ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham., a medicinal herb from the Asteraceae family, contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids as its primary bioactive compounds. It is commonly used in the treatment of ocular diseases and dermatological conditions. However, with its expanding applications across various fields, growing attention has been directed toward the potential safety concerns associated with its use. AIM OF THE REVIEW:This article systematically reviews existing literature on S. scandens, examining its botany, phytochemistry, biological activity, toxicity, applications, and development utilization, to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth exploration of its pharmacological mechanisms and resource development. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study conducted a systematic review of literature on S. scandens published from 1972 to 2025, based on databases including PubMed and Web of Science. Plants names are provided in accordance with "The Plant List" (https://wfoplantlist.org/). RESULT:Over 200 chemical constituents, primarily flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, have been isolated and identified from S. scandens, endowing it with diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. To address potential hepatorenal toxicity from its pyrrolizidine alkaloids, relevant safety guidelines have been gradually established alongside various clinical dosage forms. It is also widely used in fields including medicine, animal husbandry, agriculture, and cosmetics. CONCLUSION:By systematically reviewing the botany, phytochemistry, biological activity, toxicity, application, and development and utilization of S. scandens, this paper identifies key utilization obstacles, proposes future research directions, and provides a theoretical framework for its further development.

Hemp achenes, historically valued as nutritional and medicinal resources, are rich in phytochemicals such as phenethylamines, lignanamides, and flavonoids. However, metabolomic profiles among landraces with diverse size and color phenotypes remain unclear, and the spatial distribution of secondary metabolites within hemp achenes is still largely unexplored. This study conducted a comprehensive phytochemical characterization of 26 polyphenols (6 phenethylamines, 14 lignanamides, and 6 flavonoids) and 29 cannabinoids. Subsequently, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics approach was developed to systematically analyze metabolic differences in kernels and hulls of 20 hemp landraces with varying colors and sizes. Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-MALDI-MSI) was employed to map spatial localization of the 55 compounds in hemp achenes. Differential analysis revealed elevated levels of 4 phenethylamines, 1 lignanamide, and 2 flavonoids in dark achenes.. Among 5 differential cannabinoids, 2 enriched in dark achenes. and 3 in light achenes. Small achenes accumulated higher levels of 4 phenethylamines, 1 lignanamide, and 5 flavonoids versus large achenes. Among 12 differential cannabinoids, 7 enriched in small and 5 in large achenes. Differentially abundant metabolites predominantly accumulated in hulls, and AP-MALDI-MSI demonstrated distinct spatial compartmentalization of phenethylamines, flavonoids, and cannabinoids within the hull. These findings revealed phenotype-dependent metabolic diversity and compartmentalization in hemp achenes, providing important insights for precision breeding and the development of hemp-derived medicinal products.

The outbreak of poplar canker caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea poses a severe threat to poplar growth. Its resistance mechanisms are closely linked to the regulation of plant secondary metabolism and transcription factor-mediated defense pathways. However, as a plant-specific regulatory factor family, the functional mechanisms of the WRKY transcription factor (TF) family in poplar resistance to B. dothidea remain unclear. This study systematically elucidated the evolutionary characteristics of the WRKY gene family in Populus trichocarpa and their roles in disease resistance regulation in P. davidiana × P. alba var. Pyramidalis (Pdpap) through integrated genome-wide identification and molecular functional validation. Using BLASTp and Hidden Markov Model screening, 102 PtrWRKYs were identified. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into seven subfamilies based on Arabidopsis thaliana classification criteria. Functional diversification of this family was driven by plasticity in motif combinations, segmental duplication events, and subfamily-specific cis-regulatory elements. PdpapWRKY11, selected via RNA-seq and gene family analysis, significantly enhanced resistance to B. dothidea in transgenic Pdpap lines. Using the Pdpap–B. dothidea interaction system as a model, we further propose that PdpapWRKY11 may activate key phenylpropanoid pathway genes (PdpapPAL and PdpapCAD), promoting lignin accumulation and thereby enhancing pathogen resistance. This research provides foundational insights into WRKY TF functions in poplar and establishes a theoretical basis for improving disease resistance for controlling canker disease.

Trollius chinensis Bunge (TCB), a perennial Ranunculaceae herb, produces Flos Trollii-dried flowers with medicinal properties including heat clearing, detoxification, and relieving oral/throat discomfort, eye pain, and cold-induced fever. TCB is mainly cultivated in northern China, while Trollius ledebouri Rchb. (TLR), distributed in Heilongjiang's Great Xing'an Mountains, is morphologically similar to TCB. However, their regulatory statuses are inconsistent, and comprehensive comparative studies are lacking. This study adopted morphological assessment, microscopy, DNA barcoding, and physicochemical analysis to explore whether TLR could be a potential alternative source of Flos Trollii. Key differences were identified: TLR's sepals are shorter than petals, whereas TCB's sepals and petals are nearly equal in length; TLR has brown secretory structures absent in TCB. Genetic distance analysis showed high conservation in ITS2 and trnL-trnF sequences between the two species, but psbA-trnH sequence divergence exceeded the 0.05 threshold. HPLC quantification revealed that TLR contained slightly higher levels of orientin and vitexin than TCB. HPLC quantification revealed that TLR contained slightly higher levels of orientin (5.370-5.377 mg/g) and vitexin (1.954-2.053 mg/g) compared to TCB (orientin: 4.493-4.620 mg/g; vitexin: 1.361-1.451 mg/g). Collectively, TLR exhibits comparable flavonoid content and holds potential as an alternative Flos Trollii source. Given the limited bioactive compounds analyzed, future research should conduct comprehensive metabolomic profiling to fully evaluate its phytochemical composition and medicinal value. These data establish chemotaxonomic markers for Trollius authentication in herbal medicine.

Astragalus mongholicus is one of the original plant species of the medicinal herb Astragali Radix as recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, possessing significant medicinal value and being widely utilized worldwide. TCP transcription factors constitute a plant-specific transcription factor superfamily that plays essential regulatory roles in vegetative growth, organ development, and abiotic stress responses. However, the TCP gene family in A. mongholicus has not yet been systematically investigated, and its functional characteristics remain largely unknown. In this study, based on genome-wide data, a total of 25 AmTCP genes containing complete TCP domains were identified in A. mongholicus, and their protein properties, sequence alignment, gene structures, and phylogenetic relationships were systematically characterized using comprehensive bioinformatics tools. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed that the AmTCP promoter regions are enriched in cis-elements associated with hormones, light, and abiotic stresses (drought and salinity), suggesting their potential involvement in multiple signaling cascades. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling combined with qRT-PCR validation demonstrated that AmTCP genes exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns and differential responses to salt stress and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-simulated drought stress. Notably, AmTCP3, AmTCP8, AmTCP11, AmTCP17, and AmTCP19 displayed tissue- and time-dependent alterations in expression under stress conditions, with AmTCP17 and AmTCP19 showing the most pronounced responsiveness. Collectively, our findings systematically elucidate the fundamental molecular characteristics of TCP transcription factors in A. mongholicus, providing a valuable reference for future investigations into the biological functions of this gene family during growth, development, and abiotic stress responses in this medicinal plant.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Codonopsis pilosula, a perennial medicinal plant of the family Campanulaceae, possesses considerable pharmaceutical and nutritional value. Its polysaccharides serve as the material basis for its diverse biological activities. AIM OF THE REVIEW:This article systematically reviews the research progress on Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides (CPPs) in terms of extraction, isolation and purification, structural characterization, biological activities, structure-activity relationships, toxicity, and development and utilization, to provide a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of CPPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Relevant literature published between 2000 and 2026 was systematically retrieved from PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), Web of Science (https://www.webofscience.com/), and CNKI (https://www.cnki.net/) using the keywords "Codonopsis pilosula" and "polysaccharide." Plants names are provided in accordance with "The Plant List" (https://wfoplantlist.org/). Geographic distribution data are obtained from https://www.gbif.org. RESULT:This review systematically presents recent progress in the preparation, structure, bioactivities, and safety of CPPs. With diverse extraction methods and complex structures, CPPs exhibit immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities influenced by molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and chemical modifications. Preliminary safety evaluations are favorable, supporting their promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, and animal husbandry industries. CONCLUSION:This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the extraction and purification of CPPs, and provides an in-depth analysis of their structural characteristics, structure-activity relationships, biological activities, and toxicity, along with a comprehensive overview of their development and utilization. On this basis, the article identifies major challenges in current research and proposes key directions for future development, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation and translational applications of these polysaccharides.

Apigenin (API) is a flavonoid compound widely distributed in nature. The global prevalence of asthma is increasing year by year, influenced by various factors and difficult to cure completely, and new drugs and therapies are constantly emerging. Although API is a low-toxicity flavonoid compound, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability present limitations in the treatment of asthma. In this study, the structure of API was chemically modified by introducing acyl and alkyl groups while preserving its original structure. The structures were identified using FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, yielding derivatives (A–J). To further investigate the effects of structural modifications on API’s biological activity, an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model was established in mice to evaluate the antioxidants’ activity. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue, and oxidative stress-related parameters, including ROS, SOD, and MDA, were measured to assess the derivatives’ protective effects against oxidative damage. The results showed that the 10 synthetic derivatives exhibited varying degrees of oxidative stress during treatment. Compared with the model group, the API derivative treatment group significantly reduced ROS and MDA levels and increased SOD activity. Moreover, treatment with the compounds reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and decreased serum IgE levels. Histopathological examination further demonstrated that the compounds alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue damage in the lungs. Structure-activity analysis indicated that, among the 10 derivatives, the tri-substituted API derivatives exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the di-substituted API derivatives. By modifying the chemical structure of API, its antioxidant activity in OVA-induced bronchial asthma was significantly enhanced. 5,7,4′-O-triethyl API and 5,7,4′-O-triacetyl API demonstrated therapeutic effects comparable to those of dexamethasone and show promise as lead compounds for the development of novel asthma treatments.

Plants are frequently exposed to various abiotic stresses during their growth and development. S. portulacastrum possesses inherent tolerance to salinity and heavy metals, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of S. portulacastrum by integrating full-length transcriptome sequencing and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) under salt stress conditions. Transcriptome analysis identified 2839 and 1813 DEGs in leaves and 7328 and 754 DEGs in roots at 7 and 14 ds after NaCl treatment, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways associated with Photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, Linoleic acid metabolism, chlorophyll metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Expression profiling showed that JAZ subfamily genes were significantly upregulated in both leaves and roots under salt and Cd stress. We cloned SpJAZ1, SpJAZ5, and SpJAZ7, and generated their overexpression lines in Arabidopsis. Physiological assays demonstrated that overexpression of SpJAZ1, SpJAZ5, and SpJAZ7 reduced hydrogen peroxide content by 29.07%, 20.62%, and 19.79%, respectively, and lowered the reduction in chlorophyll content (0.12, 0.15, and 0.17 μg/mL vs. 0.22 μg/mL). Meanwhile, proline content was increased in these lines (2.34, 2.08, and 2.05 μg/mL vs. 1.53 μg/mL), alongside enhancements in root length, lateral root number, and water content under salt stress. Importantly, these overexpression lines displayed a similar functional trend under Cd stress. Collectively, our results reveal potential crosstalk between the JA signaling pathway and stress mitigation pathways in S. portulacastrum in response to salt and Cd stresses.

Flavonoids, as the principal bioactive constituents of Astragalus mongholicus, play key roles in multiple physiological processes including plant development and stress adaptation. Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and directly determines the production efficiency of flavonoids. However, its catalytic mechanism and in vivo functions in A. mongholicus remain to be elucidated. Exogenous hormone treatments revealed that methyl jasmonate, auxin, and ethephon significantly promoted AmCHI expression and flavonoid accumulation, whereas salicylic acid exhibited an inhibitory effect. Subcellular localization analysis showed that AmCHI is predominantly localized to the plasma membrane and the nucleus. Yeast heterologous expression confirmed its specific catalytic activity in converting naringenin chalcone to naringenin. In vivo functional validation in A. mongholicus demonstrated that overexpression of this gene in transgenic hairy roots significantly increased its transcript level by 2.9-3.5 fold compared with the control, and enhanced flavonoid accumulation by 1.3 fold, whereas gene silencing significantly reduced AmCHI expression by 30-50% and decreased total flavonoid content to 30-55% of the control level. In conclusion, this study systematically elucidates the core regulatory role of AmCHI in flavonoid biosynthesis in A. mongholicus, providing an important theoretical foundation for improving the quality of medicinal plants and for future metabolic engineering efforts.

Abstract Astragali Radix, the dried root of Astragalus mongholicus, is a prominent traditional Chinese medicinal material, with isoflavonoids serving as its primary bioactive components. Light serves as a pivotal environmental cue modulating isoflavonoid biosynthesis, its regulatory influence on A. mongholicus remains poorly understood, and the underlying biosynthetic pathways have yet to be fully elucidated This study investigated the impacts of different light on isoflavonoid accumulation through integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses. Compared to white light, red and blue light treatments significantly altered the expression of 93 genes within the isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway, 52 of which were up-regulated. Metabolomic analysis revealed 35 differential isoflavonoid metabolites, with 23 compounds, including the primary medicinal components calycosin (CA) and formononetin (FO), showing increased accumulation. Notably, blue light exhibited a significantly stronger promoting effect on CA and FO accumulation than red light. Through integrated multi-omics analysis, we revealed the molecular network underlying this light quality-specific regulation. Correlation analysis revealed that multiple structural genes were significantly positively correlated with these key active components, among which AmCHR, AmCHS, AmCHI, and AmIFS were identified as core regulatory genes. The biochemical roles of candidate genes AmCHR, AmCHS, AmCHI, and AmIFS were validated via in vitro enzymatic assays. Furthermore, utilizing a newly established non-sterile hairy root transformation system, functional validation through overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) experiments demonstrated that these candidate genes positively regulate the accumulation of key isoflavonoids, including CA, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CAG), FO, and ononin (ON). These findings were further corroborated by transient gene silencing using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AsODN). This study elucidates the regulatory network of light-induced isoflavonoid biosynthesis in A. mongholicus and provides essential genetic resources for the metabolic engineering and sustainable production of these medicinal compounds.

Cys2/His2-type zinc finger transcription factors (C2H2 TFs) constitute one of the largest and most functionally diverse transcription factor families in plants, playing core regulatory roles in multiple aspects of plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. Based on literature data from databases including PubMed (1995-April 2026) and integrated with bioinformatics analyses, this review provides a comprehensive overview of this family. We first summarize the structural characteristics and classification systems of C2H2 TFs, and elucidate their evolutionary dynamics from lower plants to angiosperms. Regarding their impact on plant organ development, beyond key biological processes, this review details the molecular mechanisms of C2H2 TFs in floral organ morphogenesis (e.g., petal, sepal, stamen, and ovule development), pollen fertility maintenance, and flowering time regulation. Concurrently, we systematically analyze their functional pathways in responses to abiotic stresses (drought, high salinity, low temperature, aluminum toxicity, etc.) and biotic stresses (pathogens, pests), clarifying the molecular networks through which they coordinate reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, stomatal movement, and osmotic regulation by modulating hormone signaling pathways such as ABA, SA, and JA. Furthermore, this review discusses major limitations of current research, including knowledge gaps concerning functional redundancy, pseudogenization phenomena, and cell type-specific regulation. We also provide perspectives on future research directions leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, single-cell sequencing, and multi-omics integration, as well as their application prospects in crop stress resistance breeding and quality improvement. This review provides ideas for in-depth research on the regulatory network and related functions of C2H2 TFs, and offers reference value for improving plant traits, enhancing plant resistance, and increasing the production of plant secondary metabolites.

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a crop with significant economic and medicinal value, but no studies have examined the GATA gene family in S. baicalensis or its expression patterns following foliar spray with nanomaterials. In this study, the GATA gene family in S. baicalensis was identified and analyzed using bioinformatics. The results showed that 25 SbGATAs genes were identified, distributed across seven chromosomes, and could be classified into four subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. The physicochemical properties of SbGATAs proteins showed differences in the number of amino acids, molecular weight, and isoelectric point, but all were hydrophilic nuclear proteins. Analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter regions revealed that the SbGATAs gene promoters were enriched for light, hormone response, and stress response elements. In this study, RT-qPCR was used to investigate the expression patterns of the SbGATAs family members in S. baicalensis leaves sprayed with different concentrations of carbon dot solutions. This study employed the RT-qPCR method to elucidate the expression of members of the SbGATAs family in the leaves of S. baicalensis after different treatments. The results showed that at low concentrations, except for SbGATA6, whose expression was upregulated by 2.1 times, the expressions of the other four genes were all downregulated; at high concentrations—except for SbGATA6, whose expression was upregulated by 3.75 times, and SbGATA14, the expression of which was basically the same as that of the control—the expressions of the other three genes were all downregulated. SbGATA6 was the only gene that was significantly upregulated at both concentrations and whose upregulation ratio increased with the increase in concentration, indicating that it may have a wide response to carbon dot treatment and may be involved in physiological regulation at different concentrations.

At present, the characteristics of key enzyme genes in the upstream pathway for triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in P. grandiflorum, as well as their expression patterns over the growth duration, have not been systematically analyzed. This study, at the whole-genome level, conducts the first bioinformatics and expression analyses of the SS and SE gene families in P. grandiflorum. Four PgSS and seven PgSE genes were identified and distributed across six chromosomes. Members within the same subfamily exhibited highly conserved sequences and structures, while distinct structural divergence was observed between different subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PgSS and PgSE genes were closely related to those of dicotyledons such as Panax ginseng and Polygala tenuifolia, suggesting high evolutionary conservation. Promoter analysis revealed abundant light- and hormone-responsive elements and MYB/MYC binding sites, indicating regulation by multiple signals. Protein secondary structures were dominated by the Alpha helix and were structurally stable. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) demonstrated that expression levels of PgSS and PgSE in one-year-old Platycodonis Radix were significantly higher than in perennial Platycodonis Radix, especially for the PgSE family. This study characterized the basic biological features and growth-stage-dependent expression patterns of the SS and SE gene families in P. grandiflorum. The results identify key candidate genes and molecular targets for regulating triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis, and provide data supporting quality improvement and active metabolite research in this medicinal plant.

Copper is an essential trace element for plant growth; however, in excessive amounts, it can cause severe toxicity by inducing bursts of reactive oxygen species and disrupting metabolic balance. As a root-based medicinal plant and food, Platycodon grandiflorus has its roots in direct contact with the soil. Its ability to accumulate copper is the most pronounced among various heavy metals; consequently, it is particularly susceptible to copper stress, which in turn affects its normal growth and medicinal quality. This paper focuses on the intrinsic stress potential and possible response pathways of Platycodon grandiflorus to copper stress. Drawing on existing research and relevant literature, it conducts an integrated analysis of its defence mechanisms across four levels: physical barriers, non-enzymatic antioxidants, conserved physiological and biochemical pathways, and transcriptional regulation. Regarding physical barriers, the cell wall forms the first line of defence through pectin adsorption and lignin deposition; in terms of endogenous antioxidant defence, secondary metabolites such as polysaccharides and saponins can directly participate in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species; regarding conserved pathways, the glutathione-phytochelate system acts in concert with antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT to participate in copper ion chelation and the alleviation of oxidative stress, with hormone signalling regulation also playing a crucial coordinating role in this process; regarding transcriptional regulation, transcription factors such as PgWRKY may mediate the perception of stress signals and the expression of downstream genes. These pathways act in a coordinated and sequential manner, collectively forming a multi-level defence network through which Platycodon grandiflorus responds to copper stress. At the same time, this paper highlights the functional limitations of this defence system, summarises the shortcomings in current research, and proposes directions for future studies, with a view to guiding the safe cultivation and quality assurance of Platycodon grandiflorus in copper-polluted areas, as well as for the breeding of heavy-metal-tolerant medicinal plants.

Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule, derived from Huangqi Liu Yi Tang and Shengmai Yin, plays a significant role for the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the underlying molecular therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study uses an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro validation experiments to explore potential bioactive compounds, key targets, major signaling pathways, and underlying molecular mechanisms of Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule in the treatment of T2DM. In this study, network analysis was employed to screen metabolites and potential targets using the TCMSP database, followed by Gene Ontology, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses to predict the underlying mechanisms, and the protein encoded by the core target was docked with the active ingredient. Using a streptozotocin-induced approach, a T2DM rat model was established to evaluate the bioactivity of Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule on blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, gene expression, and gut microbiota composition. Network analysis identified 121 primary metabolites and 30 key targets in Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule. Integrated Gene Ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses (27 items) predicted that Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule regulates serum contents of insulin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6, and modulates TP53, Akt, and PI3K protein expression to exert hypoglycemic effects. Animal studies confirmed Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule significant glucose-lowering action via these pathways and mRNA regulation. Additionally, Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule was shown to rebalance gut microbiota by enriching beneficial bacterial communities and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria, aiding T2DM treatment. These findings demonstrate Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule's characterized by multiple components, targets, and pathways mechanisms in treating T2DM. Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule have a very significant therapeutic effect on T2DM by regulating the concentrations of insulin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in serum and influencing the expressions of TP53, Akt and PI3K proteins and mRNA. In addition, Beiqishen Jiangtang Granule can also regulate the imbalance of intestinal flora related to T2DM in patients by promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful bacteria, thereby assisting T2DM.

IntroductionThe transcription factor GATA plays a pivotal role in plant growth, physical and metabolic functions, and responses to changes in the environment. After the completion of the Cerasus humilis genome, investigations into its GATA gene family were not pursued.MethodsOur research team identified the GATA gene’s bioinformatics techniques, analyzed its structural characteristics and evolutionary trajectory, and investigated its expression patterns among various subfamilies.ResultsIn the C. humilis genome,20 ChGATAs are divided into four unique subgroups distributed over 7 chromosomes. Collinearity analysis showed 7 pairs of segmental duplications and 2 pairs of tandem repeats. The duplication of these fragments is vital for the development of the ChGATA family. The evolutionary connection between C. humilis and the Malus pumila GATA gene family is more evident than with Oryza sativa. Moreover, the promoter region of the ChGATA gene family contained cis-acting elements linked to stress, hormones, and plant growth. The transcriptome heatmap showed that the expression of the ChGATA was specific under alkali stress, and ChGATAs in the same subpopulation would also show different expression patterns. qPCR analysis showed that most of the screened ChGATAs first decreased and then increased with time. In addition, the dual luciferase assay and protein interaction prediction showed that ChWRKY29 could activate the expression of the differentially expressed gene ChGATA14 in response to alkali stress, and ChGATA14 was at the core of the protein interaction network and had a strong interaction with ChGATA2 and ChGATA16.DiscussionThis study laid a theoretical and scientific foundation for further studies on the biological function of ChGATA.

IntroductionCerasus humilis has high economic and nutritional value, but at the molecular level, there are few studies on salt-alkali stress of C. humilis, and no one has reported the response mechanism of the oxidation system of C. humilis under abiotic stress.Methods and resultsIn this research, transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis showed that C. humilis had a wide range of metabolic activities under alkali stress, and antioxidant enzymes played an important role in response to alkali stress. ChWRKY29 and ChWRKY34, which are likely to respond to alkali stress, were screened based on transcriptomic data and phylogenetic relationship, and their direct regulation on downstream ChMSD2 and ChCSD2 genes were verified by yeast single hybridization experiment. Combined with heat map and qPCR analysis, ChWRKY29 and ChWRKY34 may regulate the up-regulation of ChMSD2 and ChCSD2 gene expression under alkali treatment, and further affect the antioxidant capacity of plants in response to alkali stress. The analysis of ChSOD gene family showed that 9 ChSODs were identified from C. humilis, which were the closest relatives to Pyrus bretschneideri. There are a certain number of cis-acting elements in the ChSOD promoter region for hormone and abiotic stress, and there is no tandem replication between ChSOD genes, but only one fragment replication. Fragment repetition may be the main driving force for the evolution of SOD gene family in C. humilis, and the results of interspecific collinearity analysis indicate that C. humilis and Malus pumila are most closely related.DiscussionIn this study, the mechanism of alkali resistance of C. humilis was discussed, which provided reference for exploring the mechanism of alkali resistance of rosaceae, in order to provide scientific theoretical basis for expanding the cultivation range and development and utilization of C. humilis.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an herbaceous, evergreen, dwarf shrub of the genus Vaccinium in the family Ericaceae, often used as a functional food. Cranberries are primarily distributed in the northern United States—including Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Maine—as well as in Quebec, Canada; the state of Columbia; Chile in South America; and northeastern Europe. They are also found in China’s Greater Khingan Range and Fuyuan City, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province. The plants thrive in cool environments and exhibit considerable adaptability to soil conditions, preferring acidic soils. Cranberries are rich in a variety of biologically active components, such as polyphenols (proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid, flavonols, anthocyanins, caffeic acid, etc.), triterpenoids, and other nutrients. Studies have shown that the chemical components extracted from cranberry fruit have pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and urinary tract infection prevention and treatment, and are commonly used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the prevention of urinary tract infections, blood pressure lowering, and the fight against Helicobacter pylori, among other clinical diseases. Cranberries also play a huge role in daily nutrition, and they are named for their richness in a variety of mineral elements, trace elements and vitamins. This work uses information from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and related papers. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological mechanism of action, clinical application value and nutritional significance of cranberry was conducted in recent years to provide references for the further extraction of chemical components in cranberry and rational clinical application, which can help to guide people to rationalize their diets and promote the formation of healthy diets.

YABBY belongs to the family of plant-specific transcription factors, known for their role in plant morphology, growth, and development. Its name is derived from the first discovered member—the YABBY1 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana (named due to its mutated phenotype showing a “Y-shaped” bifurcation). Despite extensive research across various plant species, no studies have conducted a genome-wide investigation of the YABBY gene family in Cerasus humilis. This study identified six ChYABBY (Cerasus humilis YABBY) genes distributed across five chromosomes through a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the C. humilis genome. The gene expression during the four growth phases was confirmed using real-time-quantitative fluorescent PCR (qPCR). ChYABBY is segmented into five distinct subfamilies. Genetic lineage analysis determined the close genetic relationship between the YABBY genes of C. humilis and Malus pumila. An examination of the gene architecture and preserved motifs revealed that ChYABBY typically comprises 5–6 introns, with motif1, motif2, and motif3 being preserved domains across all ChYABBY protein sequences. Promoter analysis suggests that ChYABBY genes play various roles in the growth and maturation of C. humilis. An examination of the homology revealed the absence of tandem replication in the ChYABBY gene family, with a single pair of fragment-replicating genes. The heat map and q-PCR results indicate that the expression of the ChYABBY gene is tissue-specific and correlates with some aspects of the fruit growth and development. This suggests a potential role for this gene family in fruit maturation. The determination of total sugar and total flavonoid content indicated that the content of the two substances was high when the fruit was green. The antioxidant capacity of the fruit at each stage was different. This research provides an important basis for further understanding the structure and function of the ChYABBY gene, and lays a foundation for the identification of YABBY genes in Rosaceae plants.

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is widely used for biocontrol of destructive forest pests. However, the molecular mechanisms by which fungal infection disrupts host cellular homeostasis remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that B. bassiana infection triggers mitophagy in Lymantria dispar hemocytes through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and miRNA-mediated regulation. Using transmission electron microscopy and gene expression profiling, we observed extensive mitochondrial damage and elevated expression of mitophagy-related genes (e.g., ATG13, BECN1) and lysosomal pathway components post-infection. Small RNA sequencing identified 93 differentially expressed miRNAs, with downregulated miRNAs (e.g., bmomiR-2795, PC-3p-46410_42) targeting the PINK1-Parkin ubiquitination pathway. Functional enrichment analysis further linked these miRNAs to mitophagy activation. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized strategy by which B. bassiana subverts host immunity via miRNA-regulated mitophagy, offering insights for optimizing fungal biocontrol agents.