Plant isoprenoids are formed from precursors synthesized by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway in the cytosol or by the methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids. Although some exchange of precursors occ...Plant isoprenoids are formed from precursors synthesized by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway in the cytosol or by the methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids. Although some exchange of precursors occurs, cytosolic sesquiterpenes are assumed to derive mainly from MVA, while plastidial monoterpenes are produced preferentially from MEP precursors. Additional complexity arises in the first step of the MEP pathway, which is typically catalyzed by two divergent 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase isoforms (DXS1, DXS2). In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the SIDXS1 gene is ubiquitously expressed with highest levels during fruit ripening, whereas SIDXS2 transcripts are abundant in only few tissues, including young leaves, petals, and isolated trichomes. Specific down-regulation of SIDXS2 expression was performed by RNA interference in transgenic plants to investigate feedback mechanisms. SIDXS2 down-regulation led to a decrease in the monoterpene β-phellandrene and an increase in two sesquiterpenes in trichomes. Moreover, incorporation of MVA-derived precursors into residual monoterpenes and into sesquiterpenes was elevated as determined by comparison of ^13C to ^12C natural isotope ratios. A compensatory up-regulation of SIDXS1 was not observed. Down-regulated lines also exhibited increased trichome density and showed less damage by leaf-feeding Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars. The results reveal novel, non-redundant roles of DXS2 in modulating isoprenoid metabolism and a pronounced plasticity in isoprenoid precursor allocation.展开更多
Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop (Humulus lupulus) glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs (e.g. isobutyry...Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop (Humulus lupulus) glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs (e.g. isobutyryI-CoA, isovaleryl- CoA and 2-methylbutyryI-CoA), derived from the degradation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are essential building blocks for the biosynthesis of bitter acids in hops. However, little is known regarding what components are needed to produce and maintain the pool of branched short-chain acyI-CoAs in hop trichomes. Here, we present several lines of evidence that both CoA ligases and thioesterases are likely involved in bitter acid biosynthesis. Recombinant HICCL2 (carboxyl CoA ligase) protein had high specific activity for isovaleric acid as a substrate (Kcat/Km = 4100 s-~ M-l), whereas recombinant HICCL4 specifically utilized isobutyric acid (Kcat/Km = 1800 s-1 M-1) and 2-methylbutyric acid (Kcat/ Km = 6900 s-1 M-~) as substrates. Both HICCLs, like hop valerophenone synthase (HIVPS), were expressed strongly in glandular trichomes and localized to the cytoplasm. Co-expression of HICCL2 and HICCL4 with HIVPS in yeast led to significant production of acylphloroglucinols (the direct precursors for bitter acid biosynthesis), which further confirmed the biochemical function of these two HICCLs in vivo. Functional identification of a thioesterase that catalyzed the reverse reaction of CCLs in mitochondria, together with the comprehensive analysis of genes involved BCAA catabolism, supported the idea that cytosolic CoA ligases are required for linking BCAA degradation and bitter acid biosynthesis in glandular trichomes. The evolution and other possible physiological roles of branched short-chain fatty acid:CoA ligases in planta are also discussed.展开更多
As superficial structures,non-glandular trichomes,protect plant organs against multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.The protective and defensive roles of these epidermal appendages are crucial to developing organs and...As superficial structures,non-glandular trichomes,protect plant organs against multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.The protective and defensive roles of these epidermal appendages are crucial to developing organs and can be attributed to the excellent combination of suitable structural traits and chemical reinforcement in the form of phenolic compounds,primarily fl avonoids.Both the formation of trichomes and the accumulation of phenolics are interrelated at the molecular level.During the early stages of development,non-glandular trichomes show strong morphological similarities to glandular ones such as the balloon-like apical cells with numerous phenolics.At later developmental stages,and during secondary wall thickening,phenolics are transferred to the cell walls of the trichomes.Due to the diff use deposition of phenolics in the cell walls,trichomes provide protection against UV-B radiation by behaving as optical fi lters,screening out wavelengths that could damage sensitive tissues.Protection from strong visible radiation is also aff orded by increased surface light refl ectance.Moreover,the mixtures of trichome phenolics represent a superfi-cial chemical barrier that provides protection against biotic stress factors such as herbivores and pathogens.Although the cells of some trichomes die at maturity,they can modulate their quantitative and qualitative characteristics during development,depending on the prevailing conditions of the external biotic or abiotic environment.In fact,the structure and chemical constituents of trichomes may change due to the particular light regime,herbivore damage,wounding,water stress,salinity and the presence of heavy metals.Hence,trichomes represent dynamic protective structures that may greatly aff ect the outcome of many plant–environment interactions.展开更多
Unidirectional liquid transport without any need of external energy has drawn worldwide attention for its potential applications in various fields such as microfluidics,biomedicine and mechanical engineering.In nature...Unidirectional liquid transport without any need of external energy has drawn worldwide attention for its potential applications in various fields such as microfluidics,biomedicine and mechanical engineering.In nature,numerous creatures have evolved such extraordinary unidirectional liquid transport ability such as spider sik,Sarracenia's trichomes,and Nepenthes alata's peristome,etc.This review summarizes the current progresses of natural unidirectional liquid transport on 1-Dimensional(1D)linear structure and 2-Dimensional(2D)surface stucture.The driving force of unidirectional liquid transport which is determined by unique structure exist distinct differences in physics.The fundamental understanding of 1D and 2D unidirectionaliquid transport especially about hierarchical structural characteristics and their transport mechanism were concentrated,and various bioinspired fabrication methods are also introduced.The applications of bioinspired directional liquid transport are demonstrated especially in fields of microfluidies,biomedical devices and anti-icing surfaces.With newly developed smart materials,various liquid transport regulation strategies are also summarized for the control of transport speed,direction guiding,etc.Finally,we provide new insights and future perspectives of the directional transport materials.展开更多
Artemisinin, the key ingredient of first-line antimalarial drugs, has large demand every year. The native plant, which produces small quantities of artemisinin, remains as its main source and thus results in a short s...Artemisinin, the key ingredient of first-line antimalarial drugs, has large demand every year. The native plant, which produces small quantities of artemisinin, remains as its main source and thus results in a short supply of artemisinin. Intensified efforts have been carried out to elevate artemisinin production. However, the routine metabolic engineering strategy, via overexpressing or down-regulating genes in artemisinin biosynthesis branch pathways, was not very effective as desired. Glandular secretory trichomes, sites of artemisinin biosynthesis on the surface of Artemisia annua L.(A. annua), are the new target for increasing artemisinin yield. In general, the population and morphology of glandular secretory trichomes in A. annua(Aa GSTs) are often positively correlated with artemisinin content. Improved understanding of Aa GSTs will shed light on the opportunities for increasing plant-derived artemisinin. This review article will refresh classification of trichomes in A. annua and provide an overview of the recent achievements regarding Aa GSTs and artemisinin. To have a full understanding of Aa GSTs,factors that are associated with trichome morphology and density will have to be further investigated, such as genes,micro RNAs and phytohormones. The purpose of thisreview was to(1) update the knowledge of the relation between Aa GSTs and artemisinin, and(2) propose new avenues to increase artemisinin yield by harnessing the potential biofactories, Aa GSTs.展开更多
Aims studying the ecological significance of highly specialized morpho-logical traits evolved by alpine plants could help us to understand the adaptation and evolution of these plants under severe alpine environ-ment....Aims studying the ecological significance of highly specialized morpho-logical traits evolved by alpine plants could help us to understand the adaptation and evolution of these plants under severe alpine environ-ment.We explored the adaptive significance of woolly and overlap-ping leaves for reproduction in Eriophyton wallichii,a perennial herb native to the subnival belt of the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains.Methods We examined whether the trichomes could influence the leaf wet-tability,temperature and leaf reflectance spectra in the lab.and we investigated the thermal benefits of the woolly and overlapping leaves for flowers and fruits in the field.Pollen viability and seed germination were also examined in the lab to assess whether these leaves enhance reproductive fitness.Important Findingsour results showed that dense trichomes impart good water repel-lency,absorption of solar radiation and accumulation of leaf heat.The woolly and overlapping leaves increased the interior tempera-ture of flowers and fruits to an optimal level on sunny hours,but prevented them from overheating when transient intense solar radi-ation occurs.This kept optimal temperatures in plants’reproduc-tive organs,thus promoting the development of pollen and seed in alpine environment.展开更多
文摘Plant isoprenoids are formed from precursors synthesized by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway in the cytosol or by the methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids. Although some exchange of precursors occurs, cytosolic sesquiterpenes are assumed to derive mainly from MVA, while plastidial monoterpenes are produced preferentially from MEP precursors. Additional complexity arises in the first step of the MEP pathway, which is typically catalyzed by two divergent 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase isoforms (DXS1, DXS2). In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the SIDXS1 gene is ubiquitously expressed with highest levels during fruit ripening, whereas SIDXS2 transcripts are abundant in only few tissues, including young leaves, petals, and isolated trichomes. Specific down-regulation of SIDXS2 expression was performed by RNA interference in transgenic plants to investigate feedback mechanisms. SIDXS2 down-regulation led to a decrease in the monoterpene β-phellandrene and an increase in two sesquiterpenes in trichomes. Moreover, incorporation of MVA-derived precursors into residual monoterpenes and into sesquiterpenes was elevated as determined by comparison of ^13C to ^12C natural isotope ratios. A compensatory up-regulation of SIDXS1 was not observed. Down-regulated lines also exhibited increased trichome density and showed less damage by leaf-feeding Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars. The results reveal novel, non-redundant roles of DXS2 in modulating isoprenoid metabolism and a pronounced plasticity in isoprenoid precursor allocation.
基金the National Program on Key Basic Research Projects,the 'One hundred talents' project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China,the National Science Foundation,the State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics of China
文摘Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop (Humulus lupulus) glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs (e.g. isobutyryI-CoA, isovaleryl- CoA and 2-methylbutyryI-CoA), derived from the degradation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are essential building blocks for the biosynthesis of bitter acids in hops. However, little is known regarding what components are needed to produce and maintain the pool of branched short-chain acyI-CoAs in hop trichomes. Here, we present several lines of evidence that both CoA ligases and thioesterases are likely involved in bitter acid biosynthesis. Recombinant HICCL2 (carboxyl CoA ligase) protein had high specific activity for isovaleric acid as a substrate (Kcat/Km = 4100 s-~ M-l), whereas recombinant HICCL4 specifically utilized isobutyric acid (Kcat/Km = 1800 s-1 M-1) and 2-methylbutyric acid (Kcat/ Km = 6900 s-1 M-~) as substrates. Both HICCLs, like hop valerophenone synthase (HIVPS), were expressed strongly in glandular trichomes and localized to the cytoplasm. Co-expression of HICCL2 and HICCL4 with HIVPS in yeast led to significant production of acylphloroglucinols (the direct precursors for bitter acid biosynthesis), which further confirmed the biochemical function of these two HICCLs in vivo. Functional identification of a thioesterase that catalyzed the reverse reaction of CCLs in mitochondria, together with the comprehensive analysis of genes involved BCAA catabolism, supported the idea that cytosolic CoA ligases are required for linking BCAA degradation and bitter acid biosynthesis in glandular trichomes. The evolution and other possible physiological roles of branched short-chain fatty acid:CoA ligases in planta are also discussed.
基金partially funded by the Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technologythe Greek Scholarship FoundationThe ’Empirikion’ Foundation
文摘As superficial structures,non-glandular trichomes,protect plant organs against multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.The protective and defensive roles of these epidermal appendages are crucial to developing organs and can be attributed to the excellent combination of suitable structural traits and chemical reinforcement in the form of phenolic compounds,primarily fl avonoids.Both the formation of trichomes and the accumulation of phenolics are interrelated at the molecular level.During the early stages of development,non-glandular trichomes show strong morphological similarities to glandular ones such as the balloon-like apical cells with numerous phenolics.At later developmental stages,and during secondary wall thickening,phenolics are transferred to the cell walls of the trichomes.Due to the diff use deposition of phenolics in the cell walls,trichomes provide protection against UV-B radiation by behaving as optical fi lters,screening out wavelengths that could damage sensitive tissues.Protection from strong visible radiation is also aff orded by increased surface light refl ectance.Moreover,the mixtures of trichome phenolics represent a superfi-cial chemical barrier that provides protection against biotic stress factors such as herbivores and pathogens.Although the cells of some trichomes die at maturity,they can modulate their quantitative and qualitative characteristics during development,depending on the prevailing conditions of the external biotic or abiotic environment.In fact,the structure and chemical constituents of trichomes may change due to the particular light regime,herbivore damage,wounding,water stress,salinity and the presence of heavy metals.Hence,trichomes represent dynamic protective structures that may greatly aff ect the outcome of many plant–environment interactions.
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2019YFB1309702)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51935001,51725501 and 51905022).
文摘Unidirectional liquid transport without any need of external energy has drawn worldwide attention for its potential applications in various fields such as microfluidics,biomedicine and mechanical engineering.In nature,numerous creatures have evolved such extraordinary unidirectional liquid transport ability such as spider sik,Sarracenia's trichomes,and Nepenthes alata's peristome,etc.This review summarizes the current progresses of natural unidirectional liquid transport on 1-Dimensional(1D)linear structure and 2-Dimensional(2D)surface stucture.The driving force of unidirectional liquid transport which is determined by unique structure exist distinct differences in physics.The fundamental understanding of 1D and 2D unidirectionaliquid transport especially about hierarchical structural characteristics and their transport mechanism were concentrated,and various bioinspired fabrication methods are also introduced.The applications of bioinspired directional liquid transport are demonstrated especially in fields of microfluidies,biomedical devices and anti-icing surfaces.With newly developed smart materials,various liquid transport regulation strategies are also summarized for the control of transport speed,direction guiding,etc.Finally,we provide new insights and future perspectives of the directional transport materials.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 31300159 U1405215)+2 种基金‘‘Pujiang Talent’’ program (13PJ1411000) Shanghai Science and Technology Development Funds (14QB1402700)Program 15391900500 from Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality and Technology Committee and Seedling Cultivation Fund of Outstanding Master, Second Military Medical University
文摘Artemisinin, the key ingredient of first-line antimalarial drugs, has large demand every year. The native plant, which produces small quantities of artemisinin, remains as its main source and thus results in a short supply of artemisinin. Intensified efforts have been carried out to elevate artemisinin production. However, the routine metabolic engineering strategy, via overexpressing or down-regulating genes in artemisinin biosynthesis branch pathways, was not very effective as desired. Glandular secretory trichomes, sites of artemisinin biosynthesis on the surface of Artemisia annua L.(A. annua), are the new target for increasing artemisinin yield. In general, the population and morphology of glandular secretory trichomes in A. annua(Aa GSTs) are often positively correlated with artemisinin content. Improved understanding of Aa GSTs will shed light on the opportunities for increasing plant-derived artemisinin. This review article will refresh classification of trichomes in A. annua and provide an overview of the recent achievements regarding Aa GSTs and artemisinin. To have a full understanding of Aa GSTs,factors that are associated with trichome morphology and density will have to be further investigated, such as genes,micro RNAs and phytohormones. The purpose of thisreview was to(1) update the knowledge of the relation between Aa GSTs and artemisinin, and(2) propose new avenues to increase artemisinin yield by harnessing the potential biofactories, Aa GSTs.
基金Natural National Science Foundation of China(U1136601 to H.S.,31360049 to Z.M.L.and 31270005,31470321 to Y.Y.)Strategic Priority Research Program(B)of the Chinese Academy of Science(XDB03030112 to H.S.).
文摘Aims studying the ecological significance of highly specialized morpho-logical traits evolved by alpine plants could help us to understand the adaptation and evolution of these plants under severe alpine environ-ment.We explored the adaptive significance of woolly and overlap-ping leaves for reproduction in Eriophyton wallichii,a perennial herb native to the subnival belt of the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains.Methods We examined whether the trichomes could influence the leaf wet-tability,temperature and leaf reflectance spectra in the lab.and we investigated the thermal benefits of the woolly and overlapping leaves for flowers and fruits in the field.Pollen viability and seed germination were also examined in the lab to assess whether these leaves enhance reproductive fitness.Important Findingsour results showed that dense trichomes impart good water repel-lency,absorption of solar radiation and accumulation of leaf heat.The woolly and overlapping leaves increased the interior tempera-ture of flowers and fruits to an optimal level on sunny hours,but prevented them from overheating when transient intense solar radi-ation occurs.This kept optimal temperatures in plants’reproduc-tive organs,thus promoting the development of pollen and seed in alpine environment.