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Pyke GH, Ren ZX. Floral nectar production: what cost to a plant? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:2078-2090. [PMID: 37461187 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar production is central to plant pollination, and hence to human wellbeing. As floral nectar is essentially a solution in water of various sugars, it is likely a valuable plant resource, especially in terms of energy, with plants experiencing costs/trade-offs associated with its production or absorption and adopting mechanisms to regulate nectar in flowers. Possible costs of nectar production may also influence the evolution of nectar volume, concentration and composition, of pollination syndromes involving floral nectar, and the production of some crops. There has been frequent agreement that costs of floral nectar production are significant, but relevant evidence is scant and difficult to interpret. Convincing direct evidence comes from experimental studies that relate either enhanced nectar sugar production (through repeated nectar removal) to reduced ability to produce seeds, or increased sugar availability (through absorption of additional artificial nectar) to increased seed production. Proportions of available photosynthate allocated by plants to nectar production may also indicate nectar cost. However, such studies are rare, some do not include treatments of all (or almost all) flowers per plant, and all lack quantitative cost-benefit comparisons for nectar production. Additional circumstantial evidence of nectar cost is difficult to interpret and largely equivocal. Future research should repeat direct experimental approaches that relate reduced or enhanced nectar sugar availability for a plant with consequent ability to produce seeds. To avoid confounding effects of inter-flower resource transfer, each plant should experience a single treatment, with treatment of all or almost all flowers per plant. Resource allocation by plants, pathways used for resource transfer, and the locations of resource sources and sinks should also be investigated. Future research should also consider extension of nectar cost into other areas of biology. For example, evolutionary models of nectar production are rare but should be possible if plant fitness gains and costs associated with nectar production are expressed in the same currency, such as energy. It should then be possible to understand observed nectar production for different plant species and pollination syndromes involving floral nectar. In addition, potential economic benefits should be possible to assess if relationships between nectar production and crop value are evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham H Pyke
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Balaclava Rd, North Ryde, 2113, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zong-Xin Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
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Magner ET, Roy R, Freund Saxhaug K, Zambre A, Bruns K, Snell-Rood EC, Hampton M, Hegeman AD, Carter CJ. Post-secretory synthesis of a natural analog of iron-gall ink in the black nectar of Melianthus spp. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023. [PMID: 36880409 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The black nectar produced by Melianthus flowers is thought to serve as a visual attractant to bird pollinators, but the chemical identity and synthesis of the black pigment are unknown. A combination of analytical biochemistry, transcriptomics, proteomics, and enzyme assays was used to identify the pigment that gives Melianthus nectar its black color and how it is synthesized. Visual modeling of pollinators was also used to infer a potential function of the black coloration. High concentrations of ellagic acid and iron give the nectar its dark black color, which can be recapitulated through synthetic solutions containing only ellagic acid and iron(iii). The nectar also contains a peroxidase that oxidizes gallic acid to form ellagic acid. In vitro reactions containing the nectar peroxidase, gallic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and iron(iii) fully recreate the black color of the nectar. Visual modeling indicates that the black color is highly conspicuous to avian pollinators within the context of the flower. Melianthus nectar contains a natural analog of iron-gall ink, which humans have used since at least medieval times. This pigment is derived from an ellagic acid-Fe complex synthesized in the nectar and is likely involved in the attraction of passerine pollinators endemic to southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evin T Magner
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, 140 Gortner Lab, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Rahul Roy
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, 140 Gortner Lab, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Biology, St. Catherine University, St Paul, MN, 55105, USA
| | - Katrina Freund Saxhaug
- Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, Room 290 Alderman Hall, 1970 Folwell Avenue, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Amod Zambre
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Bruns
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, 140 Gortner Lab, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Emilie C Snell-Rood
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Marshall Hampton
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Adrian D Hegeman
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, 140 Gortner Lab, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, Room 290 Alderman Hall, 1970 Folwell Avenue, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Clay J Carter
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, 140 Gortner Lab, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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Parra ALC, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN, von Aderkas P, Borchers CH, Beattie GA, Silva FDA, Thornburg RW. Ornamental tobacco floral nectar is a rich source of antimicrobial peptides. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 324:111427. [PMID: 36007629 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although floral nectar is a rich source of nutrients, it is rarely infected by microorganisms. Defense molecules such as proteins have been identified in this fluid, but defense peptides have been largely overlooked. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an extensive peptidomic analysis of the ornamental tobacco floral nectar to seek peptides involved in nectar defense. Using LC-MS/MS, 793 peptides were sequenced and characterized. After extensive bioinformatics analysis, six peptides were selected for further characterization, synthesis, and evaluation of their antimicrobial properties against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. All six peptides had antimicrobial activity to some extent. However, the activity varied by peptide concentration and microorganism tested. An analysis of the action mechanism revealed damage in the cell membrane induced by peptides. The results show that floral nectar is rich in peptides and that, together with proteins and hydrogen peroxide, they contribute to plant defense against microorganisms during pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura L C Parra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Patrick von Aderkas
- University of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Center, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5, Canada
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Gwyn A Beattie
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Fredy D A Silva
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Robert W Thornburg
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Xu M, Jin P, Liu T, Gao S, Zhang T, Zhang F, Han X, He L, Chen J, Yang J. Genome-wide identification and characterization of UBP gene family in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). PeerJ 2021; 9:e11594. [PMID: 34178465 PMCID: PMC8212830 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is essential for plant growth and development. Deubiquitination cooperates with ubiquitination to regulate the ubiquitination levels of target proteins. The ubiquitin-specific protease (UBP) family is the largest group of deubiquitinases (DUBs), which perform extensive and significant roles in eukaryotic organisms. However, the UBP genes in wheat (TaUBPs) are not identified, and the functions of TaUBPs are unknown. The present study identified 97 UBP genes in the whole genome of T. aestivum. These genes were divided into 15 groups and non-randomly distributed on chromosomes of T. aestivum. Analyses of evolutionary patterns revealed that TaUBPs mainly underwent purification selection. The studies of cis-acting regulatory elements indicated that they might be involved in response to hormones. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that TaUBPs were differentially expressed in different tissues. Besides, several TaUBPs were significantly up-regulated when plants were treated with salicylic acid (SA), implying that these DUBs may play a role in abiotic stress responses in plants and few TaUBPs displayed differential expression after viral infection. Furthermore, TaUBP1A.1 (TraesCS1A02G432600.1) silenced by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) facilitates Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV) infection in wheat, indicating that TaUBP1A.1 may be involved in a defense mechanism against viruses. This study comprehensively analyzed the UBP gene family in wheat and provided a basis for further research of TaUBPs functions in wheat plant response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoze Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Peng Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shiqi Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Tianye Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaolei Han
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Long He
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Schmitt A, Roy R, Carter CJ. Nectar antimicrobial compounds and their potential effects on pollinators. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 44:55-63. [PMID: 33771735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nectar is a sugary, aqueous solution that plants offer as a reward to animal mutualists for visitation. Since nectars are so nutrient-rich, they often harbor significant microbial communities, which can be pathogenic, benign, or even sometimes beneficial to plant fitness. Through recent advances, it is now clear that these microbes alter nectar chemistry, which in turn influences mutualist behavior (e.g. pollinator visitation). To counteract unwanted microbial growth, nectars often contain antimicrobial compounds, especially in the form of proteins, specialized (secondary) metabolites, and metals. This review covers our current understanding of nectar antimicrobials, as well as their interplay with both microbes and insect visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Schmitt
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Rahul Roy
- Biology Department, St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA
| | - Clay J Carter
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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Recent advances in the bioprospection and applications of chitinolytic bacteria for valorization of waste chitin. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:1953-1969. [PMID: 33710379 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the most abundant natural polymers on earth, chitin is a fibrous and structural polysaccharide, composed of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The biopolymer is the major structural constituent of fungi, arthropods, mollusks, nematodes, and some algae. The biodegradation of chitin is largely manifested by chitinolytic enzyme secreting organisms including bacteria, insects, and plants. Among them, bacterial chitinases represent the most promising, inexpensive, and sustainable source of proteins that can be employed for industrial-scale applications. To this end, the presented review comes at a timely moment to highlight the major sources of chitinolytic bacteria. It also discusses the potential pros and cons of prospecting bacterial chitinases that can be easily manipulated through genetic engineering. Additionally, we have elaborated the recent applications of the chitin thereby branding chitinases as potential candidates for biorefinery and biomedical research for eco-friendly and sustainable management of chitin waste in the environment.
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Wu X, Lai Y, Lv L, Ji M, Han K, Yan D, Lu Y, Peng J, Rao S, Yan F, Zheng H, Chen J. Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan gene family in Nicotiana benthamiana: genome-wide identification, classification and expression in response to pathogens. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:305. [PMID: 32611364 PMCID: PMC7329489 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used as a model plant to study plant-pathogen interactions. Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs), a subclass of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), participate in mediating plant growth, development and response to abiotic stress. However, the members of FLAs in N. benthamiana and their response to plant pathogens are unknown. RESULTS 38 NbFLAs were identified from a genome-wide study. NbFLAs could be divided into four subclasses, and their gene structure and motif composition were conserved in each subclass. NbFLAs may be regulated by cis-acting elements such as STRE and MBS, and may be the targets of transcription factors like C2H2. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that selected NbFLAs were differentially expressed in different tissues. All of the selected NbFLAs were significantly downregulated following infection by turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) and most of them also by Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato strain DC3000 (Pst DC3000), suggesting possible roles in response to pathogenic infection. CONCLUSIONS This study systematically identified FLAs in N. benthamiana, and indicates their potential roles in response to biotic stress. The identification of NbFLAs will facilitate further studies of their role in plant immunity in N. benthamiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Wu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yuchao Lai
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Lanqing Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Mengfei Ji
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Kelei Han
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Dankan Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yuwen Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Jiejun Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Shaofei Rao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Fei Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Hongying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
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