DNA methylation regulates gene expression in eukaryotes, but their roles in gene expression changes in polyploids are poorly understood. Here, we comparatively analyzed the DNA methylation profiles and transcriptome maps of four tissues (leaf, rind, pith, and root) in autopolyploid sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum). The overall DNA methylation levels were relatively equal and were consistent with the similar genome-wide expression levels of homologous alleles among different homologous chromosomes. However, tetrad alleles showed a large proportion of non-balanced alleles (85–89%) compared with balanced alleles (11–15%). For tetrad alleles, highly-expressed alleles showed lower Ka/Ks values than those in lowly-expressed alleles, indicating that dominant (and non-suppressed) alleles were under strong purifying selection pressure compared to non-dominant (and suppressed) alleles. Specifically, higher DNA methylation levels were found in non-balanced alleles compared to balanced alleles, as well as a higher CG to TG substitution rate, suggesting epigenetic and genetic variation associated with transcription divergence. Moreover, among non-balanced alleles, which were associated with DNA methylation changes, many were involved in several processes relevant to agronomic traits, such as responses to stress and carbohydrate transport. Taken together, our results provide unique epigenetic insights into the transcriptional regulation of homologous alleles, which contribute to the key agronomic traits in sugarcane and facilitate epigenetic studies in other polyploid crops.

Medium-nickel cobalt-free cathode materials have attracted much attention in recent years for their low cost and high energy density. However, the structural stability of nickel-based cathode materials becomes compromised when accompanied by the increasing of voltage, leading to poor cycling performance and, thus, hindering their widespread industrial application. In this work, we investigated the optimal charge cut-off voltage for the nickel-based cathode material LiNi_0.6Mn_0.4O₂ (NM64). Within the voltage range of 3.0 to 4.5 V, the electrode energy density reached 784.08 Wh/kg, with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.49%. The reversible specific capacity at 0.1 C reached 197.84 mAh/g, and it still maintained a high reversible specific capacity of nearly 150 mAh/g, with a capacity retention rate of 86% after 150 cycles at 1 C. Furthermore, NM64 exhibited an intact morphological structure without noticeable cracking after 150 cycles, indicating excellent structural stability. This study emphasizes the relationship between the stability of NM64 cathodes and different operating voltage ranges, thereby promoting the development of high-voltage layered nickel-based cathode materials.

Background/Objectives: Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a potent antioxidant polyphenol, scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ameliorates oxidative stress-induced dermal extracellular matrix deterioration. However, its high hydrophilicity causes poor stratum corneum partitioning, insufficient dermal retention and low bioavailability. This study aimed to develop a surfactant-optimized, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (PP-4)-functionalized ethosomal system to enhance dermal retention and skin-protective efficacy of CGA. Methods: Binary nonionic surfactants were employed to optimize ethosome performance, followed by noncovalent PP-4 bilayer functionalization. Vesicle physicochemical properties and molecular interactions were characterized. Ex vivo skin permeation, cellular uptake, cytoprotection, intracellular ROS scavenging, and extracellular matrix-related gene expression were evaluated. Results: Surfactant-optimized ethosomes (CGA-ES, ~146 nm, −2.0 mV) exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency (92 ± 2%) and superior transdermal permeation versus surfactant-free vesicles. Subsequent PP-4 insertion reduced particle size to ~137 nm, reversed charge to +6.7 mV, and retained favorable encapsulation (83 ± 2%), forming mixed unilamellar–multilamellar structures. FTIR revealed the formation of hydrogen-bonded networks at phospholipid interfaces, underpinning superior colloidal uniformity and stability. The modified vesicles achieved enhanced total skin deposition and 1.2-fold higher dermis targeting efficiency compared with CGA-ES, along with improved cellular internalization, superior cytoprotection, and 2.4-fold stronger ROS scavenging under oxidative stress. The system effectively suppressed oxidative stress-induced upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 (MMP-1/MMP-3) and restored type I collagen expression. Blank PP-4-modified ethosomes verified intrinsic peptide bioactivity, demonstrating complementary protection between CGA and PP-4. Conclusions: Binary-surfactant optimization enhances ethosomal colloidal performance and skin permeation. PP-4-mediated bilayer remodeling further promotes intradermal deposition. This dual-functional nanoplatform achieves combined skin-protective effects of CGA and surface-bound PP-4, providing a formulation basis for further in vivo evaluation and a potential strategy for topical delivery of hydrophilic polyphenols.