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Li H, Meng X, Zhang Y, Guo M, Li L. Active Components of Leontopodium alpinum Callus Culture Extract for Blue Light Damage in Human Foreskin Fibroblasts. Molecules 2023; 28:7319. [PMID: 37959738 PMCID: PMC10647756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217319] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leontopodium alpinum is a source of raw material for food additives and skin health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract (LACCE) to prevent blue light damage to the skin. We screened and identified the blue light-damage-protecting activities and mechanisms of ten components of LACCE, including chlorogenic acid (A), isoquercitrin (B), isochlorogenic acid A (C), cynaroside (D), syringin (E), isochlorogenic acid (F), cynarin (G), rutin (H), leontopodic acid A (I), and leontopodic acid B (J), using a novel blue light-induced human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) cell injury model. The study examined the cytotoxicity of ten ingredients using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and selecting concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 μM for experiments with a cell viability above 65%. We explored the effects and mechanisms of action of these LACCE components in response to blue light injury using Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also measured ROS secretion and Ca2+ influx. Our study revealed that leontopodic acid A effectively boosted COI-1 expression, hindered MMP-1 expression, curbed ROS and Ca2+ endocytosis, and reduced OPN3 expression. These results provide theoretical support for the development of new raw materials for the pharmaceutical and skincare industries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Li Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology & Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (H.L.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (M.G.)
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2
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Hörandl E. Geographical Parthenogenesis in Alpine and Arctic Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 36840192 PMCID: PMC9959270 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The term "Geographical parthenogenesis" describes the phenomenon that asexual organisms usually occupy larger and more northern distribution areas than their sexual relatives, and tend to colonize previously glaciated areas. Several case studies on alpine and arctic plants confirm the geographical pattern, but the causal factors behind the phenomenon are still unclear. Research of the last decade in several plant families has shed light on the question and evaluated some of the classical evolutionary theories. Results confirmed, in general, that the advantages of uniparental reproduction enable apomictic plants to re-colonize faster in larger and more northern distribution areas. Associated factors like polyploidy seem to contribute mainly to the spatial separation of sexual and asexual cytotypes. Ecological studies suggest a better tolerance of apomicts to colder climates and temperate extremes, whereby epigenetic flexibility and phenotypic plasticity play an important role in occupying ecological niches under harsh conditions. Genotypic diversity appears to be of lesser importance for the distributional success of asexual plants. Classical evolutionary theories like a reduced pressure of biotic interactions in colder climates and hence an advantage to asexuals (Red Queen hypothesis) did not gain support from studies on plants. However, it is also still enigmatic why sexual outcrossing remains the predominant mode of reproduction also in alpine floras. Constraints for the origin of apomixis might play a role. Interestingly, some studies suggest an association of sexuality with abiotic stresses. Light stress in high elevations might explain why most alpine plants retain sexual reproduction despite other environmental factors that would favor apomixis. Directions for future research will be given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Hörandl
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium), University of Goettingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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3
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The Application of Flow Cytometry for Estimating Genome Size, Ploidy Level Endopolyploidy, and Reproductive Modes in Plants. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2222:325-361. [PMID: 33301101 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0997-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, the amount of DNA in a nucleus (genome size) has been estimated using a variety of methods, but increasingly, flow cytometry (FCM) has become the method of choice. The popularity of this technique lies in the ease of sample preparation and in the large number of particles (i.e., nuclei) that can be analyzed in a very short period of time. This chapter presents a step-by-step guide to estimating the nuclear DNA content of plant nuclei using FCM. Attempting to serve as a tool for daily laboratory practice, we list, in detail, the equipment required, specific reagents and buffers needed, as well as the most frequently used protocols to carry out nuclei isolation. In addition, solutions to the most common problems that users may encounter when working with plant material and troubleshooting advice are provided. Finally, information about the correct terminology to use and the importance of obtaining chromosome counts to avoid cytological misinterpretations of the FCM data are discussed.
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Karbstein K, Rahmsdorf E, Tomasello S, Hodač L, Hörandl E. Breeding system of diploid sexuals within the Ranunculus auricomus complex and its role in a geographical parthenogenesis scenario. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:14435-14450. [PMID: 33391726 PMCID: PMC7771175 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The larger distribution area of asexuals compared with their sexual relatives in geographical parthenogenesis (GP) scenarios has been widely attributed to the advantages of uniparental reproduction and polyploidy. However, potential disadvantages of sexuals due to their breeding system have received little attention so far. Here, we study the breeding system of five narrowly distributed sexual lineages of Ranunculus notabilis s.l. (R. auricomus complex) and its effects on outcrossing, inbreeding, female fitness, and heterozygosity. We performed selfing and intra- and interlineage crossings by bagging 481 flowers (59 garden individuals) followed by germination experiments. We compared seed set and germination rates, and related them to genetic distance and genome-wide heterozygosity (thousands of RADseq loci). Selfings (2.5%) unveiled a significantly lower seed set compared with intra- (69.0%) and interlineage crossings (69.5%). Seed set of intra- (65%) compared to interpopulation crossings (78%) was significantly lower. In contrast, all treatments showed comparable germination rates (32%-43%). Generalized linear regressions between seed set and genetic distance revealed positive relationships in general and between lineages, and a negative one within lineages. Seed set was the main decisive factor for female fitness. Germination rates were not related to genetic distance at any level, but were positively associated with heterozygosity in interlineage crossings. Experiments confirmed full crossability and predominant outcrossing among sexual R. notabilis s.l. lineages. However, up to 5% (outliers 15%-31%) of seeds were formed by selfing, probably due to semi-self-compatibility in a multi-locus gametophytic SI system. Less seed set in intrapopulation crossings, and higher seed set and germination rates from crossings of genetically more distant and heterozygous lineages (interlineage) indicate negative inbreeding and positive outbreeding effects. In GP scenarios, sexual species with small and/or isolated populations can suffer from decreased female fitness due to their breeding system. This factor, among others, probably limits range expansion of sexuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Karbstein
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium)Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Georg‐August University School of Science (GAUSS)University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Elisabeth Rahmsdorf
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium)Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Institute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityLeipzigGermany
| | - Salvatore Tomasello
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium)Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Ladislav Hodač
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium)Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Elvira Hörandl
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium)Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
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5
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Sailer C, Stöcklin J, Grossniklaus U. Dynamics of apomictic and sexual reproduction during primary succession on a glacier forefield in the Swiss Alps. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8269. [PMID: 32427828 PMCID: PMC7237654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64367-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apomixis, the asexual reproduction through seeds, is thought to provide reproductive assurance when ploidy is not even and/or when population density is low. Therefore, apomicts are expected to be more abundant, and the frequency of apomictic offspring higher, at early stages of primary succession when mates are rare. To test this hypothesis, we sampled facultative apomictic Hieracium pilosella L. along the successional gradient on a glacier forefield and determined their ploidy, the level of apomixis in their offspring, and the genetic diversity of the entire meta-population and within subpopulations. We found that apomixis is more common in odd- and aneuploid cytotypes, which are more frequent at early stages of primary succession. However, apomixis was uncommon at all successional stages and sexual hexaploids were dominating throughout. Reproductive assurance was reflected in the higher fertility of all odd-ploid apomictic plants (3×, 5×) by avoiding meiosis, illustrating that apomixis provides an escape from sterility, as proposed by Darlington. Odd-ploid plants are supposedly better colonizers (Baker’s law), which is supported by their higher occurrence close to the glacier snout. Independent of succession, we found gene flow between apomicts and sexuals, which allows for the continuous creation of new apomictic and sexual genotypes. We conclude that apomixis in H. pilosella does indeed provide an escape from sterility, and therefore reproductive assurance, in aneuploid cytotypes. We further propose that apomixis preserves beneficial combinations of unlinked alleles in every generation for as long as apomictic genotypes persist in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sailer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Centre, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Stöcklin
- Institute of Botany & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Centre, University of Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Grossniklaus
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Centre, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
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6
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Oberhofer M, Hess J, Leutgeb M, Gössnitzer F, Rattei T, Wawrosch C, Zotchev SB. Exploring Actinobacteria Associated With Rhizosphere and Endosphere of the Native Alpine Medicinal Plant Leontopodium nivale Subspecies alpinum. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2531. [PMID: 31781058 PMCID: PMC6857621 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhizosphere of plants is enriched in nutrients facilitating growth of microorganisms, some of which are recruited as endophytes. Endophytes, especially Actinobacteria, are known to produce a plethora of bioactive compounds. We hypothesized that Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum (Edelweiss), a rare alpine medicinal plant, may serve as yet untapped source for uncommon Actinobacteria associated with this plant. Rhizosphere soil of native Alpine plants was used, after physical and chemical pre-treatments, for isolating Actinobacteria. Isolates were selected based on morphology and identified by 16S rRNA gene-based barcoding. Resulting 77 Actinobacteria isolates represented the genera Actinokineospora, Kitasatospora, Asanoa, Microbacterium, Micromonospora, Micrococcus, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, and Streptomyces. In parallel, Edelweiss plants from the same location were surface-sterilized, separated into leaves, roots, rhizomes, and inflorescence and pooled within tissues before genomic DNA extraction. Metagenomic 16S rRNA gene amplicons confirmed large numbers of actinobacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) descending in diversity from roots to rhizomes, leaves and inflorescences. These metagenomic data, when queried with isolate sequences, revealed an overlap between the two datasets, suggesting recruitment of soil bacteria by the plant. Moreover, this study uncovered a profound diversity of uncultured Actinobacteria from Rubrobacteridae, Thermoleophilales, Acidimicrobiales and unclassified Actinobacteria specifically in belowground tissues, which may be exploited by a targeted isolation approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Oberhofer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jaqueline Hess
- Division of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene Leutgeb
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Gössnitzer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Wawrosch
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sergey B. Zotchev
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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7
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Brožová V, Koutecký P, Doležal J. Plant apomixis is rare in Himalayan high-alpine flora. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14386. [PMID: 31591463 PMCID: PMC6779868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gametophytic apomixis is a way of asexual plant reproduction by seeds. It should be advantageous under stressful high altitude or latitude environment where short growing seasons, low temperatures, low pollinator activity or unstable weather may hamper sexual reproduction. However, this hypothesis remains largely untested. Here, we assess the reproductive mode in 257 species belonging to 45 families from the world's broadest alpine belt (2800-6150 m) in NW Himalayas using flow cytometric seed screen. We found only 12 apomictic species, including several members of Poaceae (Festuca, Poa and Stipa), Rosaceae (Potentilla) and Ranunculaceae (Halerpestes, Ranunculus), which are families typical for high apomict frequency. However, several apomictic species were newly discovered, including the first known apomictic species from the family Biebersteiniaceae (Biebersteinia odora), and first apomicts from the genera Stipa (Stipa splendens) and Halerpestes (Halerpestes lancifolia). Apomicts showed no preference for higher elevations, even in these extreme Himalayan alpine habitats. Additional trait-based analyses revealed that apomicts differed from sexuals in comprising more rhizomatous graminoids and forbs, higher soil moisture demands, sharing the syndrome of dominant species with broad geographical and elevation ranges typical for the late-successional habitats. Apomicts differ from non-apomicts in greater ability of clonal propagation and preference for wetter, more productive habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktorie Brožová
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Dukelská 135, Třeboň, 379 01, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Koutecký
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Doležal
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Dukelská 135, Třeboň, 379 01, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, University of Arizona, 1215 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, 85721, Arizona, USA
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8
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Samaniego F, Kolár F, Urfus T, Barragán Á, Romoleroux K. Determination of apomixis by flow cytometry in two species of Lachemilla (Rosaceae) in Ecuador. NEOTROPICAL BIODIVERSITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23766808.2018.1542785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Samaniego
- Herbario QCA - Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Tomas Urfus
- Fyziologicky Ustav Akademie Ved Ceske Republiky, Pruhonice, Czech republic
| | - Álvaro Barragán
- Museo QCAZ - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Katya Romoleroux
- Herbario QCA - Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
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9
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Kolarčik V, Kocová V, Vašková D. Flow cytometric seed screen data are consistent with models of chromosome inheritance in asymmetrically compensating allopolyploids. Cytometry A 2018; 93:737-748. [PMID: 30071155 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angiosperms have evolved a mechanism of double fertilization, which results in the production of a separate embryo (new individual) and endosperm (nutritive tissue). The flow cytometric seed screen (FCSS) was developed to infer plant reproduction modes based on endosperm-to-embryo DNA content ratio (Pind ). A ratio of 1.5 indicates sexual reproduction, whereas higher values of ≥2.0 are consistent with apomixis. Although FCSS has been successfully applied to the study of sexual and asexual plants, the limits of FCSS and particularly its potential for determination of reproduction modes in hemisexual plants have not been explored. Here, we evaluated the application of FCSS to the study of reproduction modes in two asymmetrically compensating allopolyploids (ACAs), Onosma arenaria and Rosa canina. These two species are characterized by the presence of asexually inherited univalent-forming and sexually inherited bivalent-forming chromosome sets. They both use asymmetric meiosis, which eliminates univalent-forming chromosome sets from the male gamete and retains them in the female gamete. Different chromosomal behavior in male and female meiosis in these plants is reflected in different theoretically derived Pind values, which deviate from a sexual 1.5 value. Here, we determined Pind FCSS-based values in seeds of ACAs, and compared the results to sexual species. As expected, we determined that the mean Pind is 1.51, 1.52, and 1.52 in the sexual plants, that is, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Crataegus monogyna, and O. pseudoarenaria, respectively. In the ACAs, different mean Pind values were determined for O. arenaria (1.61) and R. canina (1.82). These values are consistent with the theoretical Pind values determined based on models of chromosome inheritance. This study highlights the precision of flow cytometry in determining DNA content and it's utility in screening reproduction modes. Additionally, it advocates for more in-depth investigations into rapid screening of accessions where the Pind ratio has deviated from the 1.5 value typical of sexual species, which may indicate meiotic irregularities.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kolarčik
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University, Mánesova 23, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - V Kocová
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University, Mánesova 23, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - D Vašková
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University, Mánesova 23, SK-041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
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10
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Klatt S, Schinkel CCF, Kirchheimer B, Dullinger S, Hörandl E. Effects of cold treatments on fitness and mode of reproduction in the diploid and polyploid alpine plant Ranunculus kuepferi (Ranunculaceae). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2018; 121:1287-1298. [PMID: 29462249 PMCID: PMC6007502 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims Alpine plants grow in harsh environments and are thought to face occasional frost during the sensitive reproductive phase. Apomixis (asexual reproduction via seed) can be advantageous when sexual reproduction is disturbed by cold stress. Apomictic polyploids tend to grow in colder climates than their sexual diploid relatives. Whether cold temperatures actually induce apomixis was unknown to date. Methods We tested experimentally in climate cabinets for effects of low temperatures and repeated frost on phenology, fitness and mode of reproduction in diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of the alpine species Ranunculus kuepferi. The reproduction mode was determined via flow cytometric seed screening (FCSS). Key Results Diploids produced the first flowers earlier than the tetraploids in all treatments. Cold treatments significantly reduced the fitness of both cytotypes regarding seed set, and increased the frequency of apomictic seed formation in diploids, but not in tetraploids. Over consecutive years, the degree of facultative apomixis showed individual phenotypic plasticity. Conclusions Cold stress is correlated to expression of apomixis in warm-adapted, diploid R. kuepferi, while temperature-tolerant tetraploids just maintain facultative apomixis as a possible adaptation to colder climates. However, expression of apomixis may not depend on polyploidy, but rather on failure of the sexual pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Klatt
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph C F Schinkel
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kirchheimer
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Dullinger
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elvira Hörandl
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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11
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Schinkel CCF, Kirchheimer B, Dellinger AS, Klatt S, Winkler M, Dullinger S, Hörandl E. Correlations of polyploidy and apomixis with elevation and associated environmental gradients in an alpine plant. AOB PLANTS 2016; 8:plw064. [PMID: 27594702 PMCID: PMC5091893 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plw064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Apomictic plants expand their geographical distributions more to higher elevations compared to their sexual progenitors. It was so far unclear whether this tendency is related to mode of reproduction itself or represents a side effect of polyploidy. Apomixis is advantageous for range expansions as no mating partners and pollinators are needed (Baker's rule). Polyploidy is thought to infer fitness advantages and a higher vigour that would enable plants to adjust better to more extreme climatic conditions. However, little is known about actual performance of plants at higher elevations. We analyzed 81 populations of Ranunculus kuepferi from the whole distribution area in the European Alps to quantify apomictic versus sexual seed formation via flow cytometric seed screening. Seed set and vegetative growth were measured as fitness parameters. All parameters were correlated to geographical distribution, elevation, temperature and precipitation. Flow cytometric seed screening revealed predominantly obligate sexuality (88.9 %) and facultative apomixis in diploid populations, while tetraploid populations are predominantly facultative (65.4 %) to obligate apomictic. Apomictic seed formation correlated significantly to higher elevations, which explains also the observed niche shift to lower temperatures. However, within the tetraploid range, there is no apparent correlation of degree of facultative apomixis to geographical distance. Apomixis appeared in diploids three times independently in separated, otherwise sexual populations in the southwestern refugial areas of the Alps. Diploid apomixis was not successful in range expansions, and obligate sexual polyploids were not observed. Polyploidy may relate to cold tolerance as an adaptation to conditions at high elevations, where diploid sexuals have no fitness advantage. Instead, facultative apomixis may have aided colonization of higher elevations and range expansions in the Alps without mate and pollinator limitation, but did not necessarily involve long-distance dispersal. A direct influence of low temperatures on unreduced gamete formation cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph C F Schinkel
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with herbarium), Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kirchheimer
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnes S Dellinger
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Klatt
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with herbarium), Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Manuela Winkler
- GLORIA co-ordination, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Centre for Global Change and Sustainability, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Dullinger
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elvira Hörandl
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with herbarium), Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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12
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Tilquin A, Kokko H. What does the geography of parthenogenesis teach us about sex? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150538. [PMID: 27619701 PMCID: PMC5031622 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Theory predicts that sexual reproduction is difficult to maintain if asexuality is an option, yet sex is very common. To understand why, it is important to pay attention to repeatably occurring conditions that favour transitions to, or persistence of, asexuality. Geographic parthenogenesis is a term that has been applied to describe a large variety of patterns where sexual and related asexual forms differ in their geographic distribution. Often asexuality is stated to occur in a habitat that is, in some sense, marginal, but the interpretation differs across studies: parthenogens might not only predominate near the margin of the sexuals' distribution, but might also extend far beyond the sexual range; they may be disproportionately found in newly colonizable areas (e.g. areas previously glaciated), or in habitats where abiotic selection pressures are relatively stronger than biotic ones (e.g. cold, dry). Here, we review the various patterns proposed in the literature, the hypotheses put forward to explain them, and the assumptions they rely on. Surprisingly, few mathematical models consider geographic parthenogenesis as their focal question, but all models for the evolution of sex could be evaluated in this framework if the (often ecological) causal factors vary predictably with geography. We also recommend broadening the taxa studied beyond the traditional favourites.This article is part of the themed issue 'Weird sex: the underappreciated diversity of sexual reproduction'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Tilquin
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Kokko
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Pellicer J, Leitch IJ. The application of flow cytometry for estimating genome size and ploidy level in plants. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1115:279-307. [PMID: 24415480 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-767-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, the amount of DNA in a nucleus (genome size) has been estimated using a variety of methods, but increasingly, flow cytometry (FCM) has become the method of choice. The popularity of this technique lies in the ease of sample preparation and in the large number of particles (i.e., nuclei) that can be analyzed in a very short period of time. This chapter presents a step-by-step guide to estimating the nuclear DNA content of plant nuclei using FCM. Attempting to serve as a tool for daily laboratory practice, we list, in detail, the equipment required, specific reagents, and buffers needed, as well as the most frequently used protocols to carry out nuclei isolation. In addition, solutions to the most common problems that users may encounter when working with plant material and troubleshooting advice are provided. Finally, information about the correct terminology to use and the importance of obtaining chromosome counts to avoid cytological misinterpretations of the FCM data are discussed.
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14
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Arroyo MTK, Dudley LS, Jespersen G, Pacheco DA, Cavieres LA. Temperature-driven flower longevity in a high-alpine species of Oxalis influences reproductive assurance. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2013; 200:1260-8. [PMID: 23952472 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
How high-alpine plants confront stochastic conditions for animal pollination is a critical question. We investigated the effect of temperature on potential flower longevity (FL) measured in pollinator-excluded flowers and actual FL measured in pollinated flowers in self-incompatible Oxalis compacta and evaluated if plastically prolonged potential FL can ameliorate slow pollination under cool conditions. Pollinator-excluded and hand-pollinated flowers were experimentally warmed with open-top chambers (OTCs) on a site at 3470 m above sea level (asl). Flower-specific temperatures, and pollinator-excluded and open-pollination flower life-spans were measured at six alpine sites between 3100 and 3470 m asl. Fruit set was analyzed in relation to inferred pollination time. Warming reduced potential FL. Variable thermal conditions across the alpine landscape predicted potential and actual FL; flower senescence was pollination-regulated. Actual FL and potential FL were coupled. Prolonged potential FL generally increased fruit set under cooler conditions. Plastic responses permit virgin flowers of O. compacta to remain open longer under cooler temperatures, thereby ameliorating slow pollination, and to close earlier when pollination tends to be faster under warmer conditions. Plastic potential FL provides adaptive advantages in the cold, thermally variable alpine habitat, and has important implications for reproductive success in alpine plants in a warming world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary T K Arroyo
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Cosendai AC, Wagner J, Ladinig U, Rosche C, Hörandl E. Geographical parthenogenesis and population genetic structure in the alpine species Ranunculus kuepferi (Ranunculaceae). Heredity (Edinb) 2013; 110:560-9. [PMID: 23403961 PMCID: PMC3656632 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2013.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Geographical parthenogenesis describes the enigmatic phenomenon that asexual organisms have larger distribution areas than their sexual relatives, especially in previously glaciated areas. Classical models suggest temporary advantages to asexuality in colonization scenarios because of uniparental reproduction and clonality. We analyzed population genetic structure and self-fertility of the plant species Ranunculus kuepferi on 59 populations from the whole distribution area (European Alps, Apennines and Corsica). Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and five microsatellite loci revealed individual genotypes for all populations and mostly insignificant differences between diploid sexuals and tetraploid apomicts in all measures of genetic diversity. Low frequencies of private AFLP fragments/simple sequence repeat alleles, and character incompatibility analyses suggest that facultative recombination explains best the unexpectedly high genotypic diversity of apomicts. STRUCTURE analyses using AFLPs revealed a higher number of partitions and a stronger geographical subdivision for diploids than for tetraploids, which contradicts expectations of standard gene flow models, but indicates a reduction of genetic structure in asexuals. Apomictic populations exhibited high admixture near the sexual area, but appeared rather uniform in remote areas. Bagging experiments and analyses of pollen tube growth confirmed self-fertility for pollen-dependent apomicts, but self-sterility for diploid sexuals. Facultative apomixis combines advantages of both modes of reproduction: uniparental reproduction allows for rapid colonization of remote areas, whereas facultative sexuality and polyploidy maintains genetic diversity within apomictic populations. The density dependence of outcrossing limits range expansions of sexual populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-C Cosendai
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Wagner
- Institute of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - U Ladinig
- Institute of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - C Rosche
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - E Hörandl
- Department of Systematic Botany, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Dobeš C, Lückl A, Hülber K, Paule J. Prospects and limits of the flow cytometric seed screen--insights from Potentilla sensu lato (Potentilleae, Rosaceae). THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2013; 198:605-616. [PMID: 23425259 PMCID: PMC3618378 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The flow cytometric seed screen allows for identification of reproductive modes of seed formation and inference of the ploidy of contributing gametes. However, the lack of a mathematical formalization to infer male/female genomic contributions, and the prerequisite of a binucleate female contribution to the endosperm limits its applicability. We evaluated this assumption combining a DNA-based progeny survey with a comparison of the cytology of reproductive pathways co-occurring within single individuals representing 14 Potentilleae species from six phylogenetic lineages. A numerical framework valid for sexual and pseudogamous taxa was developed, enabling quantification of female and male genomes contributing to embryo and endosperm independent of gametophyte origins, numbers of sperm involved and ploidy of parents. The inference strongly depended on accurate peak index estimation. The endosperm of Potentilleae species received a binucleate female contribution in five evolutionary lineages whereas endosperm formation remained uncertain in the Tormentillae. A modified flow cytometric seed screen protocol was developed to cope with low endosperm contents. Evolutionary conservation of a binucleate female contribution to the endosperm suggested wide applicability of flow cytometric seed screen - at least in the Potentilleae. However, alternative progeny surveys and precise embryo/endosperm ploidy estimates are required for a comprehensive understanding of the cytology of seed formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Dobeš
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacobotany, University of ViennaAlthanstrasse 14, A–1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Lückl
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacobotany, University of ViennaAlthanstrasse 14, A–1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Hülber
- Department of Conservation Biology, Vegetation and Landscape Ecology, University of ViennaRennweg 14, A–1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Institute for Nature Conservation & AnalysesGiessergasse 6/7, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juraj Paule
- Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution, Senckenberg Research Institute & Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)Senckenberganlage 25, D–60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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The Evolutionary Dynamics of Apomixis in Ferns: A Case Study from Polystichoid Ferns. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1155/2012/510478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The disparate distribution of apomixis between the major plant lineages is arguably one of the most paradoxical phenomena in plant evolution. Ferns are particularly interesting for addressing this issue because apomixis is more frequent than in any other group of plants. Here, we use a phylogenetic framework to explore some aspects of the evolution of apomixis in ferns and in particular in the polystichoid ferns. Our findings indicate that apomixis evolved several times independently in three different clades of polystichoid ferns. A lineage-wide perspective across ferns indicates a correlation between apomixis and the species richness of lineages; however BiSSE tests did not recover evidence for a correlation of apomixis and diversification rates. Instead, evidence was recovered supporting an association between the establishment of apomixis and reticulate evolution, especially in the establishment of triploid hybrids. Diversification time estimates supported the hypothesis of short living apomictic lineages and indicated a link between the establishment of apomixis and the strengthening of the monsoons caused by the lifting of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. In general our results supported the hypothesis for the rare establishment of apomictic lineages, high extinction risks, and low speciation rates.
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