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Zannino L, Carelli M, Milanesi G, Croce AC, Biggiogera M, Confalonieri M. Histochemical and ultrastructural localization of triterpene saponins in Medicago truncatula. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:2143-2153. [PMID: 38706034 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In the Medicago genus, saponins are complex mixtures of triterpene pentacyclic glycosides extensively studied for their different and economically relevant biological and pharmaceutical properties. This research is aimed at determining for the first time the tissue and cellular localization of triterpene saponins in vegetative organs of Medicago truncatula, a model plant species for legumes, by histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that saponins are present mainly in the palisade mesophyll layer of leaves, whereas in stems they are mostly located in the primary phloem and the subepidermal cells of cortical parenchyma. In root tissue, saponins occur in the secondary phloem region. Transmission electron microscopy revealed prominent saponin accumulation within the leaf and stem chloroplasts, while in the roots the saponins are found in the vesicular structures. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy to localize M. truncatula saponins at tissue and cellular levels and provide important information for further studies on biosynthesis and regulation of valuable bioactive saponins on agronomic relevant Medicago spp., such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The Medicago genus represents a valuable rich source of saponins, one of the most interesting groups of secondary plant metabolites, which possess relevant biological and pharmacological properties. Plant tissue and cellular localization of saponins is of great importance to better understand their biological functions, biosynthetic pathway, and regulatory mechanisms. We elucidate the localization of saponins in Medicago truncatula with histochemical and transmission electron microscopy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Zannino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Carelli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture (CREA-ZA), Lodi, Italy
| | - Gloria Milanesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Cleta Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Confalonieri
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture (CREA-ZA), Lodi, Italy
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Kikowska M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Kucińska M, Murias M, Budzianowski J, Budzianowska A, Kaczmarek M, Kowalczyk M, Stochmal A, Thiem B. Saponin Fractions from Eryngium planum L. Induce Apoptosis in Ovarian SKOV-3 Cancer Cells. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2485. [PMID: 37447047 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
(1) The cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of different fractions as well as the pro-apoptotic activity of saponin fractions from Eryngium planum L. in SKOV-3 was investigated. (2) In screening studies, the cytotoxicity of six fractions on SKOV-3 was examined by LDH and SRB assays. The most active fractions-triterpenoid saponins-were selected for further investigation. To determine the mechanism of saponin fractions' cytotoxicity, their ability to induce apoptosis was examined via Annexin V assay. The effect of the saponin fractions on caspase 3 activity was measured using a Caspase 3 Assay Kit. The expression of 84 apoptosis-related genes was investigated in cancer cells exposed to saponin fractions from the roots. The radical scavenging capacity of different fractions was determined via DPPH assay. (3) The pronounced cytotoxic effects in SKOV-3 were demonstrated by saponin fractions from the leaves and roots. Those saponin fractions were chosen for further investigation. The treatment of cancer cell lines with saponins obtained from the roots provoked a significant increase in apoptotic cells. In the SKOV-3 cells, saponins caused upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes and a decrease in anti-apoptotic genes. The activation of caspase 3 was correlated with an increased DFFA expression level in the treated SKOV-3 cells. The most active fractions were phenolic acids from the shoots and roots. (4) To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate that the barrigenol-type triterpenoid saponin fraction from the roots of E. planum inhibits SKOV-3 cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, which may be regulated by the expression of genes mostly specific to a mitochondria-related pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Kikowska
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, 3 Rokietnicka St., 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Małgorzata Kucińska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Murias
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jaromir Budzianowski
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, 3 Rokietnicka St., 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Budzianowska
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, 3 Rokietnicka St., 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 5 Rokietnicka, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kowalczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, 10 Czartoryskich St., 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Anna Stochmal
- Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, 10 Czartoryskich St., 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Barbara Thiem
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, 3 Rokietnicka St., 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Confalonieri M, Carelli M, Gianoglio S, Moglia A, Biazzi E, Tava A. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Targeted Mutagenesis of CYP93E2 Modulates the Triterpene Saponin Biosynthesis in Medicago truncatula. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:690231. [PMID: 34381478 PMCID: PMC8350446 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.690231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In the Medicago genus, triterpene saponins are a group of bioactive compounds extensively studied for their different biological and pharmaceutical properties. In this work, the CRISPR/Cas9-based approach with two single-site guide RNAs was used in Medicago truncatula (barrel medic) to knock-out the CYP93E2 and CYP72A61 genes, which are responsible for the biosynthesis of soyasapogenol B, the most abundant soyasapogenol in Medicago spp. No transgenic plants carrying mutations in the target CYP72A61 gene were recovered while fifty-two putative CYP93E2 mutant plant lines were obtained following Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Among these, the fifty-one sequenced plant lines give an editing efficiency of 84%. Sequencing revealed that these lines had various mutation patterns at the target sites. Four T0 mutant plant lines were further selected and examined for their sapogenin content and plant growth performance under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that all tested CYP93E2 knock-out mutants did not produce soyasapogenols in the leaves, stems and roots, and diverted the metabolic flux toward the production of valuable hemolytic sapogenins. No adverse influence was observed on the plant morphological features of CYP93E2 mutants under greenhouse conditions. In addition, differential expression of saponin pathway genes was observed in CYP93E2 mutants in comparison to the control. Our results provide new and interesting insights into the application of CRISPR/Cas9 for metabolic engineering of high-value compounds of plant origin and will be useful to investigate the physiological functions of saponins in planta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Confalonieri
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Carelli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Lodi, Italy
| | - Silvia Gianoglio
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Plant Genetics and Breeding, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Moglia
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Plant Genetics and Breeding, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elisa Biazzi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Lodi, Italy
| | - Aldo Tava
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Lodi, Italy
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Biswas T, Dwivedi UN. Plant triterpenoid saponins: biosynthesis, in vitro production, and pharmacological relevance. PROTOPLASMA 2019; 256:1463-1486. [PMID: 31297656 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The saponins are a diverse class of natural products, with a broad scale distribution across different plant species. Chemically characterized as triterpenoid glycosides, they posses a 30C oxidosqualene precursor-based aglycone moiety (sapogenin), to which glycosyl residues are subsequently attached to yield the corresponding saponin. Based on the chemically distinct aglycone moieties, broadly, they are divided into triterpenoid saponins (dammaranes, ursanes, oleananes, lupanes, hopanes, etc.) and the sterol glycosides. This review aims to present in detail the biosynthesis patterns of the different aglycones from a common precursor and their glycosylation patterns to yield the functionally active glycoside. The review also presents recent advances in the pharmacological activities of these saponins, particularly as potent anti-neoplastic pharmacophores, antioxidants, or anti-viral/antibacterial agents. Since alternate production pedestals for these pharmacologically important triterpenes via cell and tissue cultures are an attractive option for their sustainable production, recent trends in the variety and scale of in vitro production of plant triterpenoids have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India
| | - Upendra N Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India.
- Institute for Development of Advanced Computing, ONGC Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India.
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Karakaş Ö. Effects of Methyl Jasmonate and Putrescine on Tryptanthrin and Indirubin Production in in vitro Cultures of Isatis demiriziana Mısırdalı. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SECONDARY METABOLITE 2019. [DOI: 10.21448/ijsm.521498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Grzywacz D, Paduszyńska M, Norkowska M, Kamysz W, Myszka H, Liberek B. N-Aminoacyl and N-hydroxyacyl derivatives of diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside: Synthesis, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:114923. [PMID: 31153729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside is a semisynthetic saponin with antimicrobial and antitumor activities. To search for more effective analogues, N-aminoacyl and N-hydroxyacyl derivatives of this saponin were synthesized conventionally and with microwave assistance, and tested against the human pathogenic fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. None of the tested compounds exhibit activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Almost all of the synthesized N-aminoacyl saponins exhibit antifungal activity and act effectively against Gram-positive bacteria, some better than the parent compound. The best acting saponins are the same size and possess sarcosine or l- or d-alanine attached to the parent glucosaminoside. Shorter and longer aminoacyl residues are less advantageous. d-Alanine derivative is the most effective against Gram positive bacteria. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicates that the free α-amino group in aminoacyl residue is necessary for antimicrobial activities of the tested saponins. (N-Acetyl)aminoacyl and N-hydroxyacyl analogs are inactive. Measurements of the hemolytic activities demonstrate that the best acting saponins are not toxic towards human red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Grzywacz
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Monika Norkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Henryk Myszka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Beata Liberek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
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Kim OT, Um Y, Jin ML, Kim JU, Hegebarth D, Busta L, Racovita RC, Jetter R. A Novel Multifunctional C-23 Oxidase, CYP714E19, is Involved in Asiaticoside Biosynthesis. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 59:1200-1213. [PMID: 29579306 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Centella asiatica is widely used as a medicinal plant due to accumulation of the ursane-type triterpene saponins asiaticoside and madecassoside. The molecular structure of both compounds suggests that they are biosynthesized from α-amyrin via three hydroxylations, and the respective Cyt P450-dependent monooxygenases (P450 enzymes) oxidizing the C-28 and C-2α positions have been reported. However, a third enzyme hydroxylating C-23 remained elusive. We previously identified 40,064 unique sequences in the transcriptome of C. asiatica elicited by methyl jasmonate, and among them we have now found 149 unigenes encoding putative P450 enzymes. In this set, 23 full-length cDNAs were recognized, 13 of which belonged to P450 subfamilies previously implicated in secondary metabolism. Four of these genes were highly expressed in response to jasmonate treatment, especially in leaves, in accordance with the accumulation patterns of asiaticoside. The functions of these candidate genes were tested using heterologous expression in yeast cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that yeast expressing only the oxidosqualene synthase CaDDS produced the asiaticoside precursor α-amyrin (along with its isomer β-amyrin), while yeast co-expressing CaDDS and CYP716A83 also contained ursolic acid along with oleanolic acid. This P450 enzyme thus acts as a multifunctional triterpenoid C-28 oxidase converting amyrins into corresponding triterpenoid acids. Finally, yeast strains co-expressing CaDDS, CYP716A83 and CYP714E19 produced hederagenin and 23-hydroxyursolic acid, showing that CYP714E19 is a multifunctional triterpenoid oxidase catalyzing the C-23 hydroxylation of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Overall, our results demonstrate that CaDDS, CYP716A83 and CYP714E19 are C. asiatica enzymes catalyzing consecutive steps in asiaticoside biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ok Tae Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, South Korea
| | - Yurry Um
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, South Korea
| | - Mei Lan Jin
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, South Korea
| | - Jang Uk Kim
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, South Korea
| | - Daniela Hegebarth
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Lucas Busta
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Radu C Racovita
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Reinhard Jetter
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada
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Ciura J, Szeliga M, Grzesik M, Tyrka M. Next-generation sequencing of representational difference analysis products for identification of genes involved in diosgenin biosynthesis in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). PLANTA 2017; 245:977-991. [PMID: 28161815 PMCID: PMC5393294 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Representational difference analysis of cDNA was performed and differential products were sequenced and annotated. Candidate genes involved in biosynthesis of diosgenin in fenugreek were identified. Detailed mechanism of diosgenin synthesis was proposed. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a valuable medicinal and crop plant. It belongs to Fabaceae family and has a unique potential to synthesize valuable steroidal saponins, e.g., diosgenin. Elicitation (methyl jasmonate) and precursor feeding (cholesterol and squalene) were used to enhance the content of sterols and steroidal sapogenins in in vitro grown plants for representational difference analysis of cDNA (cDNA-RDA). To identify candidate genes involved in diosgenin biosynthesis, differential, factor-specific libraries were subject to the next-generation sequencing. Approximately 9.9 million reads were obtained, trimmed, and assembled into 31,491 unigenes with an average length of 291 bp. Then, functional annotation and gene ontogeny enrichment analysis was performed by aligning all-unigenes with public databases. Within the transcripts related to sterol and steroidal saponin biosynthesis, we discovered novel candidate genes of diosgenin biosynthesis and validated their expression using quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Based on these findings, we supported the idea that diosgenin is biosynthesized from cycloartenol via cholesterol. This is the first report on the next-generation sequencing of cDNA-RDA products. Analysis of the transcriptomes enriched in low copy sequences contributed substantially to our understanding of the biochemical pathways of steroid synthesis in fenugreek.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Ciura
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szeliga
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Michalina Grzesik
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Mirosław Tyrka
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland.
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Sergeant CA, Africander D, Swart P, Swart AC. Sutherlandia frutescens modulates adrenal hormone biosynthesis, acts as a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) and displays anti-mineralocorticoid properties. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 202:290-301. [PMID: 28323049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sutherlandia frutescens is a traditional African medicinal plant used in the treatment of stress and anxiety, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. AIM OF STUDY The study aimed at linking anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties of S. frutescens to its influence on glucocorticoid biosynthesis and the inflammatory response via steroid receptor interaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The influence of S. frutescens extracts and sutherlandioside B (SUB),10 and 30µM, on key steroidogenic enzymes was assayed in COS-1 cells. Effects were also assayed on basal and stimulated hormone levels in the adrenal H295R cell model. Agonist activity for transactivation and transrepression of the extract and SUB with the glucocorticoid- (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was subsequently investigated. RESULTS Inhibitory effects of the extract towards progesterone conversion by CYP17A1 and CYP21A2 were significant. SUB inhibited CYP17A1 and 3β-HSD2, while not affecting CYP21A2. In H295R cells, SUB decreased cortisol and androgen precursors significantly. The extract decreased total steroid production (basal and stimulated) with cortisol and its precursor, deoxycortisol, together with mineralocorticoid metabolites significantly decreased under forskolin stimulated conditions. S. frutescens extracts and SUB repressed NF-κB-driven gene expression without activating GRE-driven gene expression and while neither activated MR mediated gene transcription, both antagonized the effects of aldosterone via the MR. CONCLUSION Data provide evidence linking anti-stress, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties of S. frutescens to inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes and modulation of adrenal hormone biosynthesis. Findings suggesting S. frutescens and SUB exhibit dissociated glucocorticoid characteristics underline potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of inflammation and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Sergeant
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - D Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - P Swart
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - A C Swart
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Jo HJ, Han JY, Hwang HS, Choi YE. β-Amyrin synthase (EsBAS) and β-amyrin 28-oxidase (CYP716A244) in oleanane-type triterpene saponin biosynthesis in Eleutherococcus senticosus. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2017; 135:53-63. [PMID: 28012567 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a woody medical shrub belonging to the Araliaceae family. E. senticosus contains various types of saponins, including oleanane, noroleanane, lupane, and 3,4-secolupane types, depending on the aglycone structure. Oleanane-type triterpenes are the major saponin components in E. senticosus. Two enzymes (β-amyrin synthase and β-amyrin 28-oxidase) are essential for oleanane-type saponin biosynthesis from 2,3-oxidosqualene. In the present study, two full-length cDNAs encoding EsBAS and CYP716A244 were isolated based on transcriptomics analysis of plant leaves. Both β-amyrin synthase (EsBAS) and β-amyrin 28-oxidase (CYP716A244), isolated from E. senticosus, were functionally characterised. β-amyrin production was confirmed by heterologous expression of the EsBAS gene in yeast and tobacco. Oleanolic acid production was confirmed by co-expression of both EsBAS and CYP716A244 in engineered yeast and transgenic tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jeong Jo
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Yeon Han
- Department of Forest Resources, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan-Su Hwang
- 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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Khandy MT, Titova MV, Konstantinova SV, Kochkin DV, Ivanov IM, Nosov AM. Formation of protodioscin and deltoside isomers in suspension cultures of Nepal yam (Dioscorea deltoidea Wall.) cells. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683816060077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Zhao YJ, Chen X, Zhang M, Su P, Liu YJ, Tong YR, Wang XJ, Huang LQ, Gao W. Molecular Cloning and Characterisation of Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase from Tripterygium wilfordii. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125415. [PMID: 25938487 PMCID: PMC4418688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesylpyrophosphate synthase (FPS) catalyzes the biosynthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), which is an important precursor of sesquiterpenoids such as artemisinin and wilfordine. In the present study, we report the molecular cloning and characterization of two full-length cDNAs encoding FPSs from Tripterygium wilfordii (TwFPSs). TwFPSs maintained their capability to synthesise FPP in vitro when purified as recombinant proteins from E. coli. Consistent with the endogenous role of FPS in FPP biosynthesis, TwFPSs were highly expressed in T. wilfordii roots, and were up-regulated upon methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. The global gene expression profiles suggested that the TwFPSs might play an important regulatory role interpenoid biosynthesis in T. wilfordii, laying the groundwork for the future study of the synthetic biology of natural terpene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jun Zhao
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (XC); (LH); (WG)
| | - Meng Zhang
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Su
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jia Liu
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ru Tong
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Juan Wang
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu-Qi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (XC); (LH); (WG)
| | - Wei Gao
- Capital Medical University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (XC); (LH); (WG)
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Brück T, Kourist R, Loll B. Production of Macrocyclic Sesqui- and Diterpenes in Heterologous Microbial Hosts: A Systems Approach to Harness Nature’s Molecular Diversity. ChemCatChem 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.201300733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Mora-Pale M, Sanchez-Rodriguez SP, Linhardt RJ, Dordick JS, Koffas MAG. Biochemical strategies for enhancing the in vivo production of natural products with pharmaceutical potential. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 25:86-94. [PMID: 24484885 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural products have been associated with significant health benefits in preventing and treating various chronic human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and pathogenic infections. However, the isolation, characterization and evaluation of natural products remain a challenge, mainly due to their limited bioavailability. Metabolic engineering and fermentation technology have emerged as alternative approaches for generating natural products under controlled conditions that can be optimized to maximize yields. Optimization of these processes includes the evaluation of factors such as host selection, product biosynthesis interaction with the cell's central metabolism, product degradation, and byproduct formation. This review summarizes the most recent biochemical strategies and advances in expanding and diversifying natural compounds as well as maximizing their production in microbial and plants cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Mora-Pale
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States
| | - Sandra P Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Material Science and Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States
| | - Mattheos A G Koffas
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States; Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8(th) Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States.
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Moses T, Pollier J, Thevelein JM, Goossens A. Bioengineering of plant (tri)terpenoids: from metabolic engineering of plants to synthetic biology in vivo and in vitro. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2013; 200:27-43. [PMID: 23668256 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Terpenoids constitute a large and diverse class of natural products that serve many functions in nature. Most of the tens of thousands of the discovered terpenoids are synthesized by plants, where they function as primary metabolites involved in growth and development, or as secondary metabolites that optimize the interaction between the plant and its environment. Several plant terpenoids are economically important molecules that serve many applications as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc. Major challenges for the commercialization of plant-derived terpenoids include their low production levels in planta and the continuous demand of industry for novel molecules with new or superior biological activities. Here, we highlight several synthetic biology methods to enhance and diversify the production of plant terpenoids, with a foresight towards triterpenoid engineering, the least engineered class of bioactive terpenoids. Increased or cheaper production of valuable triterpenoids may be obtained by 'classic' metabolic engineering of plants or by heterologous production of the compounds in other plants or microbes. Novel triterpenoid structures can be generated through combinatorial biosynthesis or directed enzyme evolution approaches. In its ultimate form, synthetic biology may lead to the production of large amounts of plant triterpenoids in in vitro systems or custom-designed artificial biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Moses
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, VIB, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001, Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001, Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Jacob Pollier
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Johan M Thevelein
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, VIB, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001, Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001, Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Alain Goossens
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, B-9052, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, B-9052, Gent, Belgium
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Mora-Pale M, Sanchez-Rodriguez SP, Linhardt RJ, Dordick JS, Koffas MAG. Metabolic engineering and in vitro biosynthesis of phytochemicals and non-natural analogues. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 210:10-24. [PMID: 23849109 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, natural products from plants and their non-natural derivatives have shown to be active against different types of chronic diseases. However, isolation of such natural products can be limited due to their low bioavailability, and environmental restrictions. To address these issues, in vivo and in vitro reconstruction of plant metabolic pathways and the metabolic engineering of microbes and plants have been used to generate libraries of compounds. Significant advances have been made through metabolic engineering of microbes and plant cells to generate a variety of compounds (e.g. isoprenoids, flavonoids, or stilbenes) using a diverse array of methods to optimize these processes (e.g. host selection, operational variables, precursor selection, gene modifications). These approaches have been used also to generate non-natural analogues with different bioactivities. In vitro biosynthesis allows the synthesis of intermediates as well as final products avoiding post-translational limitations. Moreover, this strategy allows the use of substrates and the production of metabolites that could be toxic for cells, or expand the biosynthesis into non-conventional media (e.g. organic solvents, supercritical fluids). A perspective is also provided on the challenges for generating novel chemical structures and the potential of combining metabolic engineering and in vitro biocatalysis to produce metabolites with more potent biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Mora-Pale
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, United States
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Abstract
This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids including squalene derivatives, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, cucurbitanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, onoceranes and saponins; 308 references are cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Hill
- School of Chemistry, Glasgow University, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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Han JY, Hwang HS, Choi SW, Kim HJ, Choi YE. Cytochrome P450 CYP716A53v2 Catalyzes the Formation of Protopanaxatriol from Protopanaxadiol During Ginsenoside Biosynthesis in Panax Ginseng. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 53:1535-45. [DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcs106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Bhat WW, Lattoo SK, Razdan S, Dhar N, Rana S, Dhar RS, Khan S, Vishwakarma RA. Molecular cloning, bacterial expression and promoter analysis of squalene synthase from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Gene 2012; 499:25-36. [PMID: 22425978 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is a rich repository of large number of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites known as withanolides. Though the plant has been well characterized in terms of phytochemical profiles as well as pharmaceutical activities, but there is sparse information about the genes responsible for biosynthesis of these compounds. In this study, we have cloned and characterized a gene encoding squalene synthase (EC 2.5.1.21) from a withaferin A rich variety of W. somnifera, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids. Squalene synthase catalyses dimerization of two farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) molecules into squalene, a key precursor for sterols and triterpenes. A full-length cDNA consisting of 1765 bp was isolated and contained a 1236 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 411 amino acids. Recombinant C-terminus truncated squalene synthase (WsSQS) was expressed in BL21 cells (Escherichia coli) with optimum expression induced with 1mM IPTG at 37°C after 1h. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that squalene synthase (WsSQS) expressed in all tested tissues including roots, stem and leaves with the highest level of expression in leaves. The promoter region of WsSQS isolated by genome walking presented several cis-acting elements in the promoter region. Biosynthesis of withanolides was up-regulated by different signalling components including methyl-jasmonate, salicylic acid and 2, 4-D, which was consistent with the predicted results of WsSQS promoter region. This work is the first report of cloning and expression of squalene synthase from W. somnifera and will be useful to understand the regulatory role of squalene synthase in the biosynthesis of withanolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Waheed Bhat
- Plant Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road, Jammu Tawi-180001, India
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Vranová E, Coman D, Gruissem W. Structure and dynamics of the isoprenoid pathway network. MOLECULAR PLANT 2012; 5:318-33. [PMID: 22442388 DOI: 10.1093/mp/sss015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Isoprenoids are functionally and structurally the most diverse group of plant metabolites reported to date. They can function as primary metabolites, participating in essential plant cellular processes, and as secondary metabolites, of which many have substantial commercial, pharmacological, and agricultural value. Isoprenoid end products participate in plants in a wide range of physiological processes acting in them both synergistically, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids during photosynthesis, or antagonistically, such as gibberellic acid and abscisic acid during seed germination. It is therefore expected that fluxes via isoprenoid metabolic network are tightly controlled both temporally and spatially, and that this control occurs at different levels of regulation and in an orchestrated manner over the entire isoprenoid metabolic network. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the topology of the plant isoprenoid pathway network and its regulation at the gene expression level following diverse stimuli. We conclude by discussing agronomical and biotechnological applications emerging from the plant isoprenoid metabolism and provide an outlook on future directions in the systems analysis of the plant isoprenoid pathway network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vranová
- Department of Biology, Plant Biotechnology, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Eswaranandam S, Salyer J, Chen P, Lee SO. Effect of elicitor spray at different reproductive stages on saponin content of soybean. J Food Sci 2012; 77:H81-6. [PMID: 22225473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02527.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial health effects of soybeans may be enhanced by increasing bioactive compounds including soyasaponins (ssp). The objective of this study is to elucidate the effect of elicitors sprayed on Ozark variety soybeans, on ssp content. Different concentrations of elicitors, ethyl acetate (EA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ), were sprayed at 4 different growth stages (1-bloom, 2-pod development, 3-seed development, and 4-seed maturity). Seeds were ground, defatted, ssp was extracted and identified and quantified with HPLC. Elicitor and growth stage had an effect on βg and βa contents of soybeans compared with control (P < 0.05). Elicitor had an effect on total ssp content (P < 0.001) and αg and γg content of soybeans compared with control (P < 0.05). Total ssp content of EA 0.05 M, MJ 0.001 M, and 0.005 M sprayed soybeans were higher than EA 0.001 M, which is higher than control (P < 0.05; 3.62, 3.56, 3.56, 3.29, and 2.98 μmol/g soybean, respectively). The overall effect of elicitor on total ssp content was not dependent on growth stage, however, elicitors sprayed at growth stages 1, 2, and 3 showed differences among elicitor applied soybeans. Elicitors applied at growth stage 4 did not have any effect on total ssp content compared to control. Elicitors EA 0.05 M, MJ 0.001, and 0.005 M can be applied on any growth stage to increase total saponin content of soybean variety Ozark. Higher saponin content may improve the beneficial health effects of soybean consumption.
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Han NR, Moon PD, Kim HM, Jeong HJ. Effect of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Life Sci 2012; 90:147-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Sui C, Zhang J, Wei J, Chen S, Li Y, Xu J, Jin Y, Xie C, Gao Z, Chen H, Yang C, Zhang Z, Xu Y. Transcriptome analysis of Bupleurum chinense focusing on genes involved in the biosynthesis of saikosaponins. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:539. [PMID: 22047182 PMCID: PMC3219613 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bupleurum chinense DC. is a widely used traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Saikosaponins are the major bioactive constituents of B. chinense, but relatively little is known about saikosaponin biosynthesis. The 454 pyrosequencing technology provides a promising opportunity for finding novel genes that participate in plant metabolism. Consequently, this technology may help to identify the candidate genes involved in the saikosaponin biosynthetic pathway. RESULTS One-quarter of the 454 pyrosequencing runs produced a total of 195, 088 high-quality reads, with an average read length of 356 bases (NCBI SRA accession SRA039388). A de novo assembly generated 24, 037 unique sequences (22, 748 contigs and 1, 289 singletons), 12, 649 (52.6%) of which were annotated against three public protein databases using a basic local alignment search tool (E-value ≤1e-10). All unique sequences were compared with NCBI expressed sequence tags (ESTs) (237) and encoding sequences (44) from the Bupleurum genus, and with a Sanger-sequenced EST dataset (3, 111). The 23, 173 (96.4%) unique sequences obtained in the present study represent novel Bupleurum genes. The ESTs of genes related to saikosaponin biosynthesis were found to encode known enzymes that catalyze the formation of the saikosaponin backbone; 246 cytochrome P450 (P450s) and 102 glycosyltransferases (GTs) unique sequences were also found in the 454 dataset. Full length cDNAs of 7 P450s and 7 uridine diphosphate GTs (UGTs) were verified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or by cloning using 5' and/or 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Two P450s and three UGTs were identified as the most likely candidates involved in saikosaponin biosynthesis. This finding was based on the coordinate up-regulation of their expression with β-AS in methyl jasmonate-treated adventitious roots and on their similar expression patterns with β-AS in various B. chinense tissues. CONCLUSIONS A collection of high-quality ESTs for B. chinense obtained by 454 pyrosequencing is provided here for the first time. These data should aid further research on the functional genomics of B. chinense and other Bupleurum species. The candidate genes for enzymes involved in saikosaponin biosynthesis, especially the P450s and UGTs, that were revealed provide a substantial foundation for follow-up research on the metabolism and regulation of the saikosaponins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Sui
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhe Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shilin Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiesen Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yue Jin
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Caixiang Xie
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhihui Gao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hongjiang Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chengmin Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanhong Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
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