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Mkolo NM, Naidoo CM, Kadye R, Obi CL, Iweriebor BC, Olaokun OO, Prinsloo E, Zubair MS. Identification of South African Plant-Based Bioactive Compounds as Potential Inhibitors against the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:821. [PMID: 39065672 PMCID: PMC11279959 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The expected progress in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, as anticipated in 2020 and 2021, has fallen short, exacerbating global disparities due to a lack of universally recognized "safe and effective" vaccines. This study focuses on extracts of South African medicinal plants, Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra, to identify metabolomic bioactive compounds inhibiting the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2 receptors. The extracts were monitored for cytotoxicity using a resazurin cell viability assay and xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer. Chemical profiling was performed using UPLC-MS/MS, orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS), and evaluated using principle component analysis (PCA) models. Identified bioactive compounds were subjected to in vitro SARS-CoV-2 enzyme inhibition assay using standard methods and docked into the spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 using Schrodinger® suite followed by molecular dynamics simulation studies. Cell viability assays revealed non-toxic effects of extracts on HEK293T cells at lower concentrations. Chemical profiling identified 81 bioactive compounds, with compounds like 6″-O-acetylglycitin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone, and sesaminol glucoside showing promising binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested less stable binding, but in vitro studies demonstrated the ability of these compounds to interfere with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's binding to the human ACE2 receptor. Sesaminol glucoside emerged as the most effective inhibitor against this interaction. This study emphasizes the importance of multiplatform metabolite profiling and chemometrics to understand plant extract composition. This finding is of immense significance in terms of unravelling metabolomics bioactive compounds inhibiting the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2 receptors and holds promise for phytotherapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nqobile Monate Mkolo
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa; (N.M.M.); (C.L.O.); (B.C.I.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa; (N.M.M.); (C.L.O.); (B.C.I.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Rose Kadye
- Department of Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa; (R.K.); (E.P.)
| | - Chikwelu Lawrence Obi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa; (N.M.M.); (C.L.O.); (B.C.I.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Benson Chucks Iweriebor
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa; (N.M.M.); (C.L.O.); (B.C.I.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Oyinlola Oluwunmi Olaokun
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa; (N.M.M.); (C.L.O.); (B.C.I.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Earl Prinsloo
- Department of Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa; (R.K.); (E.P.)
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Peng Z, Song L, Chen M, Liu Z, Yuan Z, Wen H, Zhang H, Huang Y, Peng Z, Yang H, Li G, Zhang H, Hu Z, Li W, Wang X, Larkin RM, Deng X, Xu Q, Chen J, Xu J. Neofunctionalization of an OMT cluster dominates polymethoxyflavone biosynthesis associated with the domestication of citrus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321615121. [PMID: 38530892 PMCID: PMC10998556 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321615121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are a class of abundant specialized metabolites with remarkable anticancer properties in citrus. Multiple methoxy groups in PMFs are derived from methylation modification catalyzed by a series of hydroxylases and O-methyltransferases (OMTs). However, the specific OMTs that catalyze the systematic O-methylation of hydroxyflavones remain largely unknown. Here, we report that PMFs are highly accumulated in wild mandarins and mandarin-derived accessions, while undetectable in early-diverging citrus species and related species. Our results demonstrated that three homologous genes, CreOMT3, CreOMT4, and CreOMT5, are crucial for PMF biosynthesis in citrus, and their encoded methyltransferases exhibit multisite O-methylation activities for hydroxyflavones, producing seven PMFs in vitro and in vivo. Comparative genomic and syntenic analyses indicated that the tandem CreOMT3, CreOMT4, and CreOMT5 may be duplicated from CreOMT6 and contributes to the genetic basis of PMF biosynthesis in the mandarin group through neofunctionalization. We also demonstrated that N17 in CreOMT4 is an essential amino acid residue for C3-, C5-, C6-, and C3'-O-methylation activity and provided a rationale for the functional deficiency of OMT6 to produce PMFs in early-diverging citrus and some domesticated citrus species. A 1,041-bp deletion in the CreOMT4 promoter, which is found in most modern cultivated mandarins, has reduced the PMF content relative to that in wild and early-admixture mandarins. This study provides a framework for reconstructing PMF biosynthetic pathways, which may facilitate the breeding of citrus fruits with enhanced health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxin Peng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizhi Song
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minghua Chen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyang Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyu Yuan
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Wen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- College of Horticulture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Huang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaowen Peng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gu Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huixian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhehui Hu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenyun Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Guizhou Fruit Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang550006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Robert M. Larkin
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuxin Deng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Xu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, People’s Republic of China
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Wang P, Wang H, Xiao Y, Zou J, Chen H, Chen L, Wang F, Hu Y, Liu Y. Insights into metabolic characteristics and biological activity changes in Zangju ( Citrus reticulata cv. Manau Gan) peel at different maturity stages through UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics. Food Chem X 2024; 21:101197. [PMID: 38357370 PMCID: PMC10865237 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, comprehensive and systematic nontargeted metabolomics analysis was performed with the metabolites of Zangju peel (Citrus reticulata cv. Manau Gan, CRZP, which has been cultivated for over 400 years in Derong County, China.) at four different mature stages. A total of 1878 metabolites were identified, among which flavonoids were the most abundant (62.04 %), and identified 62 key differential metabolites significantly affected by maturity. Based on biological activity measurements, CRZP showed better antioxidant activity, lipase inhibition ability, inhibition of adipogenic differentiation in 3TT-L1 cells and promotion of lipid metabolism, with the biological activity of CRZP at different maturity stages being associated with key differential metabolite. Thus, CRZP is natural antioxidants and possess anti-obesity potential, and industrial production needs to consider the Maturity stage of its collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haifan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jialiang Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Hongping Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Youping Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China
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Wang F, Hu Y, Chen H, Chen L, Liu Y. Exploring the roles of microorganisms and metabolites in the 30-year aging process of the dried pericarps of Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' based on high-throughput sequencing and comparative metabolomics. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113117. [PMID: 37689884 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
GuangChenpi (GCP), the dried pericarps of Citrus reticulata 'Chachi', has been consumed daily as a food and dietary supplement in China for centuries. Its health benefits are generally recognized to be dependent on storage time. However, the specific roles of microorganisms and metabolites during long-term storage are still unclear. In this study, comparative metabolomics and high-throughput sequencing techniques were used to investigate the effects of co-existing microorganisms on the metabolites in GCP stored from 1 to 30 years. In total, 386 metabolites were identified and characterized. Most compounds were flavonoids (37%), followed by phenolic acids (20%). Seventeen differentially upregulated metabolites were identified as potential key metabolites in GCP, and 8 of them were screened out as key active ingredients by Venn diagram comparative analyses and verified by network pharmacology and molecular docking. In addition, long-term storage could promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Regarding the GCP microbiota, Xeromyces dominated the whole 30-year aging process.Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that Bacillus thuringiensis and Xeromyces bisporus, the dominant bacterial and fungal species, were strongly associated with the key active metabolites. Our results suggested that the change of active ingredients caused by the dominant microbial is one of the mechanisms affecting the GCP aging process. Our study provides novel functional insights and research perspectives on microorganism-associated metabolite changes that may improve the GCP aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of TCM, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of TCM, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongping Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of TCM, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of TCM, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Youping Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of TCM, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Wang M, Li X, Ding H, Chen H, Liu Y, Wang F, Chen L. Comparison of the volatile organic compounds in Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' peel with different drying methods using E-nose, GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1169321. [PMID: 37265640 PMCID: PMC10231685 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1169321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' peel (CRCP), which is named "Guangchenpi" in China, is a geographical indication product with unique flavor properties. CRCP has been used for centuries as a traditional genuine herb because of its excellent therapeutic effects. In addition, owing to its unique odor and high nutrition, it is widely used in various food preparations. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are regarded as an important quality marker for CRCP and are highly susceptible to effects in the drying process due to their thermal instability. Methods In the current study, the main VOCs in CRCP were processed using different drying methods, including sun-drying, hot air drying, and vacuum-freeze drying. The VOCs were identified by the electronic nose (E-nose), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Results The results showed that the CRCP dried by vacuum-freeze exhibited the highest VOCs contents and retained the richest compounds compared to those dried by other methods, which indicated that vacuum-freeze drying is the most suitable for CRCP production. Furthermore, the chemometrics analysis revealed that the primary differential metabolites of the samples generated using different drying methods were terpenes and esters. Discussion Overall, our study would help better understand the VOCs present in CRCP with different drying methods. The outcomes of the current study would guide the drying and processing of CRCP, which is beneficial for large-scale storage and industrial production of CRCP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fu Wang
- *Correspondence: Fu Wang, ; Lin Chen,
| | - Lin Chen
- *Correspondence: Fu Wang, ; Lin Chen,
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