Functional characterization and vacuolar localization of fructan exohydrolase derived from onion (Allium cepa)

Fructans such as inulin and levan accumulate in certain taxonomic groups of plants and are a reserve carbohydrate alternative to starch. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a typical plant species that accumulates fructans, and it synthesizes inulin-type and inulin neoseries-type fructans in the bulb. Although genes for fructan biosynthesis in onion have been identified so far, no genes for fructan degradation had been found. In this study, phylogenetic analysis predicted that we isolated a putative vacuolar invertase gene (AcpVI1), but our functional analyses demonstrated that it encoded a fructan 1-exohydrolase (1-FEH) instead. Assessments of recombinant proteins and purified native protein showed that the protein had 1-FEH activity, hydrolyzing the β-(2,1)-fructosyl linkage in inulin-type fructans. Interestingly, AcpVI1 had an amino acid sequence close to those of vacuolar invertases and fructosyltransferases, unlike all other FEHs previously found in plants. We showed that AcpVI1 was localized in the vacuole, as are onion fructosyltransferases Ac1-SST and Ac6G-FFT. These results indicate that fructan-synthesizing and -degrading enzymes are both localized in the vacuole. In contrast to previously reported FEHs, our data suggest that onion 1-FEH evolved from a vacuolar invertase and not from a cell wall invertase. This demonstrates that classic phylogenetic analysis on its own is insufficient to discriminate between invertases and FEHs, highlighting the importance of functional markers in the nearby active site residues.

Decreased expression of fructosyltransferase genes in asparagus roots may contribute to efficient fructan degradation during asparagus spear harvesting

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) accumulates inulin and inulin neoseries-type fructans in root, which are synthesized by three fructosyltransferases-sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST, EC 2.4.1.99), fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT, EC 2.4.1.100), and fructan:fructan 6^G-fructosyltransferase (6G-FFT, EC 2.4.1.243). Fructans in roots are considered as energy sources for emerging of spears, and it has been demonstrated that a gradual decrease in root fructan content occurs during the spear harvesting season (budding and shooting up period). However, the roles of certain three fructosyltransferases during the harvest season have not yet been elucidated. Here, we investigated the variation in enzymatic activities and gene expression levels of three fructosyltransferases and examined sugar contents in roots before and during the spear harvest period. Two cDNAs, aoft2 and aoft3, were isolated from the cDNA library of roots. The respective recombinant proteins (rAoFT2 and rAoFT3), produced by Pichia pastoris, were characterized: rAoFT2 showed 1-FFT activity (producing nystose from 1-kestose), whereas rAoFT3 showed 1-SST activity (producing 1-kestose from sucrose). These reaction profiles of recombinant proteins were similar to those of native enzymes purified previously. These results indicate that aoft2 and aoft3 encoding 1-FFT and 1-SST are involved in fructan synthesis in roots. A gradual downregulation of fructosyltransferase genes and activity of respective enzymes was observed in roots during the harvest period, which also coincided with the decrease in fructooligosaccharides and increase in fructose due to fructan exohydrolase activity. These findings suggest that downregulation of fructosyltransferases genes during harvest time may contribute to efficient degradation of fructan required for the emergence of spears.

Purification, characterization, and functional analysis of a novel 6G&1-FEH mainly hydrolyzing neokestose from asparagus

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) accumulates inulin- and inulin neoseries-type fructans. Fructose released by the hydrolysis of fructans is an energy source for emerging asparagus spears. Plant fructans are hydrolyzed by fructan exohydrolases (FEHs), whose presence in asparagus has not yet been fully characterized. Here, we describe for the first time the purification and characterization of an FEH from asparagus, and the functional analysis of its gene. The purified enzyme was predicted to exist as a dimer (approximately 130 kDa) consisting of two polypeptides with a molecular mass of approximately 68 kDa. N-terminal sequences of the purified enzyme were matched with the amino acid sequences of aoeh4a and aoeh4b cDNAs isolated from asparagus (cv. Gijnlim and Taihouwase). Native enzymes obtained from asparagus roots and recombinant enzymes produced by Pichia pastoris showed fructan 1-exohydrolase (1-FEH) activity via the hydrolysis of inulin-type fructan. Unlike other 1-FEHs, these enzymes showed minimal hydrolysis of 1-kestose but efficiently hydrolyzed neokestose. Therefore, the enzyme was termed 6G&1-FEH. Gene expression studies in asparagus roots showed that aoeh4 increased during root storage at 2 °C and spear harvesting. These findings suggest that 6G&1-FEH may be involved in fructan hydrolysis in asparagus roots to provide an energy source for emerging asparagus spears.

Structural Analysis of a Novel Oligosaccharide Isolated from Fermented Beverage of Plant Extracts

A fermented beverage of plant extracts (Super Ohtaka®) was prepared from about 50 kinds of fruits and vegetables. This natural fermentation was performed by yeast (Zygosaccharomyces spp. and Pichia spp.) and lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc spp.) and resulted in the production of a novel fructopyranose-containing saccharide, which was subsequently isolated using carbon-Celite column chromatography and preparative-HPLC. The structure of the saccharide was determined using MALDI-TOF MS and NMR, and the saccharide was identified as β-D-fructopyranosyl-(2→6)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2↔1)-α-D-glucopyranoside. This is the first description of this novel saccharide and its isolation from a natural source.

Structural Analysis of Novel Low-Digestible Sucrose Isomers Synthesized from D-Glucose and D-Fructose by Thermal Treatment

The synthesis of the saccharide β-D-fructopyranosyl-(2→6)-D-glucopyranose, which was isolated from Super Ohtaka®, has recently been reported. During the synthesis of this saccharide, the formation of two novel saccharides from D-glucose and D-fructose was observed. The present study aimed to confirm the structures of the two disaccharides synthesized from D-glucose and D-fructose by thermal treatment. Furthermore, various properties of the saccharides were investigated. Both saccharides were isolated from the reaction mixture by carbon-Celite column chromatography and an HPLC system and were determined to be novel sucrose-isomers, β-D-fructopyranosyl-(2↔1)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2↔1)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), by MALDI-TOF MS and NMR analyses. Both saccharides showed low digestibility in vitro, and the sweetness of saccharide 2 was 0.45 times that of sucrose.

Vertical distribution of sediment phosphorus in Lake Hachirogata related to the effect of land reclamation on phosphorus accumulation

The focus of this work is the change in sediment properties and chemical characteristics that occur after land reclamation projects. The results indicate a higher sedimentation rate in Lake Hachirogata after reclamation, with the rate increasing with proximity to the agricultural zone. In the west-side water samples, higher levels of dissolved total nitrogen and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) were found in both surface and bottom waters. The increase in P (39-80%) was generally greater than that for N (12-16%), regarding the nutrient supply from reclaimed farmland in the western part of the lake. In the eastern part of the lake, the pore-water Cl^- profile showed a decreasing vertical gradient in the sediment core. This indicates desalination of the lake water after construction of a sluice gate in 1961. In the western sediment-core sample, a uniform Cl^- profile indicates the mixing of lake water and pore water after reclamation. Considering the sedimentation of P in the last 100 years, there is a trend of increasing accumulation of P and P-activities after the reclamation project. This appears to be an impact from change in the lake environment as a result of increased agricultural nutrients, desalination, and residence. A large amount of mobile phosphorus (42-72% of TP in the western core sample) trapped in sediment increases the risk of phosphorus release and intensification of algal blooms. High sediment phosphorus and phosphorus mobility should be considered a source of pollution in the coastal environment.

Effects of physical and morphometric factors on nutrient removal properties in agricultural ponds

Effects of physical and morphometric factors on nutrient removal properties were studied in small agricultural ponds with different depths, volumes, and residence times in western Japan. Average residence time was estimated to be >15 days, and it tended to decrease from summer to winter because of the increase in water withdrawal for agricultural activity. Water temperature was clearly different between the surface and bottom layers; this indicates that thermal stratification occurred in summer. Chlorophyll-a was significantly high (>20 μg/L) in the surface layer (<0.5 m) and influenced by the thermal stratification. Removal ratios of dissolved total nitrogen (DTN) and dissolved total phosphorus in the ponds were estimated to be 53-98% and 39-98% in August and 10-92% and 36-57% in December, respectively. Residence time of the ponds was longer in August than in December, and DTN removal, in particular, was more significant in ponds with longer residence time. Our results suggest residence time is an important factor for nitrogen removal in small agricultural ponds as well as large lakes.

Analysis of radiotherapy in 1054 patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma treated from 1985 to 2009

AIMS

Data on primary central nervous system lymphoma that had been collected through surveys for four consecutive periods between 1985 and 2009 were analysed to evaluate outcomes according to treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All had histologically proven disease and had received radiotherapy. No patients had AIDS. Among 1054 patients, 696 died and 358 were alive or lost to follow-up. The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 37 months.

RESULTS

For all patients, the median survival time was 24 months; the 5 year survival rate was 25.8%. Patients treated with methotrexate-based chemotherapy and radiation had a higher 5 year survival rate (43%) than those treated with radiation alone (14%) and those treated with non-methotrexate chemotherapy plus radiation (20%), but differences in relapse-free survival were smaller among the three groups. The 5 year survival rate was 25% for patients treated with whole-brain irradiation and 29% for patients treated with partial-brain irradiation (P = 0.80). Patients receiving a total dose of 40-49.9 Gy had a higher 5 year survival rate (32%) than those receiving other doses (21-25%, P = 0.0004) and patients receiving a whole-brain dose of 30-39.9 Gy had a higher 5 year survival rate (32%) than those receiving ≥40 Gy (13-22%, P < 0.0005). Patients receiving methotrexate-based chemotherapy and partial-brain radiotherapy (≥30 Gy) had a 5 year survival rate of 49%.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal total and whole-brain doses may be in the range of 40-49.9 and <40 Gy, respectively, especially in combination with chemotherapy. Patients receiving partial-brain irradiation had a prognosis similar to that of those receiving whole-brain irradiation. With methotrexate-based chemotherapy, partial-brain radiotherapy may be worth considering for non-elderly patients with a single tumour.

Structural confirmation of oligosaccharides newly isolated from sugar beet molasses

Background

Sugar beet molasses is a viscous by-product of the processing of sugar beets into sugar. The molasses is known to contain sucrose and raffinose, a typical trisaccharide, with a well-established structure. Although sugar beet molasses contains various other oligosaccharides as well, the structures of those oligosaccharides have not been examined in detail. The purpose of this study was isolation and structural confirmation of these other oligosaccharides found in sugar beet molasses.

Results

Four oligosaccharides were newly isolated from sugar beet molasses using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and carbon-Celite column chromatography. Structural confirmation of the saccharides was provided by methylation analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionaization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements.

Conclusion

The following oligosaccharides were identified in sugar beet molasses: β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1- > 6)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 <-> 1)-α-D-glucopyranoside (named β-planteose), α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1- > 1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 <-> 1)-α-D-glucopyranoside (named1-planteose), α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1- > 6)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 <-> 2)-β-D-fructofuranoside (theanderose), and β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1- > 3)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 <-> 2)-β-D-fructofuranoside (laminaribiofructose). 1-planteose and laminaribiofructose were isolated from natural sources for the first time.

Impaired fracture healing in macrophage migration inhibitory factor-deficient mice

This study investigated the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in fracture repair using MIF gene-deficient mice (MIF KO). Fracture healing was delayed in MIF KO, and this was mainly due to the delay in the mineralization of osteoid within the fracture callus.

INTRODUCTION

We previously reported that the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was up-regulated during the fracture healing process in rats. However, its role in the pathophysiology of this process remained unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of MIF in the fracture healing process using MIF gene-deficient mice (MIF KO).

METHODS

Bone repair in wild-type mice (WT) and MIF KO (n = 70, respectively) was investigated using a tibia fracture model. Radiographic, biomechanical, histological, bone histomorphometric, and molecular analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Post-fracture biomechanical testing showed that maximum load and stiffness were significantly lower in MIF KO than in WT on day 42. However, similar levels were observed between the two groups on day 84. Bone histomorphometric analysis revealed significantly higher osteoid volume, a lower mineral apposition rate, and smaller numbers of osteoclasts in the MIF KO callus compared to the WT callus. The messenger ribonucleic acid expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, membranous type 1-MMP, cathepsin K, and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase were found to be significantly suppressed in the MIF KO callus.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that delayed fracture healing in MIF KO was mainly attributable to a delay in osteoid mineralization.

Cloning and functional characterization of a fructan 1-exohydrolase (1-FEH) in edible burdock (Arctium lappa L.)

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported on the variation of total fructooligosaccharides (FOS), total inulooligosaccharides (IOS) and inulin in the roots of burdock stored at different temperatures. During storage at 0°C, an increase of FOS as a result of the hydrolysis of inulin was observed. Moreover, we suggested that an increase of IOS would likely be due to the synthesis of the IOS by fructosyltransfer from 1-kestose to accumulated fructose and elongated fructose oligomers which can act as acceptors for fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT). However, enzymes such as inulinase or fructan 1-exohydorolase (1-FEH) involved in inulin degradation in burdock roots are still not known. Here, we report the isolation and functional analysis of a gene encoding burdock 1-FEH.

RESULTS

A cDNA, named aleh1, was obtained by the RACE method following PCR with degenerate primers designed based on amino-acid sequences of FEHs from other plants. The aleh1 encoded a polypeptide of 581 amino acids. The relative molecular mass and isoelectric point (pI) of the deduced polypeptide were calculated to be 65,666 and 4.86. A recombinant protein of aleh1 was produced in Pichia pastoris, and was purified by ion exchange chromatography with DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, hydrophobic chromatography with Toyopearl HW55S and gel filtration chromatography with Toyopearl HW55S. Purified recombinant protein showed hydrolyzing activity against β-2, 1 type fructans such as 1-kestose, nystose, fructosylnystose and inulin. On the other hand, sucrose, neokestose, 6-kestose and high DP levan were poor substrates.The purified recombinant protein released fructose from sugars extracted from burdock roots. These results indicated that aleh1 encoded 1-FEH.

DNA vaccination targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor prevents murine experimental colitis

Previous studies have shown that neutralization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by anti-MIF antibody reduces intestinal inflammation in mice. In this study we tested whether or not anti-MIF autoantibody induced by DNA vaccine targeting MIF protects mice against experimental colitis. Mice were administered a MIF-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine by introducing oligonucleotides encoding helper T epitope into the cDNA sequence of murine MIF by in vivo electroporation. Preventive effects of this method against dextran sulphate sodium-induced (DSS) colitis were evaluated. Mice administered with MIF-DNA vaccine raised values of autoantibody significantly. The clinical and histological findings of colitis induced by 3·0% DSS solution were ameliorated significantly in mice treated with MIF-DNA vaccine compared with saline or pCAGGS-treated mice given DSS. Myeloperoxidase activity, infiltration of F4/80-positive staining cells and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were suppressed in the colon of MIF-DNA vaccine treated mice compared with saline or pCAGGS-treated mice exposed to DSS. Our results suggest that immunization with helper T epitope DNA-vaccine targeting MIF may be a useful approach for the treatment of colitis including inflammatory bowel diseases.

Characterization of recombinant beta-fructofuranosidase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis G1

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported on purification and characterization of beta-fructofuranosidase (beta-FFase) from Bifidobacterium adolescentis G1. This enzyme showed high activity of hydrolysis on fructo-oligosaccharides with a low degree of polymerization. Recently, genome sequences of B. longum NCC2705 and B. adolescentis ATCC 15703 were determined, and cscA gene in the both genome sequences encoding beta-FFase was predicted. Here, cloning of cscA gene encoding putative beta-FFase from B. adolescentis G1, its expression in E. coli and properties of the recombinant protein are described.

RESULTS

Using the information of cscA gene from Bifidobacterium adolescentis ATCC 15703, cscA gene from B. adolescentis G1 was cloned and sequenced. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified beta-FFase from B. adolescentis G1 was identical to the deduced amino acid sequences of cscA gene from B. adolescentis G1. To confirm the translated product of the cscA gene, the recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. Molecular mass of the purified recombinant enzyme was estimated to be about 66,000 by SDS-PAGE and 60,300 by MALDI TOF-MS. The optimum pH of the enzyme was 5.7 and the enzyme was stable at pH 5.0-8.6. The thermostability of the enzyme was up to 50 degrees C. The K(m) (mM), Vmax (micromol/mg of protein/min), k0 (sec(-1)) and k0/K(m)(mM(-1) sec(-1)) for 1-kestose, neokestose, nystose, fructosylnystose, sucrose and inulin were 1.7, 107, 107.5, 63.2, and 1.7, 142, 142.7, 83.9, and 3.9, 152, 152.8, 39.2, and 2.2, 75, 75.4, 34.3, and 38, 79, 79.4, 2.1, and 25.9, 77, 77.4, 3.0, respectively. The hydrolytic activity was strongly inhibited by AgNO3, SDS, and HgCl2.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant enzyme had similar specificity to the native enzyme, high affinity for 1-kestose, and low affinity for sucrose and inulin, although properties of the recombinant enzyme showed slight difference from those of the native one previously described.

Structural analysis of three novel trisaccharides isolated from the fermented beverage of plant extracts

Background

A fermented beverage of plant extracts was prepared from about fifty kinds of vegetables and fruits. Natural fermentation was carried out mainly by lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc spp.) and yeast (Zygosaccharomyces spp. and Pichia spp.). We have previously examined the preparation of novel four trisaccharides from the beverage: O-β-D-fructopyranosyl-(2->6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)-D-glucopyranose, O-β-D-fructopyranosyl-(2->6)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)]-D-glucopyranose, O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->1)-O-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2<->1)-α-D-glucopyranoside and O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1->1)-O-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2<->1)- α-D-glucopyranoside.

Results

Three further novel oligosaccharides have been found from this beverage and isolated from the beverage using carbon-Celite column chromatography and preparative high performance liquid chromatography. Structural confirmation of the saccharides was provided by methylation analysis, MALDI-TOF-MS and NMR measurements.

Conclusion

The following novel trisaccharides were identified: O-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2->1)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (named "3^G-β-D-glucopyranosyl β, β-isosucrose"), O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->4)]-D-glucopyranose (4¹-β-D-glucopyranosyl sophorose) and O-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2->6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)-D-glucopyranose (6²-β-D-fructofuranosyl laminaribiose).

Effect of temperature on soluble invertase activity, and glucose, fructose and sucrose status of onion bulbs (Alliumcepa) in store

The activity of soluble invertase, and the variation in glucose, fructose and sucrose contents in onion bulbs (Allium cepa) during long-term storage at 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C were investigated. Invertase activity increased progressively after 8 weeks to 0.084 and 0.092 nkat/g fresh weight (FW), then sharply to 0.29 and 0.35 nkat/g FW at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively, and remained high during 5 weeks. Then, activity decreased abruptly to 0.039 and 0.041 nkat/g, and remained low during the last 8 weeks and close to that observed initially. Glucose increased to 17.73 and 14.62 mg/g FW after 4 weeks at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively, then decreased sharply between week 5 and week 7 to 4.13 and 4.91 mg/g FW, respectively, and remained rather stable ranging from 9 and 10 mg/g FW at both temperatures. Fructose showed a similar pattern and was 14.8 and 21.68 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively. Between week 10 and week 24, fructose ranged from 5 and 6 mg/g FW, and from 6 and 7 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively. Sucrose increased to 19.63 and 14.43 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively, decreased during 3 weeks, and then increased randomly from 5.69 to 9.42 mg/g FW at 20 degrees C, but remained in a steady state at 10 degrees C ranging 5.03 +/- 0.78 mg/g FW. During the last 6 weeks, the sucrose content was higher at 20 degrees C than at 10 degrees C. The fructose-glucose ratio varied during the first 8 weeks but remained at a steady level during the last 16 weeks. The (glucose+fructose)/sucrose ratio increased randomly at 10 degrees C, whereas at 20 degrees C the ratio increased during 10 weeks then decreased progressively during the final 14 weeks.

Molecular and biochemical identification of alien chromosome additions in shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) carrying extra chromosome(s) of bunching onion (A. fistulosum L.)

To develop the bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.; genomes, FF) chromosome-specific genetic markers for identifying extra chromosomes, eight shallot (A. cepa L. Aggregatum group; genomes, AA)--A. fistulosum monosomic addition plants (AA+nF) and 62 shallot--A. fistulosum single-alien deletion plants (AAF-nF) were analyzed by 23 different chromosome-specific genetic markers of shallot. The eight monosomic addition plants consisted of one AA+2F, two AA+6F, and five AA+8F. Of the 62 single-alien deletion plants, 60 could be identified as six different single-alien deletion lines (AAF-1F, -3F, -4F, -6F, -7F, and -8F) out of the eight possible types. Several single-alien deletion lines were classified on the basis of leaf and bulb characteristics. AAF-8F had the largest number of expanded leaves of five deletion plants. AAF-7F grew most vigorously, as expressed by its long leaf blade and biggest bulb size. AAF-4F had very small bulbs. AAF-7F and AAF-8F had different bulbs from those of shallot as well as other types of single-alien deletion lines in skin and outer scale color. Regarding the sugar content of the bulb tissues, the single-alien deletion lines showed higher fructan content than shallot. Moreover, shallot could not produce fructan with degree of polymerization (DP) 12 or higher, although the single-alien deletion lines showed DP 20 or higher. The content of S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (ACSO) in the single-alien deletion lines was significantly lower than that in shallot. These results indicated that chromosomes from A. fistulosum might carry anonymous factors to increase the highly polymerized fructan production and inhibit the synthesis of ACSO in shallot bulbs. Accordingly, alien chromosomes from A. fistulosum in shallot would contribute to modify the quality of shallot bulbs.

Biochemical and genetic analysis of carbohydrate accumulation in Allium cepa L

Onion and shallot (Allium cepa L.) exhibit wide variation in bulb fructan content, and the Frc locus on chromosome 8 conditions much of this variation. To understand the biochemical basis of Frc, we conducted biochemical and genetic analyses of Allium fistulosum (FF)-shallot (A. cepa Aggregatum group) alien monosomic addition lines (AALs; FF+1A-FF+8A) and onion mapping populations. Sucrose and fructan levels in leaves of FF+2A were significantly lower than in FF throughout the year, and the springtime activity of acid invertase was also lower. FF+8A showed significantly higher winter sucrose accumulation and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity. Inbred high fructan (Frc_) lines from the 'W202Ax Texas Grano 438' onion population exhibited significantly higher sucrose levels prior to bulbing than low fructan (frcfrc) lines. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) activity in these lines was correlated with leaf hexose content but not with Frc phenotype. Markers for additional candidate genes for sucrose metabolism were obtained by cloning a major SPS expressed in onion leaf and exhaustively mining onion expressed sequence tag resources. SPS and SuSy loci were assigned to chromosome 8 and 6, respectively, using AALs and linkage mapping. Further loci were assigned, using AALs, to chromosomes 1 (sucrose phosphate phosphatase), 2 (SuSy and three invertases) and 8 (neutral invertase). The concordance between chromosome 8 localization of SPS and elevated leaf sucrose levels conditioned by high fructan alleles at the Frc locus in bulb onion or alien monosomic additions of chromosome 8 in A. fistulosum suggest that the Frc locus may condition variation in SPS activity.

Saccharide and fructooligosaccharide accumulation across leaf-bases during growth and bulb development of onion ( Allium cepa L.)

The accumulation of saccharides and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in the individual leaf-bases of onion ( Allium cepa L.) was investigated during growth and bulb development. Saccharides and FOS were analysed by means of high performance anion exchange chromatography-pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). The glucose content was the highest, while the content of saccharides (glucose, fructose and sucrose) increased during June, July and August and decreased slightly during September. The trisaccharides all accumulated to a similar extent, although the neokestose [ 3b , 6 G - β -D fructofuranosylsucrose] content was higher than that of 1-kestose [ 3a , 1 F - β -D-fructofuranosylsucrose]. Tetra-, penta- and high-DP (degree of polymerization) FOS also showed a similar pattern, though the contents of 4b [6 G (1- β -D-fructofuranosyl) 2 sucrose] and 5b [6 G (1- β -D-fructofuranosyl) 3 sucrose] were higher compared with that of other tetra-[ 4a , 1 F (1- β -D-fructofuranosyl) 2 sucrose and 4c , 1 F , 6 G -di- β -D-fructofuranosyl sucrose] and penta-saccharides [ 5a , 1 F (1- β -D-fructofuranosyl) 3 sucrose]. Total FOS accumulated to a greater extent in the inner (youngest) leaf-bases than in the outer (oldest) leaf-bases, and their content was high during August. The total carbohydrates content was 6.71, 7.25, 8.10 and 6.30 g 100 g −1 FW during June, July, August and September, respectively. During bulb formation, a balance was observed between the glucose, fructose, sucrose and FOS contents, with an average ratio of 20:10:10:60 of total carbohydrates, respectively.

Three novel oligosaccharides synthesized using Thermoanaerobacter brockii kojibiose phosphorylase

Background

Recently synthesized novel oligosaccharides have been produced primarily by hydrolases and glycosyltransferases, while phosphorylases have also been subject of few studies. Indeed, phosphorylases are expected to give good results via their reversible reaction. The purpose of this study was to synthesis other novel oligosaccharides using kojibiose phosphorylase.

Results

Three novel oligosaccharides were synthesized by glucosyltransfer from β-D-glucose 1-phosphate (β-D-G1P) to xylosylfructoside [O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside] using Thermoanaerobacter brockii kojibiose phosphorylase. These oligosaccharides were isolated using carbon-Celite column chromatography and preparative high performance liquid chromatography. Gas liquid chromatography analysis of methyl derivatives, MALDI-TOF MS and NMR measurements were used for structural characterisation. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR signals of each saccharide were assigned using 2D-NMR including COSY (correlated spectroscopy), HSQC (herteronuclear single quantum coherence), CH₂-selected E-HSQC (CH₂-selected Editing-HSQC), HSQC-TOCSY (HSQC-total correlation spectroscopy) and HMBC (heteronuclear multiple bond correlation).

Conclusion

The structure of three synthesized saccharides were determined, and these oligosaccharides have been identified as O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside (saccharide 1), O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside (saccharide 2) and O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→[2-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-1]₂→2)-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside (saccharide 3).

Activation of the SIRT1 pathway and modulation of the cell cycle were involved in silymarin's protection against UV-induced A375-S2 cell apoptosis

Silymarin, derived from the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum, has been traditionally used in the treatment of liver disease. Our previous study demonstrated that silymarin has an anti-apoptotic effect against UV irradiation. In this study, SIRT1, a human deacetylase that was reported to promote cell survival, was activated by silymarin (5 x 10(- 4) mol/L) in UV-irradiated human malignant melanoma, A375-S2 cells, followed by down-regulated expression of Bax and decreased release of cytochrome c. Cleavage of procaspase-3 and digestion of its substrates, the inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase (ICAD) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), were also reduced. Consistent with its protective effect on UV-induced apoptosis, silymarin (5 x 10(- 4) mol/L) also increased G(2)/M phase arrest, possibly providing a prolonged time for efficient DNA repair. Consequently, that silymarin protected A375-S2 cell against UV-induced apoptosis was partially through SIRT1 pathway and modulation of the cell cycle distribution.

Dracorhodin perchlorate induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells

Dracorhodin perchlorate, an anthocyanin red pigment, induces human premyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell death through apoptotic pathway. Caspase -1, -3, -8, -9, and -10 inhibitors partially reversed the cell death induced by dracorhodin perchlorate. Caspase-3 and -8 were activated followed to the degradation of caspase-3 substrates, inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase (ICAD) and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Dracorhodin perchlorate up-regulated the expression ratio of mitochondrial proteins, Bax/Bcl-XL. The cell death was accompanied with phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK and partially reduced by MEK inhibitor (PD98059), JNK MAPK inhibitor (SP600125) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB 203580). Taken together, dracorhodin perchlorate-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells via up-regulation of Bax, activation of caspases and ERK/p38/JNK MAPKs.