Biosynthesis Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

An Analysis of Variability in the Content of Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids in Camelina Seeds Depending on Weather Conditions, Functional Form, and Genotypes.

Camelina oil obtained from the seeds of Camelina sativa exhibits strong antioxidative properties. This study was based on four years of field experiments conducted on 63 genotypes of spring and 11 genotypes of winter camelina. The aim of the study was to determine the variability in the content of the selected bioactive compounds, depending on the weather conditions during the cultivation, the functional form, and genotype. The cultivation form of the genotypes analysed in our study did not exhibit significant differences in the quantitative profiles of the tested phenolic acids and flavonoids. Sinapic acid was the most abundant of all phenolic acids under analysis (617–668 mg/kg), while quercetin was the main flavonoid (91–161 mg/kg). Camelina has great potential not only for the food industry but also for researchers attempting to breed an oil plant with the stable biosynthesis of bioactive compounds to ensure oxidative protection of obtained fat.

Genomic Analysis of Endophytic Bacillus-Related Strains Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Origanum vulgare L. Revealed the Presence of Metabolic Pathways Involved in the Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds.

Multidrug-resistant pathogens represent a serious threat to human health. The inefficacy of traditional antibiotic drugs could be surmounted through the exploitation of natural bioactive compounds of which medicinal plants are a great reservoir. The finding that bacteria living inside plant tissues, (i.e., the endophytic bacterial microbiome) can influence the synthesis of the aforementioned compounds leads to the necessity of unraveling the mechanisms involved in the determination of this symbiotic relationship. Here, we report the genome sequence of four endophytic bacterial strains isolated from the medicinal plant Origanum vulgare L. and able to antagonize the growth of opportunistic pathogens of cystic fibrosis patients. The in silico analysis revealed the presence of gene clusters involved in the production of antimicrobial compounds, such as paeninodin, paenilarvins, polymyxin, and paenicidin A. Endophytes’ adaptation to the plant microenvironment was evaluated through the analysis of the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in the four genomes. The diesel fuel degrading potential was also tested. Strains grew in minimum media supplemented with diesel fuel, but no n-alkanes degradation genes were found in their genomes, suggesting that diesel fuel degradation might occur through other steps involving enzymes catalyzing the oxidation of aromatic compounds.

CuO-NPs Improve Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds in Lettuce.

The application of metallic nanoparticles improves the yield and content of bioactive compounds in plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the foliar application of copper nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the yield and content of bioactive compounds in lettuce. Different concentrations of CuO-NPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg mL−1) were applied in lettuce. The yield, nutraceutical quality, and enzymatic activity were determined. Foliar spraying of CuO-NPs induced an increase in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. In addition to an increase in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in lettuce plants, there were no negative effects on yield. Therefore, with the application of CuO-NPs, better quality lettuces are produced for the human diet due to the higher production of bioactive compounds.

Effect of UV-B Radiation on Flavonoids and Phenols Accumulation in Tempisque (Sideroxylon capiri Pittier) Callus.

Tempisque (Sideroxylon capiri Pittier) is classified as a threatened species and has been reported with a high content of phenols and flavonoids in the leaves. The use of abiotic elicitors such as radiation has been reported due to the changes it produces in the metabolism of plants by activating their defense mechanisms and increasing the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity such as phenols and flavonoids. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of UV-B radiation on growth parameters and the synthesis of bioactive compounds in in vitro culture of tempisque callus. For the callus induction, we used thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 0, 0.5 and 1 mg/L. Calluses were exposed to UV-B radiation (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h/day) for two and four weeks. The highest callus formation index was obtained with TDZ and 2,4-D at 1 mg/mL. The greatest increase in the concentration of phenols and flavonoids was detected in the fourth week with 4 h of exposure per day. The highest concentrations of quercetin (230 µg/g dry weight), kaempferol (235 µg/g dry weight) and gallic acid (240 µg/g dry weight) were found in callus obtained from leaves explants.

Responses of Cynanchum taiwanianum and Its Bioactive Compound Biosynthesis to Levels of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization

Cynanchum taiwanianum is an important plant used in traditional medicine. The increasing demand and lack of information regarding its cultivation have become concerns for sustainability. This study examined the effects of nitrogen and potassium fertilization rates on the growth and biosynthesis of main bioactive compounds, including cynandione A and polyphenolic compounds, in field-cultivated C. taiwanianum. Two field experiments were conducted using three levels of nitrogen (N100, N150 and N200) and three levels of potassium (K100, K150 and K200) treatments. The experimental variables were either N or K fertilizer. The results showed that, aside from N200, N and K fertilization significantly increased C. taiwanianum shoot and tuber biomass. High N fertilization resulted in low total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in shoots and tubers, but the effects of K fertilization were minimal. Cynandione A, an important bioactive compound, was only detected in tubers; its content were enhanced with the increasing K fertilization, but reduced with excess N fertilization (N200). Although N and K fertilizers are important for C. taiwanianum tuber production, the yield of cynandione A was associated with K but not N fertilization rates. These results provide some essential information for the optimal production of C. taiwanianum tubers and functional compounds. Further studies are required to examine the mechanism(s) of cynandione A biosynthesis and its compartmentation in plant tissues.

Analysis of Seed Phenotypic and Metabolic Characteristics of Diploid and Tetraploid Tartary Buckwheat

Polyploid plants grow well, are stress tolerant, and are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Thus, they are useful for improving crop quality and yield. In this study, we compared the seed characteristics and metabolite profiles of diploid and tetraploid tartary buckwheat, which was developed via an artificially induced chromosome doubling event. The length, width, area, and thousand-grain weight were greater for the tetraploid seeds than for the diploid seeds. However, the germination rate decreased for the tetraploid seeds. Additionally, there was a gap between the shell and kernel of the tetraploid seeds. Moreover, the water absorption rate was higher for the tetraploid than for the diploid seeds. Chromosome doubling increased the seed total flavonoid content and deepened the seed color. A principal component analysis of the ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data revealed the clear separation between the diploid and tetraploid samples. An orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis and other multivariate statistical analyses identified 83 differentially abundant compounds, with most of the flavonoid metabolites more abundant in the tetraploid than in the diploid seeds. Research on tartary buckwheat polyploidy may result in enhanced germplasm resources and may clarify the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds.

UV-B Radiation as Abiotic Elicitor to Enhance Phytochemicals and Development of Red Cabbage Sprouts

Background: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodical UV-B illumination during red cabbage germination on morphological development and the phenolics and carotenoid accumulation. Methods: During a sprouting period of 10 days at 20 °C in darkness, seedlings received 5, 10, or 15 kJ m−2 UV-B (T5, T10, and T15) applied in four steps (25% on days 3, 5, 7, and 10). UV untreated sprouts were used as control (CTRL). After 10 days of germination, the sprouts were harvested and stored 10 days at 4 °C as a minimally processed product. Phenolic and carotenoid compounds were analysed 1 h after each UV-B application and on days 0, 4, 7, and 10 during cold storage. Results: The longest hypocotyl length was observed in T10-treated sprouts. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased during germination following a sigmoidal kinetic, especially in the UV-B-treated samples, which reported a dose-dependent behaviour. In this way, T10-treated sprouts increased the TPC by 40% after 10 days at 4 °C compared to CTRL, while TAC and TFC increased by 35 and 30%, respectively. Carotenoids were enhanced with higher UV-B doses (T15). Conclusions: We found that UV-B stimulated the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, and a dose of 10 kJ m−2 UV-B, proportionally applied on days 3, 5, 7, and 10 days, is recommended.

Epigenetic Studies of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Pleiotropic Role of DNA Methylation.

Accumulating knowledge has been achieved on DNA methylation participating in numerous cellular processes and multiple human diseases; however, few studies have addressed the pleiotropic role of DNA methylation in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). CHM has been used worldwide for the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases. Newly developed epigenetic techniques have brought great opportunities for the development of CHM. In this review, we summarize the DNA methylation studies and portray the pleiotropic role of DNA methylation in CHM. DNA methylation serves as a mediator participating in plant responses to environmental factors, and thus affecting CHM medicinal plants growth and bioactive compound biosynthesis which are vital for therapeutic effects. Furthermore, DNA methylation helps to uncover the pharmaceutical mechanisms of CHM formulae, herbs, and herbal-derived compounds. It also provides scientific validation for constitution theory and other essential issues of CHM. This newly developed field of DNA methylation is up-and-coming to address many complicated scientific questions of CHM; it thus not only promotes disease treatment but also facilitates health maintenance.

Systematic analysis of the lysine malonylome in Sanghuangporus sanghuang

BackgroundSanghuangporus sanghuang is a well-known traditional medicinal mushroom associated with mulberry. Despite the properties of this mushroom being known for many years, the regulatory mechanisms of bioactive compound biosynthesis in this medicinal mushroom are still unclear. Lysine malonylation is a posttranslational modification that has many critical functions in various aspects of cell metabolism. However, at present we do not know its role in S. sanghuang. In this study, a global investigation of the lysine malonylome in S. sanghuang was therefore carried out.ResultsIn total, 714 malonyl modification sites were matched to 255 different proteins. The analysis indicated that malonyl modifications were involved in a wide range of cellular functions and displayed a distinct subcellular localization. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that malonylated proteins were engaged in different metabolic pathways, including glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Notably, a total of 26 enzymes related to triterpene and polysaccharide biosynthesis were found to be malonylated, indicating an indispensable role of lysine malonylation in bioactive compound biosynthesis in S. sanghuang.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that malonylation is associated with many metabolic pathways, particularly the metabolism of the bioactive compounds triterpene and polysaccharide. This paper represents the first comprehensive survey of malonylation in S. sanghuang and provides important data for further study on the physiological function of lysine malonylation in S. sanghuang and other medicinal mushrooms.

Composition and functional profiles of microbial communities in two geochemically and mineralogically different caves.

Microbial communities in cave ecosystems have specific survival strategies, which is far from being well explicated. Here, we reported the genetic and functional diversity of bacteria and archaea in typical limestone (Kashmir Cave) and silicate-containing (Tiser Cave) caves. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses revealed the different geochemical and mineral compositions of the two caves. Amplicon barcode sequencing revealed the dominancy of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in Kashmir and Tiser Caves. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in Tiser Cave, and the abundance is relatively small in Kashmir Cave. Archaea was also abundant prokaryotes in Kashmir Cave, but it only accounted for 0.723% of the total prokaryote sequences in Tiser Cave. Functional analysis based on metagenomic sequencing data revealed that a large number of functional potential genes involved in nutrient metabolism and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in Tiser and Kashmir Cave samples could significantly influence the biogeochemical cycle and secondary metabolite production in cave habitats. In addition, the two caves were also found to be rich in biosynthetic genes, encoding bioactive compounds, such as monobactam and prodigiosin, indicating that these caves could be potential habitats for the isolation of antibiotics. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the diversity of bacteria and archaea in cave ecosystems and helps to better understand the special survival strategies of microorganisms in cave ecosystems.Key points• Geochemically distinct caves possess unique microbial community structure.• Cavernicoles could be important candidates for antibiotic production.• Cavernicoles are important for biogeochemical cycling.

ZINC BIOFORTIFICATION IMPROVES YIELD, NUTRACEUTICAL QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN LETTUCE

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Zinc (Zn) is an important element in human health and is consumed through foods of animal origin. However, the biofortification of plants with Zn can be a strategy for the consumption of this micronutrient and to increase the morphology, physiology, and plant yield. <strong>Objective:</strong> Quantify the effect of Zn application on yield, nutraceutical quality and antioxidant activity of lettuce. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Foliar application of ZnSO<sub>4 </sub>(0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM L<sup>-1</sup>) on lettuce plants was made. Yield, nutraceutical quality and the concentration of Zn in the plant tissue was determinate. <strong>Results:</strong> The optimum Zn dose that maximized yield and nutraceutical quality, as well as the recommended consumption concentration in lettuce in this study was 75 µM L<sup>-1</sup> (ZnSO<sub>4</sub>). <strong>Implications: </strong>Higher doses of Zn decreased bioactive compound biosynthesis. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Zn biofortification is an alternative to increase phytochemical compound biosynthesis and yield with the possibility of improving public health.</p>

Biofortification with selenium increases bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in tomato fruits

The objective of biofortification is the human consumption of high nutritional quality food, rich in micronutrients. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in human nutrition, and its essentiality has not been evidenced in plants. However, its application in crops and subsequent consumption can mitigate the deficiency of this micronutrient in the diet of human populations. This work analyzes the capacity of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) to increase yield, biosynthesis of bioactive compounds and their accumulation in tomato fruits. For this, five treatments were applied via nutrient solution: 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg L-1. At harvest, the nutraceutical quality and the accumulation of Se in fruits were quantified, as well as the productivity of tomato plant. Biofortification was positively affected by the biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds and their concentration in fruit, although tomato yield decreased. The incorporation of Se in nutritive solution is an alternative to increase both the biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds and the concentration of this element in tomato fruits with the possibility of improving public health through its consumption.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate salinity stress and alter phenolic compounds of Moldavian balm

Mycorrhizal fungi are known to modulate the destructive effects of environmental stresses on plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis increases growth and stimulates the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, thereby influencing polyphenolics content in medicinal plants under salt stress. The present study investigated the effects of AMF on growth traits, cell death, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and changes in the profile of phenolic compounds of Dracocephalum moldavica L. by HPLC analysis under different salinity concentrations. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design including salinity treatment at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) and mycorrhizal fungus treatment at three levels including non-inoculation and inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum with three replications. The experiment was performed in sterile controlled conditions in laboratory. The results showed that salinity reduced root colonization compared to the control conditions. Inoculation with AMF increased growth parameters and salinity tolerance of Deracocephalum Moldavica under all salinity levels. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, nine phenolic acids and flavonoids were analyzed in all treatments. Salinity and AMF inoculation altered the polyphenol profiles of Moldavian balm. F. mosseae inoculation increased most of the polyphenols at 50 and 150 mM NaCl, and C. etunicatum inoculation increased polyphenols at 100 mM NaCl more than F. mosseae. suggesting that F. mosseae and C. etunicatum mitigated the adverse effects of salinity, triggering non-enzymatic antioxidant activity by the accumulation of the flavonoid in roots and shoots and phenol in roots, enhancing growth parameters and reducing root cell death compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. As a positive point, salinity and mycorrhizal inoculation influenced the polyphenol content of D. moldavica and improved the production of phenolic compounds.

Quantitative Analysis of UV-B Radiation Interception and Bioactive Compound Contents in Kale by Leaf Position According to Growth Progress.

UV-B (280–315 nm) radiation has been used as an effective tool to improve bioactive compound contents in controlled environments, such as plant factories. However, plant structure changes with growth progress induce different positional distributions of UV-B radiation interception, which cause difficulty in accurately evaluating the effects of UV-B on biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to quantitatively analyze the positional distributions of UV-B radiation interception and bioactive compound contents of kales (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) with growth progress and their relationships. Short-term moderate UV-B levels did not affect the plant growth and photosynthetic parameters. Spatial UV-B radiation interception was analyzed quantitatively by using 3D-scanned plant models and ray-tracing simulations. As growth progressed, the differences in absorbed UV-B energy between leaf positions were more pronounced. The concentrations of total phenolic compound (TPC) and total flavonoid compound (TFC) were higher with more cumulative absorbed UV-B energy. The cumulative UV energy yields for TFC were highest for the upper leaves of the older plants, while those for TPC were highest in the middle leaves of the younger plants. Despite the same UV-B levels, the UV-B radiation interception and UV-B susceptibility in the plants varied with leaf position and growth stage, which induced the different biosynthesis of TFC and TPC. This attempt to quantify the relationship between UV-B radiation interception and bioactive compound contents will contribute to the estimation and production of bioactive compounds in plant factories.

Biosynthesis and Regulatory Mechanisms of Bioactive Compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza, a Model System for Medicinal Plant Biology

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most well known species in the genus Salvia of the Lamiaceae with great economic, academic and medicinal value. It was recorded as a traditional Chinese medicine material first in about the second century BC and later in many other ancient books. Salvia miltiorrhiza can be clinically used alone or mixed with other herbs to treat heart and cardiovascular diseases and is beneficial for management of many other diseases. In the last 30 years, S. miltiorrhiza has been studied intensively as a model system for medicinal plant biology. With the available of whole genome sequence of four S. miltiorrhiza lines and a large number of transcriptome, sRNAome and metabolome data, great progresses have been made in biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of bioactive compounds, such as tanshinones, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and prenylquinones. In this review, the recent results in the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive compounds in S. miltiorrhiza were summarized. The effects of biotic and abtiotic factors, plant hormones, transcription factors and noncoding RNAs on bioactive compound biosynthesis were overviewed. The mechanism of cross-talk and coordination among different biosynthetic pathways and the progress of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for various bioactive compounds are also reviewed and discussed.

PREHARVEST ABIOTIC CONDITIONS ON THE ACCUMULATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITIES OF SWEET BELL PEPPER (Capsicum annum L) CULTIVARS IN THE LOW AND HIGH VELD REGIONS OF ZIMBABWE

Abiotic factors coupled with varietal differences have a special bearing on the synthesis of bioactive compounds and enhancement of antioxidant capacities of sweet bell pepper. The aim of the present study was to characterize the content of bioactive compounds (lycopene, vitamin C, β-carotenes, total phenols, and the antioxidant activity of sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annum L) grown under different Agro climatic regions with different environmental conditions, the Eastern Highlands (High veld region) and the Save Valley (low veld region). The results from the study showed statistical differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the different growing locations with regard to the bioactive compounds which were identified and quantified. Capsicum annum var. Lafayette presented the highest concentration of vitamin C content, lycopene content and total phenols as well as the greatest antioxidant activity in the high veld region. In addition, the results indicated that low temperatures favour in vivo biosynthesis of bioactive compounds and enhances antioxidant capacities of sweet bell pepper.

Single-wall carbon nano tubes (SWCNTs) penetrate Thymus daenensis Celak. plant cells and increase secondary metabolite accumulation in vitro

Single-wall carbon nano tubes (SWCNTs) encourage the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in plants. The current study examined how SWCNTs affect morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of Thyme (Thymus daenensis) callus culture. Sterilized seeds were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Ten-day-old seedlings were used as explants and were cultured on MS media containing 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) (2 mg l−1) and benzyl amino purine (BAP) (4 mg l−1). These media were treated with various concentrations of SWCNTs (25, 50, 100, 125, and 250 μg ml−1). A medium without SWCNTs was considered as the control. This study finding revealed that SWCNTs induce changes in callus morphology (i.e. color changes, area, fresh, and dry weight) and physiology (i.e. water content and dehydrogenase activity) as SWCNTs activate antioxidant molecules and some related enzymes (e.g. peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and Dehydrogenase (DHA)). SWCNTs contribute to the accumulation of compounds that are pharmacologically active (e.g. phenolic acids and flavonoids) in a concentration-dependent manner. Adding SWCNTs to the extracts of callus created a variety of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities in the extracts. At the cellular level, optical microscopic images indicated that SWCNTs can reasonably promote cell elongation and reduce chloroplast numbers. Following the addition of SWCNTs to the media, after 30 and 60 days, SWCNTs (50 μg ml−1) were found to encourage better growth in terms of both fresh (0.683 ± 0.50 g, 1.667 ± 1.18 g) and dry biomass (0.058 ± 0.12 g, 0.266 ± 0.17 g), respectively. Also, SWCNTs (50 μg ml−1) increased total phenolic content (TPC) (1.290 ± 0.19 mg GAE g −1 DW), total flavonoids content (TFC) (2.113 ± 0.05 mg QUE g −1 DW), antioxidant activity (74.93 ± 3.1 %), Rosmarinic acid (22.10 ± 0.011 mg. g−1DW), Trans-ferulic acid (0.29 ± 0.02 mg. g−1DW), Catechin (0.44 ± 0.002 mg. g−1DW), Hesperedin (0.45 ± 0.02 mg. g−1DW), Vanilin (0.13 ± 0.01 mg. g−1DW), Carvacrol (0.068 ± 0.01 mg. g−1DW) and enzymes that facilitate the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds like PAL (32.94 ± 13.2 mM cm g −1 FW). In addition, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of T. daenensis callus cells revealed how SWCNTs nano materials can penetrate callus cells and then aggregate together in the cytoplasm and in the cell wall.

Deep sequencing of the Sanghuangporus vaninii transcriptome reveals dynamic landscapes of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of active compounds

The medicinal fungus Sanghuang produces diverse bioactive compounds and is widely used in Asian countries. However, little is known about the genes and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of these active compounds. Based on our previous study providing Sanghuangporus vaninii genomic information, the transcriptomes of MY (mycelium), OY (1-year-old fruiting bodies), and TY (3-year-old fruiting bodies) were determined in this study. A significant number of genes (4774) were up- or downregulated between mycelium and fruiting bodies, but only 1422 differentially expressed genes were detected between OY and TY. 138 genes encoding P450s were identified in the fungal genome and grouped into 25 P450 families; more than 64% (88) of the genes were significantly differentially expressed between the mycelium and fruiting body, suggesting that these P450s are involved in fungal sexual development. Importantly, the expression of genes involved in bioactive compound (triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids) biosynthesis in asexual (cultured with solid and liquid media) and sexual stages was explored and combined with transcriptome and quantitative PCR analyses. More genes involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds were expressed more highly in mycelium than in fruiting bodies under liquid medium culture compared with solid medium culture, which was consistent with the yields of different bioactive compounds, suggesting that liquid fermentation of S. vaninii Kangneng can be used to obtain these bioactive compounds. A comprehensive understanding of the genomic information of S. vaninii will facilitate its potential use in pharmacological and industrial applications.

Genome-wide identification and functional characterization of natural antisense transcripts in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most widely used traditional medicines. Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are a class of long noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression. Here, we identified 812 NATs, including 168 cis-NATs and 644 trans-NATs from twelve root, flower, and leaf samples of S. miltiorrhiza using RNA-seq. The expression profiles for 41 of 50 NATs and their sense transcripts (STs) obtained from RNA-Seq were validated using qRT-PCR. The expression profiles of 17 NATs positively correlated with their STs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses mapped the STs for cis-NATs to pathways for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. We characterized four NATs in detail, including NAT0001, NAT0002, NAT0004, and NAT00023. Their STs are kaurene synthase-like 1 and the homologs of UDP-glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase 6, UDP-glycosyltransferase 90A1, and beta-glucosidase 40, respectively. The first gene is involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive tanshinones, the next two are involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, whereas the last is involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Besides, we found seven STs that are potential targets of miRNAs. And we found two miRNAs including miR156a and miR7208, might originate from NATs, NAT0112 and NAT0086. The results suggest that S. miltiorrhiza NATs might interact with STs, produce miRNAs, and be regulated by miRNAs. They potentially play significant regulatory roles in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds.

Nanoparticles as Novel Elicitors to Improve Bioactive Compounds in Plants

Bioactive compounds (e.g., flavonoids, phenolics acids, alkaloids and carotenoids) are commercially-valued products, due to their wide array of applications in the medical, pharmacological, cosmetic, agriculture and food industry. A strategy applied to increase or enhancing bioactive compounds production in plants is controlled elicitation. In recent years, many researchers have studied the role of nanoparticles (NPs) as a novel elicitor for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds shown that the NPs could affect the plant’s secondary metabolism in plant and culture systems. In this sense, recent studies have highlighted the potential applications of nanotechnology in crop production by improving the nutraceutical and nutritional quality of plants. In this review, we present studies about the application of NPs to enhance the production of bioactive plant metabolites. The aforementioned studies in ex vitro as in vitro, in addition to the effect of post-harvest by NPs application.