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Ahmad M, Varela Alonso A, Koletti AE, Assimopoulou AN, Declerck S, Schneider C, Molin EM. Transcriptional dynamics of Chitinophaga sp. strain R-73072-mediated alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis in Lithospermum officinale. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:978021. [PMID: 36071973 PMCID: PMC9441710 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.978021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are colonized by a wide range of bacteria, several of which are known to confer benefits to their hosts such as enhancing plant growth and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (SMs). Recently, it has been shown that Chitinophaga sp. strain R-73072 enhances the production of alkannin/shikonin, SMs of pharmaceutical and ecological importance. However, the mechanisms by which this bacterial strain increases these SMs in plants are not yet understood. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we analyzed the molecular responses of Lithospermum officinale, an alkannin/shikonin producing member of Boraginaceae, to inoculation with R-73072 in a gnotobiotic system using comparative transcriptomics and targeted metabolite profiling of root samples. We found that R-73072 modulated the expression of 1,328 genes, of which the majority appeared to be involved in plant defense and SMs biosynthesis including alkannin/shikonin derivatives. Importantly, bacterial inoculation induced the expression of genes that predominately participate in jasmonate and ethylene biosynthesis and signaling, suggesting an important role of these phytohormones in R-73072-mediated alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis. A detached leaf bioassay further showed that R-73072 confers systemic protection against Botrytis cinerea. Finally, R-73072-mediated coregulation of genes involved in plant defense and the enhanced production of alkannin/shikonin esters further suggest that these SMs could be important components of the plant defense machinery in alkannin/shikonin producing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria,Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alicia Varela Alonso
- Institut für Pflanzenkultur GmbH & Co. KG., Schnega, Germany,Earth and Life Institute, Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Antigoni E. Koletti
- School of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTh, Natural Products, Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTh), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andreana N. Assimopoulou
- School of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTh, Natural Products, Research Centre of Excellence (NatPro-AUTh), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stéphane Declerck
- Earth and Life Institute, Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | | | - Eva M. Molin
- Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria,*Correspondence: Eva M. Molin,
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Auber RP, Suttiyut T, McCoy RM, Ghaste M, Crook JW, Pendleton AL, Widhalm JR, Wisecaver JH. Hybrid de novo genome assembly of red gromwell ( Lithospermum erythrorhizon) reveals evolutionary insight into shikonin biosynthesis. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2020; 7:82. [PMID: 32528694 PMCID: PMC7261806 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-020-0301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Lithospermum erythrorhizon (red gromwell; zicao) is a medicinal and economically valuable plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. Roots from L. erythrorhizon have been used for centuries based on the antiviral and wound-healing properties produced from the bioactive compound shikonin and its derivatives. More recently, shikonin, its enantiomer alkannin, and several other shikonin/alkannin derivatives have collectively emerged as valuable natural colorants and as novel drug scaffolds. Despite several transcriptomes and proteomes having been generated from L. erythrorhizon, a reference genome is still unavailable. This has limited investigations into elucidating the shikonin/alkannin pathway and understanding its evolutionary and ecological significance. In this study, we obtained a de novo genome assembly for L. erythrorhizon using a combination of Oxford Nanopore long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing technologies. The resulting genome is ∼367.41 Mb long, with a contig N50 size of 314.31 kb and 27,720 predicted protein-coding genes. Using the L. erythrorhizon genome, we identified several additional p-hydroxybenzoate:geranyltransferase (PGT) homologs and provide insight into their evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis of prenyltransferases suggests that PGTs originated in a common ancestor of modern shikonin/alkannin-producing Boraginaceous species, likely from a retrotransposition-derived duplication event of an ancestral prenyltransferase gene. Furthermore, knocking down expression of LePGT1 in L. erythrorhizon hairy root lines revealed that LePGT1 is predominantly responsible for shikonin production early in culture establishment. Taken together, the reference genome reported in this study and the provided analysis on the evolutionary origin of shikonin/alkannin biosynthesis will guide elucidation of the remainder of the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Auber
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Thiti Suttiyut
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Rachel M. McCoy
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Manoj Ghaste
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Joseph W. Crook
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Amanda L. Pendleton
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Joshua R. Widhalm
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Jennifer H. Wisecaver
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
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Santisree P, Sanivarapu H, Gundavarapu S, Sharma KK, Bhatnagar-Mathur P. Nitric Oxide as a Signal in Inducing Secondary Metabolites During Plant Stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-96397-6_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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4
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Shikonin derivatives for cancer prevention and therapy. Cancer Lett 2019; 459:248-267. [PMID: 31132429 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Phytochemicals gained considerable interest during the past years as source to develop new treatment options for chemoprevention and cancer therapy. Motivated by the fact that a majority of established anticancer drugs are derived in one way or another from natural resources, we focused on shikonin, a naphthoquinone with high potentials to be further developed as preventive or therapeutic drug to fight cancer. Shikonin is the major chemical component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Purple Cromwell) roots. Traditionally, the root extract has been applied to cure dermatitis, burns, and wounds. Over the past three decades, the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of root extracts, isolated shikonin as well as semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives and nanoformulations have been described. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to understand the effect of shikonin at cellular and molecular levels. Preliminary clinical trials indicate the potential of shikonin for translation into clinical oncology. Shikonin exerts additive and synergistic interactions in combination with established chemotherapeutics, immunotherapeutic approaches, radiotherapy and other treatment modalities, which further underscores the potential of this phytochemical to be integrated into standard treatment regimens.
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Zhu Y, Lu GH, Bian ZW, Wu FY, Pang YJ, Wang XM, Yang RW, Tang CY, Qi JL, Yang YH. Involvement of LeMDR, an ATP-binding cassette protein gene, in shikonin transport and biosynthesis in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 17:198. [PMID: 29132307 PMCID: PMC5683320 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-017-1148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin is a naphthoquinone secondary metabolite with important medicinal value and is found in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Considering the limited knowledge on the membrane transport mechanism of shikonin, this study investigated such molecular mechanism. RESULTS We successfully isolated an ATP-binding cassette protein gene, LeMDR, from L. erythrorhizon. LeMDR is predominantly expressed in L. erythrorhizon roots, where shikonin accumulated. Functional analysis of LeMDR by using the yeast cell expression system revealed that LeMDR is possibly involved in the shikonin efflux transport. The accumulation of shikonin is lower in yeast cells transformed with LeMDR-overexpressing vector than that with empty vector. The transgenic hairy roots of L. erythrorhizon overexpressing LeMDR (MDRO) significantly enhanced shikonin production, whereas the RNA interference of LeMDR (MDRi) displayed a reverse trend. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of LeMDR was up-regulated by treatment with shikonin and shikonin-positive regulators, methyl jasmonate and indole-3-acetic acid. There might be a relationship of mutual regulation between the expression level of LeMDR and shikonin biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated the important role of LeMDR in transmembrane transport and biosynthesis of shikonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Gui-Hua Lu
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Wu Bian
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yao Wu
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jun Pang
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong-Wu Yang
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Yi Tang
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Liang Qi
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Hua Yang
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No. 163 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 People’s Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 People’s Republic of China
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Wu FY, Tang CY, Guo YM, Bian ZW, Fu JY, Lu GH, Qi JL, Pang YJ, Yang YH. Transcriptome analysis explores genes related to shikonin biosynthesis in Lithospermeae plants and provides insights into Boraginales' evolutionary history. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4477. [PMID: 28667265 PMCID: PMC5493674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04750-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin and its derivatives extracted from Lithospermeae plants' red roots have current applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Previous studies have cloned some genes related to shikonin biosynthesis. However, most genes related to shikonin biosynthesis remain unclear, because the lack of the genome/transcriptome of the Lithospermeae plants. Therefore, in order to provide a new understanding of shikonin biosynthesis, we obtained transcriptome data and unigenes expression profiles in three shikonin-producing Lithospermeae plants, i.e., Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Arnebia euchroma and Echium plantagineum. As a result, two unigenes (i.e., G10H and 12OPR) that are involved in "shikonin downstream biosynthesis" and "methyl jasmonate biosynthesis" were deemed to relate to shikonin biosynthesis in this study. Furthermore, we conducted a Lamiids phylogenetic model and identified orthologous unigenes under positive selection in above three Lithospermeae plants. The results indicated Boraginales was more relative to Solanales/Gentianales than to Lamiales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Yao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Yu-Min Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhuo-Wu Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jiang-Yan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Gui-Hua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jin-Liang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yan-Jun Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Yong-Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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Liu S, Yang R, Pan Y, Ren B, Chen Q, Li X, Xiong X, Tao J, Cheng Q, Ma M. Beneficial behavior of nitric oxide in copper-treated medicinal plants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 314:140-154. [PMID: 27131454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous reports implicating nitric oxide (NO) in the environmental-stress responses of plants, the specific metabolic and ionic mechanisms of NO-mediated adaptation to metal stress remain unclear. Here, the impacts of copper (Cu) and NO donor (SNP, 50μM) alone or in combination on the well-known medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus L. were investigated. Our results showed that Cu markedly increased Cu(2+) accumulation, decreased NO production, and disrupted mineral equilibrium and proton pumps, thereby stimulating a burst of ROS; in addition, SNP ameliorates the negative toxicity of Cu, and cPTIO reverses this action. Furthermore, the accumulations of ROS and NO resulted in reciprocal changes. Interestingly, nearly all of the investigated amino acids and the total phenolic content in the roots were promoted by the SNP treatment but were depleted by the Cu+SNP treatment, which is consistent with the self-evident increases in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and total soluble phenol content induced by SNP. Unexpectedly, leaf vincristine and vinblastine as well as the total alkaloid content (ca. 1.5-fold) were decreased by Cu but markedly increased by SNP (+38% and +49% of the control levels). This study provides the first evidence of the beneficial behavior of NO, rather than other compounds, in depleting Cu toxicity by regulating mineral absorption, reestablishing ATPase activities, and stimulating secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiliang Liu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China.
| | - Rongjie Yang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Yuanzhi Pan
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Institute of Biotechnology & Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Qibing Chen
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Xi Li
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Xi Xiong
- College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jianjun Tao
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Qingsu Cheng
- Division of Life Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Electrical & Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Mingdong Ma
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China.
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Fang R, Zou A, Zhao H, Wu F, Zhu Y, Zhao H, Liao Y, Tang RJ, Pang Y, Yang R, Wang X, Qi J, Lu G, Yang Y. Transgenic studies reveal the positive role of LeEIL-1 in regulating shikonin biosynthesis in Lithospermum erythrorhizon hairy roots. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 16:121. [PMID: 27230755 PMCID: PMC4880835 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-016-0812-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phytohormone ethylene (ET) is a key signaling molecule for inducing the biosynthesis of shikonin and its derivatives, which are secondary metabolites in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Although ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3)/EIN3-like proteins (EILs) are crucial transcription factors in ET signal transduction pathway, the possible function of EIN3/EIL1 in shikonin biosynthesis remains unknown. In this study, by targeting LeEIL-1 (L. erythrorhizon EIN3-like protein gene 1) at the expression level, we revealed the positive regulatory effect of LeEIL-1 on shikonin formation. RESULTS The mRNA level of LeEIL-1 was significantly up-regulated and down-regulated in the LeEIL-1-overexpressing hairy root lines and LeEIL-1-RNAi hairy root lines, respectively. Specifically, LeEIL-1 overexpression resulted in increased transcript levels of the downstream gene of ET signal transduction pathway (LeERF-1) and a subset of genes for shikonin formation, excretion and/or transportation (LePAL, LeC4H-2, Le4CL-1, HMGR, LePGT-1, LeDI-2, and LePS-2), which was consistent with the enhanced shikonin contents in the LeEIL-1-overexpressing hairy root lines. Conversely, LeEIL-1-RNAi dramatically repressed the expression of the above genes and significantly reduced shikonin production. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed that LeEIL-1 is a positive regulator of the biosynthesis of shikonin and its derivatives in L. erythrorhizon hairy roots. Our findings gave new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of ET in shikonin biosynthesis. LeEIL-1 could be a crucial target gene for the genetic engineering of shikonin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Ailan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghui Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-Jie Tang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Yanjun Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongwu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinliang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Guihua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yonghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China.
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Fang R, Wu F, Zou A, Zhu Y, Zhao H, Zhao H, Liao Y, Tang RJ, Yang T, Pang Y, Wang X, Yang R, Qi J, Lu G, Yang Y. Transgenic analysis reveals LeACS-1 as a positive regulator of ethylene-induced shikonin biosynthesis in Lithospermum erythrorhizon hairy roots. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 90:345-58. [PMID: 26780904 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-015-0421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The phytohormone ethylene (ET) is a crucial signaling molecule that induces the biosynthesis of shikonin and its derivatives in Lithospermum erythrorhizon shoot cultures. However, the molecular mechanism and the positive regulators involved in this physiological process are largely unknown. In this study, the function of LeACS-1, a key gene encoding the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase for ET biosynthesis in L. erythrorhizon hairy roots, was characterized by using overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) strategies. The results showed that overexpression of LeACS-1 significantly increased endogenous ET concentration and shikonin production, consistent with the up-regulated genes involved in ET biosynthesis and transduction, as well as the genes related to shikonin biosynthesis. Conversely, RNAi of LeACS-1 effectively decreased endogenous ET concentration and shikonin production and down-regulated the expression level of above genes. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive linear relationship between ET concentration and shikonin production. All these results suggest that LeACS-1 acts as a positive regulator of ethylene-induced shikonin biosynthesis in L. erythrorhizon hairy roots. Our work not only gives new insights into the understanding of the relationship between ET and shikonin biosynthesis, but also provides an efficient genetic engineering target gene for secondary metabolite production in non-model plant L. erythrorhizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Fengyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Ailan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yonghui Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Ren-Jie Tang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Tongyi Yang
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Rongwu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jinliang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Guihua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Yonghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU-NJFU Joint Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
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10
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Widhalm JR, Rhodes D. Biosynthesis and molecular actions of specialized 1,4-naphthoquinone natural products produced by horticultural plants. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2016; 3:16046. [PMID: 27688890 PMCID: PMC5030760 DOI: 10.1038/hortres.2016.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The 1,4-naphthoquinones (1,4-NQs) are a diverse group of natural products found in every kingdom of life. Plants, including many horticultural species, collectively synthesize hundreds of specialized 1,4-NQs with ecological roles in plant-plant (allelopathy), plant-insect and plant-microbe interactions. Numerous horticultural plants producing 1,4-NQs have also served as sources of traditional medicines for hundreds of years. As a result, horticultural species have been at the forefront of many basic studies conducted to understand the metabolism and function of specialized plant 1,4-NQs. Several 1,4-NQ natural products derived from horticultural plants have also emerged as promising scaffolds for developing new drugs. In this review, the current understanding of the core metabolic pathways leading to plant 1,4-NQs is provided with additional emphasis on downstream natural products originating from horticultural species. An overview on the biochemical mechanisms of action, both from an ecological and pharmacological perspective, of 1,4-NQs derived from horticultural plants is also provided. In addition, future directions for improving basic knowledge about plant 1,4-NQ metabolism are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Widhalm
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, 625 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2010, USA
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| | - David Rhodes
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, 625 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2010, USA
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11
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Nitrite reduction by molybdoenzymes: a new class of nitric oxide-forming nitrite reductases. J Biol Inorg Chem 2015; 20:403-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-014-1234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Malik S, Bhushan S, Sharma M, Ahuja PS. Biotechnological approaches to the production of shikonins: a critical review with recent updates. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2014; 36:327-40. [PMID: 25319455 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2014.961003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Shikonins are commercially important secondary compounds, known for array of biological activities such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, antitumor, antioxidants, etc. These compounds are usually colored and therefore have application in food, textiles and cosmetics. Shikonin and its derivatives, which are commercially most important of the naphthoquinone pigments, are distributed among members of the family Boraginaceae. These include different species of Lithospermum, Arnebia, Alkanna, Anchusa, Echium and Onosma. The growing demand for plant-based natural products has made this group of compounds one of the enthralling targets for their in vitro production. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent progress in production of shikonins by various biotechnological means. Different methods of increasing the levels of shikonins in plant cells such as selection of cell lines, optimization of culture conditions, elicitation, in situ product removal, genetic transformation and metabolic engineering are discussed. The experience of different researchers working worldwide on this aspect is also considered. Further, to meet market demand, the needs for continuous and reliable production systems, as well as future prospects, are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Malik
- a Division of Biotechnology , CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , Himachal Pradesh , India and.,b Department of Chemical Biology and Genetics , Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Palacký University , Olomouc , Czech Republic
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- a Division of Biotechnology , CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , Himachal Pradesh , India and
| | - Madhu Sharma
- a Division of Biotechnology , CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , Himachal Pradesh , India and
| | - Paramvir Singh Ahuja
- a Division of Biotechnology , CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur , Himachal Pradesh , India and
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa B. Maia
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento
de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - José J. G. Moura
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento
de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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14
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Ren CG, Dai CC. Nitric oxide and brassinosteroids mediated fungal endophyte-induced volatile oil production through protein phosphorylation pathways in Atractylodes lancea plantlets. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 55:1136-46. [PMID: 23773784 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Fungal endophytes have been isolated from almost every plant, infecting their hosts without causing visible disease symptoms, and yet have still proved to be involved in plant secondary metabolites accumulation. To decipher the possible physiological mechanisms of the endophytic fungus-host interaction, the role of protein phosphorylation and the relationship between endophytic fungus-induced kinase activity and nitric oxide (NO) and brassinolide (BL) in endophyte-enhanced volatile oil accumulation in Atractylodes lancea plantlets were investigated using pharmacological and biochemical approaches. Inoculation with the endophytic fungus Gilmaniella sp. AL12 enhanced the activities of total protein phosphorylation, Ca²⁺-dependent protein kinase, and volatile oil accumulation in A. lancea plantlets. The upregulation of protein kinase activity could be blocked by the BL inhibitor brassinazole. Furthermore, pretreatments with the NO-specific scavenger cPTIO significantly reduced the increased activities of protein kinases in A. lancea plantlets inoculated with endophytic fungus. Pretreatments with different protein kinase inhibitors also reduced fungus-induced NO production and volatile oil accumulation, but had barely no effect on the BL level. These data suggest that protein phosphorylation is required for endophyte-induced volatile oil production in A. lancea plantlets, and that crosstalk between protein phosphorylation and the NO pathway may occur and act as a downstream signaling event of the BL pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Gang Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences in Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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15
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Liang ZS, Yang DF, Liang X, Zhang YJ, Liu Y, Liu FH. Roles of reactive oxygen species in methyl jasmonate and nitric oxide-induced tanshinone production in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2012; 31:873-883. [PMID: 22189441 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-011-1208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicinal plants for treatment of coronary heart disease. Tanshinones are the main biological active compounds in S. miltiorrhiza. In this study, effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MJ) and nitric oxide (NO) on tanshinone production in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots were investigated and the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MJ and NO-induced tanshinone production were elucidated further. The results showed that contents of four tanshinone compounds were significantly increased by 100 μM MJ when compared to the control. Application of 100 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of NO, also resulted in a significant increase of tanshinone production. Expression of two key genes encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) was up-regulated by MJ and SNP. Generations of O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2) were triggered by MJ, but not by SNP. The increase of tanshinone production and up-regulation of HMGR and DXR expression induced by MJ were significantly inhibited by ROS scavengers, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However, neither SOD nor CAT was able to suppress the SNP-induced increase of tanshinone production and expression of HMGR and DXR gene. In conclusion, tanshinone production was significantly stimulated by MJ and SNP. Of four tanshinone compounds, cryptotanshinone accumulation was most affected by MJ elicitation, while cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA accumulation was more affected by SNP elicitation. ROS mediated MJ-induced tanshinone production, but SNP-induced tanshinone production was ROS independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Suo Liang
- College of Life Science of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Zhang B, Zheng LP, Wang JW. Nitric oxide elicitation for secondary metabolite production in cultured plant cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 93:455-66. [PMID: 22089384 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3658-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signal molecule in stress responses. Accumulation of secondary metabolites often occurs in plants subjected to stresses including various elicitors or signal molecules. NO has been reported to play important roles in elicitor-induced secondary metabolite production in tissue and cell cultures of medicinal plants. Better understanding of NO role in the biosynthesis of such metabolites is very important for optimizing the commercial production of those pharmaceutically significant secondary metabolites. This paper summarizes progress made on several aspects of NO signal leading to the production of plant secondary metabolites, including various abiotic and biotic elicitors that induce NO production, elicitor-triggered NO generation cascades, the impact of NO on growth development and programmed cell death in medicinal plants, and NO-mediated regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of such metabolites. Cross-talks among NO signaling and reactive oxygen species, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid are discussed. Some perspectives on the application of NO donors for induction of the secondary metabolite accumulation in plant cultures are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Zhang W, Zou A, Miao J, Yin Y, Tian R, Pang Y, Yang R, Qi J, Yang Y. LeERF-1, a novel AP2/ERF family gene within the B3 subcluster, is down-regulated by light signals in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2011; 13:343-8. [PMID: 21309981 DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00375.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We previously showed that ethylene might be involved in the process of shikonin biosynthesis regulated by light signals. Here, we cloned a full-length cDNA of LeERF-1, a putative ethylene response factor gene, from Lithospermum erythrorhizon using the RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LeERF-1 was classified in the B3 subfamily, together with ERF1 and ORA59 of Arabidopsis. Heterologous expression of LeERF-1 in Arabidopsis showed that LeERF-1:eGFP fusion protein was precisely localised to the nucleus, implying that it might function as a transcription factor. Detailed expression analysis with real-time PCR showed that LeERF-1 was significantly down-regulated by white, blue and red light, although the inhibitory effect of red light was relatively weak compared to other light conditions. Tissue-specific expression analysis also indicated that LeERF-1 was dominantly expressed in the roots, which grow in soil in darkness. These patterns are all consistent with the effects of different light signals on regulating formation of shikonin and its derivatives, indicating that LeERF-1 might be a crucial positive regulator, like other B3 subfamily proteins (such as ORCA3 and ORA59), in regulating biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zhang
- NJU-NFU Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Moreau M, Lindermayr C, Durner J, Klessig DF. NO synthesis and signaling in plants--where do we stand? PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2010; 138:372-83. [PMID: 19912564 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3054.2009.01308.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, nitric oxide (NO) research has generated a lot of interest in various aspects of plant biology. It is now clear that NO plays a role in a wide range of physiological processes in plants. However, in spite of the significant progress that has been made in understanding NO biosynthesis and signaling in planta, several crucial questions remain unanswered. Here we highlight several challenges in NO plant research by summarizing the latest knowledge of NO synthesis and by focusing on the potential NO source(s) and players involved. Our goal is also to provide an overview of how our understanding of NO signaling has been enhanced by the identification of array of genes and proteins regulated by NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Moreau
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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