Stytontriterpenes A-C, three unusual oleanane-derived triterpenoids from the resin of Styrax tonkinensis as potential immunosuppressive agents in atherosclerosis.

Three unusual oleanane-derived triterpenoids, stytontriterpenes A-C (1-3), were isolated from the resin of Styrax tonkinensis together with an oleanane-lactone (stytontriterpene D, 4). Their structures and absolute configurations were characterised using a combination of spectroscopic analysis, electronic circular dichroism, and theoretical calculations. 1 and 2 belong to nor-oleanane with rare spiro D/E rings and 3 contains one infrequent C32 scaffold. 1 considerably suppressed the number of adhered leukemic monocytes (THP-1) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and attenuated the upregulations of mRNA and protein levels of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 at 5 µM, suggesting that 1 might be a promising anti-vascular inflammatory chemical for atherosclerosis therapy. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for 1-4 are also proposed.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax serrulatus Roxburgh (Styracaceae).

Styrax serrulatus Roxburgh (William Roxburgh 1832), which plays an important role in ecology and economy, is a deciduous species of Styracaceae. In this paper, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genome of S. serrulatus by using the sequencing data from Illumina Novaseq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA). The complete cp genome of S. serrulatus is 157,929 base pairs (bp) in length, containing a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,048 bp each, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,552 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,281 bp. It contains 133 genes, including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes, 87 protein-coding genes, and 1 pseudo gene. The GC content of S. serrulatus cp genome is 36.96%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. serrulatus is a sister species to Styrax agrestis in Styracaceae.

Plastome structure and phylogenetic relationships of Styracaceae (Ericales).

BACKGROUND: The Styracaceae are a woody, dicotyledonous family containing 12 genera and an estimated 160 species. Recent studies have shown that Styrax and Sinojackia are monophyletic, Alniphyllum and Bruinsmia cluster into a clade with an approximately 20-kb inversion in the Large Single-Copy (LSC) region. Halesia and Pterostyrax are not supported as monophyletic, while Melliodendron and Changiostyrax always form sister clades. Perkinsiodendron and Changiostyrax are newly established genera of Styracaceae. However, the phylogenetic relationship of Styracaceae at the generic level needs further research. RESULTS: We collected 28 complete plastomes of Styracaceae, including 12 sequences newly reported here and 16 publicly available sequences, comprising 11 of the 12 genera of Styracaceae. All species possessed the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperm plastomes, with sequence differences being minor, except for a large 20-kb (14 genes) inversion found in Alniphyllum and Bruinsmia. Seven coding sequences (rps4, rpl23, accD, rpoC1, psaA, rpoA and ndhH) were identified to possess positively selected sites. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on seven data sets (i.e., LSC, SSC, IR, Coding, Non-coding, combination of LSC + SSC and concatenation of LSC + SSC + one IR) produced similar topologies. In our analyses, all genera were strongly supported as monophyletic. Styrax was sister to the remaining genera. Alniphyllum and Bruinsmia form a clade. Halesia diptera does not cluster with Perkinsiodendron, while Perkinsiodendron and Rehderodendron form a clade. Changiostyrax is sister to a clade of Pterostyrax and Sinojackia. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results demonstrate the power of plastid phylogenomics in improving estimates of phylogenetic relationships among genera. This study also provides insight into plastome evolution across Styracaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax wuyuanensis S. M. Hwang (Styracaceae) from Jiangxi Province, China.

Styrax wuyuanensis S. M. Hwang is an endemic species distributed in China. In this study, we characterized its complete chloroplast genome. The circular genome of S. wuyuanensis is 157,969 bp in length, and includes two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 25,954 bp in length separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 87,575 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,486 bp. The total GC content of the S. wuyuanensis chloroplast genome is 37.0%, and a total of 132 functional genes are encoded, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, and eight rRNA. The phylogenetic analysis has shown that S. wuyuanensis is positioned in the Styracaceae clade, as a sister taxon to S. faberi and S. fortunei, confirming the close relationship of S. wuyuanensis with the latter two species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax agrestis (Lour.) G. Don (Styracaceae).

Styrax agrestis (Lour.) G. Don, is a deciduous species of Styracaceae with beautiful shape, drooping flowers, and blooming like snow. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. agrestis using next generation sequencing. The circular complete cp genome of S. agrestis is 157,893 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,512 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,285 bp. It comprises 136 genes, including eight rRNA genes, 37 tRNAs genes, 90 protein-coding genes, and one pseudo gene. The GC content of S. agrestis cp genome is 36.96%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. agrestis is a sister species to Styrax faberi in Styracaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Huodendron tibeticum (J.Anthony) Rehder (Styracaceae).

Huodendron tibeticum (J.Anthony) Rehder, which plays an important role in ecology and economy, is a deciduous species of Styracaceae. The authors sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genome of Huodendron tibeticum using the sequencing data from Illumina Novaseq platform in this study. The complete cp genome of H. tibeticum is 159,320 bp in length, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,795 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,989 bp. It contains 130 genes, including 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 85 protein-coding genes. The overall GC content of H. tibeticum chloroplast genome is 36.66%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that H. tibeticum is a sister species to H. biaristatum in Styracaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Alniphyllum fortunei (Styracaceae) from Fujian, China.

Alniphyllum fortunei is a subtropical tree species, a large deciduous tree with a tall and straight trunk, which is an excellent fast-growing and broad-leaved tree species with a wide range of uses we resequenced complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. fortunei from Fujian, China. The whole genome was 154,166 bp in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeats (IR 26,658 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC 82,438 bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC 18,367 bp). The complete genome contained 139 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analyses based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence provided solid evidence that A. fortunei has a close relationship with A. pterospermum and Bruinsmia polysperma.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax obassia (Styracaceae).

Styrax obassia Siebold & Zucc. is a distinct member of the family Styracaceae with fragrant and beautiful flowers. In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of S. obassia in an effort to provide genomic resources useful for promoting its conservation. The circular genome of S. obassia was 157,910 bp in size and contained two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 26,051 bp, which were separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 87,528 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,280 bp. A total of 133 genes are encoded, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The overall GC content of S. obassia genome is 36.97%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. obassia is a sister species to Styrax suberifolius and Styrax zhejiangensis in Styracaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sinojackia huangmeiensis (Styracaceae).

Sinojackia huangmeiensis J. W. Ge & X. H. Yao is a member of the genus Sinojackia endemic to central and east China. Here we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome. It is 158,758 bp in length and encodes 84 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis confirm that S. huangmeiensis is a closely related but another different species to S. sarcocarpa.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax calvescens Perk. (Styracaceae).

Styrax calvescens Perk., is a nice tree, valued for its beauty and fragrance. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. calvescens using next-generation sequencing. The circular complete cp genome of S. calvescens is 157,951 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,566 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,289 bp. It comprises of 133 genes, including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNAs genes, and 88 protein-coding genes. The GC content of S. calvescens cp genome is 36.95%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. calvescens is a sister species to Styrax grandiflorus Griffith in Styracaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax hemsleyanus (Styracaceae).

Styrax hemsleyanus is valued for its beauty and fragrance. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. hemsleyanus using next generation sequencing. The circular complete cp genome of S. hemsleyanus is 158,027 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,641 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,290 bp. It comprises 133 genes, including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNAs genes, and 88 protein-coding genes. The GC content of S. hemsleyanus cp genome is 36.95%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. hemsleyanus is a sister species to Styrax odoratissimus in Styracaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome of Styrax confusus Hemsl. (Styracaceae).

Styrax confusus Hemsl. is valued for its beauty and fragrance. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. confusus using next-generation sequencing. The circular complete cp genome of S. confusus was 157,981 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,571 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,316 bp. It comprises 133 genes, including eight rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 88 protein-coding genes. The GC content of S. confusus cp genome is 36.95%. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed by 30 chloroplast genomes reveals that S. confusus is mostly related to Styrax calvescens Perk.

The complete chloroplast genome of Styrax dasyanthus Perkins (Styracaceae).

In this work, next-generation sequencing was applied to measure the complete chloroplast genome of S. dasyanthus for the sake of offering valuable genomic information to promote its conservation. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. dasyanthus was measured as 157,501 bp in size. It contains the typical structure and gene content of angiosperm plastome, which includes a large single-copy (LSC), a small single-copy (SSC), and 2 inverted repeat (IR) regions of 87,130 bp, 18,277 bp, and 26,047 bp, respectively. The S. dasyanthus chloroplast genome has a total of 130 genes including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Overall, GC contents of the genome were 36.96%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 29 chloroplast genome measurement demonstrated that S. dasyanthus is most closely related to Styrax grandiflours Griff.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax duclouxii Perkins (Styracaceae).

The object of this work was to measure the complete chloroplast genome of Styrax duclouxii Perkins for the sake of offering valuable genomic information to promote its conservation. The circular genome of S. duclouxii was measured as 157,913 bp in size and contained two inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 26,040 bp, which were separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,604 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,229 bp. A total of 134 genes are encoded, including 89 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus genome is 36.97%. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed using 36 chloroplast genomes reveals that S. duclouxii is most closely related with Styrax zhejiangensis and Styrax faberi.

New combinations and synonyms in Rehderodendron (Styracaceae).

We demonstrate with morphological characters that the species Pterostyrax burmanicus W.W.Sm. & Farrer and Parastyrax macrophyllus C.Y.Wu & K.M.Feng (Styracaceae) are best placed in the genus Rehderodendron Hu. Rehderodendron burmanicum (W.W.Sm. & Farrer) W.Y.Zhao, P.W.Fritsch & W.B.Liao, comb. nov. and Rehderodendron macrophyllum (C.Y.Wu & K.M.Feng) W.Y.Zhao, P.W.Fritsch & W.B.Liao, comb. nov., are created. We also provide a lectotype for R. macrophyllum. These revisions result in the reduction of Pterostyrax Siebold & Zucc. to three species and this genus is no longer considered to be documented from Myanmar. Further, Parastyrax W.W.Sm. becomes a monotypic genus comprising only P. lacei (W.W.Sm.) W.W.Sm., distributed in Kachin State, northeast Myanmar and Yunnan Province, south-western China.

Physiological, anatomical and ultrastructural effects of aluminum on Styrax camporum, a native Cerrado woody species.

Styrax camporum Pohl. (Styracaceae) is a woody species that grows on acidic soils from the Brazilian savanna with high aluminum (Al) saturation (m% > 50%), where it accumulates ~ 1500 mg Al per kg dry leaves. Using nutrient solution, a previous study showed that 1480 µM Al causes toxicity symptoms, which raises the question whether less than 1480 µM Al could cause beneficial effects on this species. Here, we checked possible altered gas exchange rates, damage to organelles in root tips and the association between Al exposure and mitochondria occurrence in cells of root tips, once organic acids from Krebs cycle exuded by the roots of this species when exposed to Al have been recently evidenced. Five-month-old plants were grown in nutrient solution with 0, 740 and 1480 µM Al for 90 days. Plants exposed to 1480 µM Al showed less developed root system, reduced plant height and low gas exchange rates in relation to those exposed to 0 and 740 µM Al, confirming that 1480 µM Al is toxic to S. camporum. However, plants exposed to 0 and 740 µM Al had similar number of leaves, plant height, root biomass, root length, total plant biomass and gas exchange rates, indicating that no beneficial effects from 740 µM Al could be noted on this species. In plants exposed to 0 and 740 µM Al, mitochondria were noted at the root tip, while at 1480 µM Al these organelles were not evident due to the conspicuous vacuolation of root cells. S. camporum shows limited tolerance to Al in nutrient solution. In addition, this species is not dependent on Al to grow and develop because the plants grew well under 0 and 740 µM Al.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of styrax macrocarpus (Styracaceae), an endemic species from China.

The whole chloroplast genome of Styrax macrocarpus, an endemic species distributed in China, is determined in this study. The whole chloroplast genome size is 157,805 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region (LSC, 87,628 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,267 bp), which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 25,955 bp). One hundred thirty one genes were detected from this genome, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the S. macrocarpus is closely clustered with S. japonicus with strong support values.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Styrax chinensis Hu et S.Y. Liang (Styracaceae).

Styrax chinensis Hu et S.Y. Liang, is one of the few evergreen species of Styracaceae with fragrant flowers. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. chinensis using next-generation sequencing. The circular complete cp genome of S. chinensis is 158,502 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,817 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,001 bp. It comprises 132 genes, including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNAs genes, and 87 protein-coding genes. The GC content of S. chinensis cp genome is 36.93%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. chinensis is a sister species to Styrax suberifolius in Styracaceae.

Reinstatement of the Chinese endemic species Styrax zhejiangensis.

Styrax zhejiangensis has been treated as a synonym of S. macrocarpus. Examination of herbarium specimens and observation of wild living plants demonstrates that S. zhejiangensis is a distinct species and is clearly distinguishable from S. macrocarpus through its flowering phenology in which leaves and flowers open simultaneously, its smaller corolla lobes and filaments, and its white-stellate-pubescent seeds. On this basis, we reinstate S. zhejiangensis as an accepted species. Photographic images and a distribution map of the two species are provided. A lectotype of S. zhejiangensis is also designated.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Melliodendron xylocarpum (Styracaceae).

Melliodendron xylocarpum Handel-Mazzetti is a rare tree, distinct member of the family Styracaceae. In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of M. xylocarpum in an effort to provide genomic resources useful for promoting its conservation. The entire cp genome was determined to be 157,165 bp in length. It contains the typical structure and gene content of angiosperm plastome, The plastome contains a large single-copy (LSC) and a small single-copy (SSC) regions of 90,193 and 18,486 bp, respectively, which were separated by a pair of 24,243 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The genome contained 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The GC content of M. xylocarpum genome is 37.21%. The complete plastome sequence of M. xylocarpum will provide a useful resource for the conservation genetics of this species as well as for the phylogenetic studies for Styracaceae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that M. xylocarpum is closely related to Changiostyrax dolichocarpus H.S.Lo & D.Fang, but forms an independent evolutionary branch.