HighlightPlant auxin efflux and influx proteins redirect the plant hormone auxin towards the feeding site upon root-knot nematode infection in Arabidopsis thaliana roots.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were recently discovered as a looped subset of competing endogenous RNAs, with an ability to regulate gene expression by microRNA sponging. There are several studies on their potential roles in cancer development, such as colorectal cancer and basal cell carcinoma. However, there is still a significant gap in the knowledge about circRNA functions in breast cancer (BC) progression. The current study systematically reviewed circRNA biogenesis and their potential roles as a novel biomarker in BC on published studies of the MEDLINE®/PubMed, Cochrane®, and Scopus® databases. The obtained results showed a general dysregulation of circRNAs expression in BC cells with a cell‐type and stage‐specific manner. The potential connection between circRNAs and BC cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance were discussed.

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Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. is a major plant pathogen, and a new approach is needed for its control in strawberry to minimise the increasing use of synthetic fungicides. The biofungicide Prestop-Mix, which contains Gliocladium catenulatum, is effective against Botrytis infections; however, the need for frequent applications increases the costs for farmers. Here, we demonstrate that bumble bees, Bombus terrestris L., effectively disseminate the preparation onto flowers in open field conditions. Over the course of three years, we found a highly significant decrease in the rate of Botrytis infection. Pathogen control was achieved with relatively low numbers of G. catenulatum spores per flower, even using flowers that are not highly attractive to bumble bees. An even distribution of spores was detected up to 100 m from the hives, either due to primary inoculation by bumble bees or secondary distribution by other flower visitors such as honey bees and solitary bees. We showed that the application of a biocontrol agent by bumble bees is reliable for the use of environmentally friendly pest control strategies in northern climatic conditions. This low cost technology is especially relevant for organic farming. This study provides valuable information for introducing this method into practice in open strawberry fields.