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Wee SL, Tan SB, Tan SH, Lee BKB. Bud development, flower phenology and life history of holoparasitic Rafflesia cantleyi. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2024; 137:423-443. [PMID: 38353931 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-024-01522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite being the world's largest single-flower, Rafflesia's biology and life history are still poorly understood due to its cryptic growth strategy on Tetrastigma vines. Previous studies have been mostly short-term, contrary to Rafflesia's long development period before blooming. Bud development and flower phenology of R. cantleyi was studied in a dipterocarp forest in Lata Jarum, Peninsular Malaysia. Seven populations, consisting of 247 buds, were monitored fortnightly for 65 months in two discrete studies between 2009 and 2018. The bud size distribution of R. cantleyi is dynamic, progressively changing from small flower buds to larger buds before flowering. Buds < 5.0 cm across had the slowest growth and highest mortality rates, while those > 15.0 cm across demonstrated accelerated growth. The bud growth profiles of the same site clustered distinctively regardless of sex with successful blooming rate that varied greatly between sites, prompting speculation about their relatedness to the sites' physical attributes. We reported the first female-dominated population in Rafflesia's life history. Rafflesia cantleyi's blooming rate at Lata Jarum is moderate to high, with non-seasonal flowering phenology as evident by the lack of synchronisation and consistency between flowering and local rainfall patterns. Based on the field data of the present study and the published information of other Rafflesia species, R. cantleyi's life cycle was estimated between 4.0 and 5.3 years. Our findings further explain Rafflesia's biology and life history and highlight the gap in knowledge of the natural habitats on the endoparasite's growth and fate potentially for future conservation and study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Ling Wee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Shwu Bing Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sue Han Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Bernard Kok Bang Lee
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Guo X, Hu X, Li J, Shao B, Wang Y, Wang L, Li K, Lin D, Wang H, Gao Z, Jiao Y, Wen Y, Ji H, Ma C, Ge S, Jiang W, Jin X. The Sapria himalayana genome provides new insights into the lifestyle of endoparasitic plants. BMC Biol 2023; 21:134. [PMID: 37280593 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sapria himalayana (Rafflesiaceae) is an endoparasitic plant characterized by a greatly reduced vegetative body and giant flowers; however, the mechanisms underlying its special lifestyle and greatly altered plant form remain unknown. To illustrate the evolution and adaptation of S. himalayasna, we report its de novo assembled genome and key insights into the molecular basis of its floral development, flowering time, fatty acid biosynthesis, and defense responses. RESULTS The genome of S. himalayana is ~ 1.92 Gb with 13,670 protein-coding genes, indicating remarkable gene loss (~ 54%), especially genes involved in photosynthesis, plant body, nutrients, and defense response. Genes specifying floral organ identity and controlling organ size were identified in S. himalayana and Rafflesia cantleyi, and showed analogous spatiotemporal expression patterns in both plant species. Although the plastid genome had been lost, plastids likely biosynthesize essential fatty acids and amino acids (aromatic amino acids and lysine). A set of credible and functional horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events (involving genes and mRNAs) were identified in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of S. himalayana, most of which were under purifying selection. Convergent HGTs in Cuscuta, Orobanchaceae, and S. himalayana were mainly expressed at the parasite-host interface. Together, these results suggest that HGTs act as a bridge between the parasite and host, assisting the parasite in acquiring nutrients from the host. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into the flower development process and endoparasitic lifestyle of Rafflesiaceae plants. The amount of gene loss in S. himalayana is consistent with the degree of reduction in its body plan. HGT events are common among endoparasites and play an important role in their lifestyle adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Xiaodi Hu
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jianwu Li
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun Township, Mengla County, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Bingyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Long Wang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kui Li
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dongliang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Hanchen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yuannian Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yingying Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Hongyu Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Chongbo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Song Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Wenkai Jiang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Xiaohua Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Beijing, 100093, China.
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Molina J, Nikolic D, Jeevarathanam JR, Abzalimov R, Park EJ, Pedales R, Mojica ERE, Tandang D, McLaughlin W, Wallick K, Adams J, Novy A, Pell SK, van Breemen RB, Pezzuto JM. Living with a giant, flowering parasite: metabolic differences between Tetrastigma loheri Gagnep. (Vitaceae) shoots uninfected and infected with Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) and potential applications for propagation. PLANTA 2021; 255:4. [PMID: 34841446 PMCID: PMC8627921 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolites in Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma were compared which may have applications in Rafflesia propagation. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, here reported for the first time in Vitaceae, were abundant in non-infected shoots and may be a form of defense. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxylipins, which mediate immune response, were elevated. Endemic to the forests of Southeast Asia, Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a genus of holoparasitic plants producing the largest flowers in the world, yet completely dependent on its host, the tropical grape vine, Tetrastigma. Rafflesia species are threatened with extinction, making them an iconic symbol of plant conservation. Thus far, propagation has proved challenging, greatly decreasing efficacy of conservation efforts. This study compared the metabolites in the shoots of Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma loheri to examine how Rafflesia infection affects host metabolomics and elucidate the Rafflesia infection process. Results from LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis showed benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were naturally more abundant in non-infected shoots and are here reported for the first time in the genus Tetrastigma, and in the grape family, Vitaceae. These metabolites have been implicated in plant defense mechanisms and may prevent a Rafflesia infection. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxygenated fatty acids, or oxylipins, and a flavonoid, previously shown involved in plant immune response, were significantly elevated. This study provides a preliminary assessment of metabolites that differ between Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma hosts and may have applications in Rafflesia propagation to meet conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanmaire Molina
- Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Rinat Abzalimov
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Facility, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eun-Jung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ronniel Pedales
- Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Elmer-Rico E Mojica
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danilo Tandang
- Philippine National Herbarium (PNH), Botany Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Academia Sinica, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Kyle Wallick
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James Adams
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ari Novy
- San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, CA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan K Pell
- United States Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Richard B van Breemen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - John M Pezzuto
- College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA
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