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Liu J, Yin X, Kou C, Thimmappa R, Hua X, Xue Z. Classification, biosynthesis, and biological functions of triterpene esters in plants. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100845. [PMID: 38356259 PMCID: PMC11009366 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Triterpene esters comprise a class of secondary metabolites that are synthesized by decorating triterpene skeletons with a series of oxidation, glycosylation, and acylation modifications. Many triterpene esters with important bioactivities have been isolated and identified, including those with applications in the pesticide, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They also play essential roles in plant defense against pests, diseases, physical damage (as part of the cuticle), and regulation of root microorganisms. However, there has been no recent summary of the biosynthetic pathways and biological functions of plant triterpene esters. Here, we classify triterpene esters into five categories based on their skeletons and find that C-3 oxidation may have a significant effect on triterpenoid acylation. Fatty acid and aromatic moieties are common ligands present in triterpene esters. We further analyze triterpene ester synthesis-related acyltransferases (TEsACTs) in the triterpene biosynthetic pathway. Using an evolutionary classification of BAHD acyltransferases (BAHD-ATs) and serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases (SCPL-ATs) in Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, we classify 18 TEsACTs with identified functions from 11 species. All the triterpene-skeleton-related TEsACTs belong to BAHD-AT clades IIIa and I, and the only identified TEsACT from the SCPL-AT family belongs to the CP-I subfamily. This comprehensive review of the biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities of triterpene esters provides a foundation for further study of their bioactivities and applications in industry, agricultural production, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xue Yin
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chengxi Kou
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ramesha Thimmappa
- Amity Institute of Genome Engineering, Amity University, Noida, UP India 201313, India
| | - Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Zheyong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration (Northeast Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Plant Bioactive Substance Biosynthesis and Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Beijing 100700, P.R. China.
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2
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Li XS, Wang QL, Xu ZP, Liu MS, Liang XY, Zheng JC, Deng HY, Liu L, Huang YM, Yang MX, Yang XM. Structurally diverse cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the tubers of Hemsleya chinensis with cytotoxic activity. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 220:114033. [PMID: 38373572 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Ten previously undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, namely hemslyencins A-F (1-6) and hemslyencosides A-D (7-10), together with twenty previously reported compounds (11-30), were isolated from the tubers of Hemsleya chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by unambiguous spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR data). Hemslyencins A and B (1 and 2) possessing unique 9, 11-seco-ring system with a six-membered lactone moiety, were the first examples among of the cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, and hemslyencins C and D (3 and 4) and hemslyencoside D (10) are the infrequent pentacyclic cucurbitane triterpenes featuring a 6/6/6/5/6 fused system. The cytotoxic activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated against MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cells, and their structure-activity relationships (SARs) was discussed as well. Compounds 17, 25, and 26 showed significant cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 1.31 to 9.89 μM, among which compound 25 induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in a dose dependent manner against MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-San Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute, The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, PR China.
| | - Qi-Lin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Zhi-Peng Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Ming-Shang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute, The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, PR China
| | - Jia-Chon Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Hong-Yao Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research of Anti-inflammatory Ingredients in Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Yong-Mei Huang
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute, The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, PR China
| | - Mao-Xun Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
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3
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Li Y, Li Y, Yao Y, Li H, Gao C, Sun C, Zhuang J. Potential of cucurbitacin as an anticancer drug. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115707. [PMID: 37862969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Chinese medicine, the Cucurbitaceae family contains many compounds known as cucurbitacins, which have been categorized into 12 classes ranging from A to T and more than 200 derivatives. Cucurbitacins are a class of highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids with potent anticancer properties. The eight components of cucurbitacins with the strongest anticancer activity are cucurbitacins B, D, E, I, IIa, L-glucoside, Q, and R. Cucurbitacins have also been reported to suppress JAK-STAT 3, mTOR, VEGFR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK signaling pathways, all of which are crucial for the survival and demise of cancer cells. In this paper, we review the progress in research on cucurbitacin-induced apoptosis, autophagy, cytoskeleton disruption, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, inhibition of invasion and migration, inhibition of angiogenesis, epigenetic alterations, and synergistic anticancer effects in tumor cells. Recent studies have identified cucurbitacins as promising molecules for therapeutic innovation with broad versatility in immune response. Thus, cucurbitacin is a promising class of anticancer agents that can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of many types of cancer.Therefore, based on the research reports in the past five years at home and abroad, we further summarize and review the structural characteristics, chemical and biological activities, and studies of cucurbitacins based on the previous studies to provide a reference for further development and utilization of cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yingrui Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chundi Gao
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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4
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Hu G, Liu W, Li L. Identification and quantification of cucurbitacin in watermelon frost using molecular networking integrated with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2300019. [PMID: 37269211 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300019] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Watermelon frost, a traditional Chinese medicine produced using watermelon and Glauber's salt, has been widely used for the therapy of oral and throat disorders. Watermelon contains various phytochemical compounds including cucurbitacins and their glycoside derivatives, which have attracted considerable attention because of their medicinal values. However, whether the composition of cucurbitacins existed in watermelon frost was rarely reported. In this study, three cucurbitacins including cucurbitacin B, isocucurbitacin B, and cucurbitacin E were found from watermelon frost extract assisted by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking guided strategy, and the compounds were verified using standard solutions. Furthermore, a quantification method for simultaneously targeted analysis of cucurbitacins was established using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry operating in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Among them, cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin E in watermelon frost samples were determined, and the concentrations were 3.78 ± 0.18 and 0.86 ± 0.19 ng/ml, respectively. While isocucurbitacin B was not detected due to the lower content possibly. In conclusion, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry combined with molecular networking is a very useful technique for the rapid identification of unknown cucurbitacin components in watermelon frost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guizhou Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wenya Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, School of Environmental and Bioengineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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Park SY, Kim JE, Kang HM, Song HJ, Kang NJ, Hwang DY, Choi YW. Adiposity Reduction by Cucumis melo var. gaettongchamoe Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3292. [PMID: 37571229 PMCID: PMC10421112 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of Cucumis melo var. gaettongchamoe (CG) in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The mice received CG water extract (CGWE) treatment for 8 weeks, and changes in body weight and serum lipid levels were analyzed. The HFD + vehicle group showed a significant increase in body weight compared to the control group, while the HFD + CGWE and HFD + positive (orlistat) groups exhibited reduced body weight. Lipid profile analysis revealed lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the HFD + CGWE group compared to the HFD + vehicle group. The HFD + vehicle group had increased abdominal fat weight and fat content, whereas both HFD + CGWE groups showed significant reductions in abdominal fat content and adipocyte size. Additionally, CGWE administration downregulated mRNA expression of key proteins involved in neutral lipid metabolism. CGWE also promoted hepatic lipolysis, reducing lipid droplet accumulation in hepatic tissue and altering neutral lipid metabolism protein expression. Furthermore, CGWE treatment reduced inflammatory mediators and suppressed the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, CGWE shows promise as a therapeutic intervention for obesity and associated metabolic dysregulation, including alterations in body weight, serum lipid profiles, adipose tissue accumulation, hepatic lipolysis, and the inflammatory response. CGWE may serve as a potential natural anti-obesity agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Park
- Bio-IT Fusion Technology Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea; (J.E.K.); (H.J.S.); (D.Y.H.)
| | - He Mi Kang
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hee Jin Song
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea; (J.E.K.); (H.J.S.); (D.Y.H.)
| | - Nam Jun Kang
- Department of Horticulture, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dae Youn Hwang
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea; (J.E.K.); (H.J.S.); (D.Y.H.)
| | - Young-Whan Choi
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea;
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6
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Kang L, Wu Y, Zhang J, An Q, Zhou C, Li D, Pan C. Nano-selenium enhances the antioxidant capacity, organic acids and cucurbitacin B in melon (Cucumis melo L.) plants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113777. [PMID: 35738099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are widely used in melon production causing safety issues around the consumption of melon and increasing pathogen and insect tolerance to pesticides. This study investigated whether a nano-selenium (Nano-Se) spray treatment can improve resistance to biological stress in melon plants, reducing the need for pesticides, and how this mechanism is activated. To achieve this, we examine the ultrastructure and physio-biochemical responses of two melon cultivars after foliar spraying with Nano-Se. Nano-Se treatment reduced plastoglobulins in leaf mesophyll cells, thylakoid films were left intact, and compound starch granules increased. Nano-Se treatment also increased root mitochondria and left nucleoli intact. Nano-Se treatment enhanced ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase activities and their mRNA levels in treated melon plants compared to control plants (without Nano-Se treatments). Exogenous application of Nano-Se improved fructose, glucose, galactitol, stachyose, lactic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid and succinic acid in treated plants compared to control plants. In addition, Nano-Se treatment enhanced cucurbitacin B and up-regulated eight cucurbitacin B synthesis-related genes. We conclude that Nano-Se treatment of melon plants triggered antioxidant capacity, photosynthesis, organic acids, and up-regulated cucurbitacin B synthesis-related genes, which plays a comprehensive role in stress resistance in melon plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Kang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Testing Technology, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China
| | - Yangliu Wu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingbang Zhang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Quanshun An
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chunran Zhou
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dong Li
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Canping Pan
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Rakhesh KV, Ashalatha SN, Mahima K, Baskar V, Thiruvengadam M. Untargeted Metabolomic Approach to Determine the Regulatory Pathways on Salicylic Acid-Mediated Stress Response in Aphanamixis polystachya Seedlings. Molecules 2022; 27:2966. [PMID: 35566316 PMCID: PMC9102903 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants thrive under abiotic and biotic stress conditions with the changes in phytohormones like salicylic acid (SA), resulting in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. The present study determines the response of plants in producing secondary metabolites towards different SA concentrations at varying time intervals. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics studies in Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) Parker seedlings are grown at 10 mM, 50 mM, and 100 mM SA concentrations, showed the differential expression of metabolites towards the stress. Alkaloids like amaranthin showed a 15-fold increase on the second day, and analog of androvinblastin showed a 20-fold increase on the sixth day in 10 mM SA compared with other groups. Flavanoid cyanidin 3-3 glucosyl was found to be with a 22-fold increment along with terpenoids betavulgaroside (18-fold), asiaticoside (17-fold), mubenin B (20-fold), and deslanoside (22-fold) increment in 50 mM SA on the sixth day. The shock exerted by 100 mM was too harsh, and the lowered metabolite production level was insufficient for the seedlings to survive at this higher SA condition. Arrangement of stressed groups using Pearson correlation studies, principal component analysis, and partial least square analysis placed 10 mM SA and controlled group closer and 50 mM SA and 100 mM SA groups closer to each other. The study observed that SA regulates metabolites that mediate biotic stress responses at low concentrations, and higher concentrations regulate abiotic stress regulating metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karthikeyan Mahima
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai 600106, India;
| | - Venkidasamy Baskar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, India;
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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Chu S, Wang S, Zhang R, Yin M, Yang X, Shi Q. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles reveals new insights into the molecular foundation of fruit quality formation in Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/fqsafe/fyac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, an integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis was used to explore the molecular foundation of fruit quality in two parent lines of Citrullus lanatus with distinct flesh characteristics, including ‘14-1’ (sweet, red, and soft) and ‘W600’ (bitter, light yellow, and firm), as well as the corresponding F1 population (bitter, light yellow, and firm). Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the fruit samples: 3,766 DEGs for ‘14-1’ vs. ‘W600’, 2,767 for ‘14-1’ vs. F1, and 1,178 for F1 vs. ‘W600’ at the transition stage; and 4,221 for ‘14-1’ vs. ‘W600’, 2,447 for ‘14-1’ vs. F1, and 446 for F1 vs. ‘W600’ at the maturity stage. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that a gene module including 1,111 DEGs was closely associated with flesh taste and color, and another gene module including 1,575 DEGs contributed significantly to flesh texture. The metabolomic results showed that there were 447 differential metabolites (DMs) for ‘14-1’ vs. ‘W600’ fruits, 394 for ‘14-1’ vs. F1, and 298 for F1 vs. ‘W600’ at the maturity stage. Combining WGNCA and metabolomic results, several DEGs and DMs were further identified as hub players in fruit quality formation: six DEGs with four DMs for flesh sweetness; six DEGs with 13 DMs for bitterness; nine DEGs with 10 DMs for flesh color; and nine DEGs with four DMs for flesh texture. Altogether, these observations not only expand our knowledge of the molecular basis of fruit quality in watermelon, but also provide potential targets for future watermelon improvement.
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Zhao G, Wang M, Luo C, Li J, Gong H, Zheng X, Liu X, Luo J, Wu H. Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses of Cucurbitacin Biosynthesis in Luffa ( Luffa acutangula). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:886870. [PMID: 35747880 PMCID: PMC9209774 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.886870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are extremely bitter compounds mainly present in Cucurbitaceae, where Luffa belongs. However, there is no comprehensive analysis of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Luffa fruit. Therefore, this study analyzed bitter (WM709) and non-bitter (S1174) genotypes of Luffa to reveal the underlying mechanism of cucurbitacin biosynthesis by integrating metabolome and transcriptome analyses. A total of 422 metabolites were detected, including vitamins, essential amino acids, antioxidants, and antitumor substances. Of these, 131 metabolites showed significant differences between bitter (WM709) and non-bitter (S1174) Luffa fruits. The levels of isocucurbitacin B, cucurbitacin D, 23,24-dihydro cucurbitacin E, cucurbitacin F were significantly higher in bitter than in non-bitter Luffa. Transcriptome analysis showed that Bi, cytochromes P450s (CYP450s), and acyltransferase (ACT) of the cucurbitacin biosynthesis pathway, were significantly up-regulated. Moreover, drought stress and abscisic acid (ABA) activated genes of the cucurbitacin biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that ABA-response element binding factor 1 (AREB1) binds to the Bi promoter to activate Bi expression. Comparative analysis of the Luffa and cucumber genomes showed that Bi, CYP450s, and ACT are located in the conserved syntenic loci, and formed a cucurbitacin biosynthesis cluster. This study provides important insights into major genes and metabolites of the cucurbitacin biosynthetic pathway, deepening the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Luffa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangjun Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caixia Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxing Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Gong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianning Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Jianning Luo,
| | - Haibin Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Haibin Wu,
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10
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Ramalhete C, Gonçalves BMF, Barbosa F, Duarte N, Ferreira MJU. Momordica balsamina: phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of a gifted species. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2022; 21:617-646. [PMID: 35153639 PMCID: PMC8821832 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-022-09802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Momordica balsamina L. (Cucurbitaceae), frequently named balsam apple, southern balsam pear or African pumpkin, is a vegetable with high nutritional value, being mostly used as food in sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been largely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases, such as malaria fevers and diabetes. As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the main constituents are cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, with different oxidation patterns, named cucurbitacins. This review aims at summarizing our contribution to the phytochemical study of M. balsamina and the evaluation of the isolated cucurbitacins and derivatives as multidrug resistance reversers in cancer cells and bacteria. In this way, the selective antiproliferative activity against multidrug resistant cancer cells of cucurbitacins obtained from M. balsamina, their ability as P-glycoprotein inhibitors in cancer cells overexpressing this ABC transporter, as well as efflux pump inhibitors in resistant bacteria strains are reviewed. Moreover, the in vitro antimalarial activity of cucurbitacins and acyl derivatives against the blood and liver-stages of Plasmodium strains, and the in vivo activity of selected compounds is also reviewed. Besides our work, edible and medicinal uses, and other studies mainly reporting the biological activities of M. balsamina extracts, such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- ATLÂNTICA – Instituto Universitário, Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena, Barcarena, Oeiras, 2730-036 Portugal
| | - Bruno M. F. Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Barbosa
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Noélia Duarte
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria-José U. Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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Uushona NE, Dziwornu GA, Mkwanazi N, Kaschula CH, Sunassee SN, de Villiers A. New dihydroxycucurbitacin D's from the Namib desert endemic plant Acanthosicyos horridus (!nara). Fitoterapia 2021; 155:105041. [PMID: 34592371 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acanthosicyos horridus Welw. ex Hook.f. (!nara) is a leafless, thorny, melon-producing plant endemic to the hyper-arid Namib Desert. The methanol crude extract prepared from the ripe fruits of !nara afforded the known dihydroxycucurbitacin 7β-hydroxy-23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D (1), along with four new congeners 7β,15β-dihydroxy-23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D (2), 25-O-β-glucopyranosyl-7β-hydroxy-23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D (3), 25-O-β-glucopyranosyl-7β-hydroxy-23,24-dihydroisocucurbitacin D (4) and 25-O-β-glucopyranosyl-7β-hydroxy-23,24-dihydro-3-epi-isocucurbitacin D (5). These compounds were isolated through a combination of preparative normal phase thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and semi-preparative reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their structures were established by comprehensive analysis of HR-ESI-MS data, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and by comparison with literature values of similar cucurbitacins. The five isolated compounds exhibited poor cytotoxic activity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of glycosylated cucurbitacins in Acanthosicyos horridus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashipolo E Uushona
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Godwin A Dziwornu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Nonkululeko Mkwanazi
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Catherine H Kaschula
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | | | - André de Villiers
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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Kumar A, Srivastava P, Srivastava G, Sandeep, Kumar N, Chanotiya CS, Ghosh S. BAHD acetyltransferase contributes to wound-induced biosynthesis of oleo-gum resin triterpenes in Boswellia. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 107:1403-1419. [PMID: 34165841 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Triterpenes (30-carbon isoprene compounds) represent a large and highly diverse class of natural products that play various physiological functions in plants. The triterpene biosynthetic enzymes, particularly those catalyzing the late-stage regio-selective modifications are not well characterized. The bark of select Boswellia trees, e.g., B. serrata exudes specialized oleo-gum resin in response to wounding, which is enriched with boswellic acids (BAs), a unique class of C3α-epimeric pentacyclic triterpenes with medicinal properties. The bark possesses a network of resin secretory structures comprised of vertical and horizontal resin canals, and amount of BAs in bark increases considerably in response to wounding. To investigate BA biosynthetic enzymes, we conducted tissue-specific transcriptome profiling and identified a wound-responsive BAHD acetyltransferase (BsAT1) of B. serrata catalyzing the late-stage C3α-O-acetylation reactions in the BA biosynthetic pathway. BsAT1 catalyzed C3α-O-acetylation of αBA, βBA, and 11-keto-βBA in vitro and in planta assays to produce all the major C3α-O-acetyl-BAs (3-acetyl-αBA, 3-acetyl-βBA, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-βBA) found in B. serrata bark and oleo-gum resin. BsAT1 showed strict specificity for BA scaffold, whereas it did not acetylate the more common C3β-epimeric pentacyclic triterpenes. The analysis of steady-state kinetics using various BAs revealed distinct substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency. BsAT1 transcript expression coincides with increased levels of C3α-O-acetyl-BAs in bark in response to wounding, suggesting a role of BsAT1 in wound-induced biosynthesis of C3α-O-acetyl-BAs. Overall, the results provide new insights into the biosynthesis of principal chemical constituents of Boswellia oleo-gum resin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashish Kumar
- Plant Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Payal Srivastava
- Plant Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Gaurav Srivastava
- Plant Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Sandeep
- Plant Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Plant Breeding and Genetic Resource Conservation Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Chandan S Chanotiya
- Phytochemistry Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Sumit Ghosh
- Plant Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, 226015, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
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13
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Gong C, Zhu H, Lu X, Yang D, Zhao S, Umer MJ, He N, Yuan P, Anees M, Diao W, Kaseb MO, Liu W. An integrated transcriptome and metabolome approach reveals the accumulation of taste-related metabolites and gene regulatory networks during watermelon fruit development. PLANTA 2021; 254:35. [PMID: 34292405 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation patterns and gene regulatory networks of sugars and cucurbitacins and related primary and secondary metabolites during cultivated watermelon 'Cheng Lan' and wild watermelon 'PI 632,751' fruit development were identified. Metabolites are the end products of cellular regulatory processes and play important roles in fruit taste formation. However, comprehensive studies on the accumulation patterns of watermelon fruit metabolites and transcriptional regulatory networks are still scarce. In this study, 451 annotated metabolites were identified at four key fruit developmental stages in wild watermelon 'PI 632,751' and modern cultivated watermelon 'Cheng Lan'. Interestingly, 11 sugars and 25 major primary metabolites were mainly accumulated in 'Cheng Lan' during fruit development, which are considered to be the potential metabolites beneficial to the formation of watermelon taste. Cucurbitacins and the main flavonoids were mainly specifically accumulated in 'PI 632,751', not being considered to be responsible for the taste. Moreover, forty-seven genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, glycolysis, and TCA cycle were highly expressed in 'Cheng Lan', which was positively correlated with the accumulation of major primary metabolites. Alternatively, seven UDP-glycosyltransferase genes are closely related to the glycosylation of cucurbitacins through co-expression analysis. Our findings established a global map of metabolite accumulation and gene regulation during fruit development in wild and cultivated watermelons and provided valuable information on taste formation in watermelon fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsheng Gong
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Hongju Zhu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Xuqiang Lu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Dongdong Yang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Shengjie Zhao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Muhammad Jawad Umer
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Nan He
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Pingli Yuan
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Muhammad Anees
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Weinan Diao
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - M O Kaseb
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China.
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14
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Zamuz S, Munekata PE, Gullón B, Rocchetti G, Montesano D, Lorenzo JM. Citrullus lanatus as source of bioactive components: An up-to-date review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Sang J, Dhakal S, Lee Y. Cucurbitacin B Suppresses Hyperglycemia Associated with a High Sugar Diet and Promotes Sleep in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Cells 2021; 44:68-78. [PMID: 33542166 PMCID: PMC7941002 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary metabolites enable plants to protect themselves from herbivorous insects. Among these, cucurbitacin B (cuc-B) is a bitter-tasting compound with promising pharmacological potential. Dietary exposure to cuc-B lowered the hemolymph glucose levels of Drosophila melanogaster fed with a high carbohydrate diet, which is homologous to high blood glucose in humans, and its effect was comparable to that of metformin, a well-known glucose-lowering drug. Furthermore, cuc-B reduced tissue sugar levels and glycogen levels, as well as triacylglycerol levels. Our results thus highlight the potential applicability of this compound to treat chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, we analyzed sleep quality and taste-associative memory enhancement after cuc-B and metformin treatment. Both supplements increased nighttime bout length and metformin increased memory consolidation. Therefore, discarded shell of Cucurbitaceae could be processed into health supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun Sang
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Subash Dhakal
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
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