Abstract in English:

Abstract This systematic review investigates the cytogenotoxicity of various food preservatives in mammalian cells, including sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, through a comprehensive analysis of studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. An orderly search conducted in March 2025 identified 19 relevant studies (from an initial 594), which employed assays, such as the micronucleus test and the comet assay to assess DNA damage, and MTT assay and polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE) ratio for evaluating cytotoxicity. Among these, 13 studies (68 %) reported genotoxic effects, with sodium benzoate being the most frequently associated with micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, 12 studies (63 %) described cytotoxic effects, evidenced by decreased cell viability, altered proliferation indices, or nuclear alterations. As for the quality assessment, 18 studies (out of 19) were categorized as strong (n = 15) or moderate (n = 3) and, therefore, we consider our findings to be trustworthy. In summary, the consistent association between exposure to food preservatives and cytogenotoxic outcomes highlights the importance of monitoring such compounds and establishing clearer safety thresholds to protect human health. Certainly, these findings are important for clarifying the role of biomarkers related to cytogenotoxicity due to food preservative consumption in humans.

Abstract in English:

Abstract In recent years, significant efforts have been made to understand the phyllosphere microbiome. To clarify current research trends and identify knowledge gaps, we conducted a systematic review of the literature and investigated the methodologies used to analyze microbiome communities associated with plants, along with the objectives of these studies. Applying systematic review principles, we assessed 333 reports from the Web of Science database for eligibility. Articles were included if they presented original research on microbiomes associated with phyllosphere tissues identified by next-generation sequencing. Of these, 268 reports, published from 2009 to March 2025, were retrieved. These reports were used to extract data in a controlled and methodical manner. The analyses identified the most frequently studied plant species and primary tissues, the geographical locations sampled, the variables investigated in the phyllosphere microbiome, and the methodologies and tools employed. A comparison of the number of studies on below-ground (n=1562) versus above-ground tissue (n=375) underscores the relatively unexplored nature of above-ground research. We notice a surprisingly low number of studies from the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, through data mining, we identify the most dominant bacteria and fungi reported in phyllosphere studies. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations for future research on the phyllosphere.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Staphylococcus species include both well-known pathogens and overlooked reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance. With rising resistance rates and limited treatment options, especially for methicillin-resistant strains, interest in alternative therapies has resurged. Among them, bacteriophages (phages) are promising biological agents due to their high specificity, low toxicity, ability to disrupt biofilms, and co-evolution with bacterial hosts. This review explores the biology, pan-genomics, diversity, and therapeutic relevance of staphylococcal phages. We revisit their historical discovery and re-emergence as tools against multidrug-resistant infections, highlighting morphological features, replication strategies, and recent taxonomic updates. Genomic analyses reveal distinct clusters of genome sizes, rare presence of resistance genes, and implications of transduction, bacterial defense systems, and phage-encoded anti-defense mechanisms. Preclinical studies show broad host range and synergistic activity with diverse antimicrobial agents, while engineered phage enzymes expand therapeutic possibilities. Clinical evidence, though limited, supports safety and efficacy in compassionate-use cases and early trials targeting Staphylococcus. Finally, we examine business models translating phage innovation into applied therapies, emphasizing regulatory, logistical, and financial challenges. In this broader context, phage technologies are not just alternatives to antibiotics-they represent an opportunity for innovation in global health. Their full potential depends on coordinated actions across science, industry, and policy.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Phylogeographic and genetic structure studies involving Drosophilids have clarified numerous processes that have shaped the evolution of biodiversity over time. In this review, we aim to (i) assess the main biases, gaps, and advances in the scientific literature on this topic; (ii) synthesize the major findings emerging from these studies; and (iii) identify congruencies and discrepancies in the phylogeographical histories of different species and regions. To achieve these goals, we conducted a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on phylogeographic and genetic structure studies of Drosophilidae published between 1987 and 2024. After identifying and filtering relevant studies, we extracted and analyzed key information related to each topic. Overall, we have detected a straightforward predominance of studies involving species of the Drosophila genus, especially within the melanogaster, obscura, and repleta groups. Interestingly, most studies employed nuclear DNA markers, either alone or in combination with mitochondrial markers, and were conducted across more than one biogeographical region, primarily in the Palearctic and Nearctic. Thus, our synthesis underscores the importance of broader taxonomic sampling and increased attention to understudied regions to enhance our understanding of biodiversity dynamics in response to environmental changes at both local and global scales.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Essential oils are natural substances with broad therapeutic potential due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that these compounds can modulate the expression of non-coding RNAs, such as lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, which play crucial roles in post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in various pathological conditions. This modulation influences key biological processes, including apoptosis, drug resistance, inflammation, cell differentiation, and cognitive function. Therefore, the regulation of ncRNAs by essential oils emerges as a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in cancer, respiratory, joint, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the latest findings on the ability of essential oils to modulate ncRNAs, highlighting their potential in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of human diseases.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is a widely used antidepressant. In recent decades, research has revealed its potential for drug repurposing, demonstrating various biological activities beyond psychiatric applications, including antifungal, antibacterial, antitumor, anthelmintic, and leishmanicidal effects. This review explores the antifungal potential of sertraline and its possible mechanisms of action against fungal cells, highlighting similarities with its effects in higher eukaryotes. We examine the effects of sertraline on (1) gene expression pathways, (2) lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, (3) membrane function, (4) stress response, and (5) alternative splicing modulation. Finally, we discuss future perspectives on the use of sertraline as an antifungal agent.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The initial peopling of America left a deep genetic legacy in Indigenous peoples and their admixed descendants. This narrative review recenters studies involving Indigenous populations and, inspired by the work of Francisco M. Salzano and Darcy Ribeiro’s historical and cultural framework, adopts the working notions of “witness,” “introduced,” “transplanted,” and “new” genetic signatures. We first clarify terminology to avoid neocolonial bias, using America to denote the continent and Native American to refer to all Indigenous peoples of America, and then synthesize the literature on initial peopling, post-contact demography, and natural selection, with particular emphasis on Brazil. We also present an illustrative example drawn from ongoing research conducted by our group, using genome editing to investigate a candidate adaptive allele in the context of high-altitude adaptation. Finally, we connect evolutionary history to contemporary health, highlighting mitonuclear interactions, dietary transitions, and pathogen exposures that may modulate disease risk, with implications for precision public health. Collectively, this review showcases ancestry-aware approaches tailored to Native American contexts and demonstrates why models developed elsewhere should not be uncritically extrapolated to America, advancing a continent-wide, Brazil-anchored perspective on Indigenous resilience and scientific significance.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Exploring natural products is essential for identifying new bioactive substances with unique molecular structures and mechanisms of action. Successful experiences in identifying and developing chemotherapeutic agents from plant-derived sources have inspired the search for new strategies and alternative treatments for various diseases. Today, more than half of the anticancer drugs in clinical use are derived, directly or indirectly, from natural products. In this review, we present findings from studies on medicinal plants conducted at the Laboratory of Mutagenesis and Oncogenetics, in collaboration with other research groups from the Program Biota/FAPESP, aimed at evaluating their safety for widespread use. Our research team has conducted extensive studies over approximately 25 years, assessing 65 crude plant extracts from 31 species and 8 isolated phytochemicals. Most of these species belong to the Melastomataceae family, followed by the Malpighiaceae family. Among the phytochemicals, flavonoids, diterpenes, indolinones, and alkaloids are the most common. In this comprehensive review, we examine the biological effects identified and their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the context of anticancer strategies. Our goal is to highlight the pharmacological potential of compounds derived from these plants, thereby supporting the development of drugs that can be effectively utilized in clinical practice.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous and prevalent neoplasm, traditionally stratified by PSA and Gleason Score. However, these biomarkers have prognostic limitations, driving the search for new molecular markers. Alterations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system proteins are associated with genomic instability, therapeutic resistance, and poorer clinical outcomes. Their relevance in PCa remains poorly understood, highlighting MMR status as a potential prognostic biomarker. This systematic review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, evaluated the relationship between MMR protein (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2) expression and clinical-pathological outcomes in PCa. Ten studies assessing MMR protein expression in prostate adenocarcinoma samples were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies revealed heterogeneous MMR protein expression. Loss of MSH2 consistently correlated with poorer clinical outcomes, including biochemical recurrence, higher Gleason Scores, and perineural invasion. MSH6 was more prevalent in high-grade tumors, without clear prognostic association. Cytoplasmic MLH1 expression was linked to aggressive histological patterns; PMS2 results were conflicting. Two studies assessed Microsatellite Instability (MSI), correlating with MSH2 and PMS2. Overall, MMR protein alterations, particularly MSH2 loss, may indicate worse PCa prognosis. However, methodological heterogeneity and lack of standardization hinder definitive conclusions. Further studies, integrating MSI analyses are crucial to confirm their prognostic.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Free-living amoebae (FLAs) of the genus Acanthamoeba are opportunistic protozoa found in diverse environments. They can cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful corneal infection frequently associated with contact lens wearers. Effective treatments for Acanthamoeba infections are limited, with nitroimidazoles as the main pharmacological option, a class of drugs generally associated with side effects. Given the limited availability of vaccines and the low efficacy of existing drugs, the search for new therapeutic strategies is crucial. Interactions between fungi and predatory amoebae have driven the production of defensive fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) with potent amoebicidal properties. The evolutionary pressure from predatory amoebae has equipped fungi, particularly from the Aspergillus, Beauveria, and Fusarium genera, to produce a wide variety of defensive bioactive compounds, including non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, and terpenes. Some examples of fungal-derived SMs include cephalosporins, mycophenolic acid, griseofulvin, pleuromutilins and lovastatin. Furthermore, gliotoxin and trypacidin from Aspergillus fumigatus exhibit amoebicidal activity by impairing key protozoan functions like phagocytosis. These findings highlight the potential of fungal SMs as novel amoebicidal agents. Exploring fungal biodiversity could lead to the discovery of innovative medicines, harnessing natural compounds to combat infections caused by Acanthamoeba species and other protozoan pathogens.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in soil, rocks, and groundwater, and its controlled use in drinking water is a well-established public health measure to prevent dental caries. However, growing evidence indicates that excessive fluoride exposure, particularly during critical periods of neurodevelopment, may exert neurotoxic effects. This systematic review evaluates current evidence on fluoride-induced neurotoxicity from in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies. The findings reveal that fluoride exposure can induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and impaired autophagy, leading to neuronal damage, synaptic deficits, and cognitive impairments. Protective mechanisms involving sirtuin proteins (SIRT1 and SIRT3) have been identified as potential modulators of fluoride-induced neurotoxicity. These results underscore the importance of monitoring fluoride exposure levels, particularly during early brain development, and lay the groundwork for future research on underlying mechanisms and preventive strategies.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The study of RNA processing, in particular how alternative splicing and the use of alternative transcription start and end sites generate diverse transcript isoforms from a single gene, has advanced significantly alongside the development of RNA sequencing technologies. High-resolution whole-transcriptome sequencing has shown that much of the transcriptomic diversity observed in humans, compared to other species, stems from these alternative RNA processing events. Primary studies first revealed that a single gene could give rise to multiple RNA variants, which challenges the linear interpretation of the central dogma of molecular biology. However, progress in the field was limited by technological constraints and the inherent complexity of resolving isoforms at high resolution. Recent breakthroughs, which includes long-read sequencing, high-throughput FISH-based imaging, isoform-specific quantification tools, and improved software for transcript detection and quantification, have reignited interest and enabled a more detailed view of transcriptomic diversity. Understanding alternative isoforms is significant, as they expand the proteome, fine-tune gene regulation, and influence cellular phenotypes that are key to human disease research and possible therapeutic development.

Abstract in English:

Abstract In this study, we analyzed the evolutionary patterns of tandem repeats in the mitochondrial Control Region (CR) of groupers of the genus Epinephelus. This research was based on a comprehensive survey of Epinephelus mitogenomes available in public databases, aiming to recover complete CR sequences. A total of 97 specimens were recovered, including 31 species that contain tandem repeat sequences. The repeated sequences were classified into three categories according to their length: short, medium, and long. The long repeats were restricted to a monophyletic group, while short and medium repeats were more widely distributed across different clades, whereas some species lacked repeats entirely. Given the similarities found among the repeat sequence alignments and the phylogenetic arrangements, it was possible to infer that these segments evolved in synchrony over time, with a process of concerted evolution being the most likely explanation for the evolutionary dynamics of these repetitive DNAs. Correlation analyses further revealed that mitogenome length covaries with CR length and that CR length increases with the full repeat region length, whereas motif length is inversely related to repeat copy number. These patterns underscore how repeat architecture evolves through time in the mitochondrial CR of epinephelid mitogenomes.

Abstract in English:

Abstract This review synthesizes the most significant advances and innovations in the cytogenetic study of Neotropical fishes, with emphasis on recurrent chromosomal patterns, evolutionary mechanisms, and the integration of modern genomic tools. The Neotropical region, which harbors more than 12,000 fish species, exhibits not only extraordinary taxonomic richness but also remarkable chromosomal diversity. Chromosomal rearrangements have been associated with speciation and ecological adaptation in both freshwater and marine lineages. Modern techniques, including fluorescence in situ hybridization, chromosome painting, and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), have substantially improved our ability to resolve morphologically indistinguishable species and clarify their evolutionary relationships. When integrated with phylogenetic and genomic approaches, cytogenetics becomes a robust framework for exploring biodiversity and chromosomal evolution within the complex Neotropical fauna. Despite these advances, substantial challenges remain, particularly the scarcity of cytogenetic data for many taxa and regions. Future research, driven by high-throughput genomic technologies, is expected to deepen our understanding of chromosomal evolution and to support conservation efforts for this rich but increasingly threatened fish fauna.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The human microbiome is increasingly recognized as a dynamic element in cancer biology. Studies across breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and cervical tumors reveal that microbial communities influence carcinogenesis, immune regulation, and treatment outcomes. When the balance of these microorganisms is altered, inflammation becomes chronic, metabolism is disrupted, and signaling pathways such as NF-κB, IL6-STAT3, and β-catenin are activated. Bacterial metabolites and genotoxins, including colibactin and bile acids, may damage DNA and reshape the epigenetic landscape. Distinct microbial profiles have been linked to prognosis and to patient responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The presence of beneficial taxa, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Ruminococcus, has been associated with improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. At the same time, antibiotic-induced depletion of gut microbiome can reduce therapeutic efficacy. Strategies that help restore microbial balance, including probiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are being explored as complementary therapies. Although methodological differences and contamination remain challenges, the growing body of evidence indicates that the microbiome is a measurable and modifiable component of tumor ecosystems with strong potential for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications in precision oncology.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Obesity results from a chronic imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, leading to the accumulation of excess body fat. This imbalance is influenced by endocrine, molecular, genetic, demographic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with the brain reward cascade emerging as a key overlapping pathway. This study hypothesizes that cascade dysregulation leads to reward deficiency, causing stronger cravings and overeating. This study investigates the contribution of genetic variants in the brain reward cascade to body mass index (BMI), overweight, and obesity. A systematic search was conducted across five databases. Eligible studies evaluated associations between variants in reward-related genes (COMT, DRD2, DRD4, MAO-A, SLC6A3, SLC6A4) and BMI or obesity. In total, 117 studies were included in the systematic review, and 31 provided sufficient data for meta-analysis. Eighteen variants showed significant associations with BMI, with the strongest evidence observed for the Val158Met (COMT), Taq1A (DRD2), 48 bp VNTR (DRD4), 40 bp VNTR (SLC6A3) and 5-HTTLPR (SLC6A4). Meta-analyses of Taq1A showed a significant association of the A1 allele with obesity. This study highlights consistent associations between genetic variants in the reward cascade and susceptibility to weight gain, providing a foundation for more precise prevention and personalized obesity management.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer, characterized by significant heterogeneity and high recurrence rates. Due to this heterogeneity, TNBC often develops resistance to chemotherapy, leading to aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), defined as RNAs longer than 500 nucleotides that act at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, influence therapeutic responses in TNBC through various molecular mechanisms, thereby directly impacting treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes. Importantly, lncRNAs have a dual, context-dependent role in TNBC, either promoting chemoresistance or enhancing chemosensitivity by functioning as competing endogenous RNAs, regulating epigenetic processes, stabilizing mRNAs and proteins, and affecting DNA damage repair, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and pro-survival signaling pathways. These functions indicate their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for personalized treatment. In this review, we examine the biological functions of lncRNAs in TNBC, highlighting their molecular mechanisms and clinical significance. We also review evidence on how lncRNAs contribute to therapeutic resistance and sensitivity and explore emerging perspectives on their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TNBC management.

Abstract in English:

Abstract The hologenome is an evolutionary concept in which a host and its associated microorganisms together compose a single unit of selection, known as the holobiont. Bidirectional interactions between the host and the microbiota genomes shape complex phenotypes and have implications for evolution, adaptation, and breeding. Advances in multi-omics technologies now enable a comprehensive investigation of host-microbiota interactions, allowing their integration into breeding programs and revealing novel targets for enhancing animal health, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Phytophagous beetles represent one of the largest groups of plant-feeding insects. With about 135,000 described species, they exploit seeds, leaves, stems, and wood. Within this diversity, the subfamily Bruchinae has a distinctive ecological niche: larvae develop inside legume seeds. These beetles are major agricultural pests, responsible for up to 20% losses in legume grain value. This yield loss represents a severe problem, as legumes provide essential dietary protein for roughly 75% of people in developing countries. Despite their importance, the molecular foundations of life-history traits facilitating Bruchinae adaptation to seeds have only recently begun to be explored, leaving current knowledge sparse and fragmented. This review synthesizes current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the nutritional and digestive challenges faced by beetles during seed infestation, reproduction, and development, as well as during host shifts to novel or unusual legumes. Drawing on well-established examples, it examines key processes involved in the co-evolutionary dynamics between phytophagous insects and their host plants, while highlighting recent genomic advances that are accelerating discovery in these fields. Collectively, the review integrates both historical and contemporary molecular perspectives on life-history evolution in Bruchinae seed beetles.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Advancing age has been associated with an imbalance between a gradual increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a decline in the efficiency of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Due to the fact that organisms are constantly exposed to endogenous and exogenous ROS sources, this condition of oxidative stress promotes a systemic pro-oxidant state that, in conjunction with many other risk factors, progressively worsens throughout life, triggering the development of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These diseases have emerged as closely interconnected conditions that share some common molecular and cellular mechanisms. In this review, on the light of literature data, we explore the interconnection between several pathological processes implicated in both diseases, focusing on a series of cellular and molecular alterations, from metabolic dysfunction to neurodegeneration (including insulin resistance, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, among others). We highlight how the connection between those processes may culminate in the development of neurodegeneration and disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and limitations to model those diseases, emphasizing some aspects of the current knowledge in terms of providing new perspectives to the development of multi-target therapeutic approaches.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Legumes are diverse, wide-spread and important both ecologically and economically. These features prompted the establishment of hundreds of genome assemblies as resources to investigate key biological questions. In this review, we introduce the reader to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family highlighting the importance and great diversity of this group of plants. The major insights gained from studying genomic variation in the legumes are discussed, with focus on whole genome duplications, ancestral chromosome numbers and key biological novelties such as the ability to fix nitrogen through symbiosis with bacteria.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Ancient DNA research has expanded dramatically in recent years, transforming reconstructions of how and when humans settled the American continent. In this review, we synthesize evidence for genetic temporal continuity and discontinuity in Native American population history using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from ancient and contemporary individuals. We systematically surveyed studies indexed in PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar, extending earlier compilations with publications through October 2025. For each population, we compiled sample sizes, mtDNA haplogroup frequencies, geographic coordinates, and associated archaeological and chronological information. These data were used to map the spatial distribution of founding mtDNA lineages, examine regional trajectories of haplogroup frequencies, and characterize patterns of mitochondrial population structure. Geographic distance showed a statistically detectable but limited association with mtDNA differentiation. Time-ordered haplogroup frequency series revealed region-specific dynamics, including long-term persistence of maternal lineages as well as marked episodes of turnover, some coincident with major cultural transitions. Genetic data were obtained from 315 studies. The dataset for contemporary populations included 23,315 individuals from 322 populations, while ancient DNA data included 4,192 individuals associated with 211 archaeological populations. Together, these data provide a comprehensive synthesis of mtDNA-based temporal and spatial patterns relevant to the peopling of the American continent.

Abstract in English:

Abstract For much of the 20th century, our understanding of genetics and evolution was predominantly shaped by intensive studies of a few model organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Mus musculus. While these species provided fundamental insights, their laboratory-adapted characteristics potentially made them evolutionary outliers. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies and sophisticated bioinformatic tools has increased accessibility of genomic research, enabling comprehensive studies of diverse non-model organisms across the tree of life. This expansion has substantially transformed our understanding of molecular evolution, revealing, for example, that convergent evolution operates through multiple mechanisms across different organizational levels, that speciation is a genomically heterogeneous process involving structural variants and adaptive introgression, and that genome architecture exhibits extensive variation in size, content, and organization. Using aquatic mammals as exemplars, we illustrate how comparative genomics of non-model species illuminates the molecular basis of convergent and divergent adaptations. This paradigm shift demonstrates that understanding evolution’s general principles and creative solutions requires embracing life’s full diversity.

Abstract in English:

Abstract Genomics has rapidly become one of the most transformative scientific approaches in modern conservation biology. As biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change, habitat degradation, invasive species, and other human impacts, the use of genomics is providing conservation scientists with unprecedented tools to monitor biodiversity, manage endangered species, and anticipate ecological challenges. This review synthesizes recent advances in genomic applications for wildlife conservation, focusing on high-resolution whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, population genomics, local adaptation and environmental DNA (eDNA). The review concludes with a forward-looking discussion on integrating genomics, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation practices into a new era of comprehensive and continuous surveillance of threatened populations across diverse ecosystems.