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Strobbe S, Verstraete J, Fitzpatrick TB, Stove C, Van Der Straeten D. A protocol for a turbidimetric assay using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae thiamin biosynthesis mutant to estimate total vitamin B 1 content in plant tissue samples. PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:144. [PMID: 38093342 PMCID: PMC10717716 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding thiamin (thiamine; vitamin B1) metabolism in plants is crucial, as it impacts plant nutritional value as well as stress tolerance. Studies aimed at elucidating novel aspects of thiamin in plants rely on adequate assessment of thiamin content. Mass spectrometry-based methods provide reliable quantification of thiamin as well as closely related biomolecules. However, these techniques require expensive equipment and expertise. Microbiological turbidimetric assays can evaluate the presence of thiamin in a given sample, only requiring low-cost, standard lab equipment. Although these microbiological assays do not reach the accuracy provided by mass spectrometry-based methods, the ease with which they can be deployed in an inexpensive and high-throughput manner, makes them a favorable method in many circumstances. However, the thiamin research field could benefit from a detailed step-by-step protocol to perform such assays as well as a further assessment of its potential and limitations. RESULTS Here, we show that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae thiamin biosynthesis mutant thi6 is an ideal candidate to be implemented in a turbidimetric assay aimed at assessing the content of thiamin and its phosphorylated equivalents (total vitamer B1). An optimized protocol was generated, adapted from a previously established microbiological assay using the thi4 mutant. A step-by-step guidance for this protocol is presented. Furthermore, the applicability of the assay is illustrated by assessment of different samples, including plant as well as non-plant materials. In doing so, our work provides an extension of the applicability of the microbiological assay on top of providing important considerations upon implementing the protocol. CONCLUSIONS An inexpensive, user-friendly protocol, including step-by-step guidance, which allows adequate estimation of vitamer B1 content of samples, is provided. The method is well-suited to screen materials to identify altered vitamer B1 content, such as in metabolic engineering or screening of germplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Strobbe
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Verstraete
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Teresa B Fitzpatrick
- Vitamins and Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Quai E. Ansermet 30, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van Der Straeten
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Liu Z, Farkas P, Wang K, Kohli M, Fitzpatrick TB. B vitamin supply in plants and humans: the importance of vitamer homeostasis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:662-682. [PMID: 35673947 PMCID: PMC9544542 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble micronutrients that are required in all life forms. With the lack of biosynthetic pathways, humans depend on dietary uptake of these compounds, either directly or indirectly, from plant sources. B vitamins are frequently given little consideration beyond their role as enzyme accessory factors and are assumed not to limit metabolism. However, it should be recognized that each individual B vitamin is a family of compounds (vitamers), the regulation of which has dedicated pathways. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly evident that individual family members have physiological relevance and should not be sidelined. Here, we elaborate on the known forms of vitamins B1 , B6 and B9 , their distinct functions and importance to metabolism, in both human and plant health, and highlight the relevance of vitamer homeostasis. Research on B vitamin metabolism over the past several years indicates that not only the total level of vitamins but also the oft-neglected homeostasis of the various vitamers of each B vitamin is essential to human and plant health. We briefly discuss the potential of plant biology studies in supporting human health regarding these B vitamins as essential micronutrients. Based on the findings of the past few years we conclude that research should focus on the significance of vitamer homeostasis - at the organ, tissue and subcellular levels - which could improve the health of not only humans but also plants, benefiting from cross-disciplinary approaches and novel technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeguang Liu
- Vitamins and Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant BiologyUniversity of GenevaQuai Ernest‐Ansermet 30CH‐1211Geneva 4Switzerland
| | - Peter Farkas
- Vitamins and Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant BiologyUniversity of GenevaQuai Ernest‐Ansermet 30CH‐1211Geneva 4Switzerland
| | - Kai Wang
- Vitamins and Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant BiologyUniversity of GenevaQuai Ernest‐Ansermet 30CH‐1211Geneva 4Switzerland
| | - Morgan‐Océane Kohli
- Vitamins and Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant BiologyUniversity of GenevaQuai Ernest‐Ansermet 30CH‐1211Geneva 4Switzerland
| | - Teresa B. Fitzpatrick
- Vitamins and Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant BiologyUniversity of GenevaQuai Ernest‐Ansermet 30CH‐1211Geneva 4Switzerland
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Mangel N, Fudge JB, Gruissem W, Fitzpatrick TB, Vanderschuren H. Natural Variation in Vitamin B 1 and Vitamin B 6 Contents in Rice Germplasm. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:856880. [PMID: 35444674 PMCID: PMC9014206 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.856880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient dietary intake of micronutrients contributes to the onset of deficiencies termed hidden hunger-a global health problem affecting approximately 2 billion people. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) are essential micronutrients because of their roles as enzymatic cofactors in all organisms. Metabolic engineering attempts to biofortify rice endosperm-a poor source of several micronutrients leading to deficiencies when consumed monotonously-have led to only minimal improvements in vitamin B1 and B6 contents. To determine if rice germplasm could be exploited for biofortification of rice endosperm, we screened 59 genetically diverse accessions under greenhouse conditions for variation in vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 contents across three tissue types (leaves, unpolished and polished grain). Accessions from low, intermediate and high vitamin categories that had similar vitamin levels in two greenhouse experiments were chosen for in-depth vitamer profiling and selected biosynthesis gene expression analyses. Vitamin B1 and B6 contents in polished seeds varied almost 4-fold. Genes encoding select vitamin B1 and B6 biosynthesis de novo enzymes (THIC for vitamin B1, PDX1.3a-c and PDX2 for vitamin B6) were differentially expressed in leaves across accessions contrasting in their respective vitamin contents. These expression levels did not correlate with leaf and unpolished seed vitamin contents, except for THIC expression in leaves that was positively correlated with total vitamin B1 contents in polished seeds. This study expands our knowledge of diversity in micronutrient traits in rice germplasm and provides insights into the expression of genes for vitamin B1 and B6 biosynthesis in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Mangel
- Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jared B Fudge
- Vitamin & Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wilhelm Gruissem
- Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Teresa B Fitzpatrick
- Vitamin & Environmental Stress Responses in Plants, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Vanderschuren
- Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Plant Genetics Laboratory, TERRA Teaching and Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Université de Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
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Makarchikov AF, Kudyrka TG, Luchko TA, Yantsevich AV, Rusina IM, Makar AA, Kolas IK, Usanov SA. Synthesis, physico-chemical properties and effect of adenosine thiamine triphosphate on vitamin B 1 metabolism in the liver of alloxan diabetic rats. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130086. [PMID: 35016976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenosine thiamine triphosphate (AThTP) is a nucleotide discovered in bacteria and some other living organisms more than a decade ago. No biochemical function for AThTP has been established yet, however, experimental data available indicate its possible involvement in metabolic regulation or cell signaling. Metabolism of AThTP in mammals, as well as the feasibility of its pharmacological application, is essentially unstudied. METHODS Preparative low-pressure chromatography was employed to purify chemically synthesized AThTP with its further analysis by mass spectrometry, HPLC, UV and fluorescence spectroscopy. Enzyme activity assays along with HPLC were used to examine the effects of AThTP and thiamine on vitamin B1 metabolism in the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS An improved procedure for AThTP synthesis and purification is elaborated. Solution stability, optical spectral properties and the molar absorption coefficient for AThTP were determined. The levels of thiamine compounds were found to be increased in the liver of diabetic rats. Neither AThTP nor thiamine treatment affected hepatic vitamin B1 metabolism. Fasting blood glucose concentration was also unchangeable after AThTP or thiamine administration. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Contrast to the widespread view about thiamine deficiency in diabetes, our results clearly shows an adaptive increase in the level of B1 vitamers in the liver of alloxan diabetic rats with no further rising after AThTP or thiamine treatment at a moderate dose. Neither AThTP nor thiamine is effective in glycaemic control. These findings are to be considered in future studies dealing with thiamine or its analogues application to correct metabolic disturbances in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Makarchikov
- Grodno State Agrarian University, 28 Tereshkova St., Grodno 230008, Belarus; Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 50 BLK, Grodno 230030, Belarus.
| | - Tatsiana G Kudyrka
- Grodno State Agrarian University, 28 Tereshkova St., Grodno 230008, Belarus; Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 50 BLK, Grodno 230030, Belarus
| | - Tatyana A Luchko
- Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 50 BLK, Grodno 230030, Belarus
| | - Aliaksei V Yantsevich
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 5/2 Kuprevicha St., Minsk 220141, Belarus
| | - Iryna M Rusina
- Grodno State Agrarian University, 28 Tereshkova St., Grodno 230008, Belarus; Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 50 BLK, Grodno 230030, Belarus
| | - Alena A Makar
- Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 50 BLK, Grodno 230030, Belarus
| | - Iryna K Kolas
- Grodno State Agrarian University, 28 Tereshkova St., Grodno 230008, Belarus; Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 50 BLK, Grodno 230030, Belarus
| | - Sergey A Usanov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 5/2 Kuprevicha St., Minsk 220141, Belarus
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Bettendorff L. Update on Thiamine Triphosphorylated Derivatives and Metabolizing Enzymatic Complexes. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1645. [PMID: 34827643 PMCID: PMC8615392 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While the cellular functions of the coenzyme thiamine (vitamin B1) diphosphate (ThDP) are well characterized, the triphosphorylated thiamine derivatives, thiamine triphosphate (ThTP) and adenosine thiamine triphosphate (AThTP), still represent an intriguing mystery. They are present, generally in small amounts, in nearly all organisms, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. The synthesis of ThTP seems to require ATP synthase by a mechanism similar to ATP synthesis. In E. coli, ThTP is synthesized during amino acid starvation, while in plants, its synthesis is dependent on photosynthetic processes. In E. coli, ThTP synthesis probably requires oxidation of pyruvate and may play a role at the interface between energy and amino acid metabolism. In animal cells, no mechanism of regulation is known. Cytosolic ThTP levels are controlled by a highly specific cytosolic thiamine triphosphatase (ThTPase), coded by thtpa, and belonging to the ubiquitous family of the triphosphate tunnel metalloenzymes (TTMs). While members of this protein family are found in nearly all living organisms, where they bind organic and inorganic triphosphates, ThTPase activity seems to be restricted to animals. In mammals, THTPA is ubiquitously expressed with probable post-transcriptional regulation. Much less is known about the recently discovered AThTP. In E. coli, AThTP is synthesized by a high molecular weight protein complex from ThDP and ATP or ADP in response to energy stress. A better understanding of these two thiamine derivatives will require the use of transgenic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucien Bettendorff
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Strobbe S, Verstraete J, Stove C, Van Der Straeten D. Metabolic engineering provides insight into the regulation of thiamin biosynthesis in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:1832-1847. [PMID: 33944954 PMCID: PMC8331165 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Thiamin (or thiamine) is a water-soluble B-vitamin (B1), which is required, in the form of thiamin pyrophosphate, as an essential cofactor in crucial carbon metabolism reactions in all forms of life. To ensure adequate metabolic functioning, humans rely on a sufficient dietary supply of thiamin. Increasing thiamin levels in plants via metabolic engineering is a powerful strategy to alleviate vitamin B1 malnutrition and thus improve global human health. These engineering strategies rely on comprehensive knowledge of plant thiamin metabolism and its regulation. Here, multiple metabolic engineering strategies were examined in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This was achieved by constitutive overexpression of the three biosynthesis genes responsible for B1 synthesis, HMP-P synthase (THIC), HET-P synthase (THI1), and HMP-P kinase/TMP pyrophosphorylase (TH1), either separate or in combination. By monitoring the levels of thiamin, its phosphorylated entities, and its biosynthetic intermediates, we gained insight into the effect of either strategy on thiamin biosynthesis. Moreover, expression analysis of thiamin biosynthesis genes showed the plant's intriguing ability to respond to alterations in the pathway. Overall, we revealed the necessity to balance the pyrimidine and thiazole branches of thiamin biosynthesis and assessed its biosynthetic intermediates. Furthermore, the accumulation of nonphosphorylated intermediates demonstrated the inefficiency of endogenous thiamin salvage mechanisms. These results serve as guidelines in the development of novel thiamin metabolic engineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Strobbe
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Verstraete
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van Der Straeten
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Author for communication:
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Fitzpatrick TB, Chapman LM. The importance of thiamine (vitamin B 1) in plant health: From crop yield to biofortification. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:12002-12013. [PMID: 32554808 PMCID: PMC7443482 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.010918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ensuring that people have access to sufficient and nutritious food is necessary for a healthy life and the core tenet of food security. With the global population set to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, and the compounding effects of climate change, the planet is facing challenges that necessitate significant and rapid changes in agricultural practices. In the effort to provide food in terms of calories, the essential contribution of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to nutrition is often overlooked. Here, we focus on the importance of thiamine (vitamin B1) in plant health and discuss its impact on human health. Vitamin B1 is an essential dietary component, and deficiencies in this micronutrient underlie several diseases, notably nervous system disorders. The predominant source of dietary vitamin B1 is plant-based foods. Moreover, vitamin B1 is also vital for plants themselves, and its benefits in plant health have received less attention than in the human health sphere. In general, vitamin B1 is well-characterized for its role as a coenzyme in metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in energy production and central metabolism, including carbon assimilation and respiration. Vitamin B1 is also emerging as an important component of plant stress responses, and several noncoenzyme roles of this vitamin are being characterized. We summarize the importance of vitamin B1 in plants from the perspective of food security, including its roles in plant disease resistance, stress tolerance, and crop yield, and review the potential benefits of biofortification of crops with increased vitamin B1 content to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa B Fitzpatrick
- Department of Botany and Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Lottie M Chapman
- Department of Botany and Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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