Relevance of microRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection of primary human hepatocytes

Introduction Entry factors angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) facilitate Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry into the host cells. Despite SARS-CoV-2s preference for respiratory system, extra-pulmonary organ involvement has been suggested. Recent studies report that SARS-CoV-2 leads to direct hepatic impairment in COVID-19 patients, necessitating further investigations about hepatic involvement. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in primary human hepatocytes (PHH), suggesting a possible susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Despite this, data on infection and factors modulating functional regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in PHH are lacking. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22 nucleotide-long non-coding RNAs that have been shown to regulate various cellular processes including virus-host interactions. We aimed to study the susceptibility of PHH to SARS-CoV-2 and to evaluate the potential of miRNAs in modulating viral infection. Materials and methods We investigated the role of miRNAs to regulate SARS-CoV-2 infection in PHH in vitro. To strengthen our fndings, we analysed liver autopsies from COVID-19 patients. Results We demonstrate that PHH can be readily infected with SARS-CoV-2, resulting in robust replication and sustained host responses as indicated by the upregulation of several interferon-stimulated genes. In silico analyses unravelled miR-200c-3p, miR-429 and miR-141-3p as candidate miRNAs targeting ACE2 and, let-7c-5p targeting TMPRSS2. Expression of these miRNAs reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection in PHH. Furthermore, expression of several endogenous miRNAs was altered upon SARS-CoV-2 infection in PHH and human liver autopsies. Conclusion Our results show that PHH are susceptible towards SARS-CoV-2 and cellular miRNAs can diminish SARS-CoV-2 viral burden.

Advancing the contributions of European stakeholders in farming systems to transitions to agroecology. (Special Issue: Insights into transitions to agroecological farming.)

The concept of a 'just transition' is gaining traction in international policy discourses. It has particular significance in relation to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and the need for ensuring rights and responsibilities of all actors in transitions to agroecological farming systems. Research plays an important role in accompanying this transformation. It explores pathways for more sustainable and fair food systems, barriers to them being achieved, and where and what risks arise for communities of interest and of place. Researchers and practitioners across levels and sectors were brought together in H2020 projects LIFT and UNISECO using processes of stakeholder engagement. Both projects analysed the perceptions of actors towards agroecological farming, and their active involvement in the transitions required. This article summarises lessons learnt regarding multi-actor engagement in different participatory settings in both projects, including a Multi-Actor Platform approach, Q method, DELPHI and Hybrid forum workshops. The interactions involved several hundred actors from 18 countries across Europe. The article reflects on implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the processes and effectiveness of multi-actor engagement, and assessments of the impacts on the empowerment of the actors. The findings are contextualised by contemporary European Union and national policy objectives of tackling climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and inequalities.

Advancing the Contributions of European Stakeholders in Farming Systems to Transitions to Agroecology

The concept of a ‘just transition' is gaining traction in international policy discourses. It has particular significance in relation to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and the need for ensuring rights and responsibilities of all actors in transitions to agroecological farming systems. Research plays an important role in accompanying this transformation. It explores pathways for more sustainable and fair food systems, barriers to them being achieved, and where and what risks arise for communities of interest and of place. Researchers and practitioners across levels and sectors were brought together in H2020 projects LIFT and UNISECO using processes of stakeholder engagement. Both projects analysed the perceptions of actors towards agroecological farming, and their active involvement in the transitions required. This article summarises lessons learnt regarding multi-actor engagement in different participatory settings in both projects, including a Multi-Actor Platform approach, Q method, DELPHI and Hybrid forum workshops. The interactions involved several hundred actors from 18 countries across Europe. The article reflects on implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the processes and effectiveness of multi-actor engagement, and assessments of the impacts on the empowerment of the actors. The findings are contextualised by contemporary European Union and national policy objectives of tackling climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and inequalities. © 2022 The Authors. EuroChoices published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Agricultural Economics Society and European Association of Agricultural Economists.

Advancing the Contributions of European Stakeholders in Farming Systems to Transitions to AgroecologyForderung der Beitrage von europaischen Beteiligten der landwirtschaftlichen Systeme zum ubergang zur Agrarokologie

The concept of a 'just transition' is gaining traction in international policy discourses. It has particular significance in relation to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and the need for ensuring rights and responsibilities of all actors in transitions to agroecological farming systems. Research plays an important role in accompanying this transformation. It explores pathways for more sustainable and fair food systems, barriers to them being achieved, and where and what risks arise for communities of interest and of place. Researchers and practitioners across levels and sectors were brought together in H2020 projects LIFT and UNISECO using processes of stakeholder engagement. Both projects analysed the perceptions of actors towards agroecological farming, and their active involvement in the transitions required. This article summarises lessons learnt regarding multi-actor engagement in different participatory settings in both projects, including a Multi-Actor Platform approach, Q method, DELPHI and Hybrid forum workshops. The interactions involved several hundred actors from 18 countries across Europe. The article reflects on implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the processes and effectiveness of multi-actor engagement, and assessments of the impacts on the empowerment of the actors. The findings are contextualised by contemporary European Union and national policy objectives of tackling climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and inequalities.

Marketing the production of family farms within limits imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic

One of the main actors in the rural area, the family farm, is deeply affected by the health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus. On the one hand, the economic and social fragility has deepened the dysfunctions - already existing before the pandemic - generating inefficient self- defense/self-protection mechanisms, for risk reduction;on the other hand, the shocks have been so strong that they caused the agri-food chains to break. The family farm economic structures, its specific functions, mainly those related to the sale of agricultural products, have proved to be vulnerable, the same as the entire system of relations of family farms with the other areas of activity, mainly with the markets for the sale of agricultural products.