Abscisic-acid-induced cellular apoptosis and differentiation in glioma via the retinoid acid signaling pathway

The mediating mechanism of Oct4 in the process of cleft palate induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenz-p-dioxin (TCDD) and all-trans retinoic acid

2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodiphenyl-p-dioxin (TCDD) and all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) have been shown to be inducers of cleft palate (CP). Relevant studies have shown that Oct transcription factor 4 (Oct4) can regulate the expression of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a target gene of TCDD, as well as influence the retinoic acid signaling pathway. However, the mechanism of Oct4 regulating the interaction between TCDD and atRA in CP pathogenesis remains unclear. In order to solve the above problems, mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells were used for further study. The results show that, TCDD and atRA induce a similar pattern of CP in vivo and significantly inhibit the proliferation of MEPM cells. In vitro, TCDD exposure led to up-regulation of AhR and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) expression and down-regulation of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) and retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RARA) expression in MEPM cells. In addition, atRA exposure resulted in decreased expression of AhR and CYP1A1, and increased protein levels of RARA and CRABP2. When Oct4 was overexpressed, the down-regulation of CRABP2 and RARA by TCDD and the down-regulation of AhR by RA were reversed. The cross results of mass spectrometry and Biogrid database show that HSP90AB1 can bind to Oct4 and AhR. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) results showed that Oct4 and CRABP2 were combined, which further suggested the mediating effects of Oct4 in CP development. In summary, we hypothesize that AhR-HSP90AB1-Oct4-CRABP2 axis may play the key role mediating the interaction between TCDD and atRA in CP pathogenesis.

Chemical compounds isolated from aerial parts of Bolanthus aziz-sancarii, a new species from Türkiye

Bolanthus aziz-sancarii identified in 2019 for the first time is an endemic species of Bolanthus genus belonging to Caryophyllaceae family. Ten compounds were isolated from aerial parts of the plant. The potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of all four phases (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) from the methanol extract of the plant were investigated. After considering the findings regarding both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, it was decided to investigate the phytochemical profile of the EtOAc layer of B. aziz-sancarii. An abscisic acid-type sesquiterpene glucoside and nine flavonoid derivatives were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the B. aziz-sancarii methanol extract through the use of column chromatography with silica gel.

Abscisic acid, an evolutionary conserved hormone: Biosynthesis, therapeutic and diagnostic applications in mammals

Abscisic acid (ABA), a phytohormone traditionally recognized for its role in plant stress responses, has recently emerged as a significant player in mammalian defense mechanisms. Like plants, various mammalian cell types synthesize ABA in response to specific health challenges, although the precise pathways remain not fully elucidated. ABA is associated with the regulation of inflammation and insulin signaling, prompting extensive research into its potential as a therapeutic agent for various diseases. ABA exerts its effects through its receptors, particularly PPAR-γ and LANCL-2, which serve as signaling hubs regulating numerous pathways. Through these interactions, ABA profoundly impacts mammalian health, and new ABA targets continue to be identified. Numerous studies in animal models demonstrate ABA's benefit in managing conditions such as neurological and psychiatric disorders, cancer, and malaria infections, all of which involve significant inflammatory dysregulation. In this manuscript we review the studies covering ABA synthesis and release in cell cultures, the signaling pathways regulated by ABA, and how these impact health in preclinical models. Furthermore, we highlight recent research suggesting that measuring ABA levels in human body fluids could serve as a useful biomarker for pathological conditions, providing insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy. This comprehensive review outlines the current understanding of ABA in mammalian pathophysiology, identifying gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning ABA biosynthesis and metabolism in mammals. In addition, this study emphasizes the need for clinical trials to validate the effectiveness of ABA-based therapies and its reliability as a biomarker for various diseases.

Identification of prognostic biomarkers related to retinoic acid metabolism in gliomas and analysis of their impact on the immune microenvironment

Glioma is a primary tumor of the central nervous system. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that retinoic acid (RA) signaling plays an important role in glioblastoma. This research aimed to develop a RA metabolism-related gene signature associated with glioma. The RA metabolism-related differentially expressed genes were obtained through differential analysis of RA metabolism-related genes in GSE4290. The univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis were adopted to build a RA metabolism-related glioma prognostic signature. We further conducted immune feature estimation and functional enrichment analysis between 2 risk subgroups. Finally, the potential drug-targeting prognostic genes were predicted through the DrugBank database. A sum of 10 RA metabolism-related differentially expressed genes between normal and tumor groups were identified. Then, a RA metabolism-related prognostic signature was built based on the 7 prognostic genes (ADH4, DHRS3, DHRS9, LRAT, RDH10, RDH12, and RDH5). Glioma patients were separated into 2 risk subgroups (low-risk vs high-risk) based on the median value of the risk score. We found that monocytes were negatively correlated with DHRS9, while activated naive CD4+T cell was positively correlated with RDH10. These prognostic genes participated in some immune-related processes, such as "B cell-mediated immunity." Finally, 4 drugs targeting DHRS3, LRAT, and RDH12 were predicted, including vitamin A, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, ethanol, and cyclohexylformamide. The prognostic signature comprised of ADH4, DHRS3, DHRS9, LRAT, RDH10, RDH12, and RDH5 based on RA metabolism was established, which provided a theoretical basis and reference value for the research of glioma.

Discovering novel targets of abscisic acid using computational approaches

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a crucial plant hormone that is naturally produced in various mammalian tissues and holds significant potential as a therapeutic molecule in humans. ABA is selected for this study due to its known roles in essential human metabolic processes, such as glucose homeostasis, immune responses, cardiovascular system, and inflammation regulation. Despite its known importance, the molecular mechanism underlying ABA's action remain largely unexplored. This study employed computational techniques to identify potential human ABA receptors. We screened 64 candidate molecules using online servers and performed molecular docking to assess binding affinity and interaction types with ABA. The stability and dynamics of the best complexes were investigated using molecular dynamics simulation over a 100 ns time period. Root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), root mean square deviation (RMSD), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), radius of gyration (Rg), free energy landscape (FEL), and principal component analysis (PCA) were analyzed. Next, the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method was employed to calculate the binding energies of the complexes based on the simulated data. Our study successfully pinpointed four key receptors responsible for ABA signaling (androgen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, and retinoic acid receptor beta) that have a strong affinity for binding with ABA and remained structurally stable throughout the simulations. The simulations with Hydralazine as an unrelated ligand were conducted to validate the specificity of the identified receptors for ABA. The findings of this study can contribute to further experimental validation and a better understanding of how ABA functions in humans.

The Contribution of Hippocampal All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) Deficiency to Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Overview of ATRA-Dependent Gene Expression in Post-Mortem Hippocampal Tissue

There is accumulating evidence that vitamin A (VA) deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of VA in the brain, serves distinct roles in the human hippocampus. Agonists of retinoic acid receptors (RAR), including ATRA, promote activation of the non-amyloidogenic pathway by enhancing expression of α-secretases, providing a mechanistic basis for delaying/preventing amyloid beta (Aβ) toxicity. However, whether ATRA is actually deficient in the hippocampi of patients with AD is not clear. Here, using a publicly available human transcriptomic dataset, we evaluated the extent to which ATRA-sensitive genes are dysregulated in hippocampal tissue from post-mortem AD brains, relative to age-matched controls. Consistent with ATRA deficiency, we found significant dysregulation of many ATRA-sensitive genes and significant upregulation of RAR co-repressors, supporting the idea of transcriptional repression of ATRA-mediated signaling. Consistent with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, Nrf2 and NfkB transcripts were upregulated, respectively. Interestingly, transcriptional targets of Nrf2 were not upregulated, accompanied by upregulation of several histone deacetylases. Overall, our investigation of ATRA-sensitive genes in the human hippocampus bolsters the scientific premise of ATRA depletion in AD and that epigenetic factors should be considered and addressed as part of VA supplementation.

Anti-liver fibrosis effects of the total flavonoids of litchi semen on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats associated with the upregulation of retinol metabolism

CONTEXT

The litchi semen are traditional medications for treating liver fibrosis (LF) in China. The mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the anti-liver fibrotic mechanism of the total flavonoids of litchi semen (TFL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced LF were treated with TFL (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The anti-liver fibrotic effects of TFL were evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were investigated via histopathological analysis, proteomic analysis and molecular biology technology.

RESULTS

Significant anti-LF effects were observed in the high-TFL-dose group (TFL-H, p < 0.05). Five hundred and eighty-five and 95 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the LF rat model (M group) and TFL-H group, respectively. The DEPs were significantly enriched in the retinol metabolism pathway (p < 0.0001). The content of 9-cis-retinoic acid (0.93 ± 0.13 vs. 0.66 ± 0.10, p < 0.05, vs. the M group) increased significantly in the TFL-H group. The upregulation of RXRα (0.50 ± 0.05 vs. 0.27 ± 0.13 protein, p < 0.05), ALDH2 (1.24 ± 0.09 vs. 1.04 ± 0.08 protein, p < 0.05), MMP3 (0.89 ± 0.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12 protein, p < 0.05), Aldh1a7 (0.20 ± 0.03 vs. 0.03 ± 0.00 mRNA, p < 0.05) and Aox3 (0.72 ± 0.14 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 mRNA, p < 0.05) after TFL treatment was verified.

CONCLUSIONS

TFL exhibited good anti-liver fibrotic effects, which may be related to the upregulation of the retinol metabolism pathway. TFL may be promising anti-LF agents with potential clinical application prospects.

Engineering a highly sensitive biosensor for abscisic acid in mammalian cells

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a signaling molecule conserved in plants, bacteria, fungi and animals. Recently, ABA has gained attention for its pharmacological activities and its potential as a biomarker for the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and glioma. This prompts the development of a reliable, sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective method to quantify ABA levels in mammalian cells and tissues. The previously described ABA biosensor system based on the ABA-dependent interaction between the plant ABA receptor PYL1 and co-receptor ABI1 is not sensitive enough for the low ABA levels seen in mammals. Therefore, we optimized this system by replacing PYL1 with other high-affinity plant PYL proteins. The optimized biosensor system engineered with the PYL8 receptor enabled the quantification of ABA at low concentrations in HEK293T cells.

The Biological Functions and Regulatory Mechanisms of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 in Various Diseases

In recent years, fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5), also known as fatty acid transporter, has been widely researched with the help of modern genetic technology. Emerging evidence suggests its critical role in regulating lipid transport, homeostasis, and metabolism. Its involvement in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as metabolic syndrome, skin diseases, cancer, and neurological diseases is the key to understanding the true nature of the protein. This makes FABP5 be a promising component for numerous clinical applications. This review has summarized the most recent advances in the research of FABP5 in modulating cellular processes, providing an in-depth analysis of the protein's biological properties, biological functions, and mechanisms involved in various diseases. In addition, we have discussed the possibility of using FABP5 as a new diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for human diseases, shedding light on challenges facing future research.

Abscisic Acid-Induced Autophagy Selectively via MAPK/JNK Signalling Pathway in Glioblastoma

As a widely known plant hormone, Abscisic acid plays an important role in the progress of planting cell and their stress response. Recently, we reported that ABA might play an anti-cancer role in glioma tissues. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of ABA anti-cancer was further explored in glioblastoma cells. By measuring LC3 puncta formation and conversion in glioblastoma cells, inhibiting the autophagic pathway, targeting the essential autophagic modulator beclin 1 with RNA interference, and analysing cellular morphology via transmission electron microscopy, we found that ABA-treated glioblastoma cells exhibited the features of autophagy. Specifically, ABA-induced autophagy in glioblastoma cells was mediated by the MAPK/JNK signalling pathway rather than the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. Moreover, the inhibition or knockdown of JNK specifically blocked ABA-induced autophagic cell death. ABA-induced autophagy was further confirmed in tumour-bearing mice and was accompanied by the inhibition of glioma growth in vivo. This report is the first to describe autophagy induced by ABA and mediated by the MAPK/JNK pathway in human cancer cells and tumour-bearing mice. These results may shed some light in new therapeutic strategies of glioma.

From carotenoid intake to carotenoid blood and tissue concentrations - implications for dietary intake recommendations

There is uncertainty regarding carotenoid intake recommendations, because positive and negative health effects have been found or are correlated with carotenoid intake and tissue levels (including blood, adipose tissue, and the macula), depending on the type of study (epidemiological vs intervention), the dose (physiological vs supraphysiological) and the matrix (foods vs supplements, isolated or used in combination). All these factors, combined with interindividual response variations (eg, depending on age, sex, disease state, genetic makeup), make the relationship between carotenoid intake and their blood/tissue concentrations often unclear and highly variable. Although blood total carotenoid concentrations <1000 nmol/L have been related to increased chronic disease risk, no dietary reference intakes (DRIs) exist. Although high total plasma/serum carotenoid concentrations of up to 7500 nmol/L are achievable after supplementation, a plateauing effect for higher doses and prolonged intake is apparent. In this review and position paper, the current knowledge on carotenoids in serum/plasma and tissues and their relationship to dietary intake and health status is summarized with the aim of proposing suggestions for a "normal," safe, and desirable range of concentrations that presumably are beneficial for health. Existing recommendations are likewise evaluated and practical dietary suggestions are included.

Casein kinase 1 (CK1) promotes the proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-matrix metalloproteinase 2 (AKT-MMP2) pathway

Background

Glioma is a type of tumor that usually occurs in the adult central nervous system. Protein kinases have become important targets for oncotherapy since they are closely correlated with signal transduction. The role of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) gene in glioma remains to be fully elucidated.

Methods

The mRNA and protein expression of CK1 were analyzed by Realtime PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The cell behavior was assayed by MTT, Transwell and cell scratch methods. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were performed by flow cytometer. Construction of stable cell line was completed by lentivirus infection. The nude mouse model was used for in vivo analysis on the role of CK1 by injecting the cells into subcutaneous tissue, tail vein and cerebral cortex. The prognostic role of CK1 in glioma was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.

Results

immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the expression of CK1 in glioma samples was correlated with the grade of glioma. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analysis by Cox regression indicated that CK1 could be used as an independent prognostic marker for glioma. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), transwell, and cell scratch assays demonstrated that the CK1 gene promoted cell proliferation and invasion through the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/matrix metalloproteinase 2 (AKT-MMP2) signaling pathway. In vivo experiments in mice also confirmed the ability of CK1 to enhance tumor proliferation and metastasis, with the metastatic site being the small intestine.

Conclusions

the expression of CK1 was correlated with glioma grade and patient survival and it may enhance glioma proliferation and metastasis via AKT-MMP2 pathway.

Phytohormones: structural and functional relationship to purine nucleotides and some pharmacologic agents

Structural components of second messenger signaling (nucleotides and associated enzyme systems) within plant and animal cells have more in common than the hormones that initiate metabolic and functional changes. Neurotransmitters and hormones of mammalian pharmacologic classes relate to purine nucleotides in respect of chemical structure and the molecular changes they initiate. This study compares the molecular structures of purine nucleotides with compounds from the abscisic acid, auxin, brassinosteroid, cytokinin, gibberellin, and jasmonate classes by means of a computational program. The results illustrate how phytohomones relate to each other through the structures of nucleotides and cyclic nucleotides. Molecular similarity within the phytohormone structures relates to synergism, antagonism and the modulation of nucleotide function that regulates germination and plant development. As with the molecular evolution of mammalian hormones, cell signaling and cross-talk within the phytohormone classes is purine nucleotide centered.

Abscisic acid regulates dormancy of prostate cancer disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow

Prostate cancer (PCa) commonly metastasizes to the bone where the cells frequently undergo dormancy. The escape of disseminated tumor cells from cellular dormancy is a major cause of recurrence in marrow. Abscisic acid (ABA), a phytohormone, is known to regulate dormancy of plant seeds and to regulate other stress responses in plants. Recently, ABA was found to be synthesized by mammals cells and has been linked to human disease. Yet the role of ABA in regulating tumor dormancy or reactivation is unknown. We found that ABA is produced by human marrow cells, and exogenous ABA inhibits PCa cell proliferation while increasing the expression of p27, p21, and p16 and decreasing the expression of the proliferation marker, Ki67. Further, ABA significantly increased the percentage of PCa cells in the G0 phase of the cell cycle as well as the duration the cells were arrested in G0. We found that ABA regulates an increase of PPARγ receptor expression and suppressed phosphorylation of mTOR/p70S6K signaling and resulting in the induction of the cellular dormancy. We then confirmed that ABA regulates G0 cell cycle arrest through PPARγ receptor signaling in vitro and under co-culture conditions with osteoblasts. Finally, we demonstrate that ABA regulates PCa dormancy in vivo following intratibial injection in an animal model. Together these data suggest that the ABA and PPARγ signaling pathways contribute to the establishment of PCa cellular dormancy in the bone marrow microenvironment. These findings may suggest critical pathways for targeting metastatic disease.

Phytohormones: Multifunctional nutraceuticals against metabolic syndrome and comorbid diseases

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the co-occurrence of diverse symptoms initiating the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and a variety of comorbid diseases. The complex constellation of numerous comorbidities makes it difficult to develop common therapeutic approaches that ameliorate these pathological features simultaneously. The plant hormones abscisic acid, salicylic acid, auxin, and cytokinins, have shown promising anti-inflammatory and pro-metabolic effects that could mitigate several disorders relevant to metabolic syndrome. Intriguingly, besides plants, human cells and gut microbes also endogenously produce these molecules, indicating a role in the complex interplay between inflammatory responses associated with metabolic syndrome, the gut microbiome, and nutrition. Here, we introduce how bioactive phytohormones can be generated endogenously and through the gut microbiome. These molecules subsequently influence immune responses and metabolism. We also elaborate on how phytohormones can beneficially modulate metabolic syndrome comorbidities, and propose them as nutraceuticals.

Is There A Role for Abscisic Acid, A Proven Anti-Inflammatory Agent, in the Treatment of Ischemic Retinopathies?

Ischemic retinopathies (IRs) are the main cause of severe visual impairment and sight loss, and are characterized by loss of blood vessels, accompanied by hypoxia, and neovascularization. Actual therapies, based on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) strategies, antioxidants or anti-inflammatory therapies are only partially effective or show some adverse side effects. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone present in vegetables and fruits that can be naturally supplied by the dietary intake and has been previously studied for its benefits to human health. It has been demonstrated that ABA plays a key role in glucose metabolism, inflammation, memory and tumor growth. This review focuses on a novel and promising role of ABA as a potential modulator of angiogenesis, oxidative status and inflammatory processes in the retina, which are the most predominant characteristics of the IRs. Thus, this nutraceutical compound might shed some light in new therapeutic strategies focused in the prevention or amelioration of IRs-derived pathologies.

Metabolic and lipidomic investigation of the antiproliferative effects of coronatine against human melanoma cells

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, with metastatic melanoma being refractory to currently available conventional therapies. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of coronatine (COR) on the proliferation of metastatic melanoma cells. COR inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells but negligibly affected the proliferation of normal melanocytes. Comparative metabolic and lipidomic profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and direct infusion-mass spectrometry was performed to investigate COR-induced metabolic changes. These analyses identified 33 metabolites and 82 lipids. Of these, the levels of lactic acid and glutamic acid, which are involved in energy metabolism, significantly decreased in COR-treated melanoma cells. Lipidomic profiling indicated that ceramide levels increased in COR-treated melanoma cells, suggesting that ceramides could function as a suppressor of cancer cell proliferation. In contrast, the levels of phosphatidylinositol (PI) species, including PI 16:0/18:0, 16:0/18:1, 18:0/18:0, and 18:0/18:1, which were found to be potential biomarkers of melanoma metastasis in our previous study, were lower in the COR-treated cells than in control cells. The findings of metabolomic and lipidomic profiling performed in the present study provide new insights on the anticancer mechanisms of COR and can be used to apply COR in cancer treatment.

Abscisic acid: new perspectives on an ancient universal stress signaling molecule

Few biological molecules have as far reaching and dynamic effects as abscisic acid (ABA). In this review, we draw together the often segregated fields of plant, animal, and human biology to highlight ABA biosynthesis, signaling and physiological effects with examples of host-pathogen interactions to emphasize the cross-kingdom biology of this ancient signaling molecule.

The Plant Hormone Abscisic Acid Is a Prosurvival Factor in Human and Murine Megakaryocytes

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone involved in pivotal physiological functions in higher plants. Recently, ABA has been proven to be also secreted and active in mammals, where it stimulates the activity of innate immune cells, mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, and insulin-releasing pancreatic β cells through a signaling pathway involving the second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR). In addition to behaving like an animal hormone, ABA also holds promise as a nutraceutical plant-derived compound in humans. Many biological functions of ABA in mammals are mediated by its binding to the LANCL-2 receptor protein. A putative binding of ABA to GRP78, a key regulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress, has also been proposed. Here we investigated the role of exogenous ABA in modulating thrombopoiesis, the process of platelet generation. Our results demonstrate that expression of both LANCL-2 and GRP78 is up-regulated during hematopoietic stem cell differentiation into mature megakaryocytes (Mks). Functional ABA receptors exist in mature Mks because ABA induces an intracellular Ca²⁺ increase ([Ca²⁺] _i ) through PKA activation and subsequent cADPR generation. In vitro exposure of human or murine hematopoietic progenitor cells to 10 μm ABA does not increase recombinant thrombopoietin (rTpo)-dependent Mk differentiation or platelet release. However, under conditions of cell stress induced by rTpo and serum deprivation, ABA stimulates, in a PKA- and cADPR-dependent fashion, the mitogen-activated kinase ERK 1/2, resulting in the modulation of lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family members, increased Mk survival, and higher rates of platelet production. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ABA is a prosurvival factor for Mks in a Tpo-independent manner.

Abscisic Acid as Pathogen Effector and Immune Regulator

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a sesquiterpene signaling molecule produced in all kingdoms of life. To date, the best known functions of ABA are derived from its role as a major phytohormone in plant abiotic stress resistance. Different organisms have developed different biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways related to ABA. Despite this, there are also intriguing common themes where ABA often suppresses host immune responses and is utilized by pathogens as an effector molecule. ABA also seems to play an important role in compatible mutualistic interactions such as mycorrhiza and rhizosphere bacteria with plants, and possibly also the animal gut microbiome. The frequent use of ABA in inter-species communication could be a possible reason for the wide distribution and re-invention of ABA as a signaling molecule in different organisms. In humans and animal models, it has been shown that ABA treatment or nutrient-derived ABA is beneficial in inflammatory diseases like colitis and type 2 diabetes, which confer potential to ABA as an interesting nutraceutical or pharmacognostic drug. The anti-inflammatory activity, cellular metabolic reprogramming, and other beneficial physiological and psychological effects of ABA treatment in humans and animal models has sparked an interest in this molecule and its signaling pathway as a novel pharmacological target. In contrast to plants, however, very little is known about the ABA biosynthesis and signaling in other organisms. Genes, tools and knowledge about ABA from plant sciences and studies of phytopathogenic fungi might benefit biomedical studies on the physiological role of endogenously generated ABA in humans.