RNAi technologies have been exploited to control viruses, pests, oomycetes and fungal phytopathogens that cause disasters in host plants, including many agronomically significant crops. However, it is unclear what process mediates RNA uptake by fungi. Here, the authors utilized live-cell imaging technology combined with molecular biology experiments to demonstrate that exogenous RNA is indiscriminately absorbed by Verticillium dahliae, the notorious plant pathogenic fungus. The uptake of exogenous RNA by fungal cells is predominantly mediated through endocytosis. This study not only provides a new theoretical foundation for applying trans-kingdom RNA interference technology in crop protection but also lays the groundwork for research and applications of exogenous RNA in plant-fungi interaction systems.

This study focuses on lipid droplets (LDs), which are organelles responsible for storing neutral lipids and are found across various species. The excessive accumulation of these lipids in LDs is linked to several metabolic disorders. Zebrafish, with their transparent embryos, present a valuable model for studying LD biology, though previous research has been hampered by the absence of specific LD marker proteins and limitations in purification techniques.

A new study shows that treating mesenchymal stem cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shifts their energy use toward glycolysis, reducing their healing potential in stroke therapy — offering insights into improving cell-based treatments for brain injuries.

The protein MmpL5 is an efflux transporter, a critical pump that helps the pathogen M. tuberculosis grow by scavenging essential iron. Unfortunately, overexpressed MmpL5 can also pump out bedaquiline — the first new turberculosis drug in over 40 years — making the bacteria drug-resistant. Diabling the efflux transporter of M. tuberculosis with an inhibitor would strike a double blow — restore microbial sensitivity to antibiotic bedaquiline and break the cycle that gathers scarce iron. Researchers have now solved the structure of MmpL4, a close homolog of MmpL5 that has the same function.

Famed for its deep purple berries and potent antioxidant properties, black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum) thrives in harsh desert climates and holds significant nutritional and medicinal value.