Pectin Synthesis Research Articles

Betula platyphylla glucosyltransferase BpGT14;6 is essential for cell wall development and stress response

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) constitute a diverse family of synthetic polysaccharides with important roles in plant growth and development. This study characterized the GT14 family gene BpGT14;6 of birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.). BpGT14;6 was highly expressed in the xylem and stem of birch plants. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that BpGT14;6 was located in the Golgi apparatus. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of BpGT14;6 revealed lower lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin contents compared to wild type (WT) plants. Following treatment with abscisic acid (ABA), compared to WT plants, RNAi-BpGT14;6 plants were more sensitive to ABA, suffered more membrane lipid damage, and accumulated more reactive oxygen species. The inhibition of BpGT14;6 expression narrowed the birch xylem and thinned the cell wall, and increased the expression of multiple ABA pathway-related genes in birch under ABA treatment. Compared to WT plants, RNAi-BpGT14;6 plants showed increased tolerance to drought stress. Promoter analysis revealed that BpGT14;6 is involved in hormone regulation and adaptation to adversity. Using the 1156 bp BpGT14;6 promoter as bait, two potential transcription factors, BpWRKY1 and BpARF2, were identified through Y1H screening that may regulate its expression. EMSA confirmed that BpWRKY1 and BpARF2 can directly bind to the W-BOX and AuxRE cis-acting elements on the BpGT14;6 promoter, respectively. The collective results suggest that BpGT14;6 affects birch xylem and cell wall development by affecting lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin synthesis, and participates in birch adversity adaptation.

Multifaceted analyses reveal sugar and organic acid metabolism affecting the palatability in mulched Phyllostachys violascens shoots with varied sheath colors

The color of bamboo shoot sheaths influences both appearance and palatability in mulched Phyllostachys violascens shoots, but the mechanisms linking sheath color to flavor and texture are unclear. This study combined metabolomics and transcriptomics to investigate the relationship between sheath color and palatability, focusing on sugar and organic acid metabolism. We identified 5698 metabolites and 33 differentially expressed genes across bamboo shoots with different sheath colors. Darker shoots (black-brown, BSD) exhibited enhanced organic acids and flavor amino acid synthesis, contributing to moderate sweetness. In contrast, as the sheath color lightens (bright-red, BSM; yellow-green, BSL), sugar degradation and cell wall metabolism (e.g., lignin, pectin, cellulose) became more pronounced. BSL shoots, with the lightest sheath color, demonstrated reduced sugar degradation and increased synthesis of pectin and cellulose, resulting in greater sweetness and improved texture. These findings demonstrate that variations in sheath color are closely linked to metabolic shifts that influence both flavor and texture, offering valuable insights for targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing bamboo shoot quality.

Identification, charectrization and genetic transformation of lignin and pectin polysaccharides through CRISPR/Cas9 in Nicotiana tobacum.

CRISPR/Cas9 system has been successfully implemented in animals and plants is a second-generation genome editing tool. We are able to optimize a Cas9 system to edited Ntab06050 and Ntab0857410 genes in HD and K326 tobacco cultivars respectively. The gene Ntab06050 is related to lignin synthesis while the gene Ntab0857410 belongs to pectin synthesis by utilizing Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc method. We have constructed total eight different constructs for the lignin related gene family CCoAMT, out of which three constructs have been selected from Ntab0184090, two constructs from Ntab0392460 while one construct from each Ntab0540120, Ntab0857410 and Ntab0135940 gene. To study the Cas9 system in pectin related genes, total five constructs have been utilized under Cas9 system and multiple target sites were selected by identifying PAM sequences. Out of which three constructs were targeted from NtabGAE1and NtabGAE6 homologous while two were targeted from NtabGAUT4 homologous. Where as, UDP-D-glucuronate 4-epimerase gene family is a Golgi localized, might have a role in the interconvertion of UDP-D-GlcA and UDP-D-GalA in pectin synthesis. We have succeeded in the mutation of pectin related NtabGAUT4 and lignin related NtabCCoAMT genes with 6.2% and 9.4% mutation frequency.

TBL38 atypical homogalacturonan-acetylesterase activity and cell wall microdomain localization in Arabidopsis seed mucilage secretory cells

Plant cell walls constitute complex polysaccharidic/proteinaceous networks whose biosynthesis and dynamics implicate several cell compartments. The synthesis and remodeling of homogalacturonan pectins involve Golgi-localized methylation/acetylation and subsequent cell wall-localized demethylation/deacetylation. So far, TRICHOME BIREFRINGENCE-LIKE (TBL) family members have been described as Golgi-localized acetyltransferases targeting diverse hemicelluloses or pectins. Using seed mucilage secretory cells (MSCs) from Arabidopsis thaliana, we demonstrate the atypical localization of TBL38 restricted to a cell wall microdomain. A tbl38 mutant displays an intriguing homogalacturonan immunological phenotype in this cell wall microdomain and in an MSC surface-enriched abrasion powder. Mass spectrometry oligosaccharide profiling of this fraction reveals an increased homogalacturonan acetylation phenotype. Finally, TBL38 displays pectin acetylesterase activity invitro. These results indicate that TBL38 is an atypical cell wall-localized TBL that displays a homogalacturonan acetylesterase activity rather than a Golgi-localized acetyltransferase activity as observed in previously studied TBLs. TBL38 function during seed development is discussed.

NKS1/ELMO4 is an integral protein of a pectin synthesis protein complex and maintains Golgi morphology and cell adhesion in Arabidopsis

Adjacent plant cells are connected by specialized cell wall regions, called middle lamellae, which influence critical agricultural characteristics, including fruit ripening and organ abscission. Middle lamellae are enriched in pectin polysaccharides, specifically homogalacturonan (HG). Here, we identify a plant-specific Arabidopsis DUF1068 protein, called NKS1/ELMO4, that is required for middle lamellae integrity and cell adhesion. NKS1 localizes to the Golgi apparatus and loss of NKS1 results in changes to Golgi structure and function. The nks1 mutants also display HG deficient phenotypes, including reduced seedling growth, changes to cell wall composition, and tissue integrity defects. These phenotypes are comparable to qua1 and qua2 mutants, which are defective in HG biosynthesis. Notably, genetic interactions indicate that NKS1 and the QUAs work in a common pathway. Protein interaction analyses and modeling corroborate that they work together in a stable protein complex with other pectin-related proteins. We propose that NKS1 is an integral part of a large pectin synthesis protein complex and that proper function of this complex is important to support Golgi structure and function.

Characterization key genes of Arabidopsis seedlings in response to β-caryophyllene, eugenol using combined transcriptome and WGCN analysis.

Weeds present a significant challenge to high crop yield and quality. In our study, we investigated the phytotoxic activity of β-caryophyllene (BCP) and eugenol, which are natural allelopathic chemical compounds, on Arabidopsis seedlings. We found that these compounds inhibited the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. When either BCP or eugenol was applied, it led to decrease in the content of cell wall components such as lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin; and increase in the levels of endogenous hormones like ETH, ABA, SA, and JA in the seedlings. Through transcriptome profiling, we identified 7181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the roots and shoots that were induced by BCP or eugenol. The genes involved in the synthesis of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin were down-regulated, whereas genes related to synthesis and signal transduction of ABA, ETH, SA, and JA were up-regulated. However, genes related to IAA synthesis and signal transduction were found to be down-regulated. Furthermore, we characterized 24 hub genes using Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA). Among them, the identified 16 genes in response to BCP was primarily associated with hypoxia stress, while 8 genes induced by eugenol were linked to inhibition of cell division. Our results suggested that BCP and eugenol had ability to target multiple genes to inhibit growth and development of Arabidopsis plants. Therefore, they can serve as excellent candidates for natural biological herbicides.

Golgi ELMO1 binds QUA1, QUA2, GAUT9, and ELMO4 and is required for pectin accumulation in Arabidopsis.

Pectin and its modification influence the plasticity and strength of the plant cell wall controlling cell adhesion, size, shape, and pathogen resistance. The Golgi membrane anchored QUA1, QUA2, and GAUT9 Golgi enzymes synthesize and esterify pectin, which is then secreted and selectively de-esterified to potentiate structure influencing crosslinks in the cell wall. Mutations in members of the family of non-enzymatic ELMO Golgi membrane proteins lead to a reduction of pectin levels, cell adhesion, and hypocotyl tensile strength. Results from immunoprecipitation of Golgi protein complexes reveal that ELMO1-GFP is associated with pectin biosynthesis and modifying enzymes QUA1, QUA2, and GAUT9. In a yeast two and three hybrid assay, ELMO1 can bind directly to QUA1, GAUT9 or ELMO4, but QUA1, QUA2 or GAUT9 do not bind to each other. A yeast 3 hybrid assay provides evidence that ELMO1 can mediate the binding of QUA1 and QUA2. Taken together, these results indicate that the 20 kDa ELMO1 serves to facilitate some aspect of pectin synthesis and modification that leads to sufficient accumulation to allow cell adhesion, and we speculate that ELMOs help to scaffold key enzymes in this process.

Mutations in type II Golgi-localized proton pyrophosphatase AVP2;1/VHP2;1 affect pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan-II and alter root growth under low boron condition in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The essential plant nutrient boron is required for the crosslinking of the pectin polysaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II). The synthesis of the pectic polysaccharides takes place in the Golgi apparatus, acidified by proton pumps. AVP2;1/VHP2;1 is a type II proton pyrophosphatase localized in the Golgi apparatus, which possesses proton pumping activity coupled with pyrophosphate hydrolysis. Its activity and expression patterns have been previously revealed but its role in plants remains unknown. The aim of the present work therefore was to explore the physiological role of AVP2;1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. In the screening of mutants under low boron, a mutant carrying a missense mutation in AVP2;1 was isolated. This mutant showed increased primary root growth under low boron conditions but no significant difference under normal boron condition compared to wild type plants. T-DNA insertion caused similar growth, suggesting that reduced function of AVP2;1 was responsible. Root cell observation revealed an increase in meristematic zone length, cell number in meristem and length of matured cell in avp2;1 mutants compared to wild type under low boron. Calcium concentration was reduced in mutant root cell wall under low boron. RG-II specific sugars also tended to be decreased in mutant root cell wall under low and normal boron conditions. These results suggest that changes in cell wall component by mutations in AVP2;1 may possibly explain the increased root length of mutants under low boron. This supports the idea that AVP2;1 plays a role in pH homoeostasis in Golgi apparatus for pectin synthesis.

Synthesis of Pectin and Eggshell Biowaste-Mediated Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), Their Physicochemical Characterizations, and Use as Antibacterial Material.

The current study reports the synthesis of sustainable nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) using a wet chemical precipitation approach. The materials used in the green synthesis of nHAp were obtained from environmental biowastes such as HAp from eggshells and pectin from banana peels. The physicochemical characterization of obtained nHAp was carried out using different techniques. For instance, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy were used to study the crystallinity and synthesis of nHAp respectively. In addition, the morphology and elemental composition of nHAP were studied using FESEM equipped with EDX. HRTEM showed the internal structure of nHAP and calculated its grain size which was 64 nm. Furthermore, the prepared nHAp was explored for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activity which has received less attention previously. The obtained results showed the potential of pectin-bound nHAp as an antibacterial agent for various biomedical and healthcare applications.

Gene-specific silencing of SlPL16, a pectate lyase coding gene, extends the shelf life of tomato fruit

Pectate lyase plays an important role in fruit development and ripening. Although earlier studies showed SlPL, a pectate lyase encoding gene, functions dominantly in tomato fruit softening, the functions of many other pectate lyase encoding genes involved in tomato fruit development and softening remain unknown. Here, gene-specific silencing of SlPL16 (Solyc06g083580) by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in reduced pectate lyase enzyme activity, pericarp thickness, and soluble sugar content, and increased both the firmness and shelf life of tomato fruit. Through microscopic observation, it was found that the SlPL16-RNAi pericarp had reduced cell size, in comparison to the wild-type (WT). Moreover, gene silencing of SlPL16 resulted in the down-regulation of genes involved in cell wall degradation and pectin synthesis at various fruit developmental stages. Together, these results indicate that SlPL16 provides an important supplement of pectate lyase activity in tomato fruit softening, along with a fundamental role in cell expansion during early fruit development. Additionally, this study provides a potential gene locus in genetic engineering to improve fruit storage tolerance.

Analysis of the raw material base for pectin production

The addition of pectin to food products is important because this natural polysaccharide plays a key role in improving the quality and stability of the product, it allows for high-quality preservation of products that have a long shelf life, which is important for the health and wellbeing of consumers. The purpose of the study is to investigate the main raw materials of plant origin for the synthesis of pectin, which can be used as a promising raw material for food industry enterprises in Ukraine. The study was carried out using various methods of analysis, a thorough comparative analysis of papers by Ukrainian and foreign researchers, which are published in the scientometric databases Scopus, Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, Scimago Journal & Country Rank, and Google Scholar. Based on the results of analytical studies, the main raw materials used for the production of pectin and pectin-containing pastes were analysed, and the main problems of the production process were identified. It has been found that adding pectin to food products can have a significant number of benefits: increasing the viscosity of the product, which is useful for creating a thick texture of the product; increasing the resistance of the product to heat treatment, reducing the risk of product separation or quality degradation; increasing functionality; introducing it into products can help improve the consistency and appearance of the product, add taste and color properties, and reduce the amount of sugar that must be added to the product to ensure viscosity and taste. It is established that the main raw material for the production of pectin in Ukraine is apple fruits. It is proven that pectin can be obtained from other fruits, berries, and vegetables, such as gooseberries, currants, cherries, pumpkins, etc. The intensification of the pectin production process should provide the population with a high-quality product that will prevent various types of intoxication by removing radionuclides from the body and contribute to the recovery of people in the post-war period. The practical significance of this study lies in the ability to help manufacturers find optimal sources of raw materials with a high pectin content to ensure the quality of the final product. In addition, this study will also facilitate the development of appropriate technological solutions for the optimal process of producing pectin from the selected raw materials

Elucidation of the GAUT gene family in eight Rosaceae species and function analysis of PbrGAUT22 in pear pollen tube growth.

The phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary history of the GAUT gene family were identified in 8 Rosaseae species. PbrGAUT22 was involved in controlling pollen tube growth by regulating the content of pectins. In plants, galacturonosyltransferases (GAUTs) were involved in homogalacturonan biosynthesis and functioned in maintaining pollen tube cell wall integrity. However, the feature and evolutionary history of the GAUT gene family in Rosaceae species and candidates in pear pollen tube growth remain unclear. Here, we identified 190 GAUT genes in 8 Rosaceae species, including Chinese white pear (Pyrus bretschneideri), European pear (Pyrus communis), apple (Malus × domestica), peach (Prunus persica), Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), sweet cherry (Prunus avium), woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis). Members in GAUT gene family were divided into 4 subfamilies according to the phylogenetic and structural analysis. Whole-genome duplication events and dispersed duplicates drove the expansion of the GAUT gene family. Among 23 pollen-expressed PbrGAUT genes in pear, PbrGAUT22 showed increased expression level during 1-6h post-cultured pollen tubes. PbrGAUT22 was localized to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Knockdown of PbrGAUT22 expression in pollen tubes caused the decrease of pectin content and inhibited pear pollen tubes growth. Taken together, we investigated the identification and evolution of the GAUT gene family in Rosaceae species, and found that PbrGAUT22 played an essential role in the synthesis of pectin and the growth of pear pollen tubes.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the PME and PMEI Gene Families in Diospyros kaki: A Bioinformatics Study

Pectins are major components of cell walls in plants. Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) and pectin methylesterase inhibitors (PMEIs) play crucial roles in pectin synthesis and metabolism. Overall, 28 putative DkPMEs and 29 putative DkPMEIs were identified from the D. kaki genome. According to phylogenetic analysis, DkPME/DkPMEI proteins can be classified into four and five clades, respectively. Motif and gene structure analysis showed that DkPME/DkPMEI are highly conserved in the same clades, which indicates that the function of these DkPME/DkPMEI were similar. Besides, DkPME/DkPMEI genes were distributed unevenly on their corresponding chromosomes. Synteny analysis showed that PME or PMEI gene usually matched with more than one DkPME/DkPMEI in D. oleifera, D. lotus, and A. thaliana, implying that the function of these genes in D. kaki may be diverse. Expression analysis showed that DkPME/DkPMEI from the same clade exhibited diverse expression patterns, indicating that these genes might have diverse functions. Functional protein–protein interaction network analysis showed that DkPMEI21 and DkPMEI15 were core nodes and were, respectively, positive and negative regulators for carbohydrate metabolism, stress responses, and sugar signaling. This study provides a theoretical basis for the functional characteristics, evolutionary relationship, and role of these gene families in developing persimmon fruit.

Unraveling correlations between calcium deficiency and spongy tissue in mango fruit flesh

Spongy tissue, as one of internal flesh breakdown in mango fruits, is correlated with calcium (Ca) deficiency, and adversely affects fruit quality and yield worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism causing spongy tissue remains unknown. Here, we explored the effects of Ca deficiency on spongy tissue in a susceptible cultivar, ‘Keitt’, at the physiological and molecular levels. Nutrient analysis showed that flesh with spongy tissue had lower Ca content and higher N/Ca, K/Ca and Mg/Ca rations than healthy fruit flesh. Ca accumulation in the cell wall, especially in chelator-soluble pectin, was elevated due to increased pectin content, lower levels of pectin methylesterification, and increased pectin methylesterase (PME) activity. During spongy tissue development, levels of Ca oxalate (CaOx) and oxalic acid both increased, whereas soluble Ca content decreased in the flesh. Transcriptomic analysis of healthy flesh and flesh with spongy tissue revealed 2054 up-regulated and 996 down-regulated genes. Gene ontology term analysis showed that the up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in functions related to the transmembrane transporter activity, calcium ion binding, and the cell wall. Importantly, up-regulated genes in spongy tissue included five glucuronate 4-epimerase (GAE) genes and two galactosyltransferase (GALT) genes, which involved in pectin synthesis; four PME genes which control pectin demethylesterification; and eight autoinhibited calcium-transporting ATPase (ACA) genes and two vacuole H+/Ca2+ exchanger (CAX) genes which contribute to Ca influx in the vacuole. Our findings illustrate a mechanism by which Ca deficiency leads to spongy tissue, which will contribute to efforts to control this physiological disorder.

Comparative transcriptome profiling and weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify core genes in maize (Zea mays L.) silks infected by multiple fungi

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most popular Poaceae crop after wheat and rice and used in feed and pharmaceutical sectors. The maize silk contains bioactive components explored by traditional Chinese herbal medicine for various pharmacological activities. However, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, Trichoderma atroviride, and Ustilago maydis can infect the maize, produce mycotoxins, hamper the quantity and quality of silk production, and further harm the primary consumer's health. However, the defense mechanism is not fully understood in multiple fungal infections in the silk of Z. mays. In this study, we applied bioinformatics approaches to use the publicly available transcriptome data of Z. mays silk affected by multiple fungal flora to identify core genes involved in combatting disease response. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among intra- and inter-transcriptome data sets of control versus infected Z. mays silks. Upon further comparison between up- and downregulated genes within the control of datasets, 4,519 upregulated and 5,125 downregulated genes were found. The DEGs have been compared with genes in the modules of weighted gene co-expression network analysis to relevant specific traits towards identifying core genes. The expression pattern of transcription factors, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme), and resistance genes was analyzed. The present investigation is supportive of our findings that the gene ontology, immunity stimulus, and resistance genes are upregulated, but physical and metabolic processes such as cell wall organizations and pectin synthesis were downregulated respectively. Our results are indicative that terpene synthase TPS6 and TPS11 are involved in the defense mechanism against fungal infections in maize silk.

Gamma irradiation synthesis of pectin- based biohydrogels for removal of lead cations from simulated solutions

Bio-based hydrogels (denoted as PC-PAAc/GA) comprised of Pectin (PC) and polyacrylic acid (PAAc) reinforced with different ratios of gallic acid (GA) were prepared by gamma radiation at irradiation dose 20 kGy. The prepared hydrogels were investigated by different analytical tools. The swelling performance was studied versus time, pH of the medium and gallic acid content. The experimental data depicted that the swelling increases with pH of medium until the equilibrium of swelling after 350 min. The maximum swelling was attained at pH10 for both PC-PAAc and PC-PAA/GA1.5. Also, the data reveal that the incorporation of GA in the hydrogel matrix enhanced the swelling performance of the hydrogel up to an optimum value of GA, i.e. PC-PAA/GA1.5. Further increase in GA concentration leads to formation of a highly crosslinked structure with reduced swelling. The results demonstrated that the prepared hydrogels displayed excellent antibacterial activity against gram + ve bacteria (E.coli) and gram-ve bacteria (S.aureus). This potent antimicrobial activity is mainly originated from GA which was proved as a strong antibacterial agent. Moreover, the removal performance of the investigated hydrogels was verified towards Pb+2 cation as one of the most poisonous heavy metals. The data revealed that the maximum removal percentage of Pb (II) was attained by PC-PAAc/GA1.5 hydrogel (90 mg g−1). The correlation coefficients of the Langmuir model are too higher than that of the Freundlich model that assumed the adsorption of lead cations is mainly a chemical process.

Pectin mediated green synthesis of Fe3O4/Pectin nanoparticles under ultrasound condition as an anti-human colorectal carcinoma bionanocomposite

This work described the one-pot synthesis of apple pectin encapsulated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs) which is prepared by co-precipitation of Fe(II/(III) ions in alkaline solution mediated by pectin under ultrasound condition. This process led to formation of magnetic nanoparticles within the network of pectin. Physicochemical characterization of the as-synthesized Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs was carried out through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The in vitro cytotoxic and anti-colorectal cancer effects of biologically synthesized Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs against Ramos.2G6.4C10, HCT-8 [HRT-18], HCT 116, and HT-29 cancer cell lines were assessed. The anti-colorectal cancer properties of the Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs could significantly remove Ramos.2G6.4C10, HCT-8 [HRT-18], HCT 116, and HT-29 cancer cell lines in a time and concentration-dependent manner by MTT assay. The IC 50 of the Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs were 317, 337, 187, and 300 µg/mL against Ramos.2G6.4C10, HCT-8 [HRT-18], HCT 116, and HT-29 cancer cell lines. The antioxidant activity of Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs was determined by DPPH method. The Fe 3 O 4 /Pectin NPs showed the high antioxidant activity according to the IC 50 value. It seems that the anti-human colorectal cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their antioxidant effects.

One-pot preparation of nano-scaled magnetic-pectin particles (Fe3O4@pectin NPs): cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-liver cancer properties

This work described the one-pot synthesis of orange pectin encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Pectin NPs) which is prepared by co-precipitation of Fe(II/(III) ions in alkaline solution mediated by pectin. This process led to formation of magnetic nanoparticles within the network of pectin. Physicochemical characterization of the as-synthesized Fe3O4@Pectin NPs was carried out through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The in vitro cytotoxic and anti-liver cancer effects of biologically synthesized Fe3O4@Pectin NPs against pleomorphic hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU-387), hepatic ductal carcinoma (LMH/2A), morris hepatoma (McA-RH7777), and novikoff hepatoma (N1-S1 Fudr) cancer cell lines were assessed. The anti-liver cancer properties of the Fe3O4@Pectin NPs could significantly remove pleomorphic hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU-387), hepatic ductal carcinoma (LMH/2A), morris hepatoma (McA-RH7777), and novikoff hepatoma (N1-S1 Fudr) cancer cell lines in a time and concentration-dependent manner by MTT assay. The IC50 of the Fe3O4@Pectin NPs were 8, 13, 10, and 7 µg/mL against pleomorphic hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU-387), hepatic ductal carcinoma (LMH/2A), morris hepatoma (McA-RH7777), and novikoff hepatoma (N1-S1 Fudr) cancer cell lines. The antioxidant activity of Fe3O4@Pectin NPs was determined by DPPH method. The Fe3O4@Pectin NPs showed the high antioxidant activity according to the IC50 value. It seems that the anti-human liver cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their antioxidant effects.

Synthesis and characterization of photo-crosslinkable cinnamate-functionalized pectin

The polysaccharide pectin (PC) was functionalized with the photo-responsive cinnamic acid hydrazide (CN) to produce the photo-crosslinkable PC-CN hydrogel material that was then evaluated as a carrier for encapsulation of the drug model aspirin. Cinnamic acid hydrazide was first prepared and then incorporated with the abundant –COOCH3 groups on the pectin chain via hydrazide linkage. The obtained polymeric derivatives have been characterized by means of instrumental techniques including FTIR and NMR. The obtained PC-CN hydrogels with different cinnamic functionality were also freeze-dried and examined by SEM, which indicated more coherent hydrogel texture by increasing the cinnamic functionalization. The effect of the photo-curing time, as well as the functionalization degree, on the swelling and gelation of the obtained hydrogel was also studied to evaluate the potential of the developed material in drug delivery systems using aspirin as a common and available drug model. The developed PC-CN hydrogel materials exhibited high potential as a drug carrier that enables the control of the drug release via optimizing both the degree of cinnamic functionality and the photo-curing time.

Oryza sativa PECTIN DEFECTIVE TAPETUM1 affects anther development through a pectin-mediated signaling pathway in rice.

Galacturonosyltransferase (GalAT) is required for the synthesis of pectin, an important component of plant cell walls that is also involved in signal transduction. Here, we describe the rice (Oryza sativa) male-sterile mutant O. sativa pectin-defective tapetum1 (ospdt1), in which GalAT is mutated. The ospdt1 mutant exhibited premature programmed cell death (PCD) of the tapetum and disordered pollen walls, resulting in aborted pollen grains. Pectin distribution in the anther sac was comparable between the mutant and the wild-type, suggesting that the structural pectin was not dramatically affected in ospdt1. Wall-associated kinases are necessary for the signal transduction of pectin, and the intracellular distribution of O. sativa indica WALL-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 (OsiWAK1), which binds pectic polysaccharides to its extracellular domain, was affected in ospdt1. OsiWAK1 RNA interference lines exhibited earlier tapetal PCD, similar to ospdt1. Furthermore, overexpression of OsiWAK1 in ospdt1 lines partially rescued the defects observed in ospdt1, suggesting that OsiWAK1 plays pivotal roles in the function of OsPDT1. These results suggest that the mutation of OsPDT1 does not dramatically affect structural pectin but affects components of the pectin-mediated signaling pathway, such as OsiWAK1, and causes male sterility.