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Dos Santos Magalhães C, da Silva FCL, Randau KP. Comparative anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry of three species of the genus Tarenaya Raf. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:1063-1075. [PMID: 38230567 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
This study addresses the morphological similarities and taxonomic complexity of the genus Tarenaya Raf. of the family Cleomaceae Bercht. & J. Presl as well as the medicinal use of their species. The research compares potential anatomical diagnostic characters of the vegetative organs of species Tarenaya aculeata, Tarenaya diffusa, and Tarenaya spinosa to determine authenticity parameters. The study also carried out histochemical and phytochemical analyses of leaf blades to explore the medicinal use of these species. Semipermanent slides containing cross sections of the stems, petioles, and leaf blades, as well as paradermal sections of leaf blades, were prepared. The analyses were carried out in light and polarized optical microscopy. The histochemical analysis included different reagents depending on the target metabolite, which were analyzed by optical and fluorescence microscopy. Phytochemical tests of the methanolic extracts of the leaves were performed using thin layer chromatography. Anatomical characterization showed the characters of general occurrence in the family Cleomaceae and those that allow the differentiation of T. aculeata, T. diffusa, and T. spinosa. Histochemistry revealed the synthesis and/or storage sites of the metabolites and phytochemical tests; it was possible to observe the presence of different metabolites. The results bring comparative data on the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the species, thus increasing the taxonomic knowledge of the genus Tarenaya. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The comparative anatomy of three Tarenaya from Brazil was studied. Anatomical differences in different vegetative organs differ species. Differences in histochemistry and phytochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cledson Dos Santos Magalhães
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Av. Prof. Arthur de Sá, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | | | - Karina Perrelli Randau
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Av. Prof. Arthur de Sá, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
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2
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Nikolopoulos D, Bresta P, Daliani V, Haghiou V, Darra N, Liati M, Mavrogianni E, Papanastasiou A, Porfyraki T, Psaroudi V, Karabourniotis G, Liakopoulos G. Leaf anatomy affects optical properties and enhances photosynthetic performance under oblique light. Plant Cell Environ 2024; 47:1471-1485. [PMID: 38235913 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Photosynthesis under oblique illumination has not been studied extensively despite being the prevailing light regime under natural conditions. We studied how photosynthetic rate (An) is affected by the geometrical arrangement between leaf lamina and light rays, in conjunction with key anatomical features; studied plant species selected based on the absence (homobaric) or the occurrence of bundle sheath extensions (BSEs; heterobaric) and the arrangement of these structures, that is, parallel (monocots) or reticulated (dicots). The direction of light ray affected leaf absorptance (Abs) and An; both were maximal when the angle of incidence of light on leaf surface (polar angle, θ) was 90°. For any lower θ, both Abs and An were higher when the angle between the leaf axis and the light rays (azimuthal angle, φ) was zero. The dependence of Abs and An from φ was only evident in monocots and, especially, in heterobaric compared to homobaric leaves. In some species, An was substantially higher than predicted from calculated photon flux density of oblique light. The occurrence of BSEs, especially in monocots, significantly alters leaf optical properties, resulting in more efficient photosynthesis under oblique illumination conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panagiota Bresta
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Nikoleta Darra
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Morphology, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Liati
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Morphology, Athens, Greece
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3
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Possamai Della A, Prado J. Areas of endemism of Pteridaceae (Polypodiopsida) in Brazil: a first approach. Cladistics 2024; 40:157-180. [PMID: 38124237 DOI: 10.1111/cla.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Areas of endemism (AoE) comprise regions host to two or more endemic taxa, whose distributional limits are congruent and not random. These areas are important for two reasons: they comprise the smallest geographic units for biogeographic analyses and they are priority targets for conservation actions. Ferns are a monophyletic group that despite having a wide geographic distribution, concentrates great species richness and endemism in some regions (centres). The southern and southeastern regions of Brazil comprise one of these centres for the Neotropics. This study aims to verify the AoE of Pteridaceae in Brazil and examine whether the results obtained here are congruent with areas already delimited for other groups and whether there is spatial correspondence between the AoE and Conservation Units. To this end, a database was created with collection records of the 205 Pteridaceae species occurring in Brazil based on a review of herbaria. We analysed 23 815 records for 205 Pteridaceae species using Endemicity Analysis (NDM-VNDM), selecting the fill and assumed parameters, and 1°, 2° and 3° grid-cells. The consensus of 158 AoE, using different grid sizes, was calculated, and subsequently, generalized AoE were established. The Guiana Shield, southern Brazil, southeastern Brazil, and southeastern Bahia were considered generalized AoE. These areas correspond to those found for animals and angiosperms, and in previous studies with ferns. Furthermore, two areas, Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul, were recovered only on grids with 2° and 3°. It will be essential to conduct more research to confirm the persistence of both AoE (Acre and Mato Grosso do Sul), especially after expanding sampling. Most endemic species distribution points occur outside protected areas, demonstrating an alarming situation regarding the conservation of these taxa. In addition, fern distribution data could (and should) be used in conservation practices, programmes and policies, given that they are good ecological indicators and that the distribution of ferns may not reflect that of angiosperms and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Possamai Della
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 277, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Prado
- Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais, Herbário SP, Av. Miguel Estéfano 3687, CEP 04301-012, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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4
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Luo A, Li Y, Shrestha N, Xu X, Su X, Li Y, Lyu T, Waris K, Tang Z, Liu X, Lin L, Chen Y, Zu K, Song W, Peng S, Zimmermann NE, Pellissier L, Wang Z. Global multifaceted biodiversity patterns, centers, and conservation needs in angiosperms. Sci China Life Sci 2024; 67:817-828. [PMID: 38217639 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The Convention on Biological Diversity seeks to conserve at least 30% of global land and water areas by 2030, which is a challenge but also an opportunity to better preserve biodiversity, including flowering plants (angiosperms). Herein, we compiled a large database on distributions of over 300,000 angiosperm species and the key functional traits of 67,024 species. Using this database, we constructed biodiversity-environment models to predict global patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity in terrestrial angiosperms and provide a comprehensive mapping of the three diversity facets. We further evaluated the current protection status of the biodiversity centers of these diversity facets. Our results showed that geographical patterns of the three facets of plant diversity exhibited substantial spatial mismatches and nonoverlapping conservation priorities. Idiosyncratic centers of functional diversity, particularly of herbaceous species, were primarily distributed in temperate regions and under weaker protection compared with other biodiversity centers of taxonomic and phylogenetic facets. Our global assessment of multifaceted biodiversity patterns and centers highlights the insufficiency and unbalanced conservation among the three diversity facets and the two growth forms (woody vs. herbaceous), thus providing directions for guiding the future conservation of global plant diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Luo
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yaoqi Li
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Nawal Shrestha
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiangyan Su
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Yichao Li
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tong Lyu
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Kilara Waris
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhiyao Tang
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Luxiang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Kuiling Zu
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shijia Peng
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Niklaus E Zimmermann
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, 8903, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Pellissier
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, 8903, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Zhiheng Wang
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Naware D, Benson R. Patterns of variation in fleshy diaspore size and abundance from Late Triassic-Oligocene. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:430-457. [PMID: 38081480 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is a common attribute of many living plants, and variation in the size and abundance of fleshy diaspores is influenced by regional climate and by the nature of vertebrate seed dispersers among present-day floras. However, potential drivers of large-scale variation in the abundance and size distributions of fleshy diaspores through geological time, and the importance of geographic variation, are incompletely known. This knowledge gap is important because fleshy diaspores are a key mechanism of energy transfer from photosynthesis to animals and may in part explain the diversification of major groups within birds and mammals. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain variation in the abundance and size distribution of fleshy diaspores through time, including plant-frugivore co-evolution, angiosperm diversification, and changes in vegetational structure and climate. We present a new data set of more than 800 georeferenced fossil diaspore occurrences spanning the Triassic-Oligocene, across low to mid- to high palaeolatitudes. We use this to quantify patterns of long-term change in fleshy diaspores, examining the timing and geographical context of important shifts as a test of the potential evolutionary and climatic explanations. We find that the fleshy fruit sizes of angiosperms increased for much of the Cretaceous, during the early diversification of angiosperms from herbaceous ancestors with small fruits. Nevertheless, this did not cause a substantial net change in the fleshy diaspore size distributions across seed plants, because gymnosperms had achieved a similar size distribution by at least the Late Triassic. Furthermore, gymnosperm-dominated Mesozoic ecosystems were mostly open, and harboured low proportions of specialised frugivores until the latest Cretaceous, suggesting that changes in vegetation structure and plant-frugivore co-evolution were probably not important drivers of fleshy diaspore size distributions over long timescales. Instead, fleshy diaspore size distributions may be largely constrained by physical or life-history limits that are shared among groups and diversify as a plant group expands into different growth forms/sizes, habitats, and climate regimes. Mesozoic gymnosperm floras had a low abundance of fleshy diaspores (<50% fleshy diaspore taxa), that was surpassed by some low-latitude angiosperm floras in the Cretaceous. Eocene angiosperm floras show a mid- to high latitude peak in fleshy fruit abundance, with very high proportions of fleshy fruits that even exceed those seen at low latitudes both in the Eocene and today. Mid- to high latitude proportions of fleshy fruits declined substantially over the Eocene-Oligocene transition, resulting in a shift to more modern-like geographic distributions with the highest proportion of fleshy fruits occurring in low-latitude tropical assemblages. This shift was coincident with global cooling and the onset of Southern Hemisphere glaciation, suggesting that rapid cooling at mid- and high latitudes caused a decrease in availability of the climate conditions most favourable for fleshy fruits in angiosperms. Future research could be focused on examining the environmental niches of modern fleshy fruits, and the potential effects of climate change on fleshy fruit and frugivore diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duhita Naware
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK
| | - Roger Benson
- American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024-5102, USA
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6
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Zhang Y, Pereira L, Kaack L, Liu J, Jansen S. Gold perfusion experiments support the multi-layered, mesoporous nature of intervessel pit membranes in angiosperm xylem. New Phytol 2024; 242:493-506. [PMID: 38404029 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Fluid transport across intervessel pit membranes of angiosperm xylem plays a major role in plant transpiration, with transport resistance largely depending on pore constriction sizes. Traditionally, fluid particles traversing pit membranes are assumed to cross a single instead of multiple pore constrictions. We tested a multi-layered pit membrane model in xylem of eight angiosperm species by estimating the size frequency of pore constrictions in relation to pit membrane thickness and compared modelled data with perfusion characteristics of nanoscale gold particles based on transmission electron microscopy. The size frequency of modelled pore constrictions showed similar patterns to the measured number of perfused particle sizes inside pit membranes, although frequency values measured were 10-50 times below modelled data. Small particles enter pit membranes most easily, especially when injected in thin pit membranes. The trapping of gold particles by pore constrictions becomes more likely with increasing pore constriction number and pit membrane thickness. While quantitative differences between modelled and experimental data are due to various practical limitations, their qualitative agreement supports a multi-layered pit membrane model with multiple pore constrictions. Pore constrictions between 5 and 50 nm are realistic, and confirm the mesoporous nature of pit membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Beijingzhong Road 2, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Luciano Pereira
- Institute of Botany, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, D-89081, Germany
| | - Lucian Kaack
- Institute of Botany, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, D-89081, Germany
| | - Jiabao Liu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Beijingzhong Road 2, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Steven Jansen
- Institute of Botany, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, D-89081, Germany
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Bachman SP, Brown MJM, Leão TCC, Nic Lughadha E, Walker BE. Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation. New Phytol 2024; 242:797-808. [PMID: 38437880 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
More than 70% of all vascular plants lack conservation status assessments. We aimed to address this shortfall in knowledge of species extinction risk by using the World Checklist of Vascular Plants to generate the first comprehensive set of predictions for a large clade: angiosperms (flowering plants, c. 330 000 species). We used Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) to predict the extinction risk of all angiosperms using predictors relating to range size, human footprint, climate, and evolutionary history and applied a novel approach to estimate uncertainty of individual species-level predictions. From our model predictions, we estimate 45.1% of angiosperm species are potentially threatened with a lower bound of 44.5% and upper bound of 45.7%. Our species-level predictions, with associated uncertainty estimates, do not replace full global, or regional Red List assessments, but can be used to prioritise predicted threatened species for full Red List assessment and fast-track predicted non-threatened species for Least Concern assessments. Our predictions and uncertainty estimates can also guide fieldwork, inform systematic conservation planning and support global plant conservation efforts and targets.
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Somssich M. From the archives: male-female communication, glue that keeps cells together, and a SUPERMAN for all flowering plants. Plant Cell 2024; 36:795-796. [PMID: 38243577 PMCID: PMC10980338 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Somssich
- Reviewing Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists
- Department of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne 50829, Germany
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9
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Ahmed SS, Rahman MO. From Flora to Pharmaceuticals: 100 new additions to angiosperms of Gafargaon subdistrict in Bangladesh and unraveling antidiabetic drug candidates targeting DPP4 through in silico approach. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301348. [PMID: 38551991 PMCID: PMC10980240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Addition to the angiosperm flora provides essential insights into the biodiversity of a region, contributing to ecological understanding and conservation planning. Gafargaon subdistrict under Mymensingh district in Bangladesh represents a diverse population of angiosperms with a multifaceted ecosystem that demands re-evaluation of the existing angiosperm diversity of Gafargaon to update the status of angiosperm taxa and facilitate their conservation efforts. With this endeavor, a total of 100 angiosperm taxa belonging to 90 genera and 46 families were uncovered as additional occurrence in Gafargaon. The species in the area showcased a variety of life forms, including 63 herbs, 14 shrubs, 14 trees, and 9 climbers. Among the recorded taxa, Chamaecostus cuspidatus (Nees & Mart.) C.D. Specht & D.W. Stev. was selected for antidiabetic drug design endeavor based on citation frequency and ethnomedicinal evidence. A total of 41 phytochemicals of C. cuspidatus were screened virtually, targeting the Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 protein through structure-based drug design approach, which unveiled two lead compounds, such as Tigogenin (-9.0 kcal/mol) and Diosgenin (-8.5 kcal/mol). The lead candidates demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties with no major side effects. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed notable stability and structural compactness of the lead compounds. Principal component analysis and Gibbs free energy landscape further supported the results of molecular dynamics simulation. Molecular mechanics-based MM/GBSA approach unraveled higher free binding energies of Diosgenin (-47.36 kcal/mol) and Tigogenin (-46.70 kcal/mol) over Alogliptin (-46.32 kcal/mol). The outcome of the present investigation would enrich angiosperm flora of Gafargaon and shed light on the role of C. cuspidatus to develop novel antidiabetic therapeutics to combat diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Sunzid Ahmed
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M. Oliur Rahman
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Jouault C, Condamine FL, Legendre F, Perrichot V. The Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution buffered ants against extinction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317795121. [PMID: 38466878 PMCID: PMC10990090 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317795121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
With ~14,000 extant species, ants are ubiquitous and of tremendous ecological importance. They have undergone remarkable diversification throughout their evolutionary history. However, the drivers of their diversity dynamics are not well quantified or understood. Previous phylogenetic analyses have suggested patterns of diversity dynamics associated with the Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution (ATR), but these studies have overlooked valuable information from the fossil record. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using a large dataset that includes both the ant fossil record (~24,000 individual occurrences) and neontological data (~14,000 occurrences), and tested four hypotheses proposed for ant diversification: co-diversification, competitive extinction, hyper-specialization, and buffered extinction. Taking into account biases in the fossil record, we found three distinct diversification periods (the latest Cretaceous, Eocene, and Oligo-Miocene) and one extinction period (Late Cretaceous). The competitive extinction hypothesis between stem and crown ants is not supported. Instead, we found support for the co-diversification, buffered extinction, and hyper-specialization hypotheses. The environmental changes of the ATR, mediated by the angiosperm radiation, likely played a critical role in buffering ants against extinction and favoring their diversification by providing new ecological niches, such as forest litter and arboreal nesting sites, and additional resources. We also hypothesize that the decline and extinction of stem ants during the Late Cretaceous was due to their hyper-specialized morphology, which limited their ability to expand their dietary niche in changing environments. This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach when studying the interplay between past environments and the evolutionary trajectories of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Jouault
- Institut de Systématique Évolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE-PSL, Université des Antilles, Paris75005, France
- Institut des Sciences de l’Évolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier34095, France
- Géosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Rennes35000, France
| | - Fabien L. Condamine
- Institut des Sciences de l’Évolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier34095, France
| | - Frédéric Legendre
- Institut de Systématique Évolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE-PSL, Université des Antilles, Paris75005, France
| | - Vincent Perrichot
- Géosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Rennes35000, France
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Masłyk M, Lenard T, Olech M, Martyna A, Poniewozik M, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Kochanowicz E, Czubak P, Kubiński K. Ceratophyllum demersum the submerged macrophyte from the mining subsidence reservoir Nadrybie Poland as a source of anticancer agents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6661. [PMID: 38509188 PMCID: PMC10954700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquatic plants are a rich source of health-beneficial substances. One of such organisms is the submerged macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum, which has not been sufficiently studied in this aspect so far. In this work, we have studied environmental conditions prevailing in a subsidence mining reservoir in Eastern Poland and shown that C. demersum can be harvested for further analysis even from artificial anthropogenic reservoirs. The phytochemical analysis of C. demersum ethanolic extract using LC-MS revealed high content of phenolic compounds (18.50 mg/g) (mainly flavonoids, 16.09 mg/g), including those that have not yet been identified in this plant, namely isorhamnetin, sakuranetin, taxifolin, and eriodictyol. Such rich flavonoid content is most likely responsible for the anticancer activity of the C. demersum extract, which was targeted especially at neoplastic cells of gastrointestinal tract origin. The flow cytometry analysis of treated cells showed an increased percentage of late apoptotic and necrotic cells. The fish embryo toxicity (FET) test showed safety of the extract towards Danio rerio fish up to the concentration of 225 µg/ml. This study has shown that the submerged macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum can be taken into consideration as a rich source of a set of anticancer agents with chemopreventive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Lenard
- Department of Animal Physiology and Toxicology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Olech
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, Ul. Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Martyna
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Poniewozik
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Ul. Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kochanowicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Czubak
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Konrad Kubiński
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland.
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12
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Alemu B, Molla MD, Tezera H, Dekebo A, Asmamaw T. Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bersama abyssinica F. seed extracts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6345. [PMID: 38491116 PMCID: PMC10943032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56659-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants can be potential sources of therapeutic agents. Traditional healers use a medicinal plant from Ethiopia, Bersama abyssinica Fresen, to treat various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of B. abyssinica seed extracts (BASE). Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was used to determine the phytochemical compositions of BASE. The antioxidant activities were assessed by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) assay, ferric chloride reducing assay and hydroxyl scavenging capacity assay. Antimicrobial activity was investigated using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 30 volatile compounds; α-pinene (23.85%), eucalyptol (20.74%), β-pinene (5.75%), D-limonene (4.05%), and o-cymene (5.02%). DPPH-induced free radical scavenging (IC50 = 8.78), TBARS (IC50 = 0.55 µg/mL), and hydroxyl radicals' scavenging capacities assays (IC50 = 329.23) demonstrated high antioxidant effects of BASE. Reducing power was determined based on Fe3+-Fe2+ transformation in the presence of extract. BASE was found to show promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa (zone of inhibition 15.7 ± 2.5 mm, 16.0 ± 0.0 mm, and 16.7 ± 1.5 mm, respectively), but excellent antifungal activities against C. albican and M. furfur (zone of inhibition 22.0 ± 2.0 mm and 22.0 ± 4.0 mm, respectively). The seeds of B. abyssinica grown in Ethiopia possess high antioxidant potential, promising antibacterial and superior antifungal activity. Therefore, seeds of B. abyssinica provide a potential source for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belayhun Alemu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
| | - Meseret Derbew Molla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hiwot Tezera
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Aman Dekebo
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Applied Natural Sciences, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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13
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Thaenert A, Sevostyanova A, Chung CZ, Vargas-Rodriguez O, Melnikov SV, Söll D. Engineered mRNA-ribosome fusions for facile biosynthesis of selenoproteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321700121. [PMID: 38442159 PMCID: PMC10945757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321700121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribosomes are often used in synthetic biology as a tool to produce desired proteins with enhanced properties or entirely new functions. However, repurposing ribosomes for producing designer proteins is challenging due to the limited number of engineering solutions available to alter the natural activity of these enzymes. In this study, we advance ribosome engineering by describing a novel strategy based on functional fusions of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) with messenger RNA (mRNA). Specifically, we create an mRNA-ribosome fusion called RiboU, where the 16S rRNA is covalently attached to selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS), a regulatory RNA element found in mRNAs encoding selenoproteins. When SECIS sequences are present in natural mRNAs, they instruct ribosomes to decode UGA codons as selenocysteine (Sec, U) codons instead of interpreting them as stop codons. This enables ribosomes to insert Sec into the growing polypeptide chain at the appropriate site. Our work demonstrates that the SECIS sequence maintains its functionality even when inserted into the ribosome structure. As a result, the engineered ribosomes RiboU interpret UAG codons as Sec codons, allowing easy and site-specific insertion of Sec in a protein of interest with no further modification to the natural machinery of protein synthesis. To validate this approach, we use RiboU ribosomes to produce three functional target selenoproteins in Escherichia coli by site-specifically inserting Sec into the proteins' active sites. Overall, our work demonstrates the feasibility of creating functional mRNA-rRNA fusions as a strategy for ribosome engineering, providing a novel tool for producing Sec-containing proteins in live bacterial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Thaenert
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | | | - Christina Z. Chung
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | | | - Sergey V. Melnikov
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon TyneNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon TyneNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Dieter Söll
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
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14
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Shao B, Yan J, Zhang J, Liu L, Chen Y, Buskirk AR. Riboformer: a deep learning framework for predicting context-dependent translation dynamics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2011. [PMID: 38443396 PMCID: PMC10915169 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46241-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Translation elongation is essential for maintaining cellular proteostasis, and alterations in the translational landscape are associated with a range of diseases. Ribosome profiling allows detailed measurements of translation at the genome scale. However, it remains unclear how to disentangle biological variations from technical artifacts in these data and identify sequence determinants of translation dysregulation. Here we present Riboformer, a deep learning-based framework for modeling context-dependent changes in translation dynamics. Riboformer leverages the transformer architecture to accurately predict ribosome densities at codon resolution. When trained on an unbiased dataset, Riboformer corrects experimental artifacts in previously unseen datasets, which reveals subtle differences in synonymous codon translation and uncovers a bottleneck in translation elongation. Further, we show that Riboformer can be combined with in silico mutagenesis to identify sequence motifs that contribute to ribosome stalling across various biological contexts, including aging and viral infection. Our tool offers a context-aware and interpretable approach for standardizing ribosome profiling datasets and elucidating the regulatory basis of translation kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Shao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Jiawei Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Allen R Buskirk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Cunha Neto IL, Rossetto EFS, Gerolamo CS, Hernández-Gutiérrez R, Sukhorukov AP, Kushunina M, Melo-de-Pinna GFA, Angyalossy V. Medullary bundles in Caryophyllales: form, function, and evolution. New Phytol 2024; 241:2589-2605. [PMID: 37882322 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of conducting vascular tissue in the pith (CVTP) of tracheophytes is noteworthy. Medullary bundles, one of the remarkable examples of CVTP, evolved multiple times across angiosperms, notably in the Caryophyllales. Yet, information on the occurrence of medullary bundles is fragmented, hampering our understanding of their structure-function relationships, and evolutionary implications. Using three plastid molecular markers (matK, rbcL, and rps16 intron), a phylogeny is constructed for 561 species of Caryophyllales, and anatomical data are assembled for 856 species across 40 families to investigate the diversity of medullary bundles, their function, evolution, and diversification dynamics. Additionally, correlated evolution between medullary bundles and successive cambia was tested. Medullary bundles are ancestrally absent in Caryophyllales and evolved in core and noncore families. They are structurally diverse (e.g. number, arrangement, and types of bundles) and functionally active throughout the plant's lifespan, providing increased hydraulic conductivity, especially in herbaceous plants. Acquisition of medullary bundles does not explain diversification rate heterogeneity but is correlated to a higher diversification rate. Disparate developmental pathways were found leading to rampant convergent evolution of CVTP in Caryophyllales. These findings indicate the diversification of medullary bundles and vascular tissues as another central theme for functional and comparative molecular studies in Caryophyllales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel L Cunha Neto
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, New York, NY, 10012, USA
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Elson Felipe S Rossetto
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Caian S Gerolamo
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Hernández-Gutiérrez
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Alexander P Sukhorukov
- Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Laboratory Herbarium (TK), Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
| | - Maria Kushunina
- Laboratory Herbarium (TK), Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
- Department of Plant Physiology, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Gladys F A Melo-de-Pinna
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Veronica Angyalossy
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
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Strelin MM, da Cunha NL, Rubini-Pisano A, Fornoni J, Aizen MA. Darwin's inflorescence syndrome is indeed associated with bee pollination. Plant Reprod 2024; 37:37-45. [PMID: 37646855 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-023-00480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE A relationship between vertical acropetal inflorescences with protandrous flowers and bee pollination was hypothesized by Darwin back in 1877. Here we provide empirical evidence supporting this association across the angiosperms. Plant reproduction is not only determined by flower traits but also by the arrangement of flowers within inflorescences. Based on his observations of the orchid Spiranthes autumnalis, Darwin proposed in 1877 that bee-pollinated plants presenting protandrous flowers on vertical acropetal inflorescences, where proximal flowers open first, can exploit the stereotypical foraging behavior of their pollinators (i.e., upward movement through the inflorescence) to promote pollen exportation and reduce self-pollination. In these inflorescences, male-phase flowers lie spatially above female-phase flowers. To examine this untested hypothesis, we compiled literature information from 718 angiosperms species and evaluated the association between vertical acropetal inflorescences with protandrous flowers and bee pollination within a phylogenetic comparative framework. Results reveal that this type of inflorescence is indeed more common in species pollinated by bees. Moreover, this association does not seem to be weakened by the presence of alternative self-pollination avoidance mechanisms, like self-incompatibility, suggesting that this inflorescence type benefits mainly male rather than female fitness. Other inflorescence types placing male-phase flowers above female-phase flowers, e.g., vertical basipetal inflorescences with protogynous flowers, do not provide strong evidence of a differential association with pollination by bees. Female-biased nectar production in vertical acropetal inflorescences with protandrous flowers may reinforce the behavior of bees to fly upwards, rendering Darwin's configuration more adaptive than other inflorescence configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Strelin
- Grupo de Investigación en Ecología de La Polinización, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina.
| | - Nicolay L da Cunha
- Grupo de Investigación en Ecología de La Polinización, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Aimé Rubini-Pisano
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-275, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan Fornoni
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-275, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Marcelo A Aizen
- Grupo de Investigación en Ecología de La Polinización, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
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17
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Silva‐Alvim FAL, Alvim JC, Harvey A, Blatt MR. Speedy stomata of a C 4 plant correlate with enhanced K + channel gating. Plant Cell Environ 2024; 47:817-831. [PMID: 38013592 PMCID: PMC10953386 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Stomata are microscopic pores at the surface of plant leaves that facilitate gaseous diffusion to support photosynthesis. The guard cells around each stoma regulate the pore aperture. Plants that carry out C4 photosynthesis are usually more resilient than C3 plants to stress, and their stomata operate over a lower dynamic range of CO2 within the leaf. What makes guard cells of C4 plants more responsive than those of C3 plants? We used gas exchange and electrophysiology, comparing stomatal kinetics of the C4 plant Gynandropsis gynandra and the phylogenetically related C3 plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We found, with varying CO2 and light, that Gynandropsis showed faster changes in stomata conductance and greater water use efficiency when compared with Arabidopsis. Electrophysiological analysis of the dominant K+ channels showed that the outward-rectifying channels, responsible for K+ loss during stomatal closing, were characterised by a greater maximum conductance and substantial negative shift in the voltage dependence of gating, indicating a reduced inhibition by extracellular K+ and enhanced capacity for K+ flux. These differences correlated with the accelerated stomata kinetics of Gynandropsis, suggesting that subtle changes in the biophysical properties of a key transporter may prove a target for future efforts to engineer C4 stomatal kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas Chaves Alvim
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower BuildingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Andy Harvey
- Physics & AstronomyUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Michael R. Blatt
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower BuildingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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18
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Neacă AM, Meis J, Knight T, Rakosy D. Intensive pasture management alters the composition and structure of plant-pollinator interactions in Sibiu, Romania. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16900. [PMID: 38435994 PMCID: PMC10909354 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Land management change towards intensive grazing has been shown to alter plant and pollinator communities and the structure of plant-pollinator interactions in different ways across the world. Land-use intensification in Eastern Europe is shifting highly diverse, traditionally managed hay meadows towards intensive pastures, but few studies have examined how this influences plant-pollinator networks. We hypothesized that the effects of intensive grazing on networks will depend on how plant communities and their floral traits change. Methods We investigated plant and pollinator diversity and composition and the structure of plant-pollinator interactions near Sibiu, Romania at sites that were traditionally managed as hay meadows or intensive pastures. We quantified the identity and abundance of flowering plants, and used transect walks to observe pollinator genera interacting with flowering plant species. We evaluated the effects of management on diversity, composition and several indices of network structure. Results Pollinator but not plant diversity declined in pastures and both plant and pollinator taxonomic composition shifted. Functional diversity and composition remained unchanged, with rather specialized flowers having been found to dominate in both hay meadows and pastures. Apis mellifera was found to be the most abundant pollinator. Its foraging preferences played a crucial role in shaping plant-pollinator network structure. Apis mellifera thus preferred the highly abundant Dorycnium herbaceum in hay meadows, leading to hay meadows networks with lower Shannon diversity and interaction evenness. In pastures, however, it preferred less abundant and more generalized flower resources. With pollinators being overall less abundant and more generalized in pastures, we found that niche overlap between plants was higher. Discussion With both hay meadows and pastures being dominated by plant species with similar floral traits, shifts in pollinator preferences seem to have driven the observed changes in plant-pollinator interaction networks. We thus conclude that the effects of grazing on pollinators and their interactions are likely to depend on the traits of plant species present in different management types as well as on the effects of grazing on plant community composition. We thereby highlight the need for better understanding how floral abundance shapes pollinator visitation rates and how floral traits may influence this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Neacă
- Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Julia Meis
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tiffany Knight
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Department Species Interaction Ecology, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department Species Interaction Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Demetra Rakosy
- Department Species Interaction Ecology, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department Species Interaction Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
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19
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Słupianek A, Myśkow E, Kasprowicz-Maluśki A, Dolzblasz A, Żytkowiak R, Turzańska M, Sokołowska K. Seasonal dynamics of cell-to-cell transport in angiosperm wood. J Exp Bot 2024; 75:1331-1346. [PMID: 37996075 PMCID: PMC10901208 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the seasonal changes in cell-to-cell transport in three selected angiosperm tree species, Acer pseudoplatanus (maple), Fraxinus excelsior (ash), and Populus tremula × tremuloides (poplar), with an emphasis on the living wood component, xylem parenchyma cells (XPCs). We performed anatomical studies, dye loading through the vascular system, measurements of non-structural carbohydrate content, immunocytochemistry, inhibitory assays and quantitative real-time PCR to analyse the transport mechanisms and seasonal variations in wood. The abundance of membrane dye in wood varied seasonally along with seasonally changing tree phenology, cambial activity, and non-structural carbohydrate content. Moreover, dyes internalized in vessel-associated cells and 'trapped' in the endomembrane system are transported farther between other XPCs via plasmodesmata. Finally, various transport mechanisms based on clathrin-mediated and clathrin-independent endocytosis, and membrane transporters, operate in wood, and their involvement is species and/or season dependent. Our study highlights the importance of XPCs in seasonally changing cell-to-cell transport in both ring-porous (ash) and diffuse-porous (maple, poplar) tree species, and demonstrates the involvement of both endocytosis and plasmodesmata in intercellular communication in angiosperm wood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Słupianek
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Myśkow
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Kasprowicz-Maluśki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań 61-614, Poland
| | - Alicja Dolzblasz
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Roma Żytkowiak
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035 Kórnik, Poland
| | - Magdalena Turzańska
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sokołowska
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland
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20
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Pestana MCA, Hora RC, Guarçoni EAE. Floristic survey of aquatic macrophytes in eastern Maranhão, Brazil: richness, biological forms and three new records. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e281276. [PMID: 38422304 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.281276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a floristic survey of aquatic macrophytes in the municipality of Chapadinha, eastern Maranhão, and classify their biological forms. The study was done between September 2021 and September 2022. A total of 31 families, 49 genera and 72 species of aquatic macrophytes were catalogued, of which 65 are angiosperms. Among them, Bacopa stricta (Plantaginaceae), Staurogyne diantheroides (Acanthaceae), and Xanthosoma aristeguietae (Araceae) are new records for the flora of Maranhão, with the last two new records for Northeast Brazil. The richest family was Cyperaceae, with 11 species, followed by Plantaginaceae (seven taxa), Fabaceae (five taxa) and Lentibulariaceae (five taxa). Six biological forms were recorded, amphibious (27 taxa) and emergent (26 taxa) being the most common. The aquatic environments of Chapadinha are home to a considerable number of species, families, and life forms of macrophytes. The results show that due to the lack of surveys, evidenced by the new records presented, the state aquatic flora is still underestimated. Further studies in poorly explored areas are suggested, especially in the eastern part of the state, to improve understanding of species richness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C A Pestana
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados - UFGD, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Meio Ambiente, Dourados, MS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Chapadinha, MA, Brasil
| | - R C Hora
- Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, Centro de Ciências de Chapadinha, Chapadinha, MA, Brasil
| | - E A E Guarçoni
- Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, Herbário BMA, Centro de Ciências de Bacabal, Bacabal, MA, Brasil
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21
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Skalski T, Zając E, Jędrszczyk E, Papaj K, Kohyt J, Góra A, Kasprzycka A, Shytum D, Skowera B, Ziernicka-Wojtaszek A. Effects of γ-polyglutamic acid on grassland sandy soil properties and plant functional traits exposed to drought stress. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3769. [PMID: 38355917 PMCID: PMC10866894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study provides field experimental data that support the use of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) in drought stress and proposes its application in grassland management. We hypothesized that water treatment combined with PGA application to sandy soil would reduce drought stress in grasslands more effectively than watering alone. A randomized block design was used, with three replicate watering blocks (no watering, weekly watering, and monthly watering) and PGA treatments at four different concentrations (0%, 0.3%, 1%, and 2% PGA). The results showed that PGA acts as a biostimulant, alleviating the effects of stress in plants by: (1) increasing the availability of ions, especially K+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Fe2+/3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, as well as N-NH4+, and N-NO3-, (2) elongating plant roots, (3) increasing the aboveground biomass, (4) improving the resprouting capacity of the dominant grass Nardus stricta, and (5) improving the regeneration of dicotyledons. In the case of meadows on sandy soils, the use of low PGA concentrations (0.3% or 1%) was the most beneficial for the availability of macro- and microelements and improving the functional traits of plants. Irrigation had a greater effect than using PGA only for the dicotyledon to monocotyledon ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Skalski
- Tunneling Group, Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Zając
- Department of Land Reclamation and Development, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Papaj
- Tunneling Group, Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Joanna Kohyt
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Góra
- Tunneling Group, Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Anna Kasprzycka
- Department of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Divine Shytum
- Tunneling Group, Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Barbara Skowera
- Department of Ecology, Climatology and Air Protection, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland
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Mohanasundaram B, Palit S, Bhide AJ, Pala M, Rajoria K, Girigosavi P, Banerjee AK. PpSCARECROW1 (PpSCR1) regulates leaf blade and mid-vein development in Physcomitrium patens. Plant Mol Biol 2024; 114:12. [PMID: 38324222 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01398-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In plants, asymmetric cell divisions result in distinct cell fates forming large and small daughter cells, adding to the cellular diversity in an organ. SCARECROW (SCR), a GRAS domain-containing transcription factor controls asymmetric periclinal cell divisions in flowering plants by governing radial patterning of ground tissue in roots and cell proliferation in leaves. Though SCR homologs are present across land plant lineages, the current understanding of their role in cellular patterning and leaf development is mostly limited to flowering plants. Our phylogenetic analysis identified three SCR homologs in moss Physcomitrium patens, amongst which PpSCR1 showed highest expression in gametophores and its promoter activity was prominent at the mid-vein and the flanking leaf blade cells pointing towards its role in leaf development. Notably, out of the three SCR homologs, only the ppscr1 knock-out lines developed slender leaves with four times narrower leaf blade and three times thicker mid-vein. Detailed histology studies revealed that slender leaf phenotype is either due to the loss of anticlinal cell divisions or failure of periclinal division suppression in the leaf blade. RNA-Seq analyses revealed that genes responsible for cell division and differentiation are expressed differentially in the mutant. PpSCR1 overexpression lines exhibited significantly wider leaf lamina, further reconfirming the role in leaf development. Together, our data suggests that PpSCR1 is involved in the leaf blade and mid-vein development of moss and that its role in the regulation of cell division and proliferation is ancient and conserved among flowering plants and mosses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boominathan Mohanasundaram
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Currently at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shirsa Palit
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Currently at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Amey J Bhide
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Madhusmita Pala
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kanishka Rajoria
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Payal Girigosavi
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Currently at National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anjan K Banerjee
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India.
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23
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Cappellari A, Malagnini V, Fontana P, Zanotelli L, Tonidandel L, Angeli G, Ioriatti C, Marini L. Impact of landscape composition on honey bee pollen contamination by pesticides: A multi-residue analysis. Chemosphere 2024; 349:140829. [PMID: 38042427 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The honey bee is the most common and important managed pollinator of crops. In recent years, honey bee colonies faced high mortality for multiple causes, including land-use change and the use of plant protection products (hereafter pesticides). This work aimed to explore how contamination by pesticides of pollen collected by honey bees was modulated by landscape composition and seasonality. We placed two honey bee colonies in 13 locations in Northern Italy in contrasting landscapes, from which we collected pollen samples monthly during the whole flowering season in 2019 and 2020. We searched for almost 400 compounds, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and acaricides. We then calculated for each pollen sample the Pollen Hazard Quotient (PHQ), an index that provides a measure of multi-residue toxicity of contaminated pollen. Almost all pollen samples were contaminated by at least one compound. We detected 97 compounds, mainly fungicides, but insecticides and acaricides showed the highest toxicity. Fifteen % of the pollen samples had medium-high or high levels of PHQ, which could pose serious threats to honey bees. Fungicides showed a nearly constant PHQ throughout the season, while herbicides and insecticides and acaricides showed higher PHQ values in spring and early summer. Also, PHQ increased with increasing cover of agricultural and urban areas from April to July, while it was low and independent of landscape composition at the end of the season. The cover of perennial crops, i.e., fruit trees and vineyards, but not of annual crops, increased PHQ of pollen samples. Our work highlighted that the potential toxicity of pollen collected by honey bees was modulated by complex interactions among pesticide category, seasonality, and landscape composition. Due to the large number of compounds detected, our study should be complemented with additional experimental research on the potential interactive effects of multiple compounds on honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andree Cappellari
- University of Padova, Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, Viale Dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Valeria Malagnini
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Technology Transfer Centre, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38010, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Paolo Fontana
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Technology Transfer Centre, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38010, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Livia Zanotelli
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Technology Transfer Centre, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38010, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Loris Tonidandel
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Technology Transfer Centre, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38010, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Gino Angeli
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Technology Transfer Centre, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38010, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Claudio Ioriatti
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Research and Innovation Centre, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38010, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marini
- University of Padova, Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, Viale Dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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24
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Yu D, Wiens JJ. The causes of species richness patterns among clades. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232436. [PMID: 38262607 PMCID: PMC10805600 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two major types of species richness patterns are spatial (e.g. the latitudinal diversity gradient) and clade-based (e.g. the dominance of angiosperms among plants). Studies have debated whether clade-based richness patterns are explained primarily by larger clades having faster rates of species accumulation (speciation minus extinction over time; diversification-rate hypothesis) or by simply being older (clade-age hypothesis). However, these studies typically compared named clades of the same taxonomic rank, such as phyla and families. This study design is potentially biased against the clade-age hypothesis, since clades of the same rank may be more similar in age than randomly selected clades. Here, we analyse the causes of clade-based richness patterns across the tree of life using a large-scale, time-calibrated, species-level phylogeny and random sampling of clades. We find that within major groups of organisms (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, archaeans), richness patterns are most strongly related to clade age. Nevertheless, weaker relationships with diversification rates are present in animals and plants. These overall results contrast with similar large-scale analyses across life based on named clades, which showed little effect of clade age on richness. More broadly, these results help support the overall importance of time for explaining diverse types of species richness patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of Science, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0088, USA
| | - John J. Wiens
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0088, USA
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25
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Li J, Hu H, Fu H, Li J, Zeng T, Li J, Wang M, Jongsma MA, Wang C. Exploring the co-operativity of secretory structures for defense and pollination in flowering plants. Planta 2024; 259:41. [PMID: 38270671 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04322-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION In flowers multiple secretory systems cooperate to deliver specialized metabolites to support specific roles in defence and pollination. The collective roles of cell types, enzymes, and transporters are discussed. The interplay between reproductive strategies and defense mechanisms in flowering plants has long been recognized, with trade-offs between investment in defense and reproduction predicted. Glandular trichomes and secretory cavities or ducts, which are epidermal and internal structures, play a pivotal role in the secretion, accumulation, and transport of specialized secondary metabolites, and contribute significantly to defense and pollination. Recent investigations have revealed an intricate connection between these two structures, whereby specialized volatile and non-volatile metabolites are exchanged, collectively shaping their respective ecological functions. However, a comprehensive understanding of this profound integration remains largely elusive. In this review, we explore the secretory systems and associated secondary metabolism primarily in Asteraceous species to propose potential shared mechanisms facilitating the directional translocation of these metabolites to diverse destinations. We summarize recent advances in our understanding of the cooperativity between epidermal and internal secretory structures in the biosynthesis, secretion, accumulation, and emission of terpenes, providing specific well-documented examples from pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium). Pyrethrum is renowned for its natural pyrethrin insecticides, which accumulate in the flower head, and more recently, for emitting an aphid alarm pheromone. These examples highlight the diverse specializations of secondary metabolism in pyrethrum and raise intriguing questions regarding the regulation of production and translocation of these compounds within and between its various epidermal and internal secretory systems, spanning multiple tissues, to serve distinct ecological purposes. By discussing the cooperative nature of secretory structures in flowering plants, this review sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying the ecological roles of terpenes in defense and pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation, Unifilization of Horticultural Crops Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hao Hu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation, Unifilization of Horticultural Crops Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hansen Fu
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation, Unifilization of Horticultural Crops Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Ornamental Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Environmental Horticulture Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Tuo Zeng
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation, Unifilization of Horticultural Crops Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation, Unifilization of Horticultural Crops Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Manqun Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Maarten A Jongsma
- Business Unit Bioscience, Wageningen Plant Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Caiyun Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation, Unifilization of Horticultural Crops Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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26
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Choudhury S. Computational analysis of the AP2/ERF family in crops genome. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:102. [PMID: 38262942 PMCID: PMC10807240 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-09970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor family has diverse functions that enhance development and torment resistance in the plant genome. In variation, the ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) family of TF's genes is extensive in the crop genome. Generally, the plant-specific ethylene-responsive factor family may divided by the dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) subfamily. So, the AP2/ERF super-family demonstrated the repeated AP2 domain during growth. The sole AP2 domain function represents abiotic stress resistance. Also, the AP2 with B3 domain enhances during the replication of brassinosteroid. OBJECTIVE The study objective is to investigate the Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor family in a model organism of the Arabidopsis thaliana for comparative analysis towards Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato), Brassica juncea (Indian and Chinese mustard), Zea mays L. (Maize) and Oryza sativa (Indian and Japanese Rice). So, examinations of the large AP2/ERF super-family are mandatory to explore the Apetala 2 (AP2) family, ERF family, DREB subfamily, and RAV family involved during growth and abiotic stress stimuli in crops. METHODS Therefore, perform bioinformatics and computational methods to the current knowledge of the Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor family and their subfamilies in the crop genome. This method may be valuable for functional analysis of particular genes and their families in the plant genome. RESULTS Observation data provided evidence of the Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) super-family and their sub-family present in Arabidopsis thaliana (Dicots) and compared with Solanum lycopersicum (Dicots), Brassica juncea (Dicots), Zea mays L. (Monocots) and Oryza sativa (Monocots). Also, remarks genes in Oryza sativa. This report upgraded the Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) family in the crop genome. So, the analysis documented the conserved domain, motifs, and phylogenetic tree towards Dicots and Monocots species. Those outcomes will be valuable for future studies of the defensive Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor family in crops. CONCLUSION Therefore, the study concluded that the several species-specific TF genes in the Apetala 2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) family in Arabidopsis thaliana and compared with crop-species of Solanum lycopersicum, Brassica juncea, Zea mays L. and Oryza sativa. Those plant-specific genes regulate during growth and abiotic stress control in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouhartha Choudhury
- Har Gobind Khorana School of Life Sciences, Assam University, Silchar-788011, Assam, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar-788011, Assam, India.
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar-788011, Assam, India.
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27
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Peris D, Condamine FL. The angiosperm radiation played a dual role in the diversification of insects and insect pollinators. Nat Commun 2024; 15:552. [PMID: 38253644 PMCID: PMC10803743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44784-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions with angiosperms have been hypothesised to play a crucial role in driving diversification among insects, with a particular emphasis on pollinator insects. However, support for coevolutionary diversification in insect-plant interactions is weak. Macroevolutionary studies of insect and plant diversities support the hypothesis that angiosperms diversified after a peak in insect diversity in the Early Cretaceous. Here, we used the family-level fossil record of insects as a whole, and insect pollinator families in particular, to estimate diversification rates and the role of angiosperms on insect macroevolutionary history using a Bayesian process-based approach. We found that angiosperms played a dual role that changed through time, mitigating insect extinction in the Cretaceous and promoting insect origination in the Cenozoic, which is also recovered for insect pollinator families only. Although insects pollinated gymnosperms before the angiosperm radiation, a radiation of new pollinator lineages began as angiosperm lineages increased, particularly significant after 50 Ma. We also found that global temperature, increases in insect diversity, and spore plants were strongly correlated with origination and extinction rates, suggesting that multiple drivers influenced insect diversification and arguing for the investigation of different explanatory variables in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Peris
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (CSIC-CMCNB), 08038, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Fabien L Condamine
- CNRS, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier, France
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28
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Laouani A, Nasrallah H, Sassi A, Ferdousi F, Kalai FZ, Hasni Y, Isoda H, Saguem S. Antiobesity and Hypolipidemic Potential of Nitraria retusa Extract in Overweight/Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:317. [PMID: 38276555 PMCID: PMC10818277 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) in reducing weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat composition (BF), and anthropometric parameters among overweight/obese women, comparing the results with those of a placebo group. Overweight/obese individuals participated in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Body weight, BMI, body composition, and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Additionally, lipid profile and safety evaluation parameters were evaluated. Compared to the placebo group, the NRE group exhibited a mean weight loss difference of 2.27 kg (p < 0.001) at the trial's conclusion. Interestingly, the most significant weight reduction, amounting to 3.34 kg ± 0.93, was observed in younger participants with a BMI > 30.0. Similarly, BMI and BF% significantly decreased in the NRE group, contrary to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). The percentage of body water (BW) (p = 0.006) as well as the ratio of LBM/BF (p = 0.039) showed a significant increase after the NRE intervention compared to the placebo. After age adjustment, all variables, except LBM/BF, retained statistical significance. Additionally, all anthropometric parameters were significantly reduced only in the NRE group. Most importantly, a significant reduction in Triglyceride (TG) levels in the NRE group was revealed, in contrast to the placebo group (p = 0.011), and the significance was still observed after age adjustment (p = 0.016). No side effects or adverse changes in kidney and liver function tests were observed in both groups. In conclusion, NRE demonstrated potent antiobesity effects, suggesting that NRE supplementation may represent an effective alternative for treating obesity compared to antiobesity synthetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha Laouani
- Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia; (A.L.); (H.N.); (A.S.)
- USCR Analytical Platform UHPLC-MS & Research in Medicine and Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4023, Tunisia
| | - Hana Nasrallah
- Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia; (A.L.); (H.N.); (A.S.)
- USCR Analytical Platform UHPLC-MS & Research in Medicine and Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4023, Tunisia
| | - Awatef Sassi
- Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia; (A.L.); (H.N.); (A.S.)
- USCR Analytical Platform UHPLC-MS & Research in Medicine and Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4023, Tunisia
| | - Farhana Ferdousi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
| | - Feten Zar Kalai
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Japan Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Center of Biotechnology, Technopark of Borj Cedria, BP 901, Hammam-Lif, Tunis 2050, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Hasni
- Endocrinology-Diabetology Department, Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse 4003, Tunisia;
| | - Hiroko Isoda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Open Innovation Laboratory for Food and Medicinal Resource Engineering (FoodMed-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Saad Saguem
- Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia; (A.L.); (H.N.); (A.S.)
- USCR Analytical Platform UHPLC-MS & Research in Medicine and Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4023, Tunisia
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29
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Kim TY, Lee BS, Jo BG, Heo SP, Jung YS, Kim SN, Kim KH, Yang MH. Iridoid Glycosides and Coumarin Glycoside Derivatives from the Roots of Nymphoides peltata and Their In Vitro Wound Healing Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1268. [PMID: 38279268 PMCID: PMC10816987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nymphoides peltata has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicines to treat strangury, polyuria, and swelling. The phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extract of N. peltata roots led to the isolation of three iridoid glycosides and three coumarin glycoside derivatives, which were characterized as menthiafolin (1), threoninosecologanin (2), callicoside C (3), and scopolin (4), as well as two undescribed peltatamarins A (5) and B (6). The chemical structures of the undescribed compounds were determined by analyzing their 1 dimensional (D) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and using high-resolution (HR)-electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), along with the chemical reaction of acid hydrolysis. The wound healing activities of the isolated compounds 1-6 were evaluated using a HaCaT cell scratch test. Among the isolates, scopolin (4) and peltatamarin A (5) promoted HaCaT cell migration over scratch wounds, and compound 5 was the most effective. Furthermore, compound 5 significantly promoted cell migration without adversely affecting cell proliferation, even when treated at a high dose (100 μM). Our results demonstrate that peltatamarin A (5), isolated from N. peltata roots, has the potential for wound healing effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (T.-Y.K.); (B.-G.J.)
| | - Bum Soo Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
| | - Beom-Geun Jo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (T.-Y.K.); (B.-G.J.)
| | - Seong Pil Heo
- Natural Products Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (S.P.H.); (S.-N.K.)
| | - Young Suk Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (T.-Y.K.); (B.-G.J.)
| | - Su-Nam Kim
- Natural Products Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (S.P.H.); (S.-N.K.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hyun Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min Hye Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (T.-Y.K.); (B.-G.J.)
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30
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Vaudo AD, Dyer LA, Leonard AS. Pollen nutrition structures bee and plant community interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317228120. [PMID: 38190523 PMCID: PMC10801918 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317228120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As bees' main source of protein and lipids, pollen is critical for their development, reproduction, and health. Plant species vary considerably in the macronutrient content of their pollen, and research in bee model systems has established that this variation both modulates performance and guides floral choice. Yet, how variation in pollen chemistry shapes interactions between plants and bees in natural communities is an open question, essential for both understanding the nutritional dynamics of plant-pollinator mutualisms and informing their conservation. To fill this gap, we asked how pollen nutrition (relative protein and lipid content) sampled from 109 co-flowering plant species structured visitation patterns observed among 75 subgenera of pollen-collecting bees in the Great Basin/Eastern Sierra region (USA). We found that the degree of similarity in co-flowering plant species' pollen nutrition predicted similarity among their visitor communities, even after accounting for floral morphology and phylogeny. Consideration of pollen nutrition also shed light on the structure of this interaction network: Bee subgenera and plant genera were arranged into distinct, interconnected groups, delineated by differences in pollen macronutrient values, revealing potential nutritional niches. Importantly, variation in pollen nutrition alone (high in protein, high in lipid, or balanced) did not predict the diversity of bee visitors, indicating that plant species offering complementary pollen nutrition may be equally valuable in supporting bee diversity. Nutritional diversity should thus be a key consideration when selecting plants for habitat restoration, and a nutritionally explicit perspective is needed when considering reward systems involved in the community ecology of pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D. Vaudo
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV89557
- Rocky Mountain Research Station, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Moscow, ID83843
| | - Lee A. Dyer
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV89557
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Pennisi R, Trischitta P, Costa M, Venuti A, Tamburello MP, Sciortino MT. Update of Natural Products and Their Derivatives Targeting Epstein-Barr Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:124. [PMID: 38257824 PMCID: PMC10818872 DOI: 10.3390/v16010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr (EBV) is a human γ-herpesvirus that undergoes both a productive (lytic) cycle and a non-productive (latent) phase. The virus establishes enduring latent infection in B lymphocytes and productive infection in the oral mucosal epithelium. Like other herpesviruses, EBV expresses its genes in a coordinated pattern during acute infection. Unlike others, it replicates its DNA during latency to maintain the viral genome in an expanding pool of B lymphocytes, which are stimulated to divide upon infection. The reactivation from the latent state is associated with a productive gene expression pattern mediated by virus-encoded transcriptional activators BZLF-1 and BRLF-1. EBV is a highly transforming virus that contributes to the development of human lymphomas. Though viral vectors and mRNA platforms have been used to develop an EBV prophylactic vaccine, currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs for the prophylaxis or treatment of EBV infection and EBV-associated cancers. Natural products and bioactive compounds are widely studied for their antiviral potential and capability to modulate intracellular signaling pathways. This review was intended to collect information on plant-derived products showing their antiviral activity against EBV and evaluate their feasibility as an alternative or adjuvant therapy against EBV infections and correlated oncogenesis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Pennisi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (M.P.T.)
| | - Paola Trischitta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (M.P.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marianna Costa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (M.P.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Assunta Venuti
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, 69366 Lyon, CEDEX 07, France;
| | - Maria Pia Tamburello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (M.P.T.)
| | - Maria Teresa Sciortino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.); (M.P.T.)
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de Araujo HFP, Machado CCC, da Silva JMC. The distribution and conservation of areas with microendemic species in a biodiversity hotspot: a multi-taxa approach. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16779. [PMID: 38239293 PMCID: PMC10795537 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Microendemic species are species with very small geographic distributions (ranges). Their presence delimitates areas with microendemic species (AMs), denoting a spatial unit comprising at least one population of at least one microendemic species. AMs are assumed to be distributed distinctively and associated with specific ecological, historical, and anthropogenic attributes. However, the level of influence of these factors remains unclear. Thus, we studied the distribution patterns of microendemic species within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to (a) identify the region's AMs; (b) evaluate whether ecological (latitude, altitude, distance from the coastline), historical (climate stability), and anthropogenic (ecological integrity) attributes distinguish AMs from non-AMs; and (c) assess the conservation status of the Atlantic Forest's AMs. Methods We mapped the ranges of 1,362 microendemic species of angiosperms, freshwater fishes, and terrestrial vertebrates (snakes, passerine birds, and small mammals) to identify the region's AMs. Further, spatial autoregressive logit regression models were used to evaluate whether latitude, altitude, distance from the coastline, Climate Stability Index, and ecological integrity can be used to discern AMs from non-AMs. Moreover, the AMs' conservation status was assessed by evaluating the region's ecological integrity and conservation efforts (measured as the proportion of AMs in protected areas). Results We identified 261 AMs for angiosperm, 205 AMs for freshwater fishes, and 102 AMs for terrestrial vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, totaling 474 AMs covering 23.8% of the region. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a large and complex biogeographic mosaic where AMs represent islands or archipelagoes surrounded by transition areas with no microendemic species. All local attributes help to distinguish AMs from non-AMs, but their impacts vary across taxonomic groups. Around 69% of AMs have low ecological integrity and poor conservation efforts, indicating that most microendemic species are under threat. This study provides insights into the biogeography of one of the most important global biodiversity hotspots, creating a foundation for comparative studies using other tropical forest regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Célia C. C. Machado
- Center of Applied Biological and Social Sciences, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - José Maria Cardoso da Silva
- Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
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Jara-Gutiérrez C, Mercado L, Paz-Araos M, Howard C, Parraga M, Escobar C, Mellado M, Madrid A, Montenegro I, Santana P, Murgas P, Jimenez-Jara C, González-Olivares LG, Ahumada M, Villena J. Oxidative stress promotes cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines exposed to Escallonia spp. extracts. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:38. [PMID: 38218817 PMCID: PMC10787448 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04341-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard cancer treatments show a lack of selectivity that has led to the search for new strategies against cancer. The selective elimination of cancer cells modulating the redox environment, known as "selective oxycution", has emerged as a viable alternative. This research focuses on characterizing the unexplored Escallonia genus plant extracts and evaluating their potential effects on cancer's redox balance, cytotoxicity, and activation of death pathways. METHODS 36 plant extracts were obtained from 4 different species of the Escallonia genus (E. illinita C. Presl, E. rubra (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers., E. revoluta (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers., and E. pulverulenta (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.), which were posteriorly analyzed by their phytoconstituents, antioxidant capacity, and GC-MS. Further, redox balance assays (antioxidant enzymes, oxidative damage, and transcription factors) and cytotoxic effects (SRB, ∆Ψmt, and caspases actives) of those plant extracts were analyzed on four cell lines (HEK-293T, MCF-7, HT-29, and PC-3). RESULTS 36 plant extracts were obtained, and their phytoconstituents and antioxidant capacity were established. Further, only six extracts had EC50 values < 10 µg*mL- 1, indicating high toxicity against the tested cells. From those, two plant extracts were selective against different cancer cell lines: the hexane extract of E. pulverulenta´s stem was selective for HT-29, and the ethyl acetate extract of E. rubra´s stem was selective for PC-3. Both extracts showed unbalanced redox effects and promoted selective cell death. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study proving "selective oxycution" induced by Chilean native plant extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Jara-Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Luis Mercado
- Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Marilyn Paz-Araos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carolyn Howard
- Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Mario Parraga
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Camila Escobar
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Marco Mellado
- Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, 8330507, Chile
| | - Alejandro Madrid
- Laboratorio de Productos Naturales y Síntesis Orgánica (LPNSO), Departamento de Ciencias y Geografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Avda. Leopoldo Carvallo 270, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, 2340000, Chile
| | - Iván Montenegro
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paula Santana
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, el Llano Subercaseaux 2801, San Miguel, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Murgas
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Sede Patagonia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Cristina Jimenez-Jara
- Doctorado en Ciencias e Ingeniería para la Salud, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Manuel Ahumada
- Centro de Nanotecnología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Joan Villena
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CIB), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Mansilla R, Long G, Welham S, Harvey J, Lukinova E, Nica-Avram G, Smith G, Salt D, Smith A, Goulding J. Detecting iodine deficiency risks from dietary transitions using shopping data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1017. [PMID: 38200032 PMCID: PMC10781720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50180-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-based product replacements are gaining popularity. However, the long-term health implications remain poorly understood, and available methods, though accurate, are expensive and burdensome, impeding the study of sufficiently large cohorts. To identify dietary transitions over time, we examine anonymised loyalty-card shopping records from Co-op Food, UK. We focus on 10,626 frequent customers who directly replaced milk with alternative milk. We then use product nutritional information to estimate weekly nutrient intake before and after the transition. 83% who converted to alternative milk saw a fall in iodine (44%), calcium (30%) and vitamin B12 (39%) consumption, with 57% reducing iodine purchase by more than 50%. The decline is even higher for those switching dairy and meat products. Our findings suggest that dietary transitions - such as replacing milk with alternative milk - could lead to nutritional deficiencies, notably iodine, which, if not addressed, may represent a significant public health concern, particularly in countries which do not mandate salt iodisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Mansilla
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gavin Long
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Simon Welham
- Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - John Harvey
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Evgeniya Lukinova
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Georgiana Nica-Avram
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gavin Smith
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Salt
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence and School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonnington, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew Smith
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - James Goulding
- N/LAB, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Huang R, Di N, Xi B, Yang J, Duan J, Li X, Feng J, Choat B, Tissue D. Herb hydraulics: Variation and correlation for traits governing drought tolerance and efficiency of water transport. Sci Total Environ 2024; 907:168095. [PMID: 37879470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic traits dictate plant response to drought, thus enabling better understanding of community dynamics under global climate change. Despite being intensively documented in woody species, herbaceous species (graminoids and forbs) are largely understudied, hence the distribution and correlation of hydraulic traits in herbaceous species remains unclear. Here, we collected key hydraulic traits for 436 herbaceous species from published literature, including leaf hydraulic conductivity (Kleaf), water potential inducing 50 % loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50), stomatal closure (Pclose) and turgor loss (Ptlp). Trait variation of herbs was analyzed and contrasted with angiosperm woody species within the existing global hydraulic traits database, as well as between different growth forms within herbs. Furthermore, hydraulic traits coordination was also assessed for herbaceous species. We found that herbs showed overall more negative Pclose but less negative Ptlp compared with angiosperm woody species, while P50 did not differ between functional types, regardless of the organ (leaf and stem). In addition, correlations were found between Kleaf and P50 of leaf (P50leaf), as well as between Pclose, P50leaf and Kleaf. Within herbs, graminoids generally exhibited more negative P50 and Ptlp, but lower Kleaf, relative to forbs. Within herbs, no clear pattern regarding hydraulic traits-climate relationship was found. Our analysis provided insights into herb hydraulic, and highlighted the knowledge gaps need to be filled regarding the response of herbs to drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruike Huang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Zhongguancun Campus, 27 Zhongguancun south Avenue, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Grassland Ecological Security (Jointly Supported by the Ministry of Education of China and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region), Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Di
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Grassland Ecological Security (Jointly Supported by the Ministry of Education of China and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region), Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China; School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, People's Republic of China
| | - Benye Xi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Rd, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- CSIRO Land and Water, Black Mountain, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Jie Duan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Rd, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ximeng Li
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Zhongguancun Campus, 27 Zhongguancun south Avenue, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinchao Feng
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Zhongguancun Campus, 27 Zhongguancun south Avenue, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Brendan Choat
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - David Tissue
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia; Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
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Xin J, Zhou Y, Qiu Y, Geng H, Wang Y, Song Y, Liang J, Yan K. Structural insights into AtABCG25, an angiosperm-specific abscisic acid exporter. Plant Commun 2024; 5:100776. [PMID: 38050355 PMCID: PMC10811370 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular hormone homeostasis is essential for precise spatial and temporal signaling responses and plant fitness. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays pivotal roles in orchestrating various developmental and stress responses and confers fitness benefits over ecological and evolutionary timescales in terrestrial plants. Cellular ABA level is regulated by complex processes, including biosynthesis, catabolism, and transport. AtABCG25 is the first ABA exporter identified through genetic screening and affects diverse ABA responses. Resolving the structural basis of ABA export by ABCG25 is critical for further manipulations of ABA homeostasis and plant fitness. We used cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structural dynamics of AtABCG25 and successfully characterized different states, including apo AtABCG25, ABA-bound AtABCG25, and ATP-bound AtABCG25 (E232Q). Notably, AtABCG25 forms a homodimer that features a deep, slit-like cavity in the transmembrane domain, and we precisely characterized the critical residues in the cavity where ABA binds. ATP binding triggers closure of the nucleotide-binding domains and conformational transitions in the transmembrane domains. We show that AtABCG25 belongs to a conserved ABCG subfamily that originated during the evolution of angiosperms. This subfamily neofunctionalized to regulate seed germination via the endosperm, in concert with the evolution of this angiosperm-specific, embryo-nourishing tissue. Collectively, these findings provide valuable insights into the intricate substrate recognition and transport mechanisms of the ABA exporter AtABCG25, paving the way for genetic manipulation of ABA homeostasis and plant fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xin
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yeling Zhou
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yichun Qiu
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - He Geng
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Song
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jiansheng Liang
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Kaige Yan
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Qi Z, Lu P, Long X, Cao X, Wu M, Xin K, Xue T, Gao X, Huang Y, Wang Q, Jiang C, Xu JR, Liu H. Adaptive advantages of restorative RNA editing in fungi for resolving survival-reproduction trade-offs. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadk6130. [PMID: 38181075 PMCID: PMC10776026 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
RNA editing in various organisms commonly restores RNA sequences to their ancestral state, but its adaptive advantages are debated. In fungi, restorative editing corrects premature stop codons in pseudogenes specifically during sexual reproduction. We characterized 71 pseudogenes and their restorative editing in Fusarium graminearum, demonstrating that restorative editing of 16 pseudogenes is crucial for germ tissue development in fruiting bodies. Our results also revealed that the emergence of premature stop codons is facilitated by restorative editing and that premature stop codons corrected by restorative editing are selectively favored over ancestral amino acid codons. Furthermore, we found that ancestral versions of pseudogenes have antagonistic effects on reproduction and survival. Restorative editing eliminates the survival costs of reproduction caused by antagonistic pleiotropy and provides a selective advantage in fungi. Our findings highlight the importance of restorative editing in the evolution of fungal complex multicellularity and provide empirical evidence that restorative editing serves as an adaptive mechanism enabling the resolution of genetic trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomei Qi
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ping Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xinyuan Long
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Mengchun Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Kaiyun Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tuan Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xinlong Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qinhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Cong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jin-Rong Xu
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Huiquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Alshegaihi RM. The complete chloroplast genome of the halophyte flowering plant Suaeda monoica from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:60. [PMID: 38165474 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09069-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The complete chloroplast genome (plastome) of the annual flowering halophyte herb Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J. F. Gmel. family (Amaranthaceae) that grows in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was identified for the first time in this study. Suaeda monoica is a medicinal plant species whose taxonomic classification remains controversial. Further, studying the species is useful for current conservation and management efforts. In the current study, the full chloroplast genome S. monoica was reassembled using whole-genome next-generation sequencing and compared with the previously published chloroplast genomes of Suaeda species. The chloroplast genome size of Suaeda monoica was 151,789 bp, with a single large copy of 83,404 bp, a small single copy of 18,007 bp and two inverted repeats regions of 25,189 bp. GC content in the whole genome was 36.4%. The cp genome included 87 genes that coded for proteins, 37 genes coding for tRNA, 8 genes coding for rRNA and one non-coding pseudogene. Five chloroplast genome features were compared between S. monoica and S. japonica, S. glauca, S. salsa, S. malacosperma and S. physophora. Among Suaeda genus and equal to most angiosperms chloroplast genomes, the RSCU values were conservative. Two pseudogenes (accD and ycf1), rpl16 intron and ndhF-rpl32 intergenic spacer, were highlighted as suitable DNA barcodes for different Suaeda species. Phylogenetic analyses show Suaeda cluster into three main groups; one in which S. monoica was closer to S. salsa. The obtained result provided valuable information on the characteristics of the S. monoica chloroplast genome and the phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana M Alshegaihi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 21493, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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39
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Qian Z, Shi D, Zhang H, Li Z, Huang L, Yan X, Lin S. Transcription Factors and Their Regulatory Roles in the Male Gametophyte Development of Flowering Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:566. [PMID: 38203741 PMCID: PMC10778882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Male gametophyte development in plants relies on the functions of numerous genes, whose expression is regulated by transcription factors (TFs), non-coding RNAs, hormones, and diverse environmental stresses. Several excellent reviews are available that address the genes and enzymes associated with male gametophyte development, especially pollen wall formation. Growing evidence from genetic studies, transcriptome analysis, and gene-by-gene studies suggests that TFs coordinate with epigenetic machinery to regulate the expression of these genes and enzymes for the sequential male gametophyte development. However, very little summarization has been performed to comprehensively review their intricate regulatory roles and discuss their downstream targets and upstream regulators in this unique process. In the present review, we highlight the research progress on the regulatory roles of TF families in the male gametophyte development of flowering plants. The transcriptional regulation, epigenetic control, and other regulators of TFs involved in male gametophyte development are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Qian
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Dexi Shi
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Li Huang
- Laboratory of Cell & Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Xiufeng Yan
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.L.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Sue Lin
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.); (H.Z.); (Z.L.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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Gentis N, Licht A, De Franceschi D, Win Z, Aung DW, Dupont-Nivet G, Boura A. First fossil woods and palm stems from the mid-Paleocene of Myanmar and implications for biogeography and wood anatomy. Am J Bot 2024; 111:e16259. [PMID: 38031479 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE The rise of angiosperm-dominated tropical rainforests has been proposed to have occurred shortly after the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition. Paleocene fossil wood assemblages are rare yet provide important data for understanding these forests and whether their wood anatomical features can be used to document the changes that occurred during this transition. METHODS We used standard techniques to section 11 fossil wood specimens of Paleocene-age, described the anatomy using standard terminology, and investigated their affinities to present-day taxa. RESULTS We report here the first middle Paleocene fossil wood specimens from Myanmar, which at the time was near the equator and anchored to India. Some fossils share affinities with Arecaceae, Sapindales (Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae) and Moraceae and possibly Fabaceae or Lauraceae. One specimen is described as a new species and genus: Compitoxylon paleocenicum gen. et sp. nov. CONCLUSIONS This assemblage reveals the long-lasting presence of these aforementioned groups in South Asia and suggests the early presence of multiple taxa of Laurasian affinity in Myanmar and India. The wood anatomical features of the dicotyledonous specimens reveal that both "modern" and "primitive" features (in a Baileyan scheme) are present with proportions similar to features in specimens from Paleocene Indian localities. Their anatomical diversity corroborates that tropical flora display "modern" features early in the history of angiosperms and that their high diversity remained steady afterward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gentis
- CR2P, UMR7207, MNHN, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 48, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Licht
- CEREGE, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, Europole Méditerranéen de l'Arbois, BP 80, 13545, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Dario De Franceschi
- CR2P, UMR7207, MNHN, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 48, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Zaw Win
- Geology Department, Shwebo University, Sagaing Region, Myanmar
| | - Day Wa Aung
- Geology Department, University of Yangon, Pyay Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Guillaume Dupont-Nivet
- Géosciences Rennes, Université de Rennes 1, 35042, Rennes, France
- Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anaïs Boura
- CR2P, UMR7207, MNHN, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 48, 75005, Paris, France
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Block MA, Albrieux C, Maréchal E. Purification of Chloroplast Envelope, Thylakoids, and Stroma from Angiosperm Leaves. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2776:137-149. [PMID: 38502501 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3726-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Plant cell chloroplasts are bounded by a two-membrane envelope. Their photosynthetic function is based on the development of an operational large internal membrane network, called the thylakoids, and on enzymatic processes present in the chloroplast matrix, called the stroma. Thylakoid membranes are distinct from the chloroplast envelope, and their biogenesis is dependent on biosynthetic and transport activities specific of the chloroplast envelope. Starting with the isolation of intact chloroplasts, the method presents the separation by differential centrifugation of the three compartments. A protocol is detailed for leaves of spinach, Arabidopsis or pea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse A Block
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IRIG, CEA Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Catherine Albrieux
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IRIG, CEA Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Eric Maréchal
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, IRIG, CEA-Grenoble, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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Schreier TB, Müller KH, Eicke S, Faulkner C, Zeeman SC, Hibberd JM. Plasmodesmal connectivity in C 4 Gynandropsis gynandra is induced by light and dependent on photosynthesis. New Phytol 2024; 241:298-313. [PMID: 37882365 PMCID: PMC10952754 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
In leaves of C4 plants, the reactions of photosynthesis become restricted between two compartments. Typically, this allows accumulation of C4 acids in mesophyll (M) cells and subsequent decarboxylation in the bundle sheath (BS). In C4 grasses, proliferation of plasmodesmata between these cell types is thought to increase cell-to-cell connectivity to allow efficient metabolite movement. However, it is not known whether C4 dicotyledons also show this enhanced plasmodesmal connectivity and so whether this is a general requirement for C4 photosynthesis is not clear. How M and BS cells in C4 leaves become highly connected is also not known. We investigated these questions using 3D- and 2D-electron microscopy on the C4 dicotyledon Gynandropsis gynandra as well as phylogenetically close C3 relatives. The M-BS interface of C4 G. gynandra showed higher plasmodesmal frequency compared with closely related C3 species. Formation of these plasmodesmata was induced by light. Pharmacological agents that perturbed photosynthesis reduced the number of plasmodesmata, but this inhibitory effect could be reversed by the provision of exogenous sucrose. We conclude that enhanced formation of plasmodesmata between M and BS cells is wired to the induction of photosynthesis in C4 G. gynandra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B. Schreier
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB1 3EAUK
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of OxfordSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3RBUK
| | - Karin H. Müller
- Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre (CAIC)University of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3DYUK
| | - Simona Eicke
- Institute of Molecular Plant BiologyETH ZurichZurichCH‐8092Switzerland
| | - Christine Faulkner
- Cell and Developmental BiologyJohn Innes CentreNorwich Research ParkNorwichNR4 7UHUK
| | - Samuel C. Zeeman
- Institute of Molecular Plant BiologyETH ZurichZurichCH‐8092Switzerland
| | - Julian M. Hibberd
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB1 3EAUK
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Steffan SA, Dharampal PS, Kueneman JG, Keller A, Argueta-Guzmán MP, McFrederick QS, Buchmann SL, Vannette RL, Edlund AF, Mezera CC, Amon N, Danforth BN. Microbes, the 'silent third partners' of bee-angiosperm mutualisms. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:65-77. [PMID: 37940503 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
While bee-angiosperm mutualisms are widely recognized as foundational partnerships that have shaped the diversity and structure of terrestrial ecosystems, these ancient mutualisms have been underpinned by 'silent third partners': microbes. Here, we propose reframing the canonical bee-angiosperm partnership as a three-way mutualism between bees, microbes, and angiosperms. This new conceptualization casts microbes as active symbionts, processing and protecting pollen-nectar provisions, consolidating nutrients for bee larvae, enhancing floral attractancy, facilitating plant fertilization, and defending bees and plants from pathogens. In exchange, bees and angiosperms provide their microbial associates with food, shelter, and transportation. Such microbial communities represent co-equal partners in tripartite mutualisms with bees and angiosperms, facilitating one of the most important ecological partnerships on land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn A Steffan
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Prarthana S Dharampal
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Biology Department, McHenry County College, 8900 Northwest Hwy #14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, USA
| | - Jordan G Kueneman
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Comstock Hall, 2126, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alexander Keller
- Cellular and Organismic Networks, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Stephen L Buchmann
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Anna F Edlund
- Department of Biology, Bethany College, 31 E Campus Drive, Bethany, WV 26032, USA
| | - Celeste C Mezera
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nolan Amon
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Bryan N Danforth
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Comstock Hall, 2126, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Losada JM. Concluding Embryogenesis After Diaspora: Seed Germination in Illicium Parviflorum. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1352-1363. [PMID: 37349968 PMCID: PMC10755177 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Albuminous seeds, dispersed with a minimally developed embryo surrounded by nutrient storage tissue, are pervasive across extinct and extant early diverging angiosperm lineages. Typically, seed ontogenic studies have focused on the time between fertilization and seed release, but in albuminous seeds, embryogenesis is incomplete at the time of seed dispersal. Here, I studied the morphological and nutritional relationships between the embryo and the endosperm after seed dispersal in Illicium parviflorum (Austrobaileyales). Seeds of I. parviflorum germinate over a period of three months. Different stages during the germination process were anatomically evaluated using a combination of histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. At dispersal, the seeds of Illicium contain a tiny achlorophyllous embryo with minimal histological differentiation, surrounded by copious amounts of lipo-protein globules stored in the endosperm within cell walls rich in un-esterified pectins. Six weeks later, the embryo expanded and differentiated the vascular tissues before the emergence of the radicle through the seed coat, as the stored lipids and proteins coalesced within cells. Six weeks later, the cotyledons contained starch and complex lipids intracellularly, and accumulated low-esterified pectins in their cell walls. The proteolipid-rich albuminous seeds of Illicium exemplify how woody angiosperms of the Austrobaileyales, Amborellales, and many magnoliids release seeds with high-energy storage compounds that are reprocessed by embryos that complete development during germination. Seedlings of these lineages thrive in the understory of tropical environments, which match with the predicted habitats where angiosperms evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Losada
- Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Hortofruticulture La Mayora – CSIC – UMA. Avda. Dr. Wienberg s/n., Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, 29750, Spain
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Al-Romaiyan A, Persaud SJ, Jones PM. Identification of Potential Plant-Derived Pancreatic Beta-Cell-Directed Agents Using New Custom-Designed Screening Method: Gymnema sylvestre as an Example. Molecules 2023; 29:194. [PMID: 38202777 PMCID: PMC10780566 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folk medicines are attractive therapeutic agents for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Most plant extracts that have been suggested to restore β-cells function were tested in vivo. Some only have been tested in vitro to determine whether they have a direct effect on β-cells islets of Langerhans. Currently, there are no defined criteria for screening of β-cell-directed plant-based remedies as potential antidiabetic agents. SUMMARY In this review, we have identified certain criteria/characteristics that can be used to generate a "screening portfolio" to identify plant extracts as potential β-cell-directed agents for the treatment of T2DM. To validate our screening method, we studied the potential therapeutic efficacy of a Gymnema sylvestre (GS) extract using the screening criteria detailed in the review. Six criteria have been identified and validated using OSA®, a GS extract. By using this screening method, we show that OSA® fulfilled most of the criteria identified for an effective β-cell-directed antidiabetic therapy, being an effective insulin-releasing agent at nontoxic concentrations; maintaining β-cell insulin content by stimulating a concomitant increase in insulin gene transcription; maintaining β-cell mass by protecting against apoptosis; and being effective at maintaining normoglycemia in vivo in a mouse model and a human cohort with T2DM. KEY MESSAGES The present review has highlighted the importance of having a screening portfolio for plant extracts that have potential antidiabetic effects in the treatment of T2DM. We propose that this screening method should be adopted for future studies to identify new β-cell-directed antidiabetic plant derived agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Al-Romaiyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Jabriya 046302, Kuwait
| | - Shanta J. Persaud
- Department of Diabetes, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; (S.J.P.); (P.M.J.)
| | - Peter M. Jones
- Department of Diabetes, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; (S.J.P.); (P.M.J.)
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Corzo G, Seeling-Branscomb CE, Seeling JM. Differential Synonymous Codon Selection in the B56 Gene Family of PP2A Regulatory Subunits. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:392. [PMID: 38203563 PMCID: PMC10778929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as a tumor suppressor and consists of a scaffolding, catalytic, and regulatory subunit. The B56 gene family of regulatory subunits impart distinct functions onto PP2A. Codon usage bias (CUB) involves the selection of synonymous codons, which can affect gene expression by modulating processes such as transcription and translation. CUB can vary along the length of a gene, and differential use of synonymous codons can be important in the divergence of gene families. The N-termini of the gene product encoded by B56α possessed high CUB, high GC content at the third codon position (GC3), and high rare codon content. In addition, differential CUB was found in the sequence encoding two B56γ N-terminal splice forms. The sequence encoding the N-termini of B56γ/γ, relative to B56δ/γ, displayed CUB, utilized more frequent codons, and had higher GC3 content. B56α mRNA had stronger than predicted secondary structure at their 5' end, and the B56δ/γ splice variants had long regions of weaker than predicted secondary structure at their 5' end. The data suggest that B56α is expressed at relatively low levels as compared to the other B56 isoforms and that the B56δ/γ splice variant is expressed more highly than B56γ/γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Corzo
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA;
| | | | - Joni M. Seeling
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA;
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Cai H, Xu R, Tian P, Zhang M, Zhu L, Yin T, Zhang H, Liu X. Complete Chloroplast Genomes and the Phylogenetic Analysis of Three Native Species of Paeoniaceae from the Sino-Himalayan Flora Subkingdom. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:257. [PMID: 38203426 PMCID: PMC10778623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Paeonia delavayi var. lutea, Paeonia delavayi var. angustiloba, and Paeonia ludlowii are Chinese endemics that belong to the Paeoniaceae family and have vital medicinal and ornamental value. It is often difficult to classify Paeoniaceae plants based on their morphological characteristics, and the limited genomic information has strongly hindered molecular evolution and phylogenetic studies of Paeoniaceae. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast genomes of P. delavayi var. lutea, P. delavayi var. angustiloba, and P. ludlowii. The chloroplast genomes of these strains were comparatively analyzed, and their phylogenetic relationships and divergence times were inferred. These three chloroplast genomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure and were 152,687-152,759 bp in length. Each genome contains 126-132 genes, including 81-87 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNAs, and 8 ribosomal RNAs. In addition, the genomes had 61-64 SSRs, with mononucleotide repeats being the most abundant. The codon bias patterns of the three species tend to use codons ending in A/U. Six regions of high variability were identified (psbK-psbL, trnG-UCC, petN-psbM, psbC, rps8-rpl14, and ycf1) that can be used as DNA molecular markers for phylogenetic and taxonomic analysis. The Ka/Ks ratio indicates positive selection for the rps18 gene associated with self-replication. The phylogenetic analysis of 99 chloroplast genomes from Saxifragales clarified the phylogenetic relationships of Paeoniaceae and revealed that P. delavayi var. lutea, P. delavayi var. angustiloba, and P. ludlowii are monophyletic groups and sisters to P. delavayi. Divergence time estimation revealed two evolutionary divergences of Paeoniaceae species in the early Oligocene and Miocene. Afterward, they underwent rapid adaptive radiation from the Pliocene to the early Pleistocene when P. delavayi var. lutea, P. delavayi var. angustiloba, and P. ludlowii formed. The results of this study enrich the chloroplast genomic information of Paeoniaceae and reveal new insights into the phylogeny of Paeoniaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tuo Yin
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Southwest Mountain Forest Resources, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (H.C.); (R.X.); (P.T.); (M.Z.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Hanyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Southwest Mountain Forest Resources, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (H.C.); (R.X.); (P.T.); (M.Z.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Southwest Mountain Forest Resources, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (H.C.); (R.X.); (P.T.); (M.Z.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
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Ishida K, Ohba Y, Yoshimi Y, Wilson LFL, Echevarría-Poza A, Yu L, Iwai H, Dupree P. Differing structures of galactoglucomannan in eudicots and non-eudicot angiosperms. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289581. [PMID: 38127933 PMCID: PMC10735049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The structures of cell wall mannan hemicelluloses have changed during plant evolution. Recently, a new structure called β-galactoglucomannan (β-GGM) was discovered in eudicot plants. This galactoglucomannan has β-(1,2)-Gal-α-(1,6)-Gal disaccharide branches on some mannosyl residues of the strictly alternating Glc-Man backbone. Studies in Arabidopsis revealed β-GGM is related in structure, biosynthesis and function to xyloglucan. However, when and how plants acquired β-GGM remains elusive. Here, we studied mannan structures in many sister groups of eudicots. All glucomannan structures were distinct from β-GGM. In addition, we searched for candidate mannan β-galactosyltransferases (MBGT) in non-eudicot angiosperms. Candidate AtMBGT1 orthologues from rice (OsGT47A-VII) and Amborella (AtrGT47A-VII) did not show MBGT activity in vivo. However, the AtMBGT1 orthologue from rice showed MUR3-like xyloglucan galactosyltransferase activity in complementation analysis using Arabidopsis. Further, reverse genetic analysis revealed that the enzyme (OsGT47A-VII) contributes to proper root growth in rice. Together, gene duplication and diversification of GT47A-VII in eudicot evolution may have been involved in the acquisition of mannan β-galactosyltransferase activity. Our results indicate that β-GGM is likely to be a eudicot-specific mannan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konan Ishida
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, The Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yusuke Ohba
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Yoshimi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, The Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Louis F. L. Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, The Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Echevarría-Poza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, The Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, The Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hiroaki Iwai
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Paul Dupree
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, The Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Klok PF, van der Velde G. Initial decomposition of floating leaf blades of Nymphoides peltata (S.G. Gmel.) O. Kuntze (Menyanthaceae): causes, impact and succession. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16689. [PMID: 38144198 PMCID: PMC10749093 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During a study on the outdoor floating leaf blade production of Nymphoides peltata (S.G. Gmel.) O. Kuntze (Fringed Water Lily), initial leaf blade decomposition was studied by simultaneously measuring infected, damaged and lost area of floating leaf blades. Methods Data on initial decomposition over time were collected for all leaves during one growth season in four plots: two in outdoor mesocosms and two in an oxbow lake. Each leaf was tagged uniquely upon appearance in a plot. The vegetation in the mesocosms differed with respect to plant species, one contained a monoculture of N. peltata and the other N. peltata associated with Glyceria fluitans (L.) R. Br. and G. maxima (Hartm.) Holmb. The lake plots were situated within a monospecific N. peltata stand, differing in depth and position within the stand. Leaf length, visually estimated percentages of damaged area for each damage type, and decay of the tagged leaves were recorded bi-weekly. When the leaf blades sunk under the water surface or disappeared completely, they were no longer followed. Under water the leaves decayed and were consumed by snails completely, so contributing to the detritus food chain. Results The observed causes of damage on floating leaves were consumption and/or damage by waterbirds (Fulica atra), pond snails, caterpillars (Elophila nymphaeata, Cataclysta lemnata), chironomid larvae (Cricotopus trifasciatus), infection by a phytopathogenic fungus (Septoria villarsiae), senescence by autolysis, and microbial decay. Successional changes in causes of leaf decomposition and impacts of different causes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F. Klok
- Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Particle Physics, Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gerard van der Velde
- Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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50
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Howell MM, Gee CT, Böttger C, Südekum KH. Digestibility of dinosaur food plants revisited and expanded: Previous data, new taxa, microbe donors, foliage maturity, and seasonality. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291058. [PMID: 38100456 PMCID: PMC10723699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the living relatives of the Mesozoic flora were once assumed to constitute a nutritionally poor diet for dinosaur herbivores, in vitro fermentation of their foliage has shown that gymnosperms, ferns, and fern relatives can be as highly digestible as angiosperm grasses and dicots. Because nutritional information cannot be preserved in the fossil record, this laboratory approach, first published in 2008, provides a novel alternative to evaluate the digestive quality of the plants that were available to dinosaur megaherbivores such as sauropods. However, very few further studies have since been conducted to supplement and confirm the high fermentative capacity of nonangiospermous taxa. Here we show that the living relatives of the Araucariaceae and Equistaceae are consistently highly digestible, even between taxa and when influenced by environmental and biological factors, while fern taxa are inconsistent on the family level. These results reinforce previous findings about the high energetic potential of Jurassic-age plant families. Fourteen species of fern and gymnosperm foliage from five Jurassic families were collected in the spring and fall, then analyzed for their digestibility using the in vitro Hohenheim gas test. Equisetum, Araucaria, and Angiopteris were the most digestible genera in both seasons, while Agathis, Wollemia, and Marattia were the least digestible. The season in which specimens were collected was found to have to a significant effect on gas production in four out of 16 samples (P < 0.05). Furthermore, leaf maturity influences digestibility in Marattia attenuata (P < 0.05), yet not in Cyathea cooperi (P = 0.24). Finally, the species of the rumen fluid donor did not influence digestibility (P = 0.74). With the original data set supplemented by one new genus and four species, this study confirms and expands previous results about the nutritional capacity of the living relatives of the Jurassic flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah M. Howell
- Division of Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carole T. Gee
- Division of Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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