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Mierziak J, Wojtasik W, Kulma A, Żuk M, Grajzer M, Boba A, Dymińska L, Hanuza J, Szperlik J, Szopa J. Overexpression of Bacterial Beta-Ketothiolase Improves Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Retting and Changes the Fibre Properties. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030437. [PMID: 36984877 PMCID: PMC10052753 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-ketothiolases are involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the metabolism of hormones, benzenoids, and hydroxybutyrate. The expression of bacterial beta-ketothiolase in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) results in an increase in endogenous beta-ketothiolase mRNA levels and beta-hydroxybutyrate content. In the present work, the effect of overexpression of beta-ketothiolase on retting and stem and fibre composition of flax plants is presented. The content of the components was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and biochemical methods. Changes in the stem cell walls, especially in the lower lignin and pectin content, resulted in more efficient retting. The overexpression of beta-ketothiolase reduced the fatty acid and carotenoid contents in flax and affected the distribution of phenolic compounds between free and cell wall-bound components. The obtained fibres were characterized by a slightly lower content of phenolic compounds and changes in the composition of the cell wall. Based on the IR analysis, we concluded that the production of hydroxybutyrate reduced the cellulose crystallinity and led to the formation of shorter but more flexible cellulose chains, while not changing the content of the cell wall components. We speculate that the changes in chemical composition of the stems and fibres are the result of the regulatory properties of hydroxybutyrate. This provides us with a novel way to influence metabolic composition in agriculturally important crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mierziak
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Wroclaw University, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wioleta Wojtasik
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Wroclaw University, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Kulma
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Wroclaw University, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Żuk
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Wroclaw University, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Grajzer
- Department of Dietetics and Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Boba
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Sq. 24A, 50-363 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lucyna Dymińska
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Komandorska 118/120, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Hanuza
- Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Okólna 2, 50-422 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Szperlik
- Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Botanical Garden, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Sienkiewicza 23, 50-525 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jan Szopa
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Wroclaw University, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
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Gordon H, Fellenberg C, Lackus ND, Archinuk F, Sproule A, Nakamura Y, K�llner TG, Gershenzon J, Overy DP, Constabel CP. CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of UGT71L1 in poplar connects salicinoid and salicylic acid metabolism and alters growth and morphology. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:2925-2947. [PMID: 35532172 PMCID: PMC9338807 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Salicinoids are salicyl alcohol-containing phenolic glycosides with strong antiherbivore effects found only in poplars and willows. Their biosynthesis is poorly understood, but recently a UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase, UGT71L1, was shown to be required for salicinoid biosynthesis in poplar tissue cultures. UGT71L1 specifically glycosylates salicyl benzoate, a proposed salicinoid intermediate. Here, we analyzed transgenic CRISPR/Cas9-generated UGT71L1 knockout plants. Metabolomic analyses revealed substantial reductions in the major salicinoids, confirming the central role of the enzyme in salicinoid biosynthesis. Correspondingly, UGT71L1 knockouts were preferred to wild-type by white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) larvae in bioassays. Greenhouse-grown knockout plants showed substantial growth alterations, with decreased internode length and smaller serrated leaves. Reinserting a functional UGT71L1 gene in a transgenic rescue experiment demonstrated that these effects were due only to the loss of UGT71L1. The knockouts contained elevated salicylate (SA) and jasmonate (JA) concentrations, and also had enhanced expression of SA- and JA-related genes. SA is predicted to be released by UGT71L1 disruption, if salicyl salicylate is a pathway intermediate and UGT71L1 substrate. This idea was supported by showing that salicyl salicylate can be glucosylated by recombinant UGT71L1, providing a potential link of salicinoid metabolism to SA and growth impacts. Connecting this pathway with growth could imply that salicinoids are under additional evolutionary constraints beyond selective pressure by herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harley Gordon
- Department of Biology, Centre for Forest Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Christin Fellenberg
- Department of Biology, Centre for Forest Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Nathalie D Lackus
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Finn Archinuk
- Department of Biology, Centre for Forest Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Amanda Sproule
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Yoko Nakamura
- Department of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Tobias G K�llner
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - David P Overy
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
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Ullah C, Schmidt A, Reichelt M, Tsai CJ, Gershenzon J. Lack of antagonism between salicylic acid and jasmonate signalling pathways in poplar. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:701-717. [PMID: 35489087 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) often play distinct roles in plant defence against pathogens. Research from Arabidopsis thaliana has established that SA- and JA-mediated defences are more effective against biotrophs and necrotrophs, respectively. These two hormones often interact antagonistically in response to particular attackers, with the induction of one leading to suppression of the other. Here, we report a contrasting pattern in the woody perennial Populus: positive SA-JA interplay. Using genetically engineered high SA lines of black poplar and wild-type lines after exogenous hormone application, we quantified SA and JA metabolites, signalling gene transcripts, antifungal flavonoids and resistance to rust (Melampsora larici-populina). Salicylic acid and JA metabolites were induced concurrently upon rust infection in poplar genotypes with varying resistance levels. Analysis of SA-hyperaccumulating transgenic poplar lines showed increased jasmonate levels, elevated flavonoid content and enhanced rust resistance, but no discernible reduction in growth. Exogenous application of either SA or JA triggered the accumulation of the other hormone. Expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, frequently used as markers for SA signalling, was not correlated with SA content, but rather activated in proportion to pathogen infection. We conclude that SA and JA pathways interact positively in poplar resulting in the accumulation of flavonoid phytoalexins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhana Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Chung-Jui Tsai
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745, Jena, Germany
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Singh P, Preu L, Beuerle T, Kaufholdt D, Hänsch R, Beerhues L, Gaid M. A promiscuous coenzyme A ligase provides benzoyl-coenzyme A for xanthone biosynthesis in Hypericum. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 104:1472-1490. [PMID: 33031578 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Benzoic acid-derived compounds, such as polyprenylated benzophenones and xanthones, attract the interest of scientists due to challenging chemical structures and diverse biological activities. The genus Hypericum is of high medicinal value, as exemplified by H. perforatum. It is rich in benzophenone and xanthone derivatives, the biosynthesis of which requires the catalytic activity of benzoate-coenzyme A (benzoate-CoA) ligase (BZL), which activates benzoic acid to benzoyl-CoA. Despite remarkable research so far done on benzoic acid biosynthesis in planta, all previous structural studies of BZL genes and proteins are exclusively related to benzoate-degrading microorganisms. Here, a transcript for a plant acyl-activating enzyme (AAE) was cloned from xanthone-producing Hypericum calycinum cell cultures using transcriptomic resources. An increase in the HcAAE1 transcript level preceded xanthone accumulation after elicitor treatment, as previously observed with other pathway-related genes. Subcellular localization of reporter fusions revealed the dual localization of HcAAE1 to cytosol and peroxisomes owing to a type 2 peroxisomal targeting signal. This result suggests the generation of benzoyl-CoA in Hypericum by the CoA-dependent non-β-oxidative route. A luciferase-based substrate specificity assay and the kinetic characterization indicated that HcAAE1 exhibits promiscuous substrate preference, with benzoic acid being the sole aromatic substrate accepted. Unlike 4-coumarate-CoA ligase and cinnamate-CoA ligase enzymes, HcAAE1 did not accept 4-coumaric and cinnamic acids, respectively. The substrate preference was corroborated by in silico modeling, which indicated valid docking of both benzoic acid and its adenosine monophosphate intermediate in the HcAAE1/BZL active site cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Singh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Lutz Preu
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Till Beuerle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - David Kaufholdt
- Institute of Plant Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Humboldtstraße 1, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Robert Hänsch
- Institute of Plant Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Humboldtstraße 1, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP) - College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Chongqing, 400715, P.R. China
| | - Ludger Beerhues
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
- Centre of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35 A, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Mariam Gaid
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
- Centre of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35 A, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
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Yi S, Song X, Yu W, Zhang R, Wang W, Zhao Y, Han B, Gai Y. De novo assembly and Transcriptome Analysis of the Momordica charantia Seedlings Responding to methyl jasmonate using 454 pyrosequencing. Gene Expr Patterns 2020; 40:119160. [PMID: 33253895 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2020.119160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Momordica charantia, a medicinal and edible species of the Cucurbitaceae family, has been widely used as a vegetable around the world. Hundreds of pharmacological compounds isolated from the M. charantia have been reported. However, the mechanism of action of the secondary metabolites has not been fully elucidated. In this study, 118,590 unigenes were gained by de novo assembly based on the raw data from high-throughput sequencing of mRNA (RNA-Sequencing) upon systemic analysis, among which, 51,860 (43.73%) could be annotated to the public sequence databases such as Nr, GO, Swiss-Prot, KEGG and KOG. The transcriptomic changes of M. charantia seedlings treated with or without methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were analyzed to identify key genes involved in MeJA treatment. Additionally, 554 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 328 up-regulated ones and 226 down-regulated genes, have been identified. Most DEGs were associated with secondary metabolism and stress responses. Meanwhile, six DEGs were further confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, resulting in similar expression patterns as compared to those of RNA-Sequencing. Nine significantly enriched pathways including 11 DEGs were identified to be possibly involved in the MeJA-responsive biosynthesis of secondary metabolites based on the transcriptome sequencing analysis. Among them, 4 DEGs, encoding two peroxidases, one cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and one hypothetical protein Csa, might play important roles in the process of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In addition, 9 transcription factors (TFs) were also detected as DEGs from 1899 unigenes. Most of them up-regulated by MeJA treatment might be potentially involved in regulating secondary metabolites biosynthesis. This work is the first research on the large-scale assessment of M. charantia transcriptomic resources and the analysis of DEGs and TFs in secondary metabolites biosynthesis of M. charantia seedings treated with or without MeJA, which will be conducive to the further applications of M. charantia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyong Yi
- Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Xiangwen Song
- Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Wangyang Yu
- Anhui Qiansouyan Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Lu'an 237200, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Rongfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Yucheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Bangxing Han
- Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources, West Anhui University, Lu'an 237012, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Yanan Gai
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Han JY, Ahn CH, Adhikari PB, Kondeti S, Choi YE. Functional characterization of an oxidosqualene cyclase (PdFRS) encoding a monofunctional friedelin synthase in Populus davidiana. PLANTA 2019; 249:95-111. [PMID: 30145615 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-018-2985-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An oxidosqualene cyclase (PdFRS) from Populus davidiana was characterized as a monofunctional friedelin synthase by its heterologous expression in yeast and overexpression in plants. Triterpenes are one of the largest classes of plant chemical compounds composed of three terpene units, which form the basic skeleton of all sterols and saponins. Friedelin (friedelan-3-one), a pentacyclic triterpene, occurs in many plant families and is particularly present in rich amounts in cork tissues from trees. The biosynthesis of friedelin occurs through the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) enzyme that generates friedelin from 2,3-oxidosqualene after the maximum rearrangement of a triterpene skeleton. Populus davidiana is called Korean aspen and grows in northern East Asia. From 57,322 unique sequences generated from the P. davidiana transcriptome database, one complete coding sequence (PdFRS) was obtained from a contig, which showed 74% identity to Betula platyphylla β-amyrin synthase and 73% identity with friedelin synthase from Maytenus ilicifolia. The open reading frame (ORF) region of the PdFRS sequence was 2280 bp long and composed a 759 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 87.81 kDa. qPCR analysis revealed that methyl jasmonate treatments strongly upregulated PdFRS gene expression and resulted in enhanced friedelin accumulation in leaves. Heterologous expression of the PdFRS gene in yeast resulted in the production of friedelin triterpene as a single product, which was confirmed by comparison with the mass fragmentation pattern from an authentic friedelin standard by GC/MS analysis. Transgenic P. davidiana overexpressing the PdFRS gene was constructed via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Overexpression of PdFRS in transgenic P. davidiana lines resulted in enhanced friedelin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yeon Han
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ho Ahn
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Prakash Babu Adhikari
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Subramanyam Kondeti
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Eui Choi
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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Ullah C, Tsai C, Unsicker SB, Xue L, Reichelt M, Gershenzon J, Hammerbacher A. Salicylic acid activates poplar defense against the biotrophic rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina via increased biosynthesis of catechin and proanthocyanidins. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 221:960-975. [PMID: 30168132 PMCID: PMC6585937 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Poplar trees synthesize flavan-3-ols (catechin and proanthocyanidins) as a defense against foliar rust fungi, but the regulation of this defense response is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of hormones in regulating flavan-3-ol accumulation in poplar during rust infection. We profiled levels of defense hormones, signaling genes, and flavan-3-ol metabolites in black poplar leaves at different stages of rust infection. Hormone levels were manipulated by external sprays, genetic engineering, and drought to reveal their role in rust fungal defenses. Levels of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid increased in rust-infected leaves and activated downstream signaling, with SA levels correlating closely with those of flavan-3-ols. Pretreatment with the SA analog benzothiadiazole increased flavan-3-ol accumulation by activating the MYB-bHLH-WD40 complex and reduced rust proliferation. Furthermore, transgenic poplar lines overproducing SA exhibited higher amounts of flavan-3-ols constitutively via the same transcriptional activation mechanism. These findings suggest a strong association among SA, flavan-3-ol biosynthesis, and rust resistance in poplars. Abscisic acid also promoted poplar defense against rust infection, but likely through stomatal immunity independent of flavan-3-ols. Jasmonic acid did not confer any apparent defense responses to the fungal pathogen. We conclude that SA activates flavan-3-ol biosynthesis in poplar against rust infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhana Ullah
- Department of BiochemistryMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyHans‐Knöll‐Straße 807745JenaGermany
| | - Chung‐Jui Tsai
- School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesDepartment of GeneticsDepartment of Plant BiologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGA30602USA
| | - Sybille B. Unsicker
- Department of BiochemistryMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyHans‐Knöll‐Straße 807745JenaGermany
| | - Liangjiao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and BiotechnologyCo‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern ChinaCollege of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingJiangsu210037China
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of BiochemistryMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyHans‐Knöll‐Straße 807745JenaGermany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of BiochemistryMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyHans‐Knöll‐Straße 807745JenaGermany
| | - Almuth Hammerbacher
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology InstituteUniversity of PretoriaPrivate Bag X20Pretoria0028South Africa
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Ullah C, Unsicker SB, Reichelt M, Gershenzon J, Hammerbacher A. Accumulation of Catechin and Proanthocyanidins in Black Poplar Stems After Infection by Plectosphaerella populi: Hormonal Regulation, Biosynthesis and Antifungal Activity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1441. [PMID: 31803202 PMCID: PMC6873352 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Flavan-3-ols including the monomeric catechin and the polymeric proanthocyanidins (PAs) are abundant phenolic metabolites in poplar (Populus spp.) previously described to protect leaves against pathogen infection. However, it is not known whether stems are also defended in this way. Here we investigated flavan-3-ol accumulation, activity, and the regulation of formation in black poplar (P. nigra) stems after infection by a newly described fungal stem pathogen, Plectosphaerella populi, which forms canker-like lesions in stems. We showed that flavan-3-ol contents increased in P. populi-infected black poplar stems over the course of infection compared to non-infected controls. Transcripts of leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) and anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) genes involved in the last steps of flavan-3-ol biosynthesis were also upregulated upon fungal infection indicating de novo biosynthesis. Amending culture medium with catechin and PAs reduced the mycelial growth of P. populi, suggesting that these metabolites act as anti-pathogen defenses in poplar in vivo. Among the hormones, salicylic acid (SA) was higher in P. populi-infected tissues compared to the non-infected controls over the course of infection studied, while jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) levels were higher than controls only at the early stages of infection. Interestingly, cytokinins (CKs) were also upregulated in P. populi-infected stems. Poplar saplings treated with CK showed decreased levels of flavan-3-ols and SA in stems suggesting a negative association between CK and flavan-3-ol accumulation. Taken together, the sustained upregulation of SA in correlation with catechin and PA accumulation suggests that this is the dominant hormone inducing the formation of antifungal flavan-3-ols during P. populi infection of poplar stems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhana Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Chhana Ullah,
| | - Sybille B. Unsicker
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Almuth Hammerbacher
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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