Abstract: The stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly by promoting hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, which hinders cartilage regeneration and accelerates pathological ossification.This study aimed to investigate how substrate stiffness modulates hypertrophic chondrocyte behavior and whether it can reverse their phenotype towards a more stable, chondrogenic state. A series of tunable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates with stiffnesses ranging from 78 to 508 kPa were fabricated to simulate varying mechanical microenvironments. Hypertrophic chondrocytes were cultured on these substrates, and their morphology, nuclear architecture, gene/protein expression, and mechanotransductive signaling pathways were systematically evaluated. After 7 to 21 days of culture, chondrocytes on stiffer matrices exhibited enlarged nuclei, increased cytoskeletal tension, and enhanced focal adhesion signaling. This corresponded with upregulation of osteogenic and hypertrophic markers such as RUNX2, COL10A1, and COL1A1. In contrast, cells on softer substrates (78 kPa) displayed reduced nuclear YAP localization, higher levels of phosphorylated YAP, and significantly increased expression of COL2A1 and SOX9, indicating reversion to a chondrogenic phenotype. Furthermore, differential activation of Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3 pathways was observed depending on matrix stiffness, contributing to the phenotype shift. Matrix stiffness exerts a significant regulatory effect on hypertrophic chondrocytes via YAP-mediated mechanotransduction. Soft substrates promote phenotype reversion and cartilage-specific gene expression, offering a promising biomechanical strategy for cartilage tissue engineering and OA intervention.

Abstract: Food selection in primates is guided by a sensory evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of the foods. These properties vary with plant species, plant part, and plant maturity. Spider monkeys generally consume ripe fruits, but their diet also includes unripe fruits and young and mature leaves from a wide variety of plant species. We evaluated food selection in ten adult black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) living in a controlled environment in Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico). We used six plant species which are part of their natural diet and compared selection between ripe and unripe fruits and young and mature leaves, respectively, for the same plant species. We also analyzed the sucrose content, pH, size, and color of fruits and the color and size of leaves of each plant species. For fruit selection, our model showed that 75% of choices depended on an association between the plant species and the stage of maturity. In contrast, our model predicted 52% of the leaf selection, and monkeys considered both the stage of maturity and the plant species. Our results suggest that Ateles geoffroyi exhibit a more specific food selection for fruits than leaves, resulting in different food choices based on the physical and chemical properties of these food items.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Increasing evidences show lncRNAs as core regulators in the field of tumor progression with context-specific functions in oncogenic tumorigenesis. LINC01133, a lncRNA that has been capped both as oncogene and tumor suppressor, remains largely unexplored on its molecular mechanism. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic search of all cancer types regarding the structural and functional duality of LINC01133, uncovering pathways influenced and evaluating the mechanism of action as a potential therapeutic target or diagnostic biomarker. Methods: In silico analyses were performed to predict the conserved structural elements, variants inside internal loop of LINC01133 and its overall conservation among different vertebrate organisms. This systematic review of literature was compiled with respect to LINC01133 roles summarized from proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Results: LINC01133 harbors the evolutionarily conserved structural motifs that might allow for binding to relevant driver signaling pathways, substantiating its specific functionality. Its action goes beyond classical tumor mechanisms, acting on proliferation, migration, invasion and epigenetic pathways in different types of tumors, according to our in silico results and our narrative review of the literature. Clinical outcome associations indicated its potential as a biomarker. Conclusions: The bidirectional character for tumor biology of LINC01133 further demonstrates its prospective therapeutic value, but the exact mechanisms require further uncovering. Could be used in Cancer diagnostics and target specific therapies by combining omics data. This study establishes LINC01133 as a multifaceted lncRNA, advocating for context-specific strategies in targeting its pathways, and calls for expanded research to harness its full potential in oncology.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: With the rapidly aging global population, the incidence of sarcopenia is rising, making the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies critical. The present study aims to evaluate the effects and clinical efficacy of Myoki, a corn-derived peptide, using mouse-derived C2C12 myoblasts and an accelerated aging mouse model as well as a human clinical trial. Methods: In vitro, muscle atrophy was induced in C2C12 cells using 10 μM dexamethasone (DEX). Myoki was applied at concentrations up to 500 μM and its cytotoxicity was assessed via cell viability assays. Morphological changes were documented by microscopy, and the expression of muscle structural and differentiation proteins was measured using Western blot and qRT-PCR. The binding affinity between Myoki and myostatin was determined using surface plasmon resonance on a Biacore T200 system and validated by ELISA. For in vivo studies, 8-week-old male SAMP8 (accelerated aging) and SAMR1 mice were divided into three groups: SAMR1 control, SAMP8 negative control, and SAMP8 receiving Myoki. Muscle tissues were histologically examined to assess fiber density, thickness, and collagen deposition. In a clinical trial, 80 sarcopenic patients were randomly assigned to receive either Myoki combined with arginine and maltodextrin (100 mg) or the carrier alone for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by measuring muscle mass, 6‑meter walk test speed, hand grip strength, and serum levels of TNF‑α, estrogen, testosterone, IL‑6, IGF‑I, myoglobin, and AST. Results: Myoki showed no cytotoxicity up to 500 μM. In C2C12 cells, treatment with Myoki increased myofiber length in a dose- and time-dependent manner (up to 217.1%) and enhanced the expression of key muscle proteins (up to 818%). In the DEX-induced atrophy model, Myoki restored growth signaling and reduced expression of the atrophy markers MAFbx and MuRF1. SPR and ELISA confirmed a high binding affinity for myostatin. In SAMP8 mice, Myoki improved muscle fiber density and thickness while reducing collagen deposition. Clinically, patients treated with Myoki demonstrated significant improvements in muscle mass, walking speed, and hand grip strength, along with increased IGF‑I and myoglobin levels compared to controls. Conclusions: Myoki promotes myofiber growth and inhibits myostatin, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for combating sarcopenia.

Abstract: Mysticism has been an integral part of human society for ages. It involves both spirituality and religiosity. The former is associated with attaining higher states of consciousness without an essential belief in a supernatural power (or God), while the latter does. While there is plenty of speculative literature available on these topics, we instead focus on peer-reviewed scientific literature that is evidence-based. First, we briefly review technologies that can measure brain function. We make the case that concepts such as emotions and subjective experiences, which have long been considered outside the scope of objective scientific inquiry, are in fact amenable to objective scientific inquiry with technologies available today. To substantiate this point, we showcase scientific studies on spiritual aspects of mysticism such as meditation, mantra/chanting, and breath modulation. While we recognize that much of the research on these topics deal with their health benefits, we argue that associated brain changes are also conducive for attaining higher states of consciousness related to spirituality. Next, we present limited scientific literature on religiosity, dealing with its neural correlates, evolutionary biological origin, and usefulness for mental health. We close by arguing that the brain basis of mysticism cannot be seen in isolation from the body since these entities are intimately connected. We propose that future research should look at brain-body interactions and associated markers of mysticism using latest technologies.

Abstract: A single paragraph of about 200 words maximum. For research articles, abstracts should give a pertinent overview of the work. We strongly encourage authors to use the following style of structured abstracts, but without headings: (1) Background: Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study; (2) Methods: briefly describe the main methods or treatments applied; (3) Results: summarize the article’s main findings; (4) Conclusions: indicate the main conclusions or interpretations. The abstract should be an objective representation of the article and it must not contain results that are not presented and substantiated in the main text and should not exaggerate the main conclusions.

Abstract: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of narasin inclusion on the growth performance of grazing beef cattle under the same availability and quality forage conditions. All three experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design according to the initial BW of each experiment. Exp 1: Two hundred Nellore calves were allocated in three treatments: 1) CONT: mineral supplement; 2) 1400N: inclusion of 1400 mg of narasin/kg of supplement; and 3) 2100N: inclusion of 2100 mg of narasin/kg of supplement. Narasin inclusion increased (P ≤ 0.01) ADG and final BW, with no effect (P ≥ 0.50) between doses of narasin supplementation. Exp 2: Two hundred and forty Nellore calves were allocated into two treatments: CONT and N1400. The inclusion of narasin increased (P ≤ 0.01) cattle ADG and final BW. Exp 3: One hundred and fifty Nellore yearlings were allocated in two treatments: 1) PROT: protein supplement, and 2) PROT250: inclusion of 250 mg of narasin/kg of supplement. The inclusion of narasin in the protein supplement increased (P ≤ 0.04) cattle ADG and final BW. In conclusion, the inclusion of narasin in mineral and protein supplements increased the growth performance of cattle on tropical pastures without changing supplement intake.

Abstract: The accelerated increase of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is one of the most alarming problems at the present. It might be expected that this increment can generate slight modifications in intracellular CO2. The aim of this work was to understand if the concentration of CO2 can generate a modification to the oxidative damage generated by ciprofloxacin (CIP) in Escherichia coli, to evaluate their possible implications at the human health. To identify how the action of CIP was modified, it was determined the reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (RNS) species, at two different conditions of CO2. At the same time, the bacterial antioxidant response was studied. These assays showed that ROS formation had a diminution relative to atmospheric conditions (AC). RNS formation had an inverse trend to ROS generation showing an increase of RNS relative to AC. Under CO2 conditions, the activation of antioxidant defenses was less in superoxide dismutase, catalase and ferric reducing assay potency respect to AC; however, reduced glutathione had the opposite behavior. The activity of CIP against E. coli was reduced respect to AC. In conclusion, the amount of CO2 interferes with the action of CIP in bacterial cells, generating changes in the oxidative stress.

Abstract: Often, neoadjuvant therapy, which relies on the induction of double-strand breaks (DSBs), is used to shrink tumor by cell apoptosis, before surgery to trigger cancer cell apoptosis. However, recent studies have suggested that this treatment may also induce a fluctuating state between senescence and stemness in PA-1 embryonal carcinoma cells, potentially affecting therapeutic outcomes. Thus, the respective epigenetic pathways are up or downregulated over a time period of days. These fluctuations go hand in hand with changes in the spatial DNA organization. By means of Single Molecule Localization Microscopy in combination with mathematical evaluation tools for pointillist data sets, we investigated the organization of euchromatin and heterochromatin on the nano-scale on the third and fifth day after the etoposide treatment. Using fluorescently labeled antibodies against H3K9me3 (heterochromatin tri-methylation sites) and H3K4me3 (euchromatin tri-methylation sites), we found that the induction of DSBs led to de-condensation of heterochromatin and compaction of euchromatin, with a peak effect on day 3 after the treatment. On day 3 we also observed co-localization of euchromatin and heterochromatin marks which usually occur in exclusive low-overlapping network-like compartments. The evaluation of the SMLM data by topological tools (persistent homology and persistent imaging) and principal component analysis, as well as confocal microscopy analysis of H3K9me3 and H3K4me3 stained PA-1 cells supported the findings of distinct shifts in euchromatin and heterochromatin organization in a subpopulation of these cells during the days after the treatment. Furthermore, by means of flow cytometry, it was shown that the rearrangements in the chromatin organization coincided with simultaneous upregulation of OCT4A and SOX2, stemness promoters, and p21Cip1 and p27, senescence promoters. Our findings suggest potential applications in improving cancer therapy by inhibiting chromatin remodeling and thus preventing therapy-induced senescence.

Abstract: Hemi-boreal forests are subjected to increasing pressures from hotter and longer droughts followed by heatwaves over vegetation periods and warmer winters related to climate warming. Via physiological adjustments, they show different degrees of adaptation, resistance, and tolerance to their extremes, which can push forests beyond their resilience thresholds, especially at highly arid growing sites like Lithuania’s Curonian Spit which characterized by wind-made sandy dune. This study addresses the threshold of the adaptive capacity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) as the main species in hemi-boreal forest, to these meteorological extremes, what is critical for pine forest management at different growing conditions. Using stem sap flow and dendrometer measurements (2018–2024) at hourly scale, we assessed sap flow density, stem volume increment, and water use efficiency (WUE) over different period to detect key period most significant affecting their annual values. Multiple linear regression revealed that, during the vegetation period, elevated temperatures reduced WUE, whereas higher mean temperatures during the dormant period, combined with increased precipitation in the growing season, significantly enhanced stem volume increment and WUE in general, explaining up to 75% of their variation. When winter meteorological effects were excluded, the explained variation in stem volume increment and WUE decreased by nearly twofold, highlighting the critical role of dormant-season conditions in Scots pine resilience. The hypothesis about the heightened susceptibility of Scots pine to summer drought conditions after warm winters was rejected. These findings provide tools for risk assessment and environmental compliance control to evaluate Scots pine capacity to adapt to and mitigate new threats of climate change.

Abstract: In this in vitro study, we compared two clinical vaginal strains of C. albicans, a Colonizing strain from a healthy woman and a strain from a VVC patient, for their ability to activate the complosome and release anaphylatoxins in vaginal epithelial cells (VECs). The complosome controls different activities in innate immune cells and epithelial cells; however, its role in the response of VECs to Candida remains untested. Our results show that: i) both strains triggered cleavage of C3 into C3a and C3b within VECs, while infection with the Colonizing strain led to greater release of the anaphylatoxin C3a; ii) infection with the VVC isolate led to a strong reduction of both C5 and C5a in VECs, while no increase in C5a release was observed after infection with either strain; iii) Cathepsinfamily gene expression and Cathepsin D activity were reduced in VECs infected with the VVC strain, but not in those infected with the Colonizing strain; iv) infection with the Colonizing strain induced a significant increase in intracellular C5aR1 while intracellular C3aR levels remained unchanged. Collectively, our data suggests the propensity of VVC strain to inactivate the C5/C5aR1 axis and to reduce the C3/C3aR axis, dampening the activity of the complosome in VECs. These effects exerted by the VVC strain suggest a novel strategy of immune evasion by C. albicans and may open new perspectives to find new therapeutic targets against vaginal fungal infections.

Abstract: Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pss) is a Gram-negative bacterium native to the Americas and the causal agent of Stewart's disease in maize (Zea mays), which partic-ularly affects sweet corn. Although spread primarily by insect vectors such as the common corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema Pulicaria) in the United States, Pss has now been introduced globally, including regions in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe via the seed trade. Within the EU, it is a regulated quarantine pest. Although there have been detections in Italy since 2025, it is now considered eradicated. Surveillance and diagnostic efforts, supported by European and national projects such as Valitest, EURL-BAC and PROTEGGO, have focused on early detection and understanding of potential insect vectors. Recent studies in Italy have identified potential alternative vectors, including Phyllotreta spp. and the invasive Asian brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), the latter tested positive for Pss in PCR screenings, raising concerns due to its broad host range and global distribution. This information has prompted studies to verify the ability of Halyomorpha halys to vector Pss in order to assess the risk and prevent further spread of Pss in Europe. Studies have shown that in some cases the insect was able to take up the pathogen but was not able to transfer it to maize plants. Further studies should be conducted to verify whether other insects exist as potential vectors of Pss in Europe.

Abstract: 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly advanced cervicovaginal microbiome profiling, offering insights into the relationship between vaginal dysbiosis and HPV-associated carcinogenesis. However, reliance on a limited set of 16S hypervariable regions introduces inherent biases that impact results. This study developed standardized workflows for 16S/ITS NGS, with a focus on identifying methodological biases that influence microbial abundance and taxonomic specificity. Commercial NGS tools were employed, including the 16S/ITS QIAseq V1–V9 screening panel, ATCC vaginal microbial standard, and CLC Genomics Workbench integrated with a customized database (VAGIBIOTA) for analysis. The microbial communities of 66 cervical cytology samples were characterized. Among the regions tested, V3V4 exhibited the least quantitative bias, while V1V2 offered the highest specificity. Microbial profiles and Community State Types (CST) (I–V) were broadly consistent with prior studies, with Lactobacillus abundance clustering into three states: L.-dominant (CST I–III, V), L-diminished (CST IV-A), and L.-depleted (CST IV-B). Differential abundance analysis revealed that anaerobic opportunistic pathogens dominant in CST IV-B (dysbiosis) were also enriched in HSIL and HPV-16 positive samples. Our findings highlight the importance of standardizing workflows by incorporating the 16S/ITS screening panel for microbial community profiling and elucidating their contributions to HPV-associated carcinogenesis.

Abstract: A Gram-stain-positive, motile, aerobic, rod-shaped strain ES5-4T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Galinsoga parviflora growing in the selenium-rich ore area of Enshi, Hubei Province, China. This strain could grow at pH 5.0–10.0 and 4–42 °C, with optimal growth at pH 7.0 and 28 °C. It resisted NaCl up to 5% (w/v), with an optimal growth condition of 0.5–1.0%. It tolerated up to 5,000 mg/L of Se4+. The major fatty acids of strain ES5-4T were anteiso-C15:0 (46.5%) and C16:0 (21.7%). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified phospholipid (PL). The 16S rRNA gene sequence implied that ES5-4T belonged to a member of the genus Paenibacillus, with a highest sequence similarity of 98.4% to Paenibacillus pabuli NBRC 13638T. The bac120 tree also verified that the strain was within the genus Paenibacillus. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between ES5-4T and closely related members of the genus Paenibacillus were all below the cutoff levels of 95%–96% and 70%, respectively. Therefore, based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic analyses, strain ES5-4T represents a novel Paenibacillus species, for which the name Paenibacillus hubeiensis sp. nov. is proposed. This type strain is ES5-4T (= GDMCC 1.3540T = KCTC 43478T).

Abstract: Geminiviruses infect many crops and weeds globally, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions, where there are waves of epidemics mainly of the begomovirus group of these viruses. These begomovirus epidemics are frequently associated with three DNA satellites, betasatellites, alphasatellites, and deltasatellites. Except for the origin of replication, these satellites show no sequence identity with the helper begomovirus. Alphasatellites and betasatellites encode -Rep and βC1 proteins, respectively, while deltasatellites encode no proteins. The -Rep, which functions like the Rep of the helper begomoviruses, ensures alphasatellite replication autonomy while betasatellites and deltasatellites depend wholly on the helper virus for replication. The betasatellite βC1 protein is a pathogenicity determinant and suppressor of RNA silencing. The associations between satellites and helper viruses vary, depending on the virus and the host, and the roles of these satellites on disease development are an active area of investigation. This review highlights current information on the role of DNA satellites on begomovirus diseases and examines commonalities and differences between, and within these satellites under prevailing conditions. Furthermore, two episomes, SEGS-1 and SEGS-2, associated with cassava mosaic geminiviruses, and their possible status as DNA satellites are discussed. Taken together, DNA satellites are a major factor in begomovirus infections, which are a major constraint to crop production especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Thus, areas for future research efforts, as well as implications in the biotechnological management of these viruses, are discussed in this review.

Abstract: Military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan were exposed to emissions from open-air burn pits, where plastics, metals, and medical waste were incinerated. These exposures have been linked to deployment-related respiratory diseases (DRRD) and may also impact neurological health via the lung–brain axis. To investigate molecular mechanisms, adult male rats were exposed to filtered air, naphthalene (a representative volatile organic compound), or a combination of carbon black (surrogate for particulate matter) and naphthalene (CBN) via whole-body inhalation (six hours/day, three consecutive days). Lung, brain, and plasma samples were collected 24 hours after final exposure. Proinflammatory biomarkers were assessed using multiplex electrochemiluminescence and western blotting. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA sequencing, and elastic net modeling was used to define exposure-predictive gene signatures. CBN exposure altered inflammatory biomarkers across tissues, with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. In the lung, gene set enrichment revealed activated pathways related to proliferation and inflammation, while epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oxidative phosphorylation were suppressed. In the brain, EMT, inflammation, and senescence pathways were activated, while ribosomal function and oxidative metabolism were downregulated. Elastic net modeling identified a lung gene signature predictive of CBN exposure, including Kcnq3, Tgfbr1, and Tm4sf19. These findings demonstrate that inhalation of a surrogate burn pit mixture induces inflammatory and metabolic gene expression changes in both lung and brain tissues, supporting the utility of this animal model for understanding systemic effects of airborne military toxicants and for identifying potential biomarkers relevant to DRRD and Veteran health.

Abstract: The European Commission (COM) has proposed to exempt certain genetically modified plants generated with new genomic techniques (NGTs) from the current European regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In the suggested lex specialis so-called “category 1 NGT plants” (NGT1) are delineated from all other GMOs, as their genetic modifications are supposed to be equivalent to modifications found in nature or conventionally bred plants. Assuming a proportional risk potential, these NGT1 plants shall be marketed without any risk assessment. Here, we analyze the biological foundations of the proposal. We focus on the suggested equivalence criteria for NGT1 plants, which include thresholds for the size and number of genetic modifications per NGT1 plant. Our analysis shows that the constraints imposed by fundamental genetic principles are not adequately considered in the argumentation of the proposal. In this context, we discuss how genetic modifications in NGT1 plants can go beyond what can be achieved by conventional breeding techniques. Accordingly, the proposal would allow not only ”simple” NGT knockout mutants, but also complex genetic modifications, including de novo protein design and the use of artificial intelligence. We conclude that the approach of equating NGT applications with conventional breeding in such a general manner is invalid. The proposal does not consider the risk related intended and unintended effects on the phenotype. It is therefore neither scientifically justified nor suitable to adequately address potential risks of NGT plants.

Abstract: Treatment of the malignant diseases using oncolytic viruses (OVs) is currently considered as a promising therapeutic approach. Initial encouraging results fueled a large number of clinical trials, showcasing favorable safety profiles of OVs - but therapeutic outcomes remain far from perfect. Efficacy of systemically administered OVs is limited due to poor bioavailability, rapid immune clearance, and suboptimal biodistribution. Cell-based carriers that can shield viral particles and provide tumor-targeted OV delivery, represent one of the potential ways to address these challenges. Feasibility of this approach was demonstrated using a broad range of cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), different subsets of immune cells and cancer cell lines. The resulting spectrum of carriers can be viewed as a multifaceted tool, taking into account the specific properties, advantages, and limitations of each cell carrier type discussed in this review. Careful consideration of these features will provide the basis for successful development of cell-based OV delivery platforms.

Abstract: Two germplasm collections, comprising 1026 peach accessions located in Italy, were analyzed with 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. SSR reactions were performed using the multiplex-ready PCR protocol and 147 alleles were amplified with an average of 12 alleles per locus. BPPCT001 was the most informative marker displaying the highest discrimination power (0.734). The observed heterozygosity showed an average of 0.45 alleles per locus, lower than expected (0.61). The fixation index (F) values were positive in all loci, with an average of 0.27 alleles per locus, suggesting the presence of endogamy. The DNA fingerprinting data allowed the discrimination of 80.95% of the analyzed accessions. If we exclude known sport mutations, known synonymies and cultivars with the same pedigree, 161 accessions are mislabeled , with an error rate of 16.56% within or between collections. Population structure analysis showed three sub-populations: modern peach cultivars, modern nectarine cultivars and a third group mainly composed of traditional peach cultivars. The results obtained in this work will be useful to efficiently manage GenBanks, reducing unwanted redundancy, synonyms and homonyms, mislabeling and spelling errors as well as identifying parents in controlled crosses.

Abstract: The conservation of native poultry breeds plays a strategic role in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming systems. In Sicily, Italy, the Siciliana breed has long been officially recognised as an autochthonous chicken breed, while the Cornuta di Caltanissetta and Valplatani breeds have only recently received official recognition. Traditionally reared under semi-extensive systems, these three breeds may produce eggs with valuable nutritional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, mineral content, and nutritional indices of eggs from these breeds. A total of 170 eggs were collected from 11 farms across three Sicilian provinces. Proximate analysis, cholesterol content, ICP-MS mineral profiling, and GC-FID fatty acid quantification were conducted following ISO and AOAC standards. Cornuta eggs showed significantly higher lipid and cholesterol content, but also a more favourable fatty acid composition, with higher levels of oleic acid (C18:1n9), lower saturated fatty acids, and improved health-related indices. Sodium levels were significantly lower in Cornuta eggs. No significant differences were found for total polyunsaturated fatty acids or the peroxidation index. The nutritional profile of Cornuta eggs supports their valorisation as a functional food, contributing to both human health and genetic conservation. These findings underscore the value of Sicilian native breeds—particularly Cornuta—as a sustainable resource for poultry production and the preservation of local agrobiodiversity.