Molecular and metabolic insights into purplish leaf coloration through the investigation of two mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Leaf coloration in plants, attributed to anthocyanin compounds, plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, and also for pharmaceutical and horticultural uses. However, the molecular mechanisms governing leaf coloration and the physiological significance of anthocyanins in leaves remain poorly understood. RESULTS: In this study, we investigated leaf color variation in two closely related mulberry genotypes, one with purplish-red young leaves (EP) and another with normal leaf color (EW). We integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to gain insights into the metabolic and genetic basis of purplish-red leaf development in mulberry. Our results revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis, particularly the accumulation of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, is a key determinant of leaf color. Additionally, the up-regulation of CHS genes and transcription factors, including MYB family members, likely contributes to the increased flavonoid content in purplish-red leaves. CONCLUSION: These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the purplish coloration observed in mulberry leaves and also offer supporting evidence for the hypothesis that anthocyanins serve a protective function in plant tissues until the processes of light absorption and carbon fixation reach maturity, thereby ensuring a balanced equilibrium between energy capture and utilization.

Effects of Thymosin ß4 on Myocardial Apoptosis in Burned Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thymosin ß4 on myocardial apoptosis following burns. Fifty healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, resuscitation group the low-dose Tß4 (thymosin ß4) group (2g), the medium-dose Tß4 group (6g), and the high-dose Tß4 group (18g). The rats were immersed in 95°C hot water for 18 seconds, and then the model of 30% body surface area (TBSA) III° scald was established. The resuscated rats were injected with lactate Ringer's solution for antishock rehydration, while the Tß4 treatment group was injected with lactate Ringer's solution for antishock rehydration, and the animals were sacrificed 6 h after scald. The degree of histopathological damage was observed by HE (hematoxylin and eosin) staining. Western blot was used to detect STAT1 and STAT3 protein expression levels. Real-time PCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of STAT1 and STAT3. The results showed that the apoptosis rate of the resuscitation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the resuscitation group, the apoptosis rate of thymosin ß4 in the treatment group was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Compared with the normal control group, the expression of STAT1 protein was increased and the expression of STAT3 protein was decreased in model group rats after ischemia and reperfusion. Compared with the model group, the expression of STAT1 protein decreased and the expression of STAT3 protein increased after ischemia-reperfusion in the thymosin ß4 treatment group. Thymosin ß4 may protect the myocardium by downregulating STAT1 and upregulating STAT3 expression and inhibiting myocardial apoptosis induced by ischemia and reperfusion after severe scald injury.