Identification of a novel anthocyanin synthesis pathway in the fungus Aspergillus sydowii H-1

Phyto-nutraceutical promise of Brassica vegetables in post-genomic era: a comprehensive review

MAIN CONCLUSION

Brassica vegetables are one of the possible solutions to tackle the emerging human diseases and malnutrition due to their rich content of phyto-nutraceutaical compounds. The genomics enabled tools have facilitated the elucidation of molecular regulation, mapping of genes/QTLs governing nutraceutical compounds, and development of nutrient-rich Brassica vegetables. The enriched food products or foods as whole termed as functional foods are intended to provide health benefits. The 2500 year old Hippocratic phrase 'let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food' remained in anonymity due to lack of sufficient evidence. However, today, we are facing reappraisal of healthy nutritious functional foods in battling diseases. In this context, the Brassica vegetables represent the most extensively investigated class of functional foods. An optimal consumption of Brassica vegetables is associated with lowering the risks of several types of cancer, chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and help in autism. In the post-genomic era, the integration of genetic and neoteric omics tools like transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics have illuminated the downstream genetic mechanisms governing functional food value of Brassica vegetables. In this review, we have summarized in brief the phyto-nutraceutical profile and their functionality in Brassica vegetables. This review also highlights the progress made in identification of candidate genes/QTLs for accumulation of bioactive compounds in Brassica vegetables. We summarize the molecular regulation of major phytochemicals and breeding triumphs in delivering multifunctional Brassica vegetables.

Regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in red lettuce in plant factory conditions: A review

Anthocyanins, natural pigments known for their vibrant hues and beneficial properties, undergo intricate genetic control. However, red vegetables grown in plant factories frequently exhibit reduced anthocyanin synthesis compared to those in open fields due to factors like inadequate light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability. Comprehending these factors is essential for optimizing plant factory environments to enhance anthocyanin synthesis. This review insights the impact of physiological and genetic factors on the production of anthocyanins in red lettuce grown under controlled conditions. Further, we aim to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in both synthesis and degradation of anthocyanins. Moreover, this review summarizes the identified regulators of anthocyanin synthesis in lettuce, addressing the gap in knowledge on controlling anthocyanin production in plant factories, with potential implications for various crops beyond red lettuce.

LC-MS/MS-based targeted carotenoid and anthocyanidin metabolic profile of Auricularia cornea under blue and red LED light exposure

Light exposure significantly impacted the coloration and metabolism of Auricularia cornea, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to test the apparent color and pigment metabolic profiles of A. cornea in response to red (λp = 630 nm) and blue (λp = 463 nm) visible light exposure. Colorimeter analysis showed that fruiting bodies appeared bright-white under red-light and deeper-red under blue-light, both with a yellow tinge. On the 40th day of light-exposure, bodies were collected for metabolite detection. A total of 481 metabolites were targeted analysis, resulting in 18 carotenoids and 11 anthocyanins. Under red and blue light exposure, the total carotenoids levels were 1.1652 μg/g and 1.1576 μg/g, the total anthocyanins levels were 0.0799 μg/g and 0.1286 μg/g, respectively. Four differential metabolites and three putative gene linked to the visual coloration of A. cornea were identified. This pioneering study provides new insights into the role of light in regulating A. cornea pigmentation and metabolic profile.

Decoding anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation in Asparagus officinalis peel coloration: Insights from integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses

Asparagus is a key global vegetable crop with significant economic importance. Purple asparagus, rich in anthocyanins, stands out for its nutritional value. Despite its prominence, the molecular mechanisms driving purple peel coloration in asparagus remain unclear. This study focuses on three asparagus varieties with distinct peel colors to analyze anthocyanins in both the metabolome and transcriptome, unraveling the regulatory mechanisms. Our findings identify 30 anthocyanins, categorized into five major anthocyanin aglycones across diverse asparagus peel colors. Notably, among the 30 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), 18 anthocyanins displayed significantly up-regulated expression in the 'Purple Passion' variety. Key contributors include Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside and Cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside is most abundant in 'Purple Passion', while Petunidin-glucoside-galactoside is the least. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) displayed 21 structural genes in anthocyanin synthesis, with F3H, DFR, ANS, and one of three UFGTs showing significantly higher expression in the 'Purple Passion' compared to 'Grande' and 'Erasmus'. Additionally, transcription factors (TFs), including 38 MYB, 33 bHLH, and 13 bZIP, also display differential expression in this variety. Validation through real-time qPCR supports the idea that increased expression of anthocyanin structural genes contribute to anthocyanin accumulation. Transient overexpression of AoMYB17 in tobacco further showed that it had the vital function of increasing anthocyanin content. This study sheds light on the mechanisms behind anthocyanin coloration in three distinct asparagus peels. Therefore, it lays the foundation for potential genetic enhancements, aiming to develop new purple-fleshed asparagus germplasms with heightened anthocyanin content.

Evidence for adaptation of colourful truffle-like fungi for birds in Aotearoa-New Zealand

Propagule dispersal is a crucial aspect of the survival and reproduction of sessile organisms, such as plants and fungi. As such, the colours of fleshy fruits serve as a visual cue for animal dispersers. However, little is known about how, or whether, specific traits of fungal fruiting bodies, such as colour or shape, attract animal dispersers, and additionally the identities of fungal dispersers are poorly understood. Globally, most truffle-like fungi are dull-coloured, subterranean, and likely have scents that are attractive to mammalian dispersers. In Aotearoa-New Zealand, however, brightly coloured truffle-like fungi that emerge from the forest floor have seemingly proliferated. This proliferation has prompted the hypothesis that they are adapted to dispersal by a bird-dominated fauna. In our study, we used the literature and citizen science data (GBIF) to explore whether colourful species occur at a higher proportion of the total truffle-like fungi flora in Aotearoa-New Zealand than elsewhere in the world. In addition, we tested for a relationship between biotic factors (avian frugivory and forest cover) and abiotic factors (precipitation, radiation, and temperature) and the prevalence of brightly coloured truffle-like fungi across the world. The most colourful truffle-like fungi are in three defined regions: Australia, South and Central America and the Caribbean, and Aotearoa-NZ. Potential dispersers and the environment both relate to the distribution of truffle-like fungi: we found that increasing levels of frugivory were associated with higher proportions of colourful truffle-like fungi. This finding provides new insights into drivers of certain fungal traits, and their interactions between birds and fungi. Unique ecosystems, such as Aotearoa-NZ's bird-dominated biota, provide fascinating opportunities to explore how plants and fungi interact with the sensory systems of animals.

Roles of CcDFR and CcOMT9 in the cyanidin biosynthesis and development of Cordyceps cicadae

Introduction

Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus known for its rich production of bioactive substances, particularly cyanidin, an anthocyanin commonly found in plants with notable anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. This study revealed two key genes, CcDFR and CcOMT9, affecting cyanidin biosynthesis in C. cicadae.

Methods

The roles of these genes in cyanidin production, growth, and development were elucidated through the gene knockout method, phenotypic analysis, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.

Results

CcDFR deletion led to reduced cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), suppressed expression of cyanidin biosynthesis genes, impaired synnemata formation, decreased polysaccharide and adenosine content, and diminished chitinase activity. Meanwhile, the ΔCcOMT9 mutant exhibited an increase in C3G production, promoted expression of cyanidin biosynthesis genes and rising bioactive compounds, suppressed RNA methylation, and led to phenylalanine accumulation with no effect on fruiting body formation.

Discussion

We revealed a distinct anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in C. cicadae and identified two genes with opposite functions, laying the foundation for future genetic modification of cyanidin-producing strains using modern biological techniques. This will shorten the production period of this valuable compound, facilitating the industrial-scale production of cyanidin.

Secondary Metabolites, Biological Activities, and Industrial and Biotechnological Importance of Aspergillus sydowii

Marine-derived fungi are renowned as a source of astonishingly significant and synthetically appealing metabolites that are proven as new lead chemicals for chemical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural fields. Aspergillus sydowii is a saprotrophic, ubiquitous, and halophilic fungus that is commonly found in different marine ecosystems. This fungus can cause aspergillosis in sea fan corals leading to sea fan mortality with subsequent changes in coral community structure. Interestingly, A. sydowi is a prolific source of distinct and structurally varied metabolites such as alkaloids, xanthones, terpenes, anthraquinones, sterols, diphenyl ethers, pyrones, cyclopentenones, and polyketides with a range of bioactivities. A. sydowii has capacity to produce various enzymes with marked industrial and biotechnological potential, including α-amylases, lipases, xylanases, cellulases, keratinases, and tannases. Also, this fungus has the capacity for bioremediation as well as the biocatalysis of various chemical reactions. The current work aimed at focusing on the bright side of this fungus. In this review, published studies on isolated metabolites from A. sydowii, including their structures, biological functions, and biosynthesis, as well as the biotechnological and industrial significance of this fungus, were highlighted. More than 245 compounds were described in the current review with 134 references published within the period from 1975 to June 2023.

Lignin-Loaded Carbon Nanoparticles as a Promising Control Agent against Fusarium verticillioides in Maize: Physiological and Biochemical Analyses

Lignin, a naturally occurring biopolymer, is produced primarily as a waste product by the pulp and paper industries and burned to produce electricity. Lignin-based nano- and microcarriers found in plants are promising biodegradable drug delivery platforms. Here, we highlight a few characteristics of a potential antifungal nanocomposite consisting of carbon nanoparticles (C-NPs) with a defined size and shape containing lignin nanoparticles (L-NPs). Spectroscopic and microscopic studies verified that the lignin-loaded carbon nanoparticles (L-CNPs) were successfully prepared. Under in vitro and in vivo conditions, the antifungal activity of L-CNPs at various doses was effectively tested against a wild strain of F. verticillioides that causes maize stalk rot disease. In comparison to the commercial fungicide, Ridomil Gold SL (2%), L-CNPs introduced beneficial effects in the earliest stages of maize development (seed germination and radicle length). Additionally, L-CNP treatments promoted positive effects on maize seedlings, with a significant increment in the level of carotenoid, anthocyanin, and chlorophyll pigments for particular treatments. Finally, the soluble protein content displayed a favorable trend in response to particular dosages. Most importantly, treatments with L-CNPs at 100 and 500 mg/L significantly reduced stalk rot disease by 86% and 81%, respectively, compared to treatments with the chemical fungicide, which reduced the disease by 79%. These consequences are substantial considering the essential cellular function carried out by these special natural-based compounds. Finally, the intravenous L-CNPs treatments in both male and female mice that affected the clinical applications and toxicological assessments are explained. The results of this study suggest that L-CNPs are of high interest as biodegradable delivery vehicles and can be used to stimulate favorable biological responses in maize when administered in the recommended dosages, contributing to the idea of agro-nanotechnology by demonstrating their unique qualities as a cost-effective alternative compared to conventional commercial fungicides and environmentally benign nanopesticides for long-term plant protection.

Fungal identification in peanuts seeds through multispectral images: Technological advances to enhance sanitary quality

The sanitary quality of seed is essential in agriculture. This is because pathogenic fungi compromise seed physiological quality and prevent the formation of plants in the field, which causes losses to farmers. Multispectral images technologies coupled with machine learning algorithms can optimize the identification of healthy peanut seeds, greatly improving the sanitary quality. The objective was to verify whether multispectral images technologies and artificial intelligence tools are effective for discriminating pathogenic fungi in tropical peanut seeds. For this purpose, dry peanut seeds infected by fungi (A. flavus, A. niger, Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp.) were used to acquire images at different wavelengths (365 to 970 nm). Multispectral markers of peanut seed health quality were found. The incubation period of 216 h was the one that most contributed to discriminating healthy seeds from those containing fungi through multispectral images. Texture (Percent Run), color (CIELab L*) and reflectance (490 nm) were highly effective in discriminating the sanitary quality of peanut seeds. Machine learning algorithms (LDA, MLP, RF, and SVM) demonstrated high accuracy in autonomous detection of seed health status (90 to 100%). Thus, multispectral images coupled with machine learning algorithms are effective for screening peanut seeds with superior sanitary quality.

Identification of a Novel Coumarins Biosynthetic Pathway in the Endophytic Fungus Fusarium oxysporum GU-7 with Antioxidant Activity

Coumarins are generally considered to be produced by natural plants. Fungi have been reported to produce coumarins, but their biosynthetic pathways are still unknown. In this study, Fusarium oxysporum GU-7 and GU-60 were isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and their antioxidant activities were determined to be significantly different. Abundant dipeptide, phenolic acids, and the plant-derived coumarins fraxetin and scopoletin were identified in GU-7 by untargeted metabolomics, and these compounds may account for its stronger antioxidant activity compared to GU-60. Combined with metabolome and RNA sequencing analysis, we identified 24 potentially key genes involved in coumarin biosynthesis and 6 intermediate metabolites. Interestingly, the best hit of S8H, a key gene involved in hydroxylation at the C-8 position of scopoletin to yield fraxetin, belongs to a plant species. Additionally, nondestructive infection of G. uralensis seeds with GU-7 significantly improved the antioxidant activity of seedlings compared to the control group. This antioxidant activity may depend on the biological characteristics of endophytes themselves, as we observed a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi and that of their nondestructively infected seedlings. IMPORTANCE Plant-produced coumarins have been shown to play an important role in assembly of the plant microbiomes and iron acquisition. Coumarins can also be produced by some microorganisms. However, studies on coumarin biosynthesis in microorganisms are still lacking. We report for the first time that fraxetin and scopoletin were simultaneously produced by F. oxysporum GU-7 with strong free radical scavenging abilities. Subsequently, we identified intermediate metabolites and key genes in the biosynthesis of these two coumarins. This is the first report on the coumarin biosynthesis pathway in nonplant species, providing new strategies and perspectives for coumarin production and expanding research on new ways for plants to obtain iron.

Antifungal activity of eco-safe nanoemulsions based on Nigella sativa oil against Penicillium verrucosum infecting maize seeds: Biochemical and physiological traits

The main goals of the present investigation were to develop O/W nanoemulsion fungicides based on cold-pressed Nigella sativa (black seed) oil to prevent Penicillium verrucosum infection of maize seeds and to test their antifungal activity against this fungus. Additionally, the effect of these nanoemulsions on plant physiological parameters was also investigated. Two nonionic surfactants namely Tween 20 and Tween 80 were used as emulsifying agents in these formulations. The effect of sonication time and surfactant type on the mean droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of the nanoemulsions were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results indicated that both sonication time and emulsifier type had pronounced effects on the stability of O/W nanoemulsions with a small particle size range (168.6-345.3 nm), acceptable PDI (0.181-0.353), and high zeta potential (-27.24 to -48.82 mV). Tween 20 showed superior stability compared to Tween 80 nanoemulsions. The in vitro results showed that complete inhibition of P. verrucosum-growth was obtained by 10_T80 and 10_T20 nanoemulsions at 100% concentration. All nanoemulsions had increment effects on maize seed germination by 101% in the case of 10_T20 and 10_T80 compared to untreated seeds or the chemical fungicide treatment. Nanoemulsions (10_T20 and 10_T80) were able to stimulate root and shoot length as compared to the fungicide treatment. Seed treatment with 10_T80 nanoemulsion showed the highest AI and protease activity by 75 and 70%, respectively, as compared to the infected control. The produced nanoemulsions might provide an effective protectant coating layer for the stored maize seeds.

Flavonoid Production: Current Trends in Plant Metabolic Engineering and De Novo Microbial Production

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that represent a heterogeneous family of plant polyphenolic compounds. Recent research has determined that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, as well as the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, are based on the presence of various bioactive natural products, including a high proportion of flavonoids. With current trends in plant metabolite research, flavonoids have become the center of attention due to their significant bioactivity associated with anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities. However, the use of traditional approaches, widely associated with the production of flavonoids, including plant extraction and chemical synthesis, has not been able to establish a scalable route for large-scale production on an industrial level. The renovation of biosynthetic pathways in plants and industrially significant microbes using advanced genetic engineering tools offers substantial promise for the exploration and scalable production of flavonoids. Recently, the co-culture engineering approach has emerged to prevail over the constraints and limitations of the conventional monoculture approach by harnessing the power of two or more strains of engineered microbes to reconstruct the target biosynthetic pathway. In this review, current perspectives on the biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of flavonoids in plants have been summarized. Special emphasis is placed on the most recent developments in the microbial production of major classes of flavonoids. Finally, we describe the recent achievements in genetic engineering for the combinatorial biosynthesis of flavonoids by reconstructing synthesis pathways in microorganisms via a co-culture strategy to obtain high amounts of specific bioactive compounds.

Application of Metabolomics in Fungal Research

Metabolomics is an essential method to study the dynamic changes of metabolic networks and products using modern analytical techniques, as well as reveal the life phenomena and their inherent laws. Currently, more and more attention has been paid to the development of metabolic histochemistry in the fungus field. This paper reviews the application of metabolomics in fungal research from five aspects: identification, response to stress, metabolite discovery, metabolism engineering, and fungal interactions with plants.

The renaissance and enlightenment of Marchantia as a model system

The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha has been utilized as a model for biological studies since the 18th century. In the past few decades, there has been a Renaissance in its utilization in genomic and genetic approaches to investigating physiological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects of land plant biology. The reasons for its adoption are similar to those of other genetic models, e.g. simple cultivation, ready access via its worldwide distribution, ease of crossing, facile genetics, and more recently, efficient transformation, genome editing, and genomic resources. The haploid gametophyte dominant life cycle of M. polymorpha is conducive to forward genetic approaches. The lack of ancient whole-genome duplications within liverworts facilitates reverse genetic approaches, and possibly related to this genomic stability, liverworts possess sex chromosomes that evolved in the ancestral liverwort. As a representative of one of the three bryophyte lineages, its phylogenetic position allows comparative approaches to provide insights into ancestral land plants. Given the karyotype and genome stability within liverworts, the resources developed for M. polymorpha have facilitated the development of related species as models for biological processes lacking in M. polymorpha.

Chemistry and Pharmacological Actions of Delphinidin, a Dietary Purple Pigment in Anthocyanidin and Anthocyanin Forms

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring water-soluble flavonoids abundantly present in fruits and vegetables. They are polymethoxyderivatives of 2-phenyl-benzopyrylium or flavylium salts. Delphinidin (Dp) is a purple-colored plant pigment, which occurs in a variety of berries, eggplant, roselle, and wine. It is found in a variety of glycosidic forms ranging from glucoside to arabinoside. Dp is highly active in its aglycone form, but the presence of a sugar moiety is vital for its bioavailability. Several animal and human clinical studies have shown that it exerts beneficial effects on gut microbiota. Dp exhibits a variety of useful biological activities by distinct and complex mechanisms. This manuscript highlights the basic characteristics, chemistry, biosynthesis, stability profiling, chemical synthesis, physicochemical parameters along with various analytical methods developed for extraction, isolation and characterization, diverse biological activities and granted patents to this lead anthocyanin molecule, Dp. This review aims to open pathways for further exploration and research investigation on the true potential of the naturally occurring purple pigment (Dp) in its anthocyanidin and anthocyanin forms beyond nutrition.

Nutritional value of commercial and traditional lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and wild relatives: Vitamin C and anthocyanin content

Lettuce is the most consumed leafy vegetable though the most popular varieties have a low nutritional value. Our objective was to accurately quantify vitamin C and anthocyanins in wild relatives, and commercial and traditional varieties. Wild species and traditional varieties contained more total ascorbic acid (TAA) than commercial varieties (21% and 8%, respectively). In contrast, commercial varieties had significantly higher content of anthocyanins than traditional varieties and wild species (6 and 8 times more, respectively). TAA was significantly higher in green than in red lettuces (18%). TAA was also significantly higher in the leaves of two wild species than in stems. Cyanidin 3-O-(6'-O-malonylglucoside) was the most abundant anthocyanin (97%), present in most samples. The rankings of accessions by vitamin C and anthocyanin contents can be useful for consumers worried about the impacts of food on their wellbeing and for breeders aiming to improve lettuce by biofortification with health-promoting compounds.

RNA-Seq analysis reveals potential regulators of programmed cell death and leaf remodelling in lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis)

BACKGROUND

The lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) is an aquatic monocot that develops leaves with uniquely formed perforations through the use of a developmentally regulated process called programmed cell death (PCD). The process of perforation formation in lace plant leaves is subdivided into several developmental stages: pre-perforation, window, perforation formation, perforation expansion and mature. The first three emerging "imperforate leaves" do not form perforations, while all subsequent leaves form perforations via developmentally regulated PCD. PCD is active in cells called "PCD cells" that do not retain the antioxidant anthocyanin in spaces called areoles framed by the leaf veins of window stage leaves. Cells near the veins called "NPCD cells" retain a red pigmentation from anthocyanin and do not undergo PCD. While the cellular changes that occur during PCD are well studied, the gene expression patterns underlying these changes and driving PCD during leaf morphogenesis are mostly unknown. We sought to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that mediate lace plant leaf remodelling and PCD. This was achieved performing gene expression analysis using transcriptomics and comparing DEGs among different stages of leaf development, and between NPCD and PCD cells isolated by laser capture microdissection.

RESULTS

Transcriptomes were sequenced from imperforate, pre-perforation, window, and mature leaf stages, as well as PCD and NPCD cells isolated from window stage leaves. Differential expression analysis of the data revealed distinct gene expression profiles: pre-perforation and window stage leaves were characterized by higher expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, plant proteases, expansins, and autophagy-related genes. Mature and imperforate leaves upregulated genes associated with chlorophyll development, photosynthesis, and negative regulators of PCD. PCD cells were found to have a higher expression of genes involved with ethylene biosynthesis, brassinosteroid biosynthesis, and hydrolase activity whereas NPCD cells possessed higher expression of auxin transport, auxin signalling, aspartyl proteases, cysteine protease, Bag5, and anthocyanin biosynthesis enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

RNA sequencing was used to generate a de novo transcriptome for A. madagascariensis leaves and revealed numerous DEGs potentially involved in PCD and leaf remodelling. The data generated from this investigation will be useful for future experiments on lace plant leaf development and PCD in planta.

Overexpression of VvPPR1, a DYW-type PPR protein in grape, affects the phenotype of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins play important roles in plant growth and development. However, little is known about their functions in the leaf morphogenesis of Jingxiu grape (Vitis vinifera L.). Here, we explored the function of VvPPR1, which encodes a DYW-type PPR protein in grape. We showed that VvPPR1 is involved in the regulation of leaf rolling, anthocyanin accumulation, and trichome formation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis of structural characteristics showed that VvPPR1 is a DYW-type PPR gene in the PLS subfamily consisting of 15 PPR motifs. The N-terminal had a targeted chloroplast site, and the C-terminal had a DYW domain. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of VvPPR1 was highest in grape leaves. Subcellular localization revealed that VvPPR1 is localized in the cytoplasm and chloroplast. VvPPR1-overexpressing plants had rolled leaves, high degrees of anthocyanin accumulation, and longer trichomes. The expression levels of genes related to these phenotypes were either significantly up-regulated or down-regulated. These results demonstrate that VvPPR1 is involved in leaf rolling, anthocyanin accumulation, and trichome formation in Arabidopsis; more generally, our findings indicate that VvPPR1 could be a target for improving the cultivation of horticultural crops.

Keratinases Produced by Aspergillus stelliformis, Aspergillus sydowii, and Fusarium brachygibbosum Isolated from Human Hair: Yield and Activity

Twenty fungal strains belonging to 17 species and isolated from male scalp hair were tested for their capacity to hydrolyze keratinous material from chicken feather. The identification of the three most efficient species was confirmed by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Activities of fungal keratinases produced by Aspergillus stelliformis (strain AUMC 10920), A. sydowii (AUMC 10935), and Fusarium brachygibbosum (AUMC 10937) were 113, 120, and 130 IU mg⁻¹ enzymes, respectively. The most favorable conditions were at pH 8.0 and 50 °C. Keratinase activity was markedly inhibited by EDTA and metal ions Ca⁺², Co⁺², Ni⁺², Cu⁺², Fe⁺², Mg⁺², and Zn⁺², with differences between the fungal species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the activity of keratinase produced by A. stelliformis, A. sydowii, and F. brachygibbosum. F. brachygibbosum keratinase was the most active, but the species is not recommended because of its known phytopathogenicty. Aspergillus sydowii has many known biotechnological solutions and here we add another application of the species, as producer of keratinases. We introduce A. stelliformis as new producer of active fungal keratinases for biotechnological solutions, such as in the management of keratinous waste in poultry industry.

Lignin Nanoparticles: A Promising Tool to Improve Maize Physiological, Biochemical, and Chemical Traits

Lignin, and its derivatives, are the subject of current research for the exciting properties shown by this biomass. Particularly attractive are lignin nanoparticles for their eco- and biocompatibility compared to other nanomaterials. In this context, the effect of nanostructured lignin microparticles (LNP), obtained from alkaline lignin by acid treatment, on maize plants was investigated. To this end, maize seeds were primed with LNP at five concentrations: 80 mg L-1 (T80), 312 mg L-1 (T312), 1250 mg L-1 (T1250), 5000 mg L-1 (T5000) and 20,000 mg L-1 (T20000). Concerning the dose applied, LNP prompted positive effects on the first stages of maize development (germination and radicle length). Furthermore, the study of plant growth, biochemical and chemical parameters on the developed plants indicated that concerning the dose applied. LNP stimulated beneficial effects on the seedlings (fresh weight and length of shoots and roots). Besides, specific treatments increased the content of chlorophyll (a and b), carotenoid, and anthocyanin. Finally, the soluble protein content showed a positive trend in response to specific dosages. These effects are significant, given the essential biological function performed by these biomolecules. In conclusion, this research indicates as the nanostructured lignin microparticles can be used, at appropriate dosages, to induce positive biological responses in maize. This beneficial action deserves attention as it candidates LNP for biostimulating a crop through seed priming.

MYB-Mediated Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis

Anthocyanins are natural water-soluble pigments that are important in plants because they endow a variety of colors to vegetative tissues and reproductive plant organs, mainly ranging from red to purple and blue. The colors regulated by anthocyanins give plants different visual effects through different biosynthetic pathways that provide pigmentation for flowers, fruits and seeds to attract pollinators and seed dispersers. The biosynthesis of anthocyanins is genetically determined by structural and regulatory genes. MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) proteins are important transcriptional regulators that play important roles in the regulation of plant secondary metabolism. MYB transcription factors (TFs) occupy a dominant position in the regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis. The TF conserved binding motifs can be combined with other TFs to regulate the enrichment and sedimentation of anthocyanins. In this study, the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthetic mechanisms of MYB-TFs are discussed. The role of the environment in the control of the anthocyanin biosynthesis network is summarized, the complex formation of anthocyanins and the mechanism of environment-induced anthocyanin synthesis are analyzed. Some prospects for MYB-TF to modulate the comprehensive regulation of anthocyanins are put forward, to provide a more relevant basis for further research in this field, and to guide the directed genetic modification of anthocyanins for the improvement of crops for food quality, nutrition and human health.

Serendipita indica changes host sugar and defense status in Arabidopsis thaliana: cooperation or exploitation?

Manipulation of sugar metabolism upon S. indica root colonization triggers changes in sugar pools and defense responses in A. thaliana. Serendipita indica is an endophytic fungus that establishes mutualistic relationships with many different plants including important crops as well as the model plant A. thaliana. Successful root colonization typically results in growth promotion and enhanced tolerance against various biotic and abiotic stresses. The fungus delivers phosphorus to the host and receives in exchange carbohydrates. There are hints that S. indica prefers hexoses, glucose, and fructose, products of saccharose cleavage driven by invertases (INVs) and sucrose synthases (SUSs). Carbohydrate metabolism in this interaction, however, remains still widely unexplored. Therefore, in this work, the sugar pools as well as the expression of SUSs and cytosolic INVs in plants colonized by S. indica were analyzed. Using sus1/2/3/4 and cinv1/2 mutants the importance of these genes for the induction of growth promotion and proper root colonization was demonstrated. Furthermore, the expression of several defense-related marker genes in both multiple mutants in comparison to the wild-type plants was determined. Our results show that in colonized A. thaliana plants S. indica manipulates the sugar metabolism by altering the expression of host's INV and SUS and modulates both the sugar pools and plant defense in its favor. We conclude that the interaction A. thaliana-S. indica is a balancing act between cooperation and exploitation, in which sugar metabolism plays a crucial role. Small changes in this mechanism can lead to severe disruption resulting in the lack of growth promotion or altered colonization rate.

Azolla ferns testify: seed plants and ferns share a common ancestor for leucoanthocyanidin reductase enzymes

Questions about in vivo substrates for proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis and condensation have not been resolved and wide gaps in the understanding of transport and biogenesis in 'tannosomes' persist. Here we examined the evolution of PA biosynthesis in ferns not previously reported, asking what PAs are synthesised and how. Chemical and gene-expression analyses were combined to characterise PA biosynthesis, leveraging genome annotation from the floating fern Azolla filiculoides. In vitro assay and phylogenomics of PIP-dehydrogenases served to infer the evolution of leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR). Sporophyte-synthesised (epi)catechin polymers, averaging only seven subunits, accumulated to 5.3% in A. filiculoides, and 8% in A. pinnata biomass dry weight. Consistently, a LAR active in vitro was highly expressed in A. filiculoides. LAR, and paralogous fern WLAR-enzymes with differing substrate binding sites, represent an evolutionary innovation of the common ancestor of fern and seed plants. The specific ecological niche of Azolla ferns, a floating plant-microbe mat massively fixing CO₂ and N₂ , shaped their metabolism in which PA biosynthesis predominates and employs novel fern LAR enzymes. Characterisation of in vivo substrates of these LAR, will help to shed light on the recently assigned and surprising dual catalysis of LAR from seed plants.

The effects of bioactive compounds from blueberry and blackcurrant powders on the inhibitory activities of oat bran pastes against α-amylase and α-glucosidase linked to type 2 diabetes

The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities by extracts of oat bran, blueberry and blackcurrant powders, as well as oat bran pastes supplemented 25% of blueberry and blackcurrant powder, were studied by measuring their half inhibitory (IC50) concentrations. Addition of blueberry or blackcurrant powder into oat bran paste increased α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with a decrease in IC50 values. The main anthocyanidin content was measured by pH differential method and the potential inhibitory mechanisms of these extracts were also investigated by detailed inhibition kinetics and docking simulations. The results showed that: (1) cyanidin and delphinidin were the main anthocyanidin profiles in extracts; (2) only blackcurrant powder was a competitive inhibitor, while other extracts were all mixed-type inhibitors against α-amylase; (3) both blueberry- and blackcurrant-enriched pastes were competitive inhibitors, while other extracts were all mixed-type inhibitors towards α-glucosidase; (4) the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities by extracts were potentially driven by hydrogen bonding, cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside had stronger binding affinity compared to malvidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinside. This study suggested supplementary of blueberry and blackcurrant with oat bran might be a potential source of bioactive products for antidiabetic activity.

Red Chinese Cabbage Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Structural Genes and Multiple Transcription Factors Regulating Reddish Purple Color

Reddish purple Chinese cabbage (RPCC) is a popular variety of Brassica rapa (AA = 20). It is rich in anthocyanins, which have many health benefits. We detected novel anthocyanins including cyanidin 3-(feruloyl) diglucoside-5-(malonoyl) glucoside and pelargonidin 3-(caffeoyl) diglucoside-5-(malonoyl) glucoside in RPCC. Analyses of transcriptome data revealed 32,395 genes including 3345 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 3-week-old RPCC and green Chinese cabbage (GCC). The DEGs included 218 transcription factor (TF) genes and some functionally uncharacterized genes. Sixty DEGs identified from the transcriptome data were analyzed in 3-, 6- and 9-week old seedlings by RT-qPCR, and 35 of them had higher transcript levels in RPCC than in GCC. We detected cis-regulatory motifs of MYB, bHLH, WRKY, bZIP and AP2/ERF TFs in anthocyanin biosynthetic gene promoters. A network analysis revealed that MYB75, MYB90, and MYBL2 strongly interact with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Our results show that the late biosynthesis genes BrDFR, BrLDOX, BrUF3GT, BrUGT75c1-1, Br5MAT, BrAT-1,BrAT-2, BrTT19-1, and BrTT19-2 and the regulatory MYB genes BrMYB90, BrMYB75, and BrMYBL2-1 are highly expressed in RPCC, indicative of their important roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis, modification, and accumulation. Finally, we propose a model anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway that includes the unique anthocyanin pigments and genes specific to RPCC.