An ozone-responsive region of the grapevine resveratrol synthase promoter differs from the basal pathogen-responsive sequence

Resveratrol as sensitizer in colorectal cancer plasticity

Despite tremendous medical treatment successes, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to significant side effects and chemoresistance that can be linked to several resistance-activating biological processes, including an increase in inflammation, cellular plasticity, multidrug resistance (MDR), inhibition of the sentinel gene p53, and apoptosis. As a consequence, tumor cells can escape the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. This underscores the need for cross-target therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin found in various fruits and vegetables such as peanuts, berries, and red grapes, is one of the most effective natural chemopreventive agents. Abundant in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that resveratrol, in interaction with standard drugs, is an effective chemosensitizer for CRC cells to chemotherapeutic agents and thus prevents drug resistance by modulating multiple pathways, including transcription factors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-plasticity, proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The ability of resveratrol to modify multiple subcellular pathways that may suppress cancer cell plasticity and reversal of chemoresistance are critical parameters for understanding its anti-cancer effects. In this review, we focus on the chemosensitizing properties of resveratrol in CRC and, thus, its potential importance as an additive to ongoing treatments.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Novel Regulators of the Scots Pine Stilbene Pathway

Stilbenes accumulate in Scots pine heartwood where they have important roles in protecting wood from decaying fungi. They are also part of active defense responses, and their production is induced by different (a)biotic stressors. The specific transcriptional regulators as well as the enzyme responsible for activating the stilbene precursor cinnamate in the pathway are still unknown. UV-C radiation was the first discovered artificial stress activator of the pathway. Here, we describe a large-scale transcriptomic analysis of pine needles in response to UV-C and treatment with translational inhibitors, both activating the transcription of stilbene pathway genes. We used the data to identify putative candidates for the missing CoA ligase and for pathway regulators. We further showed that the pathway is transcriptionally activated by phosphatase inhibitor, ethylene and jasmonate treatments, as in grapevine, and that the stilbene synthase promoter retains its inducibility in some of the tested conditions in Arabidopsis, a species that normally does not synthesize stilbenes. Shared features between gymnosperm and angiosperm regulation and partially retained inducibility in Arabidopsis suggest that pathway regulation occurs not only via ancient stress-response pathway(s) but also via species-specific regulators. Understanding which genes control the biosynthesis of stilbenes in Scots pine aids breeding of more resistant trees.

Intensification of resveratrol cytotoxicity, pro-apoptosis, oxidant potentials in human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells using zein nanoparticles

Resveratrol (RSV), a non-flavonoid stilbene polyphenol, possesses anti-carcinogenic activities against all the major stages of cancer. Zein nanoparticles (ZN NPs) have been utilized successfully in delivery of variant therapeuticals by virtue of their histocompatible nature. The goal of this work was to comparatively explore the antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic and oxidative stress potentials of RSV-ZN NPs versus RSV against human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells. ZN-RSV NPs were developed and assayed for particle size analysis and RSV diffusion. The selected formula obtained 137.6 ± 8.3 nm as mean particle size, 29.4 ± 1.8 mV zeta potential, 92.3 ± 3.6% encapsulation efficiency. IC₅₀ of the selected formula was significantly lower against HCT-116 cells versus Caco-2 cells. Also, significantly enhanced cellular uptake was generated from RSV-ZN NPs versus free RSV. Enhanced apoptosis was concluded due to increased percentage cells in G2-M and pre-G1 phases. The pro-apoptotic potential was explained by caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 increased mRNA expression in addition to NF-κB and miRNA125b decreased expression. Biochemically, ZN-RSV NPs induced oxidative stress as demonstrated by enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) isoenzyme increased levels. Conclusively, ZN-RSV NPs obtained cell cycle inhibition supported with augmented cytotoxicity, uptake and oxidative stress markers levels in HCT-116 tumor cells in comparison with free RSV. These results indicated intensified chemopreventive profile of RSV due to effective delivery utilizing ZN nano-dispersion against colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells.

Interactive effects of tropospheric ozone and blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) on different rice genotypes

Rising tropospheric ozone concentrations can cause rice yield losses and necessitate the breeding of ozone-tolerant rice varieties. However, ozone tolerance should not compromise the resistance to important biotic stresses such as the rice blast disease. Therefore, we investigated the interactive effects of ozone and rice blast disease on nine different rice varieties in an experiment testing an ozone treatment, blast inoculation, and their interaction. Plants were exposed to an ozone concentration of 100 ppb for 7 h per day or ambient air throughout the growth period. Half of the plants were simultaneously infected with rice blast inoculum. Grain yield was significantly reduced in the blast treatment (17%) and ozone treatment (37%), while the combination of both stresses did not further decrease grain yields compared to ozone alone. Similar trends occurred for physiological traits such as vegetation indices, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), Lichtenthaler index 2 (Lic2), and anthocyanin reflectance index 1 (ARI1), as well as stomatal conductance and lipid peroxidation. Ozone exposure mitigated the formation of visible blast symptoms, while blast inoculation did not significantly affect visible ozone symptoms. Although different genotypes showed contrasting responses to the two types of stresses, no systematic pattern was observed regarding synergies or trade-offs under the two types of stresses. Therefore, we conclude that despite the similarities in physiological stress responses to ozone and blast, the tolerance to these stresses does not appear to be genetically linked in rice.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Stilbene Biosynthesis

Stilbenes are a small family of polyphenolic secondary metabolites that can be found in several distantly related plant species. These compounds act as phytoalexins, playing a crucial role in plant defense against phytopathogens, as well as being involved in the adaptation of plants to abiotic environmental factors. Among stilbenes, trans-resveratrol is certainly the most popular and extensively studied for its health properties. In recent years, an increasing number of stilbene compounds were subjected to investigations concerning their bioactivity. This review presents the most updated knowledge of the stilbene biosynthetic pathway, also focusing on the role of several environmental factors in eliciting stilbenes biosynthesis. The effects of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, ultrasonication, mechanical stress, salt stress, drought, temperature, ozone, and biotic stress are reviewed in the context of enhancing stilbene biosynthesis, both in planta and in plant cell and organ cultures. This knowledge may shed some light on stilbene biological roles and represents a useful tool to increase the accumulation of these valuable compounds.

Phytostilbenes as agrochemicals: biosynthesis, bioactivity, metabolic engineering and biotechnology

Covering: 1976 to 2020. Although constituting a limited chemical family, phytostilbenes represent an emblematic group of molecules among natural compounds. Ever since their discovery as antifungal compounds in plants and their ascribed role in human health and disease, phytostilbenes have never ceased to arouse interest for researchers, leading to a huge development of the literature in this field. Owing to this, the number of references to this class of compounds has reached the tens of thousands. The objective of this article is thus to offer an overview of the different aspects of these compounds through a large bibliography analysis of more than 500 articles. All the aspects regarding phytostilbenes will be covered including their chemistry and biochemistry, regulation of their biosynthesis, biological activities in plants, molecular engineering of stilbene pathways in plants and microbes as well as their biotechnological production by plant cell systems.

The Stemness of Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells and the Role of Resveratrol in the Differentiation of MSCs-A Review Based on Cellular and Molecular Knowledge

Ovarian Granulosa Cells (GCs) are known to proliferate in the developing follicle and undergo several biochemical processes during folliculogenesis. They represent a multipotent cell population that has been differentiated to neuronal cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts in vitro. However, progression and maturation of GCs are accompanied by a reduction in their stemness. In the developing follicle, GCs communicate with the oocyte bidirectionally via gap junctions. Together with neighboring theca cells, they play a crucial role in steroidogenesis, particularly the production of estradiol, as well as progesterone following luteinization. Many signaling pathways are known to be important throughout the follicle development, leading either towards luteinization and release of the oocyte, or follicular atresia and apoptosis. These signaling pathways include cAMP, PI3K, SMAD, Hedgehog (HH), Hippo and Notch, which act together in a complex manner to control the maturation of GCs through regulation of key genes, from the primordial follicle to the luteal phase. Small molecules such as resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in grapes, peanuts and other dietary constituents, may be able to activate/inhibit these signaling pathways and thereby control physiological properties of GCs. This article reviews the current knowledge about granulosa stem cells, the signaling pathways driving their development and maturation, as well as biological activities of resveratrol and its properties as a pro-differentiation agent.

The WRKY53 transcription factor enhances stilbene synthesis and disease resistance by interacting with MYB14 and MYB15 in Chinese wild grape

Resveratrol is notable not only for its functions in disease resistance in plants but also for its health benefits when it forms part of the human diet. Identification of new transcription factors helps to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of stilbene synthesis. Here, the WRKY53 transcription factor was isolated from the Chinese wild grape, Vitis quinquangularis. Vqwrky53 was expressed in a variety of tissues and responded to powdery mildew infection and to exogenous hormone application. VqWRKY53 was located in the nucleus and had transcriptional activation activity in yeast. A yeast two-hybrid assay and a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay confirmed that VqWRKY53 interacted physically with VqMYB14 and VqMYB15, which have previously been reported to regulate stilbene synthesis. When Vqwrky53 was overexpressed in grape leaves, the expression of VqSTS32 and VqSTS41 and the content of stilbenes were increased. A yeast one-hybrid assay demonstrated that VqWRKY53 could bind directly to the promoters of STS genes. Overexpression of Vqwrky53 activated β-glucuronidase expression, driven by STS promoters, and co-expressing Vqwrky53 with VqMYB14 and VqMYB15 showed stronger regulatory functions. Heterologous overexpression of Vqwrky53 in Arabidopsis accelerated leaf senescence and disease resistance to PstDC3000.

Purine and pyrimidine dinucleoside polyphosphates differentially affect the phenylpropanoid pathway in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Monastrell suspension cultured cells

It is known that the concentration of dinucleoside polyphosphates (Np_nN's) in cells increases under stress and that adverse environmental factors induce biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, which protect the plant against stress. Previously, we showed that purine Np_nN's such as Ap₃A and Ap₄A induce both the activity of enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway and the expression of relevant genes in Arabidopsis seedlings. Moreover, we showed that Ap₃A induced stilbene biosynthesis in Vitis vinifera cv. Monastrell suspension cultured cells. Data presented in this paper show that pyrimidine-containing Np_nN's also modify the biosynthesis of stilbenes, affecting the transcript level of genes encoding key enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway and of these, Up₄U caused the most effective accumulation of trans-resveratrol in the culture media. Similar effect was caused by Ap₃A and Gp₃G. Other pyrimidine Np_nN's, such as Cp₃C, Cp₄C, and Ap₄C, strongly inhibited the biosynthesis of stilbenes, but markedly (6- to 8-fold) induced the expression of the cinnamoyl-CoA reductase gene that controls lignin biosynthesis. Purine counterparts also clearly induced biosynthesis of trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid, but only slightly induced the expression of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. In cells, Up₃U caused a greater accumulation of trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid than did Up₄U. Each of the Np_nN's studied induced expression of the gene encoding the resveratrol transporter VvABCG44, which operates within the Vitis vinifera cell membrane. AMP, GMP, UMP, and CMP, potential products of Np_nN degradation, did not affect the accumulation of stilbenes. The results obtained strongly support that Np_nN's play a role as signaling molecules in plants.

Regulation of stilbene biosynthesis in plants

This review analyzes the advances in understanding the natural signaling pathways and environmental factors regulating stilbene biosynthesis. We also discuss the studies reporting on stilbene content and repertoire in plants. Stilbenes, including the most-studied stilbene resveratrol, are a family of phenolic plant secondary metabolites that have been the subject of intensive research due to their valuable pharmaceutical effects and contribution to plant disease resistance. Understanding the natural mechanisms regulating stilbene biosynthesis in plants could be useful for both the development of new plant protection strategies and for commercial stilbene production. In this review, we focus on the environmental factors and cell signaling pathways regulating stilbene biosynthesis in plants and make a comparison with the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. This review also analyzes the recent data on stilbene biosynthetic genes and summarizes the available studies reporting on both stilbene content and stilbene composition in different plant families.

A GCC-box motif in the promoter of nudix hydrolase 7 (AtNUDT7) gene plays a role in ozone response of Arabidopsis ecotypes

Arabidopsis nudix hydrolase 7 (AtNudt7) plays an important role in regulating redox homeostasis during stress/defense signaling and seed germination. The early responsiveness of AtNudt7 provides a useful marker especially during oxidative cell death in plants. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrate that AtNudt7 is transcriptionally regulated. AtNUDT7 promoter-GUS transgenic plants show rapid inducibility in response to ozone and pathogens. A 16-bp insertion containing a GCC-box motif was identified in the promoter of a Ws-2 ecotype and was absent in Col-0. The 16-bp sequence was identified in 5% of the Arabidopsis ecotypes used in the 1001 genome sequencing project. The kinetics of expression of Ethylene Response Factor 1 (ERF1), a GCC-box binding factor is in synchrony with expression of AtNudt7 in response to ozone stress. ERF1 protein binds to the GCC-box motif in the AtNUDT7 promoter. In silico analysis of erf1 mutant and overexpressor lines supports a role for this protein in regulating AtNUDT7 expression.

Precision breeding of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) for improved traits

This review provides an overview of recent technological advancements that enable precision breeding to genetically improve elite cultivars of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Precision breeding, previously termed "cisgenic" or "intragenic" genetic improvement, necessitates a better understanding and use of genomic resources now becoming accessible. Although it is now a relatively simple task to identify genetic elements and genes from numerous "omics" databases, the control of major agronomic and enological traits often involves the currently unknown participation of many genes and regulatory machineries. In addition, genetic evolution has left numerous vestigial genes and sequences without tangible functions. Thus, it is critical to functionally test each of these genetic entities to determine their real-world functionality or contribution to trait attributes. Toward this goal, several diverse techniques now are in place, including cell culture systems to allow efficient plant regeneration, advanced gene insertion techniques, and, very recently, resources for genomic analyses. Currently, these techniques are being used for high-throughput expression analysis of a wide range of grapevine-derived promoters and disease-related genes. It is envisioned that future research efforts will be extended to the study of promoters and genes functioning to enhance other important traits, such as fruit quality and vigor.

Myb14, a direct activator of STS, is associated with resveratrol content variation in berry skin in two grape cultivars

High and low resveratrol (Res) contents in two cultivars are correlated with the expression abundance of Myb14 , which could directly activate transcriptional expression of stilbene synthase gene ( STS ). Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is one of the natural polyphenols produced by secondary metabolism in some plants. Stilbene synthase (STS) is the key enzyme for the final step of precursor formation of resveratrol (Res) in grapevines. In this study, we found that Res contents in ripe berry skin were completely different in two grape cultivars, namely, 'Z168' (Vitis monticola × Vitis riparia) with high-Res and 'Jingzaojing' (Vitis vinifera) with low-Res. Moreover, the level of expression of STS gene was higher in the ripe berry skin of 'Z168' than in that of 'Jingzaojing'. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we conducted a co-expression analysis through transcriptomic data. We confirmed that Myb14, an R2R3 Myb transcription factor, is the direct regulator of STS by binding to Box-L5 motif. Moreover, the expression pattern of Myb14 is associated with the variation of Res content. To test this prediction, we conducted a number of experiments in vivo and in vitro. The expression patterns of Myb14 and STS in grapevine leaves were identical under a series of stimulus. Myb14 showed higher expression in the ripe berry skin of 'Z168' than in that of 'Jingzaojing'. Yeast one-hybrid assay indicated that grapevine Myb14 could interact with the promoter of STS in vitro, and the transient overexpression of Myb14 promoted the expression of STS. Furthermore, co-expressing 35S::Myb14 in transgenic Arabidopsis could activate GUS expression promoted by STS promoter. Thus, Myb14 is the direct activator of STS, and its expression pattern is associated with Res content variation in grapes.

Vitis vinifera secondary metabolism as affected by sulfate depletion: diagnosis through phenylpropanoid pathway genes and metabolites

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is rich in phenylpropanoid compounds, namely flavonoids and stilbenes which, present in most tissues, are described as antioxidants and known to accumulate in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Grapevine is then a choice model for studying the interplay between the phenylpropanoid pathway and nutrient deficiency. Here we report the response to sulfur deficiency (-S) of flavonoids and stilbenes biosynthetic pathways in chlorophyll tissues (plantlets) and cell culture. Anthocyanins and trans-resveratrol accumulated in plantlets and trans-resveratrol glucoside in cell cultures in response to sulfur deficiency, while a significant decrease in chlorophyll was observed in -S plantlets. The up-regulation of chalcone synthase gene and the downstream flavonoid biosynthesis genes dihydroflavonol reductase and anthocyanidin synthase matched the accumulation of anthocyanins in -S V. vinifera plantlets. The mRNA level of stilbene synthase gene(s) was correlated tightly with the increase in trans-resveratrol and trans-resveratrol glucoside levels, respectively in -S plantlets and cell cultures. As a whole, the present study unveil that V. vinifera under sulfur deficiency allocates resources to the phenylpropanoid pathway, probably consecutive to inhibition of protein synthesis, which can be advantageous to resist against oxidative stress symptoms evoked by -S conditions.

Large-scale characterization of promoters from grapevine (Vitis spp.) using quantitative anthocyanin and GUS assay systems

Successful implementation of cisgenic/intragenic/ingenic technology for crop improvement necessitates a better understanding of the function of native promoters for driving desired gene expression in host plant. Although the genome of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) has been determined, efforts to explore promoter resources for the development of cisgenics are still lacking. Particularly, there is a shortage of constitutive promoters for marker and/or target gene expression in this species. In this work, we utilized an anthocyanin-based color histogram analysis method to evaluate quantitatively a large number of promoters for their ability to activate transgene expression. Promoter fragments corresponding to known genes were amplified from various genotypes and used to drive the VvMybA1 gene of 'Merlot' for anthocyanin production in non-pigmented somatic embryo (SE) explants to infer transcriptional activity. Results revealed that among 15 tested promoters belonging to seven ubiquitin genes, at least three promoters generated constitutive activities reaching up to 100% value of the d35S promoter. In particular, the high activity levels of VvUb6-1 and VvUb7-2 promoters were verified by transient GUS quantitative assay as well as stable anthocyanin expression in sepal and corolla of transgenic tobacco. Variations in promoter activity of different ubiquitin genes in grapevine did not correlate with the presence and sizes of 5' UTR intron, but seemed to be related positively and negatively to the number of positive cis-acting elements and root-specific elements respectively. In addition, several of the 13 promoters derived from a PR1 gene and a PAL gene produced a higher basal activity as compared to previously reported inducible promoters and might be useful for further identification of strong inducible promoters. Our study contributed invaluable information on transcriptional activity of many previously uncharacterized native promoters that could be used for genetic engineering of grapevine.

Involvement of microRNA-mediated gene expression regulation in the pathological development of stem canker disease in Populus trichocarpa

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of short (21-23 nucleotides), non-coding RNA molecule, mediate repressive gene regulation through RNA silencing at the post-transcriptional level, and play an important role in defense and response to abiotic and biotic stresses. In the present study, Affymetrix® miRNA Array, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for miRNAs and their targets, and miRNA promoter analysis were used to validate the gene expression patterns of miRNAs in Populus trichocarpa plantlets induced with the poplar stem canker pathogen, Botryosphaeria dothidea. Twelve miRNAs (miR156, miR159, miR160, miR164, miR166, miR168, miR172, miR319, miR398, miR408, miR1448, and miR1450) were upregulated in the stem bark of P. trichocarpa, but no downregulated miRNAs were found. Based on analysis of the miRNAs and their targets, a potential co-regulatory network was developed to describe post-transcriptional regulation in the pathological development of poplar stem canker. There was highly complex cross-talk between diverse miRNA pathway responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. The results suggest that miR156 is probably an integral component of the miRNA response to all environmental stresses in plants. Cis-regulatory elements were binding sites for the transcription factors (TFs) on DNA. Promoter analysis revealed that TC-rich repeats and a W1-box motif were both tightly related disease response motifs in Populus. Promoter analysis and target analysis of miRNAs also revealed that some TFs regulate their activation/repression. Furthermore, a feedback regulatory network in the pathological development of poplar stem canker is provided. The results confirm that miRNA pathways regulate gene expression during the pathological development of plant disease, and provide new insights into understanding the onset and development of poplar stem canker.

Metabolic engineering of yeast and plants for the production of the biologically active hydroxystilbene, resveratrol

Resveratrol, a stilbenic compound deriving from the phenyalanine/polymalonate route, being stilbene synthase the last and key enzyme of this pathway, recently has become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant physiology. Increased demand for this molecule for nutraceutical, cosmetic and possibly pharmaceutic uses, makes its production a necessity. In this context, the use of biotechnology through recombinant microorganisms and plants is particularly promising. Interesting results can indeed arise from the potential of genetically modified microorganisms as an alternative mechanism for producing resveratrol. Strategies used to tailoring yeast as they do not possess the genes that encode for the resveratrol pathway, will be described. On the other hand, most interest has centered in recent years, on STS gene transfer experiments from various origins to the genome of numerous plants. This work also presents a comprehensive review on plant molecular engineering with the STS gene, resulting in disease resistance against microorganisms and the enhancement of the antioxidant activities of several fruits in transgenic lines.

Differential expression of Arabidopsis defense-related genes in response to sulfur dioxide

Sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) is one of the most common and harmful air pollutants. To analyze cellular responses to SO(2), we investigated the transcript alterations, antioxidant enzyme activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Arabidopsisthaliana (Col-0) exposed to SO(2). Transcriptional profiling using Affymetrix GeneChip technology identified 494 genes differentially expressed (≥2-fold change) in plants exposed to 30 mg m(-3) SO(2) for 72 h, including up-regulation of some defense-related genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins. Moreover, numerous genes encoding pathogenesis-related proteins and enzymes required for the phenylpropanoid pathway and for cell wall modification were highly activated upon SO(2) exposure. We selected eight of the significantly differentially expressed defense-related genes for analysis using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and confirmed that their expression was up-regulated under SO(2) stress. In addition, SO(2) exposure caused the enhancement of ROS production, and also increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) in Arabidopsis plants. Our results indicated that increased ROS may act as a signal to induce defense responses, which provide enhanced defense capacity to protect plants against SO(2) and other environmental stress. This is the first transcriptional profiling that identifies novel genes and pathways involved in SO(2) stress responses in plant cells. These data will be helpful for better understanding the molecular basis for plant adaptation to SO(2) stress.

Isolation and promoter analysis of a chalcone synthase gene PtrCHS4 from Populus trichocarpa

As perennial plants, Populus species are constantly exposed to environmental stresses, such as wounding and pathogen attack, which lead to production of compounds including lignin, flavonoids and phytoalexins. Chalcone synthase (CHS) is a key enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. In this study, a cDNA clone encoding CHS was isolated from Populus trichocarpa by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The full-length cDNA, named PtrCHS4, was 1,314 bp with a 1,173 bp open reading frame that corresponded to a deduced protein of 391 amino acid residues. Multiple sequence alignments showed that PtrCHS4 shared high homology with CHS proteins from other plants. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PtrCHS4 was most closely related to PhCHS from Petunia hybrida and NaCHS from Nicotiana attenuata. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis identified that the PtrCHS4 gene was abundantly expressed in the leaves and stems, while its expression was drastically reduced in the roots. Transcript abundance of PtrCHS4 was stimulated by 2.5-fold within 24 h of wounding treatment. Promoter analysis confirmed that the PtrCHS4 promoter was capable of directing expression of the GUS reporter in both wounded and unwounded leaves of transgenic Chinese white poplar (P. tomentosa Carr.), indicating that the PtrCHS4 promoter is systemically responsive to wounding stimuli. Furthermore, promoter deletion analysis showed that the proximal 1,592 bp from the transcription start site were required for promoter activation by jasmonic acid and the -1,096 to -148 region was proved to be necessary for establishing wound-induced pattern of expression.

Resistance to Plasmopara viticola in a grapevine segregating population is associated with stilbenoid accumulation and with specific host transcriptional responses

BACKGROUND

Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is a serious disease in Vitis vinifera, the most commonly cultivated grapevine species. Several wild Vitis species have instead been found to be resistant to this pathogen and have been used as a source to introgress resistance into a V. vinifera background. Stilbenoids represent the major phytoalexins in grapevine, and their toxicity is closely related to the specific compound. The aim of this study was to assess the resistance response to P. viticola of the Merzling × Teroldego cross by profiling the stilbenoid content of the leaves of an entire population and the transcriptome of resistant and susceptible individuals following infection.

RESULTS

A three-year analysis of the population's response to artificial inoculation showed that individuals were distributed in nine classes ranging from total resistance to total susceptibility. In addition, quantitative metabolite profiling of stilbenoids in the population, carried out using HPLC-DAD-MS, identified three distinct groups differing according to the concentrations present and the complexity of their profiles. The high producers were characterized by the presence of trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid, trans-pterostilbene and up to thirteen different viniferins, nine of them new in grapevine.Accumulation of these compounds is consistent with a resistant phenotype and suggests that they may contribute to the resistance response.A preliminary transcriptional study using cDNA-AFLP selected a set of genes modulated by the oomycete in a resistant genotype. The expression of this set of genes in resistant and susceptible genotypes of the progeny population was then assessed by comparative microarray analysis.A group of 57 genes was found to be exclusively modulated in the resistant genotype suggesting that they are involved in the grapevine-P. viticola incompatible interaction. Functional annotation of these transcripts revealed that they belong to the categories defense response, photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, signal transduction and transport.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the results of a combined metabolic and transcriptional profiling of a grapevine population segregating for resistance to P. viticola. Some resistant individuals were identified and further characterized at the molecular level. These results will be valuable to future grapevine breeding programs.

Regulation of L-ascorbic acid content in strawberry fruits

Plants have several L-ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthetic pathways, but the contribution of each one to the synthesis of AsA varyies between different species, organs, and developmental stages. Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa) fruits are rich in AsA. The pathway that uses D-galacturonate as the initial substrate is functional in ripe fruits, but the contribution of other pathways to AsA biosynthesis has not been studied. The transcription of genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes such as D-galacturonate reductase (FaGalUR) and myo-inositol oxygenase (FaMIOX), and the AsA recycling enzyme monodehydroascorbate reductase (FaMDHAR) were positively correlated with the increase in AsA during fruit ripening. Fruit storage for 72 h in a cold room reduced the AsA content by 30%. Under an ozone atmosphere, this reduction was 15%. Ozone treatment increased the expression of the FaGalUR, FaMIOX, and L-galactose-1-phosphate phosphatase (FaGIPP) genes, and transcription of the L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (FaGLDH) and FAMDHAR genes was higher in the ozone-stored than in the air-stored fruits. Analysis of AsA content in a segregating population from two strawberry cultivars showed high variability, which did not correlate with the transcription of any of the genes studied. Study of GalUR protein in diverse cultivars of strawberry and different Fragaria species showed that a correlation between GalUR and AsA content was apparent in most cases, but it was not general. Three alleles were identified in strawberry, but any sequence effect on the AsA variability was eliminated by analysis of the allele-specific expression. Taken together, these results indicate that FaGalUR shares the control of AsA levels with other enzymes and regulatory elements in strawberry fruit.

Effect of clone selection, nitrogen supply, leaf damage and mycorrhizal fungi on stilbene and emodin production in knotweed

BACKGROUND

Fallopia japonica and its hybrid, F. xbohemica, due to their fast spread, are famous as nature threats rather than blessings. Their fast growth rate, height, coverage, efficient nutrient translocation between tillers and organs and high phenolic production, may be perceived either as dangerous or beneficial features that bring about the elimination of native species or a life-supporting source. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any studies aimed at increasing the targeted production of medically desired compounds by these remarkable plants. We designed a two-year pot experiment to determine the extent to which stilbene (resveratrol, piceatannol, resveratrolosid, piceid and astringins) and emodin contents of F. japonica, F. sachalinensis and two selected F. xbohemica clones are affected by soil nitrogen (N) supply, leaf damage and mycorrhizal inoculation.

RESULTS

1) Knotweeds are able to grow on substrates with extremely low nitrogen content and have a high efficiency of N translocation. The fast-spreading hybrid clones store less N in their rhizomes than the parental species. 2) The highest concentrations of stilbenes were found in the belowground biomass of F. japonica. However, because of the high belowground biomass of one clone of F. xbohemica, this hybrid produced more stilbenes per plant than F. japonica. 3) Leaf damage increased the resveratrol and emodin contents in the belowground biomass of the non-inoculated knotweed plants. 4) Although knotweed is supposed to be a non-mycorrhizal species, its roots are able to host the fungi. Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi resulted in up to 2% root colonisation. 5) Both leaf damage and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi elicited an increase of the piceid (resveratrol-glucoside) content in the belowground biomass of F. japonica. However, the mycorrhizal fungi only elicited this response in the absence of leaf damage. Because the leaf damage suppressed the effect of the root fungi, the effect of leaf damage prevailed over the effect of the mycorrhizal fungi on the piceid content in the belowground biomass.

CONCLUSIONS

Two widely spread knotweed species, F. japonica and F. xbohemica, are promising sources of compounds that may have a positive impact on human health. The content of some of the target compounds in the plant tissues can be significantly altered by the cultivation conditions including stress imposed on the plants, inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and selection of the appropriate plant clone.

Biosynthesis, metabolism, molecular engineering, and biological functions of stilbene phytoalexins in plants

Stilbenic compounds recently have become the focus of a number of studies in medicine and plant physiology as well as have emerged as promising molecules that potentially affect human health. Stilbenes are relatively simple compounds synthesized by plants and deriving from the phenyalanine/polymalonate route, the last and key enzyme of this pathway being stilbene synthase. Here, we review the biological significance of stilbenes in plants together with their biosynthesis pathway and their metabolism both by fungi and in planta. Special attention will be paid to the role of stilbenic molecules as phytoalexins.

Ectopic expression of a grapevine transcription factor VvWRKY11 contributes to osmotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

Plant WRKY transcriptional factors play an important role in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, a WRKY transcription factor was isolated from grapevine. This transcription factor showed 66% and 58% identity at the DNA and amino acid sequence levels, respectively, with Arabidopsis AtWRKY11 genes, and was therefore designated VvWRKY11. Phylogenetic analysis and structure comparison indicated that VvWRKY11 protein belongs to group IIc. The VvWRKY11 protein was shown to be located in the nucleus based on green fluorescent protein analysis. Yeast one-hybrid analysis further indicated that VvWRKY11 protein binds specifically to the W-box element. The expression profile of VvWRKY11 in response to treatment with phytohormone salicylic acid or pathogen Plasmopara viticola is rapid and transient. Transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings overexpressing VvWRKY11 showed higher tolerance to water stress induced by mannitol than wild-type plants. These results clearly demonstrated that the VvWRKY11 gene is involved in the response to dehydration stress. In addition, the role of VvWRKY11 protein in regulating the expression of two stress response genes, AtRD29A and AtRD29B, is also discussed.

Factors influencing the production of stilbenes by the knotweed, Reynoutria x bohemica

BACKGROUND

Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica, is known for its high growth rate, even on adverse substrates, and for containing organic substances that are beneficial to human health. Its hybrid, Reynoutria x bohemica, was described in the Czech Republic in 1983 and has been widespread ever since. We examined whether Reynoutria x bohemica as a medicinal plant providing stilbenes and emodin, can be cultivated in spoil bank substrates and hence in the coalmine spoil banks changed into arable fields. We designed a pot experiment and a field experiment to assess the effects of various factors on the growth efficiency of Reynoutria x bohemica on clayish substrates and on the production of stilbenes and emodin in this plant.

RESULTS

In the pot experiment, plants were grown on different substrates that varied in organic matter and nutrient content, namely the content of nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen was also introduced into the substrates by melilot, a leguminous plant with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Melilot served as a donor of mycorrhizal fungi to knotweed, which did not form any mycorrhiza when grown alone. As expected, the production of knotweed biomass was highest on high-nutrient substrates, namely compost. However, the concentration of the organic constituents studied was higher in plants grown on clayish low-nutrient substrates in the presence of melilot. The content of resveratrol including that of its derivatives, resveratrolosid, piceatannol, piceid and astringin, was significantly higher in the presence of melilot on clay, loess and clayCS. Nitrogen supplied to knotweed by melilot was correlated with the ratio of resveratrol to resveratrol glucosides, indicating that knotweed bestowed some of its glucose production upon covering part of the energy demanded for nitrogen fixation by melilot's rhizobia, and that there is an exchange of organic substances between these two plant species. The three-year field experiment confirmed the ability of Reynoutria x bohemica to grow on vast coalmine spoil banks. The production of this species reached 2.6 t of dry mass per hectare.

CONCLUSIONS

Relationships between nitrogen, phosphorus, emodin, and belowground knotweed biomass belong to the most interesting results of this study. Compared with melilot absence, its presence increased the number of significant relationships by introducing those of resveratrol and its derivatives, and phosphorus and nitrogen. Knotweed phosphorus was predominantly taken up from the substrate and was negatively correlated with the content of resveratrol and resveratrol derivatives, while knotweed nitrogen was mainly supplied by melilot rhizobia and was positively correlated with the content of resveratrol and resveratrol derivatives.

Characterization of a novel stilbene synthase promoter involved in pathogen- and stress-inducible expression from Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata

Stilbene synthase is a plant-specific polyketide synthase, and plays important roles in diverse metabolic processes. The genomic stilbene synthase gene was cloned from accession "Baihe-35-1" of Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata, and a stilbene synthase of V. pseudoreticulata (VpSTS) transcripts expressed in the grape-powdery mildew interaction were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. To monitor VpSTS expression in plant, the promoter region flanking the 5' VpSTS coding region was isolated from the genomic DNA of Chinese wild V. pseudoreticulata accession Baihe-35-1. Alignment of the VpSTS promoter sequence showed a 56.4% identity to Vitis vinifera. To identify the upstream region of the VpSTS gene required for promoter activity, a series of VpSTS promoter deletion derivatives was constructed. Each deletion construct was analyzed by Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation in grapevine and tobacco leaves after infection by Uncinula necator and Alternaria alternata. In transiently transformed grapevine leaves, GUS activity was also determined after treatment with salicylic acid (SA) and 4 degrees C cold. Analysis of a series of 5' deletions of the VpSTS promoter in grapevine leaves indicated that the proximal 162 bp from the transcription initiation site was proved to be necessary for establishing both the constitutive and induced pattern of expression.

Longevity nutrients resveratrol, wines and grapes

A mild-to-moderate wine drinking has been linked with reduced cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular risk as well as reduced risk due to cancer. The reduced risk of cardiovascular disease associated with wine drinking is popularly known as French Paradox. A large number of reports exist in the literature indicating that resveratrol present in wine is primarily responsible for the cardioprotection associated with wine. Recently, resveratrol was shown to extend life span in yeast through the activation of longevity gene SirT1, which is also responsible for the longevity mediated by calorie restriction. This review summarizes the reports available on the functional and molecular biological aspects of resveratrol, wine and grapes in potentiating the longevity genes.

Grapevine cell early activation of specific responses to DIMEB, a resveratrol elicitor

BACKGROUND

In response to pathogen attack, grapevine synthesizes phytoalexins belonging to the family of stilbenes. Grapevine cell cultures represent a good model system for studying the basic mechanisms of plant response to biotic and abiotic elicitors. Among these, modified beta-cyclodextrins seem to act as true elicitors inducing strong production of the stilbene resveratrol.

RESULTS

The transcriptome changes of Vitis riparia x Vitis berlandieri grapevine cells in response to the modified beta-cyclodextrin, DIMEB, were analyzed 2 and 6 h after treatment using a suppression subtractive hybridization experiment and a microarray analysis respectively. At both time points, we identified a specific set of induced genes belonging to the general phenylpropanoid metabolism, including stilbenes and hydroxycinnamates, and to defence proteins such as PR proteins and chitinases. At 6 h we also observed a down-regulation of the genes involved in cell division and cell-wall loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first large-scale study of the molecular effects of DIMEB, a resveratrol inducer, on grapevine cell cultures. This molecule seems to mimic a defence elicitor which enhances the physical barriers of the cell, stops cell division and induces phytoalexin synthesis.

Chemical diversity and defence metabolism: how plants cope with pathogens and ozone pollution

Chemical defences represent a main trait of the plant innate immune system. Besides regulating the relationship between plants and their ecosystems, phytochemicals are involved both in resistance against pathogens and in tolerance towards abiotic stresses, such as atmospheric pollution. Plant defence metabolites arise from the main secondary metabolic routes, the phenylpropanoid, the isoprenoid and the alkaloid pathways. In plants, antibiotic compounds can be both preformed (phytoanticipins) and inducible (phytoalexins), the former including saponins, cyanogenic glycosides and glucosinolates. Chronic exposure to tropospheric ozone (O(3)) stimulates the carbon fluxes from the primary to the secondary metabolic pathways to a great extent, inducing a shift of the available resources in favour of the synthesis of secondary products. In some cases, the plant defence responses against pathogens and environmental pollutants may overlap, leading to the unspecific synthesis of similar molecules, such as phenylpropanoids. Exposure to ozone can also modify the pattern of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC), emitted from plant in response to herbivore feeding, thus altering the tritrophic interaction among plant, phytophagy and their natural enemies. Finally, the synthesis of ethylene and polyamines can be regulated by ozone at level of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the biosynthetic precursor of both classes of hormones, which can, therefore, mutually inhibit their own biosynthesis with consequence on plant phenotype.

Chitosan treatment induces changes of protein expression profile and stilbene distribution in Vitis vinifera cell suspensions

Polyphenols, including stilbenes and flavonoids, are an essential part of human diet and constitute one of the most abundant and ubiquitous groups of plant secondary metabolites, and their level is inducible by stress, fungal attack or biotic and abiotic elicitors. Proteomic analysis of Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar (cv.) Barbera grape cell suspensions, showed that the amount of 73 proteins consistently changed in 50 microg/mL chitosan-treated samples compared with controls, or between the two controls, of which 56 were identified by MS analyses. In particular, de-novo synthesis and/or accumulation of stilbene synthase proteins were promoted by chitosan which also stimulated trans-resveratrol endogenous accumulation and decreased its release into the culture medium. No influence was shown on cis-resveratrol. There was no effect on the accumulation of total resveratrol mono-glucosides (trans- and cis-piceid and trans- and cis-resveratroloside). Throughout the observation period the upregulation of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chalcone synthase, chalcone-flavanone isomerase (CHI) transcript expression levels well correlated with CHI protein amount and with the accumulation of anthocyanins. Chitosan treatment strongly increased the expression of eleven proteins of the pathogenesis related protein-10 family, as well as their mRNA levels.

Expression profiling and functional analysis of Populus WRKY23 reveals a regulatory role in defense

WRKY transcription factors are key regulators that activate and fine-tune stress responses, including defense responses against pathogens. We isolated a poplar (Populus tremulaxPopulus alba) cDNA sequence, PtWRKY23, that encodes the ortholog of Arabidopsis WRKY23 and present the functional analysis of WRKY23, with emphasis on its potential role in resistance to rust infection. To investigate the function of PtWRKY23, we examined PtWRKY23 expression after stress treatments by qRT-PCR and generated PtWRKY23-misexpressing plants. Transgenic plants were assessed for resistance to Melampsora rust and were analyzed using the poplar Affymetrix GeneChip and histological techniques to study the consequences of PtWRKY23 misexpression. PtWRKY23 is rapidly induced by Melampsora infection and elicitor treatments and poplars overexpressing and underexpressing PtWRKY23 were both more susceptible to Melampsora infection than wild type. Transcriptome analysis of PtWRKY23 overexpressors revealed a significant overlap with the Melampsora-infection response. Transcriptome analysis also suggests that PtWRKY23 affects redox homeostasis and cell wall-related metabolism, which was confirmed by analyses that showed that PtWRKY23-misexpressing plants have altered peroxidase activity, apparent H(2)O(2) accumulation and lignin deposition. Our results show that PtWRKY23 affects resistance to Melampsora infection and that this may be caused by deregulation of genes that disrupt redox homeostasis and cell wall metabolism.

Prokaryotic expression, polyclonal antibody preparation of the stilbene synthase gene from grape berry and its different expression in fruit development and under heat acclimation

Stilbene synthase (STS, EC 2.3.1.95) leads to the production of resveratrol compounds, which are major components of the phytoalexin response against fungal pathogens of the plant and are highly bioactive substances of pharmaceutical interest. STS expression and regulation are important. Temperature is one of the main external factors affecting phytoalexin accumulation in plant tissues, the effect of temperature on resveratrol synthesis and stilbene synthase expression in grape berries has not been reported before. Here we cloned the full-length sts cDNA with 1179bp from grape berry via PCR, and then introduced into an expressed plasmid pET-30a(+) vector at the EcoRI and XhoI restriction sites. With the isopropyl-beta-d-thiogalactoside (IPTG) induced, the pET-sts was highly expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS cells. A fusion protein with the His-Tag was purified by Ni-NTA His.Bind Resin and then used as the antigen to immunize a New Zealand rabbit. Furthermore, the antiserum was precipitated by 50% saturated ammonium sulfate and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography to obtain the immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction. These results provide a substantial basis for the further studies of the STS in grape berry as well as in other species of plants. The sts expression in fruit development and in response to heat acclimation was then assayed. The results indicated STS was regulated in fruits depending on the developmental stage and significantly accumulation of STS mRNA and synthesis of new STS protein during the early of heat acclimation, this work offers an important basis for further investigating the mechanism of post-harvest fruit adaptation to environmental stresses.

Elevated ozone alters soybean-virus interaction

Increasing concentrations of ozone (O(3)) in the troposphere affect many organisms and their interactions with each other. To analyze the changes in a plant-pathogen interaction, soybean plants were infected with Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) while they were fumigated with O(3). In otherwise natural field conditions, elevated O(3) treatment slowed systemic infection and disease development by inducing a nonspecific resistance against SMV for a period of 3 weeks. During this period, the negative effect of virus infection on light-saturated carbon assimilation rate was prevented by elevated O(3) exposure. To identify the molecular basis of a soybean nonspecific defense response, high-throughput gene expression analysis was performed in a controlled environment. Transcripts of fungal, bacterial, and viral defense-related genes, including PR-1, PR-5, PR-10, and EDS1, as well as genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways (and concentrations of their end products, quercetin and kaempherol derivatives) increased in response to elevated O(3). The drastic changes in soybean basal defense response under altered atmospheric conditions suggest that one of the elements of global change may alter the ecological consequences and, eventually, coevolutionary relationship of plant-pathogen interactions in the future.

Localization of stilbene synthase in Vitis vinifera L. during berry development

The localization of stilbene synthase (STS) (EC 2.3.1.95) in grape berry (Vitis vinifera L.) was investigated during fruit development. The berries were collected at 2, 4, 7, 11, and 15 weeks postflowering from the cultivar Nebbiolo during the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that berries accumulated cis- and trans-isomers of resveratrol mainly in the exocarp throughout fruit development. Immunodetection of STS protein was performed on berry extracts and sections with an antibody specifically developed against recombinant grape STS1. In agreement with resveratrol presence, STS was found in berry exocarp tissues during all stages of fruit development. The labeled epidermal cells were few and were randomly distributed, whereas nearly all the outer hypodermis cells were STS-positive. The STS signal decreased gradually from exocarp to mesocarp, where the protein was detected only occasionally. At the subcellular level, STS was found predominantly within vesicles (of varying size), along the plasma membrane and in the cell wall, suggesting protein secretion in the apoplast compartment. Despite the differences in fruit size and structure, the STS localization was the same before and after veraison, the relatively short developmental period during which the firm green berries begin to soften and change color. Nevertheless, the amount of protein detected in both exocarp and mesocarp decreased significantly in ripe berries, in agreement with the lower resveratrol content measured in the same tissues. The location of STS in exocarp cell wall is consistent with its role in synthesizing defense compounds and supports the hypothesis that a differential localization of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic machinery regulates the deposition of specific secondary products at different action sites within cells.

Molecular analysis of post-harvest withering in grape by AFLP transcriptional profiling

Post-harvest withering of grape berries is used in the production of dessert and fortified wines to alter must quality characteristics and increase the concentration of simple sugars. The molecular processes that occur during withering are poorly understood, so a detailed transcriptomic analysis of post-harvest grape berries was carried out by AFLP-transcriptional profiling analysis. This will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of berry withering and will provide an opportunity to select markers that can be used to follow the drying process and evaluate different drying techniques. AFLP-TP identified 699 withering-specific genes, 167 and 86 of which were unique to off-plant and on-plant withering, respectively. Although similar molecular events were revealed in both withering processes, it was apparent that off-plant withering induced a stronger dehydration stress response resulting in the high level expression of genes involved in stress protection mechanisms, such as dehydrin and osmolite accumulation. Genes involved in hexose metabolism and transport, cell wall composition, and secondary metabolism (particularly the phenolic and terpene compound pathways) were similarly regulated in both processes. This work provides the first comprehensive analysis of the molecular events underpinning post-harvest withering and could help to define markers for different withering processes.

Gene expression profiles of O3-treated Arabidopsis plants

To analyse cellular response to O(3), the tolerant Arabidopsis thaliana genotype Col-0 was exposed to O(3) fumigation (300 ppb) for 6 h and the modulation of gene expression during the treatment (3 h after the beginning of the treatment, T3 h) and the recovery phase (6 h from the end of the treatment, T12 h) assessed by gene chip microarray and real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR analyses. The Arabidopsis transcriptional profile is complex, as new genes (i.e. reticuline oxidase) and pathways, other than those already reported as O(3)-responsive, appear to be involved in the O(3) response. The steady-state transcript levels of several WRKY genes were increased in O(3)-treated plants and the W-box was the cis-element over-represented in the promoter region of T3 h up-regulated genes. The fact that the W-box element was also over-represented in almost all T3 h-induced receptor-like kinases (RLKs) suggests a WRKY-mediated control of RLKs under O(3) stress and a mechanicistic similarity with the pathogen-induced transcriptional responses. We investigated the molecular and physiological implications of our findings in relation to O(3)-induced plant stress response.

A review of the effects and mechanisms of polyphenolics in cancer

This paper is a comprehensive review of the effects of bioactive polyphenolic compounds commonly found in many fruits and vegetables on cancer. These include the pheniolic acids, anthocyanins, catechins, stilbenes and several other flavonoids. We have attempted to compile information from most of the major studies in this area into one source. The review encompasses the occurrence and bioavailability of the polyphenolics, the in vitro and in vivo evidence for their effects on cancer, both positive and negative, and the various mechanisms by which the chemicals may exert their effects. Although most of the work done to date indicates a chemopreventative activity of these compounds, there are some studies that show cancer-inducing or no effects. There are several common mechanisms by which these chemicals exert their effects that could be conducive to additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions. These include effects on cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, effects on proteins and enzymes that are involved in these processes at a molecular level, and other various effects through altered immune function and chemical metabolism.

Piceid (resveratrol glucoside) synthesis in stilbene synthase transgenic apple fruit

A stilbene synthase gene along with the selectable marker gene bar for herbicide resistance was transferred via Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation into apple (Malus domesticaBorkh.) cvs. 'Elstar' and 'Holsteiner Cox'. The stilbene synthase catalyzes the conversion of 1 molecule of p-coumaroyl-CoA and 3 molecules of malonyl-CoA into 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene, commonly known as resveratrol. This phytoalexin has implications in both phytopathology and human health. Greenhouse-grown transgenic and nontransformed control plants were grafted onto dwarfing rootstock M27. Flowering and fruiting occurred within the following years, offering the opportunity to analyze transgenic apple fruit and fertility of transgenic plants as well as inheritance of the transgenes into the seedling progeny. Molecular analysis revealed that the stilbene synthase is expressed in transgenic plants and in the skin and flesh of transgenic apple fruit. After formation, resveratrol is modified by the addition of a hexose sugar. The resulting component was characterized as piceid. With the aim of characterizing the influence of the novel biosynthetic pathway on the accumulation of other phenolic compounds naturally present in apple fruit, the amounts of flavanols, flavonols, phloretin derivatives and hydroxycinnamic acids in wild type and transgenic fruit were determined by HPLC. In all investigated transformed lines that accumulated piceid, no negative correlation between levels of piceid and the above-mentioned compounds was observed, except for the flavonol contents, which slightly decreased. Inheritance of the transgenes was confirmed in the seedling progeny, which were obtained after pollination of transgenic plants with nontransgenic pollen and vice versa after pollination of nontransgenic plants with pollen obtained from transgenic plants. The fertility of stilbene synthase transgenic plants was demonstrated. To the authors' knowledge this is the first time that data are available on piceid synthesis in transgenic apple fruit and the effects of its accumulation on levels of other phenolic compounds present in the fruit.

Identification of the major metabolites of resveratrol in rat urine by HPLC-MS/MS

To identify the major metabolites of resveratrol in rat, rat urine samples were pretreated by using solid-phase extraction technique (SPE) with polyamide cartridges. And a LC-MS/MS method with electrospray ionisation (ESI), negative ion mode and collision induced dissociation (CID), was used to elucidate the structures of the major metabolites of resveratrol. According to the results of our experiment, we found that the main metabolites of resveratrol were resveratrol monoglucuronide (M1), dihydroresveratrol monosulfate (M2), resveratrol monosulfate (M3) and dihydroresveratrol (M4).

Jasmonates and Na-orthovanadate promote resveratrol production in Vitis vinifera cv. Barbera cell cultures

Here the effect of jasmonic acid, methyljasmonate and Na-orthovanadate on the production of resveratrol was studied in Vitis vinifera cv. Barbera cell suspension cultures. Na-orthovanadate at 0.1 mm and 1 mm concentration was efficient in promoting the production and/or accumulation and release in the culture medium of cis-resveratrol while trans-resveratrol levels were not affected by this treatment. Methyljasmonate was highly effective in stimulating both trans- and cis-resveratrol endogenous accumulation, as well as their release into the culture medium. Cis-resveratrol was absent or detected in very low amounts in the controls. Jasmonic acid was less efficient than methyljasmonate in promoting endogenous resveratrol accumulation, but it stimulated the release in the culture medium especially of cis-resveratrol. Gel analysis was performed on control and 10 microm MeJA treated cell suspensions. Results showed an up-regulation of the stilbene synthase demonstrating that MeJA stimulated the synthesis ex-novo of this protein.

Inhibiting effects of resveratrol and its glucoside piceid against Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced in different unrelated plant species such as grapevine and peanut. The effect of resveratrol and its glucoside trans-resveratrol-3-O-beta-D-glycopyranosid (piceid) against Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab, was evaluated using a newly established test based on enzymatically isolated cuticular membranes (CMs) from apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) leaves. The test substances resveratrol and piceid were either sorbed to CMs before inoculation with spores or were applied simultaneously with the Venturia inaequalis spores to the CMs, and their effect on germination, appressoria formation, and penetration was examined. Resveratrol had no influence on spore germination but a significant inhibiting effect on penetration when applied simultaneously as well as before. A percentage inhibition of 89.7 +/- 11.5 and 61.8 +/- 35.1 was observed for simultaneous and preapplication, respectively. The resveratrol glucoside piceid had a significant inhibitory effect on germination and completely inhibited penetration of the fungus at concentrations between 200 and 400 microg mL(-1) when applied simultaneously with the spores to the CMs. On piceid-enriched CM (preapplication), spores germinated but penetration was inhibited nearly completely (96.1 +/- 5.1%). Thus, in vitro experiments showed that resveratrol and its glucoside in fact could contribute to improving the pathogen resistance of apple leaves.