Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics reveals the mechanism of CaCl_(2)-HCl electrolyzed water-induced glucosinolate biosynthesis in broccoli sprouts

Glucosinolates are important phytochemicals in Brassicaceae.We investigated the effect of CaCl_(2)-HCl electrolyzed water(CHEW)on glucosinolates biosynthesis in broccoli sprouts.The results showed that CHEW treatment significantly decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS)and malondialdeh yde(MDA)contents in broccoli sprouts.On the the 8^(th)day,compared to tap water treatment,the the total glucosinolate content of broccoli sprouts with CHEW treatment increased by 10.6%and calcium content was dramatically enhanced from 14.4 mg/g DW to 22.7 mg/g DW.Comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that CHEW treatment activated ROS and calcium signaling transduction pathways in broccoli sprouts and they interacted through MAPK cascades.Besides,CHEW treatment not only promoted the biosynthesis of amino acids,but also enhanced the expression of structural genes in glucosinolate synthesis through transcription factors(MYBs,bHLHs,WRKYs,etc.).The results of this study provided new insights into the regulatory network of glucosinolates biosynthesis in broccoli sprouts under CHEW treatment.

Effects of fresh-cut and storage on glucosinolates profile using broccoli as a case study

Glucosinolates(GLS) contribute to the unique flavour, nutrition, and plant defence of the Cruciferous vegetables. Understanding the GLS changes through postharvest processing is essential for defined preservation. In this study, four different fresh-cut types, whole flower(W),floret(F), quarterly cut floret(QF) and shredded floret(FS) of broccoli, were stored for 0, 1, 2 and 3 day(s) to explore GLS responses to postharvest treatments. As a result, seven GLS were identified, mainly including glucoraphanin(RAA), neoglucobrassicin(NEO), and glucobrassicin(GBC)and accounting for 52.69%, 20.12% and 14.99% of the total GLS(21.92 ± 0.48) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW, respectively. FS had the sharpest decrease in GLS after three days of storage(6.55 ± 0.37) μmol · g-1DW, while QF had the least(10.16 ± 0.33) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW. All GLS components decreased over storage, except for 4-methoxyglucobrassicin(4 ME) in FS and QF, suggesting its key role in serious wound defence. The results suggested certain postharvest approaches influenced the flavour and nutrition of broccoli.

Creating burdock polysaccharide-oleanolic acid-ursolic acid nanoparticles to deliver enhanced anti-inflammatory effects:fabrication,structural characterization and property evaluation

This study explored the potential of polysaccharides from Actium lappa(ALPs)as natural wall materials for producing ALP-based nanoparticles to deliver poorly water-soluble oleanolic acid(OA)and ursolic acid(UA).Encapsulating OA+UA with ALPs(ALP:OA+UA,50:1;OA:UA,1:1)changed the crystalline nature to a more amorphous state through hydrogen bonding and involving O-H/C-O/O-C-O groups.ALP-OA/UA nanoparticles had a particle size and zeta potential(in water)of 199.1 nm/-7.15 mV,with a narrow unimodal size distribution,and excellent pH,salt solution,temperature and storage stability.Compared with ALPs,ALPOA/UA nanoparticles showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity(especially at a dose of 100μg/mL)in a CuSO-induced zebrafish inflammation model via down-regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway and gene expression of associated transcription factors and cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-8).Therefore,ALP-based nanoparticles are natural and anti-inflammatory carriers for hydrophobic bioactive molecules.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses provide insights into postharvest ripening and senescence of tomato fruit under low temperature

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and is a model plant used to study the ripening of climacteric fleshy fruit.During the ripening process of tomato fruit,flavor and aroma metabolites,color,texture and plant hormones undergo significant changes.However,low temperatures delayed the ripening process of tomato fruit,inhibiting flavor compounds and ethylene production.Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses of tomato fruit stored under low temperature(LT,5°C)and room temperature(RT,25°C)were carried out to investigate the effects of storage temperature on the physiological changes in tomato fruit after harvest.The results of transcriptomics changes revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)involved in tomato fruit ripening,including several kinds of transcription factors(TFs)(TCP,WRKY,MYB and bZIP),enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism[beta-galactosidase(β-GAL),pectinesterase(PE)and pectate lyase(PL),cellulose and cellulose synthase(CESA)],enzymes associated with fruit flavor and aroma[acetyltransferase(AT),malic enzyme(ME),lipoxygenase(LOX),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)and hexokinase(HK)],genes associated with heat stress protein 70 and genes involved in the production of plant hormones such as Ethylene responsive factor 1(ERF1),Auxin/indoleacetic acids protein(AUX/IAA),gibberellin regulated protein.Based on the above results,we constructed a regulatory network model of the effects of different temperatures during the fruit ripening process.According to the analysis of the metabolomics results,it was found that the contents of many metabolites in tomato fruit were greatly affected by storage temperature,including,organic acids(L-tartaric acid,a-hydroxyisobutyric acid and 4-acetamidobutyric acid),sugars(melezitose,beta-Dlactose,D-sedoheptulose 7-phosphate,2-deoxyribose 1-phosphate and raffinose)and phenols(coniferin,curcumin and feruloylputrescine).This study revealed the effects of storage temperature on postharvest tomato fruit and provided a basis for further understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of fruit ripening.

Recoloring tomato fruit by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex gene editing

Fruit color is an important horticultural trait,which greatly affects consumer preferences.In tomato,fruit color is determined by the accumulation of different pigments,such as carotenoids in the pericarp and f lavonoids in the peel,along with the degradation of chlorophyll during fruit ripening.Since fruit color is a multigenic trait,it takes years to introgress all color-related genes in a single genetic background via traditional crossbreeding,and the avoidance of linkage drag during this process is difficult.Here,we proposed a rapid breeding strategy to generate tomato lines with different colored fruits from red-fruited materials by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex gene editing of three fruit color-related genes(PSY1,MYB12,and SGR1).Using this strategy,the red-fruited cultivar‘Ailsa Craig’has been engineered to a series of tomato genotypes with different fruit colors,including yellow,brown,pink,light-yellow,pink-brown,yellow-green,and light green.Compared with traditional crossbreeding,this strategy requires less time and can obtain transgene-free plants with different colored fruits in less than 1 year.Most importantly,it does not alter other important agronomic traits,like yield and fruit quality.Our strategy has great practical potential for tomato breeding and serves as a reference for improving multigene-controlled traits of horticultural crops.

Isomerization and bioaccessibility of cypermethrin and fenpropathrin in Pacific oyster during simulated digestion as influenced by domestic cooking methods

Pyrethroids can be ingested by humans through eating contaminated oysters,which is potentially harmful to health.This study aimed to investigate the effects of raw,steaming,and roasting on cypermethrin(CP)and fenpropathrin(FP)in oysters during simulated digestion.Results showed that the amount of released CP and FP was different from raw(CP:0.617μg·g−1,FP:0.266μg·g−1),steaming(CP:0.498μg·g−1,FP:0.660μg·g−1),and roasting(CP:1.186μg·g−1,FP:0.588μg·g−1)at the end of simulated digestion.The share of cis-CP and low-efficiency CP increased significantly(p<0.05),and the share of high-efficiency trans-CP did not maintain a high level for a long time during simulated digestion.The fluorimetric titration and isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed that CP and FP could spontaneously interact with oyster actin,and CP could bind with oyster actin more tightly than FP.This study reveals that cooking methods affect the binding capacity of CP and FP to oyster tissues and influence the changes of CP and FP in oysters during digestion.Furthermore,the current study provides a reference for assessing the potential harm of pyrethroids in oysters to consumers.

碱性橙与蛋白间的特异性与非特异性作用荧光光谱比较

将碱性橙与抗体的作用、碱性橙与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)间的作用分别作为特异性作用和非特异性作用模型,采用荧光光谱法固定激发波长为280 nm,扫描不同温度下碱性橙与抗体和牛血清白蛋白两种相互作用,在300～600 nm的发射波长,比较了两种相互作用的差异。结果表明,碱性橙与抗体结合为单一的静态猝灭过程,二者之间的作用力主要为静电作用力;在溶液中,二者以摩尔比1∶1结合,结合常数为3.88×104L/mol(25#C),3.73×104L/mol(37#C)和2.35×104L/mol(45#C);碱性橙距抗体分子色氨酸残基最短距离(r)为5.52 nm。碱性橙与BSA的结合也为静态猝灭,作用力为静电作用力。但碱性橙与抗体作用过程中形成了激基复合物,与BSA则不形成激基复合物。

Detection and analysis of the volatile components in the essential oils of Chrysanthemum and Opisthopappus species and their hybrid progeny

Chrysanthemum and Opisthopappus are genera that include perennial herbaceous floral species,including excellent varieties with strong fragrances resulting from long-term artificial selection.Thus,they are ornamentally and economically important flower resources.In this study,a water distillation method was used to extract essential oils from the inflorescences of Chrysanthemum and Opisthopappus wild resources and hybrid progeny with high essential oil contents(Chrysanthemum morifolium'xiangjin',C.morifolium'xiangyun',C.morifolium'xinjiboju',Opisthopappus taihangensis,Opisthopappus longilobus,Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium,and C.morifolium'minghuangju').The essential oil extraction rates were as follows:1.17‰,2‰,1.67‰,2.17‰,0.43‰,1‰,and 1.17‰.On the basis of HS-SPME-GC-MS(Headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry),225 volatile compounds were detected in the seven analyzed essential oil samples.Each essential oil had a relative volatile component content exceeding 0.3.The three most abundant compounds were olefins(46 types),alcohols(34 types),and esters(18 types).The volatile components with relatively high contents included thymol,D-camphor,pinene,eucalyptol,2-terpineol,terpineol,trans-caryophyllene,andβ-elemene.These volatile compounds have strong biological activities and are useful components of medicines and daily-use products.An evaluation of their antibacterial effects demonstrated that the essential oils of C.'xiangjin',C.'xiangyun',C.'xinjiboju',O.taihangensis,O.longilobus,and C.'minghuangju'inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli.The C.lavandulifolium essential oil inhibited the growth of Pectobacterium carotovorum.The results of this study will provide researchers with an important theoretical basis for the development and application of Chrysanthemum and Opisthopappus essential oils.

Screening and identifying natural products with SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitory activity from medicinal fungi

The coronavirus disease of 2019(COVID‐19),a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS‐CoV‐2),can result in severe health complications.In addition to physical preventative measures,pharmaceutical intervention is also crucial.Numerous natural products from medicinal fungi have shown promise as potential antiviral drugs and may serve as a source of effective components with antiviral activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and other coronaviruses.In this study,we developed a workflow that integrates viral infection inhibition assays at both cellular and molecular levels,as well as molecular separation and characterization,to screen and identify natural products with antiviral activity.Using this workflow,we screened 167 extracts extracted from 36 medicinal fungi using optimized extraction methods.We assessed the antiviral effects of these extracts by measuring their ability to inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and receptor binding domain‐human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2(RBD‐hACE2)binding in vitro.Following charge‐and size‐based characterization of the active compounds through filtration and chromatographic fractionation,mass spectrometry characterization of the fractionated compounds revealed that the active components are polysaccharides and determined their monosaccharide residue composition.Our findings provide new insights into the antiviral potential of natural products and their screening strategies and may contribute to the development of effective antiviral therapeutics against COVID‐19 and other diseases.

Minimization of methabenzthiazuron residues in leaching water using amended soils and photocatalytic treatment with TiO_2 and ZnO

In the present work, potential groundwater pollution by methabenzthiazuron （MTBU） and the effect of three different amendments （composted sheep manure, composted pine bark and spent coffee grounds） on its mobility were investigated under laboratory conditions. The efficiency of ZnO and TiO2 suspensions in the photocatalytic degradation of MTBU in leaching water was also investigated. The relative and cumulative breakthrough curves were obtained from disturbed soil columns. The presence and/or addition of organic matter drastically reduced the movement of the herbicide. On other hand, photocatalytic experiments showed that the addition of ZnO and TiO2 strongly enhances the degradation rate of this herbicide compared with the results of photolytic experiments under artificial light. ZnO appeared to be more effective in MTBU oxidation than TiO2. The results obtained point to the interest of using organic wastes and heterogeneous photocatalysis for reducing the pollution of groundwater by pesticide drainage.

FungalTraits:a user-friendly traits database of fungi and fungus-like stramenopiles

The cryptic lifestyle of most fungi necessitates molecular identification of the guild in environmental studies.Over the past decades,rapid development and affordability of molecular tools have tremendously improved insights of the fungal diversity in all ecosystems and habitats.Yet,in spite of the progress of molecular methods,knowledge about functional properties of the fungal taxa is vague and interpretation of environmental studies in an ecologically meaningful manner remains challenging.In order to facilitate functional assignments and ecological interpretation of environmental studies we introduce a user friendly traits and character database FungalTraits operating at genus and species hypothesis levels.Combining the information from previous efforts such as FUNGuild and FunFun together with involvement of expert knowledge,we reannotated 10,210 and 151 fungal and Stramenopila genera,respectively.This resulted in a stand-alone spreadsheet dataset covering 17 lifestyle related traits of fungal and Stramenopila genera,designed for rapid functional assignments of environmental stud-ies.In order to assign the trait states to fungal species hypotheses,the scientific community of experts manually categorised and assigned available trait information to 697,413 fungal ITS sequences.On the basis of those sequences we were able to summarise trait and host information into 92,623 fungal species hypotheses at 1%dissimilarity threshold.

Correction to:FungalTraits:a user friendly traits database of fungi and fungus-like stramenopiles

Correction to:Fungal Diversity(2020)105:116 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13225-020-00466-2 There were errors in the name of author LászlóG.Nagy and in affiliation no.31 in the original publication.The original article has been corrected.