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Pan G, Yang X, He J, Liu Z, Chen F, Chen J. Comprehensive analyses of the ARF gene family in cannabis reveals their potential roles in regulating cannabidiol biosynthesis and male flower development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1394337. [PMID: 38903430 PMCID: PMC11188406 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1394337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Cannabidiol (CBD), as an important therapeutic property of the cannabis plants, is mainly produced in the flower organs. Auxin response factors (ARFs) are play a crucial role in flower development and secondary metabolite production. However, the specific roles of ARF gene family in cannabis remain unknown. Methods In this study, various bioinformatics analysis of CsARF genes were conducted using online website and bioinformatics, quantitative real time PCR technology was used to investigate the expression patterns of the CsARF gene family in different tissues of different cannabis varieties, and subcellular localization analysis was performed in tobacco leaf. Results In this study, 22 CsARF genes were identified and found to be unevenly distributed across 9 chromosomes of the cannabis genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ARF proteins were divided into 4 subgroups. Duplication analysis identified one pair of segmental/whole-genome duplicated CsARF, and three pairs of tandemly duplicated CsARF. Collinearity analysis revealed that two CsARF genes, CsARF4 and CsARF19, were orthologous in both rice and soybean. Furthermore, subcellular localization analysis showed that CsARF2 was localized in the nucleus. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that six genes were highly expressed in cannabis male flowers, and among these genes, 3 genes were further found to be highly expressed at different developmental stages of male flowers. Meanwhile, correlation analysis between the expression level of CsARF genes and CBD content in two cultivars 'H8' and 'Y7' showed that the expression level of CsARF13 was negatively correlated with CBD content, while the expression levels of six genes were positively correlated with CBD content. In addition, most of CsARF genes were responsive to IAA treatment. Conclusion Our study laid a foundation for the further studies of CsARFs function in cannabis, and provides candidate genes for breeding varieties with high CBD yield in cannabis production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Pan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomic, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine Resources, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jiajia He
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomic, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenyi Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomic, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Fengming Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomic, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomic, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
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Babaei M, Nemati H, Arouiee H, Torkamaneh D. Characterization of indigenous populations of cannabis in Iran: a morphological and phenological study. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:151. [PMID: 38418942 PMCID: PMC10902964 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is a historically, culturally, and economically significant crop in human societies, owing to its versatile applications in both industry and medicine. Over many years, native cannabis populations have acclimated to the various environments found throughout Iran, resulting in rich genetic and phenotypic diversity. Examining phenotypic diversity within and between indigenous populations is crucial for effective plant breeding programs. This study aimed to classify indigenous cannabis populations in Iran to meet the needs of breeders and breeding programs in developing new cultivars. RESULTS Here, we assessed phenotypic diversity in 25 indigenous populations based on 12 phenological and 14 morphological traits in male and female plants. The extent of heritability for each parameter was estimated in both genders, and relationships between quantitative and time-based traits were explored. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified traits influencing population distinctions. Overall, populations were broadly classified into early, medium, and late flowering groups. The highest extent of heritability of phenological traits was found in Start Flower Formation Time in Individuals (SFFI) for females (0.91) Flowering Time 50% in Individuals (50% of bracts formed) (FT50I) for males (0.98). Populations IR7385 and IR2845 exhibited the highest commercial index (60%). Among male plants, the highest extent of Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was observed in the IR2845 population (0.122 g.g- 1.day- 1). Finally, populations were clustered into seven groups according to the morphological traits in female and male plants. CONCLUSIONS Overall, significant phenotypic diversity was observed among indigenous populations, emphasizing the potential for various applications. Early-flowering populations, with their high RGR and Harvest Index (HI), were found as promising options for inclusion in breeding programs. The findings provide valuable insights into harnessing the genetic diversity of indigenous cannabis for diverse purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Babaei
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948974, Razavi Khorasan, Iran
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de recherche et d'innovation sur les végétaux (CRIV), Rue de l'Agriculture , Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID), Rue de l'Agriculture Québec City, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Hossein Nemati
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948974, Razavi Khorasan, Iran.
| | - Hossein Arouiee
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948974, Razavi Khorasan, Iran
| | - Davoud Torkamaneh
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Rue de l'Université, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de recherche et d'innovation sur les végétaux (CRIV), Rue de l'Agriculture , Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Institute Intelligence and Data (IID), Rue de l'Agriculture Québec City, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Dal Martello R, Min R, Stevens CJ, Qin L, Fuller DQ. Morphometric approaches to Cannabis evolution and differentiation from archaeological sites: interpreting the archaeobotanical evidence from bronze age Haimenkou, Yunnan. VEGETATION HISTORY AND ARCHAEOBOTANY 2023; 33:503-518. [PMID: 38803353 PMCID: PMC11127845 DOI: 10.1007/s00334-023-00966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis grains are frequently reported from archaeological sites in Asia, and hypothesized centers of origins are China and Central Asia. Chinese early cannabis remains are often interpreted as evidence of hemp fabric production, in line with early textual evidence describing ritualistic hemp cloth use and hemp cultivation as a grain crop. Modern measurements on cannabis varieties show distinct sizes between fibre or oil/fibre and psychoactive varieties, the former having larger seeds on average than the latter. This paper reviews the current macro-botanical evidence for cannabis across East, Central and South Asia and builds a comparative framework based on modern cannabis seed measurements to help identify cannabis use in the past, through the metric analysis of archaeologically preserved seeds. Over 800 grains of cannabis were retrieved from the 2008 excavation of Haimenkou, Yunnan, Southwest China, dating to between 1650 and 400 bc. These are compared with other known archaeological cannabis and interpreted through the metric framework. This offers a basis for exploration of the seed morphometrics potential to infer cannabis cultivation and diversification in uses. At Haimenkou, cannabis seeds size mostly plot in the range of overlapping psychoactive/fibre types; we therefore suggest that the cannabis assemblage from Haimenkou is indicative of a crop beginning to undergo evolution from its early domesticated form towards a diversified crop specialized for alternative uses, including larger oilseed/fibre adapted varieties. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00334-023-00966-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Dal Martello
- Department of Asian and North African studies, Ca’ Foscari University, Dorsoduro 3462, 30123 Venice, Italy
- Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Kahlaische Straße 10, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Rui Min
- Yunnan Province Institute for Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Kunming, 650118 China
| | - Chris J. Stevens
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-33 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY UK
- Department of Archaeology, Cambridge University, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ UK
| | - Ling Qin
- School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University, Yiheyuan Rd. 5, Haidian District, Beijing, 10087 China
| | - Dorian Q. Fuller
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-33 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY UK
- School of Cultural Heritage, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710127 Shaanxi China
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Fordjour E, Manful CF, Sey AA, Javed R, Pham TH, Thomas R, Cheema M. Cannabis: a multifaceted plant with endless potentials. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1200269. [PMID: 37397476 PMCID: PMC10308385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa, also known as "hemp" or "weed," is a versatile plant with various uses in medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetics. This review attempts to evaluate the available literature on the ecology, chemical composition, phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses, industrial uses, and toxicology of Cannabis sativa. So far, 566 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cannabis, including 125 cannabinoids and 198 non-cannabinoids. The psychoactive and physiologically active part of the plant is a cannabinoid, mostly found in the flowers, but also present in smaller amounts in the leaves, stems, and seeds. Of all phytochemicals, terpenes form the largest composition in the plant. Pharmacological evidence reveals that the plants contain cannabinoids which exhibit potential as antioxidants, antibacterial agents, anticancer agents, and anti-inflammatory agents. Furthermore, the compounds in the plants have reported applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Significantly, Cannabis cultivation has a minimal negative impact on the environment in terms of cultivation. Most of the studies focused on the chemical make-up, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects, but not much is known about the toxic effects. Overall, the Cannabis plant has enormous potential for biological and industrial uses, as well as traditional and other medicinal uses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand and explore the uses and beneficial properties of Cannabis sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fordjour
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
- Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre/Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Charles F. Manful
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Albert A. Sey
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Rabia Javed
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Thu Huong Pham
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Raymond Thomas
- Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre/Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mumtaz Cheema
- School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
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Procaccia S, Lewitus GM, Lipson Feder C, Shapira A, Berman P, Meiri D. Cannabis for Medical Use: Versatile Plant Rather Than a Single Drug. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:894960. [PMID: 35548332 PMCID: PMC9081504 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.894960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical Cannabis and its major cannabinoids (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are gaining momentum for various medical purposes as their therapeutic qualities are becoming better established. However, studies regarding their efficacy are oftentimes inconclusive. This is chiefly because Cannabis is a versatile plant rather than a single drug and its effects do not depend only on the amount of THC and CBD. Hundreds of Cannabis cultivars and hybrids exist worldwide, each with a unique and distinct chemical profile. Most studies focus on THC and CBD, but these are just two of over 140 phytocannabinoids found in the plant in addition to a milieu of terpenoids, flavonoids and other compounds with potential therapeutic activities. Different plants contain a very different array of these metabolites in varying relative ratios, and it is the interplay between these molecules from the plant and the endocannabinoid system in the body that determines the ultimate therapeutic response and associated adverse effects. Here, we discuss how phytocannabinoid profiles differ between plants depending on the chemovar types, review the major factors that affect secondary metabolite accumulation in the plant including the genotype, growth conditions, processing, storage and the delivery route; and highlight how these factors make Cannabis treatment highly complex.
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Tobacco Rattle Virus as a Tool for Rapid Reverse-Genetics Screens and Analysis of Gene Function in Cannabis sativa L. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11030327. [PMID: 35161308 PMCID: PMC8838890 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is quickly becoming a central agricultural crop as its production has continued to increase globally. The recent release of the cannabis reference genomes provides key genetic information for the functional analysis of cannabis genes. Currently, however, the established tools for in vivo gene functional analysis in cannabis are very limited. In this study, we investigated the use of the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) as a possible tool for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and virus-aided gene expression (VAGE). Using leaf photobleaching as a visual marker of PHYTOENE DESATURASE (PDS) silencing, we found that VIGS was largely restricted to the agro-infiltrated leaves. However, when agro-infiltration was performed under vacuum, VIGS increased dramatically, which resulted in intense PDS silencing and an increased photobleaching phenotype. The suitability of TRV as a vector for virus-aided gene expression (VAGE) was demonstrated by an analysis of DsRed fluorescence protein. Interestingly, a DsRed signal was also observed in glandular trichomes in TRV2-DsRed-infected plants, which suggests the possibility of trichome-related gene function analysis. These results indicate that TRV, despite its limited spread, is an attractive vector for rapid reverse-genetics screens and for the analysis of gene function in cannabis.
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