Nelumbo Nucifera Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Structural Characteristics of Starch from 10 Varieties of Lotus Root

Comparative Evaluation of Structural Characteristics of Starch from 10 Varieties of Lotus Root

Genome-wide identification and analysis of ERF transcription factors related to abiotic stress responses in Nelumbo nucifera

BackgroundEthylene-responsive factor (ERF) transcription factors belong to the APETALA2/ERF (AP2/ERF) superfamily, and play crucial roles in plant development process and stress responses. However, the function of ERF proteins (especially for their role in response to abiotic stresses) remains scarce in Nelumbo nucifera, which is an important aquatic plant with high ornamental, economic, and ecological values.ResultsA total of 107 ERF genes were identified from the N. nucifera genome, and phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into 11 groups. The NnERF genes in the same group exhibited similar gene structure and conserved motifs, and they were unevenly distributed across the 8 chromosomes, with three pairs of tandem duplications and 21 pairs of segmental duplications. Synteny analysis revealed 44 and 39 of NnERF genes were orthologous to those in Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, respectively. Tissue-specific expression patterns analysis of NnERF showed that 26 NnERF genes were expressed in all tested tissues, in which five genes exhibited high expression levels. Furthermore, 16 NnERF genes were selected for exploring their responses to different abiotic stresses, including cold, salt, drought, and Cd stresses. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that all these 16 investigated genes were regulated by at least one stress treatment, and 12 genes responded to all the stress treatments with different expression patterns or levels, suggesting their potential roles in diverse abiotic stress tolerance of N. nucifera. Additionally, two representative stress-related NnERFs (Nn3g19628 and Nn1g06033) were confirmed to be nuclear-localized proteins and displayed transcriptional activation.ConclusionsIn this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification and analysis of NnERF gene family related to abiotic stress responses in N. nucifera, which provides valuable information for further functional validation of these genes in stress responses, and forms a foundation for stress tolerance breeding in N. nucifera and other aquatic ornamental plants.

A New Alkaloid of Nelumbo nucifera

A New Alkaloid of Nelumbo nucifera

Nanostructure properties and potential biomedical applications of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn extracts

Nanostructure properties and potential biomedical applications of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn extracts

Non-Covalent Interactions of Lotus Root Polysaccharides and Polyphenols and their Regulatory Mechanism on Macrophage Functions

Despite the interaction between polyphenols and polysaccharides in food products, their specific non-covalent interactions and effects on macrophage functions are not well understood. Therefore, the interaction and mechanism of purified lotus root polysaccharide (PLRP) with polyphenols, and the regulatory mechanisms of the PLRP-polyphenol complex on the macrophage functionals were studied. By combining ferulic acid (FA) and chlorogenic acid (CHA) with PLRP, the complexes PLRP-FA, PLRP-CHA and the physical mixtures PLRP&FA and PLRP&CHA were prepared, where their mass ratios of polyphenols to PLRP were 143.97 and 601.67 mg g−1. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet (UV), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that PLRP and polyphenols may engage in non-covalent interactions via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. We confirmed that non-covalent interactions led to high molecular weight, dense complexes. Both PLRP and its polyphenol complexes stimulated NO production by macrophages to varying degrees without exacerbating lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses. PLRP and PLRP-polyphenol complexes repaired cells with impaired antioxidant capacity, depending on doses. Those results indicated that after the combination of lotus root polysaccharide and polyphenol, the molecular weight and conformation changed significantly, which influenced the biological activity. RNA-seq analysis suggested that the regulatory mechanism of PLRP-polyphenol complex in macrophages may mainly involve oxidative phosphorylation, FoxO, TNF, IL-17, MAPK, NF-kappa B, and other signaling pathways. This study investigated the effects of polyphenol binding on the physicochemical characteristics and functional activities of polysaccharides, which provided references for the development of polysaccharide functional products and the control of nutritional quality.

Structural changes in Nelumbo flower petals during opening and closing.

Nelumbo nucifera is one of several plant species with flowers that typically open in the early morning and close by noon. This movement normally repeats for 3 days, with all petals falling off on day 4. However, detailed observations of flower movement in Nelumbo species are limited. Movement of flowers on plants in growth chambers were observed using time-lapse photography. Petals were examined with scanning electron microscopy or fixed and sectioned for light microscopy to determine whether changes in cell size contribute to petal elongation during flowering. This study is the first to microscopically observe petal cells of a Nelumbo species during flowering in controlled conditions. Petals elongated during the 4-day flowering period. Inner petals were more elongated than the outer petals. Among the basal, central, and tip regions of a single petal, the cells in the basal region enlarged the most. Outer and inner epidermal cells in the basal region of the inner petals, on both adaxial and abaxial sides, gradually enlarged during the flowering period through cycles of repeated increases as the petals opened and decreases as they closed. Petals opened and closed repeatedly as they elongated, primarily in their basal region. Cells in the basal region of the petal on the adaxial and abaxial sides periodically fluctuated in size, increased during flower opening and decreased during closing, but differences in these patterns were observed between the two sides, suggesting that one of the driving forces behind the opening and closing of flowers of Nelumbo species is the increase and decrease in the size of the petal cells.

Characterization of hemicellulose in sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaetn.) petiole during xylogenesis

Hemicelluloses play a crucial role in connecting cellulose and lignin within the plant cell wall and find extensive biotechnological applications. There is a notable gap in research concerning the hemicellulose from Nelumbo nucifera, the basal eudicot adapted to aquatic environments. To fill this gap, hemicellulose characteristics from the apical to the basal segments of petioles from 4-month-old N. nucifera plants were examined. Results showed that during the initial phase of xylogenesis, xyloglucan predominated in the hemicellulose fraction, while later stages were gradually dominated by 4-O-methyl-D-glucurono-D-xylan (MGX). Having a typical tetrasaccharide reducing end, the glucuronoxylan in N. nucifera was also shown with a typical the MeGlcA on the C2 Xyl carbon sidechain. The total degree of acetylation increased from apex (0.45) to base (0.55) of petiole. Notably, no arabinosyl side-chains were detected in the N. nucifera xylan, suggesting that N. nucifera hemicellulose aligns most closely with dicot wood rather than the non-commelinid monocot (grass). Transcriptomic analysis also indicated that the middle and basal region exhibited higher xylan synthesis activity. This study contributes new evidence supporting the conservation of dicotyledonous hemicellulose during evolution.

A multifunctional and tough lotus root starch-based bio-photonic hydrogel for stretchable fabric pattern color change and water rewriting.

Photonic crystal hydrogels (PCHs) are innovative materials that translate imperceptible deformations and humidity changes into visible colors, broadening the applications of photonics in bioengineering and smart materials. To overcome poor mechanical properties of traditional PCHs limited by weak intermolecular forces, we designed a PCH with a dual-network framework comprising N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide (NIPAM-co-AM) and biomass lotus root starch (LR). Since LR is rich in hydroxyl groups, it can undergo molecular linkage entanglement with the NIPAM-co-AM hydrogel matrix, forming hydrogen bonds that significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the PCH. We have prepared PCH films capable of conveying multidimensional information about the extent and distribution of transient deformation by encapsulating magnetic photonic crystal microspheres (MPCMs) within a hydrogel matrix. The PCH films were found to have ultrafast response time (< 10 s), full-color tunable range, high spatial resolution, excellent mechanical toughness (tensile up to 0.17 MPa) and sensitivity (2.52 nm %-1), and were able to sense relative humidity (RH) from 11 % to 98 %. Equipped with a dynamically reconfigurable lattice, this dual-responsive (tensile/humidity) PCH not only facilitates the creation of water-rewritable photonic films but also holds promise for integration into structural color elastic fabrics, thereby presenting novel prospects for smart textile applications.

Assessment of genetic variability and genotypic correlation analysis for yield and yield associate traits of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) genotypes

Assessment of genetic variability and genotypic correlation analysis for yield and yield associate traits of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) genotypes

『고려사(高麗史)·악지(樂志)』 소재 당악정재(唐樂呈才)에 나타나는 채련곡(採蓮曲) 공연 요소 고찰

This paper argues that dangakjeongjae (Chinese court festive dance) recorded in akji (music articles) of Goryeosa (高麗史) used performance elements of “Cailian Qu” (採蓮曲). “Cailian Qu” (lit. a song of picking lotus) transformed into a court song and dance performance after the Southern Dynasties. This performance took on even more diverse aspects through the Tang and Song Dynasties. “Yunshao yue” (雲韶樂) in the mid-Tang period was made by combining “Cailian Qu” with “NichangYuyi” (霓裳羽衣); a lotus-picking woman leads ‘Xi Wangmu’ (西王母) who dances “NichangYuyi”. The performance of “ZheHonglianDui” (折紅蓮隊) in the Five Dynasties features many beautiful fairies from the ‘Penglai Mountain’ (蓬萊山) who come to pick lotus flowers and then present song and dance. In this way, the image of fairies in “Cailian Qu” had been reinforced after the middle of the Tang Dynasty. Dangakjeongjae presented in Goryeosa includes three elements of the “Cailian Qu” performance. First, ‘Xi Wangmu’ appears during the performance, which is the influence of the performance of “Yunshao yue”. Second, a female performer mentions congratulatory and eulogistic remarks toward a king. This is not because the performance group is composed of all women, but because it is a tradition of “Cailian Qu” performance. Third, congratulatory and eulogistic remarks were established as procedures--in the entrance, middle, and exit scenes. Among them, the singing in the middle introduction announces the start of the dance performance, which is also seen in the ‘duiwu (隊舞)’ of the Southern Song Dynasty. Therefore, it can be said that the performance elements of “Cailian Qu” appear in dangakjeongjae

Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Soup Supplemented with Lotus Root Powder

Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Soup Supplemented with Lotus Root Powder

C-13 Norisoprenoids and Eudesmanoids from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Regulate the Lipid Metabolism via the AMPK/ACC/SREBP-1c Signaling Pathway.

Lotustine A (1), an undescribed C-13 norisoprenoid, along with 22 known analogues and two eudesmanoids, were isolated from the aerial parts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Among them, compounds 2, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25 were isolated from N. nucifera leaves for the first time. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, and the modified Mosher's method. Compound 1 is the first example of C-13 norisoprenoid with a terminal double bond between C-5 and C-13. Moreover, the lipid-lowering activities of the isolates were evaluated, and the results showed that 2, 24 and 25 could remarkably decrease the levels of both total cholesterol and triglyceride in free fatty acids induced HepG2 cells at the concentration of 20 μM. The oil red staining assay further demonstrated the lipid-lowering effects of 2, 24 and 25. The western blot results indicated that compounds 2, 24 and 25 could regulate the lipid metabolism via the activation of the AMPK/ACC/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.

Genetic Diversity of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Genotypes Assessed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers

Genetic Diversity of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Genotypes Assessed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers

Nuciferine Alleviates High-Fat Diet- and ApoE-/--Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Ferroptosis in NAFLD Mice via the PPARα Signaling Pathway.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes significant global mortality and healthcare costs with no recommended pharmacological intervention for clinical management. Nuciferine (Nuc) is an alkaloid with aromatic rings, abundantly found in Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. In this study, we explored the protective mechanisms of Nuc against hepatic steatosis and ferroptosis in NAFLD. High-fat diet (HFD) and healthy male ApoE-/- mice were used to induce NAFLD and a hypercholesterolemia model. Nuc was administered to the mice for four consecutive weeks from the ninth week. Various assessments, including histopathology, RNA sequencing, lipid metabolism, and ferroptosis-related protein expression, showed that Nuc alleviated hepatic steatosis and ferroptosis. We further showed that Nuc improves fatty acid accumulation and ferroptosis through the PPARα signaling pathway in mice and RSL3-treated AML-12 cells. The PPARα inhibitor GW6471 blocked Nuc's protective effects, leading to excess accumulation of iron ions. Thus, Nuc may be a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD.

Study on Quality and Starch Characteristics of Powdery and Crispy Lotus Roots.

Nine varieties of lotus root (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011, and Zhenzhu) were selected as the research materials to compare their differences in physical, chemical, and starch characteristics before and after boiling, frying, and microwaving. The results showed that Zhenzhu, Xinhe, L0013, Cuiyu, and Zhonghua belong to the crispy lotus root type, while L0011, L0014, Zaohua, and Suining belong to the powdery lotus root type. Furthermore, the nine varieties were characterized for their starch by optical micrograph (OM), polarized micrograph (PM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), carbon-13 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The starch granule of powdery lotus root appeared to be larger than that of crispy lotus, and ATR-FTIR studies revealed that the outer layer of starch granules from nine different varieties of lotus root had a highly organized structure. Moreover, XRD and 13C CP/MAS NMR analyses revealed that starch from eight lotus varieties (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011) belong to the A-crystal type, while starch from Zhenzhu belongs to the CA-crystal type. The starch from powdery lotus root exhibited higher crystallinity, as well as increased gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, indicating that its crystal structure was relatively superior compared to that of crispy lotus starch. The short-range order degree, crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, and heat enthalpy of lotus starch decreased after boiling and frying but increased to varying extents after microwaving. Additionally, the heat resistance and stability of starch particles from crispy lotus root were improved after microwave treatment.

Cell wall remodeling confers plant architecture with distinct wall structure in Nelumbo nucifera.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) is a perennial aquatic horticultural plant with diverse architectures. Distinct plant architecture (PA) has certain attractive and practical qualities, but its genetic morphogenesis in lotus remains elusive. In this study, we employ genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) for the seven traits of petiole length (PLL), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), peduncle length (PLF), flower diameter (FD), petal length (PeL), and petal width (PeW) in 301 lotus accessions. A total of 90 loci are identified to associate with these traits across 4 years of trials. Meanwhile, we perform RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze the differential expression of the gene (DEG) transcripts between large and small PA (LPA and SPA) of lotus stems (peduncles and petioles). As a result, eight key candidate genes are identified that are all primarily involved in plant cell wall remodeling significantly associated with PA traits by integrating the results of DEGs and GWAS. To verify this result, we compare the cell wall compositions and structures of LPA versus SPA in representative lotus germplasms. Intriguingly, compared with the SPA lotus, the LPA varieties have higher content of cellulose and hemicellulose, but less filling substrates of pectin and lignin. Additionally, we verified longer cellulose chains and higher cellulose crystallinity with less interference in LPA varieties. Taken together, our study illustrates how plant cell wall remodeling affects PA in lotus, shedding light on the genetic architecture of this significant ornamental trait and offering a priceless genetic resource for future genomic-enabled breeding.

Enhanced antioxidant activities, polyphenols, flavonoids, and free amino acid contents of Nelumbo nucifera bee pollen via high hydrostatic pressure treatment

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to address the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) bee pollen (LBP). The total phenolic contents (TPC) and free amino acids were determined and flavonoid composition was identified by UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS. Five analytical methods including DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, FRAP, and silver nanoparticles antioxidant capacity were used for the antioxidant activity analysis. The results revealed a significant increase in the TPC and free amino acid compositions after HHP treatment. The DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, FRAP, and AgNPAC of the extracted fractions were augmented by over 13.94, 2.9, 2.68, 85, and 2.6 times, respectively. PCA analysis showed a strong correlation between TPC, some distinct flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. These results indicated that HHP enhances the antioxidant activity of LBP via increase in amino acids, TPC, and some flavonoids such as Licoagrone, Kuwanon K, Cyanidin 3-rutinoside, etc.

Lotus growth and development in artificial water bodies in the conditions of the Stavropol Upland

Relevance. The creation of a botanical collection of the lotus family made it possible to study the biology and adaptive features of a rare relict species of Nelumbo nucifera and its variety in the conditions of the Stavropol Upland.Methods. The main phases of development (the beginning of growth, budding, flowering) were recorded. Statistical processing was carried out by the method of variance analysis according to G.N. Zaitsev.Results. In 2010, Nelumbo nucifera seeds were purchased from the Volga River Delta and planted in a 100-liter container, which was located in a closed ground. From 2010 to 2014, the plant vegetated every year from the second decade of January to November, in November, vegetation was artificially stopped. With such agricultural techniques, the plant had no flowering and fruiting phases. In June 2014, rhizomes were planted and lotus seeds were sown in a pond made of butyl rubber film. In 2017, the first flowering was observed. During the study period, the plants did not reach natural indicators, on average, the diameter of the leaves is less by 18.5 ± 1.6 cm, the flowers are 2 ± 0.1 cm, the height is 1.0–1.5 m. The duration of flowering is 57 ± 4 days, which corresponds to the natural conditions of lotus growth from mid-July to early September. During the years of research, 495 seeds were obtained. Under the influence of abiotic factors, the nut-bearing lotus lives up to 8 years in the botanical garden. Nelumbo nucifera Betsy grows intensively, flowering occurred in the third year after sowing, leaf diameter 57 ± 3 cm, height above the water surface 78 ± 7 cm, flowering duration 73 ± 7 days, which is longer than that of the nut-bearing lotus, full-fledged seeds are formed.

Multivariate genetic analysis and diversity assessment in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) accessions

The present study was carried out during 2019 to 2022 at the Floriculture Research Station (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Thovalai, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu to access the genetic variability in lotus accessions (Nelumbo nucifera) collected from 6 diverse locations. The research presents significant insights into the growth and flowering characteristics of these extraordinary aquatic plants and their adaptability to various environmental conditions. The analysis of mean performance showcases noteworthy variations in plant height, leaf dimensions, flowering time and the number of leaves, and flowers/plant across different collection sites, highlighting the profound influence of local environmental conditions on lotus growth. Lotus traits with significant genetic diversity and heritability, presenting opportunities for targeted selective breeding were identified. Principal component analysis uncovers key trait influencers, while cluster analysis categorizes accessions based on similarities, streamlining research and cultivation. Correlation and path analysis unveil relationships among lotus traits, enhancing our understanding of growth factors. D2 cluster composition reveals distinct groupings; Cluster I includes KNn1 and KNn5, Cluster II features KNn2, Cluster III comprises KNn6, Cluster IV contains KNn3, and Cluster V houses KNn4. Genetic divergence analysis identifies the number of flowers/plant as the primary driver of genetic diversity, emphasizing its importance for breeding. It underscores the need to consider both genetic and environmental factors in lotus cultivation and highlights the importance of targeted breeding efforts to unlock the full potential of lotus.

Characterization and Molecular Engineering of a N-Methyltransferase from Edible Nelumbo nucifera Leaves Involved in Nuciferine Biosynthesis.

Lotus leaf, traditionally used as both edible tea and herbal medicine in Asia, contains nuciferine, a lipid-lowering and weight-loss compoud. The biosynthetic pathways of nuciferine in Nelumbo nucifera remain unclear. We characterized a specific N-methyltransferase, NnNMT, which had a novel function and catalyzed only nuciferine synthesis from the aporphine-type alkaloid N-nornuciferine. The expression profile of NnNMT was in agreement with BIA accumulation patterns in four tissues from three varieties, suggesting that NnNMT is involved in nucleiferine biosynthesis in Nelumbo nucifera. Protein engineering based on molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed key residues (Y98, H208, F256, Y81, F329, G260, P76, and H80) crucial for NnNMT activity, with the F257A mutant showing increased efficiency. These findings enhance our understanding of aporphine alkaloid biosynthesis and support the development of lotus-based functional foods and medicinal applications.