Chemical biology: Paper alert

A selection of interesting papers that were published in the two months before our press date in major journals most likely to report significant results in chemical biology.     

A critical review on brain and heart axis response in COVID-19 patients: Molecular mechanisms,mediators, biomarkers,and therapeutics

Since the outbreak of highly virulent coronaviruses, significant interest was assessed to the brain and heart axis (BHA) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-affected patients. The majority of clinical reports accounted for unusual symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections which are of the neurological type, such as headache, nausea, dysgeusia, anosmia, and cerebral infarction. The SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. Patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and it has related to various cardiovascular (CV) complications. Infected patients with pre-existing CVDs are also particularly exposed to critical health outcomes. Overall, COVID-19 affected patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) and exposed to stressful environmental constraints, featured with a cluster of neurological and CV complications. In this review, we summarized the main contributions in the literature on how SARS-CoV-2 could interfere with the BHA and its role in affecting multiorgan disorders. Specifically, the central nervous system involvement, mainly in relation to CV alterations in COVID-19-affected patients, is considered. This review also emphasizes the biomarkers and therapy options for COVID-19 patients presenting with CV problems.     

Potential roles of scaling and post-anthesis developmental changes in the evolution of floral forms of Eucnide (Loasaceae)

Six of the fourteen species of Eucnide (Loasaceae) are investigated to understand the potential roles of size scaling and post-anthesis ontogenetic changes in the evolution of the floral diversity that characterizes the genus. Principal components analysis of quantitative aspects of mature flowers showed that most of the measured floral features strongly covary and that size was responsible for most of the quantitative variation among the investigated species. Size scaling trends were further investigated by using bivariate comparisons. Scaling trends are strongest among species of sect. Eucnide . Stamen and style length, the most strongly scaled features, have a nearly isometric relationship (slope = 1) in the evolution of the genus. Given this strict scaling which would probably promote self-pollination, it appears that cross-pollination in the genus is most likely to be associated with the evolution of large flowers, compounded by protogyny and differential elongation of stamens and style during post-anthesis ontogeny. Common changes during post-anthesis development include failure of the corolla to spread and variations in the relative elongation patterns of the corolla, stamens, and style.     

Aromatic constituents from Uvaria chamae

A novel monobenzylated monoterpene, chamanen, has been isolated from the root bark of Uvaria chamae. In addition, the dimethyl ether of thymoquinol     

Microbial transformation of primaquine by Candida tropicalis

The microbial metabolism of primaquine, a 6-methoxy-8-aminoquinoline antimalarial agent, was investigated. The yeast Candida tropicalis was found to convert primaquine to the previously reported N-acetylated derivative. On continued incubation of C. tropicalis in the presence of the N-acetylated derivative, a minor dimeric metabolite was formed. The proposed structure of the metabolite was based primarily on the analysis of its spectroscopic properties (1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and field-desorption mass spectrum). The structure of the metabolite was proven by direct comparison with an authentic sample of the minor dimeric metabolite prepared by treatment of the N-acetylated derivative with formaldehyde in the presence of formic acid in methanol.     

Implications of genetic heterogeneity for plant translocation during ecological restoration

Ecological restoration often requires translocating plant material from distant sites. Importing suitable plant material is important for successful establishment and persistence. Yet, published guidelines for seed transfer are available for very few species. Accurately predicting how transferred plants will perform requires multiyear and multi‐environment field trials and comprehensive follow‐up work, and is therefore infeasible given the number of species used in restoration programs. Alternative methods to predict the outcomes of seed transfer are valuable for species without published guidelines. In this study, we analyzed the genetic structure of an important shrub used in ecological restoration in the Southern Rocky Mountains called alder‐leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus). We sequenced DNA from 1,440 plants in 48 populations across a broad geographic range. We found that genetic heterogeneity among populations reflected the complex climate and topography across which the species is distributed. We identified temperature and precipitation variables that were useful predictors of genetic differentiation and can be used to generate seed transfer recommendations. These results will be valuable for defining management and restoration practices for mountain mahogany.