Polysaccharides extracted from Taxus media hrough an aqueous method were further refined by removing proteins via the Sevag technique and purified by dialysis. The separation of these polysaccharides was accomplished using a DEAE-cellulose chromatog-raphy column, yielding two distinct fractions, named CPTM-P1 and CPTM-P2. Notably, CPTM-P1 emerged as the primary polysaccharide component within Taxus media. Consequently, a comprehensive analysis focusing exclusively on CPTM-P1 was undertaken. The molecular weight of CPTM-P1 was established through gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and its monosaccharide composition was deciphered using HPLC-MS. The structure was further elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The molecular weight of CPTM-P1 was determined to be 968.7 kDa. The monosaccharide composition consisted of galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara), galacturonic acid (Gal-UA), glucose (Glc), rhamnose (Rha), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), fucose (Fuc), glucuronic acid (Glc-UA), and ribose (Rib). The proportional distribution of these components was 30.53%, 22.00%, 5.63%, 11.67%, 11.93%, 1.69%, 8.50%, 1.23%, 5.63%, and 1.17%, respectively. This confirmed CPTM-P1 as an acidic heteropolysaccharide with a glycuronic acid backbone. Moreover, CPTM-P1 showed immunoenhancing properties, effectively augmenting the secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Additionally, it significantly enhances the phagocytic capacity of RAW264.7 cells. These findings underscore the potential application of these polysaccharides in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, providing a solid scientific basis for further exploration and utilization of Taxus media polysaccharides.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chitinase‑3‑like protein 1 (YKL‑40) gene RNA interference on the biological behaviors and enhanced chemosensitivity of endometrial cancer (EC) HEC‑1A cells. YKL‑40 small interfering (si)RNA was transduced into EC HEC‑1A cells using a lentivirus. The experiment was divided into three groups: The experimental group was transfected with YKL‑40 siRNA (si‑YKL‑40); the mock‑treatment group was transfected with transfection reagent only; and the blank control group was left untreated. A reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression levels of YKL‑40. The biological behaviors, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, were detected by MTT and Transwell assays, and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis, respectively. The results of the present study demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of YKL‑40 were downregulated within HEC‑1A cells upon transfection with si‑YKL‑40 (P<0.05). The proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of HEC‑1A cells were inhibited by si‑YKL‑40 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of YKL‑40 were upregulated within HEC‑1A cells following treatment with cisplatin (P<0.05). FCM analysis revealed that the average cellular apoptosis rate increased following the inhibition of YKL‑40 gene expression via siRNA (P<0.05). Therefore, the YKL‑40 gene may be associated with the proliferative, migratory, invasive and anti‑apoptotic ability of HEC‑1A cells. YKL‑40 downregulation may enhance the sensitivity of human EC HEC‑1A cells to chemotherapy.

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are widely involved in plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, and secondary metabolism. However, the bZIP gene family in Taxus yunnanensis has not been systematically characterized, and its potential involvement in shading-responsive regulation of paclitaxel biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, a genome-wide analysis was performed to identify and characterize the bZIP family in T. yunnanensis. Phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif and domain identification, promoter cis-element analysis, chromosomal localization, and expression profiling were conducted to investigate their structural features and regulatory potential. A total of 18 TyubZIP genes were identified and classified into 10 subfamilies. These genes exhibited variation in physicochemical properties but showed conserved structural features and nuclear localization. Promoter analysis revealed abundant light-responsive, hormone-related, and stress-related cis-elements. Expression profiling indicated tissue-specific expression patterns and diverse responses to shading treatment. WGCNA further identified candidate TyubZIP genes potentially associated with paclitaxel biosynthesis. Among them, TyuHY5 was selected for functional analysis. Subcellular localization and transcriptional assays demonstrated that TyuHY5 can bind to the promoter of TyuDBTNBT and positively regulate its activity. These findings provide the first genome-wide characterization of the bZIP family in T. yunnanensis and identify TyuHY5 as a shading-responsive candidate regulator of paclitaxel biosynthesis, providing insights that may inform the genetic improvement and cultivation strategies of Taxus for enhanced paclitaxel production.

Laccases (LACs) are multicopper oxidases that play vital roles in lignin polymerization, cell wall formation, and various stress responses in plants. Despite their importance, genome-wide investigations of the LAC gene family in ferns remain limited. As the earliest lineage of vascular plants, ferns offer a unique perspective for understanding the evolution of lignification and the development of vascular systems. Among them, the tree fern Alsophila spinulosa is the only extant woody fern with a distinct trunk structure, providing an ideal model for exploring the molecular basis of lignin biosynthesis and secondary growth in primitive vascular plants. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the LAC gene family in five fern species. A total of 160 LAC genes were identified and classified into five phylogenetic subfamilies. Comparative analysis revealed marked variation in family size among the five species, with A. spinulosa possessing the largest repertoire. Integrated transcriptomic analysis, WGCNA, qRT-PCR validation, and subcellular localization assays identified several vascular tissue–enriched AspiLAC genes potentially associated with lignin deposition and secondary cell wall formation. Notably, AspiLAC7, AspiLAC29, and AspiLAC42 were localized to the plasma membrane. This study provides the first genome-wide characterization of the LAC gene family in ferns, revealing its evolutionary diversification, duplication patterns, and expression dynamics. The results indicate that gene duplication has driven the expansion and functional specialization of LAC genes in A. spinulosa. The identification of xylem-specific AspiLAC genes and their potential regulatory roles in lignin synthesis offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of lignification, vascular tissue evolution, and secondary metabolism in early land plants. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-026-08655-y.