Variety Of Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

Evolutionary roles of polyploidization-derived structural variations in the phenotypic diversification of Panax species.

Genomic structural variations (SVs) are widespread in plant and animal genomes and play important roles in phenotypic novelty and species adaptation. Frequent whole genome duplications followed by (re)diploidizations have resulted in high diversity of genome architecture among extant species. In this study, we identified abundant genomic SVs in the Panax genus that are hypothesized to have occurred through during the repeated polyploidizations/(re)diploidizations. Our genome-wide comparisons demonstrated that although these polyploidization-derived SVs have evolved at distinct evolutionary stages, a large number of SV-intersecting genes showed enrichment in functionally important pathways related to secondary metabolites, photosynthesis and basic cellular activities. In line with these observations, our metabolic analyses of these Panax species revealed high diversity of primary and secondary metabolites both at the tissue and interspecific levels. In particular, genomic SVs identified at ginsenoside biosynthesis genes, including copy number variation and large fragment deletion, appear to have played important roles in the evolution and diversification of ginsenosides. A further herbivore deterrence experiment demonstrated that, as major triterpenoidal saponins found exclusively in Panax, ginsenosides provide protection against insect herbivores. Our study provides new insights on how polyploidization-derived SVs have contributed to phenotypic novelty and plant adaptation.

Expanding the Chemical Diversity of Secondary Metabolites Produced by Two Marine-Derived Enterocin- and Wailupemycin-Producing Streptomyces Strains.

To expand the chemical diversity of secondary metabolites produced by two marine-derived enterocin- and wailupemycin-producing Streptomyces strains, OUCMDZ-3434 and OUCMDZ-2599, precursor feeding and solid fermentation strategies were used. Two new compounds, wailupemycins Q (1) and R (2), were isolated from the extracts of liquid and solid fermentation of OUCMDZ-3434. Furthermore, during the fermentation of OUCMDZ-3434, p-fluorobenzoic acid was added as the key biosynthetic precursor, which resulted in the isolation of eight new fluorinated enterocin and wailupemycin derivatives (3-10) and 10 previously reported analogues (11-20). From the solid fermentation extract of OUCMDZ-2599, a new sulfur-containing compound thiotetromycin B (21) and its known analogue thiotetromycin (22) were identified. Moreover, the solid fermentation strategy effectively activated the biosynthesis of siderophores (23-25) of strain OUCMDZ-2599. Compound 3 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus with MIC values of 4 μg/mL. Compounds 23-25 were significantly capable of binding Fe(III).

Genetic Basis and Expression Pattern Indicate the Biocontrol Potential and Soil Adaption of Lysobacter capsici CK09.

Lysobacter species have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their capacities to produce diverse secondary metabolites against phytopathogens. In this research, we analyzed the genomic and transcriptomic patterns of Lysobacter capsici CK09. Our data showed that L. capsici CK09 harbored various contact-independent biocontrol traits, such as fungal cell wall lytic enzymes and HSAF/WAP-8294A2 biosynthesis, as well as several contact-dependent machineries, including type 2/4/6 secretion systems. Additionally, a variety of hydrolytic enzymes, particularly extracellular enzymes, were found in the L. capsici CK09 genome and predicted to improve its adaption in soil. Furthermore, several systems, including type 4 pili, type 3 secretion system and polysaccharide biosynthesis, can provide a selective advantage to L. capsici CK09, enabling the species to live on the surface in soil. The expression of these genes was then confirmed via transcriptomic analysis, indicating the activities of these genes. Collectively, our research provides a comprehensive understanding of the biocontrol potential and soil adaption of L. capsici CK09 and implies the potential of this strain for application in the future.

Genomic and Metabolomic Analysis of the Endophytic Fungus Fusarium sp. VM-40 Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Vinca minor.

The genus Fusarium is well-known to comprise many pathogenic fungi that affect cereal crops worldwide, causing severe damage to agriculture and the economy. In this study, an endophytic fungus designated Fusarium sp. VM-40 was isolated from a healthy specimen of the traditional European medicinal plant Vinca minor. Our morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis reveal that Fusarium sp. VM-40 is closely related to Fusarium paeoniae, belonging to the F. tricinctum species complex (FTSC), the genomic architecture and secondary metabolite profile of which have not been investigated. Thus, we sequenced the whole genome of Fusarium sp. VM-40 with the new Oxford Nanopore R10.4 flowcells. The assembled genome is 40 Mb in size with a GC content of 47.72%, 15 contigs (≥50,000 bp; N 50~4.3 Mb), and 13,546 protein-coding genes, 691 of which are carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme)-encoding genes. We furthermore predicted a total of 56 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) with antiSMASH, 25 of which showed similarity with known BGCs. In addition, we explored the potential of this fungus to produce secondary metabolites through untargeted metabolomics. Our analyses reveal that this fungus produces structurally diverse secondary metabolites of potential pharmacological relevance (alkaloids, peptides, amides, terpenoids, and quinones). We also employed an epigenetic manipulation method to activate cryptic BGCs, which led to an increased abundance of several known compounds and the identification of several putative new compounds. Taken together, this study provides systematic research on the whole genome sequence, biosynthetic potential, and metabolome of the endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. VM-40.

Comparative analysis of flavonoids, polyphenols and volatiles in roots, stems and leaves of five mangroves.

Mangrove plants contain a variety of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and volatiles, which are important for their survival and adaptation to the coastal environment, as well as for producing bioactive compounds. To reveal differences in these compounds among five mangrove species' leaf, root, and stem, the total contents of flavonoids and polyphenols, types and contents of volatiles were determined, analyzed and compared. The results showed that Avicennia marina leaves contained the highest levels of flavonoids and phenolics. In mangrove parts, flavonoids are usually higher than phenolic compounds. A total of 532 compounds were detected by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method in the leaf, root, and stem parts of five mangrove species. These were grouped into 18 classes, including alcohols, aldehydes, alkaloids, alkanes, etc. The number of volatile compounds in A. ilicifolius (176) and B. gymnorrhiza (172) was lower than in the other three species. The number of volatile compounds and their relative contents differed among all three parts of five mangrove species, where the mangrove species factor had a greater impact than the part factor. A total of 71 common compounds occurring in more than two species or parts were analyzed by a PLS-DA model. One-way ANOVA revealed 18 differential compounds among mangrove species and nine differential compounds among parts. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis showed that both unique and common compounds significantly differed in composition and concentration between species and parts. In general, A. ilicifolius and B. gymnorrhiza differed significantly from the other species in terms of compound content, while the leaves differed significantly from the other parts. VIP screening and pathway enrichment analysis were performed on 17 common compounds closely related to mangrove species or parts. These compounds were mainly involved in terpenoid pathways such as C10 isoprenoids and C15 isoprenoids and fatty alcohols. The correlation analysis showed that the content of flavonoids/phenolics, the number of compounds, and the content of some common compounds in mangroves were correlated with their salt and waterlogging tolerance levels. These findings will help in the development of genetic varieties and medicinal utilization of mangrove plants.

Diversity of Mycotoxins and Other Secondary Metabolites Recovered from Blood Oranges Infected by Colletotrichum, Alternaria, and Penicillium Species.

This study identified secondary metabolites produced by Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Penicillium digitatum in fruits of two blood orange cultivars before harvest. Analysis was performed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Three types of fruits were selected, asymptomatic, symptomatic showing necrotic lesions caused by hail, and mummified. Extracts from peel and juice were analyzed separately. Penicillium digitatum was the prevalent species recovered from mummified and hail-injured fruits. Among 47 secondary metabolites identified, 16, 18, and 13 were of A. alternata, C. gloeosporioides, and P. digitatum, respectively. Consistently with isolations, indicating the presence of these fungi also in asymptomatic fruits, the metabolic profiles of the peel of hail-injured and asymptomatic fruits did not differ substantially. Major differences were found in the profiles of juice from hail-injured and mummified fruits, such as a significant higher presence of 5,4-dihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxy-6C-methylflavone and Atrovenetin, particularly in the juice of mummified fruits of the Tarocco Lempso cultivar. Moreover, the mycotoxins patulin and Rubratoxin B were detected exclusively in mummified fruits. Patulin was detected in both the juice and peel, with a higher relative abundance in the juice, while Rubratoxin B was detected only in the juice. These findings provide basic information for evaluating and preventing the risk of contamination by mycotoxins in the citrus fresh fruit supply chain and juice industry.

Sun protection and antibacterial activities of carotenoids from the soft coral Sinularia sp. symbiotic bacteria from Panjang Island, North Java Sea

Carotenoids have shown beneficial applications in cosmetology, pharmacology, and medicine. However, environmental stress in the marine environment can trigger the production of unique secondary metabolites, such as carotenoids. These compounds can also be sustainably produced by symbiotic bacteria. We hypothesized that the soft corals in tropical regions may produce diverse biological secondary metabolites, including carotenoids, both by the host organism and their bacterial symbiont. The unique carotenoids may provide promising biological activity such as antioxidant, UV photoprotector, and antibacterial activities. To this end, we isolated and characterized the carotenoids isolated from the bacterial symbiont of Sinularia sp., a soft coral from Panjang Island, North Java Sea, strain 19. PP.Sc.13. Bacterial identification was performed using DNA barcoding of the 16S rRNA region. Identification of carotenoids was carried out using a spectrophotometer, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and attenuated total reflection fourier-transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was estimated using the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, while the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and % transmission of erythema and pigmentation were determined based on colorimetric methods. The antibacterial activity assay was carried out using the agar diffusion method against two multidrug-resistant bacteria. The bacterial symbiont was identified as Virgibacillus sp. and the carotenoids isolated from this symbiont exhibited significant antioxidant activity and extra sun protection effect, thus categorized as UVA sunblock. Furthermore, the isolated carotenoids exhibited antibacterial activities against Methicillin Resistant-Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli. This study provides evidence of the carotenoids produced by the soft coral bacterial symbiont Virgibacillus sp., which may be used as an antioxidant, sun protection, and antibacterial agent. Further investigation of the de novo biological production of carotenoids by Virgibacillus sp. is warranted.

Differential RNA-Seq Analysis Predicts Genes Related to Terpene Tailoring in Caryopteris × clandonensis.

Enzymatic terpene functionalization is an essential part of plant secondary metabolite diversity. Within this, multiple terpene-modifying enzymes are required to enable the chemical diversity of volatile compounds essential in plant communication and defense. This work sheds light on the differentially transcribed genes within Caryopteris × clandonensis that are capable of functionalizing cyclic terpene scaffolds, which are the product of terpene cyclase action. The available genomic reference was subjected to further improvements to provide a comprehensive basis, where the number of contigs was minimized. RNA-Seq data of six cultivars, Dark Knight, Grand Bleu, Good as Gold, Hint of Gold, Pink Perfection, and Sunny Blue, were mapped on the reference, and their distinct transcription profile investigated. Within this data resource, we detected interesting variations and additionally genes with high and low transcript abundancies in leaves of Caryopteris × clandonensis related to terpene functionalization. As previously described, different cultivars vary in their modification of monoterpenes, especially limonene, resulting in different limonene-derived molecules. This study focuses on predicting the cytochrome p450 enzymes underlying this varied transcription pattern between investigated samples. Thus, making them a reasonable explanation for terpenoid differences between these plants. Furthermore, these data provide the basis for functional assays and the verification of putative enzyme activities.

Potential of plant extracts against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: an integrative review

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the main cause of tuberculosis. For decades, new forms of treatment and new ways of dealing with the growing resistance acquired by this bacterium to first-line drugs have been studied. Medicinal plants are a source of new bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential. Objective: to investigate which plant species have already been tested and which main secondary metabolites are active against MTB. Methodology: an integrative review that included in vitro experimental studies, carried out around the world, that used medicinal plant extracts to evaluate the antimycobacterial activity by microdilution, with identification of major compounds, against MTB, between 2011 and 2021, the Web of Science and PubMed were used and the descriptors “medicinal plants AND against AND MTB”. Results: 20 species of plants with antimycobacterial activities were found. Four stood out with MIC<10 µg/mL. The variety of secondary metabolites was determinant for antimycobacterial activity, highlighting alkaloids, terpenes and phenolic compounds. Conclusion: the number of secondary metabolites obtained in the extraction is decisive in the antimycobacterial activity.

Genome-wide identification of UDP-glycosyltransferases in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and their biochemical and physiological functions.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) has been an immensely important commercially grown crop for decades. This is due to the presence of essential nutrients and plant secondary metabolites that exhibit beneficial health effects. UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an important role in the diversity of such secondary metabolites by catalysing the transfer of an activated sugar donor to acceptor molecules, and thereby creating a huge variety of glycoconjugates. Only in recent years, thanks to the sequencing of the tea plant genome, have there been increased efforts to characterise the UGTs in C. sinensis to gain an understanding of their physiological role and biotechnological potential. Based on the conserved plant secondary product glycosyltransferase (PSPG) motif and the catalytically active histidine in the active site, UGTs of family 1 in C. sinensis are identified here, and shown to cluster into 21 groups in a phylogenetic tree. Building on this, our current understanding of recently characterised C. sinensis UGTs (CsUGTs) is highlighted and a discussion on future perspectives made.

Identification and Assessment of Therapeutic Phytoconstituents of Catharanthus roseus through GC-MS Analysis

The leaves of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don contain a large number of diverse secondary metabolites, making them comparably complex. The Catharanthus genus has received increased interest from scientists in recent years due to its extensive applications in several domains, including the pharmaceutical sector, where precise characterization of its characteristics is required. An effective inquiry technique is needed for chemo-profiling to identify the metabolites in plant samples. The main goal of this research is to provide supplementary data on the chemical composition of the leaves of twenty-five different accessions of C. roseus through the application of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study’s findings reveal the existence of a vast number of phytochemicals, allowing for a comparison of the different accessions. Furthermore, a meticulous statistical analysis of this data using principal components analysis (PCA) and a heatmap, and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) may aid in providing more relevant information on C. roseus leaves for possible investigation of their metabolites in further scientific studies.

Plant Secondary Metabolites: The Weapons for Biotic Stress Management.

The rise in global temperature also favors the multiplication of pests and pathogens, which calls into question global food security. Plants have developed special coping mechanisms since they are sessile and lack an immune system. These mechanisms use a variety of secondary metabolites as weapons to avoid obstacles, adapt to their changing environment, and survive in less-than-ideal circumstances. Plant secondary metabolites include phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids, which are stored in specialized structures such as latex, trichomes, resin ducts, etc. Secondary metabolites help the plants to be safe from biotic stressors, either by repelling them or attracting their enemies, or exerting toxic effects on them. Modern omics technologies enable the elucidation of the structural and functional properties of these metabolites along with their biosynthesis. A better understanding of the enzymatic regulations and molecular mechanisms aids in the exploitation of secondary metabolites in modern pest management approaches such as biopesticides and integrated pest management. The current review provides an overview of the major plant secondary metabolites that play significant roles in enhancing biotic stress tolerance. It examines their involvement in both indirect and direct defense mechanisms, as well as their storage within plant tissues. Additionally, this review explores the importance of metabolomics approaches in elucidating the significance of secondary metabolites in biotic stress tolerance. The application of metabolic engineering in breeding for biotic stress resistance is discussed, along with the exploitation of secondary metabolites for sustainable pest management.

Comparative genome features and secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of Kutzneria chonburiensis and other species of the genus Kutzneria

Actinobacteria are well known as a rich source of diversity of bioactive secondary metabolites. Kutzneria, a rare actinobacteria belonging to the family Pseudonocardiaceae has abundance of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and is one of important source of natural products and worthy of priority investigation. Currently, Kutzneria chonburiensis SMC256T has been the latest type-strain of the genus and its genome sequence has not been reported yet. Therefore, we present the first report of new complete genome sequence of SMC256T (genome size of 10.4 Mbp) with genome annotation and feature comparison between SMC256T and other publicly available Kutzneria species. The results from comparative and functional genomic analyses regarding the phylogenomic and the clusters of orthologous groups of proteins (COGs) analyses indicated that SMC256T is most closely related to Kutzneria sp. 744, Kutzneria kofuensis, Kutzneria sp. CA-103260 and Kutzneria buriramensis. Furthermore, a total of 322 BGCs were also detected and showed diversity among the Kutzneria genomes. Out of which, 38 clusters showing the best hit to the most known BGCs were predicted in the SMC256Tgenome. We observed that six clusters responsible for biosynthesis of antimicrobials/antitumor metabolites were strain-specific in Kutzneria chonburiensis. These putative metabolites include virginiamycin S1, lysolipin I, esmeraldin, rakicidin, aclacinomycin and streptoseomycin. Based on these findings, the genome of Kutzneria chonburiensis contains distinct and unidentified BGCs different from other members of the genus, and the use of integrative genomic-based approach would be a useful alternative effort to target, isolate and identify putative and undiscovered secondary metabolites suspected to have new and/or specific bioactivity in the Kutzneria.

Streptomyces antimicrobicus sp. nov., a novel clay soil-derived actinobacterium producing antimicrobials against drug-resistant bacteria.

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SMC 277T, was isolated from the clay soil in paddy field of Chonburi Province, Thailand, and characterized using polyphasic taxonomy. Strain SMC 277T formed straight chains of nonmotile cylindrical spores with smooth surface developed on aerial mycelia. The typical chemotaxonomic properties of members of the genus Streptomyces were observed in strain SMC 277T, e.g., cell wall peptidoglycan, whole cell sugars, major menaquinones, cellular fatty acids, and polar lipids. Chemotaxonomic data combined with mycelium and spore morphologies supported the assignment of strain SMC 277T to the genus Streptomyces. The results of comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain SMC 277T represented a member of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SMC 277T shared the highest sequence similarity with Streptomyces bambusae NBRC 110903T (98.8%). Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 6.55 Mbp and a digital G+C content of 73.4 mol%. In addition to the differences in phenotypic characteristics (morphology and physiology), values of ANI (ANIb and ANIm), AAI and dDDH between strain SMC 277T and its closest relative S. bambusae NBRC 110903T were 81.84, 86.77, 76.91 and 26.1%, respectively. Genome annotation and secondary metabolite gene cluster analysis predicted that SMC 277T contained 35 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. It is in agreement with observed antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria associated with nosocomial infections (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii). On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain SMC 277T can be characterized to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces antimicrobicus is proposed. The type strain is SMC 277T (= TBRC 15568T = NBRC 115422T).

Bioprospecting of endophytes associated with Solanum species: a mini review.

Endophytes are considered the repository of bioactive compounds as they contain a wide variety of chemically and structurally diverse secondary metabolites. The endophytes associated with Solanum species have been studied for the last few years. Therefore, the present study aimed to discuss the bioactive compounds produced by endophytes associated with Solanum species and their biological activities. Our study reveals that among the Solanum species, only 13 species have been studied in the context of endophytes so far. Overall, a total number of 98 bioactive compounds have been reported from endophytes associated with Solanum species, of which 64 compounds are from fungi and 34 compounds from bacteria. These bioactive compounds belong to different chemical groups such as sterols, flavonoids, volatiles, and many others and exhibited diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, anticancer, antiparasitic, antioxidants, and plant growth-promoting activity. Moreover, the endophytic fungi were reported to produce two compounds that are often present in the host plants. These condensed data may open the door for further research and provide details on potent endophytes associated with Solanum species.

Evaluation of In-vitro anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential of methanolic leaf extracts of Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser (Loranthaceae) – A Hemiparasitic Angiosperm

Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser is a hemiparasitic angiosperm shrub commonly called Macrosolen parasiticus and it is a member of the family Loranthaceae. The members of Loranthaceae are utilized globally in conventional medicine to cure a variety of ailments. The current study aimed to assess the qualitative screening of Elytranthe parasitica for its secondary metabolites and also In-vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential. The fresh leaf samples were collected and extracted with the help of a soxhlet extractor. The in-vitro anti-inflammatory potential was determined by protein denaturation assay and HRBC membrane stabilization assay, and evaluation of antibacterial properties by agar well diffusion assay. The results of the qualitative evaluation of phytoconstituents revealed a wide range of secondary metabolites. The methanolic leaf extracts of Elytranthe parasitic exhibited significant protein denaturation activity of (82.46 ± 1.37)% at 250 µg ml-1 concentration and showed significant membrane stabilization activity (65.57±2.60)% at 500 µg ml-1 concentration. It also shows good membrane stabilizations activity shows considerable antibacterial activity with the maximum inhibition zone against Xanthomonas campestris (18.16±0.44 mm) followed by Escherichia coli (15.33±0.88 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (11.16±0.44), and Salmonella typhi (10.66±0.66 mm) at higher concentrations. To conclude, it was found that Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser has a variety of secondary metabolites that have potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties based on the experiments carried out.

Screening of secondary metabolites produced by a mangroove-derived Nigrospora species an endophytic fungus isolated from Rhizophora racemosa for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Marine fungi have shown large chemo-diversity of unharnessed important secondary metabolites required for drug development. In this study, endophytic fungi Nigrospora species (5S3) was isolated from the fresh stem of Rhizophora racemosa from a mangrove forest in Lagos Nigeria and axenic colonies were fermented on sterile rice medium for 21 days. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the extract were evaluated. Chemical analyses such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Nuclear magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR) analyses of selected Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) fractions revealed the presence of ten known compounds with established biological activities. Tested fractions of the extract exhibited antimicrobial activities against at least one Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria with MIC values that ranged between 0.13 to 1 mg/mL. FE2 and FE3 fractions of the extract demonstrated poor antioxidant activity of less than 10%. Septicine, Aureonitol, Papuamine, Di-iso-octylphtalat, 1-(2,4 Dihydroxy-3,5-Dimethylphenyl)-Ethanone, Cladosporin, Tetrabenzofuran, Dihydrophthalate, 9-Octadecaenoic acid and Eicosane were the compounds detected in the extracts. Our findings reveal that Nigrospora spp an endophytic fungi possesses unique chemo diversity of bioactive secondary metabolites that could be utilized for development of new drugs.

Exploring the Biologically Active Metabolites Produced by Bacillus cereus for Plant Growth Promotion, Heat Stress Tolerance, and Resistance to Bacterial Soft Rot in Arabidopsis

Eight gene clusters responsible for synthesizing bioactive metabolites associated with plant growth promotion were identified in the Bacillus cereus strain D1 (BcD1) genome using the de novo whole-genome assembly method. The two largest gene clusters were responsible for synthesizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and encoding extracellular serine proteases. The treatment with BcD1 resulted in an increase in leaf chlorophyll content, plant size, and fresh weight in Arabidopsis seedlings. The BcD1-treated seedlings also accumulated higher levels of lignin and secondary metabolites including glucosinolates, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Antioxidant enzyme activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity were also found to be higher in the treated seedlings as compared with the control. Seedlings pretreated with BcD1 exhibited increased tolerance to heat stress and reduced disease incidence of bacterial soft rot. RNA-seq analysis showed that BcD1 treatment activated Arabidopsis genes for diverse metabolite synthesis, including lignin and glucosinolates, and pathogenesis-related proteins such as serine protease inhibitors and defensin/PDF family proteins. The genes responsible for synthesizing indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA) were expressed at higher levels, along with WRKY transcription factors involved in stress regulation and MYB54 for secondary cell wall synthesis. This study found that BcD1, a rhizobacterium producing VOCs and serine proteases, is capable of triggering the synthesis of diverse secondary metabolites and antioxidant enzymes in plants as a defense strategy against heat stress and pathogen attack.

Characterization and co-expression analysis of ATP-binding cassette transporters provide insight into genes related to cannabinoid transport in Cannabis sativa L.

Plant ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters contribute the transport of diverse secondary metabolites. However, their roles in cannabinoid trafficking are still unsolved in Cannabis sativa. In this study, 113 ABC transporters were identified and characterized in C. sativa from their physicochemical properties, gene structure, and phylogenic relationship, as well as spatial gene expression patterns. Eventually, seven core transporters were proposed including one member in ABC subfamily B (CsABCB8) and six ABCG members (CsABCG4, CsABCG10, CsABCG11, CsABCG32, CsABCG37, and CsABCG41), harboring potential in participating cannabinoid transport, by combining phylogenetic and co-expression analysis from the gene and metabolite level. The candidate genes exhibited a high correlation with cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway genes and the cannabinoid content, and they were highly expressed where cannabinoids appropriately biosynthesized and accumulated. The findings underpin further research on the function of ABC transporters in C. sativa, especially in unveiling the mechanisms of cannabinoid transport to boost systematic and targeted metabolic engineering.

Anti-bacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus nanoparticles against Vibrio species infecting aquatic organisms

The presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio harveyi in aquatic organisms causes vibriosis, leading to their significant mortality. The efficacy of antibiotic treatment is reduced due to increasing antibiotic resistance. As a result, novel therapeutic agents are increasingly needed to treat outbreak of such diseases in aquatic organisms and humans. This study focuses on utilizing the bioactive compounds of Cymbopogon citratus as they are rich in a variety of secondary metabolites which promotes growth, natural immune response and disease resistance against pathogenic bacteria in various ecosystems. In silico studies were performed to evaluate the binding potential of the bioactive compounds against targeted protein beta – lactamase in Vibrio parahaemolyticus and metallo – beta – lactamase in V. alginolyticus via molecular docking. Cymbopogon citratus nanoparticles (CcNps) were synthesized, characterized and toxicity studies were performed by using Vigna radiata, and Artemia nauplii at different concentrations of Cymbopogon citratus nanoparticles. The results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were non-ecotoxic and act as potential growth promoters in plants. The antibacterial activity of synthesized Cymbopogon citratus was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. MIC, MBC, and biofilm assays performed by using different concentrations of synthesized nanoparticles. Thus, it was proved that Cymbopogon citratus nanoparticles showed better antibacterial activity against Vibrio species.