Look back over the studies of lignin biochemistry

The role of the cinnamate pathway in monolignol biosynthesis based on feeding experiments with lignifying plant stems and characterization of the enzymes in the pathway, O-methyltransferase (OMT), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), etc. is discussed. Monolignol biosynthesis via metabolic grids according to newly characterized enzymes in the pathway is also reviewed and discussed. The cleavage mechanisms of side chains and aromatic rings by lignin peroxidase and laccase elucidated by using ¹⁸O, ²H, and ¹³C labeled lignin substructure dimers and DHP with ¹⁸O₂ and H₂ ¹⁸O are reviewed. Finally, the prospects of lignin biochemistry in the wood and paper industries are discussed according to the recent progress on gene technology on wood formation and microbial degradation of lignin.     

Structural conversion of the lignin subunit at the cinnamyl alcohol stage in Eucalyptus camaldulensis

The lignin biosynthetic pathway in Eucalyptus camaldulensis was investigated by feeding stems with deuterium-labeled precursor. Pentadeutero[,-D₂ OCD₃] coniferyl alcohol was synthesized and supplied to shoots of E. camaldulensis, and incorporation of the labeled precursor into lignin was traced by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to the direct incorporation of labeled precursor into the guaiacyl unit, a pentadeuterium-labeled syringyl unit was detected. This finding indicates that the -deuterium atoms in the hydroxymethyl group of labeled coniferyl alcohol remain intact during modification of the aromatic ring. The relative level of trideuterium-labeled syringyl monomer (the result of conversion via the cinnamic acid pathway) was negligible, suggesting that the pathway at the monolignol stage is used for conversion of exogenously supplied precursor. Our results provide conclusive evidence of a novel alternative pathway for generation of lignin subunits at the monolignol stage even in plants that do not accumulate coniferin in lignifying tissues.     

High-level expression of 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase gene Pt4CL1 of Populus tomentosa in E. coli

In order to investigate the enzymatic properties of the 4CL1 of Populus tomentosa, the recombinant expression vector pQE31-4CL1 was constructed. The recombinant was identified by three restriction endonucleases, then the vector pQE31-4CL1 was transformed into expression host M15 (pREP4) and induced by isopropyl-α-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) to express 60 kD fused protein Pt4CL1. The biologically active Pt4CL1, expressed as soluble protein, was achieved with 0.6 mmol·L-1 IPTG induction as the ex-pression temperature declined from 37 to 28°C. The 6×His tag facilitates affinity binding to Ni2 -nitrolotriacetic acid (NTA) and enables one-step purification to acquire the molecular SDS-PAGE electrophoresis purity of the active 4CL1 protein by agarose cou-pled with Ni2 -NTA affinity chromatography. The optimal substrate for Pt4CL1 was 4-coumarate.     

Solvent effects on the electronic state of monolignol radicals as predicted by molecular orbital calculations

The spin and charge densities in three monolignol radicals were computed using the UB3LYP/6-31G* method of molecular orbital calculation. As well, the effects of solvents were simulated by using an SCI-PCM model. It was confirmed that an unpaired electron was localized at C₁, C₃, C₅, C₈, and O₄ for all monolignol radicals. In solvents, the spin density decreased at O₄ with increasing solvent polarity, but increased at C₈. The atomic charges at all reactive atoms had a negative value and were obviously strengthened at O₄ with increasing solvent polarity. These tendencies support the experimental results for radical coupling reactions of monolignols in various solvents; that is, that 8-O₄′ linkages are produced much more often than 8-8′ linkages in nonpolar solvents.     

Structural unit of xylans from sugi (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis>) and hinoki (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis>)

Arabinoglucuronoxylans (AGXs) isolated from the holocellulose of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) and hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) contained one 4-O-methyl-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid (4-O-Me-d-GlcAp) residue per 6.2 d-xylopyranose (d-Xylp) residues and one 4-O-Me-d-GlcAp residue per 3.8 d-Xylp residues. These AGXs were subjected to partial acid hydrolysis. Analyses by size exclusion chromatography and electrospray-ionization mass spectroscopy of the neutral sugar fractions in the hydrolysates showed the presence of xylooligosaccharides having a degree of polymerization of 2-8 in addition to d-Xyl, suggesting that the AGXs from sugi and hinoki contained unsubstituted chains consisting of at least eight d-Xyl residues. The acidic sugars in the hydrolysates were separated into two series of aldouronic acids composed of 4-O-Me-d-GlcAp and d-Xylp by ion-exchange chromatography. The first series included aldouronic acids from aldobiouronic acid (4-O-Me-d-GlcAp-Xyl) to aldopentaouronic acids (4-O-Me-d-GlcAp-Xyl₄). The second series were aldouronic acids composed of two 4-O-Me-d-GlcAp residues and 2-4 d-Xyl residues. In these acidic sugars, the uronic acid side chains were located on two contiguous d-Xyl residues. These facts indicated that AGXs from sugi and hinoki had a structural unit containing two 4-O-Me-d-GlcAp residues on two contiguous d-Xyl residues as well as AGXs from spruce and larch.     

Pharmacological mechanisms of black cohosh in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

Studies indicate that extracts and purified components from black cohosh inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells, but the molecular targets and signaling pathways have not yet been defined.

Purpose

This study examines the pharmacological mechanisms and toxicological effects in the short term of the herb black cohosh on female Sprague–Dawley rats.

Materials and methods

To assess effects on gene activity and lipid content, we treated female Sprague–Dawley rats with an extract of black cohosh enriched in triterpene glycosides (27%) at 35.7 or 0 mg/kg. Four animals for each group were sacrificed at 1, 6 and 24 h after treatment; liver tissue and serum samples were obtained for gene expression and lipid analysis.

Results

Microarray analysis of rat liver tissue indicated that black cohosh markedly downregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation genes. Phospholipid biosynthesis and remodeling, PI3-Kinase and sphingosine signaling were upregulated, driven largely by an upregulation of several isoforms of phospholipase C. Hierarchical clustering indicated that black cohosh clustered with antiproliferative compounds, specifically tubulin binding vinca alkaloids and DNA alkylators. In support of this, black cohosh repressed the expression of cyclin D1 and ID3, and inhibited the proliferation of HepG2, p53 positive, liver cancer cells. Black cohosh reduced the level of free fatty acids at 6 and 24 h and triglycerides at 6 h in the serum, but increased the free fatty acid and triglyceride content of the treated livers at 24 h.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that black cohosh warrants further study for breast cancer prevention and therapy.     

Diversity of Cryphonectria parasitica in western Spain and identification of hypovirus‐infected isolates

Isolates of the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica were obtained from 44 localities in four provinces in Western Spain and characterized for vegetative compatibility (vc) types, mating types and the presence of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1). Among the 1232 isolates recovered from chestnut blight cankers, 11 vc types were identified: five known vc types included in EU1 to EU74 (EU1, EU11, EU12, EU28 and EU66) and six unknown vc types (CL4, CL5 CL6, CL8, CL9 and CL10). The number of vc types found per province varied between two and seven. The vc type EU11 was present in all provinces and accounted for 48.9% of all isolates. EU1 was detected in three provinces and accounted for 39.1% of the isolates. The vc types EU12, EU66, CL5 and CL6 were present in one or two provinces and comprised between 2.4% and 3% of the isolates. The other vc types were represented by only one or very few isolates. The mating type MAT‐1 was largely dominant in the provinces Leon and Avila, while both mating types MAT‐1 and MAT‐2 were found in Salamanca and Zamora. Fourteen hypovirus‐infected C. parasitica isolates were found, nine were in vc type EU1 and five in EU11, and they were detected only in the province León. All isolates analysed contained the French hypovirus subtype CHV1‐F1.     

毛竹TIPs基因家族成员组织表达模式研究

[目的]通过研究毛竹TIPs的分子特征和表达模式,为揭示逆境胁迫条件下TIPs在竹子中的作用提供证据,为培育抗逆的植物新品种提供新的基因资源。[方法]以毛竹为对象,利用生物信息学方法对毛竹基因组中的TIPs基因进行了全面分析,采用实时荧光定量PCR技术分析基因在不同组织及干旱、水淹和Na Cl胁迫下的表达模式。[结果]毛竹基因组中含有6个TIPs同源基因,分别隶属于3个亚类(TIP1、TIP2和TIP4)。基因结构预测显示,Pe TIP1;1、Pe TIP1;2、Pe TIP2;2和Pe TIP4;2由2个外显子和1个内含子组成,而Pe TIP2;1和Pe TIP4;1由3个外显子和2个内含子组成。蛋白结构分析显示,毛竹6个TIPs均具有2个典型的NPA结构域和4个ar/R模体。通过转录组数据分析基因的组织表达特异性,结果表明Pe TIP1;1在各组织中的表达丰度均较高;Pe TIP1;2主要在花中表达;Pe TIP2;1在根和鞭中表达量较高;Pe TIP2;2在根中特异表达;Pe TIP4;1在叶片中表达丰度最高;Pe TIP4;2在笋和鞭中表达水平较高,在根中最低。实时定量PCR结果分析证明,干旱处理后毛竹根中Pe TIP4;1的表达量显著升高(p0.01),Pe TIP2;1、Pe TIP2;2和Pe TIP4;2表达受到抑制(p0.01);水淹处理后根中Pe TIP1;1和Pe TIP4;1表达量显著增加(p0.01),Pe TIP1;2、Pe TIP2;2、和Pe TIP4;2则显著降低(p0.01);Na Cl处理后根中6个Pe TIPs的表达量均显著增加(p0.01)。干旱处理后毛竹叶片中Pe TIP1;1、Pe TIP1;2和Pe TIP4;1表达量均显著增加(p0.01);水淹处理后叶片中Pe TIPs表达量均显著提高(p0.01);Na Cl处理后叶片中Pe TIP2;1表达受到明显抑制(p0.01)。[结论]Pe TIPs可能在毛竹抵抗干旱、水淹和Na Cl等非生物胁迫中发挥着不同程度的作用。     

Ocotea quixos Lam. essential oil: In vitro and in vivo investigation on its anti-inflammatory properties

Here we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Ocotea quixos essential oil and of its main components, trans-cinnamaldehyde and methyl cinnamate, in in vitro and in vivo models. Ocotea essential oil and trans-cinnamaldehyde but not methyl cinnamate significantly reduced LPS-induced NO release from J774 macrophages at non-toxic concentrations, inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 expression and increased forskolin-induced cAMP production. The essential oil (30–100 mg/kg os) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (10 mg/kg os) in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema showed anti-inflammatory effect without damaging gastric mucosa. In conclusion we provide the first evidence of a significant anti-inflammatory gastro-sparing activity of O.quixos essential oil.     

Changes in chemical characteristics of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) components during steam explosion

Chemical changes in cell wall components of bamboo internode during steam explosion process were analyzed to investigate self-binding mechanism of binderless board from steam-exploded pulp. More than 30% of xylose on initial mass, which is a major hydrolyzate of bamboo hemicelluloses, was lost after steam explosion treatment. Bamboo lignin is characterized by the presence of ester- and/or ether-linked p-coumaric acid to lignin. The content of phenolic hydroxyl groups of lignin isolated from steam-exploded pulp was characterized 2.3 times higher than those of the extract-free bamboo internode due to the cleavage of β-O-4 linkages. Alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation of the bamboo lignin gave vanillin, syringaldehyde and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde as major products. The content of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde decreased after steam explosion treatment, indicating the cleavage of ester- and/or ether-linked p-coumaric acid. The total yield of erythronic and threonic acids in ozonation products of the extract-free bamboo internode lignin was 268 mmol (200 g lignin)⁻¹, while those of lignins in the steam-exploded pulp and powdery fraction were 96 and 129 mmol (200 g lignin)⁻¹, respectively, suggesting the significant cleavage of β-O-4 linkages during steam explosion treatment. The cleavage of β-O-4 linkages was also confirmed by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopic observations.     

平榛ChWRKY28基因克隆及表达模式分析

[目的]研究平榛ChWRKY28基因序列特征及其在不同非生物胁迫下的表达规律.[方法]以平榛为试材,采用RACE-PCR方法进行基因克隆;利用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测基因在不同组织及不同非生物胁迫下的表达模式.[结果]表明:克隆得到的WRKY基因,全长1 342 bp,基因内部包含1个长963 bp的完整开放阅读框,编码320个氨基酸残基,命名为ChWRKY28.构建的系统发育树表明:该序列与拟南芥AtWRKY28及杨树PtrWRKY93的关系最近,相似性分别为49%和60%.基因表达分析表明:ChWRKY28在雄花序、雌花芽及茎中均有表达,但在茎部(皮)中的表达量高于雄花序和雌花芽中的表达量,具有组织表达特异性;低温、干旱及盐胁迫均能诱导ChWRKY28基因的表达,但受诱导程度存在差异.亚细胞定位分析结果表明:ChWRKY28蛋白分布在细胞核内,是一个核蛋白.[结论]推测ChWRKY28基因可能参与植物响应非生物胁迫的信号转导过程.     

Temperature has more effects than soil moisture on biosynthesis of flavonoids in Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) leaves

The flavonoids content and its composition in Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) leaves are affected by environmental factors such as temperature and soil moisture. Here we performed experiments in phytotron using 2-year-old Ginkgo seedlings to explore the effects of temperature and soil moisture on flavonoids content, enzymes related to flavonoids biosynthesis such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H) and p-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL), soluble sugar and protein content. We found that temperature and lower soil moisture had significant effects on these parameters. The effects of temperature on flavonoids content, the activity of C4H and 4CL and soluble sugar content were greater than that of soil moisture. The total flavonoid content, the activity of PAL, C4H and 4CL, soluble sugar content were higher in lower temperature regime 15 °C (daytime)/5 °C (nighttime) and lower soil moisture (30–35 % of field capacity), but higher temperature was beneficial to the accumulation of soluble protein. This indicates that increasing of soluble sugar content and the activity of PAL, C4H and 4CL are beneficial to flavonoids biosynthesis and accumulation in the Ginkgo leaves, while increasing of soluble protein is adverse to flavonoids biosynthesis. Because lower temperature and soil moisture are favorable to flavonoids biosynthesis, we can take some silvicultural steps to increase flavonoids production in Ginkgo plantation, such as establishing leaf-harvest plantation at lower temperature zone, reducing irrigating before harvesting leaves.     

Phytochemical and antimicrobial characterization of Macleaya cordata herb

Macleaya cordata (plume poppy) is a source of bioactive compounds, mainly isoquinoline alkaloids which are used in phytopreparations with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the alkaloids sanguinarine, chelerythrine, their dihydro derivatives, protopine and allocryptopine and phenolics, gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, m-hydroxybenzoic, gentisic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids were determined in extracts prepared from M. cordata aerial part, seeds, and seed capsules using HPLC with UV detection and/or LC/MS with electrospray ionization. The highest content of sanguinarine and chelerythrine was found in capsules. Protopine and allocryptopine were major alkaloids in leaves including footstalks. The seed oil contained dihydrosanguinarine, dihydrochelerythrine and twelve fatty acids of which linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids predominated. In addition, sanguinarine reductase, a key enzyme in sanguinarine/dihydrosanguinarine equilibrium in plants, was found for the first time, in the soluble proteins of leaves. Finally, extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity using the microdilution method on standard reference bacterial strains.     

Preparation of liquid polyesterpolyols from glucose and its methyl derivative

Preparation of liquid polyols from d-(+)-glucose (Glc) and its derivative, methyl--d-glucoside (m-Glc), has been studied. Direct reaction of -caprolactone (CL) with Glc (CL:Glc = 2:1–5:1 in weight ratio) at 150°C using tin(II) 2-ethyl hexanoate (SnEht₂) (series A), in which melted Glc was suspended in CL, resulted in a dark-brown coloration of the reactants. The reaction was accompanied by formation of high molecular weight resins, a pH drop, production of water, and a considerable decrease in the hydroxyl value from the theoretically expected one. In the case of Glc/ethylene glycol (EG)/CL reaction system with SnEht₂ catalyst at 150°C (series B), in which the weight ratio of Glc to EG was fixed at 1:1, Glc dissolved in the EG/CL mixture, but the brown coloration of the reactant mixture still occurred. In this case, the formation of water was enhanced, but the other effects found in series A were suppressed to a considerable extent. In the m-Glc/CL/SnEht₂ reaction system (series C), in which m-Glc reacted with two to five times weight amounts of CL under the same conditions adopted in series A, development of the color, the production of high molecular weight materials and water, and the changes in pH and hydroxyl value were not observed. These results are discussed based on the chemical structural differences: Glc exists mostly in the hemiacetal form, but tautomerizes to the aldehyde, whereas m-Glc is an acetal and is protected from reversion to the aldehyde.     

Differences in biosyntheses of guaiacyl and syringyl lignins in woods

Summary Metabolic differences in the formation of guaiacyl and syringyl lignins were explained in terms of the different functions of O-methyltransferases and reducing enzymes which participate in methylation and reduction of the hydroxycinnamic acid intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway of these two types of lignins. Sinapyl alcohol was dehydrogenated with peroxidase and H₂O₂ under various reaction conditions. Chemical properties of the dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) formed were characterized, and the possible occurrence of syringyl lignin in hardwood was discussed. DHP and dimers of p-coumaryl alcohol were also characterized and discussed in relation to the formation of grass lignin which contains p-hydroxyphenyl propane as an additional lignin monomer.The authors are indebted to Messrs. Y. Nakamura and H. Kuroda in this Division and Mr. T. Yamasaki at Kagawa University for their cooperation in the course of these investigations