G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in the gene regulation of processes related to the response to different types of stress in fungi. These receptors act as sensors of extracellular signals and transmit the information to the interior of the cell through G-proteins. In the presence of different and specific types of stresses, GPCRs activate signaling cascades that culminate in the activation of transcription factors, which regulate the expression of genes associated with the stress response, including those induced by changes in environmental pH. GPCR-mediated gene regulation allows fungi to adapt to adverse conditions such as osmotic, thermal, oxidative, or nutritional stress, as well as fluctuations in environmental pH. This review focuses on the understanding of how GPCRs modulate the stress response in fungi and their crucial role in advancing our knowledge of the physiology and adaptability of these microorganisms in their changing environment.

Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDSs) constitute a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Asymptomatic EDSs, joint hypermobility without associated syndromes, EDSs, and hypermobility spectrum disorders are the commonest phenotypes associated with joint hypermobility. Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by extreme flexibility of the joints, along with pain and other symptoms. JHS can be a sign of a more serious underlying genetic condition, such as EDS, which affects the cartilage, bone, fat, and blood. The exact cause of JHS could be related to genetic changes in the proteins that add flexibility and strength to the joints, ligaments, and tendons, such as collagen. Membrane proteins are a class of proteins embedded in the cell membrane and play a crucial role in cell signaling, transport, and adhesion. Dysregulated membrane proteins have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders; recent studies have suggested that membrane proteins may also play a role in the pathogenesis of JHS. This article presents an exploration of the causative factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain in individuals with hypermobility, based on research findings. It aims to provide an understanding of JHS and its association with membrane proteins, addressing the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of JHS.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality, largely driven by atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by lipid accumulation and immune-cell infiltration in arterial walls. Macrophages play a central role by forming foam cells and secreting pro-atherogenic cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β, which destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, expanding the lipid core and increasing the risk of thrombosis and ischemia. Despite the significant health burden of subclinical atherosclerosis, few targeted therapies exist. Current treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, are limited by high costs and immunosuppressive side effects, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we employed in silico drug repositioning to identify multitarget inhibitors against TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β, leveraging a virtual screening of 2750 FDA-approved drugs followed by molecular dynamics simulations to assess the stability of selected cytokine–ligand complexes. This computational approach provides structural insights into potential inhibitors. Additionally, we highlight nutraceutical options, such as fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and eicosapentaenoic acid), which exhibited strong and stable interactions with key cytokine targets. Our study suggests that these bioactive compounds could serve as effective new therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis.

Seed development influences reserve accumulation, grain quality, seed maturation, and subsequent crop performance, yet stage-associated transcriptional changes remain poorly characterized in grain amaranth. Here, we performed exploratory transcriptomic profiling of three reproductive stages of Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. Revancha: ovule (OV), immature seed (IS), and mature seed (MS). One composite RNA-seq library was generated for each stage from pooled tissues collected during three independent sampling events. The composite-sampling strategy did not provide independent biological replication or allow estimation of biological dispersion. Transcript-abundance patterns were evaluated using exploratory expression contrasts, functional annotation, Gene Ontology and KEGG analyses, and targeted expression and chromatin assays. OV was characterized by transcripts associated with structural organization and early developmental processes, whereas IS showed increased representation of metabolic and biosynthetic functions consistent with active reserve accumulation. MS displayed transcript-abundance patterns associated with stress responses, redox homeostasis, abscisic acid-associated processes, and desiccation-related protection. Selected genes related to gibberellin metabolism, reserve regulation, developmental control, and cellular protection showed stage-associated expression patterns. Across developmental-stage comparisons, 1083 genes showed higher and 2801 lower transcript representation in OV relative to IS, whereas 5692 and 4424 genes, respectively, differed between OV and MS, and 6399 and 4128 between IS and MS. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and targeted H3K4me3 ChIP-PCR provided complementary evidence for selected loci. Because each developmental stage was represented by a single composite RNA-seq library, the transcriptomic contrasts are interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than as statistically replicated developmental effects. Therefore, this study provides a stage-resolved transcriptomic resource for grain amaranth and prioritizes candidate genes and biological processes for future functional, physiological, and breeding-oriented studies of seed maturation and composition.