Research Article
Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals the Molecular Mechanism Underlying Heavy Metal Detoxification in Aspergillus Niger
Yingjie Chen,
Yuyuan Duan,
Tingfang Xue,
Xinhui Deng*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-20
Received:
30 December 2025
Accepted:
15 January 2026
Published:
11 February 2026
Abstract: Aspergillus niger shows resistance to Zn and Cu; however, limited studies have evaluated the genetic mechanisms underlying metal tolerance in the species. In this study, comparative transcriptome analyses of A. niger F2 under Zn (4000 mg/L) and Cu (3000 mg/L) stress for 15 days were performed to identify genes involved in the response to heavy metal stress. There were more upregulated than downregulated genes under both Cu and Zn stress; however, more genes were differentially expre ssed under Cu than under Zn stress. Downregulated genes under Zn stress were enriched mainly in the membrane part of the cellular component category and for catalytic activity of ribonucleases in the molecular function category. Downregulated genes under Cu stress were enriched for import of Cu ions in the biological process category, intrinsic membrane in the cellula r component category, and reductase and oxidoreductase activity in the molecular function category. Differentially express ed genes under Zn and Cu stress were enriched for different functional domains based on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Ency clopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. These findings indicated that under heavy metal stress, downregulated genes are mainly involved in ion transport and cell membrane-related functions. Furthermore, energy consumption was higher under Cu stress than under Zn stress, contributing to differences in tolerance levels for A. niger. These findings provide a b asis for genetic engineering for efficient bioremediation.
Abstract: Aspergillus niger shows resistance to Zn and Cu; however, limited studies have evaluated the genetic mechanisms underlying metal tolerance in the species. In this study, comparative transcriptome analyses of A. niger F2 under Zn (4000 mg/L) and Cu (3000 mg/L) stress for 15 days were performed to identify genes involved in the response to heavy meta...
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Research Article
Biological Characteristics and Geochemistry of Surface and Groundwater in Uhonmora-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria
Agbebaku Henry Usiobaifo*,
Imanfidon Samson Enenhizenan,
Ndekhedehe Imie Etim,
Obueh Henrietta,
Ehiogu Chinkata Gospe,
Mansur Yusuf Aboki,
Zakariya Hassan Abuja
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
21-36
Received:
3 February 2025
Accepted:
18 February 2025
Published:
4 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajese.20261001.12
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Abstract: Physicochemical and biological characteristics of surface and groundwater in Uhonmora-Ora were undertaken. Physicochemical parameters examined include pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, and electrical conductivity. The heavy metals studied were Iron, Cadmium, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Lead, and Zinc. The bacteriological parameters were counts for pneumoniae, coli, typhi, and aerogenes. The study objective assessed the chemical and biological characteristics of surface and groundwater in Uhonmora-Ora and ascertained its suitability. Data from sixty surface and groundwater samples from streams/rivers and hand-dug wells were analyzed. Primary data from 30 water samples of “A” surface and “B” groundwater samples from hand-dug wells were obtained and analysed from the field of study. The technique of study was purely experimental. The study was conducted during the dry season and water samples collections from the 2 sources were analysed in the laboratory to ascertain their state of water quality of physicochemical parameters and biological counts in comparison with the recommended standards of WHO (2015) and NSDWQ (2007), in line with the Nigeria Ministry of Environment standards (2018), on water quality for drinking desire uses. Results showed that a combination of very high and positive correlations exists between and among the tested parameters. However, variations exist within and among the mean concentrations of NTU, DO, TSS, TDS, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ca, Mg, Pb, Zn, K, E, S, and Ea parameters in surface and groundwater sources. The study recommends that at regular intervals, samples from these water sources should be assessed against water quality standards.
Abstract: Physicochemical and biological characteristics of surface and groundwater in Uhonmora-Ora were undertaken. Physicochemical parameters examined include pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, and electrical conductivity. The heavy metals studied were Iron, Cadmium, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Lead, and Zinc. ...
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