Biology subjects

Bin, Y.

Publications and source records attributed to Bin, Y..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Single-cell spatial transcriptomics and snRNA-seq decoding the organizational principles of functional modules in the mouse amygdala

The amygdala is a functionally heterogeneous nuclear complex comprising multiple subnuclei that orchestrate diverse behaviors, making it essential for survival and reproduction. However, the precise neural mechanisms underlying these heterogeneous functions remain elusive, primarily due to limited knowledge of the amygdalas cellular heterogeneity, developmental origins, spatial organization, and gene expression profiles. Here, we integrate single-cell-resolution spatial transcriptomics with precise anatomical dissection and single-nucleus RNA sequencing to systematically map the subnuclear enrichment patterns of amygdalar cell types. We further demonstrate that developmental origin determines subnuclear positioning and propose a novel functional modular architecture based on cellular composition and gene expression signatures. Furthermore, we reveal that the central amygdala (CEA) exhibits developmental heterogeneity, with Isl1+ neurons in its medial subdivision (CEAm) predominantly originating from hypothalamic progenitors. Our findings establish a spatially resolved cellular and molecular framework for investigating amygdalar functions at cellular type resolution and understanding amygdala-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Managed Bee Pollination Enhances Yield and Seed Quality in Brassica napus through Flowering Duration and Agronomic Trait Modulation

Managed bees are widely recognized as beneficial for agricultural production. However, their impacts vary across plant varieties, and the underlying mechanisms for this variation remain poorly understood. In the present study, the effects of bee pollination were investigated in nine Brassica napus varieties were investigated for flowering duration, fruiting duration, agronomic traits, fruit yield, and seed quality. These effects were then compared with those of non-bee pollination treatments. Bee pollination shortened the flowering duration by an average of 7.3 days and extended the fruiting duration by 2.3 days for all varieties. It also induced changes in agronomic traits in a subset of varieties, including reduced plant height and fewer primary and secondary branches. Correlation analysis indicated that a shortened flowering duration was conducive to enhancing both yield and quality. Increased fruiting duration and the total flowering and fruiting duration contributed to increased grain size-related parameters, including 1000-seed weight and number of seeds per silique. Reduced plant height increased yield by increasing the number of siliques (despite a concurrent decrease in 1000-seed weight), whereas significant reductions in branch number led to lower oleic acid and higher erucic acid content. These findings suggest that bee pollination may substantially improve fruit yield and seed quality, potentially by affecting plant nutrient allocation strategies. Notably, the contribution of a shortened flowering duration appears to be more universally applicable. For practical applications, pollination should be implemented before flowering, and varieties exhibiting favorable agronomic trait changes after bee pollination should be prioritized for promotion and cultivation.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

An Unexpected Role of Molecular Chaperones in Regulating the Excited States and Activities of Folded Enzymes

Molecular chaperones are recognized for assisting protein folding. Emerging evidence suggests that chaperones also interact with natively folded proteins. Yet their functional impact on folded proteins remains unclear. Here, we show that chaperones can directly modulate the conformational dynamics and catalytic efficiency of enzymes in their native states. Spy and Hsp70 increased lysozyme activity by altering conformational exchanges, and this effect extended across other chaperones and enzymes. Hsp70, Spy, Hsp104, and Hsp20 enhanced the catalytic activities of multiple folded enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, DNA polymerase Pfu, endonucleases Cas12a/Cas13a, and xylanase. These findings uncover an unanticipated function of chaperones in regulating enzyme function expanding their mechanistic scope beyond folding assistance and suggests opportunities in enzyme engineering, diagnostics, and cellular regulation.

molecular biology↗