Effect of H2O2 on Secondary Metabolism in Atractylodes chinensis and Its Mechanism / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of exogenous H2O2 on secondary metabolism in Atractylodes chinensis and its mechanism. MethodFresh rhizomes of A. chinensis were treated with 5.0， 1.0， 0.2， 0.04 mmol·L-1 H2O2 solution and clean water， and the relationships between the contents of reactive oxygen species， activities of antioxidant enzymes， activities of key enzymes of secondary metabolites， and contents of secondary metabolites in A. chinensis were compared. ResultUnder treatment with exogenous H2O2， the content of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde （MDA） in the fresh rhizomes of A. chinensis were significantly elevated on the 4th day， and returned to normal level on the 6th-8th day. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， catalase （CAT） and peroxidase （POD） were all increased first and then decreased， and reached the peak on the 4th， 4th-6th and 2th-4th day， respectively. The activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase （HMGR） and acetyl CoA carboxylase （ACC）， key enzymes of the secondary metabolites， were remarkably enhanced， and under treatments with different concentrations of H2O2， the activities of key synthetic enzymes of the secondary metabolites in 0.2 mmol·L-1 H2O2 group were increased most， with the highest biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The contents of atractylodin， β-eudesmol， atractylone， atractylenolide Ⅱ， and atractylenolide Ⅲ on the 6th day of 0.2 mmol·L-1 H2O2 treatment were 89.5%， 108.7%， 308.8%， 64.7% and 9.3%， respectively higher than those in the control. ConclusionThe antioxidant enzymes and secondary metabolites in A. chinensis synergistically maintain the balance of reactive oxygen species， and exogenous H2O2 can improve the medicinal quality of A. chinensis remarkably.

Germplasm resources and secondary metabolism regulation in Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) / 中草药·英文版

Ganoderma lucidum is a valuable medical macrofungus with a myriad of diverse secondary metabolites, in which triterpenoids are the major constituents. This paper introduced the germplasm resources of genus Ganoderma from textual research, its distribution and identification at the molecular level. Also we overviewed G. lucidum in the components, the biological activities and biosynthetic pathways of ganoderic acid, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the development and utilization of G. lucidum germplasm resources and the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid.

Variation of photosynthesis, secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities in third generation of spaceflight-induced Salvia miltiorrhiza / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Spaceflight has long been perceived as an effective way to improve the quantity and quality of plants with wide applications. In order to obtain stable and inheritable descendants of spaceflight-induced Salvia miltiorrhiza lines, we investigated and analyzed four lines m16, m50, m51, m57 (three individuals of each line) and the ground control (three individuals) of the third generation of spaceflight-induced S. miltiorrhiza from primary/secondary metabolism and antioxidative abilities. Methods: A portable photosynthesis system (Li-6400) with red/blue LED light source was used to perform the photosynthetic characteristics to evaluate their primary productivity. The secondary metabolites (phenolic acids, tanshinones, total phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant activity of roots were analyzed to assess their quality. Results: Compared with control, line m16 presented weak photosynthetic ability, but high apparent quantum yield (AQY), higher contents of secondary metabolites, and stronger antioxidative abilities. Line m57 had a strong gas exchange ability, relatively higher secondary metabolites contents, and ascending antioxidative abilities. Lines m50 and m51 were in the middle level of lines m16 and m57. The principal component analysis for all the original data revealed three components including a root-related index, a leaf-related index, and a CO

Mechanistic analysis for the origin of diverse diterpenes in Tripterygium wilfordii

Tripterygium wilfordii is a valuable medicinal plant rich in biologically active diterpenoids, but there are few studies on the origins of these diterpenoids in its secondary metabolism. Here, we identified three regions containing tandemly duplicated diterpene synthase genes on chromosomes (Chr) 17 and 21 of T. wilfordii and obtained 11 diterpene synthases with different functions. We further revealed that these diterpene synthases underwent duplication and rearrangement at approximately 2.3-23.7 million years ago (MYA) by whole-genome triplication (WGT), transposon mediation, and tandem duplication, followed by functional divergence. We first demonstrated that four key amino acids in the sequences of TwCPS3, TwCPS5, and TwCPS6 were altered during evolution, leading to their functional divergence and the formation of diterpene secondary metabolites. Then, we demonstrated that the functional divergence of three TwKSLs was driven by mutations in two key amino acids. Finally, we discovered the mechanisms of evolution and pseudogenization of miltiradiene synthases in T. wilfordii and elucidated that the new function in TwMS1/2 from the terpene synthase (TPS)-b subfamily was caused by progressive changes in multiple amino acids after the WGT event. Our results provide key evidence for the formation of diverse diterpenoids during the evolution of secondary metabolites in T. wilfordii.

Research methods of miRNA in plants and research progress of miRNA in medicinal plants / 药学学报

microRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous ~21nt non-coding single-strand small RNAs which play important roles in plant growth and development, signal transduction, stress response, and secondary metabolism. In recent years, a large number of miRNAs have been identified in various medicinal plants, and the regulatory effects of these miRNAs have been preliminarily studied. In medicinal plants, most of the active components are secondary metabolites, so it is of great significance to study the regulatory effects of miRNA on the formation of secondary metabolites. In this paper, the general research methods of plant miRNA and the research progress of medicinal plant miRNA and their regulatory effects on the formation of bioactive metabolites were reviewed, and the future direction of medicinal plant miRNA was prospected, so as to provide reference for the future research of medicinal plants.

Research progress on application of biochar in cultivation of agriculture and Chinese materia medica / 中国中药杂志

Biochar is a kind of solid material with high aromatization and rich in carbon, which is formed by pyrolysis of biomass at high temperature(250-700 ℃) under anoxic or hypoxic conditions. It has the characteristics of large specific surface area and rich pores. In recent years, as a good soil conditioner, biochar has gradually improved its advantages in improving soil rhizosphere micro ecological environment, promoting plant growth and development, and enhancing plant resistance, etc. It has been proved that biochar can affect the growth and development of plants by improving soil physical and chemical properties, adjusting microbial community structure, participating in the metabolic process in plants, and inducing plants to enhance resistance. This paper summarized the research progress of biochar application in agriculture and introduced the ecological effects and mechanism of biochar on plant seed germination, seedling growth, crop yield and stress resistance. Combined with the characteristics of Chinese materia medica, this paper expounds the application potential of biochar in improving the content of secondary metabolites of Chinese materia medica and alleviating continuous cropping obstacles of Chinese materia medica, etc. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the research of biochar in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, allelopathy and heavy metal stress of medicinal plants, so as to provide reference for the application of biochar in the cultivation of Chinese materia medica.

Challenges of organic agriculture for the production of composts and vermicompost for the production of medicinal plants: a socioeconomic demand / Desafios da agricultura orgânica na produção de composto e vermicomposto na produção de plantas medicinais: uma demanda socioeconômica

Although the demand for organic fertilizers in agriculture is growing, it remains incipient in some production sectors, such as medicinal plant production, which does not possess specific technology for its development. Solid residues are highly contaminant to water sources, soil, populations and biodiversity but can potentially be used to produce organic composts and vermicompost, such production not only enables nutrient recycling but also acts on soil conditioning, increasing soil organic matter and improving its physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as strengthening organic production with an emphasis on medicinal plant production. In this context, recommendations for and applications of organic fertilizers available in the market were reviewed; in addition, the imminent socioeconomic demand for organic compost and vermicompost production was contextualized based on residues from coffee and sugarcane production and cattle farming for application to the medicinal plant production chain. It is concluded that although these sectors produce a considerable amount of residues, they are not being reused in formulation of organic composts and vermicompost, and commercial organic fertilizers recommended for medicinal plant production were not found. Thus, the formulation of vermicomposting and composting from the reuse of agricultural residues, are potential social, economic technologies and tools to be valued and disseminated to traditional and family farmers. (AU)

Embora a demanda por fertilizantes orgânicos na agricultura seja crescente, ela ainda é incipiente em alguns setores produtivos, como a produção de plantas medicinais, que não possui tecnologia específica para seu desenvolvimento. Os resíduos sólidos são altamente contaminantes para fontes de água, solo, populações e biodiversidade, mas podem ser potencialmente utilizados para a produção de compostos orgânicos e vermicomposto, tal produção não só possibilita a reciclagem de nutrientes, mas também atua no condicionamento do solo, aumentando a matéria orgânica do solo e melhorando seu aspecto físico, químico e características biológicas, além do fortalecimento da produção orgânica com ênfase na produção de plantas medicinais. Nesse contexto, foram revisadas as recomendações e aplicações dos fertilizantes orgânicos disponíveis no mercado; além disso, a iminente demanda socioeconômica pela produção de composto orgânico e vermicomposto foi contextualizada a partir dos resíduos da produção de café, cana-de-açúcar e pecuária para aplicação na cadeia produtiva de plantas medicinais. Conclui-se que embora esses setores produzam uma quantidade considerável de resíduos, eles não estão sendo reaproveitados na formulação de compostos orgânicos e vermicomposto, e não foram encontrados fertilizantes orgânicos comerciais recomendados para a produção de plantas medicinais. Sendo assim, a formulação de vermicompostagem e compostagem a partir do reaproveitamento de resíduos agropecuários, são potenciais tecnologias sociais, econômicas e ferramentas a serem valorizadas e disseminadas para os agricultores tradicionais e familiares. (AU)

Core position of secondary metabolism of medicinal plants in ecological planting of Chinese materia medica and its utilization / 中国中药杂志

This paper summarized the effects of ecological planting on secondary metabolism firstly and pointed out that ecological planting can increase the content of secondary metabolites in plants, especially the content of defensive secondary metabolites. The possible mechanism was analyzed subsequently. Then, we reviewed the induction and utilization of secondary metabolism in the ecological planting of Chinese materia medica from the perspectives of biological control of pests and diseases, promotion of beneficial microorganism accumulation, optimization of mixed planting, regulation of no-tillage and straw cover. In this article, we pointed out that paying close attention to secondary metabolism is the most important feature of ecological planting of Chinese materia medica. Ecological planting can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites of Chinese materia medica which means can improve the quality of Chinese materia medica, beneficial to the prevention and control of diseases, insects and weeds. Furthermore, lacking of systemic researches,the extensive verifications and systematic in-depth researches on the ecological planting of Chinese materia medica should be carry out urgently.

Effect of Plant-Soil Feedback on Secondary Metabolites of Acanthopanax senticosus Seedlings / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the effects of plant-soil feedback on secondary metabolites in roots, stems and leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus seedlings. Method::One-year-old seedlings of A. senticosus were planted in the soil where no A. senticosus had been planted before (group 1), soil where A. senticosus had been planted for 3 years (group 2), and soil where A. senticosus had been planted for many years in the greenhouse pot experiment, and the secondary metabolites of its roots, stems and leaves were then analyzed. Result::L-Phenylalanine, 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, syringin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, eleutheroside E, isofraxidin, rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin had significant differences in leaves and roots of A. senticosus seedlings in the soil of group 3, but there was no significant difference in chlorogenic acid and eleutheroside E in stem. Eleutheroside E, isofraxidin, rutin and hyperoside were not detected in the leaves of seedlings planted in group 3.Most of the secondary metabolites in the roots of A. senticosus seedlings showed positive feedback, while in the stems of Acanthopanax senticosus seedlings, caffeine, A. senticosus glycosides, hypericin and quercetin showed negative feedback, and most of the secondary metabolites in the leaves of A. senticosus seedlings showed positive feedback. Conclusion::The plant and soil showed different feedback in different parts of the growth process of A. senticosus seedlings, and the soil where A. senticosus had not been planted was more advantageous to the secondary metabolites of A. senticosus seedlings. The results of the study provide a basis for the study of the effect of plant-soil feedback on the A. senticosus, and provide the theoretical basis and technical support for the artificial cultivation of A. senticosus.

Impact of Pseudomonas putida RRF3 on the root transcriptome of rice plants: Insights into defense response, secondary metabolism and root exudation

The parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is one of the world’s most important parasites of small ruminants that causessignificant economic losses to the livestock sector. The population structure and selection in its various strains are poorlyunderstood. No study so far compared its different populations using genome-wide data. Here, we focused on differentgeographic populations of H. contours from China (Tibet, TB; Hubei, HB; Inner Mongolia, IM; Sichuan, SC), UK andAustralia (AS), using genome-wide population-genomic approaches, to explore genetic diversity, population structure andselection. We first performed next-generation high-throughput 2b RAD pool sequencing using Illumina technology, andidentified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all the strains. We identified 75,187 SNPs for TB, 82,271 for HB,82,420 for IM, 79,803 for SC, 83,504 for AS and 78,747 for UK strain. The SNPs revealed low-nucleotide diversity (p =0.0092–0.0133) within each strain, and a significant differentiation level (average Fst = 0.34264) among them. Chinesepopulations TB and SC, along with the UK strain, were more divergent populations. Chinese populations IM and HBshowed affinities to the Australian strain. We then analysed signature of selection and detected 44 (UK) and 03 (AS) privateselective sweeps containing 49 and 05 genes, respectively. Finally, we performed the functional annotation of selectivesweeps and proposed biological significance to signature of selection. Our data suggest that 2b-RAD pool sequencing canbe used to assess the signature of selection in H. contortus.

Comparison of the phytochemical profiles of five native plant species in two different forest formations / Comparação do perfil fitoquímico de cinco espécies vegetais provenientes de duas formações florestais diferentes

Abstract The expression of chemical compounds by individual plants of the same species in different locations may be affected by abiotic factors resulting in differences in the production of allelopathic compounds. The objective of this study was to compare the phytochemical profiles of plant species from two different forest formations in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The forest formations were Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (SSF) and Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest (LODF), and the five study species were Jacaranda micrantha, Cecropia pachystachya, Mimosa bimucronata, Schinus terebinthifolius and Cedrela fissilis. Secondary metabolites were extracted by exhaustive extraction with methanol, and the crude extract was fractionated using column chromatography. The fractions were used to calculate the retention factor of the main compounds using thin layer chromatography and phytochemical tests. The classes of compounds identified were practically the same among the analyzed species, however, at different levels of concentration. The type of tannins found in S. terebinthifolius differed between the two forest formations.

Resumo A expressão de compostos químicos de uma mesma espécie pode ser afetada e diferenciada pelos fatores abióticos, resultando em respostas alelopáticas diferenciadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o perfil químico de espécies provenientes de duas Formações Florestais do Estado do Paraná. As formações foram a Floresta Estacional Semidecidual e Floresta Ombrófila Densa, sendo as espécies escolhidas: Jacaranda micrantha, Cecropia pachystachya, Mimosa bimucronata, Schinus terebinthifolius e Cedrela fissilis. Foi realizada extração exaustiva dos metabólitos secundários com metanol e o extrato bruto fracionado em coluna cromatográfica. As frações foram utilizadas para calcular o fator de retenção dos constituintes principais empregando cromatografia em camada delgada e para realizar testes fitoquímicos. As classes de compostos identificados foram praticamente as mesmas entre as espécies analisadas, porém, em diferentes níveis de concentração. O tipo de tanino encontrado em S. terebinthifolius foi diferente entre as duas formações florestais.

Radiation levels of UV-A and UV-B on growth parameters and coumarin content in guaco / Níveis de radiação UVA e UVB sobre parâmetros de crescimento e conteúdo de cumarina em guaco

ABSTRACT: Guaco is a medicinal plant species containing coumarin, a secondary metabolite whose concentration is influenced by various factors, such as the level of exposure to UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) radiation, age of the plant, and position of the storage organ in the plant. This study aimed to assess the effect of different blocking levels of UVA and UVB radiation on growth parameters and coumarin content of two guaco accessions. Treatments did not affect any of the growth parameters assessed, except leaf area. Coumarin content was higher in leaves collected from the upper canopy and with unblocked exposure to UVA and UVB.

RESUMO: Guaco é uma espécie medicinal que apresenta em sua composição a cumarina, um metabólito secundário cuja concentração no vegetal é influenciada por fatores como os níveis de radiação UV-A (315-400 nm) e UV-B (280-315 nm) incidentes, bem como pela idade e posição do órgão de armazenamento na planta. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de bloqueio das radiações UV-A e UV-B sobre parâmetros de crescimento e teor de cumarina em dois acessos de guaco. Os tratamentos não apresentaram efeito sobre os parâmetros de crescimento avaliados, com exceção dos valores de área foliar. Em relação aos teores de cumarina, estes foram superiores nas folhas coletadas do dossel superior, bem como no tratamento sem bloqueio das radiações UV-A e UV-B incidentes.

Transcriptome analysis of Prunella vulgaris and identification of putative genes involved in secondary metabolism biosynthesis / 中草药

Objective To obtain the transcriptome sequence database and to explore the molecule basis of secondary metabolism biosynthesis in Prunella vulgaris. Methods The high-throughput RNA-seq technology (Illumina HiSeq 2000) was used to conduct a transcriptomic analysis of P. vulgaris ears, stems, and leaves. Unigenes were obtained after assembled by Trinity, and the sequencing results were analyzed with the bioinformatics analysis. Results A total of 77 863 Unigenes were obtained and the average length was 716.72 nt. A total of 41 367 (53.13%) unigenes were annotated by a BLAST similarity search against Nr, Swiss-Prot, COG and other four public sequence databases, and 1 406 Unigenes were assigned to secondary metabolism biosynthesis pathways by the KEGG. Based on the bioinformatic analysis, we found that 60 Unigenes were involved in the triterpenes backbone biosynthesis, 24 Unigenes catalyze synthesis of phenolic acids, and 259 Unigenes might participate in secondary metabolism post-modification. Additionally, 118 unigenes might involve in other secondary metabolism biosynthesis of P. vulgaris. Conclusion The transcriptome data of P. vulgaris from this study provides an important resource for understanding the biosynthesis mechanism of its secondary metabolites, and provides basic information that may aid in metabolic engineering to increase yields secondary metabolites of P. vulgaris.

Analysis of MYB transcription factors related to triterpenoids and phenolic acids biosynthesis of Prunella vulgaris / 中草药

Objective To identify the MYB transcription factors that may regulate the biosynthesis of triterpenoids and phenolic acids in Prunella vulgaris. Methods MYB transcription factor were identified from the P. vulgaris transcriptome database, their motif, physical and chemical properties, functional annotation, family evolution and expression patterns were examined. Results A total of 27 MYB transcription factors were identified. c32045.graph_c0 might inhibit the biosynthesis of rosmarinic acid by inhibiting the expression of cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase gene, thus acting as a transcription suppressor to negatively regulate the biosynthesis of phenolic acids. c26895.graph_c0 might inhibit the biosynthesis of triterpenoids and phenolic acids by regulating the flow of metabolic intermediates in the biosynthesis of triterpenoids and rosmarinic acids. Conclusion The candidate MYB transcription factors related to the biosynthesis of triterpenoids and phenolic acids were obtained. It also laid a foundation for the further study of MYB in regulating of secondary metabolites in P. vulgaris.

Activation of anthrachamycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces chattanoogensis L10 by site-directed mutagenesis of rpoB / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Genome sequencing projects revealed massive cryptic gene clusters encoding the undiscovered secondary metabolites in Streptomyces. To investigate the metabolic products of silent gene clusters in Streptomyces chattanoogensis L10 (CGMCC 2644), we used site-directed mutagenesis to generate ten mutants with point mutations in the highly conserved region of rpsL (encoding the ribosomal protein S12) or rpoB (encoding the RNA polymerase β-subunit). Among them, L10/RpoB (H437Y) accumulated a dark pigment on a yeast extract-malt extract-glucose (YMG) plate. This was absent in the wild type. After further investigation, a novel angucycline antibiotic named anthrachamycin was isolated and determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were performed to investigate the mechanism underlying the activation effect on the anthrachamycin biosynthetic gene cluster. This work indicated that the rpoB-specific missense H437Y mutation had activated anthrachamycin biosynthesis in S. chattanoogensis L10. This may be helpful in the investigation of the pleiotropic regulation system in Streptomyces.

Screening of preponderant arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedlings based on biomass and active components / 中草药

Objective To screen preponderant arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi species from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedlings based on mycorrhiza viability, rhizome biomass, and active components. Methods After 28 exogenous species of AM fungi were inoculated in sterilized soil, the effects of the mycorrhiza viability of seedling, the biomass in rhizome, the total amount of polyphyllins in single whole seedling, the amount of polyphyllins in rhizome, and the amount of nucleosides in rhizome of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were observed by inoculation test in pot at room temperature. Results All the 28 AM groups formed well mycorrhizal structure, the mycorrhiza viability of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedling was enhanced, but it showed preference. Most of the AM treatment groups could improve the biomass in rhizome, the contents and yields of polyphyllins increased, which implied that the accumulation of polyphyllins and nucleosides in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedling were enhanced after inoculation. AM also changed polyphyllins and nucleosides allocation in different organs of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedling in the secondary metablism, the total amount of four kinds of polyphyllins in rootlet were higher than those in rhizome, but the total amount of nine kinds of nucleosides in rhizome were higher than rootlet. Conclusion The performance of different AM strains in this study is of great reference for further improving the biological quantity and quality of the screening of preponderant AM fungi species from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seedlings. Gigaspora gigantean, Scutellospora calospora, Diversispora spurca, Dentiscutata heterogama, Septoglomus deserticola, and Ambispora leptoticha can use as the preponderant AM fungi species for the cultivation of mycorrhizal seedlings of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Effects of methyl jasmonate on metabolism of topical alkaloids and expression of relate genes in Atropa belladonna / 中国中药杂志

Hyoscyamine and scopolamine are important secondary metabolites of tropane alkaloid in Atropa belladonna with pharmacological values in many aspects.In this study, the seedlings of A.belladonna were planted by soil culture and treated with different concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The contents of hyoscyamine and scopolamine,the upstream products in alkaloid synthesis,and the expression levels of key enzyme genes PMT, TR Ⅰ and H6H in secondary metabolites of A. belladonna seedlings were measured to clarify the mechanism of MeJA regulating alkaloids synthesis.The results showed that MeJA(200 μmol·L⁻¹) treatment was more favorable for the accumulation of alkaloids.The content of putrescine was almost consistent with the change of key enzymes activities in the synthesis of putrescine,the both increased first and then decreased with the increased MeJA concentration and the content of putrescine reached the highest at 200 μmol·L⁻¹ MeJA.Further detection of gene expression of PMT, TR Ⅰ and H6H in TAs synthesis pathway showed that no significant trend in PMT gene expression levels.The expression levels of TR Ⅰ and H6H in leaves and roots under 200 μmol·L⁻¹ MeJA were the highest.It can be speculated that the regulation of the formation of hyoscyamine and scopolamine by MeJA mainly through affecting the expression of key enzyme genes.Appropriate concentration of MeJA increased the gene expression of TR Ⅰ in both leaves and roots as well as H6H in roots,promoting the accumulation of alkaloids and the conversion of hyoscyamine to scopolamine.

Research progress of jasmonate-responsive transcription factors in regulating plant secondary metabolism / 中国中药杂志

Jasmonates, as a plant endogenous hormone, can induce the biosynthesis of terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids and other medicinal active ingredients, and play an important role in the plant secondary metabolic process. The tanscription factors can activate the expression of multiple genes in the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites by binding the cis-elements of the target genes. Then, it effectively activates or inhibits the activities of the enzymes on the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, further regulate specific biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Here, We review recent major progresses regarding the regulation of secondary metabolites by JAs-responsive transcription factors (TFs) (including AP2/ERFs, bHLH, MYB and WRKY). That provides suggestions for further analysis of jasmonic acid signaling pathway and regulation of secondary metabolism, and explores the potential value of transcription factor in improving the medicinal active ingredients.

Effects of nitrogen form on accumulation of alkaloids and expression of relative genes in Atropa belladonna / 中国中药杂志

Hyoscyamine and scopolamine are two main alkaloids in Atropa belladonna with great medicinal value. In this paper, the contents of hyoscyamine and scopolamine, the upstream products in alkaloid synthesis, and the expression levels of key enzyme genes PMT, TRⅠ and H6H in secondary metabolism of A. belladonna seedlings were measured to clarify the mechanism of nitrogen forms regulating alkaloids synthesis.The results showed that the 50/50 (NH⁺₄/NO⁻₃) treatment was more favorable for the accumulation of alkaloids and the conversion of hyoscyamine to scopolamine. The content of putrescine was almost consistent with the change of key enzymes activities in the synthesis of putrescine, they both increased with the rise of ammonium ratio, reaching the highest at 75/25 (NH⁺₄/NO⁻₃). The detection of signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) showed that the NO concentration decreased with the decrease of nitrate proportion. Further detection of gene expression levels of PMT, TRⅠ and H6H in TAs synthesis pathway showed that a certain amount of ammonium promoted the expression of PMT and H6H in roots. When the ratio of ammonium to nitrate was 50/50, PMT, TRⅠ and H6H in leaves and roots had higher expression levels. It can be speculated that the regulation of the formation of hyoscyamine to scopolamine by nitrogen forms mainly through affecting the expression of key enzyme genes. 50/50 (NH⁺₄/NO⁻₃) treatment increased the gene expression of TRⅠ in both leaves and roots as well as PMT and H6H in roots, promoting the synthesis of putrescine to hyoscyamine and the conversion of hyoscyamine to scopolamine.

Exogenous H₂O₂ regulated secondary metabolism of Scutellaria baicalensis and enhanced drug quality / 中国中药杂志

The increasing demand of Chinese materia medica could not be supplied by wild resource, and the cultivated medicinal materials become popular, which led to decreased quality of many medicinal materials due to the difference of the circumstance between the wild and the cultivated. How to improve quality becomes key points of Chinese medicine resource. The leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis were sprayed with H₂O₂, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) changed little, but there had been a marked decrease of peroxidase (POD) and ascorbic oxidase (APX), which showed that the antioxidase system declined. Meanwhile, H₂O₂, as enhanced the expression of phenylalnine ammonialyase (PAL) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) as well as activity of PAL, promoted the biosynthesis and biotransformation of flavonoids. At the day 2 after treated, H₂O₂ of 0.004 μmol·L⁻¹ the contents of the baicalin and the wogonoside decreased slightly, but the contents of the baicalein and the wogonin increased significantly, the baicalein from 0.094% to 0.324%, the wogonin from 0.060% to 0.110%, i. e. increased 246% and 83.3%, respectively.