Related Publications

Arch Microbiol. 2026 Aug 13;208(11):574. doi: 10.1007/s00203-026-05137-5.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) poses a threat to the cellular integrity of soil microorganisms as well as ecological stability, driving the selection of resistant microorganisms with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of the Rhizobium sp. LBMP-C04 isolate under PTM stress, focusing on adaptive resistance mechanisms and intracellular bioaccumulation. The bacterium, which was isolated from Arachis pintoi root nodules and had previously undergone genomic characterization, was subjected to antibiotic-resistance assays, growth-curve analysis in the presence of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ni²⁺, metal-removal analyses, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed resistance to multiple antibiotics and differential tolerance to metals, with Cr³⁺ notably allowing sustained bacterial growth. Correlation analyses indicated associations between population dynamics and metal-concentration changes, indicating active involvement in bioaccumulation processes. TEM images showed intracellular metal accumulation without severe structural damage, while FTIR analyses identified functional groups potentially involved in metal ion interactions. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed changes in biomass composition associated with metal exposure. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the isolate shows efficient adaptive and intracellular sequestration mechanisms for PTMs, although removal efficiency from the medium was limited. Nevertheless, the plant growth-promoting traits and metal resistance of the isolate highlight its potential for application in phytoremediation strategies in contaminated environments.

PMID:42593541 | DOI:10.1007/s00203-026-05137-5

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Aug 1;27(15):6924. doi: 10.3390/ijms27156924.

ABSTRACT

The cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed and economic crop worldwide, with seed protein content being a key target for quality improvement. The Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) gene family encodes sugar transporters that play crucial roles in plant growth and development, stress tolerance, pathogen interactions, and seed filling. In this study, 43 AhSWEET genes were identified in the cultivated peanut genome and classified into four phylogenetic clades. Members within the same clade generally show similar exon-intron structures and conserved motif compositions, suggesting evolutionary conservation within subgroups. Promoter cis-regulatory elements analysis indicated that AhSWEET genes contain multiple elements associated with light response, hormone signaling, stress response, and growth and development, implying their potential involvement in diverse biological processes. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that most AhSWEET proteins are likely localized to the plasma membrane, consistent with their putative roles in transmembrane sugar transport. This was further supported by transient expression analysis of selected AhSWEET-eGFP fusion proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Comparative phylogenetic and synteny analyses reveal that AhSWEET5, AhSWEET21, AhSWEET27, and AhSWEET43 are closely related to soybean GmSWEET10a and GmSWEET10b, which are known to regulate seed size and storage-compound accumulation. Transcriptome data and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis showed that these candidate genes are preferentially expressed in seed-related tissues, particularly the testa and embryo, suggesting possible sugar allocation during peanut seed development. Overall, this study provides a systematic characterization of the AhSWEET gene family and identifies several candidate genes for future functional studies aimed at improving peanut seed quality, including protein accumulation.

PMID:42589581 | PMC:PMC13467531 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27156924

Animals (Basel). 2026 Aug 3;16(15):2368. doi: 10.3390/ani16152368.

ABSTRACT

In Burkina Faso, native and improved forage species and crop residues are widely used as feed resources for ruminant livestock. Accurate information on their chemical composition, digestibility, and voluntary intake is essential for balanced and cost-effective ration formulation. This study, conducted from 2021 to 2022 at the INERA research station with Djallonké sheep, evaluated the nutritional quality of key forage resources: Brachiaria cv. Mulato II, Panicum maximum cvs. Zuri and C1, Andropogon gayanus, maize and millet straws, and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) haulms. Four trials were conducted using six intact adult male sheep per forage. For each trial, the animals were fed ad libitum during a 14-day adaptation period, followed by a 7-8-day measurement phase for intake and digestibility. The chemical composition of each forage was analyzed by NIR spectrometry using ILRI-validated equations for tropical forages and crop residues for Burkina Faso. Protein contents in the hays and straws ranged from 3.81% to 5.72%, with fiber contents of 71.76-78.16%. Forages harvested at heading and preserved as hay had higher nutrient levels than straws, while improved green fodder protein contents exceeded 7%. Peanut (14.75%) and cowpea (14.03%) haulms showed the highest protein concentrations. Intake was greatest for Panicum maximum cv. C1 (56.78 g/kg BW^0.75, p < 0.05), with legume haulms (81.10 gDM/kgBW^0.75) consumed more than green fodder (47.65 gDM/kgBW^0.75). Digestibility was highest with peanut haulms (62.72%). These findings provide updated insights to strengthen Burkina Faso's feed database and guide balanced livestock ration formulation.

PMID:42589005 | PMC:PMC13466173 | DOI:10.3390/ani16152368

J Vis Exp. 2026 Jul 22;(233). doi: 10.3791/70976.

ABSTRACT

This study demonstrates the bifunctionality of fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-dots) derived from galangal as both sensors for metal ions and a nutrient source for peanut growth. The C-dots were fabricated via a carbonization method at 200 °C for 30 min and exhibited blue fluorescence in ethanol and aqueous solutions. Characterization using absorption, photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed successful formation. The C-dots showed absorption peaks at 275 nm (ethanol) and 270 nm (aqueous), with an average diameter of 5.74 nm and a standard deviation of 1.11 nm. PL intensity was significantly quenched upon interaction with Fe^3⁺ and Mg^2⁺ ions, enabling their detection with limits of detection of 2.98 µM and 3.3 µM, respectively. The application of C-dots enhanced peanut growth, as evidenced by increased chlorophyll content and biomass compared to untreated plants. These results indicate that galangal-derived C-dots function as effective nutrient sources for vegetative growth. Overall, this approach provides an economical and environmentally friendly strategy for developing bifunctional C-dots for metal ion sensing and agricultural applications.

PMID:42574450 | DOI:10.3791/70976

J Adv Res. 2026 Aug 8:S2090-1232(26)00635-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2026.08.025. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers underpin global food security but drive escalating environmental costs, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil degradation. Conventional N-reduction strategies face a fundamental trade-off: lowering fertilizer inputs typically compromises crop productivity and farmer income. Nanotechnology offers a pathway to decouple yield from N dependency, yet scalable, low-cost solutions remain elusive.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a least-input foliar fertilization strategy using bio-derived nanocarbon (BNC) that enables a 30% reduction in synthetic N input in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) without sacrificing crop yield, nutritional quality, or economic returns, while elucidating the underlying physiological and microbiological mechanisms.

METHODS: Field trials were conducted with peanut (cv. Huayu 22) over two consecutive growing seasons (2024-2025) in Laixi, Shandong, China, under four treatments: N (conventional N, 100% urea), N-30 (reduced N, 70% urea), N + BNC (100% urea + foliar BNC), and N-30 + BNC (70% urea + 18 g ha^-1 foliar BNC). Photosynthetic parameters, oxidative stress markers, and ¹⁵N isotope tracing were assessed. Transcriptomic, metabolomic, and 16S rRNA microbiome analyses characterized systemic signaling and rhizosphere responses. GHG emissions were modeled using the DNDC framework, and economic benefits were calculated based on yield and input costs.

RESULTS: BNC application under N-30% maintained yield parity with the N control by sustaining photosynthetic electron transport and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). This enhanced carbon status upregulated the transcription factor HY5, activating nitrate transporter AhNRT1.2 and ammonium transporter AhAMT1.1 and increasing ¹⁵N uptake. Changes in root-exudate composition were accompanied by shifts in the rhizosphere bacterial community, including higher relative abundance of taxa associated with nitrification and nutrient turnover (Nitrospira and Gemmatimonas), and coincided with 21% and 14% higher root NO₃^--N and NH₄⁺-N contents, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) improved by 16.0%, total GHG emissions decreased by 34.8%, and net profit increased by 27.0%.

CONCLUSION: A micro-dosage of upcycled BNC (∼$0.02 ha^-1) orchestrates HY5-mediated shoot-to-root signaling and rhizosphere microbiome restructuring to sustain crop productivity under reduced N inputs. This commercially viable, low-input framework offers a scalable route for climate-smart agriculture that reconciles food security with environmental sustainability.

PMID:42570689 | DOI:10.1016/j.jare.2026.08.025

J Sci Food Agric. 2026 Aug 7. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.70967. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Defatted solids (DSs) from vegetable oil extraction represent valuable feedstocks for producing protein concentrates with tailored functional properties. In the present study, using peanut protein concentrates obtained from press cakes defatted with ethanol (DSEt) or hexane (DSHx), we aimed to evaluate ethanol as a green solvent for oil extraction and as a protein-precipitating agent. Protein extraction was optimized by assessing temperature and pH, and purification was performed using isoelectric (IP) or alcoholic (AP) precipitation.

RESULTS: Extractions at 75 °C and a pH of 9.0 resulted in higher protein extraction yields for DSEt (89 ± 3%) and DSHx (95 ± 1%). The protein contents reached 780 ± 30 g kg^-1 (IP) and 790 ± 10 g kg^-1 (AP) for DSEt and 730 ± 30 g kg^-1 (IP) and 750 ± 10 g kg^-1 (AP) for DSHx (dry basis). Both the solvents and the precipitation methods maintained the thermal stability of the proteins, although the denaturation enthalpies indicated that IP was less severe than AP. Compared with DSHx-IP (88 ± 4% and 43.0 ± 0.1%, respectively), the DSEt-AP proteins showed higher solubility (99.84 ± 0.01%), foam formation (71.0 ± 0.1%) and comparable emulsifying and water- and oil-absorption capacities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the ethanol used in defatting altered the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance, exposing more hydrophilic groups regardless of the precipitation method. AP reduced the protein hydrophobicity more strongly in DSHx solids, possibly because of depolymerization/aggregation of arachin subunits.

CONCLUSION: The use of ethanol in both the defatting and precipitation stages enables the production of protein concentrates with functional properties equivalent to those of conventional hexane-IP methods at the same time as using a greener, safer solvent. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID:42565515 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.70967

G3 (Bethesda). 2026 Aug 5:jkag196. doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkag196. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Accurate genotyping accelerates crop improvement, yet long-read sequencing remains underused in breeding due to cost. We present a scalable long-read low-pass (LRLP) sequencing framework for high-throughput variant discovery and trait mapping. Using PacBio HiFi reads in an allotetraploid peanut (Arachis hypogaea; AABB, 2n = 4x = 40) MAGIC population, we generated both LRLP and short-read low-pass (SRLP) data. At comparable depths, LRLP achieved substantially greater whole-genome and gene-space coverage than SRLP. Data were analyzed using both a single-reference genome and an 18-parent pangenome graph constructed with KhufuPan, a new tool for graph-based genotyping. Across analytical approaches, LRLP consistently identified more SNPs, indels (2-1,000 bp), and structural variants (>1 kb) than SRLP, improving genotype resolution and selection accuracy, particularly for large structural variants. By reducing cost barriers and increasing variant discovery in complex genomes, LRLP provides a practical path for deploying advanced genomics in under-resourced and orphan crops critical to global food security.

PMID:42552613 | DOI:10.1093/g3journal/jkag196

Mycotoxin Res. 2026 Aug 4;42(3):53. doi: 10.1007/s12550-026-00666-w.

ABSTRACT

Nuts are widely consumed worldwide and valued for their high nutritional quality. Tree nuts are, however, prone to colonization by various fungal genera that can cause spoilage and lead to the formation of toxic secondary metabolites, among which mycotoxigenic Aspergillus (A.) species are of particular concern because they produce hepatotoxic aflatoxins (AFs). In this study, untreated, shelled walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, and peanuts were surface-sterilized, inoculated with different A. flavus strains and incubated under controlled conditions. The concentrations of AFs and sterigmatocystin (STC) in the edible kernels were quantified by an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). In walnuts inoculated with five A. flavus strains, toxin production was highly strain dependent: four strains produced AFB1 in a wide range from 0.18 µg/kg to > 11,000 µg/kg, three strains formed AFB2 (3.58-1,411 µg/kg), and three strains synthesized STC (0.26-262 µg/kg), whereas one strain did not generate any AFs or STC, and none of the strains produced AFG1 or AFG2. In pistachios, inoculation with strains AF70 and CBS119.62 did not result in detectable AF formation, in contrast to hazelnuts, cashews, and peanuts, on which these strains yielded measurable toxin levels (AFB1: hazelnuts 0.11-3.56 µg/kg, cashews 0.15-0.16 µg/kg, peanuts 0.06-17.9 µg/kg; AFB2: hazelnuts 0.13-0.18 µg/kg, cashews < LOQ, peanuts 0.26-7.59 µg/kg; STC: hazelnuts 0.08 µg/kg, peanuts 5.28 µg/kg). Overall, markedly higher concentrations of A. flavus toxins were detected in walnuts than in the other nut types, identifying walnuts as a particularly susceptible matrix and indicating that AF and STC contamination of walnuts may pose an increasing food-safety challenge under future climate-change scenarios.

PMID:42550348 | PMC:PMC13437669 | DOI:10.1007/s12550-026-00666-w

Plant Dis. 2026 Jul 30. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-03-26-0584-RE. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

For peanut (Arachis hypogaea) production, in-furrow applications of the SDHI fungicide/nematicide, fluopyram, are made primarily for management of root knot. Fluopyram is also effective against early leaf spot (Passalora arachidicola) and late leaf spot (Nothopassalora personata). The purpose of this study was to determine whether in-furrow applications of fluopyram would allow omitting early season foliar fungicide applications for leaf spot control. Field experiments were conducted in Tifton, GA in 2022-2025. In all experiments in-furrow applications of fluopyram provided extended suppression of leaf spot epidemics compared to the nontreated control. Leaf spot control achieved when the first two foliar fungicide applications of chlorothalonil were omitted after in-furrow application of fluopyram was like or better than that of full season applications of the standard fungicide chlorothalonil treatment in all years. In 2023-2025, additional two- or four-week delays in initial application provided leaf spot control similar to that of the full season chlorothalonil treatment. Results indicated that in-furrow application of fluopyram could replace two or more foliar fungicide sprays and still maintain control as good as that of full season application of chlorothalonil.

PMID:42530620 | DOI:10.1094/PDIS-03-26-0584-RE

ACS Omega. 2026 Jun 29;11(27):40195-40204. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.6c02501. eCollection 2026 Jul 14.

ABSTRACT

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) roots represent a significant agroindustrial byproduct often discarded, despite being a potent source of resveratrol. This study proposes a sustainable strategy for the valorization of this biomass, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). A "greener" extraction method was developed by combining Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) with biobased Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). Unlike conventional petrochemical solvents, the selected NADES (lactic acid and glycerol, 1:2) is derived from renewable sources and prepared through a 100% atom-efficient process. Optimization via Central Composite Design (CCD) yielded 563 ± 21 μg·g^-1 of resveratrol (40 min, 60 °C), representing a 31.8-fold increase over conventional ethanolic maceration. The optimization process was critically assessed to strike a balance between extraction efficiency and environmental sustainability, ensuring high yields without excessive energy consumption. Greenness was quantified using AGREE and GAPI metrics, which demonstrated that the proposed method significantly reduces environmental impact compared to existing literature. These findings validate the use of peanut roots in a circular economy framework, offering a technically efficient and environmentally responsible alternative for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

PMID:42518420 | PMC:PMC13382818 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.6c02501

Sensors (Basel). 2026 Jul 9;26(14):4348. doi: 10.3390/s26144348.

ABSTRACT

The presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is ubiquitous in the environment, and it is considered one of the most powerful natural carcinogenic substances. In this study, a highly sensitive electrochemical aptasensor was designed to detect aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in peanuts. Iron-cobalt-doped magnetic carbon (Fe-Co/NPC) was used to enhance the conductivity of the electrode and catalytic performance, providing an increased specific surface area. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used to immobilize an aptamer. And cDNA-polyacrylic acid (cDNA-PAA) nanogels served as a high-density carrier for cDNA and an active signal amplification unit, significantly increasing the charge transfer resistance (Rct) through steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion. Unlike traditional aptasensors that relied on passive blocking agents, we designed a competitive displacement mechanism. AFB1 competed with cDNA-PAA during detection in order to bind to the aptamer, which resulted in the removal of the non-conductive complex and a substantial increase in the electrochemical signal. Under the optimal conditions, the aptasensor had a linear response range of 1-1000 ng/L and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3 ng/L. It displayed high specificity, reproducibility, and stability. In spiked peanut samples, the recoveries ranged from 98.04% to 100.86%. Due to its sensitivity and reliability, this aptasensor has a great determination of AFB1 in food safety applications.

PMID:42515233 | PMC:PMC13419315 | DOI:10.3390/s26144348

Plants (Basel). 2026 Jul 9;15(14):2116. doi: 10.3390/plants15142116.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivated in saline-alkali areas frequently endure drought stress. Yet, mechanistic research on combined salt-drought stress for peanut growth and yield remains scarce.

METHODS: A pot culture experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of short-term drought imposed at the flowering stage on peanuts grown in saline-alkali soil. We comprehensively assessed peanut agronomic traits, cell ultrastructure, physicochemical properties, hormone change, rhizobacterial community, and rhizosphere soil metabolic profiles between single salt stress and salt and drought co-stress.

RESULTS: Our study reveals that co-stress markedly suppressed peanut yield, with 100-pod weight, 100-seed weight, pods per plant, and pod yield per plant reduced by 3.16%, 12.79%, 16.65%, and 22.14% relative to salt-only treatment. Combined stress triggered more severe ultrastructural alterations, cell wall degradation, and tissue deformation. It also degraded soil quality by lowering available phosphorus, alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium. Meanwhile, co-stress reduced the relative abundance of nitrogen-cycling and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, alongside depleted beneficial sugar metabolites in rhizosphere soil. These shifts jointly constrain peanut growth and productivity.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is imperative to implement timely irrigation practices to avoid drought during peanut cultivation in saline-alkali areas, particularly during the flowering stage.

PMID:42514484 | PMC:PMC13414928 | DOI:10.3390/plants15142116

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Jul 17;27(14):6346. doi: 10.3390/ijms27146346.

ABSTRACT

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is the terminal rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis and occupies a central position in plant energy metabolism and carbon skeleton allocation. Plant PK isoenzymes comprise the cytosolic pyruvate kinase (PKc) and the plastidic pyruvate kinase (PKp), which differ markedly in gene origin, protein structure, subcellular localization, and physiological function, exhibiting independent evolutionary histories and functional diversification. Recent studies have revealed that PKc possesses dynamic subcellular distribution, allowing it to shuttle among the cytosol, mitochondria, and nucleus, where it participates in stress responses and epigenetic regulation through protein-protein interactions. PKp is localized to plastids and connects carbon metabolism with lipid biosynthesis and the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway by supplying pyruvate, thereby playing critical roles in seed development and oil accumulation. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in plant PKc and PKp concerning protein structure and subunit composition, tissue-specific expression, subcellular localization, protein interaction networks, activity regulation, and their effects on plant growth, development, and stress responses. In addition, phylogenetic tree, motif, and domain analyses of pyruvate kinase genes from Oryza sativa (rice), Glycine max (soybean), Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), Solanum tuberosum (potato), Arachis hypogaea (peanut), and Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as promoter cis-element analyses, are performed. This review aims to provide theoretical references for crop quality improvement and stress-resilient breeding.

PMID:42511689 | PMC:PMC13409958 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27146346

Genes (Basel). 2026 Jul 12;17(7):792. doi: 10.3390/genes17070792.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Plant architecture and kernel-related traits are important determinants of yield potential and breeding value in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). This study aimed to construct a high-density genetic linkage map, identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with these traits, and prioritize candidate genes underlying key genomic regions in cultivated peanut.

METHODS: A recombinant inbred line population derived from Luojiangjiwo, a sprawling large-pod line, and Fuhuasheng, an erect small-pod line, was used to construct a high-density genetic linkage map and identify QTL associated with plant architecture and kernel traits.

RESULTS: Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing generated 1,295,490,603 clean reads, with an average Q30 of 93.67%. After SNP discovery, filtering, and linkage analysis, 2646 SNP markers were mapped to 20 linkage groups, spanning 1338.86 cM with an average marker interval of 0.51 cM. Phenotypic evaluation of 16 traits revealed broad variation among 200 recombinant inbred lines, with strong positive correlations among pod-size traits and among kernel-size traits. Composite interval mapping detected eight QTL distributed on chr04, chr05, chr13, and chr15, including five QTL for plant architecture traits and three QTL for kernel-related traits. qLBL13 for lateral branch length explained the highest phenotypic variation, whereas qMKL05 for mean kernel length was delimited to a 0.151 Mb interval containing only nine genes. Candidate-gene analysis prioritized AH05G29360, encoding a knotted-1-like homeobox protein; AH05G29380, encoding mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 9; AH05G29350, encoding COP1-interacting protein 7; and AH05G29410, encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein. Additional candidates included AH15G16520, AH15G16460, AH15G16630, and AH15G16770 in the shared qHKW15/qMKW15 interval.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified genomic regions and biologically relevant candidate genes associated with plant architecture and kernel-related traits in peanut. These findings provide valuable genomic resources for future functional validation and facilitate marker-assisted breeding for improved plant architecture and kernel characteristics.

PMID:42510833 | PMC:PMC13409475 | DOI:10.3390/genes17070792

Genet Mol Biol. 2026 Jul 24;49(suppl 3):e20250151. doi: 10.1590/1678-4685-GMB-2025-0151. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Recurrent drought episodes, increasingly intensified by climate change, pose a growing threat to global food security by severely limiting crop productivity. Major latex-like proteins (MLPs) play crucial roles in drought tolerance, acting as regulators of stress responses. However, their involvement in adaptation to recurrent drought stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional dynamics of MLP genes during repeated dehydration and rehydration cycles in Arachis duranensis, a tropical wild species highly resilient to drought. In silico expression profiling of 36 A. duranensis MLP genes revealed their broad involvement in recurrent drought responses, with most patterns consistent with the 'revised-response' category of dehydration memory genes. qRT-PCR analysis further confirmed the activation of the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway during recurrent drought in A. duranensis. Functional characterization of the candidate memory gene AdMLP11 in transgenic tobacco showed that its overexpression enhances tolerance to moderate and severe recurrent drought, likely through its role as a positive regulator of phytohormone-mediated defense pathways. These findings provide novel insights into the role of MLPs in transcriptional memory and drought adaptation in wild Arachis, highlighting AdMLP11 as a promising target for biotechnological strategies to develop climate-resilient crops.

PMID:42507006 | PMC:PMC13403773 | DOI:10.1590/1678-4685-GMB-2025-0151

Toxins (Basel). 2026 Jun 29;18(7):284. doi: 10.3390/toxins18070284.

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus flavus and its primary secondary metabolite, aflatoxin B1, pose a persistent threat to global food security and public health, highlighting the need to identify novel molecular targets for the development of highly specific fungicides. In this study, the transcription factor Aflrpn4 was investigated by constructing gene deletion and complementation strains to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms in controlling the growth, development, and pathogenicity of A. flavus. Phenotypic analysis revealed that, compared with the wild-type and complemented strains, loss of Aflrpn4 severely restricted radial colony growth, reduced conidial yield, and caused structural defects in conidiophores. Furthermore, AFB1 content was reduced by 52% compared with the wild-type. In storage simulation assays using peanut and maize kernels, the ΔAflrpn4 strain exhibited significantly compromised colonization capacity, reduced biomass, and lower AFB1 accumulation. Under aflatoxin-inducing YES culture conditions, deletion of Aflrpn4 was associated with significant downregulation of key pathway-specific regulatory and structural genes, including aflR, aflS, and aflP. Furthermore, under osmotic stress induced by 1.2 M NaCl and KCl, the growth inhibition rates of the ΔAflrpn4 strain reached 70% and 59%, respectively, and cell membrane integrity was severely compromised. Loss of Aflrpn4 also disrupted intracellular redox homeostasis, characterized by a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity, compensatory increases in catalase and peroxidase activities, and substantial accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Aflrpn4 acts as a pivotal regulator coordinating vegetative growth, asexual development, stress adaptation, and aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus. Consequently, Aflrpn4 represents a promising molecular target for developing targeted interventions to control A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination during grain storage.

PMID:42506704 | PMC:PMC13417813 | DOI:10.3390/toxins18070284

Toxins (Basel). 2026 Jun 23;18(7):275. doi: 10.3390/toxins18070275.

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin contamination is the main risk factor in grain and oil crops, which brings serious threats to food and feed safety. Exploring a green and safe way to reduce aflatoxin is meaningful. In this study, six strains with aflatoxin removal ability are screened from traditional Chinese fermented vegetables. It was found that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YS-718, as fermentation probiotics, showed the best performance on the aflatoxin B₁ mitigation with the removal rate of 78.15% in liquid fermentation. To investigate the mechanism of removal, the aflatoxin B₁ reduction tests by different components of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YS-718 demonstrated that the bacterial suspension of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YS-718 fermentation exhibited stronger adsorption ability compared to the removal ability of the supernatant of YS-718 fermentation. In addition, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YS-718 and aflatoxin B₁ complex retained 43.74% of adsorption ability after four times repeated elution with PBS and 37.22% of adsorption after digestion with simulated gastric fluid for four hours. Moreover, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YS-718 could be used to reduce aflatoxin B₁ in peanut meal. By evaluating the contents of protein, amino acids, total sugars, and fatty acids after the fermentation treatment, it was found that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YS-718 fermentation could increase the contents of protein, fatty acids, and amino acids in peanut meal. This study might provide useful information for constructing a green, safe, and efficient method for removing aflatoxin from peanut meal.

PMID:42506695 | PMC:PMC13417330 | DOI:10.3390/toxins18070275

Biosensors (Basel). 2026 Jul 17;16(7):387. doi: 10.3390/bios16070387.

ABSTRACT

The reliable detection of the peanut allergen Ara h2 in processed foods remains a major challenge, since thermal and high-pressure treatments can alter protein structure and limit the performance of immunoassays. DNA-based methods provide a robust alternative to this approach. In this work, a highly sensitive label-free electrochemical genoassay for Ara h2 DNA detection was developed using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads (MBs). A biotinylated capture probe (CP) immobilized on the MBs' surface enabled specific target recognition through a sandwich hybridization strategy with a secondary probe, allowing for direct electrochemical detection without enzymatic labels. Two transduction strategies were evaluated: (i) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with ferri/ferrocyanide as a redox probe, and (ii) differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using methylene blue. The ferri/ferrocyanide-based EIS approach showed the best sensitivity and discrimination between hybridized and non-hybridized states. A linear dependence was observed with the concentration of the synthetic Ara h2 target over the 0.05 to 20 nM range, with a detection limit of 0.025 nM. CP-MBs showed good stability for at least 20 days. Applicability was demonstrated in soy beverages, rice beverages, and low-fat cow's milk, with recoveries close to 100% and negligible matrix effects.

PMID:42505463 | PMC:PMC13406856 | DOI:10.3390/bios16070387

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 Aug 5;74(30):23839-23857. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6c07866.

ABSTRACT

Co-contamination of foods with multiple mycotoxins highlights the need for broad-spectrum detoxification enzymes. In this study, Klebsiella pneumoniae HNGD-HS06 was isolated from contaminated peanuts and degraded aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and alternariol (AOH) by 72.52%, 63.42%, and 76.17%, respectively. Genome-guided screening and heterologous expression identified two candidate proteins, HSFtsp and HSCueO. HSCueO shared only 28.08% sequence identity with CotA laccase, while HSFtsp has not previously been associated with mycotoxin degradation. HSFtsp degraded AFB1, ZEN, and AOH by up to 99.16%, 95.12%, and 94.72%, respectively, whereas HSCueO achieved 98.97%, 99.23%, and 99.74% degradation. Product analysis and zebrafish assays suggested that both enzymes transformed these toxins into less toxic products, while molecular docking supported potential enzyme-substrate interactions. Both enzymes retained detoxification activity in contaminated peanut, corn, and wheat flour, expanding enzyme resources for multimycotoxin control in foods.

PMID:42504510 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.6c07866

Front Plant Sci. 2026 Jul 3;17:1865834. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1865834. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Valine-glutamine (VQ) motif-containing proteins serve as pivotal regulators in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, systematic genome-wide characterization of the AhVQ gene family in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) remains unreported. In this study, we identified 71 AhVQ genes unevenly distributed across 20 chromosomes; these genes were phylogenetically clustered into seven groups with Arabidopsis and rice VQs. Members of the same group displayed highly conserved exon-intron structures and protein motifs, and their promoters were enriched with abundant phytohormone-responsive and stress-related cis-elements, including ABRE, LTR, and CGTCA-motif. Tissue expression profiling revealed that 15 AhVQ genes (e.g., AhVQ6, AhVQ8, AhVQ31, and AhVQ40) exhibited constitutive expression in all 22 tested tissues, while other AhVQ genes showed tissue-preferential patterns: AhVQ9 and AhVQ17 in roots, AhVQ65 in reproductive shoot tips, and AhVQ38 in pistils. Transcriptome analyses demonstrated that all 8 differentially expressed AhVQ genes were upregulated in roots under drought stress, 20 of 21 AhVQ genes were induced under salt stress, and only 5 genes responded to cold stress in leaves (AhVQ31 and AhVQ67 were upregulated and AhVQ33, AhVQ45, and AhVQ69 were downregulated). In silico prediction indicated extensive interactions between AhVQ proteins and WRKY transcription factors involved in stress signaling pathways. Collectively, our results provide comprehensive insights into the evolutionary characteristics, expression patterns, and stress response profiles of the peanut VQ gene family, offering key candidate genes for the genetic improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in peanut breeding.

PMID:42491363 | PMC:PMC13376307 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2026.1865834