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Walker-Hale N, Guerrero-Rubio MA, Brockington SF. Multiple transitions to high l-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase activity reveal molecular pathways to convergent betalain pigmentation in Caryophyllales. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2025. [PMID: 40325884 DOI: 10.1111/nph.70177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
Many specialized metabolic pathways have evolved convergently in plants, but distinguishing multiple origins from alternative evolutionary scenarios can be difficult. Here, we explore the evolution of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) 4,5-dioxygenase (DODA) enzymes to better resolve the convergent evolution of the betalain biosynthetic pathway within the flowering plant order Caryophyllales. We use yeast-based heterologous assays to quantify enzymatic activity of extant proteins and then employ ancestral sequence reconstruction to resurrect and assay ancestral DODA enzymes. We use a combination of ancestral sequence reconstruction, model-based methods, and structural modelling to describe patterns of molecular convergence. We confirm that high l-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase activity is polyphyletic and show that high activity DODAs evolved at least three times from ancestral proteins with low activity. We show that molecular convergence is concentrated proximally to the binding pockets but also appears distally to active sites. Moreover, our analysis also suggests that many unique and divergent substitutions contribute to the evolution of DODA. Given the key role of DODA in betalain biosynthesis, our analysis further supports the convergent origins of betalains and illustrates how the iterative evolution of betalain biosynthesis has drawn on a complex mixture of convergent, divergent, and unique variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Walker-Hale
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | | | - Samuel F Brockington
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
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2
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Zheng S, Mi Z, Chang Y, Huang R, Li J, Jiang X, Liu S, Wang Z. Resequencing and Functional Analysis Revealed That BsDFR4 Could Cause the Formation of Different Flower Colors in Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae). Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3555. [PMID: 40332036 PMCID: PMC12026481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26083555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2025] [Revised: 04/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
The formation of flower color is closely related to anthocyanin synthesis. In this study, flowers of Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae) exhibiting distinct color morphs were collected and analyzed. The HPLC results showed significantly higher total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents in purple flowers compared to pink counterparts, with increases of 2.20-fold (p < 0.01) and 15.22-fold (p < 0.01), respectively. Cyanidin was the predominant anthocyanin in B. striata. Resequencing analyses highlighted SNP as the primary variation associated with color divergence. A comprehensive screen identified 61 genes encoding enzymes critical to the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways in B. striata. Among these, 16 flower-specific genes exhibited high expression levels and harbored SNP variations. Notably, a premature stop codon was identified in a gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), leading to truncated protein synthesis and potential disruption of anthocyanin production. Further, the heterologous overexpression of BsDFR4 in Phalaenopsis aphrodite changed petal color from white to yellow-green, demonstrating that it indeed played a regulatory role in the formation of flower color. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that transcription factors BsMYB36 and BsMYB51 could directly bind to the BsDFR4 promoter, suggesting their synergistic regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. These results provided a conceptual basis for insights into the formation of different flower colors in Orchidaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuai Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (S.Z.); (Z.M.); (Y.C.); (R.H.); (J.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Zhezhi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (S.Z.); (Z.M.); (Y.C.); (R.H.); (J.L.); (X.J.)
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3
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Causin HF, Cá FD, Spotorno VG, Palacios MB, Martínez Tosar L, Burrieza HP, Tossi VE. Comparative role of betalains and other key antioxidant metabolites in the photoprotection against acute exposure to UV-B radiation in Chenopodium quinoa and C. berlandieri seedlings. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2025; 221:109580. [PMID: 39913982 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2025] [Accepted: 01/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/11/2025]
Abstract
Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is a betalainic crop with remarkable tolerance to extreme environmental conditions. Despite numerous varieties grow at high altitudes, where UV-B radiation is intense, research on the effects of UV-B stress on this and related species is very scarce. In the present work we aimed to determine whether UV-B radiation induces the production of betalains, and evaluated the role of these pigments and other key antioxidants in preventing oxidative damage, in seedlings of C. quinoa (ecotypes CICA and Villarrica) and its close relative C. berlandieri Moq., grown in darkness and after exposure to an acute pulse of UV-B radiation (24 h, 2.5 W m-2). UV-B significantly increased MDA accumulation and induced the production of betalains (particularly betacyanins), polyphenols and UV-B-absorbing compounds in all seedlings tested. The activity of antioxidant enzymes showed comparatively minor changes, with the exception of GPOX which consistently decreased after UV-B irradiation. The degree of oxidative damage was not correlated to the concentration of betalains present in the tissues at the end of the treatment. However, when pigment synthesis was stimulated by short white light pulses prior to UV-B irradiation, the increase in MDA levels could be prevented in C. berlandieri seedlings despite no major changes occurred in most of the remaining metabolites evaluated, suggesting that betalains have an important role in controlling oxidative damage in this species. In contrast, the presence of high levels of polyphenolic compounds rather than the accumulation of betalains contributed to improved UV-B tolerance in C. quinoa seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto F Causin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Federico D Cá
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Viviana G Spotorno
- Instituto de Recursos Biológicos, CIRN. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, 1712, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María B Palacios
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Martínez Tosar
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Micología y Botánica (INMYBO), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hernán P Burrieza
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa E Tossi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Micología y Botánica (INMYBO), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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4
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Chiang CC, Lu YJ, Liu JW, Lin SW, Chou CC, Lin CH, Chien IW, Hsu CH. Structural Insights into 4,5-DOPA Extradiol Dioxygenase from Beta vulgaris: Unraveling the Key Step in Versatile Betalain Biosynthesis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2025; 73:6785-6794. [PMID: 40055856 PMCID: PMC11926856 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c09501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
Betalains, a group of pigments widely distributed in various plants, are extensively applied in the food, beverage, and medicinal industries. The biosynthesis of betalains involves the enzymatic action of 4,5-DOPA-dioxygenase, which catalyzes the key ring-opening reaction of DOPA to produce betalamic acid, a crucial intermediate in the pathway. The crystal structure of a 4,5-DOPA-dioxygenase from Beta vulgaris (BvDOD) was determined in this study. The structural analysis revealed that BvDOD exhibited a structural fold similar to that of other members of the extradiol dioxygenase family. Moreover, the Fe-ligand residues His15, His53, and His229 indicated the enzyme's reliance on nonheme iron for catalyzing the ring-opening reaction. Molecular docking and mutational analysis identified two conserved residues, His119 and His175, in the active site essential for the catalytic reaction. In addition, Thr17, Asp254, and Tyr260 contributed to properly positioning the substrate in the active site. This study has provided structural insights into substrate recognition and catalytic mechanisms of BvDOD, which can be applied to develop enzymes for improved betalain production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chia Chiang
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ju Lu
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Wei Liu
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wei Lin
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chi Chou
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Lin
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - I-Weh Chien
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hua Hsu
- Department
of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan
University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Genome
and
Systems Biology Degree Program, National
Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Center for
Computational and Systems Biology, National
Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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Li L, Li X, Gao X, Liao W, Guo H, He C, Lu J, Ye X, Sun W, Liu C, Fan Y, Bai X, Wu Q. Global investigation into the CqCYP76AD and CqDODA families in Chenopodium quinoa: Identification, evolutionary history, and their functional roles in betalain biosynthesis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2025; 220:109569. [PMID: 39892247 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/25/2025] [Indexed: 02/03/2025]
Abstract
Betalains are water-soluble pigments mainly distributed in the core Caryophyllales plants. Betalains provide plant with striking colors to attract pollinators and are beneficial to human health due to the strong antioxidant activity. To date, many studies regarding to betalain biosynthesis have been exerted in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and four-O-clock (Mirabilis jalapa), however, the key regulators in betalain pigmentation of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) remain to be elucidated. CYP76AD and DODA genes encode core enzymes converting L-DOPA to cyclo-DOPA and betalamic acid, respectively, in betalain biosynthesis. In this study, 44 CqCYP76AD (5 α-clade, 6 β-clade and 33 γ-clade homologs) and 18 CqDODA (10 α-clade, 2 β-clade and 6 γ-clade homologs) members were identified in quinoa genome. Expression analysis and cis-element analysis indicated that light and ABA are involved in the regulation of CqCYP76AD and CqDODA. We found application of exogenous ABA and darkness repressed the betalain production in quinoa seedlings. Tandem duplication is the major driving force for CqCYP76AD and CqDODA family expansion. Evolutionary history analysis on the duplication events of quinoa and its close relatives, sugar beet, C. pallidicaule, C. suecicum and C. formosanum, identified the quinoa-specific tandem duplications CqCYP76AD-α2/-α3, CqDODA-α1/-α6 in Chr04, and CqCYP76AD-α1/-α4/-α5, CqDODA-α3/-α4/-α5 in Chr03, which are absent in sugar beet. The close co-location of the CqCYP76AD-α-CqDODA-α gene clusters suggests they are putative enhanced regulatory units for betalain biosynthesis in quinoa, similar to the operon BvCYP76AD1-BvDODA1 in sugar beet. The functions of α-, β- and γ-clade CqCYP76ADs and CqDODAs were investigated by transient expression system in tobacco leaves and hairy root transformation in quinoa. The results indicated that CqCYP76AD-α1, CqCYP76AD-β3, CqDODA-α1, CqDODA-α3 and CqDODA-α5 are the important positive regulators for betalain accumulation in quinoa. Correlation between pigment contents and expression levels at different developmental stages indicates their roles in pigmentation of leaf, stem and spike tissues of in betalain-enriched quinoa. Overall, this study performed genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the important functional enzymes of CqCYP76ADs and CqDODAs for betalain biosynthesis in quinoa, which will deep our understanding of the mechanisms of betalain pigmentation in quinoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao'an Li
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoli Gao
- Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, 850032, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Wenhua Liao
- Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, 850032, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Huihui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cailin He
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Changying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Xie H, Zeng J, Feng W, Gao W, Lai Z, Liu S. Differential Expression of Amaranth AtrDODA Gene Family Members in Betalain Synthesis and Functional Analysis of AtrDODA1-1 Promoter. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 14:454. [PMID: 39943016 PMCID: PMC11821215 DOI: 10.3390/plants14030454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2025] [Revised: 01/25/2025] [Accepted: 02/01/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025]
Abstract
Betalains differ from anthocyanins, and they cannot coexist in the same plant under natural conditions. The L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase encoded by the DODA gene is a key step in the pathway of betalain biosynthesis in Caryophyllales plants. Amaranth is an important resource for the study and extraction of betalains. In order to clarify the function of AtrDODA family genes in betalain biosynthesis, we screened out three AtrDODA family gene members associated with betalains based on a genome database and RNA-seq databases of Amaranthus tricolor. Their characterization and expression pattern were further analyzed. The result of subcellular localization showed that all three AtrDODA members were located in the nucleus. Betacyanin and betaxanthin were promoted by paclobutrazol treatment in the leaves and stems of 'Suxian No.1' (red), while they were inhibited by gibberellin and darkness, which were consistent with the gene expression pattern of AtrDODAs. After heterologous transformation of the AtrDODA1-1 promoter into tobacco with GUS staining analysis, the promoter activity of AtrDODA1-1 of 'Suxian No.1' (red) amaranth was significantly higher than that of 'Suxian No.2' (green) amaranth. Furthermore, we analyzed the promoter activity of AtrDODA1-1 by GUS staining and qRT-PCR after sprayed exogenous MeJA and GA3 on the AtrDODA1-1 promoter transformed tobacco plants. The results showed that AtrDODA1-1 responded to plant hormones. This study could lay a foundation for revealing the biological functions of the amaranth DODA gene family, and provide new clues for the molecular mechanism of betalain synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Xie
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (H.X.); (W.F.); (W.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Jiajing Zeng
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Wenli Feng
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (H.X.); (W.F.); (W.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Wei Gao
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (H.X.); (W.F.); (W.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhongxiong Lai
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (H.X.); (W.F.); (W.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Shengcai Liu
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (H.X.); (W.F.); (W.G.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Sabir IA, Manzoor MA, Khan I, Hu X, Chen J, Qin Y. Emerging Trends in Secondary Metabolite Research in Caryophyllales: Betalains and Their Roles in Plant Adaptation and Defense Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2025; 73:2249-2265. [PMID: 39818758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c10283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2025]
Abstract
Betalains, a distinctive group of nitrogen-containing pigments exclusive to the Caryophyllales order, possess diverse biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them highly valuable for applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. This Review provides a comprehensive analysis of betalain biosynthesis, structural diversity, and ecological significance, highlighting their roles in enhancing stress resilience, adaptation mechanisms, and plant evolutionary strategies. The evolutionary development of betalains is explored, revealing their emergence through gene duplication events and providing insights into their mutual exclusivity with anthocyanins. This study utilizes comparative genetics and advanced molecular tools to uncover the intricate regulatory networks involving transcription factors such as MYB, bHLH, WRKY, and SPL, which govern betalain biosynthesis. Furthermore, the Review discusses innovative transgenic studies that introduce betalains into non-native species, demonstrating their potential to enhance stress tolerance and boost agricultural productivity. While significant progress has been made in understanding betalain biosynthesis pathways, the evolutionary relationships with anthocyanins and the specific ecological functions of betalains in plants remain areas of ongoing exploration. Future research directions include integrating chemotaxonomic studies, molecular phylogenetics, and multiomics approaches to unravel the full spectrum of betalain functions and regulatory mechanisms. Such studies are essential to deepening our understanding of these vibrant pigments and their evolutionary implications, offering new opportunities for biotechnological innovations and sustainable agricultural practices. This Review stands out by combining genetic, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives, providing novel insights into the multifunctionality of betalains and their potential to drive future advancements in plant science and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ali Sabir
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Aamir Manzoor
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Imran Khan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xinglong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yonghua Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables and Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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8
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Xue Y, Li K, Feng W, Lai Z, Liu S. Identification of R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor Family Based on Amaranthus tricolor Genome and AtrMYB72 Promoting Betalain Biosynthesis by Directly Activating AtrCYP76AD1 Expression. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 14:324. [PMID: 39942886 PMCID: PMC11820803 DOI: 10.3390/plants14030324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025]
Abstract
MYB (myeloblastosis) is one of the most abundant transcription factors in plants which regulates various biological processes. The molecular characteristics and function of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in amaranth remain unclear. In this study, 73 R2R3-MYB members were identified from the amaranth genome database and we further analyzed their chromosome position, conserved motifs, physiological and biochemical features, collinearity relationships, gene structure, phylogeny and cis-acting element. Based on the phylogenetic and expression pattern analysis, 14 candidate R2R3-MYB genes might be involved in the betalain synthesis. Amongst the 14 candidate R2R3-MYB genes, the expression level of AtrMYB72 was higher in 'Suxian No.1' than 'Suxian No.2', and also higher in the red section than in the green section of the same leaf in Amaranthus. The overexpression vector pCambia1301-AtrMYB72-GUS and VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) vector pTRV2- AtrMYB72 were transferred into leaves of 'Suxian No.1' via an Agrobacterium-mediated method. The results showed that AtrMYB72 overexpression could promote betalain synthesis. A yeast one-hybrid assay and dual luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that AtrMYB72 could bind to the AtrCYP76AD1 promoter to promote betalain synthesis. These results indicated that AtrMYB72 promoted betalain biosynthesis in amaranth by activating the AtrCYP76AD1 transcription. Our results could provide new insights into the betalain biosynthesis in amaranth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Xue
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.); (W.F.); (Z.L.)
| | - Kexuan Li
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.); (W.F.); (Z.L.)
| | - Wenli Feng
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.); (W.F.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhongxiong Lai
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.); (W.F.); (Z.L.)
| | - Shengcai Liu
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.); (W.F.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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9
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Carruthers T, Gonçalves DJP, Li P, Chanderbali AS, Dick CW, Fritsch PW, Larson DA, Soltis DE, Soltis PS, Weaver WN, Smith SA. Repeated shifts out of tropical climates preceded by whole genome duplication. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 244:2561-2575. [PMID: 39439297 PMCID: PMC11579435 DOI: 10.1111/nph.20200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
While flowering plants have diversified in virtually every terrestrial clime, climate constrains the distribution of individual lineages. Overcoming climatic constraints may be associated with diverse evolutionary phenomena including whole genome duplication (WGD), gene-tree conflict, and life-history changes. Climatic shifts may also have facilitated increases in flowering plant diversification rates. We investigate climatic shifts in the flowering plant order Ericales, which consists of c. 14 000 species with diverse climatic tolerances. We estimate phylogenetic trees from transcriptomic data, 64 chloroplast loci, and Angiosperms353 nuclear loci that, respectively, incorporate 147, 4508, and 2870 Ericales species. We use these phylogenetic trees to analyse how climatic shifts are associated with WGD, gene-tree conflict, life-history, and diversification rates. Early branches in the phylogenetic trees are extremely short, and have high levels of gene-tree conflict and at least one WGD. On lineages descended from these early branches, there is a significant association between climatic shifts (primarily out of tropical climates), further WGDs, and life-history. Extremely short early branches, and their associated gene-tree conflict and WGDs, appear to underpin the explosive origin of numerous species rich Ericales clades. The evolution of diverse climatic tolerances in these species rich clades is tightly associated with WGD and life-history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Carruthers
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Deise J. P. Gonçalves
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Pan Li
- College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | | | - Christopher W. Dick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Peter W. Fritsch
- Botanical Research Institute of Texas1700 University Dr.Fort WorthTX76107USA
| | - Drew A. Larson
- Department of BiologyIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIN47405USA
| | - Douglas E. Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL32611USA
| | - Pamela S. Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL32611USA
| | - William N. Weaver
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Stephen A. Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
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10
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Tyszka AS, Larson DA, Walker JF. Sequencing historical RNA: unrealized potential to increase understanding of the plant tree of life. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024:S1360-1385(24)00305-4. [PMID: 39613559 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/01/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that it is a misconception that transcriptome sequencing requires tissue preserved at ultracold temperatures. Here, we outline the potential origins of this misconception and its possible role in biasing the geographic distribution of published plant transcriptomes. We highlight the importance of ensuring diverse sampling by providing an overview of the questions that transcriptomes can answer about the forces shaping the plant tree of life. We discuss how broadening transcriptome sequencing to include existing specimens will allow the field to grow and more fully utilize biological collections. We hope this article encourages the expansion of the current trend in 'herbariomics' research to include whole-transcriptome sequencing of historical RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa S Tyszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Drew A Larson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Joseph F Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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11
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Jiang X, Zhang Z, Wu X, Li C, Sun X, Wu F, Yang A, Yang C. Heterologous biosynthesis of betanin triggers metabolic reprogramming in tobacco. Metab Eng 2024; 86:308-325. [PMID: 39505140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 10/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/08/2024]
Abstract
Engineering of a specialized metabolic pathway in plants is a promising approach to produce high-value bioactive compounds to address the challenges of climate change and population growth. Understanding the interaction between the heterologous pathway and the native metabolic network of the host plant is crucial for optimizing the engineered system and maximizing the yield of the target compound. In this study, we performed transcriptomic, metabolomic and metagenomic analysis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants engineered to produce betanin, an alkaloid pigment that is found in Caryophyllaceae plants. Our data reveals that, in a dose-dependent manor, the biosynthesis of betanin promotes carbohydrate metabolism and represses nitrogen metabolism in the leaf, but enhances nitrogen assimilation and metabolism in the root. By supplying nitrate or ammonium, the accumulation of betanin increased by 1.5-3.8-fold in leaves and roots of the transgenic plants, confirming the pivotal role of nitrogen in betanin production. In addition, the rhizosphere microbial community is reshaped to reduce denitrification and increase respiration and oxidation, assistant to suppress nitrogen loss. Our analysis not only provides a framework for evaluating the pleiotropic effects of an engineered metabolic pathway on the host plant, but also facilitates the development of novel strategies to balance the heterologous process and the native metabolic network for the high-yield and nutrient-efficient production of bioactive compounds in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Jiang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhuoxiang Zhang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiuming Wu
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Changmei Li
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xuan Sun
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Fengyan Wu
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Aiguo Yang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, Shandong, PR China.
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12
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Martínez-Rodríguez P, Henarejos-Escudero P, Pagán-López DJ, Hernández-García S, Guerrero-Rubio MA, Gómez-Pando LR, Gandía-Herrero F. Dopamine-derived pigments in nature: identification of decarboxybetalains in Amaranthaceae species. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 196:446-460. [PMID: 38829803 PMCID: PMC11376341 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
A unique family of decarboxylated betalains derived from dopamine has recently been discovered. Due to the lack of chemical standards, the existence and distribution of decarboxylated betalains in nature remain unknown. Traditional betalains contain L-dihydroxyphenylalanine as the starting point of the biosynthetic pathway and betalamic acid as a structural and functional unit, while the recently discovered betalains rely on dopamine. Here, 30 dopamine-derived betalains were biotechnologically produced, purified, and characterized, creating an unprecedented library to explore their properties and presence in nature. The maximum absorbance wavelengths for the pigments ranged between 461 and 485 nm. HPLC analysis showed retention times between 0.6 and 2.2 min higher than traditional betalains due to their higher hydrophobicity. The presence of decarboxybetalains in nature was screened using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometry in various species of the Amaranthaceae family: beetroot (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), Swiss chard (B. vulgaris var. cicla), celosia (Celosia argentea var. plumosa), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). The latter species had the highest content of decarboxybetalains (28 compounds in its POEQ-143 variety). Twenty-nine pigments were found distributed among the different analyzed plant sources. The abundance of decarboxybetalains demonstrated in this work highlights these pigments as an important family of phytochemicals in the order Caryophyllales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Martínez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Paula Henarejos-Escudero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Diego José Pagán-López
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Samanta Hernández-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - María Alejandra Guerrero-Rubio
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Luz Rayda Gómez-Pando
- Cereal Research Program, National Agricultural University La Molina, Lima 15024, Peru
| | - Fernando Gandía-Herrero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
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13
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Feng K, Walker JF, Marx HE, Yang Y, Brockington SF, Moore MJ, Rabeler RK, Smith SA. The link between ancient whole-genome duplications and cold adaptations in the Caryophyllaceae. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16350. [PMID: 38825760 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE The Caryophyllaceae (the carnation family) have undergone multiple transitions into colder climates and convergence on cushion plant adaptation, indicating that they may provide a natural system for cold adaptation research. Previous research has suggested that putative ancient whole-genome duplications (WGDs) are correlated with niche shifts into colder climates across the Caryophyllales. Here, we explored the genomic changes potentially involved in one of these discovered shifts in the Caryophyllaceae. METHODS We constructed a data set combining 26 newly generated transcriptomes with 45 published transcriptomes, including 11 cushion plant species across seven genera. With this data set, we inferred a dated phylogeny for the Caryophyllaceae and mapped ancient WGDs and gene duplications onto the phylogeny. We also examined functional groups enriched for gene duplications related to the climatic shift. RESULTS The ASTRAL topology was mostly congruent with the current consensus of relationships within the family. We inferred 15 putative ancient WGDs in the family, including eight that have not been previously published. The oldest ancient WGD (ca. 64.4-56.7 million years ago), WGD1, was found to be associated with a shift into colder climates by previous research. Gene regions associated with ubiquitination were overrepresented in gene duplications retained after WGD1 and those convergently retained by cushion plants in Colobanthus and Eremogone, along with other functional annotations. CONCLUSIONS Gene family expansions induced by ancient WGDs may have contributed to the shifts to cold climatic niches in the Caryophyllaceae. Transcriptomic data are crucial resources that help unravel heterogeneity in deep-time evolutionary patterns in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Feng
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Joseph F Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, 60607, IL, USA
| | - Hannah E Marx
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM, USA
| | - Ya Yang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Paul, 55108, MN, USA
| | | | - Michael J Moore
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, 44074, OH, USA
| | - Richard K Rabeler
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Stephen A Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
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14
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Winkler TS, Vollmer SK, Dyballa-Rukes N, Metzger S, Stetter MG. Isoform-resolved genome annotation enables mapping of tissue-specific betalain regulation in amaranth. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:1082-1100. [PMID: 38584577 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Betalains are coloring pigments produced in some families of the order Caryophyllales, where they replace anthocyanins as coloring pigments. While the betalain pathway itself is well studied, the tissue-specific regulation of the pathway remains mostly unknown. We enhance the high-quality Amaranthus hypochondriacus reference genome and produce a substantially more complete genome annotation, incorporating isoform details. We annotate betalain and anthocyanin pathway genes along with their regulators in amaranth and map the genetic control and tissue-specific regulation of the betalain pathway. Our improved genome annotation allowed us to identify causal mutations that lead to a knock-out of red betacyanins in natural accessions of amaranth. We reveal the tissue-specific regulation of flower color via a previously uncharacterized MYB transcription factor, AhMYB2. Downregulation of AhMYB2 in the flower leads to reduced expression of key betalain enzyme genes and loss of red flower color. Our improved amaranth reference genome represents the most complete genome of amaranth to date and is a valuable resource for betalain and amaranth research. High similarity of the flower betalain regulator AhMYB2 to anthocyanin regulators and a partially conserved interaction motif support the co-option of anthocyanin regulators for the betalain pathway as a possible reason for the mutual exclusiveness of the two pigments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom S Winkler
- Institute for Plant Sciences and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, 50674, Germany
| | - Susanne K Vollmer
- Institute for Plant Sciences and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, 50674, Germany
- Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Nadine Dyballa-Rukes
- MS Platform, Institute for Plant Sciences and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, 50674, Germany
| | - Sabine Metzger
- MS Platform, Institute for Plant Sciences and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, 50674, Germany
| | - Markus G Stetter
- Institute for Plant Sciences and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, 50674, Germany
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15
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Marin-Recinos MF, Pucker B. Genetic factors explaining anthocyanin pigmentation differences. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:627. [PMID: 38961369 PMCID: PMC11221117 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05316-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthocyanins are important contributors to coloration across a wide phylogenetic range of plants. Biological functions of anthocyanins span from reproduction to protection against biotic and abiotic stressors. Owing to a clearly visible phenotype of mutants, the anthocyanin biosynthesis and its sophisticated regulation have been studied in numerous plant species. Genes encoding the anthocyanin biosynthesis enzymes are regulated by a transcription factor complex comprising MYB, bHLH and WD40 proteins. RESULTS A systematic comparison of anthocyanin-pigmented vs. non-pigmented varieties was performed within numerous plant species covering the taxonomic diversity of flowering plants. The literature was screened for cases in which genetic factors causing anthocyanin loss were reported. Additionally, transcriptomic data sets from four previous studies were reanalyzed to determine the genes possibly responsible for color variation based on their expression pattern. The contribution of different structural and regulatory genes to the intraspecific pigmentation differences was quantified. Differences concerning transcription factors are by far the most frequent explanation for pigmentation differences observed between two varieties of the same species. Among the transcription factors in the analyzed cases, MYB genes are significantly more prone to account for pigmentation differences compared to bHLH or WD40 genes. Among the structural genes, DFR genes are most often associated with anthocyanin loss. CONCLUSIONS These findings support previous assumptions about the susceptibility of transcriptional regulation to evolutionary changes and its importance for the evolution of novel coloration phenotypes. Our findings underline the particular significance of MYBs and their apparent prevalent role in the specificity of the MBW complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Marin-Recinos
- Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biology and BRICS, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Boas Pucker
- Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biology and BRICS, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
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16
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Jung S, Maeda HA. Debottlenecking the L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase step with enhanced tyrosine supply boosts betalain production in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:2456-2471. [PMID: 38498597 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology provides emerging tools to produce valuable compounds in plant hosts as sustainable chemical production platforms. However, little is known about how supply and utilization of precursors is coordinated at the interface of plant primary and specialized metabolism, limiting our ability to efficiently produce high levels of target specialized metabolites in plants. L-Tyrosine is an aromatic amino acid precursor of diverse plant natural products including betalain pigments, which are used as the major natural food red colorants and more recently a visual marker for plant transformation. Here, we studied the impact of enhanced L-tyrosine supply on the production of betalain pigments by expressing arogenate dehydrogenase (TyrA) from table beet (Beta vulgaris, BvTyrAα), which has relaxed feedback inhibition by L-tyrosine. Unexpectedly, betalain levels were reduced when BvTyrAα was coexpressed with the betalain pathway genes in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves; L-tyrosine and 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) levels were drastically elevated but not efficiently converted to betalains. An additional expression of L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase (DODA), but not CYP76AD1 or cyclo-DOPA 5-O-glucosyltransferase, together with BvTyrAα and the betalain pathway, drastically enhanced betalain production, indicating that DODA is a major rate-limiting step of betalain biosynthesis in this system. Learning from this initial test and further debottlenecking the DODA step maximized betalain yield to an equivalent or higher level than that in table beet. Our data suggest that balancing between enhanced supply ("push") and effective utilization ("pull") of precursor by alleviating a bottleneck step is critical in successful plant synthetic biology to produce high levels of target compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Jung
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hiroshi A Maeda
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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17
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Sandell FL, Holzweber T, Street NR, Dohm JC, Himmelbauer H. Genomic basis of seed colour in quinoa inferred from variant patterns using extreme gradient boosting. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1312-1324. [PMID: 38213076 PMCID: PMC11022794 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Quinoa is an agriculturally important crop species originally domesticated in the Andes of central South America. One of its most important phenotypic traits is seed colour. Seed colour variation is determined by contrasting abundance of betalains, a class of strong antioxidant and free radicals scavenging colour pigments only found in plants of the order Caryophyllales. However, the genetic basis for these pigments in seeds remains to be identified. Here we demonstrate the application of machine learning (extreme gradient boosting) to identify genetic variants predictive of seed colour. We show that extreme gradient boosting outperforms the classical genome-wide association approach. We provide re-sequencing and phenotypic data for 156 South American quinoa accessions and identify candidate genes potentially controlling betalain content in quinoa seeds. Genes identified include novel cytochrome P450 genes and known members of the betalain synthesis pathway, as well as genes annotated as being involved in seed development. Our work showcases the power of modern machine learning methods to extract biologically meaningful information from large sequencing data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix L. Sandell
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Computational BiologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Holzweber
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Computational BiologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| | - Nathaniel R. Street
- Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science CentreUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
- SciLifeLabUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Juliane C. Dohm
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Computational BiologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)ViennaAustria
| | - Heinz Himmelbauer
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Computational BiologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)ViennaAustria
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18
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Ruiz-Vargas N, Ramanauskas K, Tyszka AS, Bretz EC, Yeo MTS, Mason-Gamer RJ, Walker JF. Transcriptome data from silica-preserved leaf tissue reveal gene flow patterns in a Caribbean bromeliad. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:459-472. [PMID: 38181407 PMCID: PMC11006539 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Transcriptome sequencing is a cost-effective approach that allows researchers to study a broad range of questions. However, to preserve RNA for transcriptome sequencing, tissue is often kept in special conditions, such as immediate ultracold freezing. Here, we demonstrate that RNA can be obtained from 6-month-old, field-collected samples stored in silica gel at room temperature. Using these transcriptomes, we explore the evolutionary relationships of the genus Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) in the Dominican Republic and infer barriers to gene flow. METHODS We extracted RNA from silica-dried leaf tissue from 19 Pitcairnia individuals collected across the Dominican Republic. We used a series of macro- and micro-evolutionary approaches to examine the relationships and patterns of gene flow among individuals. KEY RESULTS We produced high-quality transcriptomes from silica-dried material and demonstrated that evolutionary relationships on the island match geography more closely than species delimitation methods. A population genetic examination indicates that a combination of ecological and geographical features presents barriers to gene flow in Pitcairnia. CONCLUSIONS Transcriptomes can be obtained from silica-preserved tissue. The genetic diversity among Pitcairnia populations does not warrant classification as separate species, but the Dominican Republic contains several barriers to gene flow, notably the Cordillera Central mountain range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ruiz-Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Karolis Ramanauskas
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alexa S Tyszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Eric C Bretz
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - May T S Yeo
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR, UK
- Department of Genetics, Downing Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Roberta J Mason-Gamer
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Joseph F Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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19
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Cunha Neto IL, Rossetto EFS, Gerolamo CS, Hernández-Gutiérrez R, Sukhorukov AP, Kushunina M, Melo-de-Pinna GFA, Angyalossy V. Medullary bundles in Caryophyllales: form, function, and evolution. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:2589-2605. [PMID: 37882322 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of conducting vascular tissue in the pith (CVTP) of tracheophytes is noteworthy. Medullary bundles, one of the remarkable examples of CVTP, evolved multiple times across angiosperms, notably in the Caryophyllales. Yet, information on the occurrence of medullary bundles is fragmented, hampering our understanding of their structure-function relationships, and evolutionary implications. Using three plastid molecular markers (matK, rbcL, and rps16 intron), a phylogeny is constructed for 561 species of Caryophyllales, and anatomical data are assembled for 856 species across 40 families to investigate the diversity of medullary bundles, their function, evolution, and diversification dynamics. Additionally, correlated evolution between medullary bundles and successive cambia was tested. Medullary bundles are ancestrally absent in Caryophyllales and evolved in core and noncore families. They are structurally diverse (e.g. number, arrangement, and types of bundles) and functionally active throughout the plant's lifespan, providing increased hydraulic conductivity, especially in herbaceous plants. Acquisition of medullary bundles does not explain diversification rate heterogeneity but is correlated to a higher diversification rate. Disparate developmental pathways were found leading to rampant convergent evolution of CVTP in Caryophyllales. These findings indicate the diversification of medullary bundles and vascular tissues as another central theme for functional and comparative molecular studies in Caryophyllales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel L Cunha Neto
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, New York, NY, 10012, USA
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Elson Felipe S Rossetto
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Caian S Gerolamo
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Hernández-Gutiérrez
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Alexander P Sukhorukov
- Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Laboratory Herbarium (TK), Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
| | - Maria Kushunina
- Laboratory Herbarium (TK), Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
- Department of Plant Physiology, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Gladys F A Melo-de-Pinna
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Veronica Angyalossy
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
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Pucker B, Walker‐Hale N, Dzurlic J, Yim WC, Cushman JC, Crum A, Yang Y, Brockington SF. Multiple mechanisms explain loss of anthocyanins from betalain-pigmented Caryophyllales, including repeated wholesale loss of a key anthocyanidin synthesis enzyme. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:471-489. [PMID: 37897060 PMCID: PMC10952170 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the genetic mechanisms responsible for the loss of anthocyanins in betalain-pigmented Caryophyllales, considering our hypothesis of multiple transitions to betalain pigmentation. Utilizing transcriptomic and genomic datasets across 357 species and 31 families, we scrutinize 18 flavonoid pathway genes and six regulatory genes spanning four transitions to betalain pigmentation. We examined evidence for hypotheses of wholesale gene loss, modified gene function, altered gene expression, and degeneration of the MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40) trasnscription factor complex, within betalain-pigmented lineages. Our analyses reveal that most flavonoid synthesis genes remain conserved in betalain-pigmented lineages, with the notable exception of TT19 orthologs, essential for the final step in anthocyanidin synthesis, which appear to have been repeatedly and entirely lost. Additional late-stage flavonoid pathway genes upstream of TT19 also manifest strikingly reduced expression in betalain-pigmented species. Additionally, we find repeated loss and alteration in the MBW transcription complex essential for canonical anthocyanin synthesis. Consequently, the loss and exclusion of anthocyanins in betalain-pigmented species appear to be orchestrated through several mechanisms: loss of a key enzyme, downregulation of synthesis genes, and degeneration of regulatory complexes. These changes have occurred iteratively in Caryophyllales, often coinciding with evolutionary transitions to betalain pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boas Pucker
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
- Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Biology & BRICSTU Braunschweig38106BraunschweigGermany
| | | | - Jasmina Dzurlic
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| | - Won C. Yim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversity of NevadaRenoNV89557USA
| | - John C. Cushman
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversity of NevadaRenoNV89557USA
| | - Alexandra Crum
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of Minnesota‐Twin CitiesSt PaulMN55108USA
| | - Ya Yang
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of Minnesota‐Twin CitiesSt PaulMN55108USA
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21
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Feng Y, Yan X, Guo F, Wang S, Liu Z, Long W. Identification, expression analysis of quinoa betalain biosynthesis genes and their role in seed germination and cold stress. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2023; 18:2250891. [PMID: 37616475 PMCID: PMC10453985 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2250891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Betalains provide Chenopodium quinoa bright color, and the key enzyme genes for betalain biosynthesis include CYP76AD, DODA, and GTs. In this study, 59 CqCYP76AD, CqDODA and CqGTs genes in quinoa were identified and characterized by gene structural characteristics, phylogenetic relationships and gene expression patterns. The CqCYP76AD genes were divided into ɑ, β and γ types, CqDODA into ɑ and β types, and CqGTs into CqcDOPA5GT, CqB5GT and CqB6GT types according to phylogenetic relationships. The analysis of co-linearity identified eight pairs of duplicated genes which were subjected to purifying selection during evolution. CqCYP76AD and CqDODA, as well as CqcDOPA5GT and CqB5GT may have been evolutionarily linked in genetic inheritance, based on gene location and gene structure study. The tissue expression specificity of CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs genes in response to seed germination and cold stress was studied by RNA-Seq data. The genes CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs were involved in betalain biosynthesis and cold stress. CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, CqcDOPA5GT and CqB5GT gene sequences were consistent in the eight quinoa samples and showed significant variations in expression. In contrast, the inconsistency between changes in gene expression and betalain accumulation indicates that other factors may influence betalain biosynthesis in quinoa. This study offers the theoretical basis for the roles of the CqCYP76AD, CqDODA, and CqGTs genes in betalain biosynthesis and cold stress in quinoa, as well as a guide for the full utilization of betalains in quinoa plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Feng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xingzhu Yan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Fenggen Guo
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Shiyi Wang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhengjie Liu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenhong Long
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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22
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Assis LCS. Pollination syndromes and the origins of floral traits. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:1055-1072. [PMID: 37814841 PMCID: PMC10809047 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A general view in the study of pollination syndromes is that floral traits usually represent convergent floral adaptations to specific functional pollinator groups. However, the definition of convergence is elusive and contradictory in the literature. Is convergence the independent evolution of either the same trait or similar traits with the same function? A review of the concept of convergence in developmental biology and phylogenetic systematics may shed new light in studies of pollination syndromes. SCOPE The aims of this article are (1) to explore the notion of convergence and other concepts (analogy, homoplasy and parallelism) within the theory and practice of developmental evolution and phylogenetic systematics; (2) to modify the definitions of syndromes in order to embrace the concepts of analogy and convergence; (3) to revisit the bat pollination syndrome in the context of angiosperm phylogeny, with focus on the showy 'petaloid' organs associated with the syndrome; (4) to revisit the genetic-developmental basis of flower colour; (5) to raise evolutionary hypotheses of floral evolution associated with the bat pollination syndrome; and (6) to highlight some of the current frontiers of research on the origin and evolution of flowers and its impact on pollination syndrome studies in the 21st century. CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of the concepts of analogy and convergence within the concept of syndromes will constitute a new agenda of inquiry that integrates floral biology, phylogenetic systematics and developmental biology. Phyllostomid and pteropodid bat pollination syndrome traits in eudicots and monocots represent cases of analogous and convergent evolution. Pollination syndromes are a multivariate concept intrinsically related to the understanding of flower organogenesis and evolution. The formulation of hypotheses of pollination syndromes must consider the phylogenetic levels of universality for both plant and animal taxa, flower development, genetics, homology and evolution, and a clear definition of evolutionary concepts, including analogy, convergence, homoplasy and parallelism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro C S Assis
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
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23
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Kang Y, Li Y, Zhang T, Wang P, Liu W, Zhang Z, Yu W, Wang J, Wang J, Zhou Y. Integrated metabolome, full-length sequencing, and transcriptome analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms of color formation of the canary yellow and red bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra'. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:1441-1461. [PMID: 37648415 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Bougainvillea is a typical tropical flower of great ornamental value due to its colorful bracts. The molecular mechanism behind color formation is not well-understood. Therefore, this research conducted metabolome analysis, transcriptome analysis, and multi-flux full-length sequencing in two color bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra' to investigate the significantly different metabolites (SDMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Overall, 261 SDMs, including 62 flavonoids and 26 alkaloids, were detected, and flavonols and betalains were significantly differentially accumulated among the two bracts. Furthermore, the complete-length transcriptome of Bougainvillea × buttiana was also developed, which contained 512 493 non-redundant isoforms. Among them, 341 210 (66.58%) displayed multiple annotations in the KOG, GO, NR, KEGG, Pfam, Swissprot, and NT databases. RNA-seq findings revealed that 3610 DEGs were identified between two bracts. Co-expression analysis demonstrated that the DEGs and SDMs involved in flavonol metabolism (such as CHS, CHI, F3H, FLS, CYP75B1, kaempferol, and quercetin) and betacyanin metabolism (DODA, betanidin, and betacyanins) were the main contributors for the canary yellow and red bract formation, respectively. Further investigation revealed that several putative transcription factors (TFs) might interact with the promoters of the genes mentioned above. The expression profiles of the putative TFs displayed that they may positively and negatively regulate the structural genes' expression profiles. The data revealed a potential regulatory network between important genes, putative TFs, and metabolites in the flavonol and betacyanin biosynthesis of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Chitra' bracts. These findings will serve as a rich genetic resource for future studies that could create new color bracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Kang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Li
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
- Xiangyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xiangyang, 441057, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wengang Yu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
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24
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Wang J, Rani N, Jakhar S, Redhu R, Kumar S, Kumar S, Kumar S, Devi B, Simal-Gandara J, Shen B, Singla RK. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. - anticancer properties and phytochemicals: current trends and future perspectives. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1236123. [PMID: 37860248 PMCID: PMC10582960 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1236123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often result in undesirable and adverse effects. Natural products have emerged as a promising alternative for cancer treatment, with comparatively fewer side effects reported. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., a member of the Cactaceae family, contains a diverse array of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, betalains, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit potent anticancer properties. Various parts of the Opuntia plant, including the fruits, stems/cladodes, and roots, have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against malignant cell lines in numerous studies. This review comprehensively summarizes the anticancer attributes of the phytochemicals found in Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., highlighting their potential as natural cancer prevention and treatment agents. Bibliometric metric analysis of PubMed and Scopus-retrieved data using VOSviewer as well as QDA analysis provide further insights and niche to be explored. Most anticancer studies on Opuntia ficus-indica and its purified metabolites are related to colorectal/colon cancer, followed by melanoma and breast cancer. Very little attention has been paid to leukemia, thyroid, endometrial, liver, and prostate cancer, and it could be considered an opportunity for researchers to explore O. ficus-indica and its metabolites against these cancers. The most notable mechanisms expressed and validated in those studies are apoptosis, cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 and G2/M), Bcl-2 modulation, antiproliferative, oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms, and cytochrome c. We have also observed that cladodes and fruits of O. ficus-indica have been more studied than other plant parts, which again opens the opportunity for the researchers to explore. Further, cell line-based studies dominated, and very few studies were related to animal-based experiments. The Zebrafish model is another platform to explore. However, it seems like more in-depth studies are required to ascertain clinical utility of this biosustainable resource O. ficus-indica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Neeraj Rani
- Shri Baba Mastnath Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Baba Mastnath University, Asthal Bohar Rohtak, Haryana, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, Haryana, India
| | - Seema Jakhar
- Geeta Institute of Pharmacy, Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana, India
| | - Rakesh Redhu
- Geeta Institute of Pharmacy, Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana, India
| | - Sanjiv Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, Haryana, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, Haryana, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, Haryana, India
| | - Bhagwati Devi
- Shri Baba Mastnath Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Baba Mastnath University, Asthal Bohar Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Analytical Chemistry and Food Science Department, Faculty of Science, Ourense, Spain
| | - Bairong Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rajeev K. Singla
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
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25
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Guerrero-Rubio MA, Walker-Hale N, Guo R, Sheehan H, Timoneda A, Gandia-Herrero F, Brockington SF. Are seven amino acid substitutions sufficient to explain the evolution of high l-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase activity leading to betalain pigmentation? Revisiting the gain-of-function mutants of Bean et al. (2018). THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 239:2265-2276. [PMID: 37243529 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This work revisits a publication by Bean et al. (2018) that reports seven amino acid substitutions are essential for the evolution of l-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase (DODA) activity in Caryophyllales. In this study, we explore several concerns which led us to replicate the analyses of Bean et al. (2018). Our comparative analyses, with structural modelling, implicate numerous residues additional to those identified by Bean et al. (2018), with many of these additional residues occurring around the active site of BvDODAα1. We therefore replicated the analyses of Bean et al. (2018) to re-observe the effect of their original seven residue substitutions in a BvDODAα2 background, that is the BvDODAα2-mut3 variant. Multiple in vivo assays, in both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana benthamiana, did not result in visible DODA activity in BvDODAα2-mut3, with betalain production always 10-fold below BvDODAα1. In vitro assays also revealed substantial differences in both catalytic activity and pH optima between BvDODAα1, BvDODAα2 and BvDODAα2-mut3 proteins, explaining their differing performance in vivo. In summary, we were unable to replicate the in vivo analyses of Bean et al. (2018), and our quantitative in vivo and in vitro analyses suggest a minimal effect of these seven residues in altering catalytic activity of BvDODAα2. We conclude that the evolutionary pathway to high DODA activity is substantially more complex than implied by Bean et al. (2018).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathanael Walker-Hale
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 3EA, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 3EA, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hester Sheehan
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 3EA, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alfonso Timoneda
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 3EA, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fernando Gandia-Herrero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular A, Unidad Docente de Biología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Samuel F Brockington
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 3EA, Cambridge, UK
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Babaei M, Thomsen PT, Dyekjær JD, Glitz CU, Pastor MC, Gockel P, Körner JD, Rago D, Borodina I. Combinatorial engineering of betalain biosynthesis pathway in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:128. [PMID: 37592353 PMCID: PMC10436450 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betalains, comprising red-violet betacyanins and yellow-orange betaxanthins, are the hydrophilic vacuolar pigments that provide bright coloration to roots, fruits, and flowers of plants of the Caryophyllales order. Betanin extracted from red beets is permitted quantum satis as a natural red food colorant (E162). Due to antioxidant activity, betanin has potential health benefits. RESULTS We applied combinatorial engineering to find the optimal combination of a dozen tyrosine hydroxylase (TyH) and 4,5-dopa-estradiol-dioxygenase (DOD) variants. The best-engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains produced over six-fold higher betaxanthins than previously reported. By genome-resequencing of these strains, we found out that two copies of DOD enzyme from Bougainvillea glabra together with TyH enzymes from Abronia nealleyi, Acleisanthes obtusa, and Cleretum bellidiforme were present in the three high-betaxanthin-producing isolates. Next, we expressed four variants of glucosyltransferases from Beta vulgaris for betanin biosynthesis. The highest titer of betanin (30.8 ± 0.14 mg/L after 48 h from 20 g/L glucose) was obtained when completing the biosynthesis pathway with UGT73A36 glucosyltransferase from Beta vulgaris. Finally, we investigated betalain transport in CEN.PK and S288C strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and identified a possible role of transporter genes QDR2 and APL1 in betanin transport. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the potential of combinatorial engineering of yeast cell factories for the biotechnological production of betanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Babaei
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Philip Tinggaard Thomsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jane Dannow Dyekjær
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christiane Ursula Glitz
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marc Cernuda Pastor
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Gockel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Johann Dietmar Körner
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Daniela Rago
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Irina Borodina
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 220, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark.
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27
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Milech C, Auler PA, do Amaral MN, Lucho SR, da Silva Dos Santos J, Furlan VJM, Bianchi VJ, Braga EJB. Biosynthesis of Betalains Elicited by Methyl Jasmonate in Two Species of Alternanthera Genus: Antagonistic Regulations Result in Increase of Pigments. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:4965-4982. [PMID: 37119502 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04535-5] [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] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural pigments are components very important in the dye industry. The betalains are pigments found in plants from Caryophyllales order and are relevant in the food manufacturing. The main source of betalains is beetroot, which has unfavorable aftertaste. Therefore, the demand for alternative species producing betalains has increased. Elicitor molecules such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induce metabolic reprogramming acting in the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites and can enhance pigment concentrations. Here, we used this strategy to identify if treatment with MeJA at 100 µM can promote the accumulation of betalains and other bioactive compounds in Alternanthera philoxeroides and Alternanthera sessilis. We performed the gene expression, concentration of betalains, phenols, flavonoids, amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), and antioxidant activity. The results showed that MeJA treatment increased betalains and other bioactive compounds in the two Alternanthera species but A. sessilis had a better performance. One key factor in this pathway is related to the phenylalanine and tyrosine concentration. However, the species have distinct metabolic regulation: in A. philoxeroides, high concentrations of betalain pigments increase the tyrosine concentration and gene expression (include ADH) under MeJA and in A. sessilis, high concentrations of betalain pigments reduce the gene expression and tyrosine concentration after 2 days under MeJA. This study brings new questions about betalain biosynthesis and sheds light on the evolution of this pathway in Caryophyllales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristini Milech
- Department of Botany, Biology Institute-Plant Physiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Ariane Auler
- Department of Botany, Biology Institute-Plant Physiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Nogueira do Amaral
- Department of Botany, Biology Institute-Plant Physiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Simone Ribeiro Lucho
- Department of Botany, Biology Institute-Plant Physiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Valmor João Bianchi
- Department of Botany, Biology Institute-Plant Physiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Wu L, Lambert JD. Clade-specific genes and the evolutionary origin of novelty; new tools in the toolkit. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 145:52-59. [PMID: 35659164 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clade-specific (a.k.a. lineage-specific) genes are very common and found at all taxonomic levels and in all clades examined. They can arise by duplication of previously existing genes, which can involve partial truncations or combinations with other protein domains or regulatory sequences. They can also evolve de novo from non-coding sequences, leading to potentially truly novel protein domains. Finally, since clade-specific genes are generally defined by lack of sequence homology with other proteins, they can also arise by sequence evolution that is rapid enough that previous sequence homology can no longer be detected. In such cases, where the rapid evolution is followed by constraint, we consider them to be ontologically non-novel but likely novel at a functional level. In general, clade-specific genes have received less attention from biologists but there are increasing numbers of fascinating examples of their roles in important traits. Here we review some selected recent examples, and argue that attention to clade-specific genes is an important corrective to the focus on the conserved developmental regulatory toolkit that has been the habit of evo-devo as a field. Finally, we discuss questions that arise about the evolution of clade-specific genes, and how these might be addressed by future studies. We highlight the hypothesis that clade-specific genes are more likely to be involved in synapomorphies that arose in the stem group where they appeared, compared to other genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjun Wu
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - J David Lambert
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
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Lan L, Zhao H, Xu S, Kan S, Zhang X, Liu W, Liao X, Tembrock LR, Ren Y, Reeve W, Yang J, Wu Z. A high-quality Bougainvillea genome provides new insights into evolutionary history and pigment biosynthetic pathways in the Caryophyllales. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad124. [PMID: 37554346 PMCID: PMC10405137 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Bougainvillea is a perennial ornamental shrub that is highly regarded in ornamental horticulture around the world. However, the absence of genome data limits our understanding of the pathways involved in bract coloration and breeding. Here, we report a chromosome-level assembly of the giga-genome of Bougainvillea × buttiana 'Mrs Butt', a cultivar thought to be the origin of many other Bougainvillea cultivars. The assembled genome is ~5 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 151 756 278 bp and contains 86 572 genes which have undergone recent whole-genome duplication. We confirmed that multiple rounds of whole-genome multiplication have occurred in the evolutionary history of the Caryophyllales, reconstructed the relationship in the Caryophyllales at whole genome level, and found discordance between species and gene trees as the result of complex introgression events. We investigated betalain and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways and found instances of independent evolutionary innovations in the nine different Caryophyllales species. To explore the potential formation mechanism of diverse bract colors in Bougainvillea, we analyzed the genes involved in betalain and anthocyanin biosynthesis and found extremely low expression of ANS and DFR genes in all cultivars, which may limit anthocyanin biosynthesis. Our findings indicate that the expression pattern of the betalain biosynthetic pathway did not directly correlate with bract color, and a higher expression level in the betalain biosynthetic pathway is required for colored bracts. This improved understanding of the correlation between gene expression and bract color allows plant breeding outcomes to be predicted with greater certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- School of Medical, Molecularand Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150, Western Australia, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Australia
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Huiqi Zhao
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572025, China
- Institute of Tropical Horticulture Research, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571100, China
| | - Suxia Xu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Subtropical Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Fujian Institute of Subtropical Botany, Xiamen, 361006, China
| | - Shenglong Kan
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Weichao Liu
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xuezhu Liao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Luke R Tembrock
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Yonglin Ren
- School of Medical, Molecularand Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150, Western Australia, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Wayne Reeve
- School of Medical, Molecularand Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150, Western Australia, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Jun Yang
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572025, China
- Institute of Tropical Horticulture Research, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571100, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
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Liu S, Wang X, Peng L. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of the Metabolism of Betalains and Flavonoids in Red Amaranth Hypocotyl under Blue Light and Dark Conditions. Molecules 2023; 28:5627. [PMID: 37570597 PMCID: PMC10420052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155627] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amaranth plants contain abundant betalains and flavonoids. Anthocyanins are important flavonoids; however, they cannot coexist in the same plant with betalains. Blue light influences metabolite synthesis and hypocotyl elongation; accordingly, analyses of its effects on betalain and flavonoid biosynthesis in Amaranthus tricolor may provide insight into the distribution of these plant pigments. We analyzed the betalain and flavonoid content and transcriptome profiles in amaranth hypocotyls under blue light and dark conditions. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression patterns of key genes related to betalains and flavonoids. Amaranth hypocotyls were shorter and redder and showed higher betalain and flavonoid content under blue light than in dark conditions. Key genes involved in the synthesis of betalains and flavonoids were upregulated under blue light. The gene encoding DELLA was also upregulated. These results suggest that blue light favors the synthesis of both betalains and flavonoids via the suppression of bioactive gibberellin and the promotion of DELLA protein accumulation, which also suppresses hypocotyl elongation. The metabolite profiles differed between plants under blue light and dark conditions. These findings improve our understanding of the environmental cues and molecular mechanisms underlying pigment variation in Amaranthus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengcai Liu
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Xiao Wang
- Institute of Horticultural Biotechnology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Liyun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China;
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Cerqueira JVA, de Andrade MT, Rafael DD, Zhu F, Martins SVC, Nunes-Nesi A, Benedito V, Fernie AR, Zsögön A. Anthocyanins and reactive oxygen species: a team of rivals regulating plant development? PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 112:213-223. [PMID: 37351824 PMCID: PMC10352431 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anthocyanins are a family of water-soluble vacuolar pigments present in almost all flowering plants. The chemistry, biosynthesis and functions of these flavonoids have been intensively studied, in part due to their benefit for human health. Given that they are efficient antioxidants, intense research has been devoted to studying their possible roles against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the redox homeostasis established between antioxidants and ROS is important for plant growth and development. On the one hand, high levels of ROS can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, on the other, they are also required for cell signaling, plant development and stress responses. Thus, a balance is needed in which antioxidants can remove excessive ROS, while not precluding ROS from triggering important cellular signaling cascades. In this article, we discuss how anthocyanins and ROS interact and how a deeper understanding of the balance between them could help improve plant productivity, nutritional value, and resistance to stress, while simultaneously maintaining proper cellular function and plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Victor A Cerqueira
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Moab T de Andrade
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Diego D Rafael
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Feng Zhu
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, National R&D Center for Citrus Preservation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Samuel V C Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Vagner Benedito
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Agustin Zsögön
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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Dong J, Jiang W, Gao P, Yang T, Zhang W, Huangfu M, Zhang J, Che D. Comparison of betalain compounds in two Beta vulgaris var. cicla and BvCYP76AD27 function identification in betalain biosynthesis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 199:107711. [PMID: 37116227 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Beta vulgaris var. cicla is an edible, ornamental and horticultural plant. However, the difference of components and contents of betalain in beets with different leaf color are not well understood. Here, the stress resistance and metabolites of two B. vulgaris var. cicla cultivars were determined. The differences in stress resistance between red leaf-colored chard (RC) and yellow leaf-colored chard (YC) were positively related to betacyanins (BC) and betaxathins (BX) content in the leaves. Furthermore, a total of 3615 distinct metabolites were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS in two cultivars, including 70 alkaloids and their derivatives, 249 flavonoids, and 264 terpenoids. There were 17 metabolites attributed to betalain biosynthesis pathway, seven of nine BC were up-regulated, and eight BX showed no significant difference in RC compared with YC. The contents of celosianin II and betanin were the highest BC in RC, at approximately 84.38 and 19.97 times that of YC, respectively. The content of portulacaxanthin II was the highest BX in two beets. Additionally, the BvCYP450 genes were identified based on genome, and the members that might be involved in betalain biosynthesis were screened. BvCYP76AD27, a member of the BvCYP76AD subfamily, had a higher expression level in RC than YC under freezing, drought and shading stress. In yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, BvCYP76AD5 and BvCYP76AD27 only hydroxylated tyrosine to L-DOPA, which was transformed into portulacaxanthin II by 4,5-DOPA extradiol dioxygenase. The results contribute to illustrating the molecular mechanism of betalain biosynthesis and provide useful information for further investigation of beet chemistry and sufficient utilization of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Wan Jiang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Peng Gao
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Tao Yang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Wuhua Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Minge Huangfu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Jinzhu Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Daidi Che
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Cold Region Landscape Plants and Applications, Harbin, 150030, China.
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Sidharthan VK, Rajeswari V, Baranwal VK. Broadening the host range and genetic diversity of waikaviruses. Virology 2023; 582:106-113. [PMID: 37043910 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Waikaviruses are monopartite, positive sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause economically important plant diseases. Despite their importance, waikaviruses are poorly understood and only ten members are currently recognized. The present study on Sequence Read Archive (SRA)-based data-driven virus discovery (DDVD) identified 22 putative new waikaviruses, nearly doubling the number of known waikaviruses, in SRA libraries of diverse plant species, from ferns to trees. Besides, a highly divergent secoviral sequence with distinct genome features was identified in a wheat transcriptome. Other significant findings of the study include identification of a new waikavirus in a library derived from diseased water chestnut sample wherein a caulimovirus was reported, prediction of coiled-coils in hypothetical protein region of waikaviral polyprotein alignment and phylogenetic clustering of tree-infecting waikaviruses. The study not only reiterates the importance of DDVD in unveiling hitherto hidden viral sequences in plant SRA libraries but also deepens our understanding of waikaviral diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kavi Sidharthan
- Division of Genetics and Tree Improvement, ICFRE-Institute of Forest Biodiversity, Hyderabad, India.
| | - V Rajeswari
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India
| | - V K Baranwal
- Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
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Xie F, Chen C, Chen J, Chen J, Hua Q, Shah K, Zhang Z, Zhao J, Hu G, Chen J, Qin Y. Betalain biosynthesis in red pulp pitaya is regulated via HuMYB132: a R-R type MYB transcription factor. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:28. [PMID: 36635619 PMCID: PMC9837905 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04049-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple MYB transcription factors (TFs) are involved in the regulation of plant coloring. Betalain is a kind of natural plant pigment and its biosynthesis is regulated by a number of enzymes. Despite this, little is known about the molecular properties and roles of MYB TFs in pitaya betalain biosynthesis. RESULTS In the present study, we identified a 1R-MYB gene, HuMYB132, which is preferentially expressed in red-pulp pitaya at the mature stage. It was clustered with Arabidopsis R-R-type genes and had two DNA-binding domains and a histidine-rich region. The expression assays in N. benthamiana and yeast indicated that HuMYB132 is a nucleus-localized protein with transcriptional activation activity. Dual luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated that HuMYB132 could promote the transcriptional activities of HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1-1, and HuDODA1 by binding to their promoters. Silencing HuMYB132 reduced betalain accumulation and the expression levels of betalain biosynthetic genes in pitaya pulps. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, HuMYB132, a R-R type member of 1R-MYB TF subfamily, positively regulates pitaya betalain biosynthesis by regulating the expression of HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1-1, and HuDODA1. The present study provides a new theoretical reference for the management of pitaya betalain biosynthesis and also provides an essential basis for future regulation of betalain biosynthesis in Hylocereus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Canbin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingzhu Hua
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Kamran Shah
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhike Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jietang Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Guibing Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jianye Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Yonghua Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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35
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Lim PK, Julca I, Mutwil M. Redesigning plant specialized metabolism with supervised machine learning using publicly available reactome data. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1639-1650. [PMID: 36874159 PMCID: PMC9976193 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The immense structural diversity of products and intermediates of plant specialized metabolism (specialized metabolites) makes them rich sources of therapeutic medicine, nutrients, and other useful materials. With the rapid accumulation of reactome data that can be accessible on biological and chemical databases, along with recent advances in machine learning, this review sets out to outline how supervised machine learning can be used to design new compounds and pathways by exploiting the wealth of said data. We will first examine the various sources from which reactome data can be obtained, followed by explaining the different machine learning encoding methods for reactome data. We then discuss current supervised machine learning developments that can be employed in various aspects to help redesign plant specialized metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ken Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Irene Julca
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marek Mutwil
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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36
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Alexander Bowles. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 236:2014-2015. [PMID: 36385266 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
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37
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Davies KM, Landi M, van Klink JW, Schwinn KE, Brummell DA, Albert NW, Chagné D, Jibran R, Kulshrestha S, Zhou Y, Bowman JL. Evolution and function of red pigmentation in land plants. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:613-636. [PMID: 36070407 PMCID: PMC9670752 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Land plants commonly produce red pigmentation as a response to environmental stressors, both abiotic and biotic. The type of pigment produced varies among different land plant lineages. In the majority of species they are flavonoids, a large branch of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Flavonoids that can confer red colours include 3-hydroxyanthocyanins, 3-deoxyanthocyanins, sphagnorubins and auronidins, which are the predominant red pigments in flowering plants, ferns, mosses and liverworts, respectively. However, some flowering plants have lost the capacity for anthocyanin biosynthesis and produce nitrogen-containing betalain pigments instead. Some terrestrial algal species also produce red pigmentation as an abiotic stress response, and these include both carotenoid and phenolic pigments. SCOPE In this review, we examine: which environmental triggers induce red pigmentation in non-reproductive tissues; theories on the functions of stress-induced pigmentation; the evolution of the biosynthetic pathways; and structure-function aspects of different pigment types. We also compare data on stress-induced pigmentation in land plants with those for terrestrial algae, and discuss possible explanations for the lack of red pigmentation in the hornwort lineage of land plants. CONCLUSIONS The evidence suggests that pigment biosynthetic pathways have evolved numerous times in land plants to provide compounds that have red colour to screen damaging photosynthetically active radiation but that also have secondary functions that provide specific benefits to the particular land plant lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Landi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - John W van Klink
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Department of Chemistry, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kathy E Schwinn
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - David A Brummell
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Nick W Albert
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - David Chagné
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Rubina Jibran
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 92169, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Samarth Kulshrestha
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Yanfei Zhou
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - John L Bowman
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Li X, Ran R, Chen G, Zhao P. Genomic Variation Underlying the Breeding Selection of Quinoa Varieties Longli-4 and CA3-1 in China. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14030. [PMID: 36430511 PMCID: PMC9693436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a well-known climate-resilient crop and has been introduced into multiple marginal lands across the world, including China, to improve food security and/or balanced nutrient supplies. Conventional breeding has been widely applied in the selection and breeding of quinoa varieties in China since 1980s; however, few studies have been implemented on the genetic variances among different varieties developed by diversity breeding objectives. In this study, the phenotypic and genetic differences between two varieties (Longli-4 and CA3-1) from China were systematically analyzed. A total of 407,651 and 2,731,411 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 212,724 and 587,935 small insertion and deletion (INDELs) were detected for Longli-4 and CA3-1, respectively, when compared with the reference genome of PI614886. The SNPs/INDELs were unevenly distributed across each chromosome for both varieties. There were 143,996 SNPs and 83,410 INDELs shared between Longli-4 and CA3-1, accounting for 4% of the total variances. The variation was then screened based on the SNP effects. There were 818 and 73 genes with the variety-specific non-synonymous and stop-gain variation in Longli-4, whereas there were 13,701 and 733 genes in CA3-1. Specifically, 3501 genes with the non-synonymous variation and 74 genes with the stop-gain variation were found in both Longli-4 and CA3-1. These results suggest that convergent selection occurred during the different breeding processes. A set of candidate genes related to agronomic traits and domestication were further selected to detect the genetic divergence in detail in the two varieties. Only one domestication gene was identified having Longli-4-specific stop-gain variation. Twelve candidate genes related to betalain (1), flowering (4), seed size (2), domestication (1), and saponin (4) were identified having CA3-1-specific stop-gain variation. Interestingly, one seed size gene homologous of CKX1 (cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase 1) had the stop-gain variation in both varieties. This research will therefore provide guidance for the molecular-assisted breeding in quinoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruilan Ran
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guoxiong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Pengshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Shapotou Desert Research & Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Zhang L, Liu X, Li J, Meng Y, Zhao GR. Improvement of betanin biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by metabolic engineering. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 8:54-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Zhao X, Zhang Y, Long T, Wang S, Yang J. Regulation Mechanism of Plant Pigments Biosynthesis: Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, and Betalains. Metabolites 2022; 12:871. [PMID: 36144275 PMCID: PMC9506007 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthocyanins, carotenoids, and betalains are known as the three major pigments in the plant kingdom. Anthocyanins are flavonoids derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. They undergo acylation and glycosylation in the cytoplasm to produce anthocyanin derivatives and deposits in the cytoplasm. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is regulated by the MBW (comprised by R2R3-MYB, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and WD40) complex. Carotenoids are fat-soluble terpenoids whose synthetic genes also are regulated by the MBW complex. As precursors for the synthesis of hormones and nutrients, carotenoids are not only synthesized in plants, but also synthesized in some fungi and bacteria, and play an important role in photosynthesis. Betalains are special water-soluble pigments that exist only in Caryophyllaceae plants. Compared to anthocyanins and carotenoids, the synthesis and regulation mechanism of betalains is simpler, starting from tyrosine, and is only regulated by MYB (myeloblastosis). Recently, a considerable amount of novel information has been gathered on the regulation of plant pigment biosynthesis, specifically with respect to aspects. In this review, we summarize the knowledge and current gaps in our understanding with a view of highlighting opportunities for the development of pigment-rich plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng Zhao
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yueran Zhang
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Tuan Long
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Shouchuang Wang
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jun Yang
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Schenck CA, Busta L. Using interdisciplinary, phylogeny-guided approaches to understand the evolution of plant metabolism. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 109:355-367. [PMID: 34816350 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-021-01220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To cope with relentless environmental pressures, plants produce an arsenal of structurally diverse chemicals, often called specialized metabolites. These lineage-specific compounds are derived from the simple building blocks made by ubiquitous core metabolic pathways. Although the structures of many specialized metabolites are known, the underlying metabolic pathways and the evolutionary events that have shaped the plant chemical diversity landscape are only beginning to be understood. However, with the advent of multi-omics data sets and the relative ease of studying pathways in previously intractable non-model species, plant specialized metabolic pathways are now being systematically identified. These large datasets also provide a foundation for comparative, phylogeny-guided studies of plant metabolism. Comparisons of metabolic traits and features like chemical abundances, enzyme activities, or gene sequences from phylogenetically diverse plants provide insights into how metabolic pathways evolved. This review highlights the power of studying evolution through the lens of comparative biochemistry, particularly how placing metabolism into a phylogenetic context can help a researcher identify the metabolic innovations enabling the evolution of structurally diverse plant metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Schenck
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Lucas Busta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
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Lopez-Nieves S, El-Azaz J, Men Y, Holland CK, Feng T, Brockington SF, Jez JM, Maeda HA. Two independently evolved natural mutations additively deregulate TyrA enzymes and boost tyrosine production in planta. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 109:844-855. [PMID: 34807484 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
l-Tyrosine is an essential amino acid for protein synthesis and is also used in plants to synthesize diverse natural products. Plants primarily synthesize tyrosine via TyrA arogenate dehydrogenase (TyrAa or ADH), which are typically strongly feedback inhibited by tyrosine. However, two plant lineages, Fabaceae (legumes) and Caryophyllales, have TyrA enzymes that exhibit relaxed sensitivity to tyrosine inhibition and are associated with elevated production of tyrosine-derived compounds, such as betalain pigments uniquely produced in core Caryophyllales. Although we previously showed that a single D222N substitution is primarily responsible for the deregulation of legume TyrAs, it is unknown when and how the deregulated Caryophyllales TyrA emerged. Here, through phylogeny-guided TyrA structure-function analysis, we found that functionally deregulated TyrAs evolved early in the core Caryophyllales before the origin of betalains, where the E208D amino acid substitution in the active site, which is at a different and opposite location from D222N found in legume TyrAs, played a key role in the TyrA functionalization. Unlike legumes, however, additional substitutions on non-active site residues further contributed to the deregulation of TyrAs in Caryophyllales. The introduction of a mutation analogous to E208D partially deregulated tyrosine-sensitive TyrAs, such as Arabidopsis TyrA2 (AtTyrA2). Moreover, the combined introduction of D222N and E208D additively deregulated AtTyrA2, for which the expression in Nicotiana benthamiana led to highly elevated accumulation of tyrosine in planta. The present study demonstrates that phylogeny-guided characterization of key residues underlying primary metabolic innovations can provide powerful tools to boost the production of essential plant natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lopez-Nieves
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Jorge El-Azaz
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Yusen Men
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Cynthia K Holland
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, 01267, USA
| | - Tao Feng
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | | | - Joseph M Jez
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Hiroshi A Maeda
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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Medina-López SV, Zuluaga-Domínguez CM, Fernández-Trujillo JP, Hernández-Gómez MS. Nonconventional Hydrocolloids’ Technological and Functional Potential for Food Applications. Foods 2022; 11:foods11030401. [PMID: 35159551 PMCID: PMC8834643 DOI: 10.3390/foods11030401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to study the alternatives to conventional industrial starches, describing uncommon sources along with their technological characteristics, processing, and performance on food products. Minor components remaining after extraction play an important role in starch performance despite their low percentage, as happens with tuber starches, where minerals may affect gelatinization. This feature can be leveraged in favor of the different needs of the food industry, with diversified applications in the market being considered in the manufacture of both plant and animal-based products with different sensory attributes. Hydrocolloids, different from starch, may also modify the technological outcome of the amylaceous fraction; therefore, combinations should be considered, as advantages and disadvantages linked to biological origin, consumer perception, or technological performance may arise. Among water-based system modifiers, starches and nonstarch hydrocolloids are particularly interesting, as their use reaches millions of sales in a multiplicity of specialties, including nonfood businesses, and could promote a diversified scheme that may address current monocrop production drawbacks for the future sustainability of the food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Viviana Medina-López
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (ICTA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota 111321, Colombia; (S.V.M.-L.); (M.S.H.-G.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
| | | | | | - María Soledad Hernández-Gómez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (ICTA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota 111321, Colombia; (S.V.M.-L.); (M.S.H.-G.)
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas (SINCHI), Bogota 110311, Colombia
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A Genome-Wide Identification Study Reveals That HmoCYP76AD1, HmoDODAα1 and HmocDOPA5GT Involved in Betalain Biosynthesis in Hylocereus. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121858. [PMID: 34946807 PMCID: PMC8702118 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Betalains are water-soluble nitrogen-containing pigments with multiple bioactivities. Pitayas are the only at large-scale commercially grown fruit containing abundant betalains for consumers. Currently, the key genes involved in betalain biosynthesis remain to be fully elucidated. Moreover, genome-wide analyses of these genes in betalain biosynthesis are not available in betalain-producing plant species. In this study, totally 53 genes related to betalain biosynthesis were identified from the genome data of Hylocereus undatus. Four candidate genes i.e., one cytochrome P-450 R gene (HmoCYP76AD1), two L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase genes (HmoDODAα1 and HmoDODAα2), and one cyclo-DOPA 5-O glucosyltransferase gene (HmocDOPA5GT) were initially screened according to bioinformatics and qRT-PCR analyses. Silencing HmoCYP76AD1, HmoDODAα1, HmoDODAα2 or HmocDOPA5GT resulted in loss of red pigment. HmoDODAα1 displayed a high level of L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase activity to produce betalamic acid and formed yellow betaxanthin. Co-expression of HmoCYP76AD1, HmoDODAα1 and HmocDOPA5GT in Nicotiana benthamiana and yeast resulted in high abundance of betalain pigments with a red color. These results suggested that HmoCYP76AD1, HmoDODAα1, and HmocDOPA5GT play key roles in betalain biosynthesis in Hylocereus. The results of the present study provide novel genes for molecular breeding programs of pitaya.
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Ohno S, Makishima R, Doi M. Post-transcriptional gene silencing of CYP76AD controls betalain biosynthesis in bracts of bougainvillea. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:6949-6962. [PMID: 34279632 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Betalain is one of four major plant pigments and shares some features with anthocyanin; however, no plant has been found to biosynthesize both pigments. Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin biosynthesis in some plants is regulated by post-transcriptional gene-silencing (PTGS), but the importance of PTGS in betalain biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, we report the occurrence of PTGS in betalain biosynthesis in bougainvillea (Bougainvillea peruviana) 'Thimma', which produces bracts of three different color on the same plant, namely pink, white, and pink-white. This resembles the unstable anthocyanin pigmentation phenotype that is associated with PTGS, and hence we anticipated the presence of PTGS in the betalain biosynthetic pathway. To test this, we analysed pigments, gene expression, small RNAs, and transient overexpression. Our results demonstrated that PTGS of BpCYP76AD1, a gene encoding one of the betalain biosynthesis enzymes, is responsible for the loss of betalain biosynthesis in 'Thimma'. Neither the genetic background nor DNA methylation in the BpCYP76AD1 sequence could explain the induction of PTGS, implying that another locus controls the unstable pigmentation. Our results indicate that naturally occurring PTGS contributes to the diversification of color patterns not only in anthocyanin biosynthesis but also in betalain biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Ohno
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rikako Makishima
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motoaki Doi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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Portillo-Nava C, Guerrero-Esperanza M, Guerrero-Rangel A, Guevara-Domínguez P, Martínez-Gallardo N, Nava-Sandoval C, Ordaz-Ortiz J, Sánchez-Segura L, Délano-Frier J. Natural or light-induced pigment accumulation in grain amaranths coincides with enhanced resistance against insect herbivory. PLANTA 2021; 254:101. [PMID: 34669050 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Increased resistance to insect herbivory in grain amaranth plants is associated with increased betalain pigmentation, either naturally acquired or accumulated in response to blue-red light irradiation. Betalains are water-soluble pigments characteristic of plants of the Caryophyllales order. Their abiotic stress-induced accumulation is believed to protect against oxidative damage, while their defensive function against biotic aggressors is scarce. A previous observation of induced betalain-biosynthetic gene expression in stressed grain amaranth plants led to the proposal that these pigments play a defensive role against insect herbivory. This study provided further support for this premise. First, a comparison of "green" and "red" Amaranthus cruentus phenotypes showed that the latter suffered less insect herbivory damage. Coincidentally, growth and vitality of Manduca sexta larvae were more severely affected when fed on red-leafed A. cruentus plants or on an artificial diet supplemented with red-leaf pigment extracts. Second, the exposure of A. cruentus and A. caudatus plants, having contrasting pigmentation phenotypes, to light enriched in the blue and red wavelength spectra led to pigment accumulation throughout the plant and to increased resistance to insect herbivory. These events were accompanied by the induced expression of known betalain-biosynthetic genes, including uncharacterized DODA genes believed to participate in this biosynthetic pathway in a still undefined way. Finally, transient co-expression of different combinations of betalain-biosynthetic genes in Nicotiana benthamiana led to detectable accumulation of betalamic acid and betanidin. This outcome supported the participation of certain AhDODA and other genes in the grain amaranth betalain-biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Portillo-Nava
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Moisés Guerrero-Esperanza
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Armando Guerrero-Rangel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Paulina Guevara-Domínguez
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Norma Martínez-Gallardo
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Cecilia Nava-Sandoval
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cárdenas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N,Col. Santo Tomás, CDMX, CP, 11340, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, México
| | - José Ordaz-Ortiz
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Lino Sánchez-Segura
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - John Délano-Frier
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Kilómetro 9.6 Libramiento Norte Carretera Irapuato-León, CP, 36821, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México.
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Xie F, Hua Q, Chen C, Zhang Z, Zhang R, Zhao J, Hu G, Chen J, Qin Y. Genome-Wide Characterization of R2R3-MYB Transcription Factors in Pitaya Reveals a R2R3-MYB Repressor HuMYB1 Involved in Fruit Ripening through Regulation of Betalain Biosynthesis by Repressing Betalain Biosynthesis-Related Genes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081949. [PMID: 34440718 PMCID: PMC8391165 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYB (myeloblastosis) superfamily constitutes one of the most abundant transcription factors (TFs) regulating various biological processes in plants. However, the molecular characteristics and functions of MYB TFs in pitaya remain unclear. To date, no genome-wide characterization analysis of this gene family has been conducted in the Cactaceae species. In this study, 105 R2R3-MYB members were identified from the genome data of Hylocereus undatus and their conserved motifs, physiological and biochemical characteristics, chromosome locations, synteny relationship, gene structure and phylogeny were further analyzed. Expression analyses suggested that three up-regulated HuMYBs and twenty-two down-regulated HuMYBs were probably involved in fruit ripening of pitaya. Phylogenetic analyses of R2R3-MYB repressors showed that seven HuMYBs (HuMYB1, HuMYB21, HuMYB48, HuMYB49, HuMYB72, HuMYB78 and HuMYB101) were in clades containing R2R3-MYB repressors. HuMYB1 and HuMYB21 were significantly down-regulated with the betalain accumulation during fruit ripening of ‘Guanhuahong’ pitaya (H. monacanthus). However, only HuMYB1 had R2 and R3 repeats with C1, C2, C3 and C4 motifs. HuMYB1 was localized exclusively to the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional inhibition capacities. Dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that HuMYB1 inhibited the expression of betalain-related genes: HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1-1 and HuDODA1. These results suggested that HuMYB1 is a potential repressor of betalain biosynthesis during pitaya fruit ripening. Our results provide the first genome-wide analyses of the R2R3-MYB subfamily involved in pitaya betalain biosynthesis and will facilitate functional analysis of this gene family in the future.
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Dávila-Lara A, Reichelt M, Wang D, Vogel H, Mithöfer A. Proof of anthocyanins in the carnivorous plant genus Nepenthes. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2576-2585. [PMID: 34289256 PMCID: PMC8409308 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Yellow to red colored betalains are a chemotaxonomic feature of Caryophyllales, while in most other plant taxa, anthocyanins are responsible for these colors. The carnivorous plant family Nepenthaceae belongs to Caryophyllales; here, red‐pigmented tissues seem to attract insect prey. Strikingly, the chemical nature of red color in Nepenthes has never been elucidated. Although belonging to Caryophyllales, in Nepenthes, some molecular evidence supports the presence of anthocyanins rather than betalains. However, there was previously no direct chemical proof of this. Using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry, we identified cyanidin glycosides in Nepenthes species and tissues. Further, we reveal the existence of a complete set of constitutively expressed anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in Nepenthes. Thus, here we finally conclude the long‐term open question regarding red pigmentation in Nepenthaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Dávila-Lara
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Ding Wang
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel Mithöfer
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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49
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Ma X, Vaistij FE, Li Y, Jansen van Rensburg WS, Harvey S, Bairu MW, Venter SL, Mavengahama S, Ning Z, Graham IA, Van Deynze A, Van de Peer Y, Denby KJ. A chromosome-level Amaranthus cruentus genome assembly highlights gene family evolution and biosynthetic gene clusters that may underpin the nutritional value of this traditional crop. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 107:613-628. [PMID: 33960539 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Traditional crops have historically provided accessible and affordable nutrition to millions of rural dwellers but have been neglected, with most modern agricultural systems over-reliant on a small number of internationally traded crops. Traditional crops are typically well-adapted to local agro-ecological conditions and many are nutrient-dense. They can play a vital role in local food systems through enhanced nutrition (particularly where diets are dominated by starch crops), food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers, and a climate-resilient and biodiverse agriculture. Using short-read, long-read and phased sequencing technologies, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for Amaranthus cruentus, an under-researched crop with micronutrient- and protein-rich leaves and gluten-free seed, but lacking improved varieties, with respect to productivity and quality traits. The 370.9 Mb genome demonstrates a shared whole genome duplication with a related species, Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Comparative genome analysis indicates chromosomal loss and fusion events following genome duplication that are common to both species, as well as fission of chromosome 2 in A. cruentus alone, giving rise to a haploid chromosome number of 17 (versus 16 in A. hypochondriacus). Genomic features potentially underlying the nutritional value of this crop include two A. cruentus-specific genes with a likely role in phytic acid synthesis (an anti-nutrient), expansion of ion transporter gene families, and identification of biosynthetic gene clusters conserved within the amaranth lineage. The A. cruentus genome assembly will underpin much-needed research and global breeding efforts to develop improved varieties for economically viable cultivation and realization of the benefits to global nutrition security and agrobiodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, 9054, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, 9054, Belgium
| | - Fabián E Vaistij
- Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Willem S Jansen van Rensburg
- Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants Research Campus, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Sarah Harvey
- Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Michael W Bairu
- Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants Research Campus, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Sonja L Venter
- Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants Research Campus, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Sydney Mavengahama
- Crop Science Department, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | - Zemin Ning
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ian A Graham
- Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Allen Van Deynze
- Department of Plant Sciences, Seed Biotechnology Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, 9054, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, 9054, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Katherine J Denby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Pucker B, Singh HB, Kumari M, Khan MI, Brockington SF. The report of anthocyanins in the betalain-pigmented genus Hylocereus is not well evidenced and is not a strong basis to refute the mutual exclusion paradigm. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:297. [PMID: 34187352 PMCID: PMC8240293 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Here we respond to the paper entitled "Contribution of anthocyanin pathways to fruit flesh coloration in pitayas" (Fan et al., BMC Plant Biol 20:361, 2020). In this paper Fan et al. 2020 propose that the anthocyanins can be detected in the betalain-pigmented genus Hylocereus, and suggest they are responsible for the colouration of the fruit flesh. We are open to the idea that, given the evolutionary maintenance of fully functional anthocyanin synthesis genes in betalain-pigmented species, anthocyanin pigmentation might co-occur with betalain pigments, as yet undetected, in some species. However, in absence of the LC-MS/MS spectra and co-elution/fragmentation of the authentic standard comparison, the findings of Fan et al. 2020 are not credible. Furthermore, our close examination of the paper, and re-analysis of datasets that have been made available, indicate numerous additional problems. Namely, the failure to detect betalains in an untargeted metabolite analysis, accumulation of reported anthocyanins that does not correlate with the colour of the fruit, absence of key anthocyanin synthesis genes from qPCR data, likely mis-identification of key anthocyanin genes, unreproducible patterns of correlated RNAseq data, lack of gene expression correlation with pigmentation accumulation, and putative transcription factors that are weak candidates for transcriptional up-regulation of the anthocyanin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boas Pucker
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Hidam Bishworjit Singh
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, 781014, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Monika Kumari
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, 781014, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Mohammad Imtiyaj Khan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, 781014, Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Samuel F Brockington
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
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