scholarly journals Transcriptome Analysis of JA Signal Transduction, Transcription Factors, and Monoterpene Biosynthesis Pathway in Response to Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation in Mentha canadensis L.

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 2364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiwu Qi ◽  
Hailing Fang ◽  
Xu Yu ◽  
Dongbei Xu ◽  
Li Li ◽  
...  

Mentha canadensis L. has important economic value for its abundance in essential oils. Menthol is the main component of M. canadensis essential oils, which is certainly the best-known monoterpene for its simple structure and wide applications. However, the regulation of menthol biosynthesis remains elusive in M. canadensis. In this study, transcriptome sequencing of M. canadensis with MeJA treatment was applied to illustrate the transcriptional regulation of plant secondary metabolites, especially menthol biosynthesis. Six sequencing libraries were constructed including three replicates for both control check (CK) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment and at least 8 Gb clean bases was produced for each library. After assembly, a total of 81,843 unigenes were obtained with an average length of 724 bp. Functional annotation indicated that 64.55% of unigenes could be annotated in at least one database. Additionally, 4430 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 2383 up-regulated and 2047 down-regulated transcripts were identified under MeJA treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment indicated that “Monoterpenoid biosynthesis” was one of the most significantly enriched pathways in metabolism. Subsequently, DEGs involved in JA signal transduction, transcription factors, and monoterpene biosynthesis were analyzed. 9 orthologous genes involved in menthol biosynthesis were also identified. This is the first report of a transcriptome study of M. canadensis and will facilitate the studies of monoterpene biosynthesis in the genus Mentha.

Author(s):  
Zebo Liu ◽  
Ali Mohsin ◽  
Zejian Wang ◽  
Xiaofeng Zhu ◽  
Yingping Zhuang ◽  
...  

Chlorogenic acid and its derivatives (CQAs) are considered as important bioactive secondary metabolites in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (G. jasminoides). However, few studies have investigated the biosynthesis and regulation of CQAs in G. jasminoides. In this study, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was used to enhance CQAs accumulation in cultured G. jasminoides cells. Moreover, the possible molecular mechanism of MeJA-mediated accumulation of CQAs is also explored. To this end, time-course transcriptional profiles of G. jasminoides cells responding to MeJA were used to investigate the mechanism from different aspects, including jasmonate (JAs) biosynthesis, signal transduction, biosynthesis of precursor, CQAs biosynthesis, transporters, and transcription factors (TFs). A total of 57,069 unigenes were assembled from the clean reads, in which 80.7% unigenes were successfully annotated. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomic results indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in JAs biosynthesis and signal transduction (25 DEGs), biosynthesis of precursor for CQAs (18 DEGs), CQAs biosynthesis (19 DEGs), and transporters (29 DEGs). Most of these DEGs showed continuously upregulated expressions over time, which might activate the jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction network, boost precursor supply, and ultimately stimulate CQAs biosynthesis. Additionally, various TFs from different TF families also responded to MeJA elicitation. Interestingly, 38 DEGs from different subgroups of the MYB family might display positive or negative regulations on phenylpropanoids, especially on CQAs biosynthesis. Conclusively, our results provide insight into the possible molecular mechanism of regulation on CQAs biosynthesis, which led to a high CQAs yield in the G. jasminoides cells under MeJA treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1093-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shoaib Ali Gill ◽  
Hammad Saleem ◽  
Nafees Ahemad

Natural Products (NP), specifically from medicinal plants or herbs, have been extensively utilized to analyze the fundamental mechanisms of ultimate natural sciences as well as therapeutics. Isolation of secondary metabolites from these sources and their respective biological properties, along with their lower toxicities and cost-effectiveness, make them a significant research focus for drug discovery. In recent times, there has been a considerable focus on isolating new chemical entities from natural flora to meet the immense demand for kinase modulators, and also to overcome major unmet medical challenges in relation to signal transduction pathways. The signal transduction systems are amongst the foremost pathways involved in the maintenance of life and protein kinases play an imperative part in these signaling pathways. It is important to find a kinase inhibitor, as it can be used not only to study cell biology but can also be used as a drug candidate for cancer and metabolic disorders. A number of plant extracts and their isolated secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids have exhibited activities against various kinases. In the current review, we have presented a brief overview of some important classes of plant secondary metabolites as kinase modulators. Moreover, a number of phytocompounds with kinase inhibition potential, isolated from different plant species, are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
Jun Wang ◽  
Xiao Fang Wu ◽  
Yong Tang ◽  
Jian Guo Li ◽  
Ming Lei Zhao

Fruit cracking is a disorder of fruit development in response to internal or external cues, which causes a loss in the economic value of fruit. Therefore, exploring the mechanism underlying fruit cracking is of great significance to increase the economic yield of fruit trees. However, the molecular mechanism underlying fruit cracking is still poorly understood. Litchi, as an important tropical and subtropical fruit crop, contributes significantly to the gross agricultural product in Southeast Asia. One important agricultural concern in the litchi industry is that some famous varieties with high economic value such as ‘Nuomici’ are susceptible to fruit cracking. Here, the cracking-susceptible cultivar ‘Nuomici’ and cracking-resistant cultivar ‘Huaizhi’ were selected, and the samples including pericarp and aril during fruit development and cracking were collected for RNA-Seq analysis. Based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the “ball-skin versus bladder effect” theory (fruit cracking occurs upon the aril expanding pressure exceeds the pericarp strength), it was found that seven co-expression modules genes (1733 candidate genes) were closely associated with fruit cracking in ‘Nuomici’. Importantly, we propose that the low expression level of genes related to plant hormones (Auxin, Gibberellins, Ethylene), transcription factors, calcium transport and signaling, and lipid synthesis might decrease the mechanical strength of pericarp in ‘Nuomici’, while high expression level of genes associated with plant hormones (Auxin and abscisic acid), transcription factors, starch/sucrose metabolism, and sugar/water transport might increase the aril expanding pressure, thereby resulting in fruit cracking in ‘Nuomici’. In conclusion, our results provide comprehensive molecular events involved in the “ball-skin versus bladder effect” on fruit cracking in litchi.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1406
Author(s):  
Rita Cava-Roda ◽  
Amaury Taboada-Rodríguez ◽  
Antonio López-Gómez ◽  
Ginés Benito Martínez-Hernández ◽  
Fulgencio Marín-Iniesta

Plant bioactive compounds have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that allow them to be used as a substitute for synthetic chemical additives in both food and food packaging. To improve its sensory and bactericidal effects, its use in the form of effective combinations has emerged as an interesting possibility in the food industry. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaves, and clove and the pure compounds vanillin, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde were investigated individually and in combination against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The possible interactions of combinations of pure compounds and EOs were performed by the two-dimensional checkerboard assay and isobologram methods. Vanillin exhibited the lowest antimicrobial activity (MIC of 3002 ppm against L. monocytogenes and 2795 ppm against E. coli O157:H7), while clove and cinnamon bark EOs exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity (402–404 against L. monocytogenes and 778–721 against E. coli O157:H7). For L. monocytogenes, pure compound eugenol, the main component of cinnamon leaves and clove, showed lower antimicrobial activity than EOs, which was attributed to the influence of the minor components of the EOs. The same was observed with cinnamaldehyde, the main component of cinnamon bark EO. The combinations of vanillin/clove EO and vanillin/cinnamon bark EO showed the most synergistic antimicrobial effect. The combination of the EOs of cinnamon bark/clove and cinnamon bark/cinnamon leaves showed additive effect against L. monocytogenes but indifferent effect against E. coli O157:H7. For L. monocytogenes, the best inhibitory effects were achieved by cinnamon bark EO (85 ppm)/vanillin (910 ppm) and clove EO (121 ppm)/vanillin (691 ppm) combinations. For E. coli, the inhibitory effects of clove EO (104 ppm)/vanillin (1006 ppm) and cinnamon leaves EO (118 ppm)/vanillin (979 ppm) combinations were noteworthy. Some of the tested combinations increased the antimicrobial effect and would allow the effective doses to be reduced, thereby offering possible new applications for food and active food packaging.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Esther van der Meer ◽  
Hans Dullemont

Summary Promoting human-carnivore coexistence is a main component of carnivore conservation. Coexistence programmes are usually informed by attitudinal studies that evaluate intended behaviour towards carnivores. This questionnaire survey assesses attitudes of governmental and non-governmental conservation stakeholders in Zimbabwe towards living with carnivores, large carnivore species and the conservation of wildlife, and determines whether being part of coexistence programmes (CAMPFIRE, TFCAs) positively affects attitudes. Stakeholder attitudes were most positive when employment was directly related to wildlife and stakeholders had knowledge about and exposure to carnivores. Stakeholders who depend on livestock and/or had little knowledge about and less exposure to carnivores were most negative, this included governmental stakeholders responsible for natural resource management. Positive attitudes were largely based on the aesthetic and economic value of carnivores, while negative attitudes were based on the fear of livestock loss and perceived danger to humans. Subsistence farmers were the most negative stakeholders, as such, the focus on this group to promote coexistence seems justified. However, although some stakeholders were more positive in CAMPFIRE areas or TFCAs, CAMPFIRE and TFCAs failed to improve attitudes of subsistence farmers, which highlights a need to evaluate and adapt these programmes.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiao-jiao Ji ◽  
Qi Feng ◽  
Hai-feng Sun ◽  
Xue-jun Zhang ◽  
Xiao-xiao Li ◽  
...  

Bioactive metabolites in Codonopsis pilosula are of particular interest as an immunostimulant. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) plays an important role in the elicitation of metabolite biosynthesis. Here, we explored the response of metabolites to MeJA elicitation in C. pilosula adventitious roots and multiple shoots. The results showed that the biomass, polysaccharide, and lobetyolin content of adventitious roots exhibited the highest increases with 100 µmol·L−1 MeJA at the 16th day of subculture, whereas the atractylenolide III (a terpenoid) content increased extremely with 50 µmol·L−1 MeJA treatment at the 7th day of subculture. In addition, the biomass and lobetyolin content significantly increased at the 4th day after treatment. Similarly, the polysaccharide and lobetyolin content increased in multiple shoots. Further identification of different metabolites responding to MeJA by 1H-NMR showed an extremely significant increase of the lobetyolinin level, which coincided with lobetyolin. Accordingly, the precursor, fatty acids, showed a highly significant decrease in their levels. Furthermore, a significant increase in β-d-fructose-butanol glycoside was detected, which was accompanied by a decrease in the sucrose level. Accordingly, the enzyme genes responsible for terpenoid and carbohydrate biosynthesis, CpUGPase, and CpPMK, were up regulated. In conclusion, MeJA promoted culture growth and accelerated bioactive metabolite accumulation by regulating the expression of the metabolite biosynthesis related genes, CpUGPase and CpPMK in C. pilosula.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuqin Zhong ◽  
Max Lundberg ◽  
Lars Råberg

Abstract Differences in immune function between species could be a result of interspecific divergence in coding sequence and/or expression of immune genes. Here, we investigate how the degree of divergence in coding sequence and expression differs between functional categories of immune genes, and if differences between categories occur independently of other factors (expression level, pleiotropy). To this end, we compared spleen transcriptomes of wild-caught yellow-necked mice and bank voles. Immune genes expressed in the spleen were divided into four categories depending on the function of the encoded protein: pattern recognition receptors (PRR); signal transduction proteins; transcription factors; and cyto- and chemokines and their receptors. Genes encoding PRR and cyto-/chemokines had higher sequence divergence than genes encoding signal transduction proteins and transcription factors, even when controlling for potentially confounding factors. Genes encoding PRR also had higher expression divergence than genes encoding signal transduction proteins and transcription factors. There was a positive correlation between expression divergence and coding sequence divergence, in particular for PRR genes. We propose that this is a result of that divergence in PRR coding sequence leads to divergence in PRR expression through positive feedback of PRR ligand binding on PRR expression. When controlling for sequence divergence, expression divergence of PRR genes did not differ from other categories. Taken together, the results indicate that coding sequence divergence of PRR genes is a major cause of differences in immune function between species.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Vargas de Oliveira ◽  
Solange Maria de França ◽  
Douglas Rafael e Silva Barbosa ◽  
Kamilla de Andrade Dutra ◽  
Alice Maria Nascimento de Araujo ◽  
...  

Abstract: The objective of this work was to assess the fumigant and repellent effects of essential oils on adults of Callosobruchus maculatus and to identify the chemical composition of two of the tested essential oils. For the fumigation test, the oils of Schinus terebinthifolius, Piper aduncum, Syzygium aromaticum, Piper hispidinervum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and the eugenol compound were tested at different concentrations on C. maculatus adults. For the repellency test, the oils of S. terebinthifolius, P. aduncum, P. hispidinervum, S. aromaticum, Jatropha curcas, and Ricinus communis were evaluated. In the fumigation test, it was observed that P. aduncum and eugenol showed the highest and lowest LC50s, of 169.50 and 0.28 μL L-1 air, respectively. In the repellency test, the oils of S. aromaticum and P. hispidinervum were repellent to C. maculatus. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of these two oils identified 42 compounds, of which safrole was the main component of P. hispidinervum and eugenol of S. aromaticum. The essential oils of S. aromaticum, C. zeylanicum, and the eugenol compound are the most promising to control C. maculatus, via fumigation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1100-1109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci Fu ◽  
Priyadarshini Iyer ◽  
Amrita Herkal ◽  
Julia Abdullah ◽  
Angela Stout ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A screening procedure was used to identify cell fusion (hyphal anastomosis) mutants in the Neurospora crassa single gene deletion library. Mutants with alterations in 24 cell fusion genes required for cell fusion between conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) were identified and characterized. The cell fusion genes identified included 14 genes that are likely to function in signal transduction pathways needed for cell fusion to occur ( mik-1 , mek-1 , mak-1 , nrc-1 , mek-2 , mak-2 , rac-1 , pp2A , so/ham-1 , ham-2 , ham-3 , ham-5 , ham-9 , and mob3 ). The screening experiments also identified four transcription factors that are required for cell fusion ( adv-1 , ada-3 , rco-1 , and snf5 ). Three genes encoding proteins likely to be involved in the process of vesicular trafficking were also identified as needed for cell fusion during the screening ( amph-1 , ham-10 , pkr1 ). Three of the genes identified by the screening procedure, ham-6 , ham-7 , and ham-8 , encode proteins that might function in mediating the plasma membrane fusion event. Three of the putative signal transduction proteins, three of the transcription factors, the three putative vesicular trafficking proteins, and the three proteins that might function in mediating cell fusion had not been identified previously as required for cell fusion.


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