Leaf flavonoids of the cruciferous species, Camelina sativa, Crambe spp., Thlaspi arvense and several other genera of the family Brassicaceae

Genome-wide identification and evolution of the tubulin gene family in Camelina sativa

BACKGROUND

Tubulins play crucial roles in numerous fundamental processes of plant development. In flowering plants, tubulins are grouped into α-, β- and γ-subfamilies, while α- and β-tubulins possess a large isotype diversity and gene number variations among different species. This circumstance leads to insufficient recognition of orthologous isotypes and significantly complicates extrapolation of obtained experimental results, and brings difficulties for the identification of particular tubulin isotype function. The aim of this research is to identify and characterize tubulins of an emerging biofuel crop Camelina sativa.

RESULTS

We report comprehensive identification and characterization of tubulin gene family in C. sativa, including analyses of exon-intron organization, duplicated genes comparison, proper isotype designation, phylogenetic analysis, and expression patterns in different tissues. 17 α-, 34 β- and 6 γ-tubulin genes were identified and assigned to a particular isotype. Recognition of orthologous tubulin isotypes was cross-referred, involving data of phylogeny, synteny analyses and genes allocation on reconstructed genomic blocks of Ancestral Crucifer Karyotype. An investigation of expression patterns of tubulin homeologs revealed the predominant role of N6 (A) and N7 (B) subgenomes in tubulin expression at various developmental stages, contrarily to general the dominance of transcripts of H7 (C) subgenome.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time a complete set of tubulin gene family members was identified and characterized for allohexaploid C. sativa species. The study demonstrates the comprehensive approach of precise inferring gene orthology. The applied technique allowed not only identifying C. sativa tubulin orthologs in model Arabidopsis species and tracking tubulin gene evolution, but also uncovered that A. thaliana is missing orthologs for several particular isotypes of α- and β-tubulins.

Gut bacteria mediated adaptation of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, to secondary metabolites of host plants

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we identify an important role of gut bacteria in mediating the adaptation of diamondback moth (DBM) to plant secondary metabolites. We demonstrate that kaempferol's presence in radish seedlings greatly reduces the fitness of DBM with depleted gut biota. Reinstatement of gut biota, particularly Enterobacter sp. EbPXG5, improved insect performance by degrading kaempferol. This bacterium was common in the larval gut of DBM, lining the epithelium as a protective film. Our work highlights the role of symbiotic bacteria in insect herbivore adaptation to plant defenses and provides a practical and mechanistic framework for developing a more comprehensive understanding of insect-gut microbe-host plant co-evolution.

Realizing the Potential of Camelina sativa as a Bioenergy Crop for a Changing Global Climate

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz. is an annual oilseed crop within the Brassicaceae family. C. sativa has been grown since as early as 4000 BCE. In recent years, C. sativa received increased attention as a climate-resilient oilseed, seed meal, and biofuel (biodiesel and renewable or green diesel) crop. This renewed interest is reflected in the rapid rise in the number of peer-reviewed publications (>2300) containing “camelina” from 1997 to 2021. An overview of the origins of this ancient crop and its genetic diversity and its yield potential under hot and dry growing conditions is provided. The major biotic barriers that limit C. sativa production are summarized, including weed control, insect pests, and fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. Ecosystem services provided by C. sativa are also discussed. The profiles of seed oil and fatty acid composition and the many uses of seed meal and oil are discussed, including food, fodder, fuel, industrial, and medical benefits. Lastly, we outline strategies for improving this important and versatile crop to enhance its production globally in the face of a rapidly changing climate using molecular breeding, rhizosphere microbiota, genetic engineering, and genome editing approaches.

Growth Performance, Growth-Related Genes, Digestibility, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Immune and Stress Responses of de novo Camelina Meal in Diets of Red Seabream (Pagrus major)

Simple Summary

Fish meal (FM) is the major protein source in aquafeed to achieve sustainable aquaculture production. However, the supply of FM is low due to high cost and low availability. There is ongoing conceited research to identify alternative viable protein sources to replace the finite FM. Novel camelina meal (CM) is a plant protein with high amino acids levels and has been tested as an alternative protein source in livestock feeding. However, there is limited information on supplementation of the CM in aquaculture diets. In this study, four diets were formulated to contain 0% plant protein, 205 g/kg soybean meal, and two levels of CM (205 g/kg and 330 g/kg) in diets fed to red seabream. Results indicated that adding CM 205 g/kg in diets-maintained growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and nutrient digestibility regulated the immunity and stress resistance and modulated the growth-related genes in red seabream. These findings provide the first step in using novel CM and are essential for future practical formulations of feed for red seabream and other marine fish species.

Abstract

A 60-day experiment was designed to assess the effect of different ratios of fish meal (FM): camelina meal plant protein (CM) on growth response and relative gene expression of growth-promoting factors, feed utilization potency, digestive enzymes activities, apparent digestibility (ADC), stress response, non-specific immunity of Pagrus major. Four isonitrogenous (490.7 g/kg of crude protein) and isolipidic (91.5 g/kg total lipid) experimental diets were formulated and designated as camelina meal (CM0), soyabean meal (SBM20.5), CM20.5, and CM33 based on protein contents. At the end of the feed trial, significantly higher (p < 0.05) weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake but lower feed conversion ratio were recorded in fish fed CM0, SBM20.5, and CM20.5 than fish fed CM33. The lowest growth, feed utilization, enzyme activity, and digestibility were recorded in fish fed CM33. Significantly higher pepsin, amylase, and protease activities were observed in fish fed CM0, SBM20.5, and CM20.5 diets than fish fed CM33. The highest ADC of protein was recorded in fish fed CM0, SBM20.5, and CM20.5 diets. Hematocrit levels were depressed CM33 while total serum protein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were not significantly changed by the inclusion of CM. Non-specific immune variables (lysozyme activity, peroxidase activity in serum and nitro blue tetrazolium) in fish fed CM0, SBM20.5, and CM20.5 were significantly higher than in fish fed CM33 diet. The superoxide dismutase of fish fed CM20.5 was not significantly different from CM0 and SBM20.5 (p > 0.05). Catalase and low salinity stress test show that CM0, SBM20.5, and CM20.5 were not significantly (p > 0.05) different, while CM33 was significantly lower than the rest of the diets. TBARs show that CM20.5 and CM33 diets were significantly different (p < 0.05), but CM20.5 was not significantly different from SBM20.5. Significantly higher hepatic IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA expression was found in fish-fed diet groups CM0, SBM20.5, and CM20.5 than fish fed CM33. The present study indicated that the addition of CM up 205 kg/kg to diet maintains growth, digestive enzymes, nutrient digestibility, immunity, stress resistance, and feed utilization efficiency of red sea bream.

Analysis of Primary Metabolites in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) Varieties Correlated with Antioxidant Activity and Taste Attributes by Metabolic Profiling

Brassica vegetables, such as cabbage, have many health benefits arising from their antioxidant and anticancer properties. These properties are endowed by the metabolite composition of the plant, and it is therefore important to elucidate the metabolic profile and associated activities in this genus. This study objectively evaluated the characteristics of cabbage varieties using metabolic profiling to identify the primary metabolic components that correlate with antioxidant activity and taste attributes. GC-MS analysis was used to identify the primary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging assays, and an electronic tongue was used to quantitate nine taste attributes. Orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) using SIMCA 14 correlated the metabolite components with the taste and antioxidant characteristics. We identified 4-aminobutyric acid, fructose 1-phosphate, adipic acid, 5-oxoproline, N-acetylglycine, O-phosphoethanolamine, and homovanillic acid as important determinants of DPPH scavenging activity and umami, sourness, acidic bitterness, irritant and saltiness, bitterness, astringency, and richness, respectively. These metabolites represent markers indicating breed differences and contribute to differential cabbage functionality. These studies could be extended to measure additional metabolites, as well as to understand the role of growth conditions on the metabolic profile and health benefits of plants.

Chemodiversity Studies on Exudate Flavonoids of Cleomaceae species (Brassicales)

Seven species of the genus Cleome were analysed for formation of exudate flavonoids. The majority of structures found were polymethoxyflavonols with 6- and/or 8- O-substitution. A novel compound, isolated from C. felina, was determined to be 5,3′,4′-triOH-3,6,7,5′-tetraOMe-flavone (1), and a further novel compound, 5,3′-diOH-3,7,8,4′,5′-pentaOMe-flavone (3), was isolated from C. viscosa. Flavones with corresponding substitution have primarily been found in C. droserifolia. Rather simple flavanones such as naringenin-7-Me have so far been found only in one accession of C. hassleriana. The flavonoid profiles of the newly studied species and accessions are discussed in relation to phytochemical, taxonomical and pharmacological data.

Camelina sativa defatted seed meal contains both alkyl sulfinyl glucosinolates and quercetin that synergize bioactivity

Camelina sativa L. Crantz is under development as a novel oilseed crop, yet bioefficacy of camelina phytochemicals is unknown. Defatted camelina seed meal contains two major aliphatic glucosinolates (GSLs), glucoarabin (9-(methylsulfinyl)nonylglucosinolate; GSL 9) and glucocamelinin (10-(methylsulfinyl)decylglucosinolate; GSL 10), with traces of a third, 11(methylsulfinyl)undecylglucosinolate and several flavonoids, mostly quercetin glycosides. In Hepa1c1c7 cells, hydrolyzed GSLs (hGSLs) 9 and 10 upregulated the phase II detoxification enzyme quinone reductase (NQO1), with no effect on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 activity. Isobologram graphs revealed synergy of NQO1 induction for a combination of hGSL 9 and quercetin. These findings suggest that defatted camelina seed meal should be evaluated for anticancer activity, similar to broccoli and other Brassicaceae family members. Interestingly, synergy of NQO1 induction was also seen for physiologically relevant doses of sulforaphane (SF) and quercetin, two key bioactives present in broccoli. This suggests that SF within broccoli may be more potent than purified SF.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a glutathione S-transferase involved in both anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin accumulation in Camelina sativa (Brassicaceae)

Recently, we found that the Arabidopsis TT19 protein, a glutathione S-transferase, has two functional domains that influence both anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin accumulation. To further understand the function of this protein in the other species, we cloned a cDNA encoding a glutathione S-transferase (namely CMGSTF12) from Camelina sativa, an oil crop that has received renewed interest due to its biofuel value and high omega-3 levels. Southern blot analysis demonstrated one copy of CMGSTF12 in C. sativa. Transformation of the Arabidopsis loss-of-function tt19-1 mutant with CMGSTF12 cDNA complemented accumulation of anthocyanin in vegetative tissues and resulted in the wild-type level of proanthocyanidin (both extractable and unextractable) in seeds. No obvious flavonoid accumulation changes were detected in the transgenic seeds, indicating that CMGSTF12 may only involve the lower flavonoid pathway, further proving that the TT19 protein controls accumulation of unextractable proanthocyanidin.

Abd El–Wahab Khamis, Samar Y. Desoukey. Flavonoids of Neotorularia aculeolata Plant

Neotorularia aculeolata belongs to the family Cruciferae that has several uses in the Egyptian folk medicine for many years. Nothing could be traced about the chemical composition of the plant. Extraction, isolation and purification of the air-dried plant material using different chromatographic techniques (PC, TLC & CC) provided seven flavonoids. Identification of the isolated compounds using different chemical and physical techniques (UV, 1H-NMR and C 13 NMR spectroscopy) allowed to characterize these compounds as kaempferol, kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoglucoside {Kaempferol-7-neohesperidoside}, quercetin, rutin, quercetin-3-O- β-D-glucoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside-3`-methylether, quercetin-3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnoside-3`-methylether and myricetin.

Phenolic compounds in Brassica vegetables

Phenolic compounds are a large group of phytochemicals widespread in the plant kingdom. Depending on their structure they can be classified into simple phenols, phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds have received considerable attention for being potentially protective factors against cancer and heart diseases, in part because of their potent antioxidative properties and their ubiquity in a wide range of commonly consumed foods of plant origin. The Brassicaceae family includes a wide range of horticultural crops, some of them with economic significance and extensively used in the diet throughout the world. The phenolic composition of Brassica vegetables has been recently investigated and, nowadays, the profile of different Brassica species is well established. Here, we review the significance of phenolic compounds as a source of beneficial compounds for human health and the influence of environmental conditions and processing mechanisms on the phenolic composition of Brassica vegetables.

Simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Lycium barbarum Linnaeus by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS

A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry method with electrospray ionization mode (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) was developed for simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in fruits of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus, a widely used traditional Chinese herb possessing vital biological activity. Both phenolic acids and flavonoids were extracted with 50% ethanol and purified using a polymeric solid phase extraction cartridge followed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis. By employing a Vydac C18 column, a total of 52 phenolic acids and flavonoids were separated within 70min using a gradient mobile phase of 0.5% (v/v) formic acid in water and acetonitrile-water (94:6, v/v) with flow rate at 1mL/min, column temperature at 30 degrees C and detection wavelength at 280nm. Of 52 compounds, 15 phenolic acids and flavonoids were positively identified based on both absorption and mass spectra, with the remaining 37 tentatively identified by comparison of absorption spectra with reported values in the literature. Internal standards 3-hydroxybenzoic acid and hesperidin were used for quantitation of phenolic acids and flavonoids, respectively. Among the 15 positively identified compounds, quercetin-rhamno-di-hexoside was present in largest mass fraction (438.6microg/g), followed by quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (281.3microg/g), dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers (250.1microg/g), chlorogenic acid (237.0microg/g), quercetin-di-(rhamnohexoside) (117.5microg/g), quercetin-di-(rhamno)-hexoside (116.8mug/g), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (97.7microg/g), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (72.1microg/g), p-coumaric acid (64.0microg/g), caffeic acid (23.7microg/g) and vanillic acid (22.8microg/g).

Evaluation and optimization of radioprotective activity ofCoronopus didymusLinn. in γ-irradiated mice

PURPOSE

To evaluate and optimize the radioprotective ability of the most potent fraction of an aqueous extract of Coronopus didymus in whole body gamma-irradiated Swiss albino mice and to evaluate the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation of the livers of the surviving mice. To correlate the free radical scavenging studies with in vivo radioprotection ability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Swiss albino mice were treated with either vehicle or the different doses of extract/fraction suspension by an i.p. route, 30 min before exposure to 10 Gy gamma-irradiation and the animals were monitored twice daily for any signs of radiation toxicity and mortality. Radiation dose response (7-11 Gy), optimization of route, time of drug administration and evaluation of dose response factor (DRF) at the best dose of the fraction was studied. Endogenous antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation of the livers of the mice surviving on the 31st day was evaluated by using spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTS

The most active free radical scavenging fraction (CDF1) as assessed by competition kinetic studies using pulse radiolysis showed maximum in vivo radioprotection of 70% at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) compared to corresponding 10 Gy irradiated control. Optimum radioprotection was observed upon i.p. administration, 30 min prior to 10 Gy irradiation and DRF at a dose of 400 mg/kg bw for 30 day survival was found to be 1.07. The levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in the CDF1 treated surviving mice were found to reverse back to their normal levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimum dose, time and route of drug administration for maximum radioprotection by CDF1 were determined. The reversal of the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation indicates reduced oxidative stress in CDF1 treated surviving mice.

Chemical composition, allelopatic and cytotoxic effects of essential oils of flowering tops and leaves of Crambe orientalis L. from Iran

Crambe orientalis L. (Brassicaceae), a perennial herb, is indigenous to Iran. The essential oils of flowering tops and leaves of the plant were evaluated by GC-MS. Our results showed that while 2-methyl-5-hexenitrile (19.5%) and benzyl cyanide (16.9%) were the major components of flowering tops oil, the oil of the leaves was dominated by octyl-acetate (54.3%) and butenyl-4-isothiocyanates (22.6%). The oils exhibited modest allelopatic effects on lettuce. The leaf oil showed high-cytotoxic effects against Mc-Coy cell lines, with an RC(50) value of 16 microg mL(-1).

Metabolic characterization of Brassica rapa leaves by NMR spectroscopy

The Brassica has been intensively studied due to the nutritional and beneficial effects. However, many species, varieties, and cultivars of this genus and the resulting large metabolic variation have been obstacles for systematic research of the plant. In order to overcome the problems posed by the biological variation, the metabolomic analysis of various cultivars of Brassica rapa was performed by NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis. Discriminating metabolites in different cultivars and development stages were elucidated by diverse 2D-NMR techniques after sorting out different significant signals using (1)H NMR measurements and principal component analysis. Among the elucidated metabolites, several organic and amino acids, carbohydrates, adenine, indole acetic acid (IAA), phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and glucosinolates were found to be the metabolites contributing to the differentiation between cultivars and age of Brassica rapa. On the basis of these results, the distribution of plant metabolites among different cultivars and development stages of B. rapa is discussed.

Determination and discrimination of intraspecific diversity of Astragalus gossypinus by eco-phytosociological method from west of Iran

Astragalus gossypinus Fischer with wide distribution in Iran belongs to the genus Astragalus (Fabaceae). According to existing references and information, individuals of this species are present in many stations with different ecological conditions. This study carried out for determination and discrimination of intraspecific diversity of Astragalus gossypinus by Eco-phytosociological method from west of Iran. In this method, the principle of data collecting and analyzing based on floristical composition (as floristical markers) of each Endogenous milieu (as the unit of study in Eco-phytosociological method). In this order, application of Endogenous milieu (special station) for data collecting and then their analyzing permit us only determine existence of inter and intraspecific diversity. Then for determinating kind and level of intraspecific diversity (Ecophene, Chemotype, Cytotype, Ecotype ...), can use other studies such as: morphological, anatomical, phytochemical, cytological and etc. In this survey, 29 special stations were studied and 195 species distinguished as companions for Astragalus gossypinus. Then floristic-ecologic data collected from each 29 special stations and analyzed by Anaphyto software (F.C.A, A.H.C, B.O, Marquag methods). Comparison of obtained results on multiple coordinate axes from F.C.A method with results from B.O, Marquag and A.H.C methods led to determination of 7 main groups of Endogenous milieus (special station). Flavonoid analyses were used for determinating kind and level of intraspecific diversity in 7 discriminated groups. Leaves flavonoid components of all collected individuals of Astragalus gossypinus were investigated by TLC method. Obtained data from flavonoid survey analyzed by SPSS and MVSP package with WARD and UPGMA methods. Finally, the results of flavonoid studies confirmed the same 7 groups that identified by floristical composition study and showed intraspecific diversity in chemotype level. So according to these results, we can introduce 7 chemotypes for Astragalus gossypinus from west of Iran. These chemotypes exist in different stations with various ecological conditions.

Ontogenic profiling of glucosinolates, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites in Eruca sativa (salad rocket), Diplotaxis erucoides (wall rocket), Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), and Bunias orientalis (Turkish rocket)

As an influence of the Mediterranean diet, rocket species such as Eruca sativa L., Diplotaxis species, and Bunias orientalis L. are eaten all over the world at different ontogenic stages in salads and soups. They are all species within the plant order Capparales (glucosinolate-containing species), and all are from the family Brassicaceae. Predominantly, the leaves of these species are eaten raw or cooked, although Eruca flowers are also consumed. There is considerable potential with raw plant material for a higher exposure to bioactive phytochemicals such as glucosinolates, their hydrolysis products, and also phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins such as vitamin C. These compounds are susceptible to ontogenic variation, and the few published studies that have addressed this topic have been inconsistent. Thus, an ontogenic study was performed and all samples were analyzed using a previously developed robust liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the identification and quantification of the major phytochemicals in all tissues of the rocket species. Seeds and roots of both Eruca and Diplotaxis contained predominantly 4-methylthiobutylglucosinolate. Leaves of Eruca and Diplotaxis contained high amounts of 4-mercaptobutylglucosinolate with lower levels of 4-methylthiobutlyglucosinolate and 4-methylsulfinylbutylglucosinolate. Flowers of Eruca and Diplotaxiscontained predominantly 4-methylsulfinylbutyl-glucosinolate. In addition, roots of both Diplotaxisspecies contained 4-hydroxybenzylglucosinolate but 4-hydroxybenzylglucosinolate was absent from roots of Eruca. Seeds and seedlings of all Eruca contained N-heterocyclic compounds but no sinapine, whereas Diplotaxis contained sinapine but not the N-heterocycles. In all tissues of B. orientalis, 4-hydroxybenzylglucosinolate and 4-methylsulfinyl-3-butenylglucosinolate were predominant. All rocket tissues, except roots, contained significant levels of polyglycosylated flavonoids, with/without hydroxycinnamoyl acylation. The core aglycones were kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The exception was B. orientalis, which had a negligible seed flavonoid content as compared with the other species. Anthocyanins were only detected in Eruca flowers and consisted of a complex pattern of at least 16 different anthocyanins.

Flavones and flavone synthases

Within the secondary metabolite class of flavonoids which consist of more than 9000 known structures, flavones define one of the largest subgroups. Their natural distribution is demonstrated for almost all plant tissues. Various flavone aglyca and their O- or C-glycosides have been described in the literature. The diverse functions of flavones in plants as well as their various roles in the interaction with other organisms offer many potential applications, not only in plant breeding but also in ecology, agriculture and human nutrition and pharmacology. In this context, the antioxidative activity of flavones, their use in cancer prevention and treatment as well as the prevention of coronary heart disease should be emphasized. The therapeutic potential of flavones makes these compounds valuable targets for drug design, including recombinant DNA approaches. The biosynthesis of flavones in plants was found to be catalyzed by two completely different flavone synthase proteins (FNS), a unique feature within the flavonoids. The first, FNS I, a soluble dioxygenase, was only described for members of the Apiaceae family so far. The second, FNS II, a membrane bound cytochrome P450 enzyme, has been found in all other flavone accumulating tissues. This phenomenon is particularly of interest from the evolutionary point of view concerning the flavone biosynthesis and functions in plants. Recently, FNS I and FNS II genes have been cloned from a number of plant species. This now enables detailed biochemical and molecular characterizations and also the development of direct metabolic engineering strategies for modifications of flavone synthesis in plants to improve their nutritional and/or biopharmaceutical value.

Chromatographic, capillary electrophoretic and capillary electrochromatographic techniques in the analysis of flavonoids

An overview is presented of chromatographic methods currently in use to determine flavonoids, including free aglycones, their corresponding glycosides, one by one, and, in the presence of each other. As a basis of selection, the following approaches can be distinguished: critical evaluation of the preliminary steps (extraction/isolation and hydrolysis) as well as the separation, identification and quantitation of constituents both on the basic research level and/or subsequently to various work up procedures. Chromatographic techniques were discussed after extraction/isolation of various flavonoids from several natural matrices. Papers were classified and compared from analytical point of view, primarily on the chromatographic, secondly on the detection techniques applied.