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Native biodiversity and ecosystems of Antarctica safeguarded from biological invasion face recent threats from non-native species, accelerated by increasing human activities and climate changes. Over two decades ago, the winter crane fly, Trichocera maculipennis , was first detected on King George Island. It has now successfully colonized several research stations across King George Island. To understand the origin, genetic diversity, and population structure of this Holarctic species, we conducted mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence analysis across both its native and invasive ranges. In parallel, we performed microsatellite loci analysis within the invasive ranges, utilizing 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Furthermore, we compared body sizes among adult males and females collected from three different locations of King George Island. Our COI sequence analysis exhibited two different lineages present on King George Island. Lineage I was linked to Arctic Svalbard and Polish cave populations and Lineage II was related to Canadian Terra Nova National Park populations, implying multiple origins. Microsatellite analysis further exhibited high levels of genetic diversity and significant levels of genetic differentiation among invasive populations. Body sizes of adult T. maculipennis were significantly different among invasive populations but were not attributed to genetics. This significant genetic diversity likely facilitated the rapid colonization and establishment of T. maculipennis on King George Island, contributing to their successful invasion. Molecular analysis results revealed a substantial amount of genetic variation within invasive populations, which can serve as management units for invasive species control. Furthermore, the genetic markers we developed in the study will be invaluable tools for tracking impending invasion events and the travel routes of new individuals. Taken together, these findings illustrate the highly invasive and adaptable characteristics of T. maculipennis. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to mitigate their ongoing invasion and facilitate their eradication. • COI sequences show two different lineages present on King George Island. • Lineage I and Lineage II were related to Arctic and North America, respectively. • Multiple origins of Trichocera maculipennis on King George Island. • High levels of genetic diversity and significant levels of genetic differentiation. • Body sizes of adult were significantly different among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tetraodontidae family are known to have relatively small and compact genomes compared to other vertebrates. The obscure puffer fish Takifugu obscurus is an anadromous species that migrates to freshwater from the sea for spawning. Thus the euryhaline characteristics of T. obscurus have been investigated to gain understanding of their survival ability, osmoregulation, and other homeostatic mechanisms in both freshwater and seawater. In this study, a high quality chromosome‐level reference genome for T. obscurus was constructed using long‐read Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Sequel sequencing and a Hi‐C‐based chromatin contact map platform. The final genome assembly of T. obscurus is 381 Mb, with a contig N50 length of 3,296 kb and longest length of 10.7 Mb, from a total of 62 Gb of raw reads generated using single‐molecule real‐time sequencing technology from a PacBio Sequel platform. The PacBio data were further clustered into chromosome‐scale scaffolds using a Hi‐C approach, resulting in a 373 Mb genome assembly with a contig N50 length of 15.2 Mb and and longest length of 28 Mb. When we directly compared the 22 longest scaffolds of T. obscurus to the 22 chromosomes of the tiger puffer Takifugu rubripes, a clear one‐to‐one orthologous relationship was observed between the two species, supporting the chromosome‐level assembly of T. obscurus. This genome assembly can serve as a valuable genetic resource for exploring fugu‐specific compact genome characteristics, and will provide essential genomic information for understanding molecular adaptations to salinity fluctuations and the evolution of osmoregulatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bathynellacea (Crustacea, Syncarida, Parabathynellidae) are subterranean aquatic crustaceans that typically inhabit freshwater interstitial spaces (e.g., groundwater) and are occasionally found in caves and even hot springs. In this study, we sequenced the whole transcriptome of Allobathynella bangokensis using RNA-seq. De novo sequence assembly produced 74,866 contigs including 28,934 BLAST hits. Overall, the gene sequences were most similar to those of the waterflea Daphnia pulex. In the A. bangokensis transcriptome, no opsin or related sequences were identified, and no contig aligned to the crustacean visual opsins and non-visual opsins (i.e. arthropsins, peropsins, and melaopsins), suggesting potential regressive adaptation to the dark environment. However, A. bangokensis expressed conserved gene family sets, such as heat shock proteins and those related to key innate immunity pathways and antioxidant defense systems, at the transcriptional level, suggesting that this species has evolved adaptations involving molecular mechanisms of homeostasis. The transcriptomic information of A. bangokensis will be useful for investigating molecular adaptations and response mechanisms to subterranean environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish are a representative population of lower vertebrates that serve as an essential link to early vertebrate evolution, and this has fueled academic interest in studying ancient vertebrate immune defense mechanisms in teleosts. Notothenia coriiceps , a typical Antarctic notothenioid teleost, has evolved to adapt to the cold and thermally stable Antarctic sea. In this study, we examined adaptive signaling pathways and immune responses to bacterial and viral pathogenic exposure in N. coriiceps . Using RNA sequencing, we investigated transcriptional differences in the liver tissues of N. coriiceps challenged with two pathogen-mimicking agonists, a bacterial ligand (heat-killed Escherichia coli , HKEB) and a viral ligand (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, Poly I:C). We found that 567 unique genes were up-regulated two-fold in the HKEB-exposed group, whereas 392 unique genes, including 124 immune-relevant genes, were up-regulated two-fold in the Poly I:C-exposed group. A KEGG pathway analysis of the 124 immune-relevant genes revealed that they exhibited major features of antigen processing and presentation bacterial ligand exposure, but they were down-regulated after viral ligand exposure. A quantitative real time RT-PCR analysis revealed that TNFα and TNF2, major inducers of apoptosis, were highly up-regulated after exposure to the viral ligand but not the bacterial ligand. The results suggest that the bacterial and viral ligands up-regulate inducers of different immune mechanisms in N. coriiceps liver tissue. N. coriiceps has an immune response defense strategy that uses antigen presentation against bacterial infection, but it may use a different defense, such as TNF-mediated apoptosis, against viral infection. The specific immune responses of N. coriiceps may be adaptations to the Antarctic environment and pathogens. These results will help define the characteristics of Antarctic fish and increase our understanding of their immune response mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a topical emollient in treating mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in adolescents and adults. The study involved 100 participants and lasted for 24 weeks. The results showed that the group using the emollient had significant improvements in various measures compared to the placebo group. No safety concerns were reported. However, the study had limitations and further research is needed to explore other aspects of AD and the effects of the emollient. Overall, the emollient shows promise as a therapeutic option for long-term care of AD patients. [Extracted from the article]

To develop a brackish water flea as a promising model for marine monitoring, Diaphanosoma celebensis were exposed to two pollutants, cadmium (Cd) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), which have different chemical characteristics and distinct modes of metabolic action on aquatic animals. Twenty-four hours after exposure to Cd (2 mg/L) or BaP (25 μg/L), whole body transcriptomes were analyzed. In total, 99.6 Mbp were assembled from nine libraries, resulting in 98,458 transcripts with an N50 of 1883 bp and an average contig length of 968 bp. Functional gene annotations were performed using Gene Ontology, Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Cd significantly modulated endocrine and digestive enzyme system. Following BaP treatment, DNA repair and circadian rhythm related metabolisms were significantly modulated. Both the chemicals induced stress response and detoxification metabolism. This brackish water flea genomic information will be useful to monitor estuaries and coastal regions, as water fleas have been confirmed as promising sentinel models in freshwater ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The common long-arm octopus (Octopus minor) is found in mudflats of subtidal zones and faces numerous environmental challenges. The ability to adapt its morphology and behavioral repertoire to diverse environmental conditions makes the species a promising model for understanding genomic adaptation and evolution in cephalopods. Findings The final genome assembly of O. minor is 5.09 Gb, with a contig N50 size of 197 kb and longest size of 3.027 Mb, from a total of 419 Gb raw reads generated using the Pacific Biosciences RS II platform. We identified 30,010 genes; 44.43% of the genome is composed of repeat elements. The genome-wide phylogenetic tree indicated the divergence time between O. minor and Octopus bimaculoides was estimated to be 43 million years ago based on single-copy orthologous genes. In total, 178 gene families are expanded in O. minor in the 14 bilaterian species. Conclusions We found that the O. minor genome was larger than that of closely related O. bimaculoides, and this difference could be explained by enlarged introns and recently diversified transposable elements. The high-quality O. minor genome assembly provides a valuable resource for understanding octopus genome evolution and the molecular basis of adaptations to mudflats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Antarctic dragonfish,Parachaenichthys charcoti(Vaillant, 1906), is described, representing the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the family Bathydraconidae. The mitochondrial genome is 18,202 base pairs in length and encodes 13 protein-coding genes, 23 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs and 2 control regions. The overall base composition is A: 25.8%, T: 25.3%, G: 17.9% and C: 31.0%, with an A:T content of 51.1%. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence will be useful for phylogenetic, evolutionary and functional studies of Antarctic Notothenioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiosulfate-oxidizing Bosea sp. strain PAMC26642 was isolated from the Arctic lichen Stereocaulon sp. Complete genome sequencing of Bosea sp. PAMC26642 revealed several genes involved in thiosulfate oxidation. An analysis of the Bosea sp. PAMC26642 genome will provide novel insight into the genetic basis of its physiology and enable further analysis of key genes in the thiosulfate oxidation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Oriental herbs have been used as medicines in the folk remedy for their numerous phytochemicals and bioactivities. In this study, we have selected five Korean traditional medical herbs and applied bio conversion extraction technology, named it as Bioconversion Oji complex, to identify phytochemicals and evaluate skin related efficacies. Material and methods: The process of two‐step bio conversion was sequentially conducted. The first step of fermentation was to produce biosurfactants using macadamia seed oil with Candida bombicola, and then five natural plants were added to carry out the main fermentation. To evaluate skin improvement efficacy of Bioconversion Oji complex, in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted. We studied HaCaT cells cultured to assess viability, skin anti‐inflammatory, moisturizing and barrier improvement‐related mRNA expression. For efficacy study, 21 participants were tested evaluating anti‐inflammatory, skin moisturizing and skin barrier improving effects of Bioconversion Oji complex compared to Water extraction of Oji (placebo) for the 4 weeks test period. Results: The application of bioconversion technology highly increased the content of amino acids and lipids within Bioconversion Oji complex, and 23 flavonoids were also identified. Bioconversion Oji complex was found to be non‐toxic and showed significant effects in all parameters tested, including anti‐inflammation, skin moisture, and skin barrier in both in vitro and in clinical studies. Conclusions: Bioconversion Oji complex has demonstrated skin‐friendly properties with significant beneficial effects on anti‐inflammatory, skin hydration and barrier function properties. This study provides evidence for the use of Bioconversion Oji complex as an active ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in keratinocytes. However, the signaling pathway through which cannabidiol exerts its effect on keratinocytes or whether it can modulate keratinocyte differentiation has not been fully elucidated yet. We investigated whether cannabidiol modulates epidermal differentiation and scavenges reactive oxygen species through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in keratinocytes and epidermal equivalents. We investigated the cannabidiol-induced activation of AhR using AhR luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. We also analyzed whether keratinocyte differentiation and antioxidant activity are regulated by cannabidiol-induced AhR activation. In both keratinocytes and epidermal equivalents, cannabidiol increased both the mRNA and protein expression of filaggrin, involucrin, NRF2, and NQO1 and the mRNA expression of the AhR target genes, including CYP1A1 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor. Additionally, cannabidiol showed antioxidant activity that was attenuated by AhR knockdown or co-administration with an AhR antagonist. Moreover, cannabidiol increased the ratio of OVOL1/OVOL2 mRNA expression, which is a downstream regulator of AhR that mediates epidermal differentiation. In addition to increased expression of barrier-related proteins, cannabidiol-treated epidermal equivalent showed a more prominent granular layer than the control epidermis. The increased granular layer by cannabidiol was suppressed by the AhR antagonist. Cannabidiol can be a modulator of the AhR-OVOL1-filaggrin axis and AhR-NRF2-NQO1 signaling, thus indicating a potential use of cannabidiol in skin barrier enhancement and reducing oxidative stress. • CBD regulates AhR in keratinocytes and epidermal equivalents. • CBD induces epidermal differentiation by modulating the AhR-OVOL1 axis. • AhR orchestrates ROS scavenging through NRF2 regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin microbiome, especially the axillary microbiome, consists of odor-causing bacteria that decompose odorless sweat into malodor compounds, which contributes to the formation of body odor. Plant-derived products are a cheap source of bioactive compounds that are common ingredients in cosmetics. Microbial bioconversion of natural products is an ecofriendly and economical method for production of new or improved biologically active compounds. Therefore, in this study, we tested the potential of a Lactobacillus acidophilus KNU-02-mediated bioconverted product (BLC) of Lotus corniculatus seed to reduce axillary malodor and its effect on the associated axillary microbiota. A chemical profile analysis revealed that benzoic acid was the most abundant chemical compound in BLC, which increased following bioconversion. Moreover, BLC treatment was found to reduce the intensity of axillary malodor. We tested the axillary microbiome of 18 study participants, divided equally into BLC and placebo groups, and revealed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing that Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Anaerococcus were the dominant taxa, and some of these taxa were significantly associated with axillary malodor. After one week of BLC treatment, the abundance of Corynebacterium and Anaerococcus, which are associated with well-known odor-related genes that produce volatile fatty acids, had significantly reduced. Likewise, the identified odor-related genes decreased after the application of BLC. BLC treatment enhanced the richness and network density of the axillary microbial community. The placebo group, on the other hand, showed no difference in the microbial richness, odor associated taxa, and predicted functional genes after a week. The results demonstrated that BLC has the potential to reduce the axillary malodor and the associated odor-causing bacteria, which makes BLC a viable deodorant material in cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unbalanced microbial ecosystem on the human skin is closely related to skin diseases and has been associated with inflammation and immune responses. However, little is known about the role of the skin microbiome on skin aging. Here, we report that the Streptococcus species improved the skin structure and barrier function, thereby contributing to anti-aging. Metagenomic analyses showed the abundance of Streptococcus in younger individuals or those having more elastic skin. Particularly, we isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus infantis, and Streptococcus thermophilus from face of young individuals. Treatment with secretions of S. pneumoniae and S. infantis induced the expression of genes associated with the formation of skin structure and the skin barrier function in human skin cells. The application of culture supernatant including Streptococcal secretions on human skin showed marked improvements on skin phenotypes such as elasticity, hydration, and desquamation. Gene Ontology analysis revealed overlaps in spermidine biosynthetic and glycogen biosynthetic processes. Streptococcus-secreted spermidine contributed to the recovery of skin structure and barrier function through the upregulation of collagen and lipid synthesis in aged cells. Overall, our data suggest the role of skin microbiome into anti-aging and clinical applications. Kim et al. show that several Streptococcus species improve the structure and barrier function of human skin. They find that Streptococcus-secreted spermidine accelerates the recovery of skin structure and barrier function by increasing collagen and lipid synthesis in aged cells. This study suggests the role of skin microbiome for anti-aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to identify metabolite change during barley (Hordeum vulgare) germination and reveal active principles for the anti-wrinkle activity. Barley was germinated with deionized water (DW) and mineral-rich water (MRW) for the comparison of the effect of mineral contents on the metabolites changes during germination. The effects of germinated barley extracts (GBEs) on collagen production and collagenase inhibition were evaluated in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). A pronounced anti-wrinkle activity was observed in the test group treated with the MRW-GBEs. In order to find out the active components related to the anti-wrinkle activity, an orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was performed, using the data from secondary metabolites profiling conducted by UPLC–PDA–ESI–MS. The anti-wrinkle activity of MRW-GBEs was revealed to be associated with the increase of oligomeric compounds of procyanidin and prodelphinidin, indicating that it can be used as an active ingredient for anti-wrinkle agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgal ice-binding proteins (IBPs) in the polar region are poorly understood at the genome-wide level, although they are important for cold adaptation. Through the transcriptome study with the Arctic green alga Chloromonas sp. KNF0032, we identified six Chloromonas IBP genes (CmIBPs), homologous with the previously reported IBPs from Antarctic snow alga CCMP681 and Antarctic Chloromonas sp. They were organized with multiple exon/intron structures and low-temperature-responsive cis -elements in their promoters and abundantly expressed at low temperature. The biological functions of three representative CmIBPs (CmIBP1, CmIBP2 and CmIBP3) were tested using in vitro analysis and transgenic plant system. CmIBP1 had the most effective ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activities in both in vitro and transgenic plants, and CmIBP2 and CmIBP3 had followed. All transgenic plants grown under nonacclimated condition were freezing tolerant, and especially 35S::CmIBP1 plants were most effective. After cold acclimation, only 35S::CmIBP2 plants showed slightly increased freezing tolerance. Structurally, the CmIBPs were predicted to have β-solenoid forms with parallel β-sheets and repeated TXT motifs. The repeated TXT structure of CmIBPs appears similar to the AidA domain-containing adhesin-like proteins from methanogens. We have shown that the AidA domain has IRI activity as CmIBPs and phylogenetic analysis also supported that the AidA domains are monophyletic with ice-binding domain of CmIBPs, and these results suggest that CmIBPs are a type of modified adhesins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucilaginibacter sp. PAMC26640 is a xylan-degrading bacterium isolated from the Arctic lichen Stereocaulon sp. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of Mucilaginibacter sp. strain PAMC26640, which contains several genes involved in xylan utilization. This genome information provides new insights into the genetic basis of its physiology and further analysis of key metabolic genes related to the xylan degradation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of Frondihabitans sp. strain PAMC28766, which was found to consist of three plasmids, one chromosome (4,345,897 bp), and a series of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and nucleotide excision repair. An analysis of the Frondihabitans sp. PAMC28766 genome will improve our understanding of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, the sequence data will provide novel insight into UV radiation-resistance in extremely cold environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the complete genome sequence of Variovorax sp. strain PAMC28711 isolated from the Antarctic lichen Himantormia sp. Whole genome sequencing revealed opine oxidase- and octopine dehydrogenase-related gene clusters that are involved in octopine utilization. These data will lead to future genetic and biochemical studies on the unusual catabolic traits of opine and octopine utilization in extremely cold environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sun irradiation is one of major extrinsic stressors responsible for premature skin aging through activation and expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β- HSD1), which converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of red ginseng extract containing high concentrations of ginsenoside Rg3 (S) ( GERg3) on 11β- HSD1-induced skin photoaging. Methods To evaluate the inhibitory effects of GERg3 on ultraviolet- ( UV) or infrared ( IR)-induced skin photoaging, human dermal fibroblasts or a normal human 3D skin model was exposed to UV or an IR. RT- PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and H&E staining were used for evaluations. GERg3 was isolated from crude red ginseng. Results GERg3 inhibited the increased expressions of 11β- HSD1, interleukin ( IL)-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 ( MMP-1) in UVB- or IR-exposed Hs68 cells. Additionally, the increased cortisol, IL-6, and MMP-1 expressions were effectively reduced by GERg3 in UVA-exposed 3D skin models. The photoinduced decrease in type 1 procollagen also recovered as a result of GERg3 treatment in Hs68 cells and the 3D skin model. In addition, the UVA-exposed dermal thickness was decreased in comparison with the UVA-protected 3D skin model, recovered with GERg3 treatment. Conclusion GERg3 had antiphotoaging effects in UV- or IR-exposed human dermal fibroblasts and normal human 3D skin model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ultraviolet ( UV) irradiation triggers skin photoaging processes, which disrupt the normal three-dimensional integrity of skin. UV-induced oxidative stress, both directly and indirectly, stimulates complex signaling pathways. UV radiation activates skin cell surface receptors on a molecular level and triggers severe changes in extracellular matrix ( ECM) proteins, resulting in skin photoaging. Aims Sclareol isolated from Salvia officinalis is widely used as a fragrance material. Sclareol is known to exert various biological activities, but its antiphotoaging effect has not been elucidated to date. Therefore, we evaluated wrinkle improvement efficacy of sclareol. Methods Human dermal fibroblast cell line (Hs68) and a reconstructed human epidermis ( RHE) model were used to evaluate the antiphotoaging effect of sclareol in vitro. A clinical study treated with 0.02% sclareol-containing cream was conducted to identify the ability of sclareol to improve wrinkles. Results First, sclareol enhanced cellular proliferation and blocked UVB-induced cell death. Sclareol inhibited the UVB-induced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs) by regulating the protein expression of AP-1 constituents. In RHE model, sclareol recovered the UVB-induced decrease in epidermal thickness and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( PCNA). In clinical trial, visually assessed changes and several wrinkle parameters were considered to be statistically different between the test and control groups at 12 weeks. Conclusions In this study, sclareol inhibited various photoaging phenomena in human fibroblasts and RHE model. In addition, sclareol-containing cream improved wrinkles in a clinical trial. Taken together, sclareol alleviates facial wrinkle formation via an antiphotoaging mechanism and may be an effective candidate ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a primary cause of premature skin aging that is closely associated with the degradation of collagens caused by up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or a decrease in collagen synthesis. The phenolic veratric acid (VA, 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid) is one of the major benzoic acid derivatives from fruits, vegetables and medicinal mushrooms. VA has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and photo-protective effects. In this study, anti-photoaging effects were investigated through the photo-protective mechanisms of VA against UV irradiation in human dermal fibroblasts and the reconstructed human epidermal model. We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and immunohistochemistry assays. Finally, we further investigated the clinical effects of VA on facial wrinkle improvements in humans. Our results demonstrate that VA attenuated the expression of MMPs, increased cell proliferation, type Ι procollagen, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and filaggrin against UV radiation; however, has no effect on improvement expressions of elastic fiber. In addition, treatment with cream containing VA improved facial wrinkles in a clinical trial. These findings indicate that VA improves wrinkle formation by modulating MMPs, collagens and epidermal layer integrity, suggesting its potential use in UV-induced premature skin aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sebum production and excretion is a primary function of the sebaceous glands, but abnormally increased sebum production is a major cause of acne vulgaris. To identify a new candidate that regulates sebum production, we investigated the possible inhibitory effects of apple polyphenols ( APP) purified from unripe apples on primary cultured human sebocytes and in patients with acne vulgaris. Dexamethasone (Dex) increased lipid synthesis and expression of the sterol response element-binding protein 1 ( SREBP 1) and its target enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase ( ACC) and fatty acid synthase ( FAS), in the sebocytes. However, APP inhibited Dex-induced lipid production and expression of SREBP-1, ACC and FAS. APP also inhibited the increase in the expression and activation of glucocorticoid receptor in the sebocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that APP may be useful to regulate sebum production and may alleviate sebum-involved skin disease, such as acne vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean are facing global climate change, biota inhabiting those coastal regions is now challenged by environmental fluctuations including coastal freshening. In this study, the effects of salinity range of 0–75 (practical salinity unit, PSU) on the Antarctic harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus kingsejongensis was investigated by measurement of 96 h survival rate, lifespan, and sex ratio with further analysis of multigenerational growth parameters and mRNA expressions under salinity of 15–45. Different stages of the copepods (i.e., nauplius, male, and female) generally showed tolerance to hypo– and hypersalinity, wherein female copepods were more tolerant than males when exposed to salinity fluctuations. Lifespan was significantly shortened by hypo- and hypersalinity compared to control salinity (34), but there was no significant difference in the sex ratio between salinity treatments. Multigenerational experiments across five generations revealed that exposure to salinities of 15 and 45 reduced body length compared to that in control salinity and the first generation of each salinity group. Our results provide evidence regarding T. kingsejongensis on their preferred salinity ranges, physiological limit to salinity fluctuations, and population dynamics in future salinity. • The Antarctic copepod Tigriopus kingsejongensis has broad tolerance to hypo- and hypersalinity. • Significant reduction in lifespan was observed at < 5 and >60 PSU. • Exposure to 15 and 45 PSU reduced body length throughout 5 generations. • Genes involved in osmoregulation, stress response, and antioxidant defense system was strongly modulated by osmotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a number of active materials have been developed to provide anti-aging benefits for skin and, among them, peptides have been considered the most promising candidate due to their remarkable and long-lasting anti-wrinkle activity. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the relationship between the secretion of emotion-related hormones and skin aging. Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, has gained attention in reproductive endocrinology since it stimulates the reproductive axis in the hypothalamus; however, the effects of Kisspeptin on skin have not been studied yet. In this study, we synthesized Kisspeptin-10 and Kisspeptin-E, which are biologically active fragments, to mimic the action of Kisspeptin. Next, we demonstrated the anti-aging effects of the Kisspeptin-mimicking fragments using UV-induced skin aging models, such as UV-induced human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) and human skin explants. Kisspeptin-E suppressed UV-induced 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) stimulation leading to a regulation of skin aging related genes, including type I procollagen, matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8, and rescued the skin integrity. Taken together, these results suggest that Kisspeptin-E could be useful to improve UV-induced skin aging by modulating expression of stress related genes, such as 11β-HSD1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, caviar (sturgeon eggs) was used to elucidate its roles in adiponectin production and skin anti-aging. Recently, caviar has been largely used not only as a nutritional food, but also in cosmetic products. In particular, it has been reported that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as one of the main phospholipid components of caviar extract, induces intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of adiponectin in adipocytes. Although adipocytes are well known to be associated with the skin dermis by secreting various factors (e.g., adiponectin), the effects of caviar extract and DHA on the skin are not well studied. Here, we demonstrate the effects of caviar extract and DHA on adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin production, resulting in a preventive role in UV-irradiated skin aging. Caviar extract and DHA enhanced adipocyte differentiation and promoted the synthesis of transcription factors controlling adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were decreased in UVB-irradiated Hs68 fibroblasts that were cultured in conditioned medium from caviar extract or DHA-treated differentiated adipocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that caviar extract and DHA induce adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin production, thereby inhibiting UVB-induced premature skin aging via the suppression of MMP-1 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina is the largest phocid seal and one of the two species of elephant seals. They are listed as 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 2015. Here, we have assembled the reference genome for M. leonina using the 10× chromium sequencing platform. The final genome assembly of M. leonina was 2.42 Gb long, with a contig N50 length of 54 Mb and a maximum length of 111.6 Mb. The M. leonina genome contained 20,457 predicted protein-coding genes and possessed 41.51% repeated sequences. The completeness of the M. leonina genome was evaluated using benchmarking universal single-copy orthologous genes (BUSCOs): the assembly was highly complete, containing 95.6% of the core set of mammalian genes. The high-quality genomic information on M. leonina will be essential for further understanding of adaptive metabolism upon repeated breath-hold dives and the exploration of molecular mechanisms contributing to its unique biochemical and physiological characteristics. The southern elephant seal genome project was deposited at NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) under BioProject number PRJNA587380. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shigella sp. PAMC 28760 (isolated from Himantormia sp. lichen in Antarctica) is a gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium that has cellulolytic and amylolytic characteristics as well as glycogen metabolic pathways. In this study, we isolated S. sp. PAMC 28760 from Antarctic lichen, and present the complete genome sequence with annotations describing its unique features. The genome sequence has 58.85% GC content, 4,278 coding DNA sequences, 85 tRNAs, and 22 rRNA operons. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses revealed strain PAMC 28760 as a potentially new species of genus Shigella , showing various differences from pathogenic bacteria reported previously. dbCAN2 analyses revealed 91 genes related to carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes. S. sp. PAMC 28760 likely degrades polysaccharide starch to obtain glucose for energy conservation. This study provides a foundation for understanding Shigella survival adaptation mechanisms under extremely cold Antarctic conditions. • Shigella sp. PAMC 28760 from an Antarctic lichen has cellulolytic, amylolytic, and glycogen metabolic pathway. • The complete genome of Shigella sp. PAMC 28760 showing differences from pathogenic reported previously. • The foundation for understanding Shigella adaptation mechanism to extremely conditions is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]