Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, and substantia nigra is primarily one of the damaged brain regions. Evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) is involved in the pathophysiology of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function of miR‐326 in PD through the JNK signaling pathway by targeting X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1). After liposome complexes were prepared, healthy male C57BL/6 mice were selected to construct a mouse model of PD. The targeting relationship between miR‐326 and XBP1 was confirmed. The expression of miR‐326 and XBP1 was measured in PD mice, and gain‐ and loss‐function assay was conducted to examine the regulatory effect of miR‐326 and XBP1 on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and autophagy of dopaminergic neurons of PD mice. Mice treated with miR‐326 mimic and siRNA‐XBP1 showed increased traction test scores, activation of autophagy, expression of LC3‐II, c‐Jun, and p‐α‐Syn, but diminished climbing time and expressions of iNOS, α‐Syn, and p‐c‐Jun. The siRNA‐XBP1 treatment could reverse the effect of miR‐326 inhibitor on PD mice. Overexpression of miR‐326 inhibits iNOS expression and promotes autophagy of dopaminergic neurons through JNK signaling by targeting XBP1.

Background and objectives Rice with very low amylose content tends to have a good taste, while germ‐remaining rice is nutritive because it retains nutrient‐rich embryos. We cultivated a batch of new germ‐remaining rice varieties with very low amylose content, and good nutrition and taste. We tested the differences in taste quality between superior and inferior grains. Findings The plumule ratio of superior grain was significantly higher than that of inferior grain. The elasticity of the surface layer and whole layer of superior grains was greatly reduced, whereas quality of balance (stickiness/hardness) and tackiness were increased. The proportion of apparent amylose content (AAC) and amylopectin long‐chain branching (Fb3) decreased, whereas the proportion of medium‐length branches (Fb1+2) increased significantly. Correlation analysis showed that small value of aspect ratio and low proportion Fb3, especially the former, can improve the quality of balance of rice. Moreover, plumule ratio showed a high correlation with grain shape and filling degree. Conclusions Therefore, for the specially developed rice, plumule ratio and edibility can be improved by promoting grain plumpness and weight ratio of the embryo, especially the inferior grain. Significance and novelty For rice taste improving, the contribution of grain filling was greater than that of chemical changes in the endosperm composition, and breeders should pay attention to grain shape improvement and filling to improve the taste of rice.