Biology subjects

Abzalimov, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Abzalimov, R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Untargeted metabolomics reveals host responses and metabolites linked to host compatibility in Rafflesiaceae parasitism

Rafflesiaceae, including Rafflesia, Sapria, and Rhizanthes, are some of the rarest flowering plants in the world, known for producing the largest blooms on Earth. These holoparasites depend exclusively on Tetrastigma (Vitaceae) vines, yet the chemical basis for this host specificity is poorly understood, complicating conservation efforts. Untargeted negative-ion LC- MS metabolomics was used to profile Rafflesiaceae buds and seeds, infected Tetrastigma hosts associated with Rafflesia lagascae, R. speciosa, and Sapria himalayana, uninfected Tetrastigma hosts, and corresponding non-host species from the Philippines and Thailand. Python scripts used for data processing and visualization were developed with generative AI assistance and validated by the authors. Principal component analysis revealed distinct metabolomic profiles across samples, with significant shifts in host metabolites upon infection. Infected Tetrastigma tissues showed nominal enrichment in phenylpropanoid and gibberellin-related metabolites, suggestive of defense and hormonal pathway activation during Rafflesia infection, as well as citric acid, suggesting increased energy demand to support the parasite. Non-host Tetrastigma species showed nominal enrichment in metabolites putatively annotated as stilbenoids, resveratrol diglucosides, and condensed tannins such as procyanidin B2, compounds broadly associated with plant defense. Rafflesia seeds harbored fatty acids/oxylipins, while Rafflesia buds accumulated gallic acid derivatives, compounds also reported in galls. These findings support a chemically mediated model of host compatibility and parasitism, with implications for the ex-situ conservation of these endangered plants.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Organ-Specific and Extraction-Dependent Metabolite Profiles in Endemic Tajik Species Ferula violacea Korovin

Ferula violacea Korovin, an endemic Tajikistani plant with purported medicinal properties, remains understudied. This study employs untargeted metabolomics to characterize the metabolite profiles of ethanol extracts and juices from F. violacea roots and seeds. In total, 540 distinct metabolites are putatively identified, 419 of which are previously unreported in the Ferula genus, representing a substantial expansion of its known chemical diversity. The most abundant metabolites are terpenoids, amino acid derivatives, and alkaloids. A particularly abundant group of daucane sesquiterpenoids, sharing a common (6-methyl-azulen-4-yl)cyclohexanecarboxylate substructure, is identified, including known metabolites such as ferutidin and ferutinin. Comparative analysis reveals organ-specific metabolic specialization: roots are enriched in terpenoids, whereas seeds exhibit higher concentrations of alkaloids and amino acids. Additionally, processing methods influence metabolite composition, with ethanol extracts being rich in terpenoids and amino acids, and juices displaying a greater diversity of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds. These findings expand the phytochemical richness of F. violacea and suggest its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for pharmacological exploration. Significance statementThis study presents the first comprehensive untargeted metabolomic analysis of Ferula violacea, identifying 419 previously unreported metabolites for the genus and significantly expanding its known chemical diversity. The findings reveal organ- and method-specific metabolic specialization, underscoring the plants potential as a valuable source of novel bioactive compounds for pharmacological exploration.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Glia-derived secretory fatty acid binding protein Obp44a regulates lipid storage and efflux in the developing Drosophila brain

Glia derived secretory factors play diverse roles in supporting the development, physiology, and stress responses of the central nervous system (CNS). Through transcriptomics and imaging analyses, we have identified Obp44a as one of the most abundantly produced secretory proteins from Drosophila CNS glia. Protein structure homology modeling and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments reveal Obp44a as a fatty acid binding protein (FABP) with a high affinity towards long-chain fatty acids in both native and oxidized forms. Further analyses demonstrate that Obp44a effectively infiltrates the neuropil, traffics between neuron and glia, and is secreted into hemolymph, acting as a lipid chaperone and scavenger to regulate lipid and redox homeostasis in the developing brain. In agreement with this essential role, deficiency of Obp44a leads to anatomical and behavioral deficits in adult animals and elevated oxidized lipid levels. Collectively, our findings unveil the crucial involvement of a noncanonical lipid chaperone to shuttle fatty acids within and outside the brain, as needed to maintain a healthy brain lipid environment. These findings could inspire the design of novel approaches to restore lipid homeostasis that is dysregulated in CNS diseases.

developmental biology↗