scholarly journals Hop Polyphenols in Relation to Verticillium Wilt Resistance and Their Antifungal Activity

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1318
Author(s):  
Sabina Berne ◽  
Nataša Kovačević ◽  
Damijana Kastelec ◽  
Branka Javornik ◽  
Sebastjan Radišek
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Verticillium Wilt ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Induced Defense ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Resistant Variety ◽  
Phenological Stages ◽  
Total Polyphenols

(1) Background: Verticillium wilt (VW) of hop is a devastating disease caused by the soil-borne fungi Verticillium nonalfalfae and Verticillium dahliae. As suggested by quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and RNA-Seq analyses, the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistance in hop are complex, consisting of preformed and induced defense responses, including the synthesis of various phenolic compounds. (2) Methods: We determined the total polyphenolic content at two phenological stages in roots and stems of 14 hop varieties differing in VW resistance, examined the changes in the total polyphenols of VW resistant variety Wye Target (WT) and susceptible Celeia (CE) on infection with V. nonalfalfae, and assessed the antifungal activity of six commercial phenolic compounds and total polyphenolic extracts from roots and stems of VW resistant WT and susceptible CE on the growth of two different V. nonalfalfae hop pathotypes. (3) Results: Generally, total polyphenols were higher in roots than stems and increased with maturation of the hop. Before flowering, the majority of VW resistant varieties had a significantly higher content of total polyphenols in stems than susceptible varieties. At the symptomatic stage of VW disease, total polyphenols decreased in VW resistant WT and susceptible CE plants in both roots and stems. The antifungal activity of total polyphenolic extracts against V. nonalfalfae was higher in hop extracts from stems than those from roots. Among the tested phenolic compounds, only p-coumaric acid and tyrosol markedly restricted fungal growth. (4) Conclusions: Although the correlation between VW resistance and total polyphenols content is not straightforward, higher levels of total polyphenols in the stems of the majority of VW resistant hop varieties at early phenological stages probably contribute to fast and efficient activation of signaling pathways, leading to successful defense against V. nonalfalfae infection.

scholarly journals Molecular Identification and Antifungal Properties of Four Thaumatin-like Proteins in Spruce (Picea likiangensis)

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1268
Author(s):  
Yufeng Liu ◽  
Lijuan Liu ◽  
Fred O. Asiegbu ◽  
Chunlin Yang ◽  
Shan Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Defense Response ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Induced Defense ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Cysteine Residues ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Induced Defense Responses

Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) are involved in the plant defense response against pathogens, and most of them exhibit antifungal activity. However, the role of TLPs in pathogen-induced defense responses in spruce is not fully understood. In this study, four TLP genes encoding thaumatin-like protein, designated as PlTLP1–4, were isolated and identified from Picea likiangensis needles. Sequence analysis showed that PlTLP1, PlTLP3, and PlTLP4 contained 16 conserved cysteine residues, while PlTLP2 had only 10 conserved cysteine residues. qPCR analysis showed that PlTLPs were expressed in all tissues tested, PlTLP1, PlTLP3, and PlTLP4 had the highest expression levels in young fruits, while PlTLP2 had the highest expression levels in roots. In addition, the expression levels of four PlTLPs were significantly upregulated during infection by Lophodermium piceae. Four recombinant PlTLPs expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited obvious β-1,3-glucanase activity. The antifungal activity assay showed that four recombinant PlTLPs had significant inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of L. piceae, Fusarium proliferatum, Botrytis cinerea, and Roussoella doimaesalongensis. Microscopic observation revealed that the recombinant PlTLP1–4 induced the morphological changes of the mycelia of L. piceae, and the recombinant PlTLP2 and PlTLP3 induced the morphological changes of the mycelia of F. proliferatum and R. doimaesalongensis, while all the recombinant PlTLPs had no obvious negative effect on the morphology of B. cinerea mycelium. These results suggest that PlTLP genes may play an important role in the defense response of P. likiangensis against L. piceae invasion.

scholarly journals Dual Effects of Plant Steroidal Alkaloids on Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2006 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 2732-2740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Simons ◽  
John P. Morrissey ◽  
Maita Latijnhouwers ◽  
Michael Csukai ◽  
Adam Cleaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Induced Defense ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Membrane Permeabilization ◽  
Ergosterol Biosynthesis ◽  
Induced Defense Responses

ABSTRACT Many plant species accumulate sterols and triterpenes as antimicrobial glycosides. These secondary metabolites (saponins) provide built-in chemical protection against pest and pathogen attack and can also influence induced defense responses. In addition, they have a variety of important pharmacological properties, including anticancer activity. The biological mechanisms underpinning the varied and diverse effects of saponins on microbes, plants, and animals are only poorly understood despite the ecological and pharmaceutical importance of this major class of plant secondary metabolites. Here we have exploited budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to investigate the effects of saponins on eukaryotic cells. The tomato steroidal glycoalkaloidα -tomatine has antifungal activity towards yeast, and this activity is associated with membrane permeabilization. Removal of a single sugar from the tetrasaccharide chain of α-tomatine results in a substantial reduction in antimicrobial activity. Surprisingly, the complete loss of sugars leads to enhanced antifungal activity. Experiments with α-tomatine and its aglycone tomatidine indicate that the mode of action of tomatidine towards yeast is distinct from that of α-tomatine and does not involve membrane permeabilization. Investigation of the effects of tomatidine on yeast by gene expression and sterol analysis indicate that tomatidine inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis. Tomatidine-treated cells accumulate zymosterol rather than ergosterol, which is consistent with inhibition of the sterol C24 methyltransferase Erg6p. However, erg6 and erg3 mutants (but not erg2 mutants) have enhanced resistance to tomatidine, suggesting a complex interaction of erg mutations, sterol content, and tomatidine resistance.

The Mechanisms Behind the Biological Activity of Flavonoids

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (39) ◽  
pp. 6976-6990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana María González-Paramás ◽  
Begoña Ayuda-Durán ◽  
Sofía Martínez ◽  
Susana González-Manzano ◽  
Celestino Santos-Buelga
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Stress Theory ◽  
Radical Scavenging Properties

: Flavonoids are phenolic compounds widely distributed in the human diet. Their intake has been associated with a decreased risk of different diseases such as cancer, immune dysfunction or coronary heart disease. However, the knowledge about the mechanisms behind their in vivo activity is limited and still under discussion. For years, their bioactivity was associated with the direct antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of phenolic compounds, but nowadays this assumption is unlikely to explain their putative health effects, or at least to be the only explanation for them. New hypotheses about possible mechanisms have been postulated, including the influence of the interaction of polyphenols and gut microbiota and also the possibility that flavonoids or their metabolites could modify gene expression or act as potential modulators of intracellular signaling cascades. This paper reviews all these topics, from the classical view as antioxidants in the context of the Oxidative Stress theory to the most recent tendencies related with the modulation of redox signaling pathways, modification of gene expression or interactions with the intestinal microbiota. The use of C. elegans as a model organism for the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in biological activity of flavonoids is also discussed.

scholarly journals Induction of cell wall phenolic monomers as part of direct defense response in maize to pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens Walker) and non-insect interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lakshmi Soujanya ◽  
J. C. Sekhar ◽  
C. V. Ratnavathi ◽  
Chikkappa G. Karjagi ◽  
E. Shobha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Induced Defense ◽  
Stem Borer ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Mechanical Wounding ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Insect Interactions ◽  
Induced Defense Responses

AbstractPink stem borer (PSB) causes considerable yield losses to maize. Plant–insect interactions have significant implications for sustainable pest management. The present study demonstrated that PSB feeding, mechanical wounding, a combination of mechanical wounding and PSB regurgitation and exogenous application of methyl jasmonate have induced phenolic compound mediated defense responses both at short term (within 2 days of treatment) and long term (in 15 days of treatment) in leaf and stalk tissues of maize. The quantification of two major defense related phenolic compounds namely p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) and ferulic acid (FA) was carried out through ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) at 2 and 15 days after imposing the above treatments. The p-CA content induced in leaf tissues of maize genotypes were intrinsically higher when challenged by PSB attack at V3 and V6 stages in short- and long-term responses. Higher p-CA content was observed in stalk tissues upon wounding and regurgitation in short- and long-term responses at V3 and V6 stages. Significant accumulation of FA content was also observed in leaf tissues in response to PSB feeding at V3 stage in long-term response while at V6 stage it was observed both in short- and long-term responses. In stalk tissues, methyl jasmonate induced higher FA content in short-term response at V3 stage. However, at V6 stage PSB feeding induced FA accumulation in the short-term while, wounding and regurgitation treatment-induced defense responses in the long-term. In general, the resistant (DMRE 63, CM 500) and moderately resistant genotypes (WNZ ExoticPool) accumulated significantly higher contents of p-CA and FA content than susceptible ones (CM 202, BML 6) in most of the cases. The study indicates that phenolic mediated defense responses in maize are induced by PSB attack followed by wounding and regurgitation compared to the other induced treatments. Furthermore, the study confirmed that induced defense responses vary with plant genotype, stage of crop growth, plant tissue and short and long-term responses. The results of the study suggested that the Phenolic acids i.e. p-CA and FA may contribute to maize resistance mechanisms in the maize-PSB interaction system.

scholarly journals Biodirected Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Honey Solutions and Evaluation of Their Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Candida Spp.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7715
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Czernel ◽  
Dominika Bloch ◽  
Arkadiusz Matwijczuk ◽  
Jolanta Cieśla ◽  
Monika Kędzierska-Matysek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Disc Diffusion ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Antifungal Effect ◽  
Synthesis Of Nanoparticles ◽  
Honey Solution ◽  
Diffusion Assay

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous honey solutions with a concentration of 2%, 10%, and 20%—AgNPs-H2, AgNPs-H10, and AgNPs-H20. The reaction was conducted at 35 °C and 70 °C. Additionally, nanoparticles obtained with the citrate method (AgNPs-C), while amphotericin B (AmB) and fluconazole were used as controls. The presence and physicochemical properties of AgNPs was affirmed by analyzing the sample with ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The 20% honey solution caused an inhibition of the synthesis of nanoparticles at 35 °C. The antifungal activity of the AgNPs was evaluated using opportunistic human fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The antifungal effect was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion assay. The highest activity in the MIC tests was observed in the AgNPs-H2 variant. AgNPs-H10 and AgNPs-H20 showed no activity or even stimulated fungal growth. The results of the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test for C. parapsilosis strains indicated stronger antifungal activity of AgNPs-H than fluconazole. The study demonstrated that the antifungal activity of AgNPs is closely related to the concentration of honey used for the synthesis thereof.

scholarly journals The Effect of Fusarium verticillioides Fumonisins on Fatty Acids, Sphingolipids, and Oxylipins in Maize Germlings

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2435
Author(s):  
Marzia Beccaccioli ◽  
Manuel Salustri ◽  
Valeria Scala ◽  
Matteo Ludovici ◽  
Andrea Cacciotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fusarium Verticillioides ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Ceramide Synthase ◽  
Ear Rot ◽  
In Planta ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

Fusarium verticillioides causes multiple diseases of Zea mays (maize) including ear and seedling rots, contaminates seeds and seed products worldwide with toxic chemicals called fumonisins. The role of fumonisins in disease is unclear because, although they are not required for ear rot, they are required for seedling diseases. Disease symptoms may be due to the ability of fumonisins to inhibit ceramide synthase activity, the expected cause of lipids (fatty acids, oxylipins, and sphingolipids) alteration in infected plants. In this study, we explored the impact of fumonisins on fatty acid, oxylipin, and sphingolipid levels in planta and how these changes affect F. verticillioides growth in maize. The identity and levels of principal fatty acids, oxylipins, and over 50 sphingolipids were evaluated by chromatography followed by mass spectrometry in maize infected with an F. verticillioides fumonisin-producing wild-type strain and a fumonisin-deficient mutant, after different periods of growth. Plant hormones associated with defense responses, i.e., salicylic and jasmonic acid, were also evaluated. We suggest that fumonisins produced by F. verticillioides alter maize lipid metabolism, which help switch fungal growth from a relatively harmless endophyte to a destructive necrotroph.

scholarly journals Synthetic Histidine-Rich Peptides Inhibit Candida Species and Other Fungi In Vitro: Role of Endocytosis and Treatment Implications

2006 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 2797-2805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingsong Zhu ◽  
Paul W. Luther ◽  
Qixin Leng ◽  
A. James Mixson
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Nucleic Acid Delivery ◽  
Histatin 5 ◽  
Ph Buffering ◽  
Endosomal Acidification

ABSTRACT A family of histidine-rich peptides, histatins, is secreted by the parotid gland in mammals and exhibits marked inhibitory activity against a number of Candida species. We were particularly interested in the mechanism by which histidine-rich peptides inhibit fungal growth, because our laboratory has synthesized a variety of such peptides for drug and nucleic acid delivery. In contrast to naturally occurring peptides that are linear, peptides made on synthesizers can be varied with respect to their degrees of branching. Using this technology, we explored whether histidine-lysine (HK) polymers of different complexities and degrees of branching affect the growth of several species of Candida. Polymers with higher degrees of branching were progressively more effective against Candida albicans, with the four-branched polymer, H2K4b, most effective. Furthermore, H2K4b accumulated efficiently in C. albicans, which may indicate its ability to transport other antifungal agents intracellularly. Although H2K4b had greater antifungal activity than histatin 5, their mechanisms were similar. Toxicity in C. albicans induced by histatin 5 or branched HK peptides was markedly reduced by 4,4′-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonate, an inhibitor of anion channels. We also determined that bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of endosomal acidification, significantly decreased the antifungal activity of H2K4b. This suggests that the pH-buffering and subsequent endosomal-disrupting properties of histidine-rich peptides have a role in their antifungal activity. Moreover, the ability of the histidine component of these peptides to disrupt endosomes, which allows their escape from the lysosomal pathway, may explain why these peptides are both effective antifungal agents and nucleic acid delivery carriers.

scholarly journals Caterpillar salivary enzymes: "eliciting" a response

2004 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magali Merkx-Jacques ◽  
Jacqueline C. Bede
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Diet ◽  
Spodoptera Exigua ◽  
Induced Defense ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Beet Armyworm ◽  
Herbivorous Insect ◽  
Plant Responses ◽  
Plant Defense Responses ◽  
Induced Defense Responses ◽  
Bertha Armyworm

Abstract Plants exhibit remarkable plasticity in their ability to differentiate between herbivorous insect species and subtly adjust their defense responses to target distinct pests. One key mechanism used by plants to recognize herbivorous caterpillars is elicitors present in their oral secretions; however, these elicitors not only cause the induction of plant defenses but recent evidence suggests that they may also suppress plant responses. The absence of “expected changes” in induced defense responses of insect-infested plants has been attributed to hydrogen peroxide produced by caterpillar salivary glucose oxidase (GOX). Activity of this enzyme is variable among caterpillar species; it was detected in two generalist caterpillars, the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) and the bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata), but not in other generalist or specialist caterpillar species tested. In the beet armyworm, GOX activity fluctuated over larval development with high activity associated with the salivary glands of fourth instars. Larval salivary GOX activity of the beet armyworm and the bertha armyworm was observed to be significantly higher in caterpillars reared on artificial diet as compared with those reared on Medicago truncatula plants. This implies that a factor in the diet is involved in the regulation of caterpillar salivary enzyme activity. Therefore, plant diet may be regulating caterpillar oral elicitors that are involved in the regulation of plant defense responses: our goal is to understand these two processes.

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