Simulation analysis and physiological and biochemical evaluation of Sophora flavescens aboveground against aphids using network pharmacology

Chemical profiles, differentiation, and quality evaluation of Radix et Rhizoma Thalictri Foliolosi based on LC-MS

Radix et Rhizoma Thalictri Foliolosi (RRTF) belongs to one of the alkaloid-rich traditional Chinese medicines in Ranunculaceae, which possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and several other pharmacological activities. However, due to lack of research on chemical composition, serious confusion in the origin, and ambiguity in pharmacological mechanisms, it is quite urgent to establish quality control standards based on modern research and to increase the widespread usage. Aiming to clarify the differential compounds among three species of RRTF (TFD, TFB, and TCW), targeted and untargeted acquisition strategies based on high resolution mass spectrometry were established. Plant metabolomics analysis and multivariate statistical analysis were accomplished to screen out differential markers which were answerable for categorizing different species of RRTF. A network pharmacology analysis was further performed to predict the bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms. Moreover, multi-components quantitative analysis under multiple reaction monitoring mode and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to estimate the rationality of the quality markers (Q-markers). Ultimately, the targeted alkaloid detection list was built as premise relying on alkaloid cleavage pathway, and a total 87 compounds were identified. The 25 representative differential metabolites were screened out successfully and divided into three categories to differentiate TFD, TFB, and TCW. 14 active components and 25 presumptive targets of RRTF were found to play a central role according to network pharmacology analysis. The abundance of screened 12 Q-marker showed significant differences in the three varieties. In conclusion, the study systematically investigated the material basis of RRTF, distinguished and evaluated the quality of RRTF effectively, and predicted its pharmacodynamic material basis.

Indispensable Biomolecules for Plant Defense Against Pathogens: NBS-LRR and "nitrogen pool" Alkaloids

In a complex natural environment, plants have evolved intricate and subtle defense response regulatory mechanisms for survival. Plant specific defenses, including the disease resistance protein nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) protein and metabolite derived alkaloids, are key components of these complex mechanisms. The NBS-LRR protein can specifically recognize the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms to trigger the immune response mechanism. Alkaloids, synthesized from amino acids or their derivatives, can also inhibit pathogens. This study reviews NBS-LRR protein activation, recognition, and downstream signal transduction in plant protection, as well as the synthetic signaling pathways and regulatory defense mechanisms associated with alkaloids. In addition, we clarify the basic regulation mechanism and summarize their current applications and the development of future applications in biotechnology for these plant defense molecules. Studies on the NBS-LRR protein and alkaloid plant disease resistance molecules may provide a theoretical foundation for the cultivation of disease resistant crops and the development of botanical pesticides.