Journal: Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology

Article Title: Engineering Escherichia coli for robust Co-utilization of glucose and xylose enables high-titer succinate production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates

doi: 10.1016/j.synbio.2026.01.006

Figure Lengend Snippet: Investigation of xylose transport and PTS modification for succinate production. (A) Schematic representation of glucose and xylose transport routes in different E. coli strains, highlighting the key transporters and metabolic nodes influencing carbon flux; (B) Intracellular ATP levels in strains C600, MG1655, and BW25113 during aerobic growth on xylose; (C) Comparison of succinate and by-product accumulation between the parental strain C600 and engineered strain ESC2 under anaerobic conditions; (D) Fermentation performance of PTS-modified strain ESC3, showing sugar utilization, biomass generation, and succinate production; (E–F) Growth profiles of engineered ESC3 derivatives in defined medium with xylose (E) or glucose–xylose mixtures (F). All experimental data were performed in triplicate, and error bars represent the standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-tailed Student's t -test (∗∗p < 0.01, ∗∗∗p < 0.001).

Article Snippet: In this study, we systematically engineered E. coli C600 (ATCC 23724) [ ], a strain with efficient and low-energy xylose transport, as the chassis for succinate production from lignocellulosic sugars.

Techniques: Modification, Comparison, Standard Deviation, Two Tailed Test

Journal: Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology

Article Title: Engineering Escherichia coli for robust Co-utilization of glucose and xylose enables high-titer succinate production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates

doi: 10.1016/j.synbio.2026.01.006

Figure Lengend Snippet: Construction of a succinate-producing strain from C600. (A) Metabolic map illustrating targeted knockouts ( ldhA , pflB , ptsG , adhE and pta-ackA ) and expression/integration of pck to redirect flux toward succinate; (B) Two-stage fermentation scheme comprising aerobic growth using shaking flasks and followed by anaerobic production in serum bottles; (C–D) Succinate fermentation of six engineered strains cultured on xylose (C) or glucose–xylose mixtures (D). All experimental data were performed in triplicate, and error bars represent the standard deviation.

Article Snippet: In this study, we systematically engineered E. coli C600 (ATCC 23724) [ ], a strain with efficient and low-energy xylose transport, as the chassis for succinate production from lignocellulosic sugars.

Techniques: Expressing, Cell Culture, Standard Deviation

Journal: Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology

Article Title: Engineering Escherichia coli for robust Co-utilization of glucose and xylose enables high-titer succinate production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates

doi: 10.1016/j.synbio.2026.01.006

Figure Lengend Snippet: Evaluation of exogenous xylose utilization pathways and library-based strain selection. (A) Schematic comparison of the endogenous XI pathway with the Dahms and Weimberg pathways; (B) Design of pathway plasmid libraries and RBS variants controlling expression of key genes for Dahms and Weimberg pathways. The Weimberg library plasmid carries XylA , XylX , and XylB from C. crescentus , while the Dahms library plasmid contains XylB from C. crescentus . The helper plasmid harbors xylC from C. crescentus and the endogenous yjhG from E. coli . RBS sequences were designed with 32 mutations, enabling gene expression levels ranging from 4 to 57,523 au; (C) Growth and succinate production of four representative ESC7 derivatives (ESC7-W1, ESC7-W2, ESC7-D1, ESC7-D2), which were randomly selected from the Weimberg (W1, W2) or Dahms (D1, D2) pathway libraries, compared with ESC6 (XI pathway); (D) Fermentation performance of the same four ESC7 clones carrying the helper plasmid (harboring XylC and yjhG ), compared with ESC6; (E) Validation of pathway combinations in the ESC6 background using the same four representative plasmids, integrating XI with Dahms/Weimberg routes and help plasmid; (F) Screening of library colonies identified six optimal variants, which were reconstructed in ESC6 and evaluated for succinate production from glucose–xylose mixtures. All experimental data were performed in triplicate, and error bars represent the standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-tailed Student's t -test (∗∗∗ p < 0.001).

Article Snippet: In this study, we systematically engineered E. coli C600 (ATCC 23724) [ ], a strain with efficient and low-energy xylose transport, as the chassis for succinate production from lignocellulosic sugars.

Techniques: Selection, Comparison, Plasmid Preparation, Expressing, Gene Expression, Clone Assay, Biomarker Discovery, Standard Deviation, Two Tailed Test

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: Roles of A 2b R in ADO-mediated activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in primary BMSCs. ( A ) Principal component analysis (PCA) of RNA-seq data from primary BMSCs treated with Dex or Dex + ADO. ( B ) The volcano plot presented the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as determined by RNA-Seq in primary BMSCs treated with Dex or Dex + ADO. ( C ) Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis in the biological process category for DEGs as determined by RNA-Seq in primary BMSCs treated with Dex, or Dex + ADO. ( D ) The molecular docking of ADO with mus musculus A 1 R, A 2a R, A 2b R, and A 3 R proteins. ADO is displayed in Cyan. The surrounding residues in the binding pocket are shown in green (forming a non-hydrogen bond with ADO) or magenta (forming a hydrogen bond with ADO). The hydrogen bond is labeled as yellow dashed lines. The backbone of the receptor is depicted as gray. ( E ) RT-qPCR analysis of the mRNA levels of Adora1 , Adora2a , Adora2b , and Adora3 in primary BMSCs treated with vehicle, Dex, or Dex + ADO. ( F ) RT-qPCR analysis for the expression of Runx2 in primary BMSCs of different groups. (G) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) plot showing the differentially expressed pathway (cAMP) between the Dex group and the Dex + ADO group as indicated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. ( H ) Western blot validation for the knockdown deficiency of A 2b R after transfection with si Adora2b . ( I ) ELISA analysis for the relative intracellular cAMP levels in BMSCs of different groups. ( J ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of PKA, p-PKA, CREB, and p-CREB in primary BMSCs. ( K ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of Alizarin Red S staining for mineralization deposit in primary BMSCs of different groups under osteogenic conditions. n = 4 independent repeats by using different biological samples in each group for in vitro experiments. Data were means ± s.e.m. ns p > 0.05, ∗ p < 0.05, ∗∗ p < 0.01, ∗∗∗ p < 0.001 by one-way ANOVA. Scale bar: 200 μm (K).

Article Snippet: The intracellular cAMP level was examined by using a cAMP ELISA Kit (E-EL-0056, Elabscience, Wuhan, China) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Techniques: Activation Assay, RNA Sequencing, Binding Assay, Labeling, Quantitative RT-PCR, Expressing, Western Blot, Biomarker Discovery, Knockdown, Transfection, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Staining, In Vitro

Journal: Veterinary and Animal Science

Article Title: Effect of Echinacea purpurea on cytokine gene expression (IL10, IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ), telomere length, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide in broilers reared at high altitude

doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100675

Figure Lengend Snippet: Comparison of nitric oxide (NO, A): malondialdehyde (MDA, B) and telomere length (C) between control and two concentrations of Echinacea purpurea (E0.25: Echinacea 0.25%; E0.75: Echinacea 0.75%) groups. P < 0.05 is statistically considered significant.

Article Snippet: The E. purpurea hydroalcoholic extract (Raha Exir Pharmed Co., Iran) was thoroughly mixed into the basal diet at the specified inclusion rates (0.25% or 0.75%).

Techniques: Comparison, Control

Journal: Veterinary and Animal Science

Article Title: Effect of Echinacea purpurea on cytokine gene expression (IL10, IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ), telomere length, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide in broilers reared at high altitude

doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100675

Figure Lengend Snippet: Comparison of cytokine gene expression (A: IFNγ; B: IL10; C: IL1β, D: TNFα) between control and two concentrations of Echinacea purpurea (E0.25: Echinacea 0.25%; E0.75: Echinacea 0.75%) groups. P < 0.05 is statistically considered significant.

Article Snippet: The E. purpurea hydroalcoholic extract (Raha Exir Pharmed Co., Iran) was thoroughly mixed into the basal diet at the specified inclusion rates (0.25% or 0.75%).

Techniques: Comparison, Gene Expression, Control

Journal: Veterinary and Animal Science

Article Title: Effect of Echinacea purpurea on cytokine gene expression (IL10, IL1β, TNFα, IFNγ), telomere length, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide in broilers reared at high altitude

doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100675

Figure Lengend Snippet: Comparison of expression of cytokine gene ratio [(IFNγ + IL1β + TNFα) / IL10] between control and two concentrations of Echinacea purpurea (E0.25: Echinacea 0.25%; E0.75: Echinacea 0.75%) groups.

Article Snippet: The E. purpurea hydroalcoholic extract (Raha Exir Pharmed Co., Iran) was thoroughly mixed into the basal diet at the specified inclusion rates (0.25% or 0.75%).

Techniques: Comparison, Expressing, Control

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: Roles of the CD39/CD73 axis on DUB's multidirectional protection effects in Dex-treated primary BMSCs. ( A ) ELISA for ROS clearance-related enzyme T-SOD and ROS damage biomarkers 8-OHdG, AOPP, and MDA in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( B ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of ROS clearance-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( C ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence staining for MitoSox (red) in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with Hoechst (blue). ( D ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( E ) Cellular apoptosis detection in primary BMSCs of different groups by Annexin V-FITC and PI dual-staining assessment via flow cytometry. The proportion of cells in each quadrant was indicated in the plot. ( F ) Tunel (red) staining and quantification of apoptotic cells in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). ( G ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of Alizarin Red S staining for mineralization in primary BMSCs of different groups under osteogenic conditions. ( H ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. n = 4 independent repeats by using different biological samples in each group for in vitro experiments. Data were means ± s.e.m. ∗ p < 0.05, ∗∗ p < 0.01, ∗∗∗ p < 0.001 by one-way ANOVA. Scale bars: 50 μm (C), 25 μm (F), and 200 μm (G).

Article Snippet: Additionally, apoptosis was independently assessed by using a One-step TUNEL In Situ Apoptosis Kit (E-CK-A322, Elabscience, Wuhan, China) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Techniques: Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Western Blot, Expressing, Immunofluorescence, Staining, Flow Cytometry, TUNEL Assay, In Vitro

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: The effect of ADO supplements on primary BMSCs. ( A ) MTT assay for the proliferation of BMSCs treated with different doses of ADO for 2 days and 10 days under osteogenic induction conditions with or without 10 μM Dex. ( B-C ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of mineralized nodule areas by Alizarin Red S staining in primary BMSCs treated with gradient doses of ADO under osteogenic induction with or without 10 μM Dex. ( D ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( E ) ELISA for ROS clearance-related enzyme T-SOD and ROS damage biomarkers 8-OHdG, AOPP, and MDA in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( F ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of ROS clearance-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( G ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence staining for MitoSox (red) in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with Hoechst (blue). ( H ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( I ) Cellular apoptosis detection in primary BMSCs of different groups by Annexin V-FITC and PI dual-staining assessment via flow cytometry. The proportion of cells in each quadrant was indicated in the plot. ( J ) Tunel (red) staining and quantification of apoptotic cells in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). n = 4 independent repeats by using different biological samples in each group for in vitro experiments. Data were means ± s.e.m. ∗∗ p < 0.01, ∗∗∗ p < 0.001 by one-way ANOVA. Scale bars: 200 μm (B), 50 μm (G), and 25 μm (J).

Article Snippet: Additionally, apoptosis was independently assessed by using a One-step TUNEL In Situ Apoptosis Kit (E-CK-A322, Elabscience, Wuhan, China) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Techniques: MTT Assay, Staining, Western Blot, Expressing, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Immunofluorescence, Flow Cytometry, TUNEL Assay, In Vitro

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: Summary of the study. The schematic diagram illustrates that DUB alleviates GIOP by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis via the CD39/CD73/ADO axis and promotes osteogenesis via ADO/A 2b R-mediated activation of the PKA/CREB pathway. The schematic diagram was created by using BioRender.com.

Article Snippet: Additionally, apoptosis was independently assessed by using a One-step TUNEL In Situ Apoptosis Kit (E-CK-A322, Elabscience, Wuhan, China) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Techniques: Activation Assay

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: Roles of the CD39/CD73 axis on DUB's multidirectional protection effects in Dex-treated primary BMSCs. ( A ) ELISA for ROS clearance-related enzyme T-SOD and ROS damage biomarkers 8-OHdG, AOPP, and MDA in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( B ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of ROS clearance-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( C ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence staining for MitoSox (red) in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with Hoechst (blue). ( D ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( E ) Cellular apoptosis detection in primary BMSCs of different groups by Annexin V-FITC and PI dual-staining assessment via flow cytometry. The proportion of cells in each quadrant was indicated in the plot. ( F ) Tunel (red) staining and quantification of apoptotic cells in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). ( G ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of Alizarin Red S staining for mineralization in primary BMSCs of different groups under osteogenic conditions. ( H ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. n = 4 independent repeats by using different biological samples in each group for in vitro experiments. Data were means ± s.e.m. ∗ p < 0.05, ∗∗ p < 0.01, ∗∗∗ p < 0.001 by one-way ANOVA. Scale bars: 50 μm (C), 25 μm (F), and 200 μm (G).

Article Snippet: The proportion of early and late apoptotic primary BMSCs under different treatment conditions was determined using an Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit (E-CK-A211, Elabscience, Wuhan, China).

Techniques: Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Western Blot, Expressing, Immunofluorescence, Staining, Flow Cytometry, TUNEL Assay, In Vitro

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: The effect of ADO supplements on primary BMSCs. ( A ) MTT assay for the proliferation of BMSCs treated with different doses of ADO for 2 days and 10 days under osteogenic induction conditions with or without 10 μM Dex. ( B-C ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of mineralized nodule areas by Alizarin Red S staining in primary BMSCs treated with gradient doses of ADO under osteogenic induction with or without 10 μM Dex. ( D ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( E ) ELISA for ROS clearance-related enzyme T-SOD and ROS damage biomarkers 8-OHdG, AOPP, and MDA in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( F ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of ROS clearance-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( G ) Representative images and quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence staining for MitoSox (red) in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with Hoechst (blue). ( H ) Western blot and quantification for the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in primary BMSCs of different groups. ( I ) Cellular apoptosis detection in primary BMSCs of different groups by Annexin V-FITC and PI dual-staining assessment via flow cytometry. The proportion of cells in each quadrant was indicated in the plot. ( J ) Tunel (red) staining and quantification of apoptotic cells in primary BMSCs of different groups, and nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). n = 4 independent repeats by using different biological samples in each group for in vitro experiments. Data were means ± s.e.m. ∗∗ p < 0.01, ∗∗∗ p < 0.001 by one-way ANOVA. Scale bars: 200 μm (B), 50 μm (G), and 25 μm (J).

Article Snippet: The proportion of early and late apoptotic primary BMSCs under different treatment conditions was determined using an Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit (E-CK-A211, Elabscience, Wuhan, China).

Techniques: MTT Assay, Staining, Western Blot, Expressing, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Immunofluorescence, Flow Cytometry, TUNEL Assay, In Vitro

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Screening of a quinonoid compounds library identifies decylubiquinone as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via CD39/CD73/adenosine axis

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.03.062

Figure Lengend Snippet: Summary of the study. The schematic diagram illustrates that DUB alleviates GIOP by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis via the CD39/CD73/ADO axis and promotes osteogenesis via ADO/A 2b R-mediated activation of the PKA/CREB pathway. The schematic diagram was created by using BioRender.com.

Article Snippet: The proportion of early and late apoptotic primary BMSCs under different treatment conditions was determined using an Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit (E-CK-A211, Elabscience, Wuhan, China).

Techniques: Activation Assay