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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Psittacofulvins are polyenal dyes responsible for coloring parrot feathers and protecting them against photo-oxidation, harmful radicals, and bacterial degradation. To...
Psittacofulvins are polyenal dyes responsible for coloring parrot feathers and protecting them against photo-oxidation, harmful radicals, and bacterial degradation. To explain the unusual properties of these compounds, the thermodynamic and global chemical activity descriptors characterizing four natural and three synthetic psittacofulvins, as well as their hydroxyl, carboxyl and dialdehyde derivatives, were determined. To this aim, the DFT method at the B3LYP/QZVP theory level and the C-PCM solvation model were used. The calculations enabled the selection of the projected compounds for the greatest bioactivity and potential applicability as multifunctional ingredients in medicines, cosmetics, supplements, and food, in which they may play a triple role as preservative, radical scavenger, and coloring agent. The results obtained provide arguments for the identification of a fifth psittacofulvin within the parrot feather pigment, characterized by ten conjugated double bonds (docosadecaenal).
Topics: Animals; Coloring Agents; Feathers; Thermodynamics; Parrots; Molecular Structure; Models, Molecular
PubMed: 38930826
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122760 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In recent years, a significant number of infections have been attributed to non-albicidal species (NAC), mainly due to the increasing resistance of NAC to antifungal...
In recent years, a significant number of infections have been attributed to non-albicidal species (NAC), mainly due to the increasing resistance of NAC to antifungal agents. As only a few antifungal agents are available (azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, allylamines and nucleoside analogues), it is very important to look for possible alternatives to inhibit resistant fungi. One possibility could be essential oils (EOs), which have been shown to have significant antifungal and antibacterial activity. Therefore, in this study, the efficacy of 12 EOs and their combinations was evaluated against four yeasts of the genus (, , and ). GC-MS and GC-MS FID techniques were used for the chemical analysis of all EOs. VITEK-2XL was used to determine the antifungal susceptibility of the tested spp. strains. The agar disc diffusion method was used for primary screening of the efficacy of the tested EOs. The broth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the most potent EOs. After MIC cultivation, the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined on Petri dishes (60 mm). The synergistic effect of combined EOs was evaluated using the checkerboard method and expressed as a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The results showed that ginger > ho-sho > absinth > dill > fennel > star anise > and cardamom were the most effective EOs. For all species tested, the synergy was mainly observed in these combinations: ginger/fennel for FICI 0.25 and , and FICI 0.5 and absinth/fennel for FICI 0.3125, FICI 0.3125 and FICI 0.375. Our results suggest that the resistance of fungal pathogens to available antifungals could be reduced by combining appropriate EOs.
PubMed: 38929677
DOI: 10.3390/life14060693 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in plant defense mechanisms under adverse environmental conditions, but its metabolism and perception in response to heavy...
Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in plant defense mechanisms under adverse environmental conditions, but its metabolism and perception in response to heavy metals are largely unknown. In exposed to CdCl, an accumulation of free ABA was detected in leaves at different developmental stages (A, youngest, unexpanded; B1, youngest, fully expanded; B2, mature; C, old), with the highest content found in A and B1 leaves. In turn, the content of ABA conjugates, which was highest in B2 and C leaves under control conditions, increased only in A leaves and decreased in leaves of later developmental stages after Cd treatment. Based on the expression of , (9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase), (aldehyde oxidase) and (ABA-UDP-glucosyltransferase), and the activity of PsAOγ, B2 and C leaves were found to be the main sites of Cd-induced de novo synthesis of ABA from carotenoids and ABA conjugation with glucose. In turn, β-glucosidase activity and the expression of genes encoding ABA receptors (, , , ) suggest that in A and B1 leaves, Cd-induced release of ABA from inactive ABA-glucosyl esters and enhanced ABA perception comes to the forefront when dealing with Cd toxicity. The distinct role of leaves at different developmental stages in defense against the harmful effects of Cd is discussed.
Topics: Abscisic Acid; Pisum sativum; Plant Leaves; Cadmium; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins; Dioxygenases; beta-Glucosidase
PubMed: 38928288
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126582 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Water deficit affects the growth as well as physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The aim of this study was to determine differences in physiological and...
Water deficit affects the growth as well as physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The aim of this study was to determine differences in physiological and biochemical responses to drought stress in two wheat cultivars-Chinese Spring (CS) and SQ1 (which are parents of a mapping population of doubled haploid lines)-and to relate these responses to final yield and agronomic traits. Drought stress was induced by withholding water for 14 days, after which plants were re-watered and maintained until harvest. Instantaneous gas exchange parameters were evaluated on the 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 14th days of seedling growth under drought. After 14 days, water content and levels of chlorophyll +, carotenoids, malondialdehyde, soluble carbohydrates, phenolics, salicylic acid, abscisic acid (ABA), and polyamines were measured. At final maturity, yield components (grain number and weight), biomass, straw weight, and harvest index were evaluated. Physiological and biochemical parameters of CS responded more than those of SQ1 to the 14-day drought, reflected in a greater reduction in final biomass and yield in CS. Marked biochemical differences between responses of CS and SQ1 to the drought were found for soluble carbohydrates and polyamines. These would be good candidates for testing in the mapping population for the coincidence of the genetic control of these traits and final biomass and yield.
Topics: Triticum; Droughts; Stress, Physiological; Chlorophyll; Water; Chromosome Mapping; Biomass; Abscisic Acid; Seedlings
PubMed: 38928284
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126573 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024All- retinoic acid (ATRA), the major active metabolite of all- retinol (vitamin A), is a key hormonal signaling molecule. In the adult organism, ATRA has a widespread... (Review)
Review
All- retinoic acid (ATRA), the major active metabolite of all- retinol (vitamin A), is a key hormonal signaling molecule. In the adult organism, ATRA has a widespread influence on processes that are crucial to the growth and differentiation of cells and, in turn, the acquisition of mature cell functions. Therefore, there is considerable potential in the use of retinoids to treat diseases. ATRA binds to the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) which, as activated by ATRA, selectively regulate gene expression. There are three main RAR isoforms, RARα, RARβ, and RARγ. They each have a distinct role, for example, RARα and RARγ regulate myeloid progenitor cell differentiation and hematopoietic stem cell maintenance, respectively. Hence, targeting an isoform is crucial to developing retinoid-based therapeutics. In principle, this is exemplified when ATRA is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and target RARα within PML-RARα oncogenic fusion protein. ATRA with arsenic trioxide has provided a cure for the once highly fatal leukemia. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies of RARγ have revealed the potential use of agonists and antagonists to treat diseases as diverse as cancer, heterotopic ossification, psoriasis, and acne. During the final drug development there may be a need to design newer compounds with added modifications to improve solubility, pharmacokinetics, or potency. At the same time, it is important to retain isotype specificity and activity. Examination of the molecular interactions between RARγ agonists and the ligand binding domain of RARγ has revealed aspects to ligand binding that are crucial to RARγ selectivity and compound activity and key to designing newer compounds.
Topics: Humans; Retinoic Acid Receptor gamma; Receptors, Retinoic Acid; Animals; Tretinoin; Protein Binding; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38928275
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126568 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Tomato fruit ripening is accompanied by carotenoid accumulation and color changes. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying carotenoid synthesis during fruit...
Tomato fruit ripening is accompanied by carotenoid accumulation and color changes. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying carotenoid synthesis during fruit ripening, a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was conducted on red-fruited tomato (WP190) and orange-fruited tomato (ZH108). A total of twenty-nine (29) different carotenoid compounds were identified in tomato fruits at six different stages. The abundance of the majority of the carotenoids was enhanced significantly with fruit ripening, with higher levels of lycopene; (E/Z)-lycopene; and α-, β- and γ-carotenoids detected in the fruits of WP190 at 50 and 60 days post anthesis (DPA). Transcriptome analysis revealed that the fruits of two varieties exhibited the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 50 DPA, and a module of co-expressed genes related to the fruit carotenoid content was established by WGCNA. qRT-PCR analysis validated the transcriptome result with a significantly elevated transcript level of lycopene biosynthesis genes (including , , , and ) observed in WP190 at 50 DPA in comparison to ZH108. In addition, during the ripening process, the expression of ethylene biosynthesis ( and ) and signaling ( and ) genes was also increased, and these mechanisms may regulate carotenoid accumulation and fruit ripening in tomato. Differential expression of several key genes in the fruit of two tomato varieties at different stages regulates the accumulation of carotenoids and leads to differences in color between the two varieties of tomato. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of carotenoid accumulation and ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction pathway regulatory mechanisms during tomato fruit development.
Topics: Solanum lycopersicum; Fruit; Carotenoids; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Transcriptome; Metabolome; Gene Expression Profiling; Lycopene; Plant Proteins; Pigmentation; Color
PubMed: 38928199
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126493 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024UV-B is an important environmental factor that differentially affects plant growth and secondary metabolites. The effects of supplemental ultraviolet-B (sUV-B) exposure...
UV-B is an important environmental factor that differentially affects plant growth and secondary metabolites. The effects of supplemental ultraviolet-B (sUV-B) exposure (T1, 1.40 kJ·m·day; T2, 2.81 kJ·m·day; and T3, 5.62 kJ·m·day) on the growth biomass, physiological characteristics, and secondary metabolites were studied. Our results indicated that leaf thickness was significantly ( < 0.05) reduced under T3 relative to the control (natural light exposure, CK); The contents of 6-BA and IAA were significantly reduced ( < 0.05); and the contents of ABA, 10-deacetylbaccatin III, and baccatin III were significantly ( < 0.05) increased under T1 and T2. The paclitaxel content was the highest (0.036 ± 0.0018 mg·g) under T3. The cephalomannine content was significantly increased under T1. gene expression was upregulated under T1 and T3. The gene expressions of and were significantly ( < 0.05) upregulated under sUV-B exposure, and the gene expressions of , , and were significantly ( < 0.05) downregulated. A correlation analysis showed that the 6-BA content had a significantly ( < 0.05) positive correlation with gene expression. The IAA content had a significantly ( < 0.05) positive correlation with the gene expression of , , , and . The ABA content had a significantly ( < 0.05) positive correlation with gene expression. gene expression had a significantly ( < 0.05) positive correlation with the 10-deacetylbaccatin content. gene expression was positively correlated with the contents of baccatin III and cephalomannine. gene expression had a significantly ( < 0.01) positive correlation with the paclitaxel content. A factor analysis showed that the accumulation of paclitaxel content was promoted under T2, which was helpful in clarifying the accumulation of taxane compounds after sUV-B exposure.
Topics: Taxus; Taxoids; Ultraviolet Rays; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Paclitaxel; Plant Leaves; Bridged-Ring Compounds; Indoleacetic Acids; Plant Growth Regulators; Abscisic Acid; Alkaloids
PubMed: 38928114
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126407 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Three types of starch with different amylose content were esterified and blended with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to obtain esterified manioc starch/PBS (EMS/PBS),...
Three types of starch with different amylose content were esterified and blended with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to obtain esterified manioc starch/PBS (EMS/PBS), esterified corn starch/PBS (ECS/PBS), and esterified waxy corn starch/PBS (EWS/PBS) composites. The EMS/PBS and ECS/PBS composites with high amylose content displayed typical V-type crystal structures. The original crystals of EWS, which had low amylose content, were disrupted during the esterification process. EWS exhibited the strongest interaction with PBS and the most favorable interface compatibility. The pyrolysis temperature was in order of EMS/PBS < ECS/PBS < EWS/PBS. The elongation at break of the three blends was higher than that of pure PBS. The esterification and plasticization of the EWS/PBS composite were the most comprehensive. The EWS/PBS composite showed the lowest storage modulus (G') and complex viscosity (η*). The interfacial bonding force of the composite materials increased with more amylopectin, decreasing intermolecular forces and destroying crystal structures, which decreased G' and η* and increased toughness. The EWS/PBS composite, with the least amylose content, had the best hydrophobicity and degradation performance.
Topics: Amylose; Esterification; Starch; Polymers; Viscosity; Polyenes; Zea mays; Butylene Glycols
PubMed: 38928007
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126301 -
Genes Jun 2024Climate change has resulted in an increased demand for Japanese bunching onions L., genomes FF) with drought resistance. A complete set of alien monosomic addition...
Climate change has resulted in an increased demand for Japanese bunching onions L., genomes FF) with drought resistance. A complete set of alien monosomic addition lines of with extra chromosomes from shallot ( L. Aggregatum group, AA), represented as FF + 1A-FF + 8A, displays a variety of phenotypes that significantly differ from those of the recipient species. In this study, we investigated the impact of drought stress on abscisic acid (ABA) and its precursor, β-carotene, utilizing this complete set. In addition, we analyzed the expression levels of genes related to ABA biosynthesis, catabolism, and drought stress signal transduction in FF + 1A and FF + 6A, which show characteristic variations in ABA accumulation. A number of unigenes related to ABA were selected through a database using TDB. Under drought conditions, FF + 1A exhibited significantly higher ABA and β-carotene content compared with FF. Additionally, the expression levels of all ABA-related genes in FF + 1A were higher than those in FF. These results indicate that the addition of chromosome 1A from shallot caused the high expression of ABA biosynthesis genes, leading to increased levels of ABA accumulation. Therefore, it is expected that the introduction of alien genes from the shallot will upwardly modify ABA content, which is directly related to stomatal closure, leading to drought stress tolerance in FF.
Topics: Abscisic Acid; Droughts; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Stress, Physiological; Onions; Monosomy; beta Carotene; Allium
PubMed: 38927690
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060754 -
Genes Jun 2024The (CMV) presents a significant threat to pepper cultivation worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses. We conducted a transcriptional comparative study between... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The (CMV) presents a significant threat to pepper cultivation worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses. We conducted a transcriptional comparative study between CMV-resistant (PBC688) and -susceptible (G29) pepper accessions to understand the mechanisms of CMV resistance. PBC688 effectively suppressed CMV proliferation and spread, while G29 exhibited higher viral accumulation. A transcriptome analysis revealed substantial differences in gene expressions between the two genotypes, particularly in pathways related to plant-pathogen interactions, MAP kinase, ribosomes, and photosynthesis. In G29, the resistance to CMV involved key genes associated with calcium-binding proteins, pathogenesis-related proteins, and disease resistance. However, in PBC688, the crucial genes contributing to CMV resistance were ribosomal and chlorophyll a-b binding proteins. Hormone signal transduction pathways, such as ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA), displayed distinct expression patterns, suggesting that CMV resistance in peppers is associated with ET and ABA. These findings deepen our understanding of CMV resistance in peppers, facilitating future research and variety improvement.
Topics: Cucumovirus; Disease Resistance; Plant Diseases; Capsicum; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Abscisic Acid; Ethylenes; Transcriptome; Plant Proteins; Gene Expression Profiling; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Plant Growth Regulators
PubMed: 38927667
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060731