Plant cell totipotency-the ability of a differentiated somatic cell to regenerate a complete organism-is one of the most remarkable features of plant development and a cornerstone of biotechnology. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) represents the most striking manifestation of this potential, serving as a powerful system for clonal propagation, genetic transformation, and functional genomics. At the molecular level, SE is governed by transcription factors (TFs) that integrate hormonal and metabolic signals with chromatin remodeling to activate embryogenic programs in somatic cells. Among SE-related TFs, LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2) of Arabidopsis thaliana has emerged as an essential regulator of embryogenic transition. LEC2 functions both as an auxin-responsive developmental switch and as an epigenetic modulator that recruits chromatin regulators to reprogram transcriptional networks controlling the totipotency of plant cells. This review (i) outlines the utility of Arabidopsis as a model for studying SE and totipotency, (ii) highlights the dual role of LEC2 as both a target and an architect of epigenetic regulation, and (iii) explores translational perspectives for TF-based strategies in plant regeneration and crop improvement. The evidence demonstrating that LEC2 coordinates transcriptional regulation with epigenetic remodeling, acting as a central hub of plant totipotency, is summarized and illustrated graphically. LEC2-centered insights into SE not only deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of plant totipotency but also provide a conceptual framework for improving regeneration efficiency across plant species.

Glioblastoma, a primary brain tumor of the CNS, is the most malignant lesion among gliomas. It has a median survival time of about 12-15 months after diagnosis and limited treatment options. That neoplastic processes result from changes in the cell's redox potential and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. As a consequence, the epigenetic marker, m5C of DNA, is oxidized with ROS to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, but guanosine is damaged to 8-oxo-dG, a general probe of oxidative stress. If so, the m5C, as well as 8-oxo-dG content in DNA, are subject to dynamic changes induced by environmental and endogenous cellular factors. These markers can be used to evaluate new therapeutic agents, among others. Currently, there are no effective drugs against human glioblastoma. Cannabinoids, small, lipophilic molecular compounds, are increasingly being studied for their antitumor properties. Using the precise nucleotide post-labelling method and thin-layer chromatographic analysis we monitored the effect of CBD, THC, and CFE, as well as their combination with temozolomide, on changes of global m5C and 8-oxo-dG contents. These results show that cannabinoids alone or in combination with the current standard glioblastoma chemotherapeutic, TMZ, inhibit the progression of GBM and could be used for its clinical treatment. The mechanism of cannabinoids' actions on glioblastoma cells is also proposed.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Its diagnosis remains a significant clinical challenge, often delayed by 7 to 12years, leading to considerable socio-economic burden and a substantial decline in patients' quality of life, including potential infertility. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify reliable biomarkers that would allow for earlier and more accurate detection. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis, including hormonal, inflammatory, genetic, epigenetic, immunological, metabolic, and imaging-based markers. Their diagnostic value and limitations are critically assessed, with particular emphasis on the advantages of multimarker and integrated diagnostic approaches to enhance early detection. The findings of this review offer valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals working to develop better diagnostic methods and improve patient outcomes. Moreover, the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, offers promising opportunities to revolutionize endometriosis diagnostics through personalized and precise medical care.

GATA transcription factors are a group of type IV zinc-finger proteins that play critical roles in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stress. These genes are characterized by a conserved DNA-binding domain with the consensus sequence (A/T)GATA(A/G) and a type IV zinc-finger motif containing the conserved sequence CX2CX18-20CX2C. In this study, 27 GATA genes (designated AsGATA) were identified in Avena sativa using the GrainGenes genome database. Comprehensive analyses were performed to examine their conserved motifs, physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, and cis-acting regulatory elements. Based on the classification of GATA family members in Arabidopsis thaliana, the AsGATA genes were categorized into four subfamilies. Gene structure analysis revealed that members of the same subfamily generally exhibited similar structural features. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that most AsGATA proteins are Likely to function in the nucleus. Chromosomal mapping demonstrated the random distribution of the 27 AsGATA genes across the 21 chromosomes of Avena sativa. Expression profiling, based on RNA-Seq data from the NCBI SRA database, identified six AsGATA genes that are responsive to salt stress. These genes represent promising candidates for functional studies and could be leveraged in breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant Avena sativa varieties.

Resistance breeding is a widely promoted strategy for minimizing yield losses in wheat caused by various fungal diseases, including leaf rust (Puccinia triticina; Lr genes), Fusarium head blight (Fusarium spp.; Fhb), powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis; Pm), Septoria tritici blotch (Septoria tritici; Stb), eyespot (Oculimacula spp.; Pch-previously known as Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides), stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici; Sr) and yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis; Yr). Understanding the prevalence of resistance genes in currently cultivated European varieties is crucial for their effective utilization in breeding programs. In this study, we developed 11 duplex and 13 triplex PCR assays for the simultaneous identification of diverse allelic combinations of disease resistance genes. Selected assays were used to analyze 70 European wheat varieties for the presence of 15 molecular markers associated with 12 resistance genes. The analyses identified diverse resistance gene combinations. The optimized multiplex PCR methods significantly reduce cost and time of analysis, making them valuable tools for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding programs.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The clinical presentation may be fatal if these patients develop the catastrophic accelerated phase, i.e., hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). We report a 2.5-year boy that presented to us with complaints of fever, recurrent cough, glandular neck swelling, and abdominal distension for 6months. He also had a history of female sibling death (age, 3years) 3years ago with similar complaints. On examination, he had light skin and silver hair along with severe pallor, generalized significant lymphadenopathy, severe acute malnutrition, and hepatosplenomegaly. Since the patient's peripheral blood smear and bone marrow showed giant primary azurophilic granules in lymphocytes and eosinophils and the presence of 5 out of 8 HLH 2004 criteria, i.e., fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, a diagnosis of CHS with HLH was made. However, no hemophagocytosis was observed. A novel homozygous nonsense variant in exon 45 of the LYST gene (chr1:g.235702929G > A) similar to the one found in the elder female sibling and previously reported "likely pathogenic" was discovered, which was identified through genetic testing. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing in diagnosis as well as antenatal counselling.

Gene therapies have recently emerged as promising strategies for treatment of previously incurable or poorly managed diseases. These hopes are particularly high in ophthalmology, as the eye is considered exceptionally suited for gene therapy. Expansion of gene therapy products may change the clinical course of treatment and give new chances to many patients. In this review, we address treatment possibilities and delivery methods as well as challenges and uncertainties related to gene therapy. We present inherited and acquired diseases which are subject to studies within this area, summarize current trends in ocular gene therapy, and indicate the future directions.

Phosphorus (P) and water are essential for plant growth and development, exerting a significant influence on global crop production. The phosphate transporter (PHT) gene family plays a pivotal role in phosphate (Pi) uptake, transport, and homeostasis under diverse environmental conditions. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the PHT gene family in Avena sativa. A total of 32 non-redundant AsPHT genes were identified in the OT3098 genome, classified into two subfamilies: AsPHT1 (21 genes) and AsPHO (11 genes). AsPHT1 proteins were predominantly hydrophobic with one or two exons, whereas AsPHO proteins were hydrophilic, exhibiting a more complex structure with 13-15 exons. Cis-regulatory element analysis revealed an abundance of hormone- and stress-responsive elements in the promoters of AsPHT genes, indicating their potential roles in adaptive responses to Pi and water deficiency. Gene expression profiling under low Pi and drought conditions demonstrated differential expression of 22 AsPHT genes in roots and leaves at the seedling stage, with distinct responses to the two stresses, highlighting the functional diversity of the AsPHT gene family. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Pi and water acquisition in oats and offer potential applications for developing varieties with enhanced Pi use efficiency and drought tolerance.