Articles

Obesogenic diet impairs social memory through alterations of hippocampal CA2 excitability and oxytocin signaling
- Muller Maud
- Fermigier Alice
- Rakotonandrasana Arielle
- Ducourneau Eva-Gunnel
- Moschetta Matteo
- Eldirdiri Hazim
- Radice Martina
- Raffaelli Pierre-Alexandre
- Ferreira Guillaume
- Chevaleyre Vivien
- Piskorowski Rebecca A
Cell Reports, Elsevier Inc , 2026, 45 (9), pp.117935 . While obesity induces cardio-metabolic disorders and cognitive deficits, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unexplored. In mice, exposure to an obesogenic high-fat and sugar diet (HFD) resulted in social recognition memory deficits in both males and females, a process that is dependent upon hippocampal area CA2 and oxytocin signaling. HFD-fed mice had stronger inputs onto CA2 pyramidal neurons that led to increased action potential firing, without altering intrinsic properties or inhibitory transmission. Chemogenetic CA2 pyramidal neuron inhibition in HFD-fed mice rescued social novelty discrimination, with novelty preference in males and familiarity preference in females. We also observed that HFD in both males and females impaired the ability of oxytocin receptor activation to be permissive for endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity. Furthermore, chemogenetic inhibition of CA2 pyramidal neurons rescued oxytocin-induced endocannabinoid plasticity in both HFD-fed male and female mice, whereas it prevented endocannabinoid plasticity in control diet-fed mice. In a concentration-dependent manner, oxytocin restored potentiation of excitatory responses, allowed for endocannabinoid plasticity at CA2 inhibitory synapses, and rescued social novelty discrimination in HFD-fed mice. This study uncovers mechanisms linking neuromodulation and endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity in social memory processes and reveals the deleterious consequences of an obesogenic diet on this process. (10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117935)
DOI : 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117935
Boron-doping improving the long-term stability of methylated amorphous silicon electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
- Phung N T
- Feng Y
- Charrier Anne
- Henry de Villeneuve C
- Rosso M
- Ozanam F
Electrochimica Acta, Elsevier , 2026, 570, pp.148893 . <div>A C T Thin-film electrodes offer a well-controlled geometry in order to comprehensively assess the behavior of active materials for Li-ion batteries. This approach has been used for studying silicon-based amorphous materials, which are of interest for being used as negative electrodes. Methylated amorphous silicon electrodes exhibit enhanced performance over pure amorphous silicon upon extended electrochemical cycling, but at the expense of a significant increase in the material resistivity. Boron doping increases the material conductivity by orders of magnitude, which alleviates limitations in terms of ohmic drop across the material during the first cycles, and allows for the practical use of methyl content higher than 10 % in the electrode material. This way, boron-doped methylated amorphous silicon electrodes exhibit enhanced rate performance and thin (100 nm) boron-doped 20 % methylated amorphous silicon electrodes exhibit high capacity retention over thousands of lithiation/delithiation cycles. Boron doping also allows for using thicker electrodes (up to a thickness of 1 µm), albeit at the expense of a decreased rate performance. Raman spectroscopy indicates that methylation increases the disorder in the material at intermediate range, and that boron doping increases disorder both at short and intermediate range. These structural changes are in line with a lowering of the material rigidity induced by methylation and boron doping, as measured by indentation tests, which at least in part might account for the enhanced long-term stability of boron-doped methylated amorphous silicon.</div> (10.1016/j.electacta.2026.148893)
DOI : 10.1016/j.electacta.2026.148893
Ultrafast versus Continuous-Wave Plasmonics: How Heat and Hot Electrons Drive Polymerization
- Trotsiuk Liudmila
- Movsesyan Artur
- Cheng Pascal
- Broussier Aurelie
- Gérard Davy
- Marguet Sylvie
- Baudrion Anne-Laure
- Luo Yun
- Mangeney Claire
- Felidj Nordin
- Adam Pierre-Michel
- Govorov Alexander O
- Bachelot Renaud
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Washington, D.C. : American Chemical Society , 2026, 18, pp.31972 - 31984 . <div>Hot carrier and heat generation in plasmonic nanoparticles are critically important in plasmon-assisted chemistry and catalysis, sensing, and optoelectronic applications. The selective control of these effects plays a key role in determining the efficiency of chemical processes and the performance of associated devices. A major challenge lies in distinguishing and precisely controlling these effects under experimental conditions, particularly since most applications rely on continuous-wave (CW) irradiation, where both phenomena occur simultaneously. In this work, we investigate the polymerization of diazonium salts on gold nanocubes under CW and femtosecond (fs) irradiation as a probe for evaluating the efficiency of hot-electron generation and heat production. Our findings reveal that continuous excitation of the quadrupole plasmonic mode promotes a hot-electron-driven process, owing to the absorptive character of the quadrupole resonance. Conversely, excitation of the dipole mode under CW irradiation results in chaotic polymer growth, driven by lattice heat generation. However, fs excitation of the dipole mode induces polarization-dependent polymerization precisely at plasmonic hot spots. We attribute this phenomenon to the synergistic effect of vibrational heating of adsorbate molecules occurring on the picosecond scale due to energy transfer from hot electrons, which leads to the formation of the first polymer layers on the nanocube corners, followed by a lattice-heating-driven reaction that proceeds more rapidly at the created anchoring sites. These results offer insights into the ultrafast processes occurring in gold nanoparticles upon irradiation and pave the way for designing energetically efficient chemical reactions and optoelectronic devices.</div> (10.1021/acsami.5c25755)
DOI : 10.1021/acsami.5c25755
DNM2 lipid binding drives centronuclear myopathy and represents a potential therapeutic target
- Gómez-Oca Raquel
- Massana-Muñoz Xènia
- Reiss David
- Diedhiou Nadège
- Silva-Rojas Roberto
- Cowling Belinda S
- Goret Marie
- Laporte Jocelyn
JCI Insight, American Society for Clinical Investigation , 2026, 11 (9) . Centronuclear myopathies (CNMs) are rare congenital disorders characterized by muscle weakness, fiber hypotrophy, and organelle mislocalization. Most cases arise from mutations in MTM1 or DNM2, encoding myotubularin and dynamin-2, respectively. DNM2 is a GTPase that binds lipids, oligomerizes around membranes, and mediates fission. We previously showed that DNM2 levels are elevated in MTM1-CNM patients and Mtm1 -/y mice, and that normalizing DNM2 rescues disease phenotypes. However, the specific DNM2 functions driving pathology remain unclear. Here, we expressed AAV-delivered WT and DNM2 mutants in WT and Mtm1 -/y mouse muscles to disrupt specific DNM2 molecular functions. In WT mice, overexpression of WT DNM2 and most mutants induced CNM-like phenotypes, including reduced force, fiber hypotrophy, and centralized nuclei, consistent with gain-of-function mechanisms. The lipid-binding-defective mutant K562E did not induce disease-like phenotype. In Mtm1 -/y mice, K562E mutant markedly improved muscle force, mass, and fiber size, while others failed to rescue. Therefore, we generated Mtm1 -/y Dnm2 K562E/+ mice, which showed full rescue of survival, motor function, and muscle force, with improved muscle mass, fiber size, and organelle positioning despite persistently elevated DNM2 levels. This study reveals that DNM2 lipid binding, not protein abundance or GTPase activity, drives pathology, and represents the most rational therapeutic target for DNM2 therapy in MTM1-CNM. (10.1172/jci.insight.204423)
DOI : 10.1172/jci.insight.204423
Beyond Geometrical Symmetry: Revealing Near-Field Optical Chirality on Achiral Gold Nanoparticles under Linear Polarization Excitation
- Chen Minyu
- Aoudjit Thinhinane
- Deng Baozhong
- Zhao Yuqing
- Issa Ali
- Marguet Sylvie
- Gérard Davy
- Besteiro Lucas V
- Giráldez-Martínez Jesús
- Jradi Safi
- Wei Bin
- Govorov Alexander
- Xu Tao
- Bachelot Renaud
ACS Nano, American Chemical Society , 2026, 20, pp.12372 - 12385 . Chirality plays a crucial role in the interactions between light and matter. While the majority of research has focused on the interaction of chiral structures with chiral light, recent studies have demonstrated that achiral plasmonic nanostructures can already exhibit chiral near fields under linearly polarized excitation. Building on this insight, we demonstrate that linearly polarized light alone can generate and control near-field chirality on geometrically achiral, C 3v -symmetric gold nanotriangles. We employ plasmon-assisted two-photon polymerization as a tip-free near-field recorder that converts transient near fields into permanent 3D polymer topographies. This approach directly imprints the optical near field into polymer structures, enabling direct readout of its evolution with incident polarization angle and wavelength. Planar (2D) symmetry breaking is quantified through the in-plane chirality factor V min , defined from the loss of mirror symmetry of the polymer with respect to the three mirror planes of the nanotriangle and evaluated from both SEM images and FDTD simulations. Near-field dissymmetry maps derived from simulations and AFM topographies further resolve the redistribution of chiral hot spots. By jointly tuning polarization and wavelength, we reveal a controllable transition between achiral and chiral polymer configurations correlated with the modal composition of the plasmonic response (dipolar versus edge-dominated higherorder modes). These results establish a practical route to engineer and permanently record polarization-tunable planar dissymmetry in achiral nanoantennas, with implications for chiral sensing, enantioselective photochemistry, and nanophotonic devices. (10.1021/acsnano.5c22237)
DOI : 10.1021/acsnano.5c22237
Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of lignocellulosic biomass: principles, applications, and related techniques
- Remy Noah
- Déjardin Annabelle
- Terryn Christine
- Paës Gabriel
Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/technology, Springer Verlag , 2026, 25 (2), pp.24 . Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable carbon source that could help replacing fossil carbon feedstocks which cause many ecological concerns. However, to improve its bioconversion, the complex microstructure and chemistry of biomass needs thorough characterization. Emerging techniques like Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy are particularly promising and this review aims to cover all aspects related to the use of lifetime microscopy for lignocellulosic biomass analysis. First, the mechanisms involved in fluorescence emission and atomistic properties influencing fluorescence lifetime are detailed. Then the three main instrumentations of lifetime microscopy are compared and the decay fitting function of fluorescence lifetime is presented. Numerous examples exposing the relevance of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for biomass analysis are provided. Lifetime microscopy allows for cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignins differential localization and syringyl / guaiacyl lignin ratio mapping. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy can also provide insights on the effects of pretreatment and hydrolysis on the microstructure and chemistry of lignocellulosic biomass. Additionally, lifetime microscopy can inform on growth conditions like geographical origin or reaction wood formation as a response to gravitropic perturbations. Also, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer, being able to explore lignocellulosic biomass’s interactions with molecular probes, can be based on fluorescence imaging as well. Finally, other fluorescence-lifetime-related techniques having the potential to be implemented on lignocellulosic biomass are discussed. (10.1007/s11157-026-09774-6)
DOI : 10.1007/s11157-026-09774-6
Biological Templates for Gold Nanocluster Assembly: Design and Biomedical Applications
- Ayed Zeineb
- Alhalabi Abdallah
- Gasparutto Didier
- Le Guével Xavier
Aggregate, Wiley , 2026, 7 (2) . Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) possess unique photophysical properties that make them excellent candidates for advanced bioimaging and single-particle detection. In this article, the self-assembly of highly emissive, positively charged nearinfrared- II AuNCs stabilized by cysteamine, directed by small interfering RNA (siRNA), is reported, which serves as both a structural and electrostatic modulator. The resulting supramolecular assemblies exhibit quasi-spherical morphologies around 100 nm in diameter, with outstanding colloidal stability, photostability, and enzymatic resistance. Their strong photoluminescence, extending up to 1400 nm, enables robust single-particle detection in solution. Spectroscopic and structural analyses—including fluorescence spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and single-particle tracking—highlight the pivotal role of siRNA in tuning the assembly process via charge balance and concentration- dependent interactions. Beyond providing insights into the structural and photophysical behavior of nucleic acid-guided AuNC assemblies, these results underscore their promise as multifunctional nanoplatforms for integrated imaging and gene-silencing therapies in biophotonic and theranostic applications. (10.1002/agt2.70261)
DOI : 10.1002/agt2.70261
Optimizing fertilizer use for sustainable crops with Agrivoltaics in Mediterranean climates
- Rapella Lia
- Viovy Nicolas
- Faranda Davide
- Drobinski Philippe
npj Sustainable Agriculture, Springer Nature , 2026, 4, pp.3 . Agrivoltaics (AV), a fast-growing technology integrating photovoltaic panels with agriculture, can offer the dual benefit of clean energy and crop yield gains, especially in the Mediterranean basin. However, its interaction with fertilizers -key for crops productivity but major contributors to environmental degradation- remains unexplored. This study applies a regional AV model over the Iberian Peninsula (1991–2020) using the ORCHIDEE land surface model to assess AV under varying synthetic fertilizers scenarios. We examine its effects on crop productivity, nitrogen and water use efficiency, and fertilizer-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Results show that AV can enhance productivity and reduce environmental costs, particularly in water-scarce conditions. However, trade-offs arise at critical fertilizer levels varying by crop type and climate. A region-specific strategy that considers climate, crop responses, and environmental impacts is essential to optimize AV sustainability potential. (10.1038/s44264-025-00112-x)
DOI : 10.1038/s44264-025-00112-x
Ni-NbOx Bifunctional Catalysts for Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of m-Cresol to Toluene
- Abreu Teles Camila
- Ciotonea Carmen
- Palacio Ruben
- Lopez Diana
- Royer Sébastien
- Richard Frédéric
Molecular Catalysis, Elsevier [2017, vol. 427-....] , 2026, 588, pp.115516 . The catalytic performances of a series of Ni supported on mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and niobia, as well as Ni-NbOx dispersed on SBA-15 were evaluated for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of m-cresol at 300 °C under atmospheric pressure. Under the reaction conditions, hydrogenation and C-C hydrogenolysis pathways yielding only oxygenated products dominated over the monometallic Ni catalyst. In contrast, the Direct DeOxygenation pathway (DDO) leading to toluene was significantly promoted when Ni was in contact with oxophilic NbOx surface. Tuning the Ni-Nb ratio on silica revealed a remarkable enhancement of the DDO rate constant. Indeed, the kinetic rate constant determined over 5Ni5Nb/SBA was about 11 times higher than that measured on the catalyst containing only the Ni phase. This enhanced performance can be attributed to the formation of well-dispersed Ni-NbOx interfacial sites, where the hydrogenation capability of Ni associate with the oxophilic character of Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺ species allowing to a more efficient activation of the C-O bonding and promoting the DDO reaction pathway. These results offer valuable insights for the rational design of selective catalysts for the transformation of lignin-derived bio-oils into aromatic hydrocarbons. (10.1016/j.mcat.2025.115516)
DOI : 10.1016/j.mcat.2025.115516
Tuning the Selectivity of Catalyst-free Methane Activation by Cavitation-driven Chemistry under Ambient Conditions
- Amaniampong Prince Nana
- Geindre Hugo
- Zhangyue Xie
- Zhao Jun
- Liu Wen
- Guégan Fréderic
Green Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry , 2026, 28 (36), pp.14565-14576 . The selective functionalization of methane under mild conditions remains limited by the inability to decouple C-H activation from overoxidation. Here we demonstrate that acoustic cavitation enables catalyst-free methane activation in water at ambient bulk temperature, with oxidation depth governed solely by the composition of the cavitating gas phase. Pure O2 drives complete oxidation to CO2, whereas Ar promotes non-oxidative pathways yielding H2 and C2 hydrocarbon. Strikingly, an Ar/O2 mixture suppresses total oxidation and enables selective formation of H2 and liquid-phase oxygenates, with formaldehyde as the dominant product. Isotope labeling, radical trapping, and molecular simulations reveal that methane activation is coupled to oxygen-derived radical availability, while rapid interfacial quenching stabilizes partially oxidized intermediates. These findings establish gas-phase composition as a process handle to control oxidation selectivity in cavitation-driven chemistry, providing a new framework for catalyst-free C1 functionalization. (10.1039/d6gc02990f)
DOI : 10.1039/d6gc02990f
Cerebellar activity is triggered by reach endpoint during learning of a complex locomotor task
- Andrianarivelo Andry
- Stein Heike
- Gabillet Jeremy
- Batifol Clarisse
- Jalil Abdelali
- Cayco Gajic N. Alex
- Graupner Michael
Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group , 2026, 17 (1), pp.8861 . Locomotion in complex environments requires precise timing and control of paw movements to adapt steps and coordinate limbs. The cerebellum is thought to support moment-to-moment prediction and correction of these movements, but how its cortical neurons encode paw dynamics during locomotion requiring step-speciﬁc adjustments remains unclear. We developed LocoReach, a task in which mice walk on a runged treadmill, requiring each step to reach for the next rung. With training, mice improved performance, showing fewer missteps, longer strides, and faster swings. Optogenetic disruption of cerebellar activity shortened swing duration, highlighting the online contribution of lobule simplex. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that molecular layer interneurons and Purkinje cells exhibited activity changes around swing-stance transitions, primarily for the ipsilateral paw but also across multiple paws. Notably, interneurons showed larger responses during longer strides acquired through learning. These ﬁndings indicate that cerebellar activity is precisely aligned to step-cycle events, supporting adaptive locomotor control. (10.1038/s41467-026-74823-1)
DOI : 10.1038/s41467-026-74823-1
Inducing in operando chloride ion filtration through an electrocatalytic film architecture integrated with ZIF-8 nanosheets En route to seawater electrolysis
- Harvey Catherine
- Delacroix Simon
- Marchat Clément
- Gacoin Thierry
- Tard Cédric
Electrochimica Acta, Elsevier , 2025, 544, pp.147664 . Ameliorating direct seawater electrolysis to produce green hydrogen requires an advancement in the conception of material designs and electrocatalytic film architectures. Indeed, to complement the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode, oxygen must be produced thanks to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Nevertheless, this kinetically slow reaction is in competition with the kinetically facile chlorine evolution reaction (CER). In this work, the entropic selectivity of the ZIF-8 MOF molecular sieving material and the high aspect ratio of a nanosheet morphology was probed to induce the in situ selective filtration of the undesired chloride ion towards the electrocatalyst surface, namely iridium nanoparticles interdispersed on Vulcan carbon. Cross-sectional analysis revealed a homogeneous dispersion of the nanosheets within the electrocatalytic film. This composite catalyst enabled a ~65 % drop in CER selectivity upon increasing the Zn/Ir molar ratio when evaluated at a disk current density of 3 mA/cm 2 at a chloride ion concentration of 10 mM. Further evaluating the CER selectivity at lower current densities along the disk indicated a near 95 % drop in CER selectivity at 500 mM chloride ion concentration, shown through rotating ring disk electrode experiments. A competitive absorbing mechanism was indicated and the unchanged kinetics of the CER suggests a decrease of the CER current due to an induced diffusional control. The development of a composite architecture enabling the in operando filtration of chloride ions seems promising towards producing hydrogen by direct seawater electrolysis. (10.1016/j.electacta.2025.147664)
DOI : 10.1016/j.electacta.2025.147664
Nexus approach to enhance water-energy-food security and ecosystems resilience under climate change in the Mediterranean
- Drobinski Philippe
- Rivera Ferre Marta
- Monem Mohamed Abdel
- Hatab Assem Abu
- Behnassi Mohamed
- Chfadi Tarik
- Cramer Wolfgang
- Debolini Marta
- Driouech Fatima
- El-Kenawy Ahmed
- García-Vila Margarita
- Guiot Joël
- Lamonaca Emilia
- López-I-Gelats Feliu
- Malek Žiga
- Papadopoulou Maria
- Santeramo Fabio
npj Climate Action, Springer Nature , 2025, 4 (1), pp.115 . The Mediterranean Basin, already a water-scarcity hotspot, faces intensifying droughts and warming that strain the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Climate impacts cascade across sectors, while siloed responses risk maladaptation. Nexus-based solutions—centred on water—can foster synergies and reduce trade-offs, with nature-based, socially inclusive, and clean energy strategies offering transformative potential. Yet governance, cooperation, and data gaps persist; closing these is vital to operationalize the nexus and advance regional sustainability. (10.1038/s44168-025-00308-4)
DOI : 10.1038/s44168-025-00308-4
Myomerger-derived peptide enhances skeletal muscle tropism and reduces liver transduction of lipid nanoparticles for gene delivery
- Ji Jacqueline
- Lipkow Eva
- Anton Nicolas
- Crucifix Corinne
- Eberling Pascal
- Laporte Jocelyn
Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids, Elsevier , 2025, 37 (1), pp.102785 . Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are emerging as nonviral vectors for gene therapy; yet, their strong liver tropism and lack of tissue specificity remain limiting. Here, we developed, through rational design, a skeletal muscle-targeted delivery platform by functionalizing LNPs with MyomP1, an extracellular conserved peptide derived from the muscle-specific fusogenic protein Myomerger. MyomP1-LNPs were engineered to encapsulate plasmid DNA or mRNA. In vitro, MyomP1 conjugation significantly increased transduction efficiency in murine and human myoblasts and myotubes. In vivo, MyomP1-LNPs significantly enhanced muscle transduction when delivering DNA cargo, strongly reduced liver accumulation following intramuscular and intravenous mRNA delivery, and attenuated local immune activation. This work demonstrates a ligand-guided strategy to overcome organ-specific barriers in nonviral gene transfer, with improved safety and specificity. It suggests that MyomP1-engineered LNPs hold strong potential to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with rare muscle diseases, offering a promising alternative to traditional viral gene therapy platforms. (10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102785)
DOI : 10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102785
Stress dependence of the chemical potential of lithium in a silicon electrode
- Le Anh Tuan
- Bruant Xavier
- Phung Ngoc Tram
- Ozanam Francois
- Rosso Michel
- Guin Laurent
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Elsevier , 2025 . We report operando measurements and concurrent modeling of the stress dependence of the chemical potential of lithium in a silicon electrode. An experimental study is carried out on hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films in which the electrode stress state is modified operando during electrochemical lithiation and delithiation by applying an external mechanical load. During galvanostatic cycling, the electrode is periodically subjected to a tensile strain, inducing stress variations that are reflected in voltage changes. The measured stress-induced voltage changes are interpreted using a well-established chemomechanical model of lithium insertion in silicon. Comparison of voltage measurements with model predictions allows us to determine the concentration-dependent Young's modulus (from 29 GPa to 26 GPa with increasing lithium content) and some of the viscoplastic parameters of lithiated silicon. The calibrated model shows good predictive capability when applied to lithiation cycles performed at a C-rate different from that of the calibration cycle. However, it shows limitations in explaining voltage changes under delithiation. These results show that thermodynamically-consistent chemomechanical models of lithiation not only adequately describe the effect of lithium insertion and deinsertion on stress, as already shown in the literature, but also capture the reverse effect of stress on lithium insertion. In this respect, this work opens up new perspectives for the quantitative validation and calibration of existing diffusion-deformation theories, notably by highlighting their possible limitations. (10.1016/j.jmps.2025.106421)
DOI : 10.1016/j.jmps.2025.106421
Brown adipose tissue activity impacts systemic lactate clearance in male mice
- Montané Rémi
- Jeanson Yannick
- Lagarde Damien
- Khoury Spiro
- Porcher-Bibes Léana
- Nakhle Jean
- Sallese Marie
- Parny Mélissa
- Raymond-Letron Isabelle
- Huard Emma
- de Souza Raphael Alves
- Galinier Anne
- Pellerin Luc
- Sore Anne‐karine Bouzier
- Pradère Jean‐philippe
- Moro Cédric
- Casteilla Louis
- Yart Armelle
- Dray Cédric
- Portais Jean‐charles
- Ader Isabelle
- Carriere Audrey
The Journal of Physiology, Wiley , 2025 . Non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is linked to metabolic health. Yet, how its activity states impact on systemic metabolism and in particular on lactate, a highly abundant metabolite increasingly recognized as a critical player in energy metabolism, remains unresolved. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of BAT activity on lactate metabolism at the whole organism level. To activate or inactivate non-shivering thermogenesis in BAT, we housed C57Bl6/J male mice at 4, 21 and 30°C and then conducted lactate tolerance tests. In mice exposed to cold exposure (4°C), systemic lactate clearance was elevated. In contrast, clearance of systemic lactate was poor in mice housed under thermoneutral conditions (30°C) that inactivate BAT thermogenesis, as well as in mice deficient for the mitochondrial uncoupling protein-1. To better understand lactate metabolic fate during the clearance phase, in vivo stable isotope tracing experiments with labelled 13C-lactate and analyses by mass spectrometry were performed. These experiments revealed that lactate contribution to gluconeogenesis was increased under cold exposure while its contribution to the tricarboxylic acid cycle was reduced in BAT under thermoneutrality. Remarkably, we also identified that lactate entered a pyruvate cycling process that was highly active in BAT, and repressed at thermoneutrality. Our study shows that inactivation of non-shivering thermogenesis decreased systemic lactate clearance, concomitantly with changes in metabolic fate of lactate in BAT and in gluconeogenic organs, in male mice. (10.1113/JP288871)
DOI : 10.1113/JP288871
Distinguishing carriers' and lattice's temperatures through photoluminescence analysis
- Vezin Thomas
- Zhu Xiangyu
- Salhani Chloe
- Bescond Marc
- Hirakawa Kazuhiko
- Suchet Daniel
Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, IOP Publishing [1989-....] , 2025 . We report the direct and independent measurement of the lattice and the electrons temperatures in a nanocooler device (asymmetric double-barrier semiconductor heterostructure) at different operating points. Both temperatures are estimated from photoluminescence measurements -the former through the shift of the absorptivity profile, the latter through the shape of the blackbody baseline. The device's cooling feature results from the thermionic extraction of electrons injected in a quantum well through an energy selective barrier. While electrons exhibit a spectacular cooling for resonant injection, the lattice temperature remains essentially unaffected, with a temperature decrease at the resolution limit. Further from resonance, both systems show an identical thermal behavior governed by Joule's heating. The similarities and discrepancies of the temperature profiles illustrate the complex thermal behavior of the system, epitomize the need of reliable thermometry method and showcase the ability of photoluminescence to do so. (10.1088/1361-648X/ae1178)
DOI : 10.1088/1361-648X/ae1178
Gold nanoparticles combined with ultrafine TiO 2 layer: a reliable probe for Raman thermometry
- Khitous Amine
- Molinaro Céline
- Rumyantseva Anna
- Kochtcheev Serguei
- Adam Pierre-Michel
- Bachelot Renaud
- Soppera Olivier
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry , 2025, 27 (38), pp.20817-20827 . Temperature determination methods in metal nanoparticles are essential for providing information on energy dissipation dynamics in such systems and for temperature-sensitive applications, hence the need for high-performance thermometry techniques is evident. In this study, we propose new efficient probes for Raman antiStokes-Stokes thermometry based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), prepared by thermal dewetting and controllably functionalized with a 2 nm TiO2 layer by the sol–gel method. AuNPs@TiO2 demonstrated good stability and a usable response over a temperature range from 25 °C to 240 °C generated by external thermal and thermoplasmonic heating of the sample. We validate the methodology by taking into account the spectral efficiency of the Raman spectrometer as well as the extinction properties of AuNPs@TiO2 in the calculations. This approach enables us to propose a reliable temperature measurement over two hundred degrees range. (10.1039/D5CP02372F)
DOI : 10.1039/D5CP02372F
Parallel evolution of salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions from Cape Verde Islands
- Martínez Rivas Félix
- Wozny Dorothee
- Xue Zeyun
- Gilbault Elodie
- Sapir Thomas
- Rouille Melissa
- Ricou Antony
- Medina Joaquín
- Noël Laurent
- Lauber Emmanuelle
- Voxeur Aline
- Mazier Marianne
- Loudet Olivier
- Clément Gilles
- Jiménez-Gómez Jose
Science Advances, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) , 2025, 11 (28) . Soil salinization poses a notable threat to agriculture. The Cape Verde Islands are located 600 km off the coast of Africa and are characterized by arid environments and high-salinity soils. Here, we find that Arabidopsis thaliana plants native to these islands accumulate glucuronyl-mannose that protects them from salt stress. We map the ability to produce this metabolite to an α glycosidase family 38 gene that we named GH38cv . Plants carrying mutant alleles of GH38cv do not present defects on growth, fitness, or biotic resistance under standard laboratory conditions but show better germination rates, longer roots, better hydric status, and higher fitness than nonmutated plants when exposed to salt stress. Notably, deleterious mutations in GH38cv have evolved independently on two separate islands within the Cape Verde archipelago, illustrating an example of parallel evolution for salt tolerance in this environment. Our findings reveal a knowledge-driven method to develop salt-resilient crops, which could be attractive to both conventional and organic agriculture. (10.1126/sciadv.adq8210)
DOI : 10.1126/sciadv.adq8210
Benzochalcogenodiazoles, Synthesis, and Applications in Medicinal Chemistry and Photomedicine
- Zheng Jean‐elie
- Franck Xavier
- Gallavardin Thibault
European Journal of Organic Chemistry, Wiley-VCH Verlag , 2025, 28 (23) . Benzochalcogenodiazoles (BXDs) (BOD: benzoxadiazole, BTD: benzothiadiazole, or BSD: benzoselenadiazole) are aromatic bicyclic compounds, containing chalcogen atoms, with applications ranging from material to medicinal chemistry. The recent developments in their preparation and functionalization are taking advantage of new methodologies such as CH activation and photocatalysis. After being almost restricted to organic semiconductor materials for optoelectronics applications, they are gaining more and more interest in medicinal chemistry as lipophilic aromatic fragments. Their unique optical properties make them attractive in biological imaging and in photomedicine, with emission up to the near‐infrared biological transparency window. The nature of the chalcogen atom influences their optical properties, with sulfur and selenium atoms favoring phototherapy over fluorescence. This review will not describe optoelectronic materials and fluorophores based on BXD but will focus on the preparation of BXD‐containing compounds, and their medicinal and photomedicinal applications. (10.1002/ejoc.202500228)
DOI : 10.1002/ejoc.202500228
Combining dynamin 2 myopathy and neuropathy mutations rescues both phenotypes
- Goret Marie
- Edelweiss Evelina
- Jehl Jérémy
- Reiss David
- Aguirre-Pineda Patricio
- Friant Sylvie
- Laporte Jocelyn
Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group , 2025, 16 (1), pp.4667 . Mutations within a single gene can lead to diverse human genetic diseases affecting highly specialized tissues. Notably, dominant mutations in the DNM2 gene, encoding the mechanoenzyme dynamin, lead to distinct neuromuscular disorders: centronuclear myopathy (CNM) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT). CNM is characterized by myofiber structural anomalies while CMT presents peripheral nerve defects, both culminating in muscle weakness and atrophy. Despite their shared genetic origin, the mechanisms driving these diseases remain elusive, and no cure is available. Here, we present in vitro assays underlining opposing effects of DNM2 mutations, gain-of-function in CNM and loss-of-function in CMT. In vivo, we explored the potential compensatory effects of CNM and CMT mutations by breeding Dnm2 S619L/+ CNM with Dnm2 K562E/+ CMT mouse models. Dnm2 S619L/K562E offspring exhibit strongly improved motor coordination and muscle strength and mass, compared to single-mutant littermates. Dnm2 S619L/K562E mice present normalized muscle structure and nerve fiber organization. This study reveals that two distinct disease-causing mutations within the DNM2 gene compensate each other in vivo, leading to corrections of most individual phenotypes. The inverse modulation of DNM2 activity emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy to address CNM and CMT diseases. (10.1038/s41467-025-59925-6)
DOI : 10.1038/s41467-025-59925-6
Coordination bonds as a tool for tuning photoconductance in nanostructured hybrid materials made of molecular antennas and metal nanoparticles
- Marchenko Nataliia
- Martin Deborah
- Pham Adeline
- Abid Seifallah
- Cretal Eva
- Ibarra Alfonso
- Lagarde Delphine
- Tassé Marine
- Bonvoisin Jacques
- Rapenne Gwénaël
- Grisolia Jérémie
- Kammerer Claire
- Tricard Simon
Materials Horizons, the Royal Society of Chemistry , 2025, 10 (12), pp.3429-3435 . The synthesis of robust, versatile materials in which electrical conduction is enhanced by light irradiation is of prime importance for fields as varied as photodetectors, photodiodes, solar cells and light sensors. Hybrid materials offer the advantage of combining the robustness of an inorganic building block with the adaptability of a molecular subunit. Herein, we demonstrate the importance of properly investigating the nature of the chemical interactions between the constituent elements in order to optimize photoconductance within hybrid materials. To this end, platinum nanoparticle self-assemblies are synthesized in solution, including a series of zinc-porphyrins differentially functionalized with pyridine moieties in the meso position. The presence of coordinating groups on the molecular entities drastically reinforced both the structural cohesion of the system and its photoconductive properties. (10.1039/D4MH01327A)
DOI : 10.1039/D4MH01327A
Aluminum surface lattice resonances for enhanced near-infrared performance in asymmetric environments
- Cheng Pascal
- Lau-Truong Stéphanie
- Gam-Derouich Sarra
- Bonnet Roméo
- Chevillot-Biraud Alexandre
- Braïk Macilia
- Mezeghrane Abdelaziz
- Belkhir Abderrahmane
- Li Shang
- Dewynter Manon
- Bachelot Renaud
- Baudrion Anne-Laure
- Félidj Nordin
Nanoscale, Royal Society of Chemistry , 2025, 17 (37), pp.21640-21648 . Aluminum (Al) is a cost-effective alternative to noble metals for plasmonics, particularly in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions. However, in the near-infrared (NIR) region, its performance is hindered by interband transitions (IBTs) at around 825 nm, leading to increased optical losses and broad resonances. Surface lattice resonances (SLRs) offer a promising solution by enhancing the plasmonic quality factor (Q-factor) through coherent coupling of localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes with Rayleigh anomalies. Although high-Q SLRs have been demonstrated in homogeneous environments, achieving similar enhancements in asymmetric media such as air remains a challenge. This study presents a novel approach for improving the Q factor of aluminum in air by utilizing SLRs in aluminum nanoparticle (NP) arrays fabricated via electron beam lithography (EBL) on a high refractive index indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The ITO substrate enhances long-range coupling between NPs, reinforcing coherent interactions. Using absorption micro-spectrometry and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, we demonstrate Q factors reaching 110 in air, significantly exceeding typical values in IR in an asymmetrical surrounding medium. Our results establish aluminum as a viable low-cost material for high-performance plasmonic applications in sensing, telecommunications, and optoelectronics. (10.1039/D5NR02363G)
DOI : 10.1039/D5NR02363G
Phototropin connects blue light perception to starch metabolism in green algae
- Yuan Yizhong
- Iannetta Anthony
- Kim Minjae
- Sadecki Patric
- Arend Marius
- Tsichla Angeliki
- Ruiz-Sola M. Águila
- Kepesidis Georgios
- Falconet Denis
- Thevenon Emmanuel
- Tardif Marianne
- Brugière Sabine
- Couté Yohann
- Kleman Jean Philippe
- Sizova Irina
- Schilling Marion
- Jouhet Juliette
- Hegemann Peter
- Li‐beisson Yonghua
- Nikoloski Zoran
- Bastien Olivier
- Hicks Leslie
- Petroutsos Dimitris
Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group , 2025, 16 (1), pp.2545 . In photosynthetic organisms light acts as an environmental signal to control their development and physiology, and as energy source to drive the conversion of CO 2 into carbohydrates used for growth or storage. The main storage carbohydrate in green algae is starch, which accumulates during the day and is broken down at night to meet cellular energy demands. The signalling role of light quality in the regulation of starch accumulation remains unexplored. Here, we report that in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii blue light perceived by the photoreceptor PHOTOTROPIN causes dephosphorylation of the PHOTOTROPIN-MEDIATED SIGNALLING KINASE 1 that then suppresses starch accumulation by inhibiting the expression of GLYCERALDEHYDE-3-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE. Our results provide an in-depth view of how photoreceptor-mediated signalling controls microalgal carbon metabolism. One-Sentence Summary Blue light perception by PHOTOTROPIN triggers kinase-mediated signaling to inhibit starch accumulation in the green alga Chlamydomonas . (10.1038/s41467-025-57809-3)
DOI : 10.1038/s41467-025-57809-3
Approaches for positioning the active medium in hybrid nanoplasmonics. Focus on plasmon-assisted photopolymerization
- Chen Minyu
- Marguet Sylvie
- Issa Ali
- Jradi Safi
- Couteau Christophe
- Fiorini-Debuisschert Céline
- Douillard Ludovic
- Soppera Olivier
- Ge Dandan
- Plain Jérôme
- Zhou Xuan
- Dang Cuong
- Béal Jérémie
- Kostcheev Sergei
- Déturche Régis
- Xu Tao
- Wei Bin
- Bachelot Renaud
ACS photonics, American Chemical Society , 2024, 11 (10), pp.3933−3953 . Over the past 20 years, hybrid plasmonics for nanoemitters of light or for nanoabsorbers, based on weak or strong coupling between metallic nanocavities and active media (emissive or absorbing entities), have given rise to important research efforts. One of the main current challenges is the control +of the nanoscale spatial distribution and associated symmetry of the active medium in the vicinity of the metallic nanoparticles. In this review, we first recall the main principles of weak and strong coupling by stressing the importance of controlling the spatial distribution of the active medium and present the main approaches developed for achieving this control. Nine different approaches are identified. We then focus our attention on one of them based on plasmonic photopolymerization and discuss the flexibility of this approach in terms of control of the spatial symmetry of the hybrid nanosystem metal−polymer nanoemitters and the resulting polarization dependence of the light emission. The different approaches are analyzed and compared with each other, and some future perspectives and challenges are finally discussed. (10.1021/acsphotonics.4c00868)
DOI : 10.1021/acsphotonics.4c00868