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Verma S, Akpensuen TT, Wolffram S, Salminen JP, Taube F, Blank R, Kluß C, Malisch CS. Investigating the efficacy of purified tannin extracts from underutilized temperate forages in reducing enteric methane emissions in vitro. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12578. [PMID: 38822060 PMCID: PMC11143233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63434-9] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The study investigated how the concentration and composition of purified tannin extracts, at various inclusion rates, affect the ruminal in vitro fermentation parameters. Tannin extracts were isolated from four different forage species: birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), sulla (Hedysarum coronarium), big trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), and salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor). Plants extracts were purified by Sephadex LH-20 gel chromatography and analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The results showed a large variation among the extracts from different species in terms of tannin composition and structural features. The extracts from salad burnet were dominated by hydrolysable tannins, comprising mainly ellagitannins. The extracts derived from sulla and big trefoil contained predominantly proanthocyanidins (PA), primarily composed of prodelphinidins with high mean degree of polymerisation (mDP). Birdsfoot trefoil extracts comprised procyanidin-rich PAs with low mDP. To determine whether the combined presence of tannins and flavonoid together lead to synergistic or antagonistic effects, the tannin extracts were incubated both with or without rutin at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 g/kg DM, using a base substrate of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, control). In general, all the tannin extracts decreased methane (CH4) production compared to the control, while no significant effect of rutin was observed on both gas (GP) and CH4 production, neither pure, nor in the simultaneous presence of tannins. The highest CH4 reduction (15%, at 30 g/kg DM) was observed from sulla and big trefoil extracts compared to control, but this was also supplemented with a concomitant reduction in GP (11%) indicating a reduction in feed digestibility. The extracts from birdsfoot trefoil and salad burnet reduced CH4 by up to 12% without significantly reducing GP, indicating the importance of tannin composition on ruminal fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Verma
- Grass and Forage Science / Organic Agriculture, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany.
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 8830, Tjele, Denmark.
| | - T T Akpensuen
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, Okehampton, EX20 2SD, UK
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, P.M.B 2084, Jos, Nigeria
| | - S Wolffram
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - J-P Salminen
- Natural Chemistry Research Group, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - F Taube
- Grass and Forage Science / Organic Agriculture, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Blank
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - C Kluß
- Grass and Forage Science / Organic Agriculture, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, E24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - C S Malisch
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 8830, Tjele, Denmark
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2
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Caradus JR, Chapman DF, Rowarth JS. Improving Human Diets and Welfare through Using Herbivore-Based Foods: 2. Environmental Consequences and Mitigations. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1353. [PMID: 38731357 PMCID: PMC11083977 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal-sourced foods are important for human nutrition and health, but they can have a negative impact on the environment. These impacts can result in land use tensions associated with population growth and the loss of native forests and wetlands during agricultural expansion. Increased greenhouse gas emissions, and high water use but poor water quality outcomes can also be associated. Life cycle analysis from cradle-to-distribution has shown that novel plant-based meat alternatives can have an environmental footprint lower than that of beef finished in feedlots, but higher than for beef raised on well-managed grazed pastures. However, several technologies and practices can be used to mitigate impacts. These include ensuring that grazing occurs when feed quality is high, the use of dietary additives, breeding of animals with higher growth rates and increased fecundity, rumen microbial manipulations through the use of vaccines, soil management to reduce nitrous oxide emission, management systems to improve carbon sequestration, improved nutrient use efficacy throughout the food chain, incorporating maize silage along with grasslands, use of cover crops, low-emission composting barns, covered manure storages, and direct injection of animal slurry into soil. The technologies and systems that help mitigate or actually provide solutions to the environmental impact are under constant refinement to enable ever-more efficient production systems to allow for the provision of animal-sourced foods to an ever-increasing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Caradus
- Grasslanz Technology Ltd., PB 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Jacqueline S. Rowarth
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Lincoln University, 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand;
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3
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Sun Z, Liu Z, Zhi M, Ran Q, Xue W, Tang Y, Wu Y. Comparative Genomics of Lotus japonicus Reveals Insights into Proanthocyanidin Accumulation and Abiotic Stress Response. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1151. [PMID: 38674560 PMCID: PMC11054356 DOI: 10.3390/plants13081151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Lotus japonicus, is an important perennial model legume, has been widely used for studying biological processes such as symbiotic nitrogen fixation, proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis, and abiotic stress response. High-quality L. japonicus genomes have been reported recently; however, the genetic basis of genes associated with specific characters including proanthocyanidin distribution in most tissues and tolerance to stress has not been systematically explored yet. Here, based on our previous high-quality L. japonicus genome assembly and annotation, we compared the L. japonicus MG-20 genome with those of other legume species. We revealed the expansive and specific gene families enriched in secondary metabolite biosynthesis and the detection of external stimuli. We suggested that increased copy numbers and transcription of PA-related genes contribute to PA accumulation in the stem, petiole, flower, pod, and seed coat of L. japonicus. Meanwhile, According to shared and unique transcription factors responding to five abiotic stresses, we revealed that MYB and AP2/ERF play more crucial roles in abiotic stresses. Our study provides new insights into the key agricultural traits of L. japonicus including PA biosynthesis and response to abiotic stress. This may provide valuable gene resources for legume forage abiotic stress resistance and nutrient improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanmin Sun
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.L.); (M.Z.); (Y.T.); (Y.W.)
| | - Ziyang Liu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.L.); (M.Z.); (Y.T.); (Y.W.)
| | - Manqing Zhi
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.L.); (M.Z.); (Y.T.); (Y.W.)
| | - Qifan Ran
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China;
| | - Wenbo Xue
- BGI Genomics, Shenzhen 518085, China;
| | - Yixiong Tang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.L.); (M.Z.); (Y.T.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yanmin Wu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.L.); (M.Z.); (Y.T.); (Y.W.)
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4
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Lu N. Revisiting decade-old questions in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis: current understanding and new challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1373975. [PMID: 38595764 PMCID: PMC11002137 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1373975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Proanthocyanidins (PAs), one of the most abundant natural polymers found in plants, are gaining increasing attention because of their beneficial effects for agriculture and human health. The study of PA biosynthesis has been active for decades, and progress has been drastically accelerated since the discovery of key enzymes such as Anthocyanidin Reductase (ANR), Leucoanthocyanidin Reductase (LAR), and key transcription factors such as Transparent Testa 2 (TT2) and Transparent Testa 8 (TT8) in the early 2000s. Scientists raised some compelling questions regarding PA biosynthesis about two decades ago in the hope that addressing these questions would lead to an enhanced understanding of PA biosynthesis in plants. These questions focus on the nature of starter and extension units for PA biosynthesis, the stereochemistry of PA monomers and intermediates, and how and where the polymerization or condensation steps work subcellularly. Here, I revisit these long-standing questions and provide an update on progress made toward answering them. Because of advanced technologies in genomics, bioinformatics and metabolomics, we now have a much-improved understanding of functionalities of key enzymes and identities of key intermediates in the PA biosynthesis and polymerization pathway. Still, several questions, particularly the ones related to intracellular PA transportation and deposition, as well as enzyme subcellular localization, largely remain to be explored. Our increasing understanding of PA biosynthesis in various plant species has led to a new set of compelling open questions, suggesting future research directions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of PA biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lu
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
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5
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Richardson KA, de Bonth ACM, Beechey-Gradwell Z, Kadam S, Cooney LJ, Nelson KA, Cookson R, Winichayakul S, Reid M, Anderson P, Crowther T, Zou X, Maher D, Xue H, Scott RW, Allan A, Johnson RD, Card SD, Mace WJ, Roberts NJ, Bryan G. Epichloë fungal endophyte interactions in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) modified to accumulate foliar lipids for increased energy density. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:636. [PMID: 38072924 PMCID: PMC10712098 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial cultivars of perennial ryegrass infected with selected Epichloë fungal endophytes are highly desirable in certain pastures as the resulting mutualistic association has the capacity to confer agronomic benefits (such as invertebrate pest deterrence) largely due to fungal produced secondary metabolites (e.g., alkaloids). In this study, we investigated T2 segregating populations derived from two independent transformation events expressing diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and cysteine oleosin (CO) genes designed to increase foliar lipid and biomass accumulation. These populations were either infected with Epichloë festucae var. lolii strain AR1 or Epichloë sp. LpTG-3 strain AR37 to examine relationships between the introduced trait and the endophytic association. Here we report on experiments designed to investigate if expression of the DGAT + CO trait in foliar tissues of perennial ryegrass could negatively impact the grass-endophyte association and vice versa. Both endophyte and plant characters were measured under controlled environment and field conditions. RESULTS Expected relative increases in total fatty acids of 17-58% accrued as a result of DGAT + CO expression with no significant difference between the endophyte-infected and non-infected progeny. Hyphal growth in association with DGAT + CO expression appeared normal when compared to control plants in a growth chamber. There was no significant difference in mycelial biomass for both strains AR1 and AR37, however, Epichloë-derived alkaloid concentrations were significantly lower on some occasions in the DGAT + CO plants compared to the corresponding null-segregant progenies, although these remained within the reported range for bioactivity. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the mutualistic association formed between perennial ryegrass and selected Epichloë strains does not influence expression of the host DGAT + CO technology, but that endophyte performance may be reduced under some circumstances. Further investigation will now be required to determine the preferred genetic backgrounds for introgression of the DGAT + CO trait in combination with selected endophyte strains, as grass host genetics is a major determinant to the success of the grass-endophyte association in this species.
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Grants
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- contract C10X1603 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- AgResearch Strategic Science Investment Fund
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Richardson
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | | | | | - Suhas Kadam
- Division of Plant Sciences & Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65201, MO, USA
- Present address: SGS North America, Crop Sciences, Brookings, SD, 57006, USA
| | - Luke J Cooney
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Kelly A Nelson
- Division of Plant Sciences & Technology, University of Missouri, Novelty, 63460, MO, USA
| | - Ruth Cookson
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Michele Reid
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Philip Anderson
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Tracey Crowther
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Xiuying Zou
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Dorothy Maher
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Hong Xue
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Richard W Scott
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Anne Allan
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Richard D Johnson
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Stuart D Card
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Wade J Mace
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas J Roberts
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Gregory Bryan
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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6
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Escaray FJ, Valeri MC, Damiani F, Ruiz OA, Carrasco P, Paolocci F. Multiple bHLH/MYB-based protein complexes regulate proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in the herbage of Lotus spp. PLANTA 2023; 259:10. [PMID: 38041705 PMCID: PMC10693531 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION The complexes involving MYBPA2, TT2b, and TT8 proteins are the critical regulators of ANR and LAR genes to promote the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins in the leaves of Lotus spp. The environmental impact and health of ruminants fed with forage legumes depend on the herbage's concentration and structure of proanthocyanidins (PAs). Unfortunately, the primary forage legumes (alfalfa and clover) do not contain substantial levels of PAs. No significant progress has been made to induce PAs to agronomically valuable levels in their edible organs by biotechnological approaches thus far. Building this trait requires a profound knowledge of PA regulators and their interplay in species naturally committed to accumulating these metabolites in the target organs. Against this background, we compared the shoot transcriptomes of two inter-fertile Lotus species, namely Lotus tenuis and Lotus corniculatus, polymorphic for this trait, to search for differentially expressed MYB and bHLH genes. We then tested the expression of the above-reported regulators in L. tenuis x L. corniculatus interspecific hybrids, several Lotus spp., and different L. corniculatus organs with contrasting PA levels. We identified a novel MYB activator and MYB-bHLH-based complexes that, when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, trans-activated the promoters of L. corniculatus anthocyanidin reductase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase 1 genes. The last are the two critical structural genes for the biosynthesis of PAs in Lotus spp. Competition between MYB activators for the transactivation of these promoters also emerged. Overall, by employing Lotus as a model genus, we refined the transcriptional network underlying PA biosynthesis in the herbage of legumes. These findings are crucial to engineering this trait in pasture legumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José Escaray
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Plantas (IBMCP) Universitat Politécnica de València - C.S.I.C, Ciudad Politécnica de la Innovación, Edificio 8E, Ingeniero Fausto Elio, s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Cristina Valeri
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Madonna Alta, 130, 06128, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Damiani
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Madonna Alta, 130, 06128, Perugia, Italy
| | - Oscar Adolfo Ruiz
- Unidad de Biotecnología 1, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECh), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Intendente Marino KM 8.2, 7130, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Carrasco
- Biotecmed, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of València, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francesco Paolocci
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Madonna Alta, 130, 06128, Perugia, Italy.
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7
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Lu N, Jun JH, Li Y, Dixon RA. An unconventional proanthocyanidin pathway in maize. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4349. [PMID: 37468488 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Proanthocyanidins (PAs), flavonoid polymers involved in plant defense, are also beneficial to human health and ruminant nutrition. To date, there is little evidence for accumulation of PAs in maize (Zea mays), although maize makes anthocyanins and possesses the key enzyme of the PA pathway, anthocyanidin reductase (ANR). Here, we explore whether there is a functional PA biosynthesis pathway in maize using a combination of analytical chemistry and genetic approaches. The endogenous PA biosynthetic machinery in maize preferentially produces the unusual PA precursor (+)-epicatechin, as well as 4β-(S-cysteinyl)-catechin, as potential PA starter and extension units. Uncommon procyanidin dimers with (+)-epicatechin as starter unit are also found. Expression of soybean (Glycine max) anthocyanidin reductase 1 (ANR1) in maize seeds increases the levels of 4β-(S-cysteinyl)-epicatechin and procyanidin dimers mainly using (-)-epicatechin as starter units. Introducing a Sorghum bicolor transcription factor (SbTT2) specifically regulating PA biosynthesis into a maize inbred deficient in anthocyanin biosynthesis activates both anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis pathways, suggesting conservation of the PA regulatory machinery across species. Our data support the divergence of PA biosynthesis across plant species and offer perspectives for future agricultrural applications in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lu
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Ji Hyung Jun
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ying Li
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Richard A Dixon
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
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8
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Qi T, Tang T, Zhou Q, Yang W, Hassan MJ, Cheng B, Nie G, Li Z, Peng Y. Optimization of Protocols for the Induction of Callus and Plant Regeneration in White Clover ( Trifolium repens L.). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11260. [PMID: 37511020 PMCID: PMC10378747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411260] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
White clover is a widely grown temperate legume forage with high nutritional value. Research on the functional genomics of white clover requires a stable and efficient transformation system. In this study, we successfully induced calluses from the cotyledons and leaves of 10 different white clover varieties. The results showed that the callus formation rate in the cotyledons did not vary significantly among the varieties, but the highest callus formation rate was observed in 'Koala' leaves. Subsequently, different concentrations of antioxidants and hormones were tested on the browning rate and differentiation ability of the calluses, respectively. The results showed that the browning rate was the lowest on MS supplemented with 20 mg L-1 AgNO3 and 25 mg L-1 VC, respectively, and the differentiation rate was highest on MS supplemented with 1 mg L-1 6-BA, 1 mg L-1 KT and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA. In addition, the transformation system for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of 4-day-old leaves was optimized to some extent and obtained a positive callus rate of 8.9% using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker gene. According to our data, by following this optimized protocol, the transformation efficiency could reach 2.38%. The results of this study will provide the foundation for regenerating multiple transgenic white clover from a single genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiangang Qi
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Tao Tang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qinyu Zhou
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Weiqiang Yang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Muhammad Jawad Hassan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bizhen Cheng
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Gang Nie
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhou Li
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Peng
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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9
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Smith PE, Kelly AK, Kenny DA, Waters SM. Enteric methane research and mitigation strategies for pastoral-based beef cattle production systems. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:958340. [PMID: 36619952 PMCID: PMC9817038 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.958340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminant livestock play a key role in global society through the conversion of lignocellulolytic plant matter into high-quality sources of protein for human consumption. However, as a consequence of the digestive physiology of ruminant species, methane (CH4), which originates as a byproduct of enteric fermentation, is accountable for 40% of global agriculture's carbon footprint and ~6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, meeting the increasing demand for animal protein associated with a growing global population while reducing the GHG intensity of ruminant production will be a challenge for both the livestock industry and the research community. In recent decades, numerous strategies have been identified as having the potential to reduce the methanogenic output of livestock. Dietary supplementation with antimethanogenic compounds, targeting members of the rumen methanogen community and/or suppressing the availability of methanogenesis substrates (mainly H2 and CO2), may have the potential to reduce the methanogenic output of housed livestock. However, reducing the environmental impact of pasture-based beef cattle may be a challenge, but it can be achieved by enhancing the nutritional quality of grazed forage in an effort to improve animal growth rates and ultimately reduce lifetime emissions. In addition, the genetic selection of low-CH4-emitting and/or faster-growing animals will likely benefit all beef cattle production systems by reducing the methanogenic potential of future generations of livestock. Similarly, the development of other mitigation technologies requiring minimal intervention and labor for their application, such as anti-methanogen vaccines, would likely appeal to livestock producers, with high uptake among farmers if proven effective. Therefore, the objective of this review is to give a detailed overview of the CH4 mitigation solutions, both currently available and under development, for temperate pasture-based beef cattle production systems. A description of ruminal methanogenesis and the technologies used to estimate enteric emissions at pastures are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Smith
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland,*Correspondence: Paul E. Smith
| | - Alan K. Kelly
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A. Kenny
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M. Waters
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland
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10
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Lu N, Jun JH, Liu C, Dixon RA. The flexibility of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:202-205. [PMID: 35695780 PMCID: PMC9434147 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved different routes for the synthesis and assembly of the building blocks of proanthocyanidins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lu
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton TX 76203, USA
| | | | - Chenggang Liu
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton TX 76203, USA
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11
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Cui X, Jun JH, Rao X, Bahr C, Chapman E, Temple S, Dixon RA. Leaf layer-based transcriptome profiling for discovery of epidermal-selective promoters in Medicago truncatula. PLANTA 2022; 256:31. [PMID: 35790623 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptomics of manually dissected leaf layers from Medicago truncatula identifies genes with preferential expression in upper and/or lower epidermis. The promoters of these genes confer epidermal-specific expression of transgenes. Improving the quality and quantity of proanthocyanidins (PAs) in forage legumes has potential to improve the nitrogen nutrition of ruminant animals and protect them from the risk of pasture bloat, as well as parasites. However, ectopic constitutive accumulation of PAs in plants by genetic engineering can significantly inhibit growth. We selected the leaf epidermis as a candidate tissue for targeted engineering of PAs or other pathways. To identify gene promoters selectively expressed in epidermal tissues, we performed comparative transcriptomic analyses in the model legume Medicago truncatula, using five tissue samples representing upper epidermis, lower epidermis, whole leaf without upper epidermis, whole leaf without lower epidermis, and whole leaf. We identified 52 transcripts preferentially expressed in upper epidermis, most of which encode genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, and 53 transcripts from lower epidermis, with the most enriched category being anatomical structure formation. Promoters of the preferentially expressed genes were cloned from the M. truncatula genome and shown to direct tissue-selective promoter activities in transient assays. Expression of the PA pathway transcription factor TaMYB14 under control of several of the promoters in transgenic alfalfa resulted in only modest MYB14 transcript accumulation and low levels of PA production. Activity of a subset of promoters was confirmed by transcript analysis in field-grown alfalfa plants throughout the growing season, and revealed variable but consistent expression, which was generally highest 3-4 weeks after cutting. We conclude that, although the selected promoters show acceptable tissue-specificity, they may not drive high enough transcription factor expression to activate the PA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cui
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311428, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Ji Hyung Jun
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311428, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311428, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430068, Hubei, China
| | - Camille Bahr
- Forage Genetics International, N5292 Gills Coulee Rd S, West Salem, WI, 54669, USA
| | - Elisabeth Chapman
- Forage Genetics International, N5292 Gills Coulee Rd S, West Salem, WI, 54669, USA
| | - Stephen Temple
- Forage Genetics International, N5292 Gills Coulee Rd S, West Salem, WI, 54669, USA
| | - Richard A Dixon
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311428, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
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Fabbrini M, D’Amico F, Barone M, Conti G, Mengoli M, Brigidi P, Turroni S. Polyphenol and Tannin Nutraceuticals and Their Metabolites: How the Human Gut Microbiota Influences Their Properties. Biomolecules 2022; 12:875. [PMID: 35883431 PMCID: PMC9312800 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutraceuticals have been receiving increasing attention in the last few years due to their potential role as adjuvants against non-communicable chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.). However, a limited number of studies have been performed to evaluate the bioavailability of such compounds, and it is generally reported that a substantial elevation of their plasma concentration can only be achieved when they are consumed at pharmacological levels. Even so, positive effects have been reported associated with an average dietary consumption of several nutraceutical classes, meaning that the primary compound might not be solely responsible for all the biological effects. The in vivo activities of such biomolecules might be carried out by metabolites derived from gut microbiota fermentative transformation. This review discusses the structure and properties of phenolic nutraceuticals (i.e., polyphenols and tannins) and the putative role of the human gut microbiota in influencing the beneficial effects of such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fabbrini
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Federica D’Amico
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Monica Barone
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Gabriele Conti
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mariachiara Mengoli
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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