Epigenetic changes in the regulation of carotenoid metabolism during honeysuckle flower development

Flower development is one of the most vital pathways in plant development, during which the epigenetic regulation of gene expression is essential. DNA methylation, the most conserved epigenetic modification, participates in gene expression regulation and transposable element silencing. Honeysuckle(Lonicera japonica) is an important medicinal plant renowned for its colorful and fragrant flowers. Honeysuckle flowers change color from white to gold as a result of carotenoid accumulation during development. However, the role of DNA methylation in flower color changes is not well understood in L. japonica. Here, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing during flowering development in honeysuckle. The results showed that a decrease in the levels of genome-wide average DNA methylation during flower development and changes in DNA methylation were associated with the expression of demethylase genes. Moreover, many genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation, such as Lj PSY1, LjPDS1, LjLCYE, and LjCCD4, have altered expression levels because of hypomethylation, indicating that DNA methylation plays an important role in flower color changes in honeysuckle. Taken together, our data provide epigenetic insights into flower development and color change in honeysuckles.

Multiomics comparison among populations of three plant sources of Amomi Fructus

Amomi Fructus(Sharen,AF)is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)from three source species(or varieties),including Wurfbainia villosa var.villosa(WVV),W.villosa var.xanthioides(WVX),or W.longiligularis(WL).Among them,WVV has been transplanted from its top-geoherb region,Guangdong,to its current main production area,Yunnan,for>50 years in China.However,the genetic and transcriptomic differentiation among multiple AF source species(or varieties)and between the origin and transplanted populations of WVV is unknown.In our study,the observed overall higher expression of terpenoid biosynthesis genes in WVV than in WVX provided possible evidence for the better pharmacological effect of WVV.We also screened six candidate borneol dehydrogenases(BDHs)that potentially catalyzed borneol into camphor in WVV and functionally verified them.Highly expressed genes at the P2 stage of WVV,Wv05G1424 and Wv05G1438,were capable of catalyzing the formation of camphor from(+)-borneol,(-)-borneol and DL-isoborneol.Moreover,the BDH genes may experience independent evolution after acquiring the ancestral copies,and the following tandem duplications might account for the abundant camphor content in WVV.Furthermore,four populations of WVV,WVX,and WL are genetically differentiated,and the gene flow from WVX to WVV in Yunnan contributed to the greater genetic diversity in the introduced population(WVV-JH)than in its top-geoherb region(WVV-YC),which showed the lowest genetic diversity and might undergo genetic degradation.In addition,terpene synthesis(TPS)and BDH genes were selected among populations of multiple AF source species(or varieties)and between the top-and non-top-geoherb regions,which might explain the difference in metabolites between these populations.Our findings provide important guidance for the conservation,genetic improvement,and industrial development of the three source species(or varieties)and for identifying top-geoherbalism with molecular markers,and proper clinical application of AF.

Distribution patterns and industry planning of commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal plants in China

Medicinal plants are the primary material basis for disease prevention and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).The conservation and sustainable utilization of these medicinal plants is critical for the development of the TCM industry.However,wild medicinal plant resources have sharply declined in recent decades.To ameliorate the shortage of medicinal plant resources,it is essential to explore the development potential of the TCM industry in different geographical regions.For this purpose,we examined the spatial distribution of commonly used medicinal plants in China,the number of Chinese medicinal material markets,and the number of TCM decoction piece enterprises.Specifically,multispecies superimposition analysis and Thiessen polygons were used to reveal the optimal range for planting bulk medicinal plants and the ideal regions for building Chinese medicinal material markets,respectively.Furthermore,we quantitatively analyzed mismatches between the spatial distribution of commonly used medicinal plant richness,Chinese medicinal material markets,and TCM decoction piece enterprises.We found that the areas suitable for growing commonly used medicinal plants in China were mainly distributed in Hengduan Mountain,Nanling Mountain,Wuling Mountain,and Daba Mountain areas.The Thiessen polygon network based on Chinese medicinal material market localities showed there are currently fewer markets in southwestern,northwestern,and northeastern China than in central and southern China.TCM decoction piece enterprises are concentrated in a few provinces,such as Hebei and Jiangxi.We found that the distribution of commonly used medicinal plants,Chinese medicinal material markets and TCM decoction piece enterprises are mismatched in Henan,Shaanxi,Hunan,Hubei,Zhejiang,Fujian,Chongqing,and Xizang.We recommend strengthening development of the TCM industry in Henan,Hunan,Zhejiang,Shaanxi,Hubei,Chongqing,Fujian,and Xizang;building more Chinese medicinal material markets in southwestern,northwestern,and northeastern China;and establishing medicinal plant nurseries in resource-rich provinces to better protect and domesticate local medicinal plants.

Antidepressant effects of Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) extract on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in rats: modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathway

Objective To investigate the antidepressant effects of Yuanzhi(Polygalae Radix;PR)aqueous extract on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression rat models and the underlying mechanisms.Methods A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into control;model;low dose of PR(PR-L;0.5 g/kg);high dose of PR(PR-H;1 g/kg);and fluoxetine(10 mg/kg)groups;with 8 rats in each group.Except for the rats in control group;those in the other four groups underwent CUMS-induced depression modeling.PR and fluoxetine were administered intragastrically once daily;30 min prior to the CUMS procedure;for 14 consecu-tive days until the behavioral tests were performed.After CUMS modeling;the sucrose prefer-ence test(SPT);open field test(OFT);novelty-suppressed feeding test(NSFT);forced swim test(FST);and tail suspension test(TST)were employed to assess the pharmacological ef-fects of PR on the mitigation of depressive-like behaviors in rat models.Additionally;the en-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was utilized to quantify the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α;interleukin(IL)-6;and IL-1βin the rats.Western blot analysis was al-so conducted to evaluate the protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB);in-ducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS);cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2);nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3);apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain(ASC);and caspase-1 in the hippocampal tissues of the rats.Immunofluorescence staining was per-formed to observe the morphological changes in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 positive(Iba-1+)cells in the dentate gyrus(DG)of rats with CUMS-induced depression.Results(i)Treatment with PR-H and fluoxetine resulted in significant enhancements in both the total distance and time the rats moved during tests(P<0.01 and P<0.05;respectively).Post-administration of PR-H and fluoxetine also led to statistically significant increase in su-crose preference among rats(P<0.05).Besides;PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine treatment markedly decreased the latency of ingestion(P<0.05;P<0.05;and P<0.01;respectively).As observed from the FST;PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine presented antidepressant effects on rats with CUMS-induced depression;leading to the reduction in time of their immobility(P<0.05;P<0.01;and P<0.01;respectively).The results of TST indicated reduced immobility time in rats receiving PR-H and fluoxetine treatment as well(P<0.01).(ii)Rats in model group showed an increase in the levels of Iba-1+microglia in their left and right brains in compari-son with control group(P<0.01).However;such increase was negated post PR treatment(P<0.01).Treatment with PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine considerably reduced the levels of inflam-matory factors(TNF-α;IL-1β;and IL-6;P<0.01).In addition;treatment of PR-L and PR-H ef-fectively counteracted the elevated levels of NLRP3;ASC;and caspase-1;and markedly down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated p65(p-p65);COX-2;and iNOS in rats’hip-pocampus(P<0.01).Conclusion Collectively;these findings indicate that PR exerts an antidepressant effect on rats with CUMS-induced depression partially through the modulation of the NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Perspective and challenges of mycorrhizal symbiosis in orchid medicinal plants

The family Orchidaceae is of the most diverse taxon in the plant kingdom,and most of its members are highly valuable herbal medicines.Orchids have a unique mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship with specific fungi for carbohydrate and nutrient supplies in their whole lifecycle.The large-scale cultivation of the medicinal plant Gastodia elata is a successful example of using mycorrhizal symbiotic technology.In this review,we adopted G.elata and Dendrobium officinale as examples to describe the characteristics of orchid mycorrhiza and mycorrhizal benefits for host plants’growth and health(e.g.biotic and abiotic stress and secondary metabolite accumulation).The challenges in applying mycorrhizal technology to the cultivation of orchid medicinal plants in the future were also discussed.This review aims to serve as a theoretical guide for the cultivation of mycorrhizal technology in medicinal orchid plants.

Strategies on biosynthesis and production of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are a valuable source of essential medicines and herbal products for healthcare and disease therapy.Compared with chemical synthesis and extraction,the biosynthesis of natural products is a very promising alternative for the successful conservation of medicinal plants,and its rapid development will greatly facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants.Here,we summarize the advances in strategies and methods concerning the biosynthesis and production of natural products of medicinal plants.The strategies and methods mainly include genetic engineering,plant cell culture engineering,metabolic engineering,and synthetic biology based on multiple“OMICS”technologies,with paradigms for the biosynthesis of terpenoids and alkaloids.We also highlight the biosynthetic approaches and discuss progress in the production of some valuable natural products,exemplifying compounds such as vindoline(alkaloid),artemisinin and paclitaxel(terpenoids),to illustrate the power of biotechnology in medicinal plants.

Advances in Researches on Chemical Composition and Functions of Hemerocallis Plants

The genus Hemerocallis is a kind of perennial herbaceous plants of Liliaceae and consists of about 15 species in the world,11 of which can be found in China. Some species of Hemerocallis are widely cultivated for medicinal,edible and ornamental application. Considerable progress had been made in researches on chemical composition and functions of Hemerocallis plants. Previous phytochemical studies on Hemerocallis plants have demonstrated the presence of flavonoids,anthraquinones,alkaloids,terpenoids,triterpenes and triterpenoid saponins,caffeoylquinic acid derivatives,naphthalene glycosides,steroid and steroidal saponins,phenylethanoid glycosides,and lignans. Functional activities of Hemerocallis plants are mainly manifested in sedative hypnotic,antidepressant,antioxidant,anti-tumor,hepatoprotective,antibacterial and insecticidal activities. Chemical composition of Hemerocallis plants is various,and structural type is rich,and has a variety of significant functional activities,so it is worth further study.

Rapid Authentication of the Poisonous Plant Gelsemium elegans by Combining Filter-Paper-Based DNA Extraction and RPA–LFD Detection

Numerous plants and animals are edible and officinal,but some can be poisonous.There is sometimes confusion between poisonous and non-poisonous materials because of similarities in their morphologies.Consequently,the unwitting intake of poisonous plant or animal material has resulted in poisoning cases and sometimes in death,especially for situation in the wild.Rapid and accurate authentication of toxic species is essential for establishing and adopting optimal and urgent treatment for patients in such cases,and can be life-saving or can at least minimize the damage to health.Unfortunately,most of the current species authentication methods,including DNA barcoding,loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP),chromatography technologies,and other methods,depend on professional equipment and a specialist laboratory,which are impracticable for real-time application in the field.It is therefore crucial to develop a rapid,accurate,and specific authentication method for poisonous species that does not require any equipment.

Diversity of Tropical Plant Resources in Yunnan Province and Its Conservation

Tropical regions in Yunnan Province are endowed with abundant biodiversity resources, and the number and application range of plants are increasing gradually with local development. Based on the fi eld investigation, laboratory specimen identifi cation, establishment of voucher specimen and relevant documents, tropical plant resources in Yunnan Province were analyzed systematically. Tropical plant resources in Yunnan have great social and economic benefi ts, so we should explore reasonable development and sustainable utilization of local resources. Further exploration of the status of tropical plant resources in Yunnan, the risk factors and conservation measures were important.

Temporal transcriptomics reveal the molecular mechanism of dormancy and germination regulated by temperature in Paris polyphylla seed

The mature seed of Paris polyphylla var.chinensis(PPC)is morphophysiologically dormant and develops differently under warm and cold temperatures.To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying temperature-dependent regulation of PPC seed dormancy and germination,we investigated the dynamic changes in PPC seed transcript levels under warm and cold temperature stratifications(WS and CS,respectively)by time-resolved RNA sequencing,focusing on genes related to hormone metabolism and signaling and cell wall remodeling(CWRM)and encoding transcription factors/regulators(TFs/TRs).A total of 48765 and 47836 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were associated with WS and CS,respectively.Of these,17581 and 16652 DEGs,respectively,unique to WS and CS,and 5386 were common to both temperature stratifications across nine analyzed growth stages.The expression of hormone metabolism and signaling,TF/TR,and CWRM genes were closely associated with temperature.More genes related to gibberellin(GA),cytokinin,auxin,and brassinosteroid biosynthetic were upregulated in WS as compared to CS seeds,while genes related to dormancy release and germination were downregulated in WS seeds.However,only GA and abscisic acid levels were altered in PPC seeds breaking morphophysiological dormancy(MPD).Overall,37 TF and five TR families were upregulated whereas 24 TF and 16 TR families were downregulated in WS as compared to CS seeds.Most CWRM families were highly expressed under WS as compared to CS,suggesting that they promote endosperm weakening and embryo growth of WS seeds and facilitate MPD release and germination.A coexpression analysis revealed positive correlations between TFs/TRs and DEGs involved in hormone metabolism and signaling and CWRM.These results provided a basis for investigating the interaction between the endosperm and underdeveloped embryo in the regulation of PPC seed germination and seedling emergence.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Salvia miltiorrhiza with orange roots uncovers the role of Sm2OGD3 in catalyzing 15,16-dehydrogenation of tanshinones

Salvia miltiorrhiza is well known for its clinical practice in treating heart and cardiovascular diseases.Its roots,used for traditional Chinese medicine materials,are usually brick-red due to accumulation of red pigments,such as tanshinone IIA and tanshinone I.Here we report a S.miltiorrhiza line(shh)with orange roots.Compared with the red roots of normal S.miltiorrhiza plants,the contents of tanshinones with a single bond at C-15,16 were increased,whereas those with a double bond at C-15,16 were significantly decreased in shh.We assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of shh.Phylogenomic analysis showed that the relationship between two S.miltiorrhiza lines with red roots was closer than the relationship with shh.It indicates that shh could not be the mutant of an extant S.miltiorrhiza line with red roots.Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that a 1.0 kb DNA fragment was deleted in shh Sm2OGD3m.Complementation assay showed that overexpression of intact Sm2OGD3 in shh hairy roots recovered furan D-ring tanshinone accumulation.Consistently,in vitro protein assay showed that Sm2OGD3 catalyzed the conversion of cyptotanshinone,15,16-dihydrotanshinone I and 1,2,15,16-tetrahydrotanshinone I into tanshinone IIA,tanshinone I and 1,2-dihydrotanshinone I,respectively.Thus,Sm2OGD3 functions as tanshinone 15,16-dehydrogenase and is a key enzyme in tanshinone biosynthesis.The results provide novel insights into the metabolic network of medicinally important tanshinone compounds.

Comparative Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Four Origin Plants of Lonicerae Flos(Lonicera;Caprifoliaceae)

Lonicerae Flos(LF)derived from the dried flower buds or opening flowers of four Lonicera plants(Lonicera macranthoides,L.hypoglauca,L.confusa,and L.fulvotnetosa),is a popular traditional Chinese medicine.Because the four origin plants are very similar in morphology,it is difficult to control the quality of LF in actual production.Over the past decade,many reports have pointed out the differences among them,including the botanical characteristics and active ingredients.However,there is still a lack of rapid methods that can be applied to the identification of the four origins.In this study,comparative analysis of the four chloroplast genomes was performed,and they showed low diversity(Pi=0.00267),three variation hotspots regions(rbcL-accD,rps12-ndhF and rps12-trnN-trnG)were identified as potentially molecular marker of highly informative.Meanwhile,the most obvious difference in SSR comparative analysis is reverse and complement repeats were only identified in L.confusa and L.hypoglauca,respectively.Lastly,the phylogenetic tree showed that L.confusa is more closely related to L.fulvotnetosa,while L.macranthoides is closer to L.hypoglauca.This study systematically revealed the differences among the four chloroplast genomes,and it provides valuable genetic information for identifying the origin of LF.

Brief introduction to the historical development and therapeutic effects of cupping therapy in traditional Chinese medicine

Cupping therapy (CT) is an ancient traditional and complementary medicine practice. Recently, there has been a growing evidence of its potential benefits in the treatment of various diseases. The CT has been constantly developing with the emergence of various modern and improved cupping devices. It is now evident that cupping could adjust the Qi, blood, Yin and Yang, dredge the meridian, as well as relieve the effect of illness, achieve fitness and relative equilibrium of Yin-Yang. It exerts its effects through the negative pressure suction via the mechanical and thermal stimulations, and the negative pressure effects induced by cupping. This article gives an overview of CT practice, its historical development, as well as its therapeutic effects and mechanism. Furthermore, a new and updated classification of CT was briefly introduced.

Identifi cation of sesquiterpene synthase genes in the genome of Aquilaria sinensis and characterization of anα-humulene synthase

Sesquiterpenes are the major pharmacodynamic components of agarwood,a precious traditional Chinese medicine obtained from the resinous portions of Aquilaria sinensis trees that form in response to environmental stressors.To characterize the sesquiterpene synthases responsible for sesquiterpene production in A.sinensis,a bioinformatics analysis of the genome of A.sinensis identifi ed six new terpene synthase genes,and 16 sesquiterpene synthase genes were identifi ed as type TPS-a in a phylogenetic analysis.The expression patterns for eight of the sesquiterpene synthase genes after treatment with various hormones or hydrogen peroxide were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR.The results suggest that 100μM methyl jasmonate,ethephon,(±)-abscisic acid or hydrogen peroxide could be eff ective short-term eff ectors to increase the expression of sesquiterpene synthase genes,while 1 mM methyl salicylate may have long-term eff ects on increasing the expression of specifi c sesquiterpene synthase genes(e.g.,As-SesTPS,AsVS,AsTPS12 and AsTPS29).The expression changes in these genes under various conditions refl ected their specifi c roles during abiotic or biotic stresses.Heterologous expression of a novel A.sinensis sesquiterpene synthase gene,AsTPS2,in Escherichia coli produced a major humulene product,so AsTPS2 is renamed AsHS1.AsHS1 is diff erent from ASS1,AsSesTPS,and AsVS,for mainly producingα-humulene.Based on the predicted space conformation of the AsHS1 model,the small ligand molecule may bind to the free amino acid by hydrogen bonding for the catalytic function of the enzyme,while the substrate farnesyl diphosphate(FPP)probably binds to the free amino acid on one side of the RxR motif.Arg450,Asp453,Asp454,Thr457,and Glu461 from the NSE/DTE motif and D307 and D311 from the DDxxD motif were found to form a polar interaction with two Mg^(2+)clusters by docking.The Mg^(2+)-bound DDxxD and NSE/DTE motifs and the free RXR motif are jointly directed into the catalytic pocket of AsHS1.Comparison of the tertiary structural models of AsHS1 with ASS1 showed that they diff ered in structures in several positions,such as surrounding the secondary catalytic pocket,which may lead to diff erences in catalytic products.Based on the results,biosynthetic pathways for specifi c sesquiterpenes such asα-humulene in A.sinensis are proposed.This study provides novel insights into the functions of the sesquiterpene synthases of A.sinensis and enriches knowledge on agarwood formation.

Characteristics of Salvia miltiorrhiza methylome and the regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation in tanshinone biosynthesis

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a model medicinal plant with significant economic and medicinal value.Its roots produce a group of diterpenoid lipophilic bioactive components,termed tanshinones.Biosynthesis and regulation of tanshinones has attracted widespread interest.However,the methylome of S.miltiorrhiza has not been analysed and the regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation in tanshinone production is largely unknown.Here we report single-base resolution DNA methylomes from roots and leaves.Comparative analysis revealed differential methylation patterns for CG,CHG,and CHH contexts and the association between DNA methylation and the expression of genes and small RNAs.Lowly methylated genes always had higher expression levels and 24-nucleotide sRNAs could be key players in the RdDM pathway in S.miltiorrhiza.DNA methylation variation analysis showed that CHH methylation contributed mostly to the difference.Go enrichment analysis showed that diterpenoid biosynthetic process was significantly enriched for genes with downstream overlapping with hypoCHHDMR in July_root when comparing with those in March_root.Tanshinone biosynthesis-related enzyme genes,such as DXS2,CMK,IDI1,HMGR2,DXR,MDS,CYP76AH1,2OGD25,and CYP71D373,were less CHH methylated in gene promoters or downstream regions in roots collected in July than those collected in March.Consistently,gene expression was up-regulated in S.miltiorrhiza roots collected in July compared with March and the treatment of DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine significantly promoted tanshinone production.It suggests that DNA methylation plays a significant regulatory role in tanshinone biosynthesis in S.miltiorrhiza through changing the levels of CHH methylation in promoters or downstreams of key enzyme genes.

Characterization of Rheum palmatum mitochondrial genome and comparative analysis among Caryophyllales species

Objective:This work aimed to report the first complete mitochondrial genome(mitogenome)of Rheum palmatum,summarize the features of Caryophyllales mitogenomes,and to reveal the potential of utilizing the mitogenomes of R.palmatum and other Caryophyllales species for inferring phylogenetic relationships and species identification.Methods:Both Illumina short reads and PacBio HiFi reads were utilized to obtain a complete mitogenome of R.palmatum.A variety of bioinformatics tools were employed to characterize the R.palmatum mitogenome,compare the reported mitogenomes in Caryophyllales and conduct phylogenetic analysis.Results:The mitogenome of R.palmatum was assembled into a single master circle of 302,993 bp,encoding 35 known protein-coding genes,18 transfer RNA genes,and three ribosome RNA genes.A total of 249 long repeats and 49 simple sequence repeats were identified in this mitogenome.The sizes of mitogenomes in Caryophyllales varied from 253 kb to 11.3 Mb.Among them,23 mitogenomes were circular molecules,one was linear,and one consisted of relaxed circles,linear molecules,and supercoiled DNA.Out of the total mitogenomes,11 were single-chromosome structure,whereas the remaining 14 were multi-chromosomal organizations.The phylogenetic analysis is consistent with both the Engler system(1964)and the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III system.Conclusions:We obtained the first mitogenome of R.palmatum,which consists of a master circle.Mitogenomes in Caryophyllales have variable genome sizes and structures even within the same species.Circular molecules are still the dominant pattern in Caryophyllales.Single-chromosome mitogenomes account for nearly a half of all the mitogenomes in Caryophyllales,in contrast to previous studies.It is feasible to utilize mitochondrial genomes for inferring phylogenetic relationships and conducting species identification.

Promoter variations in DBR2-like affect artemisinin production in different chemotypes of Artemisia annua

Artemisia annua is the only known plant source of the potent antimalarial artemisinin,which occurs as the low-and high-artemisinin producing(LAP and HAP)chemotypes.Nevertheless,the different mechanisms of artemisinin producing between these two chemotypes were still not fully understood.Here,we performed a comprehensive analysis of genome resequencing,metabolome,and transcriptome data to systematically compare the difference in the LAP chemotype JL and HAP chemotype HAN.Metabolites analysis revealed that 72.18%of sesquiterpenes was highly accumulated in HAN compared to JL.Integrated omics analysis found a DBR2-Like(DBR2L)gene may be involved in artemisinin biosynthesis.DBR2L was highly homologous with DBR2,belonged to ORR3 family,and had the DBR2 activity of catalyzing artemisinic aldehyde to dihydroartemisinic aldehyde.Genome resequencing and promoter cloning revealed that complicated variations existed in DBR2L promoters among different varieties of A.annua and were clustered into three variation types.The promoter activity of diverse variant types showed obvious differences.Furthermore,the core region(-625 to 0)of the DBR2L promoter was identified and candidate transcription factors involved in DBR2L regulation were screened.Thus,the result indicates that DBR2L is another key enzyme involved in artemisinin biosynthesis.The promoter variation in DBR2L affects its expression level,and thereby may result in the different yield of artemisinin in varieties of A.annua.It provides a novel insight into the mechanism of artemisinin-producing difference in LAP and HAP chemotypes of A.annua,and will assist in a high yield of artemisinin in A.annua.

A comprehensive review of Huangqin(Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi)tea:chemical composition,functional properties and safety aspects

Huangqin tea(HQT),derived from the aerial parts of various Scutellaria species,in particular S.baicalensis Georgi,has a long history of traditional use in China.Its significance has grown in recent years due to its potential anti-aging,colon cancer chemopreventive,and cardiovascular protective properties.Huangqin tea source plants have identified over 295 chemical constituents,including flavonoids,essential oils,phenolic acids,sterols,diterpenes,polysaccharides,and amino acids.Pharmacological research has underscored the diverse beneficial effects of Huangqin tea and flavonoid extracts.These effects encompass anti-inflammatory,antiviral,anti-bacterial,antipyretic,and analgesic properties,along with neuroprotective effects and protection against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.Safety studies indicate that HQT is generally safe within recommended dosages and historical use.HQT presents multifaceted potential health benefits,though comprehensive research is necessary to ensure its effectiveness and safety in human applications.

Genetic diversity of food-medicinal Lycium spp.in China:Insights from chloroplast genome

Objective:Goji(fruits of Lycium spp.)is commonly consumed as food and medicine.The increasing market demand for goji has led to its wide cultivation and broad breeding,which might cause loss of genetic diversity.This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity of the cultivated and wild Lycium.Methods:The chloroplast genome(CPG)of 34 accessions of Chinese food-medicinal Lycium spp.,including the popular cultivars and their wild relatives,was re-sequenced and assembled,based on which the genetic diversity was evaluated.Results:Sequence structural comparison shows that CPG is comparatively conserved within species.Phylogenetic analysis indicates that CPG is sufficient for the discrimination of Lycium species;combined with nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer(Nr ITS)sequences,materials with mixed genetic backgrounds can be identified.Nucleotide diversity analysis reveals that the modern cultivars are probably with a common maternal parent,while the wild accessions are with higher level of genetic diversity.Conclusion:For the first time this study reveals the intraspecies genetic diversity of Lycium spp.using CPG,highlighting the urgent conservation demand of wild genetic resources of Lycium.Our study also demonstrates that CPG provides crucial evidence for identification of Lycium species with mixed genetic backgrounds and highlights the importance of the wild relatives in genetic diversity conservation.This CPG-based technology will contribute to the sustainable development of medicinal plants broadly.

27-Hydroxycholesterol/liver X receptor/apolipoprotein E mediates zearalenone-induced intestinal immunosuppression:A key target potentially linking zearalenone and cancer

Zearalenone(ZEN)is a mycotoxin that extensively contaminates food and feed,posing a significant threat to public health.However,the mechanisms behind ZEN-induced intestinal immunotoxicity remain unclear.In this study,Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were exposed to ZEN at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/day b.w.for a duration of 14 days.The results demonstrated that ZEN exposure led to notable pathological alterations and immunosuppression within the intestine.Furthermore,ZEN exposure caused a significant reduction in the levels of apolipoprotein E(ApoE)and liver X receptor(LXR)(P<0.05).Conversely,it upregulated the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)markers(P<0.05)and decreased the presence of 27-hydroxycholesterol(27-HC)in the intestine(P<0.05).It was observed that ApoE or LXR agonists were able to mitigate the immunosuppressive effects induced by ZEN.Additionally,a bioinformatics analysis highlighted that the downregulation of ApoE might elevate the susceptibility to colorectal,breast,and lung cancers.These findings underscore the crucial role of the 27-HC/LXR/ApoE axis disruption in ZEN-induced MDSCs proliferation and subsequent inhibition of T lymphocyte activation within the rat intestine.Notably,ApoE may emerge as a pivotal target linking ZEN exposure to cancer development.