Induction and in vitro alkaloid yield of calluses and protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) from Pinellia ternata

This study investigated the induction and in vitro alkaloid yield of calluses and protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) from Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Berit (Araceae). We planned to use this material in future studies related to the mass production of medicinally valuable compounds and regulation of alkaloid metabolism. Different combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), kinetin (Kin), and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were used to induce callus and PLB formation from P. ternata tuber explants. The results showed that three physiologically distinct calluses were induced by different combinations of 2,4-D, 6-BA, and Kin used in this study. The calluses differed in color, texture, differentiation status, and alkaloid content. The alkaloid content of the three calli types ranged from 0.0175% to 0.0293%. In comparison, the alkaloid content of field-grown tubers was 0.0072%. Many reports have indicated that 2,4-D suppresses the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites; however, our results show that 2,4-D promoted alkaloid production in Pinellia calluses. The combination of NAA?+?6-BA induced PLB formation. The PLB alkaloid content of 0.0321% was 1.1 to 1.8 times higher than the alkaloid content of the calluses and 4.5 times higher than the field-grown tubers. In conclusion, the induction of calluses and PLBs with alkaloid content greater than that of field-grown tubers indicates the potential use of these tissue culture materials for bioprocessing alkaloids from P. ternata and for the study of alkaloid metabolism.     

Na-formylechitamidine,an alkaloid from Alstonia boonei

A known alkaloid, echitamidine, and a new alkaloid, N_a-formylechitamidine, have been isolated from the stem bark of Alstonia boonei. The structure of this new alkaloid was assigned on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic data.     

An N-formyl cyclopeptide alkaloid from the bark of zizyphus sativa

From the bark of Zizyphus sativa, previously undescribed cyclopeptide alkaloid, sativanine-F has been isolated. The structure was deduced by spectroscopic methods and chemical degradation. It is a 13-membered cyclopeptide alkaloid and provides the first example of such a naturally occurring N-formyl cyclopeptide alkaloid.     

The alkaloid contents of sixty Nicotiana species

The alkaloid content (nicotine, nornicotine, anabasine, and anatabine) in leaves and roots of 60 Nicotiana species were analyzed by GC. All species contained alkaloids, the amounts varying with the species. There was no clearcut correlation between alkaloid amounts and subgeneric or sectional classification. The alkaloid content in the floral parts and immature and mature fruits of Nicotiana tabacum were also analyzed.     

Some alkaloids of Alstonia undulata

Sixteen indole alkaloids have been identified in the root bark and in the leaves of Alstonia undulata from New Caledonia. They are vincamedine, tetrahydroalstonine, alstonidine, deplancheine, fluorocarpamine, pleiocarpamine, 11-methoxyakuammicine, cabucraline, desoxycabufiline, cabucraline-N(4)-oxide, 11-methoxyakuammicine N(4)-oxide, gentiacraline, plumocraline, vincorine, cathafoline and pericyclivine. Five bis indoles of unknown structure have been isolated. The root bark alkaloid mixture contains gentiacraline the first alkaloid made up of an indole and a pyridine alkaloid.     

Structure revision of emiline a pyrrolizidine alkaloid from Emilia flammea

The structure of emiline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid isolated fromEmilia flammea has been revised from an 11-membered alkaloid to a 12-membered macrocyclic diester containing otonecine.     

Perturbation of alkaloid production by cadaverine in hairy root cultures of Nicotiana rustica

Cadaverine (1–10 mM) stimulated the production of anabasine by hairy root cultures of Nicotiana rustica transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. In control cultures, nicotine accounted for at least 70–80% of the total alkaloid produced, whereas in cultures supplemented with 5 mM cadaverine about two-thirds of the alkaloid was anabasine and nicotine production was markedly diminished. Putrescine and agmatine caused some stimulation of alkaloid production, but the ratio of nicotine to anabasine was essentially unaffected. Lysine caused no substantial increase in anabasine formation.     

Heterologous expression of alkaloid biosynthetic genes — a review

Tetrahydrobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids comprise a diverse class of secondary metabolites with many pharmacologically active members. The biosynthesis at the enzyme level of at least two tetrahydrobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, the benzophenanthridine alkaloid sanguinarine in the California poppy, Eschscholtzia californica, and the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid berbamunine in barberry, Berberis stolonifera, has been elucidated in detail starting from the aromatic amino acid (aa) l-tyrosine. In an initial attempt to develop alternate systems for the production of medicinally important alkaloids, one enzyme from each pathway (BBE, a covalently flavinylated enzyme of benzophenanthridine alkaloid biosynthesis and CYP80, a phenol coupling cytochrome P-450-dependent oxidase of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis) has been purified to homogeneity, a partial aa sequence determined, and the corresponding cDNAs isolated with aid of synthetic oligos based on the aa sequences. The recombinant enzymes were actively expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells using a baculovirus vector, purified and then characterized. Insect cell culture has proven to be a powerful system for the overexpression of alkaloid biosynthetic genes.     

Seasonal variation in the secondary chemistry of foliar and reproductive tissues of Delphinium nuttallianum

Plant secondary compounds are critical in affecting interactions between plants and their herbivores. The norditerpene alkaloids are secondary compounds in Delphinium (larkspur) species which are divided into two classes: the N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL-type) and non MSAL-type, and are known to be toxic to herbivorous insects and livestock. Alkaloid concentrations were measured in a whole plant context in vegetative and reproductive tissues in Delphinium nuttallianum at different stages of plant maturity at two locations to explore how plant maturity affected alkaloid concentrations within a growing season. Alkaloid concentrations differed between vegetative and reproductive tissues, with vegetative tissues having significantly lower alkaloid concentrations than reproductive tissues. However, no systematic differences in alkaloid concentrations were observed at different plant maturity stages across the growing season. Based on the data we suggest that alkaloid allocation in different plant parts of D. nuttallianum is influenced by life history of the plant, consistent with plant defense theory. At one location, as pods mature the qualitative alkaloid composition changed through structural diversification of the alkaloids present. The ecological significance of this structural diversification awaits further exploration.     

Three New O-Methyltransferases Are Sufficient for All O-Methylation Reactions of Ipecac Alkaloid Biosynthesis in Root Culture of Psychotria ipecacuanha

The medicinal plant Psychotria ipecacuanha produces ipecac alkaloids, a series of monoterpenoid-isoquinoline alkaloids such as emetine and cephaeline, whose biosynthesis derives from condensation of dopamine and secologanin. Here, we identified three cDNAs, IpeOMT1–IpeOMT3, encoding ipecac alkaloid O-methyltransferases (OMTs) from P. ipecacuanha. They were coordinately transcribed with the recently identified ipecac alkaloid β-glucosidase Ipeglu1. Their amino acid sequences were closely related to each other and rather to the flavonoid OMTs than to the OMTs involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis. Characterization of the recombinant IpeOMT enzymes with integration of the enzymatic properties of the IpeGlu1 revealed that emetine biosynthesis branches off from N-deacetylisoipecoside through its 6-O-methylation by IpeOMT1, with a minor contribution by IpeOMT2, followed by deglucosylation by IpeGlu1. The 7-hydroxy group of the isoquinoline skeleton of the aglycon is methylated by IpeOMT3 prior to the formation of protoemetine that is condensed with a second dopamine molecule, followed by sequential O-methylations by IpeOMT2 and IpeOMT1 to form cephaeline and emetine, respectively. In addition to this central pathway of ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis, formation of all methyl derivatives of ipecac alkaloids in P. ipecacuanha could be explained by the enzymatic activities of IpeOMT1–IpeOMT3, indicating that they are sufficient for all O-methylation reactions of ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis.     

(−)-3β-13α-dihydroxylupanine from cytisus scoparius

A new lupin alkaloid, (−)-3β,13α-dihydroxylupanine was isolated from Cytisus scoparius together with five known sparteine-type lupin alkaloids and tyramine. The absolute structure of the new alkaloid was confirmed by comparison of the natural product with the synthetic sample derived from (+)-13-hydroxylupanine. It was also shown that the alkaloid constituents of C. scoparius differed considerably in the aerial parts, flowers and seeds.     

Effect of tween series surfactants on alkaloid production by submerged cultures of Claviceps species

Supplementation of Tween surfactants promoted alkaloid production by submerged cultured of Claviceps sp. strain SD-58. Tween 80 (0.5%) exhibited the maximum (2-fold) stimulatory effect when added to the medium at the initial stage of cultivation. The stimulation of alkaloid production by Tween 80 was found to be associated with the increase in cell mass, higher consumption of nutrients and enhanced excretion of alkaloids from the cells. The results are discussed in relation to the physiology of alkaloid production in Claviceps sp. strain SD-58.     

Alkaloids of Uncaria callophylla

A verified sample of Uncaria callophylla was investigated for its alkaloid content. The stems provided mainly pseudoyohimbine and dihydrocorynantheine while the leaves furnished dihydrocorynantheine, gambirine and an unknown dimeric alkaloid probably derived from gambirine and pseudoyohimbine.     

Production of Lysergic Acid Derivatives in Submerged Culture: IV. Inorganic Nutrition Studies with Claviceps paspali

The inorganic requirements for growth and alkaloid production by submerged cultures of a lysergic acid alkaloid-producing isolate of Claviceps paspali were determined in a defined medium. The requirement for peak growth was essentially the same as the requirement for maximal alkaloid production in the case of potassium and magnesium. With phosphorus, however, maximal growth was reached at lower levels than those required for maximal alkaloid production. Sulfur was required in smaller amounts for peak alkaloid production than for maximal growth. In the case of iron and zinc, the requirement for maximal alkaloid production was greater than for growth. Manganese and copper could be sufficiently depleted to demonstrate their essentiality for alkaloid production, but their requirements for growth could not be demonstrated.     

An Ergot Alkaloid Biosynthesis Gene and Clustered Hypothetical Genes from Aspergillus fumigatus

The ergot alkaloids are a family of indole-derived mycotoxins with a variety of significant biological activities. Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus and opportunistic human pathogen, and several fungi in the relatively distant taxon Clavicipitaceae (clavicipitaceous fungi) produce different sets of ergot alkaloids. The ergot alkaloids of these divergent fungi share a four-member ergoline ring but differ in the number, type, and position of the side chains. Several genes required for ergot alkaloid production are known in the clavicipitaceous fungi, and these genes are clustered in the genome of the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea. We investigated whether the ergot alkaloids of A. fumigatus have a common biosynthetic and genetic origin with those of the clavicipitaceous fungi. A homolog of dmaW, the gene controlling the determinant step in the ergot alkaloid pathway of clavicipitaceous fungi, was identified in the A. fumigatus genome. Knockout of dmaW eliminated all known ergot alkaloids from A. fumigatus, and complementation of the mutation restored ergot alkaloid production. Clustered with dmaW in the A. fumigatus genome are sequences corresponding to five genes previously proposed to encode steps in the ergot alkaloid pathway of C. purpurea, as well as additional sequences whose deduced protein products are consistent with their involvement in the ergot alkaloid pathway. The corresponding genes have similarities in their nucleotide sequences, but the orientations and positions within the cluster of several of these genes differ. The data indicate that the ergot alkaloid biosynthetic capabilities in A. fumigatus and the clavicipitaceous fungi had a common origin.     

Effects of bioregulators on indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus cell culture

Several carotenoid-inducers are effective in promoting indole alkaloid formation in Catharanthtus roseus cell culture. Among the five compounds tested, viz. 1,1-dimethylpiperidine, 2-diethylaminoethyl-3,4-dichlorophenylether, 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,4-dichlorophenylether, 2-diethylaminoethyl-β-naphthylether and 2-diethylaminoethyl-3,4-dimethylphenylether, 1,1-dimethylpiperidine, 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,4-dichlorophenylether and 2-diethylaminoethyl-β-naphthylether at 5 ppm concentration increased total alkaloid production by up to ca 20 % with concomitant increases in ajmalicine and catharanthine. Concentrations of 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,4-dichlorophenylether higher than 5 ppm caused growth inhibition and decrease in alkaloid synthesis.     

The geographic isolation of Leucojum aestivum populations leads to divergation of alkaloid biosynthesis

Leucojum aestivum, an industrial source of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galanthamine, shows a great chemodiversity in its alkaloid synthesis. Samples from various geographically distinct populations from Bulgaria and the Balearic Islands were studied by GC–MS. The alkaloid pattern of the plants of L. aestivum (subsp. pulchellum) from the Balearic Islands were dominated by crinine type compounds. Populations of homolycorine chemotype were distributed along the Danube river in the north part of Bulgaria, which is separated from the south part by the Balkan mountains. Populations with high accumulation of lycorine were found in East Bulgaria near the sea coast, while the south populations were dominated by galanthamine type synthesis. The average of the galanthamine content was found to vary from 0.003 to 0.08% (referred to dry weight) in the north, and up to 0.42% in the southern Bulgarian populations. Some individuals showed up to 0.65% galanthamine. The galanthamine content of the plants from the Balearic island was 0.1% of DW. The galanthamine percentage in the total alkaloid mixture ranged from 0.2 to 95% of the total alkaloids. Our study demonstrated that the geographic isolation of the populations of L. aestivum has led to divergation in the alkaloid biosynthesis and consequently to the occurrence of different chemotypes. This chemodiversity in both alkaloid patterns and galanthamine content provides an opportunity for further selection work toward a galanthamine-rich crop, on the one hand, and makes the species an excellent biological system for molecular studies leading to further improvement of the galanthamine production, which is a valuable alkaloid used in medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

Genetic variation of piperidine alkaloids in Pinus ponderosa: a common garden study

Background and Aims

Previous measurements of conifer alkaloids have revealed significant variation attributable to many sources, environmental and genetic. The present study takes a complementary and intensive, common garden approach to examine genetic variation in Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa alkaloid production. Additionally, this study investigates the potential trade-off between seedling growth and alkaloid production, and associations between topographic/climatic variables and alkaloid production.

Methods

Piperidine alkaloids were quantified in foliage of 501 nursery seedlings grown from seed sources in west-central Washington, Oregon and California, roughly covering the western half of the native range of ponderosa pine. A nested mixed model was used to test differences among broad-scale regions and among families within regions. Alkaloid concentrations were regressed on seedling growth measurements to test metabolite allocation theory. Likewise, climate characteristics at the seed sources were also considered as explanatory variables.

Key Results

Quantitative variation from seedling to seedling was high, and regional variation exceeded variation among families. Regions along the western margin of the species range exhibited the highest alkaloid concentrations, while those further east had relatively low alkaloid levels. Qualitative variation in alkaloid profiles was low. All measures of seedling growth related negatively to alkaloid concentrations on a natural log scale; however, coefficients of determination were low. At best, annual height increment explained 19·4 % of the variation in ln(total alkaloids). Among the climate variables, temperature range showed a negative, linear association that explained 41·8 % of the variation.

Conclusions

Given the wide geographic scope of the seed sources and the uniformity of resources in the seedlings'' environment, observed differences in alkaloid concentrations are evidence for genetic regulation of alkaloid secondary metabolism in ponderosa pine. The theoretical trade-off with seedling growth appeared to be real, however slight. The climate variables provided little evidence for adaptive alkaloid variation, especially within regions.Key words: Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa, Pinaceae, 2,6-disubstituted piperidine alkaloids, secondary products, geographic variation, progeny study, plant defense, Growth–Differentiation Balance Hypothesis, PRISM