Project description:we investigated three Bacillus strains (HT1, HT2, and HT3) isolated from the soybean root microbiome for their potential plant growth-promoting and biocontrol activities. Bacillus-HT1 and HT2 significantly enhanced soybean seed germination, while Bacillus-HT3 promoted leaf area expansion, indicating strain-specific developmental effects. To elucidate the molecular basis of these effects, we conducted shotgun proteomic profiling of soybean leaves. The analysis revealed significant modulation of proteins involved in key biological processes, including amino acid metabolism, biosynthesis of cellular nitrogen and aromatic compounds, and cellular component organization and biogenesis. Notably, proteins such as anthranilate synthase and proteasome subunit alpha type were differentially expressed, suggesting the activation of growth- and defense-related pathways. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how specific Bacillus strains modulate soybean development at the molecular level and highlight their potential for use as bio-inoculants to enhance crop productivity and resilience under stress conditions.
Project description:We explore whether a low-energy diet intervention for Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) improves liver disease by means of modulating the gut microbiome. 16 individuals were given a low-energy diet (880 kcal, consisting of bars, soups, and shakes) for 12 weeks, followed by a stepped re-introduction to whole for an additional 12 weeks. Stool samples were obtained at 0, 12, and 24 weeks for microbiome analysis. Fecal microbiome were measured using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Positive control (Zymo DNA standard D6305) and negative control (PBS extraction) were included in the sequencing. We found that low-energy diet improved MASH disease without lasting alterations to the gut microbiome.