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Advances in genetic modification (GM) techniques have generated huge interest in improving nutrient utilization, maximizing nutrient uptake, and conserving soil in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture. Unfortunately, little is still known about the recent advancements in the application of GM tactics to enhance each of these areas. This review explores the latest GM strategies intended to support soil conservation, maximize nutrient uptake, and improve nutrient utilization in farming, highlighting the critical roles that soil health and nutrient management play in sustainable farming. GM strategies such as improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake through enhanced root systems and increased nutrient transport mechanisms are well discussed. This study suggests that addressing potential obstacles, such as ethical and regulatory concerns, is a necessity for long-term sustainability applications of GM technologies to raise agricultural yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human memory NK cells represent a heterogeneous CD56dim population that expands and persists in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-seropositive healthy individuals. They are characterized by the preferential, not fully overlapping, expression of NKG2C (activating receptor for HLA-E) and CD57 maturation marker, and by the lack of FcεRIγ adaptor chain. Hyperresponsiveness to Fcγ receptor IIIA (CD16) engagement represents the distinctive functional signature of memory NK cells. Although CD16 engagement was shown to acutely enhance glycolytic and oxidative pathways, its capability to induce a persisting metabolic reprogramming of human NK cells is poorly understood yet. Results: Here, we describe the peculiar nutrient transporter expression pattern of FcεRIγ- memory NK cells, characterized by higher levels of CD98 neutral amino acid antiporter and CD71 transferrin receptor, and lower expression of GLUT1 glucose transporter, with respect to FcεRIγ+ conventional NK cells. Although CD16 engagement acutely enhances glycolytic and oxidative pathways, its capability to induce a persisting metabolic reprogramming of human NK cells is poorly understood yet. Our results firstly show that sustained CD16 engagement by contact with IgG-opsonized target cells induces the mTORC1-dependent upregulation of CD98 and CD71 nutrient receptors on CD56dim NK cells, in a transporter-specific fashion, that is finely tuned by cell-dependent (grade of functional maturation, and memory or conventional lineage) and stimulus-dependent (time length and cooperation with cytokines) factors. We also demonstrate that CD98 antiporter function is required for CD16-dependent IFN-γ production, and that enhanced CD98-mediated neutral amino acid uptake associates with heightened memory NK cell functional response. Conclusion: Collectively, our work documents that CD16 engagement leads to a metabolic rewiring of human NK cells and suggests that a distinct nutrient transporter expression pattern may contribute to memory NK cell peculiar functional features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Progressive oxidative stress easily occurs as a result of a gradual increase in the intensity of maternal metabolism due to rapid foetal development and increased intensity of lactation. However, studies on the effects of processive oxidative stress on nutrient transport in the placenta have received little attention. The present study was conducted on sows at 85 days of gestation to study the effects of pterostilbene (PTE) on maternal oxidative stress status and placental nutrient transport. Results: PTE increased the antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin content in mothers' blood and milk, reduced the level of inflammatory factors, and improved the nutrient content of milk. PTE also reduced sow backfat loss and the number of weak sons, and increased piglet weaning weight and total weaning litter weight. We subsequently found that PTE enhanced placental glucose and fatty acid transport and further affected glycolipid metabolism by increasing the expression of LAL, PYGM, and Gbe-1, which activated the PI3K phosphorylation pathway. Moreover, PTE addition altered the relative abundance of the Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Parabacillus, and Bacteroidetes-like RF16 groups in sow faeces. PTE increased the levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate and isovalerate in the faeces. Conclusions: These findings reveal that the addition of PTE during pregnancy and lactation mitigates the effects of processive oxidative stress on offspring development by altering maternal microbial and placental nutrient transport capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of nutrients in the soil is a dynamic process that can fluctuate between states of deficiency and excess, causing significant stress on plants. In response to this stress, plants have evolved several physiological strategies to adapt and cope with these fluctuations. These strategies are aimed at improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization while minimizing the negative impact of nutrient stress. In this paper we explore the important roles and regulation of nutrient transporters in plant adaptation, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and sulfur transporters. The paper discusses the mechanisms through which plants utilize these transporters to adapt to nutrient deficiencies and optimize nutrient uptake and utilization. The paper presents a comprehensive review of current understanding in these areas, highlighting their importance for plant growth and development, as well as their potential applications in agriculture. Additionally, the paper identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for research. In this review, we contribute to understanding the complex mechanisms that underpin plant adaptation and nutrition, and provides valuable insights for improving crop production and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundHuman memory NK cells represent a heterogeneous CD56dim population that expands and persists in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-seropositive healthy individuals. They are characterized by the preferential, not fully overlapping, expression of NKG2C (activating receptor for HLA-E) and CD57 maturation marker, and by the lack of FcεRIγ adaptor chain. Hyperresponsiveness to Fcγ receptor IIIA (CD16) engagement represents the distinctive functional signature of memory NK cells. Although CD16 engagement was shown to acutely enhance glycolytic and oxidative pathways, its capability to induce a persisting metabolic reprogramming of human NK cells is poorly understood yet.ResultsHere, we describe the peculiar nutrient transporter expression pattern of FcεRIγ- memory NK cells, characterized by higher levels of CD98 neutral amino acid antiporter and CD71 transferrin receptor, and lower expression of GLUT1 glucose transporter, with respect to FcεRIγ+ conventional NK cells. Although CD16 engagement acutely enhances glycolytic and oxidative pathways, its capability to induce a persisting metabolic reprogramming of human NK cells is poorly understood yet. Our results firstly show that sustained CD16 engagement by contact with IgG-opsonized target cells induces the mTORC1-dependent upregulation of CD98 and CD71 nutrient receptors on CD56dim NK cells, in a transporter-specific fashion, that is finely tuned by cell-dependent (grade of functional maturation, and memory or conventional lineage) and stimulus-dependent (time length and cooperation with cytokines) factors. We also demonstrate that CD98 antiporter function is required for CD16-dependent IFN-γ production, and that enhanced CD98-mediated neutral amino acid uptake associates with heightened memory NK cell functional response.ConclusionCollectively, our work documents that CD16 engagement leads to a metabolic rewiring of human NK cells and suggests that a distinct nutrient transporter expression pattern may contribute to memory NK cell peculiar functional features.

Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of relapsed/refractory melanoma and hematological malignancies, respectively. These treatments have marked a pivotal shift in cancer management. However, as “living drugs,” their effectiveness is dependent on their ability to proliferate and persist in patients. Recent studies indicate that the mechanisms regulating these crucial functions, as well as the T cell's differentiation state, are conditioned by metabolic shifts and the distinct utilization of metabolic pathways. These metabolic shifts, conditioned by nutrient availability as well as cell surface expression of metabolite transporters, are coupled to signaling pathways and the epigenetic landscape of the cell, modulating transcriptional, translational, and post‐translational profiles. In this review, we discuss the processes underlying the metabolic remodeling of activated T cells, the impact of a tumor metabolic environment on T cell function, and potential metabolic‐based strategies to enhance T cell immunotherapy.

Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of relapsed/refractory melanoma and hematological malignancies, respectively. These treatments have marked a pivotal shift in cancer management. However, as "living drugs," their effectiveness is dependent on their ability to proliferate and persist in patients. Recent studies indicate that the mechanisms regulating these crucial functions, as well as the T cell's differentiation state, are conditioned by metabolic shifts and the distinct utilization of metabolic pathways. These metabolic shifts, conditioned by nutrient availability as well as cell surface expression of metabolite transporters, are coupled to signaling pathways and the epigenetic landscape of the cell, modulating transcriptional, translational, and post‐translational profiles. In this review, we discuss the processes underlying the metabolic remodeling of activated T cells, the impact of a tumor metabolic environment on T cell function, and potential metabolic‐based strategies to enhance T cell immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium supplementation has been notably recognized for its potential health benefits, especially in enhancing insulin sensitivity and managing glucose metabolism. However, recent studies have begun to shed light on additional mechanisms of action for chromium, expanding our understanding beyond its classical effects on the insulin-signaling pathway. The beta subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase is considered a novel site for Cr(III) action, influencing physiological effects apart from insulin signaling. The physiological effects of chromium supplementation have been extensively studied, particularly in its role in anti-oxidative efficacy and glucose metabolism. However, recent advancements have prompted a re-evaluation of chromium's mechanisms of action beyond the insulin signaling pathway. The discovery of the beta subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase as a potential target for chromium action is discussed, emphasizing its crucial role in cellular energy production and metabolic regulation. A meticulous analysis of relevant studies that were earlier carried out could shed light on the relationship between chromium supplementation and mitochondrial ATP synthase. This review categorizes studies based on their primary investigations, encompassing areas such as muscle protein synthesis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and antioxidant properties. Findings from these studies are scrutinized to distinguish patterns aligning with the new hypothesis. Central to this exploration is the presentation of studies highlighting the physiological effects of chromium that extend beyond the insulin signaling pathway. Evaluating the various independent mechanisms of action that chromium impacts cellular energy metabolism and overall metabolic balance has become more important. In conclusion, this review is a paradigm shift in understanding chromium supplementation, paving the way for future investigations that leverage the intricate interplay between chromium and mitochondrial ATP synthase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer represents unrestricted growth with the removal of conventional brakes that control growth under normal conditions. This requires novel mechanisms to provide metabolic energy to fuel the rapid growth and also macromolecules to support cell renewal. This unique need in cancer cells is accomplished by an efficient interplay between selective nutrient transporters and the reprogramming of cellular metabolism that modifies specific catabolic and anabolic pathways. These modified biochemical pathways generate certain metabolites that are seen at high levels only in cancer cells, and reroute signaling cascades, alter gene expression profiles, and exert biological effects in support of the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. A clear understanding of the metabolic signature that is unique to cancer cells is necessary not only to appreciate how the unrestricted growth is accomplished in cancer but also to exploit these cancer-cell-specific nutrient transporters and metabolic pathways as drug targets to develop new anticancer therapeutics. Aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells, originally observed by Warburg 100 years ago, which involves the production of lactate as the end product of glucose breakdown even in the presence of adequate oxygen, is the foundation for the current interest in the cancer-cell-specific reprograming of metabolic pathways. The renewed interest in cancer cell metabolism has now gone well beyond the original Warburg effect related to glycolysis to other metabolic pathways that include amino acid metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, nucleotide synthesis, antioxidant machinery, etc. Since glucose and amino acids constitute the primary nutrients that fuel the altered metabolic pathways in cancer cells, the transporters that mediate the transfer of these nutrients and their metabolites not only across the plasma membrane but also across the mitochondrial and lysosomal membranes have become an integral component of the expansion of the Warburg effect. In this review, we focus on the interplay between these transporters and metabolic pathways that facilitates metabolic reprogramming, which has become a hallmark of cancer cells. The beneficial outcome of this recent understanding of the unique metabolic signature surrounding the Warburg effect is the identification of novel drug targets for the development of a new generation of therapeutics to treat cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Two experiments were conducted to determine the impact of Ca, phytase, sampling time, and age on the digestibility (AID) of Ca and P and the expression of their transporters. Cobb 500 male chicks (N = 600) were used in each experiment and allocated to cages with 10 (Exp 1, 8–11 d) or 5 (Exp 2, 21–24 d) birds/cage and 10 (Exp 1) or 20 (Exp 2) reps/treatment. Treatments were a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with low (LOW) or standard (STD) Ca level and 3 phytase (PHY) levels (0, 300, or 3,000 FYT/kg). Ileal digesta were collected at 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, and jejunum tissues at 12, 48, and 72 h after the start of feeding experimental diets. In Exp 1, there was no effect of Ca or phytase on the AID of Ca at 8, 12, or 24 h. Phytase increased the AID of P (P < 0.05) at all time points, and the magnitude was influenced by Ca. At 12 h, the mRNA level of P (NaPi-IIb) and Ca (CaSR) transporters was greatest in the LOW diets without phytase (Ca × PHY, P ≤ 0.06). In Exp 2, the STD diet decreased the AID of Ca and P (P < 0.05) at 8, 24, 48, or 72 h. Phytase increased the AID of Ca (P < 0.05) at 8, 12, and 24 h, and decreased the AID of Ca (quadratic, P < 0.05) in the STD diet (48 h). The AID of P (P < 0.05) increased with phytase at all sampling times. At 48 h, 3,000 FYT/kg decreased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb and Ca transporter ATP2B1 in the STD diet (Ca × PHY, P < 0.05). In conclusion, to avoid adaptation of broilers to Ca and P deficiencies, the optimal time on experimental diets is ≤ 48 h for young broilers and ≤ 24 h in older birds due to up- or down-regulation of Ca and P transporters in response to dietary Ca, P, and phytase.

Simple Summary: The efficient feed utilization of raw feed ingredients is one of the main factors associated with superior growth and production in poultry farming. The higher demand for cereal grains as energy sources has encouraged the dietary inclusion of other alternative cereals to achieve the target poultry production. However, alternative cereals such as barley grains may limit poultry growth due to their higher content of anti-nutritional factors, such as non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Hence, the application of solid-state fermentation technology with fibrolytic enzymes allows for a higher dietary inclusion of barley comparable to its actual inclusion levels. In this study, including 10% fermented and enzymatically treated barley not only improved feed utilization efficiency, but also modified intestinal barrier functions and antioxidant status and upregulated the expression of nutrient-transport-related genes. Therefore, fermented and enzymatically treated barley can be used as a promising alternative to corn and achieve the target production of broiler chickens. The present and future high demand of common cereals as corn and wheat encourage the development of feed processing technology that allows for the dietary inclusion of other cereals of low nutritional value in poultry feeding. Barley grains contain anti-nutritional factors that limit their dietary inclusion in the poultry industry. The treatment of barley with solid-state fermentation and exogenous enzymes (FBEs) provides a good alternative to common cereals. In this study, barley grains were subjected to solid-state microbial fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to assess the impact of FBEs on growth, feed utilization efficiency, immune modulation, antioxidant status and the expression of intestinal barrier and nutrient transporter-related genes. One-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308, n = 400) comprised four representative groups with ten replicates (10 chicks/replicate) and were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets with inclusions of FBEs at 0, 5, 10 and 15% for 38 days. Solid-state fermentation of barley grains with fibrolytic enzymes increased protein content, lowered crude fiber and reduced sugars compared to non-fermented barley gains. In consequence, the group fed FBEs10% had the superior feed utilization efficiency and body weight gain (increased by 4.7%) with higher levels of nutrient metabolizability, pancreatic digestive enzyme activities and low digesta viscosity. Notably, the group fed FBEs10% showed an increased villi height and a decreased crypt depth with a remarkable hyperactivity of duodenal glands. In addition, higher inclusion levels of FBEs boosted serum immune-related parameters and intestinal and breast muscle antioxidants status. Intestinal nutrient transporters encoding genes (GLUT-1, CAAT-1, LAT1 and PepT-1) and intestinal barriers encoding genes (MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, claudins-1 and β-defensin 1) were upregulated with higher dietary FBEs levels. In conclusion, feeding on FBEs10% positively enhanced broiler chickens' performance, feed efficiency and antioxidant status, and boosted intestinal barrier nutrient transporters encoding genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The placenta is the gatekeeper between the mother and the fetus. Over the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is nourished by uterine gland secretions in a process known as histiotrophic nutrition. During the second trimester of pregnancy, placentation has evolved to the point at which nutrients are delivered to the placenta via maternal blood (hemotrophic nutrition). Over gestation, the placenta must adapt to these variable nutrient supplies, to alterations in maternal physiology and blood flow, and to dynamic changes in fetal growth rates. Numerous questions remain about the mechanisms used to transport nutrients to the fetus and the maternal and fetal determinants of this process. Growing data highlight the ability of the placenta to regulate this process. As new technologies and omics approaches are utilized to study this maternofetal interface, greater insight into this unique organ and its impact on fetal development and long-term health has been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study examined the efficacy of L-citrulline supplementation on the arginine/nitric oxide metabolism, and intestinal functions of broilers during arginine deficiency. A total of 288 day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly assigned to either an arginine deficient basal diet (NC diet), NC diet + 0.50% L-arginine (PC diet), or NC diet + 0.50% L-citrulline (NCL diet). Production performance was recorded, and at 21 days old, chickens were euthanized for tissue collection. Results The dietary treatments did not affect the growth performance of broilers (P > 0.05), although NC diet increased the plasma alanine aminotransferase, urate, and several amino acids, except arginine (P

Huanglongbing {HLB [Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (C Las)]} has been one of the biggest challenges in citrus (Citrus sp.) production in Florida and wherever it is present. HLB-affected trees show significant shoot and root dieback, fruit drop, and reduction in yield. Currently, there is no cure for HLB, and there is no commercial HLB-resistant germplasm. Nonetheless, intensive nutrient management has been promising for citrus growers. The nutrient requirement of HLB-affected trees seems to be greater than that of healthy citrus trees. By understanding the nutrient uptake potential of rootstocks, fertilizer programs can be customized accordingly to enhance the performance of a rootstock in existing groves. Moreover, a reduction in the application of nutrients is possible by planting rootstocks with a high nutrient absorption capacity. Use of rootstocks with good nutrient uptake efficiency can take some burden off the growers who are intensively managing HLB-affected citrus groves. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and understand the nutrient uptake potential of the citrus rootstocks. To achieve this objective, a 100% hydroponic greenhouse study was conducted with six rootstocks with a range of tolerance to HLB. Several physiological and molecular tools were applied to evaluate the rootstocks for their nutrient uptake potential. A+Volk × O-19 (HLB-tolerant) rootstock had greater nutrient uptake efficiency, whereas US-896 (HLB-susceptible) had lesser nutrient uptake efficiency. Swingle, one of the most popular pre-HLB rootstocks, had poor zinc uptake and the least expression of ZINC TRANSPORTER, suggesting that zinc applications should be emphasized in Swingle plantings. US-896 rootstock expressed the least level of nutrient transporter genes, such as IRON TRANSPORTER. UFR-4 (a good performer under HLB conditions) had a large root biomass, but the uptake efficiency for nutrients was poor, suggesting that the nutrient uptake potential is a complex process that is not solely dependent on root biomass. This study is unique because it is one of the first citrus studies to report nutrient uptake efficiency and the potential of rootstocks. The information presented can be used to improve performance or select better-performing rootstocks under HLB conditions.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent pathophysiological state of pregnancy, which in many cases produces fetuses with macrosomia, requiring increased nutrient transport in the placenta. Recent studies by our group have demonstrated that leptin is a key hormone in placental physiology, and its expression is increased in placentas affected by GDM. However, the effect of leptin on placental nutrient transport, such as transport of glucose, amino acids, and lipids, is not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to review literature on the leptin effect involved in placental nutrient transport as well as activated leptin signaling pathways involved in the expression of placental transporters, which may contribute to an increase in placental nutrient transport in human pregnancies complicated by GDM. Leptin appears to be a relevant key hormone that regulates placental transport, and this regulation is altered in pathophysiological conditions such as gestational diabetes. Adaptations in the placental capacity to transport glucose, amino acids, and lipids may underlie both under- or overgrowth of the fetus when maternal nutrient and hormone levels are altered due to changes in maternal nutrition or metabolic disease. Implementing new strategies to modulate placental transport may improve maternal health and prove effective in normalizing fetal growth in cases of intrauterine growth restriction and fetal overgrowth. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Gastrointestinal health is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Improving nutrient absorption and energy metabolism are the critical targets for intestinal health. This study aimed to determine the effects of different boron (B) derivatives on nutrient digestibility, intestinal nutrient transporters, and lipid metabolism in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-one rats were allocated to three groups (n = 7) as follows: (i) Control, (ii) Sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (SPP), and (iii) boric acid (BA). The rats were fed a chow diet (AIN-93M) and supplemented with 8 mg/kg elemental B from SPP (45.2 mg/kg BW) and BA (42.7 mg/kg BW) via oral gavage every other day for 12 weeks. The nutrient digestibility of rats in each group was measured using the indigestible indicator (chromium oxide, Cr2O3, 0.20%). At the end of the experiment, animals were decapitated by cervical dislocation and jejunum, and liver samples were taken from each animal. The nutrient transporters and lipid-regulated transcription factors were determined by RT-PCR. Results: The nutrient digestibility (except for ash) was increased by SPP and BA supplementation (p < 0.05). SPP and BA-supplemented rats had higher jejunal glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT2, GLUT5, sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP1), and FATP4 mRNA expression levels compared to nonsupplemented rats (p < 0.0001). BA-supplemented rats had remarkably higher peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) levels than nonsupplemented rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), liver X receptor alpha (LxR-a), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) levels decreased by SPP supplementation compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SPP and BA administration enhanced nutrient digestibility, intestinal nutrient transporters, and liver lipid metabolism in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape pomace (GP) is a winemaking by-product particularly rich in (poly)phenols and dietary fiber, which are the main active compounds responsible for its health-promoting effects. These components and their metabolites generated at the intestinal level have been shown to play an important role in promoting health locally and systemically. This review focuses on the potential bioactivities of GP in the intestinal environment, which is the primary site of interaction for food components and their biological activities. These mechanisms include (i) regulation of nutrient digestion and absorption (GP has been shown to inhibit enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, protease, and lipase, which can help to reduce blood glucose and lipid levels, and to modulate the expression of intestinal transporters, which can also help to regulate nutrient absorption); (ii) modulation of gut hormone levels and satiety (GP stimulates GLP-1, PYY, CCK, ghrelin, and GIP release, which can help to regulate appetite and satiety); (iii) reinforcement of gut morphology (including the crypt-villi structures, which can improve nutrient absorption and protect against intestinal damage); (iv) protection of intestinal barrier integrity (through tight junctions and paracellular transport); (v) modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways; and (vi) impact on gut microbiota composition and functionality (leading to increased production of SCFAs and decreased production of LPS). The overall effect of GP within the gut environment reinforces the intestinal function as the first line of defense against multiple disorders, including those impacting cardiometabolic health. Future research on GP's health-promoting properties should consider connections between the gut and other organs, including the gut-heart axis, gut-brain axis, gut-skin axis, and oral-gut axis. Further exploration of these connections, including more human studies, will solidify GP's role as a cardiometabolic health-promoting ingredient and contribute to the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate transporters (SULTRs) are an essential plant transporter class responsible for the absorption and distribution of sulfur, an essential plant growth element. SULTRs are also involved in processes related to growth and development and in response to environmental stimuli. In the present study, 22 TdSULTR family members were identified and characterized in the genome of Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) using available bioinformatics tools. The expression levels of candidate TdSULTR genes were investigated under salt treatments of 150 and 250 mM NaCl after several different exposure times. TdSULTRs showed diversity in terms of physiochemical properties, gene structure, and pocket sites. TdSULTRs and their orthologues were classified into the known five main plant groups of highly diverse subfamilies. In addition, it was noted that segmental duplication events could lengthen TdSULTR family members under evolutionary processes. Based on pocket site analysis, the amino acids leucine (L), valine (V), and serine (S) were most often detected in TdSULTR protein binding sites. Moreover, it was predicted that TdSULTRs have a high potential to be targeted by phosphorylation modifications. According to promoter site analysis, the plant bioregulators ABA and MeJA were predicted to affect TdSULTR expression patterns. Real-time PCR analysis revealed TdSULTR genes are differentially expressed at 150 mM NaCl but show similar expression in response to 250 mM NaCl. TdSULTR reached a maximum level of expression 72 h after the 250 mM salt treatment. Overall, we conclude that TdSULTR genes are involved in the response to salinity in durum wheat. However, additional studies of functionality are needed to determine their precise function and linked-interaction pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the efficacy of L-citrulline supplementation on the arginine/nitric oxide metabolism, and intestinal functions of broilers during arginine deficiency. A total of 288 day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly assigned to either an arginine deficient basal diet (NC diet), NC diet + 0.50% L-arginine (PC diet), or NC diet + 0.50% L-citrulline (NCL diet). Production performance was recorded, and at 21 days old, chickens were euthanized for tissue collection. Results: The dietary treatments did not affect the growth performance of broilers (P > 0.05), although NC diet increased the plasma alanine aminotransferase, urate, and several amino acids, except arginine (P < 0.05). In contrast, NCL diet elevated the arginine and ornithine concentration higher than NC diet, and it increased the plasma citrulline greater than the PC diet (P < 0.05). The nitric oxide concentration in the kidney and liver tissues, along with the plasma and liver eNOS activities were promoted by NCL diet higher than PC diet (P < 0.05). In the liver, the activities of arginase 1, ASS, and ASL, as well as, the gene expression of iNOS and OTC were induced by PC diet greater than NC diet (P < 0.05). In the kidney, the arginase 1, ASS and ASL enzymes were also increased by PC diet significantly higher than the NC and NCL diets. Comparatively, the kidney had higher abundance of nNOS, ASS, ARG2, and OTC genes than the liver tissue (P < 0.05). In addition, NCL diet upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of intestinal nutrient transporters (EAAT3 and PEPT1), tight junction proteins (Claudin 1 and Occludin), and intestinal mucosal defense (MUC2 and pIgR). The intestinal morphology revealed that both PC and NCL diets improved (P < 0.05) the ileal VH/CD ratio and the jejunal VH and VH/CD ratio compared to the NC fed broilers. Conclusion: This study revealed that NCL diet supported arginine metabolism, nitric oxide synthesis, and promoted the intestinal function of broilers. Thus, L-citrulline may serve as a partial arginine replacement in broiler's diet without detrimental impacts on the performance, arginine metabolism and gut health of chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of 2 graded levels (0.03 and 0.05% of diet) of a monoglyceride blend containing butyric, caprylic, and capric acids in broilers’ diet for optimizing gut structure and animal growth performance. For this purpose, a total of 210, one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 3 experimental treatments using 7 replicates each and 10 birds/replicate. The treatment groups involved supplementation of blend of short and medium chain fatty acids at the level of 0, 0.03, and 0.05% of the diet for 42 d. The incorporation of mixes of monoglycerides into broilers’ diet linearly improved BWG between d 0 and 21 (P = 0.034). At the end of trial, however, no significant changes were observed in performance indexes (BWG, FI, FCR). Jejunal morphometric parameters (villus height, crypt depth, and their ratio) remained unaltered with the monoglyceride supplementation on d 21. The results further showed that monoglycerides supplementation increased the goblet cell counts along the jejunal villi (P = 0.034) and crypt regions (P = 0.022), as well as it effectively modulated the mRNA abundances of tight junction protein (ZO-1, P = 0.033) and nutrient transporters (SGLT, PePT1; P = 0.005, 0.023, respectively) in the jejunum. Moreover, the downregulation in mRNA abundance of TNFα (P = 0.030) was observed with the monoglyceride supplementation. The SCFAs analysis of cecal contents showed no notable differences with monoglyceride blend supplementation when compared to the unsupplemented group. Collectively, high goblet cell numbers in the jejunum along with downregulation of the mRNA abundances of pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of tight junction proteins, and nutrient transporters showed favorable responses of low doses of monoglycerides blend in broiler feeding. Further studies should be conducted in different rearing conditions to examine the effectiveness of such low levels of a monoglyceride blend in the modulation of gut structure, its functionality and animal performance.

Endogenous sphingolipids (ceramide) and related synthetic molecules (FTY720, SH-BC-893) reduce nutrient access by decreasing cell surface expression of a subset of nutrient transporter proteins. Here, we report that these sphingolipids disrupt endocytic recycling by inactivating the small GTPase ARF6. Consistent with reported roles for ARF6 in maintaining the tubular recycling endosome, MICAL-L1-positive tubules were lost from sphingolipid-treated cells. We propose that ARF6 inactivation may occur downstream of PP2A activation since: (1) sphingolipids that fail to activate PP2A did not reduce ARF6-GTP levels; (2) a structurally unrelated PP2A activator disrupted tubular recycling endosome morphology and transporter localization; and (3) overexpression of a phosphomimetic mutant of the ARF6 GEF GRP1 prevented nutrient transporter loss. ARF6 inhibition alone was not toxic; however, the ARF6 inhibitors SecinH3 and NAV2729 dramatically enhanced the killing of cancer cells by SH-BC-893 without increasing toxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting that ARF6 inactivation contributes to the anti-neoplastic actions of sphingolipids. Taken together, these studies provide mechanistic insight into how ceramide and sphingolipid-like molecules limit nutrient access and suppress tumor cell growth and survival.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding rice gluten meal (RGM) as an alternative protein source along with protease enzyme supplementation on growth performance, expression of nutrient transporter genes, nutrient digestibility, immune response and gut histomorphometry of broiler chicken. Proximate analysis of RGM revealed 923 g dry matter (DM), 500 g crude protein (CP), 69.2 g ether extract, 94.7 g crude fiber, 215.4 g nitrogen-free extract, 43.7 g ash, 6.20 g calcium, 7.80 g total phosphorus, 18.99 MJ gross energy and 12.68 MJ metabolizable energy per kg diet. Significant upregulation of nutrient transporter genes (PepT1, EAAT3 and mucin) and better growth performance was observed in the birds fed control diet which was statistically similar to the birds fed 150 g RGM compared to birds fed higher RGM levels. Histomorphometry of jejunum, nutrient digestibility, and immune response of birds did not reveal any significant effect of RGM or protease enzyme supplementation. However, the inclusion of RGM up to 150 g/kg diet resulted in significant decline of feed cost/kg live weight gain, dressed meat yield and eviscerated meat yield by 13.13%, 12.99% and 13.36%, respectively compared to control. Thus, it was concluded that the inclusion of 150 g RGM/kg diet in broiler chicken ration has no adverse effects on the growth pattern of birds and can be used for least-cost feed formulation for chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present and future high demand of common cereals as corn and wheat encourage the development of feed processing technology that allows for the dietary inclusion of other cereals of low nutritional value in poultry feeding. Barley grains contain anti-nutritional factors that limit their dietary inclusion in the poultry industry. The treatment of barley with solid-state fermentation and exogenous enzymes (FBEs) provides a good alternative to common cereals. In this study, barley grains were subjected to solid-state microbial fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to assess the impact of FBEs on growth, feed utilization efficiency, immune modulation, antioxidant status and the expression of intestinal barrier and nutrient transporter-related genes. One-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308, n = 400) comprised four representative groups with ten replicates (10 chicks/replicate) and were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets with inclusions of FBEs at 0, 5, 10 and 15% for 38 days. Solid-state fermentation of barley grains with fibrolytic enzymes increased protein content, lowered crude fiber and reduced sugars compared to non-fermented barley gains. In consequence, the group fed FBEs10% had the superior feed utilization efficiency and body weight gain (increased by 4.7%) with higher levels of nutrient metabolizability, pancreatic digestive enzyme activities and low digesta viscosity. Notably, the group fed FBEs10% showed an increased villi height and a decreased crypt depth with a remarkable hyperactivity of duodenal glands. In addition, higher inclusion levels of FBEs boosted serum immune-related parameters and intestinal and breast muscle antioxidants status. Intestinal nutrient transporters encoding genes (GLUT-1, CAAT-1, LAT1 and PepT-1) and intestinal barriers encoding genes (MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, claudins-1 and β-defensin 1) were upregulated with higher dietary FBEs levels. In conclusion, feeding on FBEs10% positively enhanced broiler chickens’ performance, feed efficiency and antioxidant status, and boosted intestinal barrier nutrient transporters encoding genes.

Simple Summary: Prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2; PGI2) is an important modulator of vascular functions and is involved in various reproductive processes. PGI2 was also described as a modulator of uterine contractility in several species, including the pig. However, its synthesis and role in the myometrium of the porcine uterus are still not fully described. The objective of this study was to evaluate profiles of PGI2 synthesis and PGI2 receptor expression in the myometrium of gilts throughout the estrous cycle and during early pregnancy and to investigate the in vitro effect of PGI2 on the mRNA expression of factors engaged in smooth muscle contraction, nutrient transport, prostaglandin synthesis and action, and inflammatory response. The obtained results showed that the synthesis of PGI2 changes in the myometrium of pigs during both the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, resulting in much greater concentrations of PGI2 in cyclic than in pregnant gilts. Moreover, PGI2 stimulated the expression of fatty acid transporters and contractility-related calponin 1 and caldesmon 1, whereas it decreased cytokine expression. This study indicates that PGI2 may participate in the regulation of myometrial functions modulating the availability of factors involved in smooth muscle activity and inflammatory reaction in the uterus of pigs. Although prostacyclin (PGI2) has been well described as a regulator of smooth muscle activity, limited data are available concerning its role in the myometrium of pigs. The present research aimed to examine profiles of PGI2 synthase (PTGIS) and PGI2 receptor (PTGIR) expression and 6-keto PGF1α (a PGI2 metabolite) concentrations in the myometrium of gilts throughout the estrous cycle and during early pregnancy using qPCR, Western blot, and/or ELISA methods. Furthermore, myometrial explants were exposed to iloprost (a stable PGI2 analog) to investigate the effect of PGI2 on the mRNA expression of factors engaged in smooth muscle contraction, nutrient transport, prostaglandin synthesis and action, and inflammatory response. PTGIS mRNA expression was greater in cyclic than in pregnant gilts on days 11–12 after estrus and was accompanied by greater concentrations of 6-keto PGF1α detected in cyclic than in pregnant animals on days 11–20. Iloprost stimulated fatty acid transporters and contractility-related calponin 1 and caldesmon 1 mRNA expression and decreased interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor transcript abundance. The obtained results indicate a physiologically relevant role of PGI2 during the estrous cycle in the porcine myometrium with its importance for regulating the expression of contractility-, nutrient transport- and inflammatory response-related factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of graded severity of Eimeria maxima infection on the growth performance and intestine health of broiler chickens. Four different levels of E. maxima-challenged treatments were used, including a non-challenged control group, a low challenge (12 500 oocysts), a medium challenge (25 000 oocysts), and a high challenge dose (50 000 oocysts). There were eight replicate cages per treatment, with 12 birds in each cage, and chickens in the challenged groups orally received sporulated oocysts on day 14. Gastrointestinal permeability was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran at 5 days post-infection (dpi), whereas intestinal morphology and gene expression of nutrient transporters and tight junction proteins were determined at 6 dpi. The results demonstrate a linear reduction in growth performance, jejunal villus height, and jejunal integrity with graded challenge doses of E. maxima (P

The present investigation was carried out to isolate, identify, and characterize sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) from coal mines and to evaluate the efficient strains for their ability to influence plant growth and S uptake in pigeonpea. Thirteen bacterial isolates belonging to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (2), Stenotrophomonas pavanii (2), Rhizobium pusense (5), Bacillus velezensis (2), and Paenibacillus massiliensis (2) were obtained. Among these, seven strains that could reduce the pH of thiosulfate broth were further characterized for sulfur oxidation, plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes, and in planta studies. Among the seven strains characterized, maximum sulfate ion was recorded for S. maltophilia DRC-18-7A (311.43 mg L−1) closely followed by S. pavanii DRC-18-7B (273.44 mg L−1) and S. maltophilia DRC-18-10 (265.75 mg L−1) after 21 days of inoculation. Among the PGP attributes quantified, maximum P solubilization was recorded in case of S. maltophilia DRC-18-7A (24.39 μg ml−1), while highest siderophore production and IAA production were recorded in S. maltophilia DRC-18-10 (14.25%) and R. pusense DRC-18-25 (15.21 μg ml−1), respectively. S. maltophilia DRC-18-7A closely followed by S. pavanii DRC-18-7B outperformed others in enhancing seed germination (%) and vigour indices. Results clearly indicated that microbial inoculants colonized the plant roots and developed biofilm on the root surface. It was further observed that plants treated with microbial inoculants induce an early formation of secondary and tertiary roots in the pigeonpea compared to the untreated control which was further confirmed by assessing the root architecture using the root scanner. Inoculation of these two strains to pigeonpea significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, the activity of reactive oxygen scavenging (ROS) enzymes, and accumulation of flavonoids, carotenoids, and proline both under sterilized and non-sterilized growth medium (sand and soil in 1:3 ratio). The application of microbial inoculants significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur in plant shoots. Further, transcript level of phosphate, potassium, and sulfur transporter genes significantly increases upon microbial inoculation leading to increased uptake and translocation of P, K, and S in the pigeonpea. The results indicate that S. maltophilia DRC-18-7A and S. pavanii DRC-18-7B could be recommended as inoculants for pigeonpea to improve its growth and sulfur nutrition.

Plasma membrane transporters play pivotal roles in the import of nutrients, including sugars, amino acids, nucleobases, carboxylic acids, and metal ions, that surround fungal cells. The selective removal of these transporters by endocytosis is one of the most important regulatory mechanisms that ensures a rapid adaptation of cells to the changing environment (e.g., nutrient fluctuations or different stresses). At the heart of this mechanism lies a network of proteins that includes the arrestin‐related trafficking adaptors (ARTs) which link the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 to nutrient transporters and endocytic factors. Transporter conformational changes, as well as dynamic interactions between its cytosolic termini/loops and with lipids of the plasma membrane, are also critical during the endocytic process. Here, we review the current knowledge and recent findings on the molecular mechanisms involved in nutrient transporter endocytosis, both in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in some species of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus. We elaborate on the physiological importance of tightly regulated endocytosis for cellular fitness under dynamic conditions found in nature and highlight how further understanding and engineering of this process is essential to maximize titer, rate and yield (TRY)-values of engineered cell factories in industrial biotechnological processes.

1. The study was designed to compare the expression of genes that encode proteins located at either the brush border (BB) or basolateral (BL) of the gut epithelium among fast and slow-growing broilers. 2. Six broiler breeds with different growth capacities were used: Ross 708, Hubbard H1 (HH1), Cobb 500, Longenecker's Heritage (LHR), Red-Bro, and the Athens Canadian Randombred Control (ACRB). Birds were sampled between embryonic day (ED) 19 and day 35 post-hatch (PH). 3. Performance parameters indicated that Ross 708, HH1, and Cobb 500 had the highest body weights (BW) while ACRBs had the lowest. 4. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed on 13 genes encoding proteins associated with nutrient processing and uptake. Statistical analysis was carried out (ANOVA) for eight BB genes: Aminopeptidase N (APN), four amino acid transporters, (ATBo,+, BoAT, bo,+AT, EAAT3) a di- and tri-peptide transporter (PepT1), and two sugar transporters (GLUT5 and SGLT1). Analysis of four amino acid transporters (CAT1, CAT2, LAT1, and γ+LAT1), and a single sugar transporter (GLUT2) associated with BL was carried out. 5. Four BB associated genes (APN, EAAT3, BoAT, and b0,+AT) in the small intestine were negatively correlated with growth. 6. In most cases, genes encoding BB proteins increased in expression over time (P < 0.05) in the small intestine, while, in the caeca, the expression decreased (P < 0.05). The mRNA of BL-associated proteins showed decreased (P < 0.05) expression over time in all gut segments, with exception of GLUT2, which increased in expression in the small intestine. 7. The temporal changes in gene expression were consistent among bird lines and BB associated genes tended to increase over time, while BL associated genes tended to decrease over time. Correlation analysis indicated that mRNA expression of nutrient transporter genes may not be a good predictor of growth potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse environmental factors in early life result in fetal metabolic programming and increased risk of adult diseases. Birth weight is an indirect marker of the intrauterine environment, modulated by nutrient availability and placental transport capacity. However, studies of placental transporters in idiopathic birth weight alterations and in maternal obesity in relation to neonatal metabolic outcomes are scarce. We aimed to analyze the placental nutrient transporter protein expression in small (SGA, n = 14), adequate (AGA, n = 18), and large (LGA n = 10) gestational age term for newborns from healthy or obese mothers (LGA-OB, n = 9) and their association with maternal fatty acids, metabolic status, placental triglycerides, and neonatal outcomes. The transporter expression was determined by Western blot. The fatty acid profile was evaluated by gas chromatography, and placental triglycerides were quantified by an enzymatic colorimetric method. GLUT1 was higher in LGA and lower in SGA and positively correlated with maternal HbA1c and placental weight (PW). SNAT2 was lower in SGA, while SNAT4 was lower in LGA-OB. FATP1 was lower in SGA and higher in LGA. SNAT4 correlated negatively and FATP1 correlated positively with the PW and birth anthropometry (BA). Placental triglycerides were higher in LGA and LGA-OB and correlated with pregestational BMI, maternal insulin, and BA. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was higher in SGA, specifically in male placentas, correlating negatively with maternal triglycerides, PW, cord glucose, and abdominal perimeter. Palmitic acid (PA) correlated positively with FATP4 and cord insulin, linoleic acid correlated negatively with PA and maternal cholesterol, and arachidonic acid correlated inversely with maternal TG and directly with FATP4. Our study highlights the importance of placental programming in birth weight both in healthy and obese pregnancies.

Grape pomace (GP) is a winemaking by-product particularly rich in (poly)phenols and dietary fiber, which are the main active compounds responsible for its health-promoting effects. These components and their metabolites generated at the intestinal level have been shown to play an important role in promoting health locally and systemically. This review focuses on the potential bioactivities of GP in the intestinal environment, which is the primary site of interaction for food components and their biological activities. These mechanisms include (i) regulation of nutrient digestion and absorption (GP has been shown to inhibit enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, protease, and lipase, which can help to reduce blood glucose and lipid levels, and to modulate the expression of intestinal transporters, which can also help to regulate nutrient absorption); (ii) modulation of gut hormone levels and satiety (GP stimulates GLP-1, PYY, CCK, ghrelin, and GIP release, which can help to regulate appetite and satiety); (iii) reinforcement of gut morphology (including the crypt-villi structures, which can improve nutrient absorption and protect against intestinal damage); (iv) protection of intestinal barrier integrity (through tight junctions and paracellular transport); (v) modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways; and (vi) impact on gut microbiota composition and functionality (leading to increased production of SCFAs and decreased production of LPS). The overall effect of GP within the gut environment reinforces the intestinal function as the first line of defense against multiple disorders, including those impacting cardiometabolic health. Future research on GP’s health-promoting properties should consider connections between the gut and other organs, including the gut-heart axis, gut-brain axis, gut-skin axis, and oral-gut axis. Further exploration of these connections, including more human studies, will solidify GP’s role as a cardiometabolic health-promoting ingredient and contribute to the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.

To the SLC6 family belong 20 human transporters that utilize the sodium electrochemical gradient to move biogenic amines, osmolytes, amino acids and related compounds into cells. They are classified into two functional groups, the Neurotransmitter transporters (NTT) and Nutrient amino acid transporters (NAT). Here we summarize how since their first cloning in 1998, the insect (Lepidopteran) Orthologs of the SLC6 family transporters have represented very important tools for investigating functional–structural relationships, mechanism of transport, ion and pH dependence and substate interaction of the mammalian (and human) counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Scope: This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of a new combination of root extracts of the Lepidium meyenii (maca) plant, known for its nutritional and energizing features as well as its antioxidant properties, on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters expression. Methods and results: A total of 28 Sprague‐Dawley rats (8‐week‐old) were divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) Lepidium m., (iii) high‐fat diet (HFD), and (iv) HFD+Lepidium m. Maca was given to the rats as a powdered combination of the plant roots with a daily dose of 40 mg per kg BW. Maca administration significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and some nutrient transporter (Pept1/2, Fatp1, Glut1/2, and Sglt1)‐expressions compared with non‐treated control and HFD groups in the jejunum and ileum tissues (p <.0001). Conclusions: Maca supplementation improved the digestibility of nutrients and expressions of nutrient transporters in the small intestine of the rats. These results indicate the positive communication between maca consumption and nutrient absorption in the small intestines of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient supply and demand delineate cell behavior in health and disease. Mammalian cells have developed multiple strategies to secure the necessary nutrients that fuel their metabolic needs. This is more evident upon disruption of homeostasis in conditions such as cancer, when cells display high proliferation rates in energetically challenging conditions where nutritional sources may be scarce. Here, we summarize the main routes of nutrient acquisition that fuel mammalian cells and their implications in tumorigenesis. We argue that the molecular mechanisms of nutrient acquisition not only tip the balance between nutrient supply and demand but also determine cell behavior upon nutrient limitation and energetic stress and contribute to nutrient partitioning and metabolic coordination between different cell types in inflamed or tumorigenic environments. [Display omitted] Nutrient supply and demand delineate cell behavior in health and disease. Papalazarou and Maddocks discuss nutrient acquisition and scavenging mechanisms of mammalian cells and how these are implicated in tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small intestine is an important digestive organ and plays a vital role in the life of a pig. We tested the hypothesis that the length of the small intestine is related to growth performance and intestinal functions of piglets. A total of 60 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), weaned at day 21, were fed an identical diet during a 28-day trial. At the end of the study, all piglets were sacrificed, dissected and grouped according to small intestine lengths (SILs), either short small intestine (SSI), middle small intestine (MSI) or long small intestine (LSI), respectively. Positive relationships between SIL and BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain-to-feed ratios (G : F) were observed. Final BW, ADG, ADFI and G : F significantly increased (P < 0.05) in MSI and LSI piglets compared with SSI piglets. Short small intestine and MSI had greater jejunal mucosa sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities (P < 0.05) than LSI piglets. The mRNA level of solute carrier family 2 member 2 (Slc2a2) in the jejunal mucosa of SSI piglets was the greatest. The MSI piglets had a greater (P < 0.05) ileal villus height than other piglets and greater (P < 0.05) villus height-to-crypt depth ratios than LSI piglets. However, the LSI piglets had a greater (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth than SSI piglets. No significant differences in duodenal, jejunal, caecal and colonic morphologies were detected among the groups. Moreover, luminal acetate, propionate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acid contents were greater (P < 0.05) in SSI and MSI piglets than those in LSI piglets. In addition, there was greater serum glucose concentration in MSI piglets than other piglets. Serum albumin concentration in SSI piglets was the lowest. In conclusion, these results indicate that SIL was significantly positively associated with growth performance, and in terms of intestinal morphology and mucosal digestive enzyme activity, the piglets with a medium length of small intestine have better digestion and absorption properties.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are three major macronutrients essential for plant life. These nutrients are acquired and transported by several large families of transporters expressed in plant roots. However, it remains largely unknown how these transporters are distributed in different cell-types that work together to transfer the nutrients from the soil to different layers of root cells and eventually reach vasculature for massive flow. Using the single cell transcriptomics data from Arabidopsis roots, we profiled the transcriptional patterns of putative nutrient transporters in different root cell-types. Such analyses identified a number of uncharacterized NPK transporters expressed in the root epidermis to mediate NPK uptake and distribution to the adjacent cells. Some transport genes showed cortex- and endodermis-specific expression to direct the nutrient flow toward the vasculature. For long-distance transport, a variety of transporters were shown to express and potentially function in the xylem and phloem. In the context of subcellular distribution of mineral nutrients, the NPK transporters at subcellular compartments were often found to show ubiquitous expression patterns, which suggests function in house-keeping processes. Overall, these single cell transcriptomic analyses provide working models of nutrient transport from the epidermis across the cortex to the vasculature, which can be further tested experimentally in the future.

Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant innate lymphocytes that provide early defense against infections. In the inflammatory milieu, NK cells modify their metabolism to support high energy demands required for their proliferation, activation, and functional plasticity. This metabolic reprogramming is usually accompanied by the upregulation of nutrient transporter expression on the cell surface, leading to increased nutrient uptake required for intense proliferation. The interleukin-1 family members of inflammatory cytokines are critical in activating NK cells during infection; however, their underlying mechanism in NK cell metabolism is not fully elucidated. Previously, we have shown that IL-18 upregulates the expression of solute carrier transmembrane proteins and thereby induces a robust metabolic boost in NK cells. Unexpectedly, we found that IL-18 signaling is dispensable during viral infection in vivo, while the upregulation of nutrient transporters is primarily MyD88-dependent. NK cells from Myd88-/- mice displayed significantly reduced surface expression of nutrient receptors and mTOR activity during MCMV infection. We also identified that IL-33, another cytokine employing MyD88 signaling, induces the expression of nutrient transporters but requires a pre-exposure to IL-12. Moreover, signaling through the NK cell activating receptor, Ly49H, can also promote the expression of nutrient transporters. Collectively, our findings revealed multiple pathways that can induce the expression of nutrient transporters on NK cells while highlighting the imperative role of MyD88 in NK cell metabolism during infection.

Solute and ion transporters are proteins essential for cell nutrition, detoxification, signaling, homeostasis and drug resistance. Being polytopic transmembrane proteins, they are co-translationally inserted and folded into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells and subsequently sorted to their final membrane destination via vesicular secretion. During their trafficking and in response to physiological/stress signals or prolonged activity, transporters undergo multiple quality control processes and regulated turnover. Consequently, transporters interact dynamically and transiently with multiple proteins. To further dissect the trafficking and turnover mechanisms underlying transporter subcellular biology, we herein describe a novel mass spectrometry-based proteomic protocol adapted to conditions allowing for maximal identification of proteins related to N source uptake in A. nidulans. Our analysis led to identification of 5690 proteins, which to our knowledge constitutes the largest protein dataset identified by omics-based approaches in Aspergilli. Importantly, we detected possibly all major proteins involved in basic cellular functions, giving particular emphasis to factors essential for membrane cargo trafficking and turnover. Our protocol is easily reproducible and highly efficient for unearthing the full A. nidulans proteome. The protein list delivered herein will form the basis for downstream systematic approaches and identification of protein–protein interactions in living fungal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are three major macronutrients essential for plant life. These nutrients are acquired and transported by several large families of transporters expressed in plant roots. However, it remains largely unknown how these transporters are distributed in different cell-types that work together to transfer the nutrients from the soil to different layers of root cells and eventually reach vasculature for massive flow. Using the single cell transcriptomics data from Arabidopsis roots, we profiled the transcriptional patterns of putative nutrient transporters in different root cell-types. Such analyses identified a number of uncharacterized NPK transporters expressed in the root epidermis to mediate NPK uptake and distribution to the adjacent cells. Some transport genes showed cortex- and endodermis-specific expression to direct the nutrient flow toward the vasculature. For long-distance transport, a variety of transporters were shown to express and potentially function in the xylem and phloem. In the context of subcellular distribution of mineral nutrients, the NPK transporters at subcellular compartments were often found to show ubiquitous expression patterns, which suggests function in house-keeping processes. Overall, these single cell transcriptomic analyses provide working models of nutrient transport from the epidermis across the cortex to the vasculature, which can be further tested experimentally in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of graded severity of Eimeria maxima infection on the growth performance and intestine health of broiler chickens. Four different levels of E. maxima-challenged treatments were used, including a non-challenged control group, a low challenge (12 500 oocysts), a medium challenge (25 000 oocysts), and a high challenge dose (50 000 oocysts). There were eight replicate cages per treatment, with 12 birds in each cage, and chickens in the challenged groups orally received sporulated oocysts on day 14. Gastrointestinal permeability was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran at 5 days post-infection (dpi), whereas intestinal morphology and gene expression of nutrient transporters and tight junction proteins were determined at 6 dpi. The results demonstrate a linear reduction in growth performance, jejunal villus height, and jejunal integrity with graded challenge doses of E. maxima (P < 0.01). Moreover, linear regulation of nutrient transporters and tight junction proteins was a consequence of increasing Eimeria infection levels (P < 0.01). The linear increase of Claudin 1, cationic amino acid transporter, glucose transporter 1, and L-type amino acid transporter genes was associated with increased severity of coccidiosis (P < 0.01). Furthermore, expression of nutrient transporters located at the brush border membrane were down-regulated (P < 0.01) with increasing E. maxima inoculation dose. In conclusion, growth performance and key intestinal integrity biomarkers in broiler chickens were adversely influenced in a dose-dependent manner by E. maxima infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant innate lymphocytes that provide early defense against infections. In the inflammatory milieu, NK cells modify their metabolism to support high energy demands required for their proliferation, activation, and functional plasticity. This metabolic reprogramming is usually accompanied by the upregulation of nutrient transporter expression on the cell surface, leading to increased nutrient uptake required for intense proliferation. The interleukin-1 family members of inflammatory cytokines are critical in activating NK cells during infection; however, their underlying mechanism in NK cell metabolism is not fully elucidated. Previously, we have shown that IL-18 upregulates the expression of solute carrier transmembrane proteins and thereby induces a robust metabolic boost in NK cells. Unexpectedly, we found that IL-18 signaling is dispensable during viral infection in vivo , while the upregulation of nutrient transporters is primarily MyD88-dependent. NK cells from Myd88-/- mice displayed significantly reduced surface expression of nutrient receptors and mTOR activity during MCMV infection. We also identified that IL-33, another cytokine employing MyD88 signaling, induces the expression of nutrient transporters but requires a pre-exposure to IL-12. Moreover, signaling through the NK cell activating receptor, Ly49H, can also promote the expression of nutrient transporters. Collectively, our findings revealed multiple pathways that can induce the expression of nutrient transporters on NK cells while highlighting the imperative role of MyD88 in NK cell metabolism during infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cells are metabolically vigorous and are superior in the uptake of nutrients and in the release of the tumor microenvironment (TME)-specific metabolites. They create an acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted TME that makes it difficult for the cytotoxic immune cells to adapt to the metabolically hostile environment. Since a robust metabolism in immune cells is required for optimal anti-tumor effector functions, the challenges caused by the TME result in severe defects in the invasion and destruction of the established tumors. There have been many recent developments in NK and T cell-mediated immunotherapy, such as engineering them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to enhance tumor-recognition and infiltration. However, to defeat the tumor and overcome the limitations of the TME, it is essential to fortify these novel therapies by improving the metabolism of the immune cells. One potential strategy to enhance the metabolic fitness of immune cells is to upregulate the expression of nutrient transporters, specifically glucose and amino acid transporters. In particular, the amino acid transporters SLC1A5 and SLC7A5 as well as the ancillary subunit SLC3A2, which are required for efficient uptake of glutamine and leucine respectively, could strengthen the metabolic capabilities and effector functions of tumor-directed CAR-NK and T cells. In addition to enabling the influx and efflux of essential amino acids through the plasma membrane and within subcellular compartments such as the lysosome and the mitochondria, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the amino acid transporters participate in sensing amino acid levels and thereby activate mTORC1, a master metabolic regulator that promotes cell metabolism, and induce the expression of c-Myc, a transcription factor essential for cell growth and proliferation. In this review, we discuss the regulatory pathways of these amino acid transporters and how we can take advantage of these processes to strengthen immunotherapy against cancer.

Cancer cells are metabolically vigorous and are superior in the uptake of nutrients and in the release of the tumor microenvironment (TME)-specific metabolites. They create an acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted TME that makes it difficult for the cytotoxic immune cells to adapt to the metabolically hostile environment. Since a robust metabolism in immune cells is required for optimal anti-tumor effector functions, the challenges caused by the TME result in severe defects in the invasion and destruction of the established tumors. There have been many recent developments in NK and T cell-mediated immunotherapy, such as engineering them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to enhance tumor-recognition and infiltration. However, to defeat the tumor and overcome the limitations of the TME, it is essential to fortify these novel therapies by improving the metabolism of the immune cells. One potential strategy to enhance the metabolic fitness of immune cells is to upregulate the expression of nutrient transporters, specifically glucose and amino acid transporters. In particular, the amino acid transporters SLC1A5 and SLC7A5 as well as the ancillary subunit SLC3A2, which are required for efficient uptake of glutamine and leucine respectively, could strengthen the metabolic capabilities and effector functions of tumor-directed CAR-NK and T cells. In addition to enabling the influx and efflux of essential amino acids through the plasma membrane and within subcellular compartments such as the lysosome and the mitochondria, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the amino acid transporters participate in sensing amino acid levels and thereby activate mTORC1, a master metabolic regulator that promotes cell metabolism, and induce the expression of c-Myc, a transcription factor essential for cell growth and proliferation. In this review, we discuss the regulatory pathways of these amino acid transporters and how we can take advantage of these processes to strengthen immunotherapy against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty‐six piglets were weaned at 21 days and randomly assigned to 1 of 8 dietary treatments with 7 replicate pens for a 14‐day experimental period. The eight experimental diets were prepared via a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with citric acid (CA; 0 and 0.3%) and dietary electrolyte balance (dEB, Na +K − Cl mEq/kg of the diet; −50, 100, 250, and 400 mEq/kg). Varying dEB values were obtained by altering calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate contents. Dietary CA significantly increased (p <.05) villus height (VH) and villus height:crypt depth (VH:CD) in the jejunum. Piglets fed a 250 mEq/kg diet increased (p <.05) VH and VH:CD values in the duodenum. Jejunal VH and VH:CD increased (quadratic; p <.05), and ileal VH:CD (liner and quadratic; p <.05) decreased as dEB was increased in diets without CA, but no such effect was observed on the diets containing CA (dEB ×CA; p <.05). The CD in jejunum (quadratic; p <.05) increased as dEB was increased in diets containing CA, whereas it was decreased (linear; p <.05) in the diets without CA (dEB ×CA; p <.001). Dietary CA increased maltase activity and reduced the number of Ki67‐positive cells (p <.05). Increasing dEB values in diets without CA increased sucrose and lactase activities (quadratic; p <.05), but no such effect was observed in the diets with CA (dEB ×CA; p <.05). An interaction effect between dEB and CA on the number of Ki67‐positive cells was observed (p <.001). In conclusion, 250 mEq/kg dEB diet with CA improved piglet intestinal digestion and absorption function by improving intestinal morphology and increasing digestive enzyme activities. However, these improvements were also observed in piglets fed the 100 mEq/kg dEB diet without CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The responses of plants to drought require a fine and joint regulation of nutrients and water channels and transporters. • The gene modulation is coordinated by a network of signals which include Ca2+, ROS, and ABA. • Three different levels of responses of plants, immediate, short term and long term are proposed. Drought stress is one of the major abiotic factors affecting the growth and development of crops. The primary effect of drought is the alteration of water and nutrient uptake and transport by roots, related essentially with aquaporins and ion transporters of the plasma membrane. Therefore, the efficiency of water and nutrient transport across cell layers is a main factor in tolerance mechanisms. The regulation of this transport under water stress - in relation to the differing degrees of tolerance of crops and the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae, together with signaling mechanisms - is reviewed here. Three different phases in the response to stress (immediate, short-term and long-term), involving different signals and levels of gene regulation, are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]