Nitrogen-containing Metabolites Research Articles

Safety evaluation of Plukenetia volubilis seeds: a metabolomic profiling and network toxicology approach.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) seeds and oil have been integrated into daily diets. However, scientific reports have raised concerns regarding potential health risks associated with saponins and alkaloids in this seeds. This study employed a combination analysis using proton-NMR, GC-MS, LC-QTOF, and GNPS molecular networking to evaluate the chemical composition of these seeds. In silico toxicology analysis and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were conducted to investigate the potential toxicity effects of Sacha Inchi seeds and their contained metabolites. The results revealed that major components of these seeds are oils (linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids) and sugars, with minor amounts of phytosterols and trigonelline, a pyridine alkaloid. GNPS analysis suggested the absence of saponins, instead, it identified trigonelline and a few other nitrogen-containing metabolites (amino acids and oligopeptides). In silico toxicology analysis indicated that this sample did not exhibit toxicity. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity screening demonstrated no cytotoxic effects against NIH-3T3 cells, even at 400 μg mL-1. In general, these findings collectively indicated the absence of saponins, the presence of phytosterols and trigonellin (a pyridine alkaloid), and a low safety risk related to saponin and alkaloid content in the Sacha Inchi seeds.

Aphid-Resistant Plant Secondary Metabolites: Types, Insecticidal Mechanisms, and Prospects for Utilization.

Aphids pose a significant threat to global agricultural crop production, leading to widespread pesticide use and resistance. This necessitates the use of alternative substances, like plant secondary metabolites (PSMs). Plants have developed protective compounds known as alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, sulfur- and nitrogen-containing metabolites. These compounds exhibit promising characteristics against aphids, such as antifeedant, aphicidal, and disrupting survival fitness. This review highlights the importance and application of secondary metabolites in combating aphid populations. Different insect-resistant substances have different mechanisms for managing aphids and other pests, including defensive signaling, inhibiting growth, and attracting natural predators by releasing herbivore-induced volatiles (HIPV). The application of plant secondary metabolites as biopesticides has proven to be an effective, economical, and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticide chemicals. Furthermore, this review comprehensively discusses the principle role of plant secondary metabolites, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and emphasizing the integrated management of the aphid population.

Leaves and roots metabolomic signatures underlying rootstock-mediated water stress tolerance in grafted pepper plants

Grafting onto pepper rootstock NIBER® is an effective strategy to mitigate water stress effects on the grafted variety. In this work, we comparatively explored the metabolomic responses to water stress in the pepper variety “Maestral F1” (V) grafted onto NIBER® (V/N) and self-grafted (V/V) by untargeted metabolomics on leaves and roots. Leaf water status was also evaluated by relative water content (RWC) and gas exchange measurements. Under water stress, the V/N water use efficiency (WUE) and leaf RWC were higher than V/V, in agreement with major stomata closure and water retention in leaves. V/N showed a tolerance response, which was manifested in the untargeted metabolomic analysis. NIBER® modulated the grafted variety response to water stress as reflected in the differential metabolomic profiles in leaves and roots. The V/N-enriched metabolic pathways showed that the NIBER® response to water stress involved cutin and suberin biosynthesis, which act as protection layers, and jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonates biosynthesis to favor signaling pathways. NIBER® did not induce flavonols and chlorophyll b synthesis, but likely promoted anthocyanins biosynthesis and maintained an undisturbed chlorophyll a:chlorophyll b ratio. Moreover, NIBER® increased vitamin B6, anthocyanins and stearic acid concentration in the variety leaves, whereas siroheme content rose in roots to improve nitrogen assimilation. Further studies are required to understand the contribution of secondary metabolites, such as phenylpropanoids, glycoalkaloids, and nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, to NIBER® water stress tolerance.

Metabolomic characterization of alkali stress responses in rice

Soil alkalinity due to the accumulation of alkaline salts greatly impairs crop production. Despite advancements in crop stress response studies through metabolomic analyses, limited progress has been made in understanding cultivar differences in alkali tolerance due to the scarcity of suitable genetic material. This study aimed to characterize the metabolic responses to alkali stress in two rice cultivars, Kasalath (alkali-sensitive) and Gharib (alkali-tolerant), which were screened in an alkali soil field. A metabolomic analysis of the responses of hydroponically grown seedlings of both cultivars to alkaline and neutral salt stress was performed. Under alkali stress, the tolerant cultivar Gharib showed a significant accumulation of metabolites from the TCA organic acid and arginine synthesis pathways. This accumulation is consistent with observations in alkaliphilic wild grasses and may account for the superior alkali tolerance of Gharib. Although amino acids and nitrogen-containing metabolites, such as asparagine and allantoin, also accumulated under alkali stress, their accumulation was not specific to alkali stress, as previously reported. They accumulated similarly in both Kasalath and Gharib, suggesting that while these metabolites may alleviate alkali stress, they are unlikely to be responsible for cultivar differences in rice alkali tolerance.

Relationship between Compound α-Ketoacid and Microinflammation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the presence of structural or functional abnormalities in the kidneys that affect health, lasting for more than 3 months. CKD is not only the direct cause of global incidence rate and mortality, but also an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Persistent microinflammatory state has been recognized as an important component of CKD, which can lead to renal fibrosis and loss of renal function, and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology and progression of the disease. Simultaneously, compound α-Ketoacid can bind nitrogen-containing metabolites in the blood and accelerate their excretion from the body, thereby reducing the level of metabolic waste, alleviating gastrointestinal reactions in patients, and reducing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress state of the body. Compound α-Ketoacid contains amino acids required by CKD patients. In this review, we explore the relationship between compound α-Ketoacid and microinflammation in patients with CKD. The review indicated that compound α-Ketoacid can improve the microinflammatory state in CKD patients by improving the nutritional status of CKD patients, improving patient's acid-base balance disorder, regulating oxidative stress, improving gut microbiota, and regulating abnormal lipid metabolism.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ОРЕГОНИНА НА МИКРОБИОМ И ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ АМИНОКИСЛОТНОГО ФОНДА КИШЕЧНИКА, ПЕЧЕНИ И ПЛАЗМЫ

Background. This article analyzes the effect of a course intragastric administration of oregonin on the microbiocenosis of parietal mucin, the morphological structure of the intestinal mucosa, as well as the formation of the amino acid fund of the microbial-tissue complex of the small intestine, liver and plasma. Objective. The aim of the study was to identify the mechanisms of the biological activity of oregonin when administered to normal animals. Material and methods. The experiments were performed on white female rats weighing 180-240 g. The animals were enterally administered with 0.005% aqueous solution of oregonin at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight for 10 days daily. The control group received equivalent volumes of saline. In samples of the microbial-tissue complex of the small intestine, liver and plasma, the concentrations of free amino acids and their nitrogen-containing metabolites were determined by HPLC. Morphological and microbiological studies were carried out according to standard methods. Results. In animals treated with oregonin, there were no negative changes in the structure of the jejunal wall. In the microbiome of the parietal mucin, an increase in the population of anaerobes was observed, due to the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. At the same time, a bacteriostatic effect was recorded against lactose-negative and gas -forming microflora. In the microbial-tissue complex of the small intestine, after the enteral administration of oregonin, the total levels of amino acids and nitrogen-containing derivatives, which are produced mainly by facultative anaerobic microflora, decreased. In the liver, the intake of oregonin led to an increase in the total amount of amino acids and their derivatives. The total content of proteinogenic amino acids and their nitrogen-containing derivatives also decreased in the blood plasma. Conclusion. Oregonin demonstrates a high biological activity when administered enterally to animals. Positive changes in the intestinal microbiome and increased production of mucin, on the one hand, probably inhibit the production of nitrogen-containing products by facultative anaerobes, and on the other hand, initiate the use of free amino acids for biosynthetic purposes in tissues, while preventing their catabolism.

Genus Litophyton: A Hidden Treasure Trove of Structurally Unique and Diversely Bioactive Secondary Metabolites.

Marine soft corals are prolific sources of various natural products that have served as a wealthy reservoir of diverse chemical scaffolds with potential as new drug leads. The genus Litophyton contains almost 100 species but only a small proportion of them has been chemically investigated, which calls for more attentions from global researchers. In the current work, 175 secondary metabolites have been discussed, drawing from published data spanning almost five decades, up to July 2023. The studied species of the genus Litophyton resided in various tropical and temperate regions and encompassed a broad range of biologically active natural products including terpenes, steroids, nitrogen-containing metabolites, lipids, and other metabolites. A wide spectrum of pharmacological effects of these compounds had been evaluated, such as cytotoxic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-malarial, antifeedant, anti-inflammatory, molluscicidal, PTP1B inhibitory, insect growth inhibitory, and neuroprotective activities. This review aims to offer an up-to-date survey of the literature and provide a comprehensive understanding of the chemical structures, taxonomical distributions, and biological activities of the reported metabolites from the title genus whenever available.

Application of 15N-Edited 1H-13C Correlation NMR Spectroscopy─Toward Fragment-Based Metabolite Identification and Screening via HCN Constructs.

Many key building blocks of life contain nitrogen moieties. Despite the prevalence of nitrogen-containing metabolites in nature, 15N nuclei are seldom used in NMR-based metabolite assignment due to their low natural abundance and lack of comprehensive chemical shift databases. However, with advancements in isotope labeling strategies, 13C and 15N enriched metabolites are becoming more common in metabolomic studies. Simple multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments that correlate 1H and 15N via single bond 1JNH or multiple bond 2-3JNH couplings using heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) or heteronuclear multiple bond coherence are well established and routinely applied for structure elucidation. However, a 1H-15N correlation spectrum of a metabolite mixture can be difficult to deconvolute, due to the lack of a 15N specific database. In order to bridge this gap, we present here a broadband 15N-edited 1H-13C HSQC NMR experiment that targets metabolites containing 15N moieties. Through this approach, nitrogen-containing metabolites, such as amino acids, nucleotide bases, and nucleosides, are identified based on their 13C, 1H, and 15N chemical shift information. This approach was tested and validated using a [15N, 13C] enriched Daphnia magna (water flea) metabolite extract, where the number of clearly resolved 15N-containing peaks increased from only 11 in a standard HSQC to 51 in the 15N-edited HSQC, and the number of obscured peaks decreased from 59 to just 7. The approach complements the current repertoire of NMR techniques for mixture deconvolution and holds considerable potential for targeted metabolite NMR in 15N, 13C enriched systems.

The effect of acetaminophen on the structural and functional state of the large intestine and intestinal microflora

Objective. To assess the condition of the microbial-tissue complex of the large intestine when hepatotoxic concentrations of acetaminophen are administrated to the body of animals.Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 24 white outbred rats weighing 180–220 g, which were divided into three groups. The control group received 2% starch solution enterally, the first experimental group was enterally administered with acetaminophen in starch solution at a dose of 1500 mg per kilogram of body weight, five times a day with one day interval; and the second experimental group was administered with acetaminophen at a dose of 2500 mg per kilogram of body weight the same way. Free amino acids and their nitrogen-containing metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography in samples of the microbial-tissue complex (MTC) of the large intestine previously frozen at -70 °C. For microbiological study, the aseptically isolated MTC was immediately sent to a microbiological laboratory for identification of the content of the main representatives of the intestinal microflora. Samples of the wall of the ascending colon were subjected to histological and electron microscopic examination. The hepatotoxic effect of acetaminophen was evaluated by registering the activity of enzymes and the content of total bilirubin in blood plasma.Results. Enteral administration of hepatotoxic amounts of acetaminophen to rats increases the concentrations of free amino acids and their nitrogen-containing derivatives in the microbial-tissue complex of the large intestine. At the same time, the concentrations of essential amino acids are significantly increased. Morphological changes in the cells of the epithelium of the large intestine and the structure of mitochondria have been shown.Conclusions. Toxic doses of acetaminophen have a significant impact on the indicators of the microbial-tissue complex of the large intestine. There are changes in biochemical parameters of amino acid metabolism: increased levels of substitutable amino acids and changes in the colonocytes (size and shape of mitochondria, the height of the brush border, the volume of the goblet cells), indicating decreased ability of the cells to use amino acids to support the functioning of the Krebs cycle. This is also confirmed by significantly increased concentrations of essential amino acids, which are mainly used for protein synthesis. The dysbiosis caused by acetaminophen further contributes to the damage to the large intestine. The negative effect of acetaminophen is confirmed by the dose-dependent changes we found in the microbial-tissue complex.

Current Status and De Novo Synthesis of Anti-Tumor Alkaloids in Nicotiana

Alkaloids are the most diversified nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and are extensively used in pharmaceuticals to treat different types of cancer. Nicotiana serves as a reservoir of anti-cancer alkaloids and is also used as a model plant for the de novo synthesis of various anti-cancer molecules through genetic engineering. Up to 4% of the total dry weight of Nicotiana was found to be composed of alkaloids, where nicotine, nornicotine, anatabine, and anabasine are reported as the dominant alkaloids. Additionally, among the alkaloids present in Nicotiana, β-carboline (Harmane and Norharmane) and Kynurenines are found to show anti-tumor effects, especially in the cases of colon and breast cancers. Creating new or shunting of existing biosynthesis pathways in different species of Nicotiana resulted in de novo or increased synthesis of different anti-tumor molecules or their derivatives or precursors including Taxadiane (~22.5 µg/g), Artemisinin (~120 μg/g), Parthenolide (~2.05 ng/g), Costunolide (~60 ng/g), Etoposide (~1 mg/g), Crocin (~400 µg/g), Catharanthine (~60 ng/g), Tabersonine (~10 ng/g), Strictosidine (~0.23 mg/g), etc. Enriching the precursor pool, especially Dimethylallyl Diphosphate (DMAPP), down-regulating other bi-product pathways, compartmentalization or metabolic shunting, or organelle-specific reconstitution of the precursor pool, might trigger the enhanced accumulation of the targeted anti-cancer alkaloid in Nicotiana.

The Invasive Anemone Condylactis sp. of the Coral Reef as a Source of Sulfur- and Nitrogen-Containing Metabolites and Cytotoxic 5,8-Epidioxy Steroids.

The Condylactis-genus anemones were examined for their proteinaceous poisons over 50 years ago. On the other hand, the current research focuses on isolating and describing the non-proteinaceous secondary metabolites from the invasive Condylactis anemones, which help take advantage of their population outbreak as a new source of chemical candidates and potential drug leads. From an organic extract of Condylactis sp., a 1,2,4-thiadiazole-based alkaloid, identified as 3,5-bis(3-pyridinyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazole (1), was found to be a new natural alkaloid despite being previously synthesized. The full assignment of NMR data of compound 1, based on the analysis of 2D NMR correlations, is reported herein for the first time. The proposed biosynthetic precursor thionicotinamide (2) was also isolated for the first time from nature along with nicotinamide (3), uridine (5), hypoxanthine (6), and four 5,8-epidioxysteroids (7-10). A major secondary metabolite (-)-betonicine (4) was isolated from Condylactis sp. and found for the first time in marine invertebrates. The four 5,8-epidioxysteroids, among other metabolites, exhibited cytotoxicity (IC50 3.5-9.0 μg/mL) toward five cancer cell lines.

Biochemical composition of <i>Euglena gracilis</i> cells during mixotrophic growth in the presence of various organic substrates

The general biochemical composition and profile of low molecular weight metabolites of euglena (Euglena gracilis Klebs.) cells grown in a mixotrophic culture supplemented with 0.5% ethanol, glucose, butanol, glycine, or glycerol was studied. Ethanol and glucose significantly stimulated the growth of the Euglena culture and the accumulation of storage compounds (paramylon and wax esters) in the cells. Butanol also contributed to the division of euglena cells and increased biosynthesis of protein, mono- and disaccharides, carotenoids, and tocopherols. Glycine and glycerol were metabolized more slowly than other substrates, and they accumulated in E. gracilis cells along with their direct derivatives. Glycine did not stimulate the growth of the culture, but it caused the accumulation of paramylon, organic acids of the Krebs cycle, and nitrogen-containing metabolites (chlorophyll, free amino acids, and nitrogenous bases) in the cells. Apparently, glycine is equally effectively used by Euglena as an additional source of both carbon and nitrogen under the conditions of mixotrophy. Assimilation of glycerol was accompanied by the accumulation of wax esters and the amino acids proline and ornithine in Euglena cells. In general, the results obtained demonstrate the ability of Euglena to significantly rearrange its metabolism during the assimilation of organic substrates of various chemical nature. Our data can be used in the context of E. gracilis practical applications.

Micro- and nanoencapsulation of natural phytochemicals: Challenges and recent perspectives for the food and nutraceuticals industry applications.

Worldwide, there has been growing interest in the research, development, and commercialization of functional bioactive components and nutraceuticals. As a result of consumer awareness of the relationship between diet, health, and disease, the consumption of plant-derived bioactive components has recently increased in the past two decades. Phytochemicals are bioactive nutrient plant chemicals in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods that may provide desirable health benefits beyond essential nutrition. They may reduce the risk of major chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and psychotic diseases and have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, cholesterol-lowering, antithrombotic, or anti-inflammatory effects. Phytochemicals have been recently studied and explored for various purposes, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, coloring agents, biopesticides, and food additives. These compounds are known as secondary metabolites and are commonly classified as polyphenols, terpenoids (terpenes), tocotrienols and tocopherols, carotenoids, alkaloids and other nitrogen-containing metabolites, stilbenes and lignans, phenolic acids, and glucosinates. Thus, this chapter aims to define the general chemistry, classification, and essential sources of phytochemicals, as well as describe the potential application of phytochemicals in the food and nutraceuticals industry, explaining the main properties of interest of the different compounds. Finally, the leading technologies involving micro and nanoencapsulation of phytochemicals are extensively detailed to protect them against degradation and enhance their solubility, bioavailability, and better applicability in the pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical industry. The main challenges and perspectives are detailed.

Metabolic link between auxin production and specialized metabolites in Sorghum bicolor.

Aldoximes are amino acid derivatives that serve as intermediates for numerous specialized metabolites including cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, and auxins. Aldoxime formation is mainly catalyzed by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of the 79 family (CYP79s) that can have broad or narrow substrate specificity. Except for SbCYP79A1, aldoxime biosynthetic enzymes in the cereal sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) have not been characterized. This study identified nine CYP79-encoding genes in the genome of sorghum. A phylogenetic analysis of CYP79 showed that SbCYP79A61 formed a subclade with maize ZmCYP79A61, previously characterized to be involved in aldoxime biosynthesis. Functional characterization of this sorghum enzyme using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and stable overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that SbCYP79A61 catalyzes the production of phenylacetaldoxime (PAOx) from phenylalanine but, unlike the maize enzyme, displays no detectable activity against tryptophan. Additionally, targeted metabolite analysis after stable isotope feeding assays revealed that PAOx can serve as a precursor of phenylacetic acid (PAA) in sorghum and identified benzyl cyanide as an intermediate of PAOx-derived PAA biosynthesis in both sorghum and maize. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SbCYP79A61 produces PAOx in sorghum and may serve in the biosynthesis of other nitrogen-containing phenylalanine-derived metabolites involved in mediating biotic and abiotic stresses.

Chronic renal failure in aged cats changes in hematological parameters and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment in small veterinary clinics

The article presents the results of hematological studies in aged cats with chronic renal insufficiency. The aim is to study changes in hematological parameters in aged cats with chronic renal failure and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in small veterinary clinics. The studies were performed on sick animals belonging to private owners (n=24). A total of 66 samples of blood and blood serum were examined. Clinical and hematological studies were carried out according to methods generally accepted in veterinary practice.Unidirectional changes in the level of red blood indicators were revealed in aged cats, which is associated with the depletion of compensatory capabilities of the red bone marrow. In the blood serum of age-related patients, the content of nitrogenous products (total protein, urea, creatinine) was increased, indicating the fourth stage of renal dysfunction on the IRIS scale. Thus, in aged animals with chronic renal insufficiency syndrome, a decrease in the rate of hematopoiesis and glomerular filtration of the kidneys, a tendency to hepatopathy, osseopathy and changes in the elemental composition of the internal environment of the body were established. The treatment was carried out with the transfer to the Renal series feed and the improvement of the drinking regimeEtiotropic therapy included oral administration of sinulox at the rate of 12.5 mg / kg of body weight, twice a day, for 5- 7 days. Substitution treatment included intravenous administration of saline solution. Symptomatic treatment consisted of intramuscular administration of pyridoxine and cyancobalamin, oral use of the drug "bio-iron" in courses of 10 procedures.Two patients died. The 15 out of 22 cats showed an improvement in clinical indicators and an increase in body weight. The use of treatment of age-related patients with symptoms of stage IV chronic renal failure for 10 days allowed to stimulate appetite, improve diuresis and thirst, stop inflammatory processes in the body and support hematopoiesis, reduce the level of nitrogen-containing metabolites. But it is impossible to achieve a complete restoration of the functional activity of all organs.

Amino acid balance of microbial-tissue complex in the small intestinal and liver under administration of lead acetate

It is known that the initiating event of liver damage during lead intoxication is the effect of lead on the intestinal microbiome and the metabolic profile of enterocytes. The aim of the study was to reveal the dependence of the concentrations of free amino acids and their derivatives in the liver on the amino acid pool of the microbial-tissue complex of the small intestine. We used rats weighing 120‒140 g, which were injected intragastrically for three weeks with drinking water with lead acetate. Free amino acids and their nitrogen-containing metabolites in the microbial-tissue complex of the intestine and liver were determined by HPLC. Enteral intake of lead acetate with drinking water changes the profile of free amino acids and their derivatives in the microbial-tissue complex of the small intestine, which correlates with a violation of amino acid homeostasis in the liver. The analysis of the correlations of the indicators we determined indicates the essential role of nitrogen-containing metabolites of amino acids ‒ ethanolamine and phosphoethanolamine, taurine, and cystathionine. The direction of the correlation relationship between various nitrogen-containing metabolites of the microbial-tissue complex and the liver can be considered as marker of discoordination of homeostasis.

Nitrogen-Containing Secondary Metabolites from a Deep-Sea Fungus Aspergillus unguis and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Aspergillus is well-known as the second-largest contributor of fungal natural products. Based on NMR guided isolation, three nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites, including two new compounds, variotin B (1) and coniosulfide E (2), together with a known compound, unguisin A (3), were isolated from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of the deep-sea fungus Aspergillus unguis IV17-109. The planar structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by an extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). The absolute configuration of 2 was determined by comparison of its optical rotation value with those of the synthesized analogs. Compound 2 is a rare, naturally occurring substance with an unusual cysteinol moiety. Furthermore, 1 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 value of 20.0 µM. These results revealed that Aspergillus unguis could produce structurally diverse nitrogenous secondary metabolites, which can be used for further studies to find anti-inflammatory leads.

Genome-Wide Association Reveals Trait Loci for Seed Glucosinolate Accumulation in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.).

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are sulphur- and nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites implicated in the fitness of Brassicaceae and appreciated for their pungency and health-conferring properties. In Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.), GSL content and composition are seed-quality-determining traits affecting its economic value. Depending on the end use, i.e., condiment or oil, different GSL levels constitute breeding targets. The genetic control of GSL accumulation in Indian mustard, however, is poorly understood, and current knowledge of GSL biosynthesis and regulation is largely based on Arabidopsis thaliana. A genome-wide association study was carried out to dissect the genetic architecture of total GSL content and the content of two major GSLs, sinigrin and gluconapin, in a diverse panel of 158 Indian mustard lines, which broadly grouped into a South Asia cluster and outside-South-Asia cluster. Using 14,125 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genotyping input, seven distinct significant associations were discovered for total GSL content, eight associations for sinigrin content and 19 for gluconapin. Close homologues of known GSL structural and regulatory genes were identified as candidate genes in proximity to peak SNPs. Our results provide a comprehensive map of the genetic control of GLS biosynthesis in Indian mustard, including priority targets for further investigation and molecular marker development.

A Bitter-Sweet Story: Unraveling the Genes Involved in Quinolizidine Alkaloid Synthesis in Lupinus albus.

Alkaloids are part of a structurally diverse group of over 21,000 cyclic nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites that are found in over 20% of plant species. Lupinus albus are naturally containing quinolizidine alkaloid (QA) legumes, with wild accessions containing up to 11% of QA in seeds. Notwithstanding their clear advantages as a natural protecting system, lupin-breeding programs have selected against QA content without proper understanding of quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. This review summarizes the current status in this field, with focus on the utilization of natural mutations such as the one contained in pauper locus, and more recently the development of molecular markers, which along with the advent of sequencing technology, have facilitated the identification of candidate genes located in the pauper region. New insights for future research are provided, including the utilization of differentially expressed genes located on the pauper locus, as candidates for genome editing. Identification of the main genes involved in the biosynthesis of QA will enable precision breeding of low-alkaloid, high nutrition white lupin. This is important as plant based high quality protein for food and feed is an essential for sustainable agricultural productivity.

Активированные азотсодержащие метаболиты организма человека при заболеваниях органов дыхания. Генераторы и генерация (часть 1)

В обзоре литературы изложена история открытия монооксида азота, рассмотрена характеристика нитрооксидсинтаз, представлены современные данные об активированных азотсодержащих метаболитах человеческого организма при заболеваниях органов дыхания.