Structural characterization of phytotoxic terpenoids from Cestrum parqui

Isolation, chemical characterization and phytotoxicity of nine polyhydroxylated terpenes (five C13nor-isoprenoids, two sesquiterpenes, a spirostane and a pseudosapogenin) from Cestrum parqui L'Herr are reported. In this work we completed the phytochemical investigation of the terpenic fraction of the plant and described the structural elucidation of polar isoprenoids using NMR methods. All the configurations of the compounds have been assigned by NOESY experiments. Four new structures have been identified as (3S,5R,6R,7E,9R)-5,6,9-trihydroxy-3-isopropyloxy-7-megastigmene, 5alpha-spirostan-3beta,12beta,15alpha-triol, and 26-O-(3'-isopentanoyl)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-5alpha-furost-20(22)-ene-3beta,26-diol, and as an unusual tricyclic sesquiterpene. The compounds have been assayed for their phytotoxicity on lettuce at the concentrations ranging between 10(-4) and 10(-7)M. The activities of some compounds were similar to that of the herbicide pendimethalin.     

C6-Green leaf volatiles trigger local and systemic VOC emissions in tomato

In response to insect feeding, tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) release elevated levels of volatile organic compounds; that is, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are released both locally and systemically with wounding while C(6) green leaf volatiles are released only from damaged leaves. With the exogenous application (100 nmol) of the C(6)-tomato-volatile (E)-2-hexenal, an increase in the release of local and systemic terpenes was observed, while an equimolar amount of methyl jasmonate triggered only local emissions of terpenes. Labeling studies with 13CO(2) showed that de novo synthesis was not required for monoterpene or sesquiterpene release immediately following chemical treatment or insect feeding. Comparative measurements were made between aldehyde doses applied to the plant and levels naturally released from leaves with insect damage.     

Philadelphicalactones C and D and other cytotoxic compounds from Physalis philadelphica

Two new withanolides, philadelphicalactone C (1) and philadelphicalactone D (4), along with the known withaphysacarpin (3), ixocarpanolide (5), philadelphicalactone A (6), and ixocarpalactone A (7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis philadelphica Lam. Structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses and that of philadelphicalactone C (1) was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of all isolates and the derivative 2 against a panel of human cancer cell lines indicated a potent activity of compounds 2, 3, 6, and 7.     

Sablacaurin A and B, two 19-nor-3,4-seco-lanostane-type triterpenoids from Sabal causiarum and Sabal blackburniana, respectively

In search for bioactive compounds from Sabal species, sablacaurin A [25-ethyl,23-methyl-19-nor-24-methylene-3,4-seco-4(28)-lanosten-10,3-olide] and sablacaurin B [24-ethyl,24-methyl-19-nor-3,4-seco-4(28),25(26)-lanostadiene-10,3-olide], the first 19-nor lanostane derivatives of the 3,4-seco type with a spiro element, have been isolated from the leaves of Sabal causiarum and Sabal blackburniana respectively, together with the known squalene (S. blackburniana) and ss-sitosterol (S. causiarum). From leaves of Sabal peregrina, the known triterpenes 3-oxo-24-methylenecycloartane and 24-methylcycloart-25(26)-en-3-one were isolated. The structures of these compounds were established from spectroscopic studies.     

Five new C21 steroidal glycosides from Periploca sepium

Five new C₂₁ steroidal glycosides, named periseosides A-E (1-5), along with six known analogues, were isolated from the root barks of Periploca sepium. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. All compounds were evaluated for their immunosuppressive activities.     

Characterization of bright tobaccos by multivariate analysis of C CPMAS NMR spectra

Univariate and multivariate statistics were applied to characterize cured bright tobacco samples on the basis of their ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectra and leaf constituent analysis. NMR spectra were obtained for 55 samples selected from a set of 134 samples of graded bright tobacco leaves from crop year 1999. Historical leaf constituent analyses were available for total alkaloids, reducing sugars, total nitrogen, and insoluble ash. In addition, we applied HPLC to quantify the two abundant plant polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) of the NMR spectra revealed systematic relationships between groups of samples related to these substances and afforded predictive quantitative models for the analyzed constituents. Analysis of the PLS significant variables showed that leaf polysaccharides, alkaloids, and minerals are major determinants influencing the grading of cured bright tobacco leaves.     

Compound-specific deltaD-delta13C analyses of n-alkanes extracted from terrestrial and aquatic plants

Stable hydrogen and carbon isotopic compositions of individual n-alkanes were determined for various terrestrial plants (33 samples including 27 species) and aquatic plants (six species) in natural environments from Japan and Thailand. In C3 plants, n-alkanes extracted from angiosperms have a deltaD value of -152+/-26 per thousand (relative to Standard Mean Ocean Water [SMOW]) and delta13C value of -36.1+/-2.7 per thousand (relative to Peedde Belemnite [PDB]), and those from gymnosperms have a deltaD value of -149+/-16 per thousand and delta13C value of -31.6+/-1.7 per thousand. Angiosperms have n-alkanes depleted in 13C relative to gymnosperms. n-Alkanes from C4 plants have a deltaD value of -171+/-12 per thousand and delta13C value of -20.5+/-2.1 per thousand, being a little depleted in D and much enriched in 13C compared to C3 plants. n-Alkanes of CAM plants are a little depleted in D and vary widely in delta13C relative to those of C3 and C4 plants. In aquatic plants, n-alkanes from freshwater plants have a deltaD value of -187+/-16 per thousand and delta13C value of -25.3+/-1.9 per thousand, and those from seaweeds have a deltaD value of -155+/-34 per thousand and delta13C value of -22.8+/-1.0 per thousand. All n-alkanes from various plant classes are more depleted in D and 13C relative to environmental water and bulk tissue, respectively. In addition, the hydrogen and carbon isotopic fractionations during n-alkane synthesis are distinctive for these various plant classes. While C3 plants have smaller isotopic fractionations in both D and 13C, seaweed has larger isotopic fractionations.     

Structure elucidation and sulfated derivatives preparation of two alpha-D-glucans from Gastrodia elata Bl. and their anti-dengue virus bioactivities

The structures of two glucans, WGEW and AGEW, isolated from Gastrodia elata Bl. were elucidated using monosaccharide composition analysis by gas chromatography (GC), methylation analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Their structures were deduced as an alpha-D-(1-->4)-glucan with an alpha-(1-->4) linked branch attached to O-6 branch points with different branch degrees. Their sulfate derivatives with distinct degrees of substitution (DS) were prepared. The substitution position was assigned to O-6 according to the (13)C NMR spectra. All sulfated derivatives showed strong anti-dengue virus bioactivities. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) between the polysaccharides and their sulfated derivatives were also investigated. Results showed that the higher the DS is, the more potent the impact on the dengue virus infection would be.     

Structures of bioactive carexanes from the roots of Carex distachya Desf

Four metabolites, named carexanes I-L, have been isolated from the roots of Carex distachya Desf, an herbaceous plant living in the Mediterranean maquis, together with three known compounds, already isolated from the aerial part of the plant. All the compounds have been characterized on the basis of their spectroscopic properties. Carexane I derived from the lose of a proton from the C-18 carbon of an intermediate isopropyl cation. Its stereostructure has been elucidated by Mosher's method, NOESY/ROESY experiments and computational calculations. The bioactivity on seed germination and root/shoot growth of Lactuca sativa L. of all the isolated compounds is also reported.     

Effects of irradiance and temperature on photosynthesis in C3, C4 and C3/C4 Panicum species

Species in the Laxa and Grandia groups of the genus Panicum are adapted to low, wet areas of tropical and subtropical America. Panicum milioides is a species with C₃ photosynthesis and low apparent photorespiration and has been classified as a C₃/C₄ intermediate. Other species in the Laxa group are C₃ with normal photorespiration. Panicum prionitis is a C₄ species in the Grandia group. Since P. milioides has some leaf characteristics intermediate to C₃ and C₄ species, its photosynthetic response to irradiance and temperature was compared to the closely related C₃ species, P. laxum and P. boliviense and to P. prionitis. The response of apparent photosynthesis to irradiance and temperature was similar to that of P. laxum and P. boliviense, with saturation at a photosynthetic photo flux density of about 1 mmol m^-2 s^-1 at 30°C and temperature optimum near 30°C. In contrast, P. prionitis showed no light saturation up to 2 mmol m^-2 s^-1 and an optimum temperature near 40°C. P. milioides exhibited low CO₂ loss into CO₂-free air in the light and this loss was nearly insensitive to temperature. Loss of CO₂ in the light in the C₃ species, P. laxum and P. boliviense, was several-fold higher than in P. milioides and increased 2- to 5-fold with increases in temperature from 10 to 40°C. The level of dark respiration and its response to temperature were similar in all four Panicum species examined. It is concluded that the low apparent photorespiration in P. milioides does not influence its response of apparent photosynthesis to irradiance and temperature in comparison to closely related C₃ Panicum species.Abbreviations AP apparent photosynthesis - I CO₂ compensation point - gl leaf conductance; gm, mesophyll conductance - PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density - PR apparent photorespiration rate - RuBPC sibulose bisphosphate carboxylase     

Structure and enzyme expression in photosynthetic organs of the atypical C4 grass Arundinella hirta

In its leaf blade, Arundinella hirta has unusual Kranz cells that lie distant from the veins (distinctive cells; DCs), in addition to the usual Kranz units composed of concentric layers of mesophyll cells (MCs) and bundle sheath cells (BSCs; usual Kranz cells) surrounding the veins. We examined whether chlorophyllous organs other than leaf blades—namely, the leaf sheath, stem, scale leaf, and constituents of the spike—also have this unique anatomy and the C₄ pattern of expression of photosynthetic enzymes. All the organs developed DCs to varying degrees, as well as BSCs. The stem, rachilla, and pedicel had C₄-type anatomy with frequent occurrence of DCs, as in the leaf blade. The leaf sheath, glume, and scale leaf had a modified C₄ anatomy with MCs more than two cells distant from the Kranz cells; DCs were relatively rare. An immunocytochemical study of C₃ and C₄ enzymes revealed that all the organs exhibited essentially the same C₄ pattern of expression as in the leaf blade. In the scale leaf, however, intense expression of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) occurred in the MCs as well as in the BSCs and DCs. In the leaf sheath, the distant MCs also expressed Rubisco. In Arundinella hirta, it seems that the ratio of MC to Kranz cell volumes, and the distance from the Kranz cells, but not from the veins, affects the cellular expression of photosynthetic enzymes. We suggest that the main role of DCs is to keep a constant quantitative balance between the MCs and Kranz cells, which is a prerequisite for effective C₄ pathway operation.     

Kavalactones from Piper methysticum, and their 13C NMR spectroscopic analyses

The kavalactone, 11-methoxy-5,6-dihydroyangonin, and eight previously reported analogs along with four other aromatic compounds were isolated from the root extracts of Piper methysticum (Kava Kava). Their structural elucidations were made by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic assignments using COSY, HMBC and HMQC experiments.     

Structure/function studies on a S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent uroporphyrinogen III C methyltransferase (SUMT), a key regulatory enzyme of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis

The crystallographic structure of the Pseudomonas denitrificans S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent uroporphyrinogen III methyltransferase (SUMT), which is encoded by the cobA gene, has been solved by molecular replacement to 2.7A resolution. SUMT is a branchpoint enzyme that plays a key role in the biosynthesis of modified tetrapyrroles by controlling flux to compounds such as vitamin B(12) and sirohaem, and catalysing the transformation of uroporphyrinogen III into precorrin-2. The overall topology of the enzyme is similar to that of the SUMT module of sirohaem synthase (CysG) and the cobalt-precorrin-4 methyltransferase CbiF and, as with the latter structures, SUMT has the product S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine bound in the crystal. The roles of a number of residues within the SUMT structure are discussed with respect to their conservation either across the broader family of cobalamin biosynthetic methyltransferases or within the sub-group of SUMT members. The D47N, L49A, F106A, T130A, Y183A and M184A variants of SUMT were generated by mutagenesis of the cobA gene, and tested for SAM binding and enzymatic activity. Of these variants, only D47N and L49A bound the co-substrate S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Consequently, all the mutants were severely restricted in their capacity to synthesise precorrin-2, although both the D47N and L49A variants produced significant quantities of precorrin-1, the monomethylated derivative of uroporphyrinogen III. The activity of these variants is interpreted with respect to the structure of the enzyme.     

Structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopy of a new acetylated saponin from Centratherum anthelminticum

A new glycosylated triterpene has been isolated from the seeds of Centratherum anthelminticum, a medicinally important plant. The structural analysis of its acetylated derivative was performed by 1H, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and DEPT spectroscopy. The saponin was shown to contain hederagenin and six sugar residues forming two glycosyl chains. The complete structure of the saponin was established as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin.     

Co-function of C3-and C4-photosynthetic pathways in C3, C4 and C3-C4 intermediate Flaveria species

The potential for C₄ photosynthesis was investigated in five C₃-C₄ intermediate species, one C₃ species, and one C₄ species in the genus Flaveria, using ¹⁴CO₂ pulse-¹²CO₂ chase techniques and quantum-yield measurements. All five intermediate species were capable of incorporating ¹⁴CO₂ into the C₄ acids malate and aspartate, following an 8-s pulse. The proportion of ¹⁴C label in these C₄ products ranged from 50–55% to 20–26% in the C₃-C₄ intermediates F. floridana Johnston and F. linearis Lag. respectively. All of the intermediate species incorporated as much, or more, ¹⁴CO₂ into aspartate as into malate. Generally, about 5–15% of the initial label in these species appeared as other organic acids. There was variation in the capacity for C₄ photosynthesis among the intermediate species based on the apparent rate of conversion of ¹⁴C label from the C₄ cycle to the C₃ cycle. In intermediate species such as F. pubescens Rydb., F. ramosissima Klatt., and F. floridana we observed a substantial decrease in label of C₄-cycle products and an increase in percentage label in C₃-cycle products during chase periods with ¹²CO₂, although the rate of change was slower than in the C₄ species, F. palmeri. In these C₃-C₄ intermediates both sucrose and fumarate were predominant products after a 20-min chase period. In the C₃-C₄ intermediates, F. anomala Robinson and f. linearis we observed no significant decrease in the label of C₄-cycle products during a 3-min chase period and a slow turnover during a 20-min chase, indicating a lower level of functional integration between the C₄ and C₃ cycles in these species, relative to the other intermediates. Although F. cronquistii Powell was previously identified as a C₃ species, 7–18% of the initial label was in malate+aspartate. However, only 40–50% of this label was in the C-4 position, indicating C₄-acid formation as secondary products of photosynthesis in F. cronquistii. In 21% O₂, the absorbed quantum yields for CO₂ uptake (in mol CO₂·[mol quanta]^-1) averaged 0.053 in F. cronquistii (C₃), 0.051 in F. trinervia (Spreng.) Mohr (C₄), 0.052 in F. ramosissima (C₃-C₄), 0.051 in F. anomala (C₃-C₄), 0.050 in F. linearis (C₃-C₄), 0.046 in F. floridana (C₃-C₄), and 0.044 in F. pubescens (C₃-C₄). In 2% O₂ an enhancement of the quantum yield was observed in all of the C₃-C₄ intermediate species, ranging from 21% in F. ramosissima to 43% in F. pubescens. In all intermediates the quantum yields in 2% O₂ were intermediate in value to the C₃ and C₄ species, indicating a co-function of the C₃ and C₄ cycles in CO₂ assimilation. The low quantum-yield values for F. pubescens and F. floridana in 21% O₂ presumably reflect an ineffcient transfer of carbon from the C₄ to the C₃ cycle. The response of the quantum yield to four increasing O₂ concentrations (2–35%) showed lower levels of O₂ inhibition in the C₃-C₄ intermediate F. ramosissima, relative to the C₃ species. This indicates that the co-function of the C₃ and C₄ cycles in this intermediate species leads to an increased CO₂ concentration at the site of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and a concomitant decrease in the competitive inhibition by O₂.Abbreviations PEP phosphoenolpyruvate - PGA 3-phosphoglycerate - RuBP ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate     

Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Some C2-, C4-, and C6-Substituted Pyrazolo[3,4-D]Pyrimidine Acyclonucleosides with the Alkylating Chains of ACV,HBG, and ISO-DHPG

A useful route to obtain trisubstituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines 14–17 is described. Those later were coupled with the alkylating agents 18–20 as in ACV, HBG, and iso-DHPG to give, after deprotection, the desired acylonucleosides 33–44. Almost all of the new compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against the replication of various DNA viruses in culture.     

Terpenoids and phenol derivatives from Malva silvestris

A sesquiterpene and a tetrahydroxylated acyclic diterpene as well as two known monoterpenes, 6 C(13)nor-terpenes and 11 aromatic compounds were isolated from the water extract of Malva silvestris. The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic NMR and MS analysis. Effects of these compounds on germination and growth of dicotyledon Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) were studied in the 10(-4)-10(-7)M concentration range.     

C. elegans HIM-8 functions outside of meiosis to antagonize EGL-13 Sox protein function

egl-13 encodes a Sox domain protein that is required for proper uterine seam cell development in Caenorhabditis elegans. We demonstrate that mutations of the C2H2 zinc fingers encoded by the him-8 (high incidence of males) gene partially suppress the egg-laying and connection-of-gonad morphology defects caused by incompletely penetrant alleles of egl-13. him-8 alleles have previously characterized recessive effects on recombination and segregation of the X chromosome during meiosis due to failure of X chromosome homolog pairing and subsequent synapsis. However, we show that him-8 alleles are semi-dominant suppressors of egl-13, and the semi-dominant effect is due to haplo-insufficiency of the him-8 locus. Thus, we conclude that the wild-type him-8 gene product acts antagonistically to EGL-13. Null alleles of egl-13 cannot be suppressed, suggesting that this antagonistic interaction most likely occurs either upstream of or in parallel with EGL-13. Moreover, we conclude that suppression of egl-13 is due to a meiosis-independent function of him-8 because suppression is observed in mutants that have severely reduced meiotic germ cell populations and suppression does not depend on the function of him-8 in the maternal germ line. We also show that the chromosomal context of egl-13 seems important in the him-8 suppression mechanism. Interactions between these genes can give insight into function of Sox family members, which are important in many aspects of metazoan development, and into functions of him-8 outside of meiosis.     

Comparison of Belowground Biomass in C3- and C4-Dominated Mixed Communities in a Chesapeake Bay Brackish Marsh

Belowground biomass is a critical factor regulating ecosystem functions of coastal marshes, including soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation and the ability of these systems to keep pace with sea-level rise. Nevertheless, belowground biomass responses to environmental and vegetation changes have been given little emphasis marsh studies. Here we present a method using stable carbon isotopes and color to identify root and rhizomes of Schoenoplectus americanus (Pers.) Volk. ex Schinz and R. Keller (C₃) and Spartina patens (Ait.) Muhl. (C₄) occurring in C₃− and C₄-dominated communities in a Chesapeake Bay brackish marsh. The functional significance of the biomass classes we identified is underscored by differences in their chemistry, depth profiles, and variation in biomass and profiles relative to abiotic and biotic factors. C₃ rhizomes had the lowest concentrations of cellulose (29.19%) and lignin (14.43%) and the lowest C:N (46.97) and lignin:N (0.16) ratios. We distinguished two types of C₃ roots, and of these, the dark red C₃ roots had anomalously high C:N (195.35) and lignin:N (1.14) ratios, compared with other root and rhizome classes examined here and with previously published values. The C₄-dominated community had significantly greater belowground biomass (4119.1 g m⁻²) than the C₃-dominated community (3256.9 g m⁻²), due to greater total root biomass and a 3.6-fold higher C₃-root:rhizome ratio in the C₄-dominated community. C₃ rhizomes were distributed significantly shallower in the C₄-dominated community, while C₃ roots were significantly deeper. Variability in C₃ rhizome depth distributions was explained primarily by C₄ biomass, and C₃ roots were explained primarily by water table height. Our results suggest that belowground biomass in this system is sensitive to slight variations in water table height (across an 8 cm range), and that the reduced overlap between C₃ and C₄ root profiles in the C₄-dominated community may account for the greater total root biomass observed in that community. Given that future elevated atmospheric CO₂ and accelerated sea-level rise are likely to increase C₃ abundance in Atlantic and Gulf coast marshes, investigations that quantify how patterns of C₃ and C₄ belowground biomass respond to environmental and biological factors stand to improve our understanding of ecosystem-wide impacts of global changes on coastal wetlands.