Beyond hemostasis, platelets’ immune and inflammatory role is recognized and thrombocytosis is generally regarded as a marker of the inflammatory response. However, the immune functions of platelets remain beneath the surface, and previous studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the significance of thrombocytosis in infection-related diseases. Can reactive thrombocytosis be viewed as a “higher-is-worse or higher-is-better” predictor of clinical outcome? We analyzed 2754 patients discharged from the respiratory and infectious-disease wards between 1 January 2021 and 11 June 2025, and patients from the MIMIC-IV 3.1 database were used as validation cohorts, grouped by peak platelet counts (< 90, ≥ 400, 90–399 × 10⁹/L). Cox regression and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the relationship between platelet count and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between platelet count and length of hospital stay (LOS). Patients with reactive thrombocytosis had longer hospital stays (13 vs. 10 days; p < 0.001) and higher inflammatory markers than those with normal platelet counts CRP (90.2 vs. 28.6 mg/L; p < 0.001), PCT (0.195 vs. 0.092 ng/mL; p < 0.001), WBC (12.6 vs. 8.4 × 10⁹/L; p < 0.001). Despite these differences, mortality (3.4

Background and Aims Brassica is an important genus with economic value. Allopolyploids generally possess abundant genetic diversity, which, when combined with selective breeding, can lead to yield improvement. Previously, we have derived a novel allohexaploid Brassica doubled haploid (DH) population from two genetically different synthetic Brassica allohexaploid parents (2n = AABBCC). However, the underlying mechanisms of seed yield in novel Brassica allohexaploids are unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the genetic basis of yield-related traits controlling seed yield in this allohexaploid Brassica DH population.Methods We assessed genetic variations, phylogenetic and population structure, and selection signals of 149 individual plants in this novel allohexaploid Brassica DH population based on restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) in three different environments was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and candidate genes associated with seed yield and eight yield-related traits.Key Results Phylogenetic and population structure analyses divided the 149 individual plants into two genetically diverse subgroups plus an intersected subgroup, and revealed genetic differentiation and character separation in progenies. We identified 142 significant SNPs associated with four agronomically important traits and 17 haplotype blocks containing multiple SNPs. Two genes, BhLecRK and BhCABIN1, were identified as candidate genes associated with silique length. We further tested the mRNA level of these two genes, and found that their expression level peaked at 21 d after pollination.Conclusions We propose that the two genes, BhLecRK and BhCABIN1, may regulate silique development by abundant expression in silique tissues at the critical stage during Brassica development. The results of phylogenetic analysis and GWAS provide a genetic and molecular foundation for yield improvement of allohexaploid Brassica.

Under soil drought conditions, plant roots sense stress and transmit signals to the shoots, leading to coordinated whole-plant responses to the stress. While several root-to-shoot signals have been identified, the existence and significance of shoot-to-root signals in this process remain unclear. Here, we identify a two-step, CLE peptide-mediated root-shoot-root signaling relay underpinning drought adaptation in common bean. We show that PvCLE16, a gene predominantly expressed in leaves under well-watered conditions, was specifically upregulated in leaves, but not roots, under moderate drought. This spatially restricted transcriptional activation was driven by the leaf-preferentially expressed transcription factor PvTCP10. Accumulated PvCLE16 in leaves promoted stomatal closure and also translocated to the roots, where it suppressed primary root elongation and stimulated lateral root development, adaptations that collectively enhance drought resilience. PvBAM3 was identified as the primary receptor for PvCLE16. Upstream of this module, we found that drought-induced expression of PvCLE16 in leaves requires PvCLE11b, a root-derived CLE peptide that moved acropetally under drought. Together, our findings reveal a novel root-shoot-root signaling relay, wherein root-derived PvCLE11b functions as the upward signal to induce PvCLE16 in leaves, which subsequently acts both locally and systemically by translocating to the roots to coordinate whole-plant drought adaptation responses.

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis, causing substantial neuronal damage. Anacardic acid (AA), a natural histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor, has anti-inflammatory properties related to TBI. This study explored AA's effects on pyroptosis and its neuroprotective potential after TBI. Methods A controlled cortical impact (CCI) mouse model was employed. Neurological recovery was evaluated by mNSS and rotarod tests, lesion volume by H&E staining, and neuronal survival by NeuN/TUNEL immunofluorescence. Inflammatory cytokines were measured via ELISA, and inflammatory-related proteins by western blotting. Pyroptosis was assessed through LDH release, GSDMD cleavage, and microglial IBA-1/cleaved Caspase-1 (p20) immunostaining. The role of P300 in NF-κB acetylation was determined using CTB (an activator of HAT) and P300 knockdown via siRNA. Results AA treatment reduced brain lesion volume, improved neurological function, and promoted cortical neuronal survival. It significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α), inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, and blocked microglial pyroptosis. AA also suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and upstream NF-κB activation. Remarkably, p300 knockdown exacerbated NF-κB acetylation and NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, while CTB administration reversed these effects. Conclusions AA confers neuroprotection in TBI by alleviating neuroinflammation and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis. This is achieved by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and suppressing p300-mediated NF-κB acetylation, suggesting AA's therapeutic potential for TBI.

INTRODUCTION:Pregnancy induces significant physiological changes in the hemostatic system, leading to a hypercoagulable state to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. These adaptations involve alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis, which can be further modified in complicated pregnancies such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE). AIM:This study investigated coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in healthy pregnancies across different gestational stages and compared them to GDM and PE in the third trimester. METHODS:In this retrospective study, 293 pregnant women undergoing prenatal check-ups were enrolled. Coagulation parameters (prothrombin time, PT; activated partial thromboplastin time, APTT; thrombin time, TT; and fibrinogen, FIB) and fibrinolysis parameters (fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, FDP; D-dimer; plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, PAI-1; tissue plasminogen activator, tPA; and plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex, PIC) were measured and compared across groups: non-pregnant controls, healthy pregnancies (first trimester, third trimester, delivery), GDM, and PE. RESULTS:In normal pregnancy, all gestational stages showed significantly shortened PT, APTT, and TT and elevated FIB, FDP, D-dimer, PAI-1, and tPA compared to non-pregnant controls. FDP and D-dimer increased progressively with gestation. Compared to the third trimester, GDM was characterized by significantly higher PAI-1 and tPA but lower PIC, whereas PE was characterized by significantly higher PAI-1 and PIC, prolonged APTT, and lower tPA. Furthermore, among healthy women at delivery and those with GDM, overweight and obesity were associated with significantly increased PAI-1 levels. CONCLUSION:As pregnancy progresses, enhanced coagulation with hypofibrinolysis occurs in normal pregnancy, and further hypofibrinolysis is the primary thrombotic driver in GDM and obesity. PE presents a more complex alteration in both coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways.

Due to platelet storage lesions (PSL), transfused platelets are unable to function properly in the prevention and treatment of bleeding in critically ill patients. It is a traditional assumption that PSL is closely related to platelet activation during storage because of the exposure of CD62P, phosphatidylserine (PS), etc. In this standpoint, activated platelets in vitro cannot be reactivated in vivo to exert their hemostatic function and exposed PS accelerates platelet clearance. Therefore, reducing platelet activation is helpful to alleviate PSL. Diannexin is the dimer of annexin that has a higher affinity for PS. CD39 is an ADP hydrolase produced by the vascular endothelium. As a result, we construct CD39-Diannexin (CD39-DA) fusion protein and hypothesize that CD39-DA can reduce platelet activation during storage to alleviate PSL. CD39-DA can bind to the exposed PS on the surface of stored platelets by immunofluorescence. Compared to the control groups, CD39-DA reserves part of stored platelets’ aggregation function confirmed by platelet aggregation assay, induced by AA, ADP and collagen. Additionally, CD39-DA reduces lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and CD62P-positive events after three-day storage. Interestingly, we preliminarily discover that CD39-DA may reduce stored platelets’ apoptosis and increase aggregatory platelets after activation by thrombin, collagen and calcium, which is marked by GSAO. In conclusion, we confirm that CD39-DA can alleviate PSL by reducing platelet activation.

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play key roles in cell recognition, signaling, and plant defense. In leguminous plants, lectins are crucial for symbiotic interactions with rhizobia—nitrogen-fixing bacteria that enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. Understanding the regulatory networks underlying lectin-rhizobium interactions is essential for advancing agricultural biotechnology and global food security. Although substantial advances have been made in elucidating these interactions and summarized in several reviews, most presented knowledge comes from model legumes such as Medicago sativa, Lotus japonicus, and Glycine max. In contrast, vegetable legumes, characterized by their edible immature pods or seeds, occupy a significant position in global agriculture, yet their lectin-rhizobium interactions remain poorly summarized. To address this gap, this review explores the intricate mechanisms governing lectin-rhizobium interactions, with a particular emphasis on insights derived from vegetable legumes such as common beans, cowpeas, and peas. Following the introduction of lectins and rhizobia, the complete process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation is revisited, spanning from mutual recognition mechanism between lectins and rhizobia to nodule formation and nitrogen fixation. The potential of transferring legume lectin genes into non-leguminous crops to improve nitrogen fixation is also discussed. Finally, the importance of unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing these interactions is highlighted to enhance symbiotic efficiency and promote sustainable crop production.

Transcriptional initiation in eukaryotes depends on general transcription factor (GTFs), among which TFIIB serving as a core component of the Pol II pre-initiation complex (PIC) assembly. While most eukaryotes possess only two conserved TFIIB paralogs, plants exhibit remarkable expansion of TFIIB-related proteins, indicating functional divergence. Here, we characterize OsBRP1, a plant-specific TFIIB-related protein in rice, and reveal its critical function in coordinating reproductive development and salt stress tolerance. Expression profiling and GUS staining showed that OsBRP1 is preferentially expressed in reproductive tissues. Subcellular localization analysis revealed a unique Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) retention mechanism via its N-terminal domain. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) indicate that OsBRP1 is not involved in the formation of PIC. CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutants exhibited reduced plant height, grain size, and salt tolerance, while OsBRP1-overexpressing (OE) lines showed enhanced agronomic traits and significant resistance to salt stress. Physiological analyses demonstrated that OsBRP1 modulates proline biosynthesis, suppresses oxidative damage, and maintains Na+homeostasis under salinity. RNA-seq analysis revealed that under normal conditions, OsBRP1 could influence DNA repair, detoxification, and auxin signaling. Salt stress amplifies these effects, upregulating stress-responsive genes while downregulating genes related to photosynthesis and ROS scavenging. KEGG enrichment highlighted roles in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and photosynthesis. Together, our results support that OsBRP1 acts as a regulator of reproductive development and salt stress response rather than canonical general transcription factor, offering new insights into plant gene evolution.

BACKGROUND:Preeclampsia (PE), as a pathological pregnancy process, is still unclear in its precise pathophysiology. The current consensus on PE pathogenesis is that it is an immune-inflammatory response due to placental dysfunction leading to multiorgan involvement in the mother. Macrophages can polarize into different phenotypes under the influence of distinct microenvironments, secreting various cytokines or chemokines with distinct functions. These phenotypes play roles in either promoting inflammation or facilitating tissue repair. Studies have observed the increase in M1 polarization of decidual macrophages during the occurrence of PE, with this polarization imbalance contributing to the immuno-inflammatory response involved in placental formation. Therefore, understanding the polarization characteristics of macrophages provides a valuable direction for research related to the prevention and treatment of PE. METHODS:Authors searched for related literature on PubMed using the professional terms "preeclampsia" and "macrophage polarization". The obtained literature was categorized according to its research. Similar articles are summarized in the same sections, which are divided into different small sections according to their specific contents. RESULTS:Different studies have explored the metabolic characteristics, surface markers, secretions, signaling pathways, and functions of different macrophage polarization types, highlighting the critical role of polarization imbalance and excessive inflammatory responses in the development of PE. Intervening in inflammatory responses at the maternal-fetal interface holds significant value for the prevention and treatment of PE. CONCLUSION:Understanding the metabolic characteristics of different macrophage polarization types, combined with their polarization imbalance during the development of PE, can facilitate targeted prevention of PE.

The transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in stroke is hindered by the restricted rates of survival and differentiation. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), is reported to have a neuroprotective effect and regulate energy metabolism. We applied CK to investigate if CK could promote the survival of MSCs and differentiation into brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BMECs), thereby alleviating stroke symptoms. Therefore, transwell and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were used to mimic oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Our results demonstrated that CK had a good affinity for GLUT1, which increased the expression of GLUT1 and the production of ATP, facilitated the proliferation and migration of MSCs, and activated the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway to promote MSC differentiation. Moreover, CK cooperated with MSCs to protect BMECs, promote angiogenesis and vascular density, enhance neuronal and astrocytic proliferation, thereby reducing infarct volume and consequently improving neurobehavioral outcomes. These results suggest that the synergistic effects of CK and MSCs could potentially be a promising strategy for stroke.

BackgroundPlatelet concentrate (PC) transfusions are crucial in prevention and treatment of bleeding in infection, surgery, leukemia, and thrombocytopenia patients. Although the technology for platelet preparation and storage has evolved over the decades, there are still challenges in the demand for platelets in blood banks because the platelet shelf life is limited to 5 days due to bacterial contamination and platelet storage lesions (PSLs) at 20-24 degrees C under constant horizontal agitation. In addition, the relations between some adverse effects of platelet transfusions and PSLs have also been considered. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of PSLs is conducive to obtaining high quality platelets and facilitating safe and effective platelet transfusions.ObjectiveThis review summarizes developments in mechanistic research of PSLs and their relationship with clinical practice, providing insights for future research.MethodsAuthors conducted a search on PubMed and Web of Science using the professional terms "PSL" and "platelet transfusion." The obtained literature was then roughly categorized based on their research content. Similar studies were grouped into the same sections, and further searches were conducted based on the keywords of each section.ResultsDifferent studies have explored PSLs from various perspectives, including changes in platelet morphology, surface molecules, biological response modifiers (BMRs), metabolism, and proteins and RNA, in an attempt to monitor PSLs and identify intervention targets that could alleviate PSLs. Moreover, novel platelet storage conditions, including platelet additive solutions (PAS) and reconsidered cold storage methods, are explored. There are two approaches to obtaining high-quality platelets. One approach simulates the in vivo environment to maintain platelet activity, while the other keeps platelets at a low activity level in vitro under low temperatures.ConclusionUnderstanding PSLs helps us identify good intervention targets and assess the therapeutic effects of different PSLs stages for different patients. Some major biological response modifiers (BMRs) and the potential mechanisms of platelet storage lesions (PSLs). (1) During storage, platelet morphology transforms from discoid to sphere with pseudopodia and lysis at extended storage. (2) Changes in molecules on the surface are reduced G-protein-coupled protease-activated receptors (PAR4), exposure and shedding of CD42b (GPI b alpha) and GPVI, and inverse phosphatidylserine (PS), which are different from classical platelet activation. In parallel, alpha-granules release CD62P to the membrane and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and regulated on normal activation T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) to the extracellular space. Platelet microparticles (PMPs) are also produced by platelets. (3) These BMRs including GPI b alpha, GPVI, PS and PMPs may be associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) as demonstrated by elevated O2- level. microRNAs (miRNAs) that may be derived from precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) and proteins that are synthesized in the existing process of translation (4) can be detected. (5) The proportion of glucose that can access the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) decreases contributes to the accumulated lactate due to mitochondrial dysfunction.image

INTRODUCTION:The increase in fibrinogen levels is vital for the formation of a prothrombotic state during gestation to counter-bleeding challenges at delivery. However, pregnancy complications characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome may consume fibrinogen, resulting in elevated D-dimer levels. METHODS:Our study is based on a total of 16 768 pregnant women who delivered between December 1, 2013, and December 1, 2018, to study fibrinogen and D-dimer changes during gestation under normal and multiples of pathogenic states. RESULT:Compared with nonpregnant women (3.04[3.02-3.08]), pregnant women depicted higher fibrinogen levels throughout gestation (p < 0.001). In the uncomplicated group, fibrinogen levels increased throughout the first (3.28[3.26-3.29]), second (4.04[4.01-4.07]), and third trimesters (4.40[4.38-4.41]) but dropped at delivery (4.30[4.28-4.31]), similar to the changing pattern of the pregnancy-related complication group and pre-existing disorder group. Women with pregnancy-related complications showed significantly higher mean fibrinogen levels throughout gestation (p < 0.001), except for placental abruption, where, it decreased from the third trimester and was lower than that of uncomplicated pregnancies (3.89[3.60-4.17] vs. 4.40 [4.38-4.41], p = 0.001). Among uncomplicated pregnancies, D-dimer grew rapidly throughout the first trimester (0.09[0.06-0.15]), second trimester (0.28[0.19-0.40]), third trimester (0.51[0.36-0.78]), and delivery (0.70[0.47-1.03]). CONCLUSION:Women with pregnancy-related complications and pre-existing disorders shared similar changing patterns; however, the D-dimer of women with placenta accreta presented higher levels than those with uncomplicated pregnancies since the first trimester. We concluded that fibrinogen levels are expected to increase steadily, but in patients with placental abruption, fibrinogen levels dropped during the third trimester. D-dimer levels typically rise consistently throughout pregnancy, yet in patients with placenta accreta, they show abnormal elevation since an early stage of pregnancy.

Parkinson's disease (PD), being the second largest neurodegenerative disease, poses challenges in early detection, resulting in a lack of timely treatment options to effectively manage the disease. By the time clinical diagnosis becomes possible, more than 60% of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of patients have already degenerated. Therefore, early diagnosis or identification of warning signs is crucial for the prompt and timely beginning of the treatment. However, conducting invasive or complex diagnostic procedures on asymptomatic patients can be challenging, making routine blood tests a more feasible approach in such cases. Numerous studies have been conducted over an extended period to search for effective diagnostic biomarkers in blood samples. However, thus far, no highly effective biomarkers have been confirmed. Besides classical proteins like α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated α-syn and oligomeric α-syn, other molecules involved in disease progression should also be given equal attention. In this review, we will not only discuss proposed biomarkers that are currently under investigation but also delve into the mechanisms underlying the disease, focusing on processes such as α-syn misfolding, intercellular transmission and the crossing of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our aim is to provide an updated overview of molecules based on these processes that may potentially serve as blood biomarkers.

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a seed storage protein and a type of lectin originally discovered in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for its blood-agglutinating effect. Due to its interactions with gut epithelia and digestive enzymes and its potential to trigger allergic reactions, PHA can lead to various symptoms in the human body. As a result, it has been regarded as a significant antinutritional factor in beans and other legumes. While several published works have summarized its structural, biochemical, and toxicological features, there is a scarcity of literature that reviews the detection, quantification, and reduction of PHA in beans, which is fundamental for the development of safer bean varieties. In this review, we present a comprehensive analysis of traditional and innovative bio-sensing methods for measuring PHA, including the recently available ultrapure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and emerging aptamer sensor-based techniques, while discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages. We also revisit existing studies dedicated to creating PHA-depleted common bean varieties and explore the potential for reducing PHA content in beans without compromising their resistance to biotic stress. Additionally, we offer insights into the potential for controlling PHA content using the latest biotechnologies and breeding strategies. Overall, this review compiles rare and valuable information from studies that solely focuses on detection and depletion of PHA to shed light on and apply technological advancements in addressing potential food safety risks associated with the consumption of common beans. Graphical Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this manuscript was to conclude the role of platelets in immune inflammation and discuss the complex mechanisms of pyroptosis in platelets as well as their related diseases. MethodsThis article reviewed the existing literature to see the development of pyroptosis in platelets. ResultsPlatelets have been shown to be capable of activating inflammasomes assembled from NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and caspase-1. Recently, they were also implicated in pyroptosis. Cleaved by caspase-1, N-terminal gasdermin D (N-GSDMD) could form pores in the cell membrane, inducing nonselective intracellular substance release. This programmed cell death induced thrombocytopenia and inflammatory cytokine release such as IL-1 beta and IL-18, promoting platelet aggregation, vaso-occlusion, endothelial permeability and cascaded inflammatory response. ConclusionPyroptosis in platelets contributes to thrombocytopenia and inflammation.

Plant yield is severely hampered by chromium (Cr) toxicity, affirming the urgent need to develop strategies to suppress its phyto-accumulation. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) have emerged as a provider of sustainable crop production and resistance to abiotic stress. But, the mechanisms by which seed-primed SiO2 NPs palliate Cr-accumulation and its toxic impacts in Brassica napus L. tissues remains poorly understood. To address this gap, present study examined the protective efficacy of seed priming with SiO2 NPs (400 mg/L) in relieving the Cr (200 µM) phytotoxicity mainly in B. napus seedlings. Results delineated that SiO2 NPs significantly declined the accumulation of Cr (38.7/35.9%), MDA (25.9/29.1%), H2O2 (27.04/36.9%) and O2• (30.02/34.7%) contents in leaves/roots, enhanced the nutrients acquisition, leading to improved photosynthetic performance and better plant growth. SiO2 NPs boosted the plant immunity by upregulating the transcripts of antioxidant (SOD, CAT, APX, GR) or defense-related genes (PAL, CAD, PPO, PAO and MT-1), GSH (assists Cr-vacuolar sequestration), and modifying the subcellular distribution (enhances Cr-proportion in cell wall), thereby confer tolerance to ultrastructural damages under Cr stress. Our first evidence to establish the Cr-detoxification by seed-primed SiO2 NPs in B. napus, indicated the potential of SiO2 NPs as stress-reducing agent for crops grown in Cr-contaminated areas.

Pyroptosis is considered one of a critical factor in the recovery of neurological function following traumatic brain injury. Brain injury activates a molecular signaling cascade associated with pyroptosis and inflammation, including NLRP3, inflammatory cytokines, caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and other pyroptosis-related proteins. In this study, we explored the neuroprotective effects of LDC7559, a GSDMD inhibitor. Briefly, LDC7559, siRNA-GSDMD (si-GSDMD), or equal solvent was administrated to mice with a lipopolysaccharide + nigericin (LPS + Nig) model in vitro or with controlled cortical impact brain injury. The findings revealed that inflammation and pyroptosis levels were decreased by LDC7559 or si-GSDMD treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence staining, brain water content, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and behavioral investigations suggested that LDC7559 or si-GSDMD inhibited microglial proliferation, ameliorated cerebral edema, reduced brain tissue loss, and promoted brain function recovery. Taken together, LDC7559 may inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammation by inhibiting GSDMD, thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function.

Transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) is a general transcription factor for RNA polymerase II, exerting its influence across various biological contexts. In the majority of eukaryotes, TFIIB typically has two homologs, serving as general transcription factors for RNA polymerase I and III. In plants, however, the TFIIB-related protein family has expanded greatly, with 14 and 9 members in Arabidopsis and rice, respectively. BRP5/pollen-expressed transcription factor 2 (PTF2) proteins belong to a subfamily of TFIIB-related proteins found only in plants and algae. The prior analysis of an Arabidopsis atbrp5 mutant, characterized by a T-DNA insertion at the 5′ untranslated region, demonstrated the essential role of BRP5/PTF2 during the process of pollen germination and embryogenesis in Arabidopsis. Using a rice transformation system based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we have generated transgenic rice plants containing loss-of-function frameshift mutations in the BRP5/PTF2 gene. Unlike in the Arabidopsis atbrp5 mutant, the brp5/ptf2 frameshift mutations were not transmitted to progeny in rice, indicating an essential role of BRP5/PTF2 in both male and female gamete development or viability. The silencing of rice BRP5/PTF2 expression through RNA interference (RNAi) had little effect on vegetative growth and panicle formation but strongly affected pollen development and grain formation. Genetic analysis revealed that strong RNAi silencing of rice BRP5/PTF2 was still transmissible to progeny almost exclusively through female gametes, as found in the Arabidopsis atbrp5 knockdown mutant. Thus, reduced rice BRP5/PTF2 expression impacted pollen preferentially by interfering with male gamete development or viability. Drawing upon these findings, we posit that BRP5/PTF2 assumes a distinct and imperative function in the realm of plant sexual reproduction.

The Brassica napus (B. napus) LOR (Lurp-One-Related) gene family is a little-known gene family characterized by a conserved LOR domain in the proteins. Limited research in Arabidopsis showed that LOR family members played important roles in Hyaloperonospora parasitica (Hpa) defense. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research investigating the role of the LOR gene family towards their responses to abiotic stresses and hormone treatments. This study encompassed a comprehensive survey of 56 LOR genes in B. napus, which is a prominent oilseed crop that holds substantial economic significance in China, Europe, and North America. Additionally, the study evaluated the expression profiles of these genes in response to salinity and ABA stress. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 56 BnLORs could be divided into 3 subgroups (8 clades) with uneven distribution on 19 chromosomes. 37 out of 56 BnLOR members have experienced segmental duplication and 5 of them have undergone tandem repeats events with strong evidence of purifying selection. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis indicated that BnLORs involved in process such as light response, hormone response, low temperature response, heat stress response, and dehydration response. The expression pattern of BnLOR family members revealed tissue specificity. RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR were used to validate BnLOR gene expression under temperature, salinity and ABA stress, revealing that most BnLORs showed inducibility. This study enhanced our comprehension of the B. napus LOR gene family and could provide valuable information for identifying and selecting genes for stress resistant breeding.