Objective To identify the key amino acid residues of the TetR family transcription factor BcPDR1 in Botrytis cinerea, thereby laying a foundation for elucidating the mechanism by which BcPDR1 regulates the growth, development, and pathogenicity of this pathogen. Methods The key amino acid sites of BcPDR1 were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and four conserved regions (32-34 aa, 76-95 aa, 140-150 aa, and 189 aa) were selected for site-directed mutagenesis. On the basis of the knockout mutant ΔBcpdr1, the mutants BcPDR1-M1 (Δ32-34), BcPDR1-M2 (Δ76-95), BcPDR1-M3 (Δ140-150), and BcPDR1-M4 (mutation of Ile to Lys at 189 aa) were constructed. A comparative analysis of the phenotypic characteristics and pathogenicity was conducted on the four aforementioned mutants and the wild-type strain of B. cinerea, ΔBcpdr1, the complemented strain CE. Results The colony morphology, mycelial morphology, and growth rates of BcPDR1-M1, BcPDR1-M2, BcPDR1-M3, and BcPDR1-M4 were similar to those of ΔBcpdr1, but significantly different from those of BC22 and CE. These mutants could form lesions on tomato fruits and tobacco leaves, while their lesion areas were significantly smaller than those of BC22 and CE. Conclusion The regions 32-34, 76-95, 140-150, and the 189th amino acid are the regulatory sites for BcPDR1 to exert its functions.

Objective To investigate the differences and associations in endophytic microbial communities across four ecological niches of pepper varieties with varying pulp thickness and to delve into the microbial community disparities associated with different pepper pulp thickness. Methods We extracted DNA from the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of pepper varieties with varying pulp thickness. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS region of the endophytic microbial communities within these four niches were sequenced on the Illumina platform. Microbial taxa potentially associated with pulp thickness were identified and screened, followed by validation through pot experiments. Results Endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in the four ecological niches of pepper varieties with different pulp thicknesses all exhibited differences. Particularly, the bacterial community structure in the fruit displayed the most significant variations. Bar plots at the genus level and analyses of species disparities revealed that the genus Sphingomonas was significantly enriched in the pepper varieties with thick pulp and showed a positive correlation with pulp thickness. A total of 28 endophytic strains were isolated from pepper fruits. Among them, two strains belonged to the genus Sphingomonas, identified as S. aquatilis and S. yabuuchiae. Each of the two bacterial strains exhibited capabilities of both indole-3-acetic acid production and nitrogen fixation. Pot experiments demonstrated that inoculation with the two endophytic strains significantly promoted the fruit growth of pepper plants, increasing the pulp thickness by 75.44%. Conclusion The relative abundance of Sphingomonas in pepper fruits showed a significantly positive correlation with pulp thickness and Sphingomonas promoted fruit growth. This study is of great significance for revealing the role of endophytic microbial communities in the regulation of pepper fruit development and lays a theoretical foundation for improving pepper fruit quality.

Objective Senecavirus A (SVA) keeps posing a serious threat to the swine industry in China. This study aimed to characterize the biological properties and genetic evolutionary features of the latest circulating SVA strains. Methods In November 2024, vesicular lesion tissue samples were collected from pigs suspected of foot-and-mouth disease at a farm in eastern China. RT-PCR was performed, and positive samples were inoculated onto BHK-21 cells following standard virus isolation procedures. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was employed to preliminarily confirm viral isolation. The complete viral genome was amplified and sequenced, followed by genetic evolution analysis. Amino acid variations in the VP1 protein of the strain were identified by comparison with representative strains from key epidemic nodes. Viral replication characteristics were evaluated through plaque formation assay and one-step growth curve analysis. Viral particle morphology was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results RT-PCR and virus isolation confirmed SVA as the causative agent of the disease, and the isolated strain was designated SDWF/11/2024. The viral genome of this strain was 7 292 bp in length, and its overall organization was highly consistent with that of previously reported SVA strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SDWF/11/2024 belonged to the USA-like evolutionary clade, showing genetic divergence from Chinese strains circulating between 2015 and 2018, while exhibiting the closest relationship to a Chilean strain isolated in 2022. The isolate replicated efficiently in BHK-21 cells and induced typical cytopathic effects. Its replication kinetics was comparable to that of the early Chinese isolate HN/11/2017, although differences in plaque morphology were observed. TEM examination identified spherical viral particles with diameters of 25-35 nm, consistent with typical SVA virions. Conclusion This study successfully isolated and characterized the SVA strain SDWF/11/2024 circulating in China, 2024, and elucidated its molecular evolutionary features. The isolated SDWF/11/2024 provides a new reference strain for SVA surveillance in China and suggests that the virus may still persist at low levels in pig populations. These findings enhance our understanding about the genetic diversity and epidemic dynamics of SVA and support the improvement of molecular epidemiological monitoring and the development of prevention and control strategies.

Pasteurella multocida (Pm) and Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) are major bacterial pathogens responsible for bovine respiratory diseases. However, the diversity of these two pathogens in transported calf populations remains poorly understood, which severely hinders the effective prevention and control of their infections. Objective To investigate the diversity of Pm and Mh in a group of fattening calves purchased from a calf trading market in Inner Mongolia and transported to a breeding farm in Hechuan, Chongqing. Methods After arrival, nasal swabs were collected from calves showing respiratory symptoms at four time points for bacterial isolation and culture. Suspected Pm and Mh colonies were selected based on colony morphology, hemolytic characteristics, and Wright-Giemsa staining results, followed by PCR identification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for confirmation. Furthermore, the serotypes, biochemical and antibiotic resistance profiles, virulence genes, and resistance genes of the isolates were analyzed. Results A total of 23 strains of Pm serotype A, 10 strains of Mhserotype A6, and 1 strain of Mhserotype A2 were isolated from 68 nasal swabs collected at 4 different time points, and only 1 nasal swab harbored both Pm and Mh. Some isolates exhibited diversity in biochemical and antibiotic resistance profiles, which had no significant correlation with sampling time points. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that Pm and Mh isolates were resistant to most penicillins, aminoglycosides, and lincosamides but remained sensitive to cephalosporins and quinolones. Resistance gene detection showed that β-lactamase resistance (bla_TEM ) genes were detected in 73.91% of Pm isolates and 90.91% of Mh isolates, while sulfonamide resistance (sul2) genes were found in 69.57% of Pm isolates and 18.18% of Mh isolates. Only one Mh isolate carried aminoglycoside resistance genes (aadA25 and aadB). Discrepancies were observed between resistance phenotype and the presence of selected resistance genes. All Pm and Mh isolates were pathogenic. Virulence gene analysis confirmed that Pm isolates consistently carried tonB, hsf-1, nanB, oma87, and tbpA, while Mh isolates showed the detection rates of 100% for gapA and dnaN, 82% for lktA, plpB, and tbpB, and 0 for ptfA. Conclusion These findings suggest that calves purchased from trading markets and transported over long distances to new farms harbor Pm and Mh strains exhibiting diversity in biochemical characteristics and drug resistance, which pose challenges for effective infection control. This study provides critical insights for developing prevention and control strategies against Pm and Mh infections in transported calves.

Objective To investigate the transcriptional regulation of quorum sensing (QS) regulators AphA, ToxR, and QsvR on the expression of the phosphodiesterase (GepA) gene gepA in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Methods Total RNAs were extracted from the wild type (WT) and the mutant strains of aphA, toxR, and qsvR. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was carried out to calculate the transcriptional variation of gepA between WT and mutant strains. The regulatory DNA region of gepA was cloned into the upstream region of promoterless luxCDABEreporter gene in the pBBRlux plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was respectively transferred into the WT and mutant strains. Luminescence assay was used to test the regulatory effect of QS regulators on the expression of gepA. The primer extension assay was employed to detect the transcription start site and the promoter activity of gepA. The effects of QS regulators on gepA were evaluated based on the abundance of primer extension products. The regulatory DNA region of gepA was cloned into the upstream region of lacZ in the pHRP309 plasmid. The LacZ recombinant plasmid was transformed into EC100 λpir harboring pBAD33 or PBAD33-qsvR. Two-plasmid LacZ reporter assay was conducted to investigate the regulatory effects of QS regulators on the transcription of gepA in EC100 λpir. The regulatory DNA region of gepA was amplified by PCR, and the His recombinant proteins of QS regulators were purified. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed to investigate whether QS regulators directly regulated the expression of gepA. Results At low cell density, the qPCR results showed that expression of gepA in ΔaphA and ΔtoxR were significantly lower than that in WT, indicating that AphA and ToxR activated the transcription of gepA. The luminescence assay showed that the transcriptional activity of the promoter region of gepA in ΔaphA and ΔtoxR was significantly lower than that in WT, further indicating that AphA and ToxR promoted the transcription of gepA. The primer extension assay detected that the transcription start site of gepA was located at the A nucleotide 30 bp upstream of the start codon ATG, and its transcriptional activity was activated by AphA. The EMSA result indicated that His-AphA and His-ToxR were unable to bind the promoter DNA region of gepA. At high cell density, both the qPCR and primer extension assay indicated that QsvR inhibited the transcription of gepA. The EMSA result demonstrated that His-QsvR directly bound to the promoter DNA region of gepA. Two-plasmid lacZ reporter assay demonstrated that QsvR inhibited the transcriptional activity of the promoter region of gepA in EC100 λpir. Conclusion AphA and ToxR indirectly activate while QsvR directly inhibits the transcription of gepA. Therefore, the transcription level of gepA is higher at low cell density and significantly decreases at high cell density.

Objective To investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) on the in vitro fermentation characteristics and composition of intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets by using an in vitro microbial fermentation technique, with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) taken as the control. Methods Using microbial inocula derived from the jejunal and colonic chyme of piglets, with FOS and MOS as respective substrates, this study measured microbial gas production and fermentation broth pH at five time points (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h), and collected fermentation broth samples at each time point for subsequent microbial analysis. Results In the in vitro jejunal microbial fermentation system, both the fermentation broth pH and gas production in the MOS group were significantly higher than those in the FOS group (P<0.05). At 24 h of fermentation, compared with FOS, MOS significantly increased the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (P<0.01). The formate production in the MOS group was significantly lower than that in the FOS group (P<0.01). At 48 h of fermentation, the lactate concentration in the MOS group was significantly lower than that in the FOS group (P<0.01). In the in vitro colonic microbial fermentation system, gas production in the MOS group was significantly higher than that in the FOS group (P<0.05). At 48 h of fermentation, the production of formate, acetate, butyrate, SCFAs, and lactate in the MOS group was significantly higher than that in the FOS group (P<0.01). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results of the jejunal fermentation broth revealed that at 48 h of fermentation, both the Shannon and Simpson indices in the MOS group were significantly higher than those in the FOS group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the microbiota composition exhibited disparity between the MOS and FOS groups. Moreover, the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Limosilactobacillus, and Megasphaera were significantly higher in the MOS group than in the FOS group (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared to FOS, MOS enabled the microbiota in the small intestine of piglets to significantly improve the microbial community structure, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, enhance gas production, and promote the generation of acetate and other SCFAs. These findings suggested that MOS held potential for modulating microecology in the small intestine of weaned piglets.

Objective To analyze the expression strategy, DNA-binding characteristics, and the role in heavy metal responses and transcriptional regulation of the UrcA-like membrane protein Chr1_2170 from Sphingobium xenophagum C1. Methods Chr1_2170 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) by codon optimization, dual-signal peptide guidance, and co-expression with homologous molecular chaperones. The interacting genes of Chr1_2170 were screened by constructing a functional promoter library of protein-bound genomic DNA fragments. The heavy metal response characteristics of Chr1_2170 were analyzed via the Chr1_2170-Luc reporter system. Results Chr1_2170 was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). Six promoter regions specifically bound by Chr1_2170 were screened out and identified, with the conserved motif of 5′-AATXGCGXGTA-3′. Gene function annotation predicted that Chr1_2170 regulated multiple genes, including those encoding β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, two-component system ATP-binding protein, DNA topoisomerase IV subunit B, and serine hydrolase. Chr1_2170 showed dose-dependent responses to Cu²⁺ (1-80 μmol/L), Zn²⁺ (1-80 μmol/L), and Ba²⁺ (1-150 μmol/L). Conclusion Chr1_2170 functions not only as a heavy metal sensing element but also as a multifunctional transcriptional regulator. It regulates the expression of related genes by recognizing specific DNA sequences, playing a key role in environmental adaptation and stress responses of bacteria.

Objective To screen indigenous rhizobia with high salt tolerance and plant growth-promoting traits from alfalfa nodules and clarify their phylogenetic status and functional potential, thereby providing strain resources and a theoretical basis for developing localized, efficient alfalfa symbiosis and further addressing the constraints of saline soil on alfalfa production in Inner Mongolia. Methods Indigenous alfalfa rhizobia were collected from six saline-alkali sites in Inner Mongolia via a trapping method. Following isolation and purification, the taxonomic status of the strains was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The plant growth-promoting functions were evaluated through nodulation tests, along with assays for nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, potassium solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) content. Seed germination and pot experiments were carried out to evaluate the salt stress-alleviating effect of the target strain. Results A total of 250 strains were isolated, with Sinorhizobium meliloti being predominant (227 strains, 90.8%). Eight efficient nodulating strains (e.g., 1B1Y and 1B2Y) were screened out, all of which possessed nitrogen-fixing and potassium-solubilizing capabilities. Some strains (e.g., 2B3Y and 9B3Y) could solubilize organic phosphorus and produce siderophores. Strain 9B3Y secreted the highest amount of IAA (67.5 mg/L), while 16C1Y produced the highest EPS content (2.684 g/L). Under salt stress (0.4% NaCl), the aboveground fresh weight of alfalfa inoculated with strain 2B3Y increased by 29% compared with that of the saline control, and the strain significantly alleviated the inhibition on seed germination (notably increasing the root length). Conclusion The strains screened out, particularly strain 2B3Y, can effectively mitigate the inhibitory effects of salt stress on alfalfa through nitrogen fixation and the secretion of IAA and EPS. These strains show promise for application in alfalfa production and soil improvement in saline regions of Inner Mongolia.

Objective To investigate the effect of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) on the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and thus provide theoretical support for anti-herpes simplex virus research. Methods The mRNA and protein levels of molecules in the KEAP1-NRF2 signaling pathway and viral molecules in ARPE-19 cells infected with HSV-1 were determined by qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. KEAP1-silenced and overexpressing ARPE-19 cell lines were constructed, and Western blotting was employed to assess the effects of KEAP1 silencing and overexpression on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway. The KEAP1-silenced and overexpressing cell lines were subsequently infected with HSV-1. Changes in viral mRNA expression were detected via qPCR, while immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to evaluate alterations in viral protein expression. Additionally, a plaque formation assay was conducted to measure variations in viral titer. Western blotting was performed on KEAP1-silenced cell lines infected with HSV-1 to assess the expression levels of NRF2 signaling pathway and viral proteins at different time points. Results Silencing of KEAP1 activated the NRF2 signaling pathway and promoted HSV-1 replication, whereas KEAP1 overexpression downregulated the NRF2 signaling pathway and inhibited HSV-1 replication. These findings contradict previous studies suggesting that upregulation and activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway can suppress HSV-1 replication. Further investigation revealed that KEAP1 silencing-induced NRF2 upregulation was significantly inhibited following HSV-1 infection. Conclusion KEAP1 plays a crucial role in the host cell resistance to HSV-1 infection, and its interaction with NRF2 exerts complex biological functions in antiviral immune responses.

Objective To compare the regulatory effects and underlying physiological mechanisms of Pseudomonas huaxiensis M11 and Bacillus megaterium M28 on the photosynthetic characteristics of maize subjected to low soil fertility stress. Methods A pot experiment was implemented with four treatments: normal soil control (CK), low nutrient treatment (LNT), and bacterial inoculation under LNT conditions (M11+LNT, M28+LNT). At the tasseling stage, measurements were taken for soil nutrients, plant growth indices, gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, and the fast chlorophyll a fluorescence induction kinetics (O-J-I-P chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, OJIP curve). Yield components were assessed at physiological maturity. Results Inoculation with M11 significantly increased the content of available phosphorus, available potassium, and organic matter, while reducing the electrical conductivity in soil. M28 significantly enhanced the total nitrogen content. Both bacterial treatments significantly promoted maize growth, increasing the plant height, leaf area, SPAD value, and biomass. Moreover, they highly significantly enhanced the net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), transpiration rate (T_r), and water use efficiency (WUE), while reducing the intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i). Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis revealed a decrease in minimal fluorescence (F_o) and increases in the maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m), actual photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Φ_PSII), apparent photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), photochemical quenching (qP), and the fraction of open PSII centers based on excitation energy (qL), with no significant change in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). The OJIP curves indicated the absence of a K-step in inoculated plants, a decrease in fluorescence at the J-step, and increases at the I-step and P-step. The differential kinetic curves of relative variable fluorescence (ΔV_t analysis) confirmed that both strains synchronized the optimization of electron transport on both the donor and acceptor sides of photosystem II (PSII). The increased amplitude of the I-P phase suggested enhanced photosystem I (PSI) activity. Junction-intermediate-peak test (JIP-test) parameters demonstrated that inoculation significantly enhanced the performance index based on absorbed light energy (PI_ABS), the performance index on a cross-section basis (PI_CS), the probability that a trapped exciton moves an electron into the electron transport chain beyond Q_A (Ψ_o), the quantum yield for electron transport (φ_Eo), and the electron transport flux per reaction center (ET_o/RC). Conversely, dissipated energy flux per cross-sectional area (DI_o/RC) and quantum ratio for dissipated energy (φ_Do) decreased. Consequently, compared with the LNT group, the M11 and M28 treatments resulted in significant increases of 30.61% and 22.64% in maize fresh weight and 26.68% and 23.41% in dry weight, respectively. Conclusion P. huaxiensis M11 primarily enhances photosynthetic performance by increasing soil available phosphorus and potassium content, directly optimizing energy metabolism and stomatal movement, whereas B. megaterium M28 mainly acts by elevating soil total nitrogen content, focusing on stabilizing the structure of the photosynthetic apparatus. Together, they protect the integrity of photosynthetic apparatus and optimize the electron transport efficiency of photosystems, significantly improving the photosynthetic performance and yield of maize under low fertility stress. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the targeted application of microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural production.