scholarly journals Terpenoids from Weedy Ricefield Flatsedge (Cyperus iria L.) Are Developmentally Regulated and Stress-Induced, and have Antifungal Properties

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 3149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Jiang ◽  
Bonnie Ownley ◽  
Feng Chen

Ricefield flatsedge (Cyperus iria L.), a troublesome weed in rice production, actively adapts to ecological niches. In this study, terpenoids were identified as the dominant compounds from organic extracts of C. iria leaves. To understand the role of terpenoid production in plant development and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, the dynamics of terpenoid production at different developmental stages, and the regulation of these compounds by stresses were determined. Terpenoid production exhibited temporal and spatial specificity. During vegetative growth, the total concentration of sesquiterpenoids increased and reached a maximum at 70 d after germination, and then decreased until the emergence of inflorescence. Monoterpenoids were only detected from leaves 90 d after germination. During reproductive growth, the total concentration of sesquiterpenoids increased dramatically and mainly accumulated in inflorescences, indicating that the sesquiterpenoids were primarily produced in newly formed and actively growing tissues. The total amount of monoterpenoids, mostly accumulated in flowers, increased until 130 d after germination. Furthermore, accumulation of sesquiterpenoids in leaves was promoted significantly by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and drought treatment. Infestation by beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua, BAW) promoted the emission of total sesquiterpenoids significantly and induced the production of more monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids specifically. Furthermore, volatiles from C. iria leaves had an anti-fungal effect on Fusarium graminearum. The implications of our findings on the biosynthetic pathways leading to the production of sesquiterpenoids in C. iria as well as their potential as fungicides are discussed.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247170
Author(s):  
Md. Soyib Hasan ◽  
Vishal Singh ◽  
Shiful Islam ◽  
Md. Sifatul Islam ◽  
Raju Ahsan ◽  
...  

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) constitute an ancient, ubiquitous, multi-functional antioxidant enzyme superfamily that has great importance on cellular detoxification against abiotic and biotic stresses as well as plant development and growth. The present study aimed to a comprehensive genome-wide identification and functional characterization of GST family in one of the economically important legume plants—Medicago truncatula. Here, we have identified a total of ninety-two putative MtGST genes that code for 120 proteins. All these members were classified into twelve classes based on their phylogenetic relationship and the presence of structural conserved domain/motif. Among them, 7 MtGST gene pairs were identified to have segmental duplication. Expression profiling of MtGST transcripts revealed their high level of organ/tissue-specific expression in most of the developmental stages and anatomical tissues. The transcripts of MtGSTU5, MtGSTU8, MtGSTU17, MtGSTU46, and MtGSTU47 showed significant up-regulation in response to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, transcripts of MtGSTU8, MtGSTU14, MtGSTU28, MtGSTU30, MtGSTU34, MtGSTU46 and MtGSTF8 were found to be highly upregulated in response to drought treatment for 24h and 48h. Among the highly stress-responsive MtGST members, MtGSTU17 showed strong affinity towards its conventional substrates reduced glutathione (GSH) and 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB) with the lowest binding energy of—5.7 kcal/mol and -6.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, the substrate-binding site residues of MtGSTU17 were found to be highly conserved. These findings will facilitate the further functional and evolutionary characterization of GST genes in Medicago.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Sani ◽  
Mirko Manchia ◽  
Alessio Simonetti ◽  
Delfina Janiri ◽  
Pasquale Paribello ◽  
...  

Severe mental disorders (SMD) are highly prevalent psychiatric conditions exerting an enormous toll on society. Therefore, prevention of SMD has received enormous attention in the last two decades. Preventative approaches are based on the knowledge and detailed characterization of the developmental stages of SMD and on risk prediction. One relevant biological component, so far neglected in high risk research, is microbiota. The human microbiota consists in the ensemble of microbes, including viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotes, that inhabit several ecological niches of the organism. Due to its demonstrated role in modulating illness and health, as well in influencing behavior, much interest has focused on the characterization of the microbiota inhabiting the gut. Several studies in animal models have shown the early modifications in the gut microbiota might impact on neurodevelopment and the onset of deficits in social behavior corresponding to distinct neurosignaling alterations. However, despite this evidence, only one study investigated the effect of altered microbiome and risk of developing mental disorders in humans, showing that individuals at risk for SMD had significantly different global microbiome composition than healthy controls. We then offer a developmental perspective and provided mechanistic insights on how changes in the microbiota could influence the risk of SMD. We suggest that the analysis of microbiota should be included in the comprehensive assessment generally performed in populations at high risk for SMD as it can inform predictive models and ultimately preventative strategies.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 776
Author(s):  
Shipra Kumari ◽  
Bashistha Kumar Kanth ◽  
Ju young Ahn ◽  
Jong Hwa Kim ◽  
Geung-Joo Lee

Genome-wide transcriptome analysis using RNA-Seq of Lilium longiflorum revealed valuable genes responding to biotic stresses. WRKY transcription factors are regulatory proteins playing essential roles in defense processes under environmental stresses, causing considerable losses in flower quality and production. Thirty-eight WRKY genes were identified from the transcriptomic profile from lily genotypes, exhibiting leaf blight caused by Botrytis elliptica. Lily WRKYs have a highly conserved motif, WRKYGQK, with a common variant, WRKYGKK. Phylogeny of LlWRKYs with homologous genes from other representative plant species classified them into three groups- I, II, and III consisting of seven, 22, and nine genes, respectively. Base on functional annotation, 22 LlWRKY genes were associated with biotic stress, nine with abiotic stress, and seven with others. Sixteen unique LlWRKY were studied to investigate responses to stress conditions using gene expression under biotic and abiotic stress treatments. Five genes—LlWRKY3, LlWRKY4, LlWRKY5, LlWRKY10, and LlWRKY12—were substantially upregulated, proving to be biotic stress-responsive genes in vivo and in vitro conditions. Moreover, the expression patterns of LlWRKY genes varied in response to drought, heat, cold, and different developmental stages or tissues. Overall, our study provides structural and molecular insights into LlWRKY genes for use in the genetic engineering in Lilium against Botrytis disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Li ◽  
Zaichao Zheng ◽  
Hongyu Li ◽  
Rongrong Fu ◽  
Limei Xu ◽  
...  

AbstractDespite the central role of hemocytes in crustacean immunity, the process of hemocyte differentiation and maturation remains unclear. In some decapods, it has been proposed that the two main types of hemocytes, granular cells (GCs) and semigranular cells (SGCs), differentiate along separate lineages. However, our current findings challenge this model. By tracking newly produced hemocytes and transplanted cells, we demonstrate that almost all the circulating hemocytes of crayfish belong to the GC lineage. SGCs and GCs may represent hemocytes of different developmental stages rather than two types of fully differentiated cells. Hemocyte precursors produced by progenitor cells differentiate in the hematopoietic tissue (HPT) for 3 ~ 4 days. Immature hemocytes are released from HPT in the form of SGCs and take 1 ~ 3 months to mature in the circulation. GCs represent the terminal stage of development. They can survive for as long as 2 months. The changes in the expression pattern of marker genes during GC differentiation support our conclusions. Further analysis of hemocyte phagocytosis indicates the existence of functionally different subpopulations. These findings may reshape our understanding of crustacean hematopoiesis and may lead to reconsideration of the roles and relationship of circulating hemocytes.


Microbiome ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Huws ◽  
Joan E. Edwards ◽  
Wanchang Lin ◽  
Francesco Rubino ◽  
Mark Alston ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Gut microbiomes, such as the rumen, greatly influence host nutrition due to their feed energy-harvesting capacity. We investigated temporal ecological interactions facilitating energy harvesting at the fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG)-biofilm interface in the rumen using an in sacco approach and prokaryotic metatranscriptomic profiling. Results Network analysis identified two distinct sub-microbiomes primarily representing primary (≤ 4 h) and secondary (≥ 4 h) colonisation phases and the most transcriptionally active bacterial families (i.e Fibrobacteriaceae, Selemondaceae and Methanobacteriaceae) did not interact with either sub-microbiome, indicating non-cooperative behaviour. Conversely, Prevotellaceae had most transcriptional activity within the primary sub-microbiome (focussed on protein metabolism) and Lachnospiraceae within the secondary sub-microbiome (focussed on carbohydrate degradation). Putative keystone taxa, with low transcriptional activity, were identified within both sub-microbiomes, highlighting the important synergistic role of minor bacterial families; however, we hypothesise that they may be ‘cheating’ in order to capitalise on the energy-harvesting capacity of other microbes. In terms of chemical cues underlying transition from primary to secondary colonisation phases, we suggest that AI-2-based quorum sensing plays a role, based on LuxS gene expression data, coupled with changes in PRG chemistry. Conclusions In summary, we show that fresh PRG-attached prokaryotes are resilient and adapt quickly to changing niches. This study provides the first major insight into the complex temporal ecological interactions occurring at the plant-biofilm interface within the rumen. The study also provides valuable insights into potential plant breeding strategies for development of the utopian plant, allowing optimal sustainable production of ruminants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Trappes

AbstractNiche construction theory (NCT) aims to transform and unite evolutionary biology and ecology. Much of the debate about NCT has focused on construction. Less attention has been accorded to the niche: what is it, exactly, that organisms are constructing? In this paper I compare and contrast the definition of the niche used in NCT with ecological niche definitions. NCT’s concept of the evolutionary niche is defined as the sum of selection pressures affecting a population. So defined, the evolutionary niche is narrower than the ecological niche. Moreover, when contrasted with a more restricted ecological niche concept, it has a slightly different extension. I point out three kinds of cases in which the evolutionary niche does not coincide with realized ecological niches: extreme habitat degradation, commensalism, and non-limiting or super-abundant resources. These conceptual differences affect the role of NCT in unifying ecology and evolutionary biology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6556
Author(s):  
Junjun Huang ◽  
Xiaoyu Li ◽  
Xin Chen ◽  
Yaru Guo ◽  
Weihong Liang ◽  
...  

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins are a gene super-family in plants and play vital roles in growth, development, and response to abiotic and biotic stresses. The ABC transporters have been identified in crop plants such as rice and buckwheat, but little is known about them in soybean. Soybean is an important oil crop and is one of the five major crops in the world. In this study, 255 ABC genes that putatively encode ABC transporters were identified from soybean through bioinformatics and then categorized into eight subfamilies, including 7 ABCAs, 52 ABCBs, 48 ABCCs, 5 ABCDs, 1 ABCEs, 10 ABCFs, 111 ABCGs, and 21 ABCIs. Their phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, and gene expression profiles were characterized. Segmental duplication was the main reason for the expansion of the GmABC genes. Ka/Ks analysis suggested that intense purifying selection was accompanied by the evolution of GmABC genes. The genome-wide collinearity of soybean with other species showed that GmABCs were relatively conserved and that collinear ABCs between species may have originated from the same ancestor. Gene expression analysis of GmABCs revealed the distinct expression pattern in different tissues and diverse developmental stages. The candidate genes GmABCB23, GmABCB25, GmABCB48, GmABCB52, GmABCI1, GmABCI5, and GmABCI13 were responsive to Al toxicity. This work on the GmABC gene family provides useful information for future studies on ABC transporters in soybean and potential targets for the cultivation of new germplasm resources of aluminum-tolerant soybean.


Author(s):  
Millissia Ben Maamar ◽  
Eric E Nilsson ◽  
Michael K Skinner

Abstract One of the most important developing cell types in any biological system is the gamete (sperm and egg). The transmission of phenotypes and optimally adapted physiology to subsequent generations is in large part controlled by gametogenesis. In contrast to genetics, the environment actively regulates epigenetics to impact the physiology and phenotype of cellular and biological systems. The integration of epigenetics and genetics is critical for all developmental biology systems at the cellular and organism level. The current review is focused on the role of epigenetics during gametogenesis for both the spermatogenesis system in the male and oogenesis system in the female. The developmental stages from the initial primordial germ cell through gametogenesis to the mature sperm and egg are presented. How environmental factors can influence the epigenetics of gametogenesis to impact the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic and physiological change in subsequent generations is reviewed.


1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
K K Pfister ◽  
M W Salata ◽  
J F Dillman ◽  
E Torre ◽  
R J Lye

Cytoplasmic dynein is the microtubule minus-end-directed motor for the retrograde axonal transport of membranous organelles. Because of its similarity to the intermediate chains of flagellar dynein, the 74-kDa intermediate chain (IC74) subunit of dynein is thought to be involved in binding dynein to its membranous organelle cargo. Previously, we identified six isoforms of the IC74 cytoplasmic dynein subunit in the brain. We further demonstrated that cultured glia and neurons expressed different dynein IC74 isoforms and phospho-isoforms. Two isoforms were observed when dynein from glia was analyzed. When dynein from cultured neurons was analyzed, six IC74 isoforms were observed, although the relative amounts of the dynein isoforms from cultured neurons differed from those found in dynein from brain. To better understand the role of the neuronal IC74 isoforms and identify neuron-specific IC74 dynein subunits, the expression of the IC74 protein isoforms and mRNAs of various tissues were compared. As a result of this comparison, the identity of each of the isoform spots observed on two-dimensional gels was correlated with the products of each of the IC74 mRNAs. We also found that between the fifteenth day of gestation (E15) and the fifth day after birth (P5), the relative expression of the IC74 protein isoforms changes, demonstrating that the expression of IC74 isoforms is developmentally regulated in brain. During this time period, there is relatively little change in the abundance of the various IC74 mRNAs. The E15 to P5 time period is one of rapid process extension and initial pattern formation in the rat brain. This result indicates that the changes in neuronal IC74 isoforms coincide with neuronal differentiation, in particular the extension of processes. This suggests a role for the neuronal IC74 isoforms in the establishment or regulation of retrograde axonal transport.


Parasitology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 141 (9) ◽  
pp. 1203-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
VICTORIA GILLAN ◽  
EILEEN DEVANEY

SUMMARYNematodes are amongst the most successful and abundant organisms on the planet with approximately 30 000 species described, although the actual number of species is estimated to be one million or more. Despite sharing a relatively simple and invariant body plan, there is considerable diversity within the phylum. Nematodes have evolved to colonize most ecological niches, and can be free-living or can parasitize plants or animals to the detriment of the host organism. In this review we consider the role of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in the nematode life cycle. We describe studies on Hsp90 in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and comparative work on the parasitic species Brugia pahangi, and consider whether a dependence upon Hsp90 can be exploited for the control of parasitic species.


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