Tissue specific and inducible expression of resveratrol synthase gene in peanut plants.

The expression of resveratrol synthase (RS) genes is induced by biotic and abiotic factors in peanut cell cultures. However, little is known about the regulation of the RS gene expression in peanut plants. The expression of RS genes was investigated in peanut plants with a peanut RS clone, pPRS3C, which encodes two polypeptides that show about a 96% amino acid sequence identity to peanut RS2 and RS3, respectively. A low level of RS mRNA was detected in the roots of peanut plants grown aseptically in vitro. In mature peanut plants that were grown in the field, however, RS mRNAs were present at relatively high levels in both the roots and pods, but at below the detection limit in leaves. RS mRNAs were abundant in young pods and decreased dramatically in mature pods. The RS mRNA expression was induced by yeast extract and UV in leaves and roots, and also by wounding in leaves. Stress hormones, such as ethylene, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid, induced RS mRNA accumulation in leaves. These results indicate that the RS gene expression is induced by biotic and abiotic stresses through the stress hormones in peanut plants. The induction of the RS gene expression by biotic and abiotic stresses could provide peanut plants with protection from microbial infections through resveratrol synthesis. The RS gene expression in developing pods has significant implications in terms of the role of resveratrol as a phytochemical for human health.     

Regulation of isoflavonoid metabolism in alfalfa

Isoflavonoids are believed to play important roles in plant-microbe interactions. During infection of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaves with the fungal pathogen Phoma medicaginis, rapid increases in mRNA levels and enzyme activities of isoflavone reductase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase and other defense genes are observed within 1 to 2 hours. The phytoalexin medicarpin and its antifungal metabolite sativan increase beginning at 4 and 8 hours, respectively, along with other isoflavonoids. In contrast, during colonization of alfalfa roots by the symbiotic mycorrhizal fungus Glomus versiforme, expression of the general phenylpropanoid and flavonoid genes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase increases while mRNA levels for the phytoalexin-specific isoflavone reductase decrease. The total isoflavonoid content of colonized roots increases with time and is higher than that of uninoculated roots, but the accumulation of the antifungal medicarpin is somehow suppressed.An isoflavone reductase genomic clone has been isolated, promoter regions have been fused to the reporter gene -glucuronidase, and the promoter-reporter fusions have been transformed into tobacco and alfalfa. Using histological staining, we have studied the developmental and stress-induced expression of this phytoalexin-specific gene in whole plants at a more detailed level than other methods allow. The isoflavone reductase promoter is functional in tobacco, a plant which does not synthesize isoflavonoids. Infection of transgenic alfalfa plants by Phoma causes an increase in -glucuronidase staining, as does elicitation of transgenic alfalfa cell cultures, indicating that this promoter fusion is a good indicator of phytoalexin biosynthesis in alfalfa.Abbreviations CA4H cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase - CHI chalcone isomerase - CHOMT chalcone O-methyltransferase - CHS chalcone synthase - 4CL 4-coumarate:CoA ligase - COMT caffeic acid O-methyltransferase - FGM malonylated glucoside of formononetin - GUS -glucuronidase - IFOH isoflavone 2-hydroxylase - IFR isoflavone reductase - IFS isoflavone synthase - IOMT isoflavone 4-O-methyltransferase - MGM medicarpin 3-O-glucoside-6-O-malonate - PAL L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase - PTS pterocarpan synthase - VAM vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal - X-gluc 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl--D-glucuronide     

Salicylic acid accumulates in the roots and hypocotyl after inoculation of cucumber leaves with Colletotrichum lagenarium

Increased amounts of salicylic acid (SA) were detected in the roots and hypocotyl of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) using high-performance liquid chromatography following inoculation of the leaves with the anthracnose pathogen, Colletotrichum lagenarium. The concentrations of SA in the internodes immediately below the infected leaves increased to more than 1microg/g fresh weight. In contrast, the concentrations of SA in stems distant from, or above the infected leaves increased to 100-300ng/g. An increase in SA levels was observed in the upper stem 2d after inoculation, followed by the hypocotyl with an increase detected 4d after inoculation. An initial increase in the SA levels was detected in the stem, followed by an increase in SA levels in the root from a basal level of approximately 300ng/g to more than 1microg/g. The increased level of SA in the lower leaves was less than 100ng/g. These results indicate that the levels of SA in the hypocotyl and root increased significantly following inoculation of the leaves with a microorganism capable of inducing SAR.     

Modification of phenolic metabolism in soybean hairy roots through down regulation of chalcone synthase or isoflavone synthase

Soybean hairy roots, transformed with the soybean chalcone synthase (CHS6) or isoflavone synthase (IFS2) genes, with dramatically decreased capacity to synthesize isoflavones were produced to determine what effects these changes would have on susceptibility to a fungal pathogen. The isoflavone and coumestrol concentrations were decreased by about 90% in most lines apparently due to gene silencing. The IFS2 transformed lines had very low IFS enzyme activity in microsomal fractions as measured by the conversion of naringenin to genistein. The CHS6 lines with decreased isoflavone concentrations had 5 to 20-fold lower CHS enzyme activities than the appropriate controls. Both IFS2 and CHS transformed lines accumulated higher concentrations of both soluble and cell wall bound phenolic acids compared to controls with higher levels found in the CHS6 lines indicating alterations in the lignin biosynthetic branch of the pathway. Induction of the soybean phytoalexin glyceollin, of which the precursor is the isoflavone daidzein, by the fungal pathogen Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines (FSG) that causes soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) showed that the low isoflavone transformed lines did not accumulate glyceollin while the control lines did. The (iso)liquritigenin content increased upon FSG induction in the IFS2 transformed roots indicating that the pathway reactions before this point can control isoflavonoid synthesis. The lowest fungal growth rate on hairy roots was found on the FSG partially resistant control roots followed by the SDS sensitive control roots and the low isoflavone transformants. The results indicate the importance of phytoalexin synthesis in root resistance to the pathogen. Names are necessary to report factually on available data; however, the USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by USDA implies no approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.     

Increase of chalcone synthase mRNA in pathogen-inoculated soybeans with race-specific resistance is different in leaves and roots

Soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) respond to pathogens by producing isoflavonoid-derived phytoalexins. Chalcone synthase (CHS) is the first enzyme of the flavonoid/isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway. We investigated changes in the steady state levels of CHS mRNA and other specific mRNAs at increasing times after inoculation in two different race-specific interactions, one between leaves and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv glycinea (Psg), and one between roots and the fungus, Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea (Pmg). The amount of CHS mRNA increases significantly in soybean leaves inoculated with an avirulent race of Psg but not with a virulent race or water. In contrast, the increase in CHS mRNA is similar in roots inoculated with zoospores of either an avirulent or virulent race of Pmg. CHS mRNA increases significantly in pathogen inoculated roots but not in uninoculated controls. Hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) has been observed by others to increase in wounded or pathogen-inoculated plants. We report here that HRGP mRNA levels are greater in roots inoculated with an avirulent Pmg race than with a virulent race, but inoculation with either race causes a significant increase in HRGP mRNA with respect to controls. Calmodulin or ubiquitin mRNA do not increase in either uninoculated or inoculated roots and leaves. The possibility that race-specific resistance in soybeans is expressed differently in different organs of the plant is discussed.     

Molecular analysis of resveratrol synthase. cDNA, genomic clones and relationship with chalcone synthase

Resveratrol synthase (RS), a key enzyme in biosynthesis of stilbene-type phytoalexins, catalyzes the formation of resveratrol from coumaroyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. Two cDNA clones, pGSC1 and pGSC2, have been isolated from cDNA libraries established with poly(A)-rich RNA from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cell cultures specifically induced for RS. These cDNAs were used to identify two genomic clones (pGSG10 and pGSG11). Sequence analysis shows that the two clones overlap in a large stretch of nearly identical sequences, and that pGSG10 contains the 5' and pGSG11 the 3' end of RS genes. The sequences reveal a single intron, and the size of the predicted protein is 42.7 kDa, in close agreement with that observed in polyacrylamide gels (43 kDa). Chalcone synthase (CHS), a key enzyme of flavonoid biosynthesis, utilizes the same substrates as RS, but the product is different (naringenin chalcone). Comparison of RS with CHS consensus sequences shows that the two genes are related. Homology extends throughout the coding region, and the intron in RS is at the same position as a conserved intron in CHS. However, RS reveals a substantial number of amino acid differences to CHS in positions highly conserved in all CHS enzymes. It is proposed that the two proteins possess a common scaffold necessary for binding of the substrates and the type of enzyme reaction, and that the differences are responsible for the formation of different products.     

Stress responses in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) III. Induction of medicarpin and cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in elicitor-treated cell suspension cultures and protoplasts

Summary Cell suspension cultures of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) accumulated phenolic secondary metabolites in a pattern similar to that seen in alfalfa roots. Upon treatment with a crude elicitor preparation from the bean pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the pterocarpan phytoalexin medicarpin accumulated in cells and culture medium. The extractable activities of six enzymes involved in medicarpin biosynthesis (including three cytochrome P450 activities) were induced by treatment with elicitor, and their induction kinetics correlated with the rate of medicarpin accumulation. However, protoplasts prepared from these cultures accumulated neither medicarpin nor other secondary products after treatment with elicitor. The cytochrome P450 activities were induced during the preparation of the protoplasts, but could be further induced by treatment with fungal elicitor. The results are discussed in relation to the use of alfalfa protoplasts as a system for functional analysis of cloned defense genes.Abbreviations AUFS absorption unit full scale - CHI chalcone isomerase (EC 5.5.1.6) - CHS chalcone synthase (EC 2.3.1.74) - C40H cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.13.11) - CLE elicitor from Colletotrichum lindemuthianum - IFOH isoflavone 2-hydroxylase - IFS isoflavone synthase - PAL L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5)     

Expression of the Stilbene Synthase (StSy) Gene from Grapevine in Transgenic White Poplar Results in High Accumulation of the Antioxidant Resveratrol Glucosides

When present, stilbene synthase leads to the production of resveratrol compounds, which are major components of the phytoalexin response against fungal pathogens of the plant and are highly bioactive substances of pharmaceutical interest. White poplar (Populus alba L.) was transformed with a construct containing a cDNA insert encoding stilbene synthase from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, and a chimeric kanamycin resistance gene. Southern blot hybridization analysis demonstrated the presence and integration of exogenous DNA sequences in the poplar genome. Expression of the stilbene synthase-encoding gene in different transgenic lines was confirmed by Western blot and Northern analyses. Compared to the controls, in the transgenic plants two new compounds were detected and were identified as the trans- and cis-isomers of resveratrol-3-glucoside (piceid) by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV spectrophotometry, electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) and enzymatic hydrolysis. Since poplar is a good biomass producer and piceids are accumulated in substantial amounts (up to 615.2 microg/g leaf fresh weight), the transgenic plants represent a potential alternative source for the production of these compounds with high pharmacological value. Despite the presence of piceid, in our experimental conditions no increased resistance against the pathogen Melampsora pulcherrima, which causes rust disease, was observed when in vitro bioassays were performed.     

Production of a major stilbene phytoalexin, resveratrol in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and peanut products: a mini review

As a major stilbene phytoalexin, resveratrol is produced or elicited in several plant species as a part of defense systems protecting plants against diseases. Resveratrol can be present in both the trans- and cis-isomeric forms, and only the trans-form increases the life expectancy and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases as the most bioactive form. In addition to the usages for diet and industry, peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea) and peanuts are getting higher attention due to their containment of resveratrol in the kernels and other parts of peanut plant, such as leaves, roots, and peanut shell. Recently, natural resveratrol derived from peanuts has also become a promising nutraceutical agent, promoting human health. Resveratrol has also been detected in peanut products including peanut butters, roasted peanuts, and boiled peanuts. Although, smaller and immature peanuts contain higher levels of resveratrol than mature peanuts, resveratrol in peanuts can also be preserved by cooking or manufacturing processes. Moreover, the amount of resveratrol in peanut plants and peanuts has been found to increase by external stimuli including microbial infection, wounding, UV light irradiation, ultrasonication, yeast extract treatment and by plant stress hormones. In addition, molecular level analysis has confirmed that four resveratrol synthase (RS) genes (RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4) which catalyze synthesis of resveratrol have been identified in peanuts, and up-regulation of the genes is positively correlated to the increased contents of resveratrol. In this review, we summarize the natural biosynthesis of resveratrol in peanuts and peanut plants, as well as the occurrence of this natural phytoalexin in various peanut products. A brief knowledge on the biosynthetic pathway of resveratrol synthesis has been described. This review also deals on highlighting the effect of various external stimuli (biotic and abiotic stresses) in order to achieve the maximum induction and/or elicitation of resveratrol in peanuts and peanut plants.     

Cross-reaction of chalcone synthase and stilbene synthase overexpressed in Escherichia coli.

Chalcone synthase (CHS) and stilbene synthase (STS) are related plant polyketide synthases belonging to the CHS superfamily. CHS and STS catalyze common condensation reactions of p-coumaroyl-CoA and three C(2)-units from malonyl-CoA but different cyclization reactions to produce naringenin chalcone and resveratrol, respectively. Using purified Pueraria lobata CHS and Arachis hypogaea STS overexpressed in Escherichia coli, bisnoryangonin (BNY, the derailed lactone after two condensations) and p-coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone (the derailed lactone after three condensations) were detected from the reaction products. More importantly, we found a cross-reaction between CHS and STS, i.e. resveratrol production by CHS (2.7-4.2% of naringenin) and naringenin production by STS (1.4-2.3% of resveratrol), possibly due to the conformational flexibility of their active sites.     

Expression of a fungal sesquiterpene cyclase gene in transgenic tobacco

The complete coding sequence for the trichodiene synthase gene from Fusarium sporotrichioides was introduced into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) under the regulation of the cauliflower mosiac virus 35S promoter. Expression of trichodiene synthase was demonstrated in the leaves of transformed plants. Leaf homogenates incubated with [³H]farnesyl pyrophosphate produced trichodiene as a major product. Trichodiene was detected in the leaves of a transformed plant at a level of 5 to 10 nanograms per gram fresh weight. The introduction of a fungal sesquiterpene cyclase gene into tobacco has resulted in the expression of an active enzyme and the accumulation of low levels of its sesquiterpenoid product.     

Cross-reaction of chalcone synthase and stilbene synthase overexpressed in Escherichia coli

Chalcone synthase (CHS) and stilbene synthase (STS) are related plant polyketide synthases belonging to the CHS superfamily. CHS and STS catalyze common condensation reactions of p-coumaroyl-CoA and three C₂-units from malonyl-CoA but different cyclization reactions to produce naringenin chalcone and resveratrol, respectively. Using purified Pueraria lobata CHS and Arachis hypogaea STS overexpressed in Escherichia coli, bisnoryangonin (BNY, the derailed lactone after two condensations) and p-coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone (the derailed lactone after three condensations) were detected from the reaction products. More importantly, we found a cross-reaction between CHS and STS, i.e. resveratrol production by CHS (2.7–4.2% of naringenin) and naringenin production by STS (1.4–2.3% of resveratrol), possibly due to the conformational flexibility of their active sites.