Camptotheca acuminata 10‐hydroxycamptothecin O‐methyltransferase: an alkaloid biosynthetic enzyme co‐opted from flavonoid metabolism

The medicinal plant Camptotheca acuminata accumulates camptothecin, 10‐hydroxycamptothecin, and 10‐methoxycamptothecin as its major bioactive monoterpene indole alkaloids. Here, we describe identification and functional characterization of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin O‐methyltransferase (Ca10OMT), a member of the Diverse subclade of class II OMTs. Ca10OMT is highly active toward both its alkaloid substrate and a wide range of flavonoids in vitro and in this way contrasts with other alkaloid OMTs in the subclade that only utilize alkaloid substrates. Ca10OMT shows a strong preference for the A‐ring 7‐OH of flavonoids, which is structurally equivalent to the 10‐OH of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin. The substrates of other alkaloid OMTs in the subclade bear little similarity to flavonoids, but the 3‐D positioning of the 7‐OH, A‐ and C‐rings of flavonoids is nearly identical to the 10‐OH, A‐ and B‐rings of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin. This structural similarity likely explains the retention of flavonoid OMT activity by Ca10OMT and also why kaempferol and quercetin aglycones are potent inhibitors of its 10‐hydroxycamptothecin activity. The catalytic promiscuity and strong inhibition of Ca10OMT by flavonoid aglycones in vitro prompted us to investigate the potential physiological roles of the enzyme in vivo. Based on its regioselectivity, kinetic parameters and absence of 7‐OMT flavonoids in vivo, we conclude that the major and likely only substrate of Ca10OMTin vivo is 10‐hydroxycamptothecin. This is likely accomplished by Ca10OMT being kept spatially separated at the tissue levels from potentially inhibitory flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid aglycones being rapidly glycosylated to non‐inhibitory flavonoid glycosides.     

Cytotoxic Triterpenoids from the Barks of Betula platyphylla var. japonica

Phytochemical investigation on the barks of Betula platyphylla var. japonica (Betulaceae) was carried out, resulting in the isolation and identification of three new triterpenoids, 27‐O‐cis‐caffeoylcylicodiscic acid ( 1 ), 27‐O‐cis‐feruloylcylicodiscic acid ( 2 ), and 27‐O‐cis‐caffeoylmyricerol ( 3 ), along with six known triterpenoids, obtusilinin ( 4 ), winchic acid ( 5 ), 27‐O‐trans‐caffeoylcylicodiscic acid ( 6 ), uncarinic acid E ( 7 ), myriceric acid B ( 8 ), and 3‐O‐trans‐caffeoyloleanolic acid ( 9 ). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK‐OV‐3, SK‐MEL‐2, and Bt549). Compounds 2 , 6 , 8 , and 9 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against all of the tumor cells tested (IC₅₀ < 10.0 μm ), while compounds 3 , 4 , 5 , and 7 showed moderate cytotoxicity against all of the tumor cells tested (IC₅₀ < 20.0 μm ).     

Six New Acylphloroglucinols from Dryopteris championii

Six new acylphloroglucinols ( 1  –  6 ) were isolated from Dryopteris championii. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with reported data. The antibacterial activities of the isolates were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Dickeya zeae.     

Cytotoxic Triterpenoids from the Stalks of Microtropis triflora

Bioassay‐guided phytochemical investigation of the stalks of Microtropis triflora Merr . & F.L. Freeman led to the isolation of ten triterpenes 1  –  10 , including one novel compound 3,24‐epoxy‐2α,24‐dihydroxyfriedelan‐29‐oic acid ( 1 ). Their chemical structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including HR‐ESI mass spectrometry, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), and by comparison with the data reported. The cytotoxicities of compounds 1  –  10 against a panel of cultured human tumor cell lines (Bcap37, SMMC7721, HeLa, CNE) were evaluated. The new compound 1 showed moderate anti‐tumor activities with IC₅₀ values of 39.22, 29.24, 23.28, and 68.81 μm /ml, respectively. These results might be helpful for explaining the use of M. triflora in traditional medicine. Triterpenes are characteristic of Microtropis genus and could be useful as potential chemotaxonomic markers.     

Four New Tirucallane Triterpenoids from the Fruits of Melia azedarach and Their Cytotoxic Activities

Four new tirucallane triterpenoids, (21S,23R,24R)‐21,23‐epoxy‐21,24‐dihydroxy‐25‐methoxytirucall‐7‐en‐3‐one ( 2 ), (3S,21S,23R,24S)‐21,23‐epoxy‐21,25‐dimethoxytirucall‐7‐ene‐3,24‐diol ( 8 ), (21S,23R,24R)‐21,23‐epoxy‐24‐hydroxy‐21‐methoxytirucalla‐7,25‐dien‐3‐one ( 11 ), and (21S,23R,24R)‐21,23‐epoxy‐21,24‐dihydroxytirucalla‐7,25‐dien‐3‐one ( 12 ), along with 16 known analogues, 1 , 3  –  7 , 9  –  10 , and 13  –  20 , were isolated from the fruits of Melia azedarach. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. These compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against HepG2 (liver), SGC7901 (stomach), K562 (leukemia), and HL60 (leukemia) cancer cell lines. Compound 20 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 and SGC7901 cancer cells with the IC₅₀ values of 6.9 and 6.9 μm , respectively.     

不同种源喜树幼枝中喜树碱的含量

通过HPLC测定了喜树(Camptotheca acuminata)不同器官及不同种源幼枝中喜树碱的含量.结果表明,喜树碱含量在叶、种子和幼枝(幼叶和幼茎)中较高,木质部中较少,髓中最低.不同种源的幼枝中,来自成都种源喜树的喜树碱含量最高.通过比较,两年生喜树各器官中喜树碱含量普遍比一年生高,幼枝中顶枝的喜树碱含量比侧枝高.     

Cytotoxic Triterpenoids from Roots of Actinidia chinensis

Phytochmical investigation of roots of Actinidia chinensisPlanch . led to the isolation triterpenoids 1 – 16 , including a new compound 2α,3α,23,24‐tetrahydroxyursa‐12,20(30)‐dien‐28‐oic acid ( 1 ). Their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, HR‐ESI mass spectrometry, and by comparison with the literatures. The cytotoxicities of triterpenoids 1 – 16 against a panel of cultured human cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549, MCF‐7, SK‐OV‐3, and HeLa) were evaluated. The new compound 1 exhibited moderate antitumor activities with IC₅₀ values of 19.62 ± 0.81, 18.86 ± 1.56, 45.94 ± 3.62, 62.41 ± 2.29, and 28.74 ± 1.07 μm , respectively. The experiment data might be available to explain the use of roots of A. chinensis to treat various cancers in traditional Chinese medicine.     

喜树内生菌与喜树碱的关系

通过对喜树幼苗中喜树碱含量的分析,发现不同生长期、不同器官中喜树碱的含量不同,幼叶和根中喜树碱的含量较高。虽然喜树中含有对真核细胞具有毒性作用的喜树碱,但仍有12种内生菌从喜树的不同器官中分离出来。内生菌对喜树碱的敏感性实验表明,10μg／mL喜树碱对2种内生菌的生长几乎没有抑制作用,即是100μg／mL浓度的喜树碱对它们的生长抑制也是有限的。     

Tracing Patterns of Chloroplast Evolution in Euglenoids: Contributions from Colacium vesiculosum and Strombomonas acuminata (Euglenophyta)

The chloroplast genomes of two photosynthetic euglenoids, Colacium vesiculosum Ehrenberg (128,889 bp), and Strombomonas acuminata (Schmarda) Deflandre (144,167 bp) have been sequenced. These chloroplast genomes in combination with those of Euglena gracilis, Eutreptia viridis, and Eutreptiella gymnastica provide a snapshot of euglenoid chloroplast evolution allowing comparisons of gene content, arrangement, and expansion. The gene content of the five chloroplast genomes is very similar varying only in the presence or absence of, rrn5, roaA, psaI, psaM, rpoA, and two tRNAs. Large gene rearrangements have occurred within the C. vesiculosum and S. acuminata chloroplast genomes. Most of these rearrangements represent repositioning of entire operons rather than single genes. When compared with previously sequenced genomes, C. vesiculosum and S. acuminata chloroplast genomes more closely resemble the E. gracilis chloroplast genome in size of the genome, number of introns, and gene order than they do those of the Eutreptiales. Overall, the chloroplast genomes of these five species show an evolutionary trend toward increased intron number, a decrease in gene density, and substantial rearrangement of gene clusters.     

喜树内生真菌抗水稻纹枯病菌活性的研究

从喜树健康组织叶、茎以及果实中经过分离、纯化共得到26株内生菌株。利用生长速率法测定这26株菌株对植物病原菌——水稻纹枯病病原菌的抑制作用。抑菌试验结果显示：26株菌株中有22株喜树内生真菌的发酵液对植物病原菌菌丝生长均有不同程度的抑制作用;其中,菌株XSY10的发酵液抑菌效果最强,达到了74.97%。水稻盆栽试验结果表明：喷施菌株XSY10次生代谢产物7d后,对水稻纹枯病的防治效果为34.77%。以上试验结果说明喜树内生真菌XSY10对植物病害的防治具有一定的功效。     

New Cytotoxic Bibenzyl and Other Constituents from Bauhinia ungulata L. (Fabaceae)

A new bibenzyl, 2′‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐methylbibenzyl ( 1 ) and four known compounds identified as 2′‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybibenzyl ( 2 ), liquiritigenin ( 3 ), guibourtinidol ( 4 ) and fisetinidol ( 5 ) were isolated from the roots of Bauhinia ungulata L. Phytochemical investigations of the stems of B. ungulata led to the isolation of the known compounds identified as liquiritigenin ( 3 ), guibourtinidol ( 4 ), fisetinidol ( 5 ), taraxerol ( 6 ), betulinic acid ( 7 ), taraxerone ( 8 ), glutinol ( 9 ), a mixture of sitosterol ( 10 ) and stigmasterol ( 11 ), pacharin ( 12 ), naringenin ( 13 ) and eriodictyol ( 14 ). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data (IR, MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR). The cytotoxicity of the bibenzyl 1 has been evaluated against four human cancer cell lines, showing the IC₅₀ values of 4.3 and 6.5 μg ml^?1 against pro‐myelocytic leukemia (HL‐60) and cervical adenocarcinoma (HEP‐2) cell lines, respectively. This article also registers for the first time the ¹³C‐NMR data of the known bibenzyl 2 .     

New Resorcinol Derivatives from a Sponge‐Derived Fungus Hansfordia sinuosae

Ten new resorcinol derivatives named hansfordiols A – J ( 1  –  10 ) were isolated from the fermentation broth of the sponge‐derived fungus Hansfordia sinuosae. High resolution electron ionization mass spectrometry, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and NMR techniques were used to elucidate the structures of these compounds, and the absolute configurations were established by the modified Mosher's method and their specific optical rotation. The structures of compounds 8  –  10 were featured with various chlorination at aromatic rings. Their antioxidant activities on ABTS, cytotoxicity on the HCT‐8, Bel‐7402, BGC‐823, A549, and A2780 cell lines, and antibacterial activities were evaluated.     

Characterization and comparison of toxin‐producing isolates of Dinophysis acuminata from New England and Canada

Following the identification of the first toxic isolate of Dinophysis acuminata from the northwestern Atlantic, we conducted detailed investigations into the morphology, phylogeny, physiology, and toxigenicity of three isolates from three sites within the northeastern U.S./Canada region: Eel Pond and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, and the Bay of Fundy. Another isolate, collected from the Gulf of Mexico, was grown under the same light, temperature, and prey conditions for comparison. Despite observed phenotypic heterogeneity, morphometrics and molecular evidence classified the three northwestern Atlantic isolates as D. acuminata Claparède & Lachmann, whereas the isolate from the Gulf of Mexico was morphologically identified as D. cf. ovum. Physiological and toxin analyses supported these classifications, with the three northwestern Atlantic isolates being more similar to each other with respect to growth rate, toxin profile, and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxin content (okadaic acid + dinophysistoxin 1/cell) than they were to the isolate from the Gulf of Mexico, which had toxin profiles similar to those published for D. cf. ovum F. Schütt. The DSP toxin content, 0.01–1.8 pg okadaic acid (OA) + dinophysistoxin (DTX1) per cell, of the three northwestern Atlantic isolates was low relative to other D. acuminata strains from elsewhere in the world, consistent with the relative scarcity of shellfish harvesting closures due to DSP toxins in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. If this pattern is repeated with the analyses of more geographically and temporally dispersed isolates from the region, it would appear that the risk of significant DSP toxin outbreaks in the northwestern Atlantic is low to moderate. Finally, the morphological, physiological, and toxicological variability within D. acuminata may reflect spatial (and/or temporal) population structure, and suggests that sub‐specific resolution may be helpful in characterizing bloom dynamics and predicting toxicity.     

Laticifers in Camptotheca acuminata Decne: distribution and structure

Summary. In this paper, a system of laticifers in Camptotheca acuminata Decne (Nyssaceae) is described. Laticifers were already present in the leaf primordia of the shoot apex. In the mature leaves, laticifers were found in the midrib and in the larger veins, both in the parenchymatic region delimited by vascular bundles and in the cortex just external to the phloem. In the stem, laticifers were present in both the primary and secondary body, running parallel to the longitudinal axis. They were located in the pith and in the cortex proximal to the phloem. No laticifers were found in the roots. The histochemical analyses indicated that the main compounds accumulated in laticifers were phenols. Neutral lipids and fatty acids were also present. Ultrastructural observations showed osmiophilic globules both in the vacuoles and in the peripheral regions of the cytoplasm of the laticifer cells. Plastids were present, although altered, with some parallel membranes and lacking starch grains. The discovery in C. acuminata of a laticifer system, which had never been described for the order Cornales, could be of taxonomic value, also considering that this order has traditionally represented one of the most problematic groups of flowering plants. Correspondence and reprints: Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale, Università “La Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.     

喜树毛状根的诱导及其喜树碱含量分析

研究了不同外植体类型(包括真叶、茎段、子叶及胚轴)、胚轴年龄和不同发根农杆菌菌株(包括A4、15834、R1601、C58C1)等因素对喜树毛状根诱导频率的影响,并用PCR对诱导出的毛状根进行了分子鉴定.结果表明:(1)最佳外植体为胚轴,5~10 d是胚轴最佳诱导年龄段,最佳诱导菌株为15834.(2)PCR鉴定结果表明,发根农杆菌的rolB基因已整合到喜树毛状根基因组中.(3)对不同菌株诱导的毛状根进行HPLC检测表明,C58C1菌株诱导的毛状根的喜树碱和羟基喜树碱含量最高,分别为1.219 mg/g和0.305 mg/g.研究结果为喜树碱的药源开发提供了一条新途径,并为进一步利用基因工程技术调控喜树碱的代谢合成奠定了基础.     

喜树内生放线菌多样性及抗菌活性评价

从采集于云南大学的喜树中分离到了90株内生放线菌,经16SrRNA基因序列分析鉴定,分布于6个科10个属。对所有分离到的菌株进行抗菌活性检测,发现33.4%的菌株有抗菌活性。通过PCR方法,检测了PKSⅠ、PKSⅡ和NRPS基因,阳性检出率分别为31.1%,48.9%和45.6%。     

Pollen limitation and Allee effect related to population size and sex ratio in the endangered Ottelia acuminata (Hydrocharitaceae): implications for conservation and reintroduction

Small populations may suffer more severe pollen limitation and result in Allee effects. Sex ratio may also affect pollination and reproduction success in dioecious species, which is always overlooked when performing conservation and reintroduction tasks. In this study, we investigated whether and how population size and sex ratio affected pollen limitation and reproduction in the endangered Ottelia acuminata, a dioecious submerged species. We established experimental plots with increasing population size and male sex ratio. We observed insect visitation, estimated pollen limitation by hand‐pollinations and counted fruit set and seed production per fruit. Fruit set and seed production decreased significantly in small populations due to pollinator scarcity and thus suffered more severe pollen limitation. Although frequently visited, female‐biased larger populations also suffered severe pollen limitation due to few effective visits and insufficient pollen availability. Rising male ratio enhanced pollination service and hence reproduction. Unexpectedly, pollinator preferences did not cause reduced reproduction in male‐biased populations because of high pollen availability. However, reproductive outputs showed more variability in severe male‐biased populations. Our results revealed two component Allee effects in fruit set and seed production, mediated by pollen limitation in O. acuminata. Moreover, reproduction decreased significantly in larger female‐biased populations, increasing the risk of an Allee effect.     

影响喜树组织培养苗离体生根的因素

为了建立有效的喜树(Camptotheca acuminata)组培苗生根系统,提高其移栽成活率及适应性,用不同生长素种类及浓度、不同蔗糖浓度及不同培养基对喜树组培苗不定根形成影响以及移栽初期根系发育状况进行了研究.结果发现:1)生长素种类和浓度明显影响喜树组培苗不定根形成,在含有IBA0.5 mg·L-1培养基中取得了最佳生根效果,生根率达到了98%,外植体平均生根数为5.9条/株;2)不同浓度蔗糖对喜树组培苗生根也有一定影响,在10～30 g·L-1范围内,随着蔗糖浓度增加,生根百分率和生根数量都有增加,蔗糖浓度达到30 g·L-1时,生根百分率为95%,外植体平均生根数为5.4条/株;蔗糖浓度在40 g·L-1时,表现出对生根抑制作用;3)在基本培养基对喜树组培苗生根影响研究中发现,MS培养基对根形成表现出一定抑制作用;1/2MS和WPM培养基均适合喜树组培苗生根;4)根系发育正常的喜树组培苗移栽后成活率可达96%,但组培苗根系根毛系统发育较差.组培苗单位叶面积根尖数量显著低于对照实生苗,而且此参数与叶片气孔导度呈显著正相关.这种较差根系发育导致叶片气孔导度过低可能是组培苗叶片光合能力较低的重要原因.     

喜树产10-羟基喜树碱内生真菌的分离鉴定

采用组织块法从喜树(Camptotheca acuminata Decne.)果实中分离筛选得到13株纯化的内生菌株.经过摇瓶发酵培养后,采用TLC法与HPLC法对其菌丝体提取物进行分析,发现有1株菌株能够产生10-羟基喜树碱(10-hydroxycamptothecin,HCPT),其10-羟基喜树碱产量为677 μg/L,并将该菌株命名为XK001.对菌株XK001菌落、菌丝体和孢子的有无进行观察研究,表明菌株XK001暂属于无孢菌群(Mycelia sterlia).     

接种时期对丛枝菌根喜树幼苗喜树碱含量的影响

喜树(Camptotheca acuminata)是我国特有的多年生亚热带落叶阔叶树种, 因其次生代谢产物喜树碱具有良好的抗肿瘤活性而受到人们的广泛关注。通过温室盆栽接种试验, 观察了喜树幼苗不同生长时期接种蜜色无梗囊霉(Acaulospora mellea)和根内球囊霉(Glomus intraradices)对喜树幼苗喜树碱积累的影响。结果表明接种两种丛枝菌根真菌均促进了喜树幼苗喜树碱的积累, 表现为喜树碱产量(单株幼苗所含的喜树碱量, 喜树碱含量与幼苗生物量的乘积)的显著提高。进一步分析发现, 接种丛枝菌根真菌导致幼喜树苗喜树碱产量的提高, 早期(幼苗出土20天)接种主要是源于喜树碱含量的提高, 特别是叶片喜树碱含量的提高, 而晚期(幼苗出土60天)接种则主要是源于幼苗生物量的增加。