Bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under the spotlight of NMR metabolomics

Chemical Profiling of Polar Lipids and the Polyphenolic Fraction of Commercial Italian Phaseolus Seeds by UHPLC-HRMS and Biological Evaluation

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the oldest food crops in the world. In this study, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polar lipid composition and polyphenolic fraction of five bean varieties commonly consumed in Italy: Cannellino (PVCA), Controne (PVCO), Borlotti (PVBO), Stregoni (PVST), and Vellutina (PVVE). Lipid content represents a minor fraction of the whole metabolome in dry beans, and little is known about their polar lipids, which could be potentially bioactive components. Thirty-three compounds were detected through UHPLC-MS/MS, including oxylipins, phospholipids, N-acyl glycerolipids, and several fatty acids. The dichloromethane extracts were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), with the results showing greater differentiation for the Borlotti variety. Moreover, 27 components belonging to different polyphenol classes, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, anthocyanins and their glycosides, and some saponins, were identified in the hydroalcoholic seed extracts. In addition, the mineral content of the beans was determined. Considering the high number of compounds in the five apolar seed extracts, all samples were examined to determine their in vitro inhibitory activity against the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is inducible in inflammatory cells and mediates inflammatory responses. Only PVCO showed the best inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme with an IC50 = 31.15 ± 2.16 µg/mL. In light of these results, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of PVCO were evaluated in the LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line J774A.1. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, that PVCO at 30 µg/mL can significantly reduce the release of TNF-α, with a less significant anti-inflammatory effect being observed in terms of IL-6 release.

Identification of mungbean yellow mosaic India virus and susceptibility-related metabolites in the apoplast of mung bean leaves

KEY MESSAGE

The investigation of MYMIV-infected mung bean leaf apoplast revealed viral genome presence, increased EVs secretion, and altered stress-related metabolite composition, providing comprehensive insights into plant-virus interactions. The apoplast, an extracellular space around plant cells, plays a vital role in plant-microbe interactions, influencing signaling, defense, and nutrient transport. While the involvement of apoplast and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in RNA virus infection is documented, the role of the apoplast in plant DNA viruses remains unclear. This study explores the apoplast's role in mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) infection. Our findings demonstrate the presence of MYMIV genomic components in apoplastic fluid, suggesting potential begomovirus cell-to-cell movement via the apoplast. Moreover, MYMIV infection induces increased EVs secretion into the apoplast. NMR-based metabolomics reveals altered metabolic profiles in both apoplast and symplast in response to MYMIV infection, highlighting key metabolites associated with stress and defense mechanisms. The data show an elevation of α- and β-glucose in both apoplast and symplast, suggesting a shift in glucose utilization. Interestingly, this increase in glucose does not contribute to the synthesis of phenolic compounds, potentially influencing the susceptibility of mung bean to MYMIV. Fructose levels increase in the symplast, while apoplastic sucrose levels rise significantly. Symplastic aspartate levels increase, while proline exhibits elevated concentration in the apoplast and reduced concentration in the cytosol, suggesting a role in triggering a hypersensitive response. These findings underscore the critical role of the apoplast in begomovirus infection, providing insights for targeted viral disease management strategies.

NMR Metabolomics and Chemometrics of Commercial Varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Seeds from Italy and In Vitro Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity

The metabolite fingerprinting of four Italian commercial bean seed cultivars, i.e., Phaseolus Cannellino (PCANN), Controne (PCON), Vellutina (PVEL), and Occhio Nero (PON), were investigated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis. The hydroalcoholic and organic extract analysis disclosed more than 32 metabolites from various classes, i.e., carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, and fatty acids. PVEL, PCON, and PCANN varieties displayed similar chemical profiles, albeit with somewhat different quantitative results. The PON metabolite composition was slightly different from the others; it lacked GABA and pipecolic acid, featured a higher percentage of malic acid than the other samples, and showed quantitative variations of several metabolites. The lipophilic extracts from all four cultivars demonstrated the presence of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids. After the determination of the total phenolic, flavonoids, and condensed tannins content, in vitro antioxidant activity was then assessed using the DPPH scavenging activity, the ABTS scavenging assay, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Compared to non-dark seeds (PCON, PCANN), brown seeds (PVEL, PON) featured a higher antioxidant capacity. Lastly, only PON extract showed in vitro antifungal activity against the sclerotia growth of S. rolfsii, by inhibiting halo growth by 75%.

Comprehensive metabolomic variations of hawthorn before and after insect infestation based on the combination analysis of 1H NMR and UPLC-MS

Hawthorn, the sliced and dried ripe fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. Var. Major N. E. Br. (Rosaceae), is an edible and medicinal substance with a variety of health-promoting benefits. Hawthorn needs to be stored in warehouses after harvesting to meet people's perennial demand. However, it is easily infested by insects of Plodia interpunctella and Tribolium castaneum during storage, which inevitably leads to poor quality and causes adverse effects on people's health. So far, there has been no report on insect-infested hawthorn. In this study, we analyzed the changes of metabolites in hawthorn before and after insect infestation and screened out potential biomarkers to effectively and quickly detect the occurrence of insect infestation. A combination analysis of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to identify the primary and secondary metabolites. By the comparison of hawthorn and insect-infested hawthorn samples, it was found that the differences were mainly manifested in the content of metabolites. The metabolites of 32 and 1463 were identified by 1H NMR and UPLC-MS analysis, respectively. According to the parameters of VIP >1 and P < 0.05, 10 differential metabolites were screened from 1H NMR analysis. Based on the parameters of VIP >1.0, P < 0.05, and (FC) > 1 or < 1, 47 differential metabolites were screened from UPLC-MS analysis. Therefore, a total of 57 differential metabolites were considered as differential biomarkers. The heat map analysis showed that the content of some differential biomarkers with significant pharmacological activities decreased after insect infestation. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessment, 52 differential biomarkers (6 of 1H NMR analysis and 46 of UPLC-MS analysis) were screened to distinguish whether insect infestation occurred in hawthorn. This is the first report on the changes of metabolites between hawthorn and insect-infested hawthorn and on the screening of differential biomarkers for monitoring insects. These results contributed to evaluate quality of hawthorn and ensure food safety for consumers. It also laid a foundation for further research on the infestation mechanism and safe storage monitoring in hawthorn.

Compound-Specific 1D 1H NMR Pulse Sequence Selection for Metabolomics Analyses

NMR-based metabolomics approaches have been used in a wide range of applications, for example, with medical, plant, and marine samples. One-dimensional (1D) ¹H NMR is routinely used to find out biomarkers in biofluids such as urine, blood plasma, and serum. To mimic biological conditions, most NMR studies have been carried out in an aqueous solution where the high intensity of the water peak is a major problem in obtaining a meaningful spectrum. Different methods have been used to suppress the water signal, including 1D Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) presat, consisting of a T₂ filter to suppress macromolecule signals and reduce the humped curve in the spectrum. 1D nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY) is another method for water suppression that is used routinely in plant samples with fewer macromolecules than in biofluid samples. Other common 1D ¹H NMR methods such as 1D ¹H presat and 1D ¹H ES have simple pulse sequences; their acquisition parameters can be set easily. The proton with presat has just one pulse and the presat block causes water suppression, while other 1D ¹H NMR methods including those mentioned above have more pulses. However, it is not well known in metabolomics studies because it is used only occasionally and in a few types of samples by metabolomics experts. Another effective method is excitation sculpting to suppress water. Herein, we evaluate the effect of method selection on signal intensities of commonly detected metabolites. Different classes of samples including biofluid, plant, and marine samples were investigated, and recommendations on the advantages and limitations of each method are presented.

Bacteria Associated with the Roots of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Different Development Stages: Diversity and Plant Growth Promotion

Current agricultural methodologies are vulnerable to erratic climate and are dependent on cost-intensive fertilization to ensure high yields. Sustainable practices should be pursued to ensure food security. Phaseolus vulgaris L. is one of the most produced legumes worldwide and may be an alternative to reduce the environmental impact of meat production as a reliable source of high-quality protein. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are emerging as a sustainable option to increase agricultural production. To understand the dynamics between plants and microorganisms, the culturable microbiota of bean roots was isolated and identified at distinct stages of plant development (early and late vegetative growth, flowering, and pod) and root compartments (rhizoplane, endosphere, and nodules). Diversity and abundance of bacteria associated with root compartments differed throughout the plant life cycle. Bacterial plant growth promotion (PGP) and protection abilities (indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore synthesis, and antifungal activity) were assessed and associated with plant phenology, demonstrating that among the bacteria associated with plant roots, several strains had an active role in the response to plant biological needs at each stage. Several strains stood out for their ability to display one or more PGP traits, being excellent candidates for efficient stage-specific biostimulants for application in precision agriculture.

A Comparative Study on Phytochemical Fingerprint of Two Diverse Phaseolus vulgarisvar. Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio Extracts

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) represents one of the most famous foods with antiobesity activity showing a significant efficacy against fat accumulation, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. In this work, two Italian varieties of common bean, i.e., Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, from the centre of Italy were studied to characterise their phenolic profile by HPLC-PDA in relation to different fractions after a straightforward extraction procedure. Antioxidant property and enzymatic inhibition power were also evaluated in order to delineate a possible biological profile. Results show a considerable phenolic content (0.79 and 1.1 µg/mg of 3-hydroxybenzoic acid for hexane extract of Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, respectively; 0.30 µg/mg p-coumaric acid for n-hexane extract of Tondino del Tavo) for both varieties, and a strong antioxidant activity according to the major phenolic concentration of the extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity of the decoction extracts was also investigated through a zymosan-induced edema formation assay, revealing a moderate ability for both of them. These preliminary data prompt us to further explore the nutrient components of these two varieties in the future.