peptides, particularly piscidins, have demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species, with class II piscidins showing greater inhibition against Escherichia coli and Flavobacterium columnare biofilms compared to class I piscidins. However, both classes of piscidins were less effective against inhibiting biofilm growth of Aeromonas hydrophila and A. veronii.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jonathan J. Giacomini, Lynn S. Adler, Benjamin J. Reading, Rebecca E. Irwin
Summary: This study investigates the effect of sunflower pollen consumption on the gene expression and immune response of bumble bees infected with the gut protozoan pathogen Crithidia bombi. The results show that sunflower pollen upregulates immune transcripts and promotes the repair and maintenance of gut epithelial cells, while also inducing a strong detoxification response. This research contributes to our understanding of plant-pollinator interactions and offers insights for the management of bee pathogens.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taufika Islam Williams, Cara Kowalchyk, Leonard B. Collins, Benjamin J. Reading
Summary: Mass spectrometry plays an important role in quantification-centered protein research, and protein cleavage isotope dilution MS is a reliable method for quantifying proteins. In our study, we compared data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) workflows for quantifying egg yolk protein precursors or vitellogenins (VTGs) in striped bass. Our results show that there is no statistical difference between MS1-based and MS2-based VTG quantification.
Article
Toxicology
Andrew J. Newell, Dereje Jima, Benjamin Reading, Heather B. Patisaul
Summary: Toxicogenomics is an important field for hazard identification and understanding the mechanisms and markers of exposure to toxic compounds. Machine learning provides an effective alternative analytical approach to handle the challenges of analyzing highly dimensional data. In this study, an ensemble machine learning approach was used to predict developmental exposure to a mixture of organophosphate esters in the brain and placenta of rats, and specific genes and pathways affected by exposure were identified.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
K. R. Flores, L. V. F. M. de Carvalho, B. J. Reading, A. Fahrenholz, P. R. Ferket, J. L. Grimes
Summary: This study developed machine learning and data mining methodologies to predict the body weight of turkeys. The results showed that using the turkey's weight at 14 weeks, the body weight at 18 weeks could be accurately predicted using machine learning algorithms.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POULTRY RESEARCH
(2023)