Annual Research & Review in Biology

An update on Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cancer: Mechanisms, Functions and Future Therapeutic Opportunities

Mahalakshmi B R — 2025-12-01

Mitochondria are essential for the energy metabolism, regulation of apoptosis, and signalling of cells. The double-membrane mitochondria and its dynamic morphology are essential sites for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation and other metabolic pathways. Mitochondrial dynamics pertains to the evolving processes of fission, fusion, mitophagy, and transport, which are essential for proper signal transduction and metabolic functioning within a cell. A disruption in the dynamics can result in atypical cellular outcomes and a variety of human illnesses. In cancerous cells, mitochondria have a different structure and function compared to normal cells and play a significant role in metabolic reconfiguration. Various proteins and changes in membranes are characteristics of cancer. This review seeks to offer a detailed overview of these mechanisms by introducing fundamental dynamics, metabolic processes, and signaling pathways in mitochondria, particularly concerning Cancer.Understanding these mechanisms and signalling mechanisms will provide deeper insights into their role in cancer and treatment. Mitochondrial dynamics in cancer therapeutics is gaining momentum due to several advantages. In summary, mitochondrial dynamics offer an interesting cell-biology model to study the intricate mechanisms in normal and cancer cells thus aiding discovery of therapeutic molecules.

Use of Insects in Fish Feed in West Africa: Current Status and Potentials

Rahim ROMBA — 2025-12-05

Aquaculture in many parts of the world, particularly in West Africa, is increasingly challenged by the rising cost of fish feed, especially protein ingredients. Fishmeal remains the main protein source in aquafeeds due to its superior nutritional quality. However, its limited availability and sustainability challenges underscore the urgent need for alternative sources. Insects have emerged as promising candidates, offering high-quality protein and essential nutrients suitable for fish diets. This review summarizes the current state of insect use in aquafeed production and outlines key research perspectives. Among the most promising species, the housefly (Musca domestica, Diptera: Muscidae) and the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae) are focused, which can be mass-reared from household level production to large scale industrial production. Other species such as mealworms, orthopterans (locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets), and silkworm pupae have also demonstrated potential based on their nutritional profiles and rearing efficiency. It is certain that, with insects' nutritional profiles, aquaculture would have a promising and sustainable future. Further research is required to optimize the nutritional evaluation and inclusion rates of insect meals in fish feed formulations.

Seasonal Variations in Guava Grafts' Physiological and Biochemical Reactions in Different Propagation Environments

Dinesh A — 2025-11-26

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important horticultural crop in which grafting is widely used to maintain the genetic purity, enhance early growth flowering and fruiting. This study evaluated the effects of four grafting methods such as wedge, side, softwood, and saddle under three propagation environments (open field, mist chamber, and shade net house) during two seasons (October and February) on the physiological and biochemical responses of guava grafts. A Factorial Completely Randomized Design was adopted, and observations were recorded 90 days after grafting. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among grafting methods and environments. Wedge grafting under mist chamber conditions in February consistently produced the highest chlorophyll content (30.34 SPAD), photosynthetic rate (18.58 μmol CO₂m²/s), and nitrate reductase activity (76.58 μg NO₂g/h), indicating superior graft compatibility and metabolic efficiency. Saddle grafting under open conditions recorded the highest phenol content (4.55mg/g), reflecting increased stress and reduced graft success. Antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase and catalase were also higher in February, suggesting improved lignification and ROS detoxification. Overall, wedge grafting in February under mist chamber conditions suggest most effective for achieving efficacious graft establishment and favourable physiological and biochemical performance in guava.

Dose Response of Some Chemical Insecticides in Mitigating Shoot and Fruit Borer (Earias vittella Fab.) Infestation in Okra

Md. Shahidul Islam Khan — 2025-12-05

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a highly consumed summer vegetable in Bangladesh, is detrimentally affected by the shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Fab.) (Family: Noctuidae, Order: Lepidoptera). The current study was conducted to explore the dose effect of some chemical insecticides, viz., Belt 24 WG (flubendiamide), Voliam Flexi 300 SC (chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam), and Pine 6 WG (emamectin benzoate + abamectin) @ (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75) g or ml litre^-1of water with an untreated control against this notorious pest. Results revealed that Pine 6 WG @ 0.75 g litre^-1of water reduced the highest percentage of shoot infestation (66.58% & 75.94%) over control at vegetative and fruiting stages, respectively, followed by Pine 6 WG @ 0.50 g litre^-1of water (58.35% & 75.94%, respectively), whereas Belt 24 WG @ 0.25 g litre^-1of water showed the least performance (42.51% & 63.05%) in shoot infestation reduction for both stages of the crop, respectively. At the early, mid, and late fruiting phases, the least number of infested fruits was generated by Belt 24 WG @ 0.25 g litre^-1 of water, with numbers of 1.08, 0.83, and 0.79, respectively. With a 51.50% increase over the control, Pine 6 WG @ 0.50 g litre-¹ of water produced the maximum fruit output (19.56 ton ha^-1). In conclusion, the study demonstrated that utilizing Pine 6 WG @ 0.75 g litre^-1of water successfully mitigated shoot and fruit borer infestations in okra, making this insecticide a promising method for controlling this pest.

Endogenous Knowledge of Edible Insects in North Sudanian Localities of Burkina Faso

Rahim ROMBA — 2025-12-05

Background: The global interest in edible insects is increasing all the more so as there is a diversity of edible insects in the world. They are nutritionally useful because of their content of animal proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins. In Burkina Faso, more than 10 species of edible insects have been identified. To gain a better understanding of the local knowledge of edible insects in certain localities of the country where there is little information, this study aimed to assess the endogenous knowledge of edible insects encountered in these localities.

Methods: The survey was carried out among 183 informants in three villages located in the North Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. The questionnaire focused the number of known edible insects, modes of preparation, information on commercialization and the availability of bans, as well as edible and medicinal properties. Chi-square analysis was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences among villages, ethnic group, and religious in knowledge and preference for edible insects

Results: Five species namely Carbula marginella (Hemiptera), Macrotermes subhyalinus (Blattodea), Kraussaria angulifera (Orthoptera), Gryllus campestris (Orthoptera) and Sternocera interrupta (Coleoptera) were identified as edible insects. Interestingly, C. marginella was the most frequently cited edible species (91.26%). Sternocera interrupta (Coleoptera) with 21.85% was mentioned for the first time in these localities increasing the number of edible insects. Women were the main actors in the commercialization of the insect and C. marginella was sold between 5,000 and 15,000 FCFA per kilogram.

Conclusion: Edible insects represent a potential source of income. The use of insects is part of the cultural habits of the local populations.

Biodiversity and Spatial Distribution of Zooplankton in Gold-Mining Areas of the Cavally River (Côte d’Ivoire)

Attoubé Ida MONNEY — 2025-12-06

In a context where artisanal gold mining durably alters river ecosystems, this study analyzes the effect of gold panning on the diversity and structure of the planktonic fauna of the Cavally River. Zooplankton was sampled monthly from January to May 2025 using a plankton net with a 55 µm mesh size. The inventory of the zooplankton community identified a total of 40 taxa, distributed as follows: Rotifers (34 taxa), Copepods (2 taxa), Cladocerans (1 taxa) and other groups of organisms (3 taxa). The community was largely dominated by Rotifers, which represented 85% of the total density. Zooplankton diversity (31 taxa) and abundance (6444.44 ind·m⁻³) were higher at Niampleu, a station not affected by illegal gold-mining activity. The environmental variables that most strongly influenced taxonomic diversity and abundance were temperature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, and pH.

Urban Green Spaces as Carbon Reservoirs: Floristic Diversity and Biomass Patterns in Yamoussoukro (Center-Côte d’Ivoire)

N’GOURAN Kobenan Pierre — 2025-12-08

This study assessed the floristic diversity and carbon storage capacity of four major urban green spaces in Yamoussoukro using 26 plots of 400 m² and allometric equations for biomass estimation. A total of 24 woody species belonging to 22 genera and 13 families were recorded, with introduced species representing 77% of individuals. Carbon stocks ranged from 35.1 to 130 t/ha, with the highest values associated with sites containing larger basal areas and mature trees. The findings demonstrate that vegetation structure and species composition-rather than green-space size-are the primary determinants of carbon sequestration in the city. These results underscore the importance of informed species selection and structural management to optimize the climate-regulating functions of urban green spaces.