Summary: Exploring the new elements to re‐design the expression cassette is crucial in synthetic biology. Viruses are one of the most important sources for exploring gene expression elements. In this study, we found that the DNA sequence of the SBG51 deltasatellite from the Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) greatly enhanced the gene expression when flanked downstream of the terminator. The SBG51 sequence increased transient GFP gene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by up to ~6 times and ~10 times compared to the gene expression controlled by the UBQ10 promoter and 35S promoter alone, respectively. The increased GFP gene expression level contributed to the continuous accumulation of GFP protein and GFP fluorescence until 8 days post‐inoculation (dpi). The SBG51 sequence also enhanced the gene expression in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants and maintained the spatio‐temporal pattern of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TOO MANY MOUTHS (TMM) promoters. We identified a 123 bp of AT‐rich sequence containing seven “ATAAA” or “TTAAA” elements from the SBG51 DNA, which had the gene expression enhancement effect. Furthermore, the artificial synthetic sequences containing tandem repeated “ATAAA” or “TTAAA” elements were sufficient to increase the gene expression but did not alter the polyadenylation of mRNA, similar to the function of matrix attachment regions (MAR). Additionally, the compact artificial synthetic sequence also had an effect on yeast when the expression cassette was integrated into the genome. We conclude that the geminivirus deltasatellite‐derived sequence and the “ATAAA”/“TTAAA” elements are powerful tools for enhancing gene expression.

Obesity is a global health crisis driven by complex metabolic dysregulation. Although Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) has emerged as a promising next‐generation probiotic for metabolic health, its synergistic potential with natural anti‐obesity compounds remains largely unexplored. Here, we evaluated the combined administration of pasteurized A. muciniphila (AKM Lab‐01) and Garcinia cambogia extract (GCE) in a mouse model of high‐fat diet‐induced obesity. The combination treatment significantly ameliorated obesity‐related phenotypes, including reduced body weight, decreased fat mass, improved serum metabolic parameters, and attenuated adipose tissue inflammation. Adipose tissue transcriptomic profiling revealed enhanced lipid catabolism and downregulation of pro‐inflammatory pathways. Metagenomic sequencing showed marked gut microbiota remodeling, characterized by increased abundance of Lactococcus and decreased levels of Clostridium and Eisenbergiella . Integrated correlation analysis linked these microbial shifts to transcriptional reprogramming in adipose tissue. Using a 3 T3‐L1 adipocyte model, we further confirmed that Lactococcus plays a potential role in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that the AKM Lab‐01 and GCE combination may exert synergistic anti‐obesity effects via a gut microbiota–host metabolic axis, supporting its potential as a novel synbiotic strategy for obesity management.

Traditional food production systems are constrained by limited arable land, climate change, and environmental pressures, necessitating the exploration of alternative protein sources. Mycoprotein from Fusarium compactum ( F. compactum ) MM-135 has shown promise due to its balanced amino acid profile, high dietary fiber, and low-fat content. Previous studies, including a 14-day dietary exposure study, have shown safety at high doses up to 150,000 ppm. This study further evaluated the subchronic toxicity and teratogenicity of mycoprotein from F. compactum MM-135, testing higher doses than previously reported. In the 90-day oral toxicity study, rats were fed diets containing 50,000, 100,000, or 200,000 ppm of mycoprotein with no adverse effects. The NOAEL was 200,000 ppm (15.26 g/kg/day in males and 16.20 g/kg/day in females). In the teratogenic study, pregnant rats were exposed to the same doses from gestation days 6 to 15. No adverse effects on maternal pregnancy or fetal development were observed, with an NOAEL of 200,000 ppm (16.53 g/kg/day). These results confirm that mycoprotein from F. compactum MM-135 is safe at the tested dose of 200,000 ppm, exceeding the safety threshold established in prior studies, and support its potential as a sustainable alternative protein source.

Background: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, demonstrates significant anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese models. However, both clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that semaglutide discontinuation inevitably leads to body weight rebound and progressive metabolic deterioration, severely compromising long-term therapeutic efficacy. Methods: To assess whether Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LP-18 alleviates post-semaglutide metabolic deterioration, we first confirmed its anti-obesity effect in HFD-fed mice, then used a three-stage model: HFD-induced obesity (4 weeks), semaglutide treatment (4 weeks), and withdrawal with or without L. paracasei LP-18 (4 weeks). Results:L. paracasei LP-18 supplementation effectively prevented post-discontinuation weight rebound and reduced cumulative energy intake while maintaining glucose homeostasis through decreased fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. L. paracasei LP-18 also ameliorated dyslipidemia, reduced liver weight and hepatic lipid deposition, and attenuated white adipose tissue expansion and adipocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, L. paracasei LP-18 enriched beneficial taxa (Lacticaseibacillus, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum) and depleted obesity-associated genera (Oribacterium, Anaerotruncus, Dorea), while restoring colonic barrier integrity via increased mucus layer thickness, goblet cell density, and upregulation of Muc2, ZO-1, and Occludin. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L. paracasei LP-18 is a promising probiotic strategy to alleviate post-semaglutide weight rebound and metabolic dysfunction, and its beneficial effects are associated with modulation of gut microbiota and preservation of intestinal barrier integrity.