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Jayawardena TU, Merindol N, Liyanage NS, Desgagné-Penix I. Unveiling Amaryllidaceae alkaloids: from biosynthesis to antiviral potential - a review. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:721-747. [PMID: 38131392 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00044c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2017 to 2023 (now)Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a unique class of specialized metabolites containing heterocyclic nitrogen bridging that play a distinct role in higher plants. Irrespective of their diverse structures, most AAs are biosynthesized via intramolecular oxidative coupling. The complex organization of biosynthetic pathways is constantly enlightened by new insights owing to the advancement of natural product chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, systems and synthetic biology tools and applications. These promote novel compound identification, trace-level metabolite quantification, synthesis, and characterization of enzymes engaged in AA catalysis, enabling the recognition of biosynthetic pathways. A complete understanding of the pathway benefits biotechnological applications in the long run. This review emphasizes the structural diversity of the AA specialized metabolites involved in biogenesis although the process is not entirely defined yet. Moreover, this work underscores the pivotal role of synthetic and enantioselective studies in justifying biosynthetic conclusions. Their prospective candidacy as lead constituents for antiviral drug discovery has also been established. However, a complete understanding of the pathway requires further interdisciplinary efforts in which antiviral studies address the structure-activity relationship. This review presents current knowledge on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilina U Jayawardena
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Natacha Merindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Nuwan Sameera Liyanage
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada.
- Plant Biology Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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Karimzadegan V, Koirala M, Sobhanverdi S, Merindol N, Majhi BB, Gélinas SE, Timokhin VI, Ralph J, Dastmalchi M, Desgagné-Penix I. Characterization of cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (CYP73A) and p-coumaroyl 3'-hydroxylase (CYP98A) from Leucojum aestivum, a source of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108612. [PMID: 38598867 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108612] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Biosynthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AA) starts with the condensation of tyramine with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The latter derives from the phenylpropanoid pathway that involves modifications of trans-cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and possibly 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, all potentially catalyzed by hydroxylase enzymes. Leveraging bioinformatics, molecular biology techniques, and cell biology tools, this research identifies and characterizes key enzymes from the phenylpropanoid pathway in Leucojum aestivum. Notably, we focused our work on trans-cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (LaeC4H) and p-coumaroyl shikimate/quinate 3'-hydroxylase (LaeC3'H), two key cytochrome P450 enzymes, and on the ascorbate peroxidase/4-coumarate 3-hydroxylase (LaeAPX/C3H). Although LaeAPX/C3H consumed p-coumaric acid, it did not result in the production of caffeic acid. Yeasts expressing LaeC4H converted trans-cinnamate to p-coumaric acid, whereas LaeC3'H catalyzed specifically the 3-hydroxylation of p-coumaroyl shikimate, rather than of free p-coumaric acid or 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. In vivo assays conducted in planta in this study provided further evidence for the contribution of these enzymes to the phenylpropanoid pathway. Both enzymes demonstrated typical endoplasmic reticulum membrane localization in Nicotiana benthamiana adding spatial context to their functions. Tissue-specific gene expression analysis revealed roots as hotspots for phenylpropanoid-related transcripts and bulbs as hubs for AA biosynthetic genes, aligning with the highest AAs concentration. This investigation adds valuable insights into the phenylpropanoid pathway within Amaryllidaceae, laying the foundation for the development of sustainable production platforms for AAs and other bioactive compounds with diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Karimzadegan
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Manoj Koirala
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Sajjad Sobhanverdi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Natacha Merindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Bharat Bhusan Majhi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah-Eve Gélinas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Vitaliy I Timokhin
- Department of Energy's Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - John Ralph
- Department of Energy's Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Wisconsin Energy Institute, Madison, WI, 53726, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Mehran Dastmalchi
- Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université Du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
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Leite ELL, Sheila de Queiroz Souza A, Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro P, de Cássia Alves Pereira R, Florêncio Martins N, Kueirislene Amâncio Ferreira M, Silva Alencar de Menezes JE, Silva Dos Santos H, Deusdênia Loiola Pessoa O, Marques Canuto K. Molecular Docking and GC/MS-Based Approach for Identification of Anxiolytic Alkaloids from Griffinia (Amaryllidaceae) Species in a Zebrafish Model. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202302122. [PMID: 38354224 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202302122] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Griffinia gardneriana Ravenna, Griffinia liboniana Morren and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna (Amarillydaceae) are bulbous plants found in tropical regions of Brazil. Our work aimed to determine the alkaloid profiles of Griffinia spp. and evaluate their anxiolytic potential through in vivo and in silico assays. The plants grown in greenhouses were dried and their ground bulbs were subjected to liquid-liquid partitions, resulting in alkaloid fractions that were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anxiolytic activity was evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through intraperitoneal injection at doses of 40, 100 and 200 mg/kg in light-dark box test. GC-MS analyses revealed 23 alkaloids belonging to different skeleton types: lycorine, homolychorine, galanthamine, crinine, haemanthamine, montanine and narcisclasine. The chemical profiles were relatively similar, presenting 8 alkaloids common to the three species. The major component for G. gardneriana and G. liboniana was lycorine, while G. nocturna consisted mainly of anhydrolycorine. All three alkaloid fractions demonstrated anxiolytic effect. Furthermore, pre-treatment with diazepam and pizotifen drugs was able to reverse the anxiolytic action, indicating involving the GABAergic and serotonergic receptors. Molecular docking showed that the compounds vittatine, lycorine and 11,12-dehydro-2-methoxyassoanine had high affinity with both receptors, suggesting them to be responsible for the anxiolytic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elder Luis Lima Leite
- Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza Ceará Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Kueirislene Amâncio Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Kirley Marques Canuto
- Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Naturais, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Cripowellins Pause Plasmodium falciparum Intraerythrocytic Development at the Ring Stage. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062600. [PMID: 36985570 PMCID: PMC10056369 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripowellins from Crinum erubescens are known pesticidal and have potent antiplasmodial activity. To gain mechanistic insights to this class of natural products, studies to determine the timing of action of cripowellins within the asexual intraerythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum were performed and led to the observation that this class of natural products induced reversible cytostasis in the ring stage within the first 24 h of treatment. The transcriptional program necessary for P. falciparum to progress through the asexual intraerythrocytic life cycle is well characterized. Whole transcriptome abundance analysis showed that cripowellin B “pauses” the transcriptional program necessary to progress through the intraerythrocytic life cycle coinciding with the lack of morphological progression of drug treated parasites. In addition, cripowellin B-treated parasites re-enter transcriptional progression after treatment was removed. This study highlights the use of cripowellins as chemical probes to reveal new aspects of cell cycle progression of the asexual ring stage of P. falciparum which could be leveraged for the generation of future antimalarial therapeutics.
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Chemical Synthesis and Biological Activities of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Norbelladine Derivatives and Precursors. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175621. [PMID: 36080382 PMCID: PMC9457815 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a structurally diverse family of alkaloids recognized for their many therapeutic properties, such as antiviral, anti-cholinesterase, and anticancer properties. Norbelladine and its derivatives, whose biological properties are poorly studied, are key intermediates required for the biosynthesis of all ~650 reported AAs. To gain insight into their therapeutic potential, we synthesized a series of O-methylated norbelladine-type alkaloids and evaluated their cytotoxic effects on two types of cancer cell lines, their antiviral effects against the dengue virus (DENV) and the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), and their anti-Alzheimer’s disease (anti-cholinesterase and -prolyl oligopeptidase) properties. In monocytic leukemia cells, norcraugsodine was highly cytotoxic (CC50 = 27.0 μM), while norbelladine was the most cytotoxic to hepatocarcinoma cells (CC50 = 72.6 μM). HIV-1 infection was impaired only at cytotoxic concentrations of the compounds. The 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (selectivity index (SI) = 7.2), 3′,4′-O-dimethylnorbelladine (SI = 4.8), 4′-O-methylnorbelladine (SI > 4.9), 3′-O-methylnorbelladine (SI > 4.5), and norcraugsodine (SI = 3.2) reduced the number of DENV-infected cells with EC50 values ranging from 24.1 to 44.9 μM. The O-methylation of norcraugsodine abolished its anti-DENV potential. Norbelladine and its O-methylated forms also displayed butyrylcholinesterase-inhibition properties (IC50 values ranging from 26.1 to 91.6 μM). Altogether, the results provided hints of the structure−activity relationship of norbelladine-type alkaloids, which is important knowledge for the development of new inhibitors of DENV and butyrylcholinesterase.
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Ptak A, Morańska E, Warchoł M, Gurgul A, Skrzypek E, Dziurka M, Laurain-Mattar D, Spina R, Jaglarz A, Simlat M. Endophytic bacteria from in vitro culture of Leucojum aestivum L. a new source of galanthamine and elicitor of alkaloid biosynthesis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13700. [PMID: 35953692 PMCID: PMC9371375 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17992-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucojum aestivum is known for its ability to biosynthesize alkaloids with therapeutic properties, among which galanthamine used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. New sources of this alkaloid are still being explored. In this study, a novel strain PLV of endophytic bacterium Paenibacillus lautus was isolated from in vitro L. aestivum plants. We report the whole genome sequence of that strain and its capacity to produce alkaloids and growth regulators. The effect of elicitation with autoclaved bacteria on the production of alkaloids was examined. Ten alkaloids were identified in bacteria extracts: galanthamine, lycorine, ismine, lycoramine, haemanthamine, tazettine, galanthine, homolycorine, 1,2-dihydrochlidanthine, and hippeastrine. The mean contents of galanthamine and lycorine were 37.51 µg/g of dry weight (DW) and 129.93 µg/g of DW, respectively. Moreover, isolated P. lautus strain synthesized: indole-3-acetic acid, t-zeatin, c-zeatin, kinetin, gibberellin A1, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid. In vitro elicitation of cultures with P. lautus increased dry biomass, stimulated galanthamine and lycorine production, contributed to 8,9-desmethylenebis (oxy)-7,9 dimethoxy-crinan biosynthesis, change pigments content, and antioxidant enzymes activities. Our findings for the first time point out that galanthamine can be synthesized by an microorganism. Moreover isolated strain can be used as a new elictor of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Ptak
- Department of Plant Breeding, Physiology and Seed Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Łobzowska 24, 31-140, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Emilia Morańska
- Department of Plant Breeding, Physiology and Seed Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Łobzowska 24, 31-140, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marzena Warchoł
- The Franciszek Górski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 21, 30-239, Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur Gurgul
- Centre for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Rędzina 1C, 30-248, Krakow, Poland
| | - Edyta Skrzypek
- The Franciszek Górski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 21, 30-239, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Dziurka
- The Franciszek Górski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 21, 30-239, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Rosella Spina
- INRAE, LAE, Université de Lorraine, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Anita Jaglarz
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Magdalena Simlat
- Department of Plant Breeding, Physiology and Seed Science, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Łobzowska 24, 31-140, Krakow, Poland
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Biotechnological Approaches to Optimize the Production of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070893. [PMID: 35883449 PMCID: PMC9313318 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are plant specialized metabolites with therapeutic properties exclusively produced by the Amaryllidaceae plant family. The two most studied representatives of the family are galanthamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used as a treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and lycorine, displaying potent in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic and antiviral properties. Unfortunately, the variable level of AAs’ production in planta restricts most of the pharmaceutical applications. Several biotechnological alternatives, such as in vitro culture or synthetic biology, are being developed to enhance the production and fulfil the increasing demand for these AAs plant-derived drugs. In this review, current biotechnological approaches to produce different types of bioactive AAs are discussed.
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Rammohan A, Khasanov AF, Kopchuk DS, Gunasekar D, Zyryanov GV, Chupakhin ON. Assessment on facile Diels-Alder approach of α-pyrone and terpenoquinone for the expedient synthesis of various natural scaffolds. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2022; 12:12. [PMID: 35357593 PMCID: PMC8971220 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-022-00333-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of highly facile synthetic procedures for the expedient synthesis of complex natural molecules is always in demand. As this aspect, the Diels-Alder reaction (DAR) has a versatile approach to the synthesis of complex natural compounds and highly regio-/stereoselcetive heterocyclic scaffolds. Additionally, α-pyrone and terpenoquinone are two versatile key intermediates that are prevalent in various bioactive natural compounds for instance, (±)-crinine, (±)-joubertinamine, (±)-pancratistatin, (-)-cyclozonarone, and 8-ephipuupehedione, etc. Hence, the current review summarizes the Diels-Alder reaction application of α-pyrone and terpenoquinone to the constructive synthesis of various natural products over the past two decades (2001-2021). Equally, it serves as a stencil for the invention and development of new synthetic strategies for high-complex molecular structured natural and heterocyclic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aluru Rammohan
- Ural Federal University, 19 Mira St., Ekaterinburg, 620002, Russian Federation.
- Natural Products Division, Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, 517502, India.
| | - Albert F Khasanov
- Ural Federal University, 19 Mira St., Ekaterinburg, 620002, Russian Federation
- Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, I. Ya. Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis, 22 S. Kovalevskoy St., Ekaterinburg, 620219, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry S Kopchuk
- Ural Federal University, 19 Mira St., Ekaterinburg, 620002, Russian Federation
- Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, I. Ya. Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis, 22 S. Kovalevskoy St., Ekaterinburg, 620219, Russian Federation
| | - Duvvuru Gunasekar
- Natural Products Division, Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, 517502, India
| | - Grigory V Zyryanov
- Ural Federal University, 19 Mira St., Ekaterinburg, 620002, Russian Federation.
- Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, I. Ya. Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis, 22 S. Kovalevskoy St., Ekaterinburg, 620219, Russian Federation.
| | - Oleg N Chupakhin
- Ural Federal University, 19 Mira St., Ekaterinburg, 620002, Russian Federation
- Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, I. Ya. Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis, 22 S. Kovalevskoy St., Ekaterinburg, 620219, Russian Federation
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Tousignant L, Diaz-Garza AM, Majhi BB, Gélinas SE, Singh A, Desgagne-Penix I. Transcriptome analysis of Leucojum aestivum and identification of genes involved in norbelladine biosynthesis. PLANTA 2022; 255:30. [PMID: 34981205 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptome analysis of Leucojum aestivum led to the identification of 50 key genes associated with Amaryllidaceae alkaloid biosynthesis including norbelladine synthase which localized in the cytosol and catalyzed norbelladine formation. The Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a large group of plant specialized metabolites, which are known for their biological activities. Although the general chemical reactions in the AA biosynthetic pathway have been proposed, the genes and enzymes of the pathway remain largely unstudied. All AAs are synthesized from a common precursor, norbelladine, by the condensation of tyramine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The enzyme norbelladine synthase (NBS) which catalyzes the condensation reaction has only been characterized at a molecular level from one species, and the subcellular localizations have not been explored. Hence, the intracellular compartments wherein the AAs are biosynthesized remain unknown. In this study, a first comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) was done to identify key genes associated with AA biosynthesis. Fifty orthologous genes were identified and deposited into GenBank. In addition, we identified and further characterized NBS from the transcriptome of L. aestivum and previously reported Narcissus papyraceus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that LaNBS, NpNBS1 and NpNBS2 shared high amino acid identity. The heterologous expression of LaNBS produced a recombinant protein with NBS activity. Bioinformatic prediction and C-terminal GFP tagging in transiently transformed Nicotiana benthamiana showed that LaNBS, NpNBS1 and NpNBS2 were likely localized to the cytosol which suggests that the AA biosynthesis starts in the cytosol. This study provides an Amaryllidaceae transcriptome that will be very helpful to identify genes for characterization studies in AA metabolism in planta or using heterologous systems. In addition, our study will facilitate the bioengineering of AA biosynthetic pathway in plants or in microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Tousignant
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Aracely Maribel Diaz-Garza
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Bharat Bhusan Majhi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah-Eve Gélinas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Aparna Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagne-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
- Plant Biology Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
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Biological Investigation of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Extracts from the Bulbs of Pancratium trianthum Collected in the Senegalese Flora. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237382. [PMID: 34885964 PMCID: PMC8659059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae plants are rich in alkaloids with biological properties. Pancratium trianthum is an Amaryllidaceae species widely used in African folk medicine to treat several diseases such as central nervous system disorders, tumors, and microbial infections, and it is used to heal wounds. The current investigation explored the biological properties of alkaloid extracts from bulbs of P. trianthum collected in the Senegalese flora. Alkaloid extracts were analyzed and identified by chromatography and mass spectrometry. Alkaloid extracts from P. trianthum displayed pleiotropic biological properties. Cytotoxic activity of the extracts was determined on hepatocarcinoma Huh7 cells and on acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells, while agar diffusion and microdilution assays were used to evaluate antibacterial activity. Antiviral activity was measured by infection of extract-treated cells with dengue virus (DENVGFP) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1GFP) reporter vectors. Cytotoxicity and viral inhibition were the most striking of P. trianthum’s extract activities. Importantly, non-cytotoxic concentrations were highly effective in completely preventing DENVGFP replication and in reducing pseudotyped HIV-1GFP infection levels. Our results show that P. trianthum is a rich source of molecules for the potential discovery of new treatments against various diseases. Herein, we provide scientific evidence to rationalize the traditional uses of P. trianthum for wound treatment as an anti-dermatosis and antiseptic agent.
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Dastmalchi M. Elusive partners: a review of the auxiliary proteins guiding metabolic flux in flavonoid biosynthesis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 108:314-329. [PMID: 34318549 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are specialized metabolites widely distributed across the plant kingdom. They are involved in the growth and survival of plants, conferring the ability to filter ultra-violet rays, conduct symbiotic partnerships, and respond to stress. While many branches of flavonoid biosynthesis have been resolved, recent discoveries suggest missing auxiliary components. These overlooked elements can guide metabolic flux, enhance production, mediate stereoselectivity, transport intermediates, and exert regulatory functions. This review describes several families of auxiliary proteins from across the plant kingdom, including examples from specialized metabolism. In flavonoid biosynthesis, we discuss the example of chalcone isomerase-like (CHIL) proteins and their non-catalytic role. CHILs mediate the cyclization of tetraketides, forming the chalcone scaffold by interacting with chalcone synthase (CHS). Loss of CHIL activity leads to derailment of the CHS-catalyzed reaction and a loss of pigmentation in fruits and flowers. Similarly, members of the pathogenesis-related 10 (PR10) protein family have been found to differentially bind flavonoid intermediates, guiding the composition of anthocyanins. This role comes within a larger body of PR10 involvement in specialized metabolism, from outright catalysis (e.g., (S)-norcoclaurine synthesis) to controlling stereochemistry (e.g., enhancing cis-trans cyclization in catnip). Both CHILs and PR10s hail from larger families of ligand-binding proteins with a spectrum of activity, complicating the characterization of their enigmatic roles. Strategies for the discovery of auxiliary proteins are discussed, as well as mechanistic models for their function. Targeting such unanticipated components will be crucial in manipulating plants or engineering microbial systems for natural product synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Dastmalchi
- Department of Plant Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
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Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Cherylline Inhibits the Replication of Dengue and Zika Viruses. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0039821. [PMID: 34152811 PMCID: PMC8370201 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00398-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever, caused by dengue virus (DENV), is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease and is endemic in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world, with an increasing incidence in temperate regions. The closely related flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) can be transmitted vertically in utero and causes congenital Zika syndrome and other birth defects. In adults, ZIKV is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. There are no approved antiviral therapies against either virus. Effective antiviral compounds are urgently needed. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a specific class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by plants of the Amaryllidaceae family with numerous biological activities. Recently, the AA lycorine was shown to present strong antiflaviviral properties. Previously, we demonstrated that Crinum jagus contained lycorine and several alkaloids of the cherylline, crinine, and galanthamine types with unknown antiviral potential. In this study, we explored their biological activities. We show that C. jagus crude alkaloid extract inhibited DENV infection. Among the purified AAs, cherylline efficiently inhibited both DENV (50% effective concentration [EC50], 8.8 μM) and ZIKV replication (EC50, 20.3 μM) but had no effect on HIV-1 infection. Time-of-drug-addition and -removal experiments identified a postentry step as the one targeted by cherylline. Consistently, using subgenomic replicons and replication-defective genomes, we demonstrate that cherylline specifically hinders the viral RNA synthesis step but not viral translation. In conclusion, AAs are an underestimated source of antiflavivirus compounds, including the effective inhibitor cherylline, which could be optimized for new therapeutic approaches.
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Massaro NP, Pierce JG. Rapid synthesis of the core scaffold of crinane and haemanthamine through a multi-component approach. Tetrahedron Lett 2021; 75. [PMID: 34176982 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.153201] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A rapid synthesis of the core structures of crinane and haemanthamine has been developed, enabled by a multicomponent approach. This work constitutes a formal synthesis of crinane and sets the stage for access to both families of natural products and key analogues. A key highlight of the approach is the modularity of the core synthesis, overcoming existing challenges for these scaffolds and providing a path to explore site-selective oxidation to expand the scope of molecules accessible from common intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Massaro
- Department of Chemistry and Comparative Medicine Institute, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Joshua G Pierce
- Department of Chemistry and Comparative Medicine Institute, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Atrahimovich D, Harris R, Eitan R, Cohen M, Khatib S. Galantamine Quantity and Alkaloid Profile in the Bulbs of Narcissus tazetta and daffodil cultivars ( Amaryllidaceae) Grown in Israel. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11030185. [PMID: 33801149 PMCID: PMC8004262 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11030185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids produced by the bulbs of the Amaryllidaceae are a source of pharmaceutical compounds. The main alkaloid, galantamine, is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and allosteric nicotinic receptor modulator, which slows cognitive and functional decline in mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Having a complex stereochemistry, the organic synthesis of galantamine for pharmaceutical uses is highly challenging and not always economically viable, and it is therefore isolated from Amaryllidaceae bulbs. In the present study, galantamine was extracted and quantified in Narcissus bulbs from five cultivars (cvs.), Fortune, Carlton, Ice Follies, Galilee and Ziva, which were grown in Israel under various conditions. Results show that the cvs. Fortune, Carlton and Ice Follies bulbs contained 285 ± 47, 452 ± 73 and 69 ± 17 µg g−1 galantamine, respectively, while the Galilee and Ziva bulbs contained relatively low concentrations of galantamine (1–20 µg g−1). Irrigation levels and pruning conditions did not affect the galantamine contents. Additionally, the alkaloids profile of the five cvs. was analyzed and characterized using LC-MS/MS showing that galantamine-type alkaloids were mainly detected in the Fortune and Carlton bulbs, lycorine-type alkaloids were mainly detected at the Galilee and Ziva bulbs and vittatine-type alkaloids were mainly detected in the Ice Follies bulbs. The present research is the first to characterize the alkaloids profile in the Narcissus bulbs of Galilee and Ziva, indigenous cvs. grown in Israel. The antiviral and anticancer alkaloids lycorine and lycorinine were the main alkaloids detected in the bulbs of those cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Atrahimovich
- Department of Natural Compounds and Analytical Chemistry, Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (D.A.); (R.H.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
| | - Raviv Harris
- Department of Natural Compounds and Analytical Chemistry, Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (D.A.); (R.H.)
| | - Ron Eitan
- Northern R&D, Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (R.E.); (M.C.)
| | - Menashe Cohen
- Northern R&D, Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (R.E.); (M.C.)
| | - Soliman Khatib
- Department of Natural Compounds and Analytical Chemistry, Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (D.A.); (R.H.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-6953512; Fax: +972-4-6944980
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