Publisher Correction: A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies multiple longevity genes

Comprehensive transcriptomic meta-analysis unveils new responsive genes to methyl jasmonate and ethylene in Catharanthusroseus

In Catharanthus roseus, vital plant hormones, namely methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and ethylene, serve as abiotic triggers, playing a crucial role in stimulating the production of specific secondary compounds with anticancer properties. Understanding how plants react to various stresses, stimuli, and the pathways involved in biosynthesis holds significant promise. The application of stressors like ethylene and MeJA induces the plant's defense mechanisms, leading to increased secondary metabolite production. To delve into the essential transcriptomic processes linked to hormonal responses, this study employed an integrated approach combining RNA-Seq data meta-analysis and system biology methodologies. Furthermore, the validity of the meta-analysis findings was confirmed using RT-qPCR. Within the meta-analysis, 903 genes exhibited differential expression (DEGs) when comparing normal conditions to those of the treatment. Subsequent analysis, encompassing gene ontology, KEGG, TF, and motifs, revealed that these DEGs were actively engaged in multiple biological processes, particularly in responding to various stresses and stimuli. Additionally, these genes were notably enriched in diverse biosynthetic pathways, including those related to TIAs, housing valuable medicinal compounds found in this plant. Furthermore, by conducting co-expression network analysis, we identified hub genes within modules associated with stress response and the production of TIAs. Most genes linked to the biosynthesis pathway of TIAs clustered within three specific modules. Noteworthy hub genes, including Helicase ATP-binding domain, hbdA, and ALP1 genes within the blue, turquoise, and green module networks, are presumed to play a role in the TIAs pathway. These identified candidate genes hold potential for forthcoming genetic and metabolic engineering initiatives aimed at augmenting the production of secondary metabolites and medicinal compounds within C. roseus.

Apolipoprotein E Genotype e2: Neuroprotection and Its Limits

In this review, we comprehensively, qualitatively, and critically synthesized several features of APOE-e2, a known APOE protective variant, including its associations with longevity, cognition, and neuroimaging, and neuropathology, all in humans. If e2’s protective effects—and their limits—could be elucidated, it could offer therapeutic windows for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prevention or amelioration. Literature examining e2 within the years 1994–2021 were considered for this review. Studies on human subjects were selectively reviewed and were excluded if observation of e2 was not specified. Effects of e2 were compared with e3 and e4, separately and as a combined non-e2 group. Our examination of existing literature indicated that the most robust protective role of e2 is in longevity and AD neuropathologies, but e2’s effect on cognition and other AD imaging markers (brain structure, function, and metabolism) were inconsistent, thus inconclusive. Notably, e2 was associated with greater risk of non-AD proteinopathies and a disadvantageous cerebrovascular profile. We identified multiple methodological shortcomings of the literature on brain function and cognition that could have contributed to inconsistent and potentially misleading findings. We make careful interpretations of existing findings and provide directions for research strategies that could effectively examine the independent and unbiased effect of e2 on AD risk.