Article
Plant Sciences
So-Yon Park, Kohki Shimizu, Jocelyn Brown, Koh Aoki, James H. Westwood
Summary: Cuscuta spp. and their host plants exchange a large number of mRNAs bidirectionally, and these mRNAs may be translated in Cuscuta spp. It was found that host-derived GUS mRNAs are translated in C. campestris grown on Arabidopsis that expressed specific tRNA-like structures (TLSs), and this TLS fusion enhances RNA mobility in the host-parasite interactions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Arjan Banerjee, Sasa Stefanovic
Summary: Most species in Cuscuta subgenus Grammica retain photosynthesis-related plastid genes, but some holoparasitic species in section Subulatae may have lost their plastid genomes entirely.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Collin Hudzik, Sean Maguire, Shengxi Guan, Jeremy Held, Michael J. Axtell
Summary: Small regulatory RNAs can be transferred between organisms to regulate gene expression. It is unclear whether trans-species small RNAs are different from normal endogenous small RNAs of the source organism.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yong-Ge Yuan, Fang-Lei Gao, Fei-Hai Yu, Jun-Min Li, Mai-He Li
Summary: This study investigated the effects of water and phosphorus availability on the growth response of soybean plants under parasitism by Cuscuta australis. The results showed that water and phosphorus availability significantly influenced the deleterious effect of parasitism on soybean biomass. Higher water availability increased host tolerance, while higher phosphorus availability decreased host tolerance to parasites.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Verayuth Lertnattee, Bunyapa Wangwattana
Summary: By applying personalized learning and assessment in the Pharmacognosy Laboratory course, fourth-year pharmacy students performed better with the ability to select the learning styles and assessment methods that suited them best, leading to increased satisfaction, reduced stress, and higher scores.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chenglin Guo, Liuyan Qin, Yongling Ma, Jianlin Qin
Summary: The study identified differential metabolic and gene expression pathways between C. japonica interacting with the host plant and the non-host plant, providing insights into the metabolic mechanisms of dodder-host interactions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lyuben Zagorchev, Alexandra Atanasova, Kalina Pachedjieva, Anita Tosheva, Junmin Li, Denitsa Teofanova
Summary: The study found that Cuscuta species are highly sensitive to salt stress, while nonparasitic vines show greater adaptability after stress removal.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuexia Zhang, Yushi Zhang, Jiapeng Xing, Yajun Li, Yan Yang, Yubin Wang, Linjian Jiang, Mingcai Zhang, Zhaohu Li
Summary: In vitro dodder shoots actively grow for over 10 days, utilizing starch as an energy source in the basal stems and relying on glycolysis, TCA cycle, and pentose phosphate pathway for energy supply in shoot tip elongation. Efficient nutrient recycling and ROS modulation facilitate the parasitism of dodder by promoting shoot elongation growth to reach the host.
Article
Cell Biology
Lyuben Zagorchev, Alexandra Atanasova, Ivanela Albanova, Anelia Traianova, Petko Mladenov, Margarita Kouzmanova, Vasilij Goltsev, Hazem M. Kalaji, Denitsa Teofanova
Summary: Members of the genus Cuscuta are generally considered non-photosynthetic, but some may exhibit limited photosynthetic capabilities. Galls formed by Smicronyx weevils on Cuscuta campestris contain chlorophylls, especially in the inner cortex, indicating active photosynthetic machinery. This insect-induced photosynthesis in the gall is driven by increased nutrient requirements for larval nutrition.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katsuhisa Furuhashi, Koji Iwase, Takeshi Furuhashi
Summary: The study found that Cuscuta and Cassytha exhibit similar behavior to light cues, with blue light being crucial for twining and a lower far-red/red light ratio being important for haustoria induction. In terms of plant hormones, auxin and cytokinin appear to be especially important for twining and haustoria induction, while brassinolide showed no positive influence alone but contributed to twining when combined with cytokinin under dark conditions, indicating a cross-talk between brassinolide and cytokinin for twining.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yanxiang Lin, Pan Li, Yuchan Zhang, Delara Akhter, Ronghui Pan, Zhixi Fu, Mingqing Huang, Xiaobo Li, Yanlei Feng
Summary: Our study assembled and analyzed 22 new mitogenomes and 12 new plastomes in the Convolvulaceae family. We found variations in both the plastid and mitochondrial genomes of these plants that were rarely observed in other angiosperms. Dodders, in particular, showed gene and intron losses, duplications, structural variations, and insertions of foreign DNAs. The phylogeny reconstructed by plastid protein coding sequences confirmed the previous relationships of the tribes. The mitogenome in Cuscuta japonica was significantly larger and integrated massive DNAs from other species, while other dodders maintained small-sized mitogenomes, revealing diverse evolutionary strategies. Mutations unique to plants were found in the mitochondrial gene ccmFc, which has undergone gene fission and splicing shift. Our findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of Convolvulaceae and plant parasitism.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yu Wang, Jing Xu, Bin Hu, Chunxing Dong, Jin Sun, Zixian Li, Kangzhuo Ye, Fang Deng, Lulu Wang, Mohammad Aslam, Wenliang Lv, Yuan Qin, Yan Cheng
Summary: In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of the widely distributed coastal plant Ipomoea pes-caprae was reported for the first time, providing important genomic information for the molecular phylogeny of this species. Phylogenetic analysis of 28 Convolvulaceae chloroplast genomes revealed that I. pes-caprae is closely related to I. involucrata or I. obscura compared to other Convolvulaceae species. Furthermore, comparative analyses between Ipomoea species and Cuscuta species shed light on the mechanism underlying the formation of parasitic characteristics in Cuscuta species from the perspective of the chloroplast genome.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Min-Yao Jhu, Moran Farhi, Li Wang, Kristina Zumstein, Neelima R. Sinha
Summary: Parasitic weeds cause significant agricultural losses each year worldwide. This study investigates the tissue-specific gene regulatory mechanisms at the interface between the parasitic plant and host, providing insights for the development of parasite control strategies. The results reveal potential key regulators involved in parasitic plant haustorium organogenesis and host response, as well as the potential of developing a parasite-resistant system in tomatoes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pavel Neumann, Ludmila Oliveira, Jana Cizkova, Tae-Soo Jang, Sonja Klemme, Petr Novak, Katarzyna Stelmach, Andrea Koblizkova, Jaroslav Dolezel, Jiri Macas
Summary: The parasitic genus Cuscuta stands out for its unique centromere organization and genome size variations among plants. Monocentric Cuscuta species show a remarkable 102-fold variation in genome sizes, while holocentric species have more moderate sizes. The transition to holocentric chromosomes in Cuscuta is associated with changes in epigenetic marks, chromosome number, and repetitive DNA sequence composition.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kunzi Yu, Wei Liu, Nanping Zhang, Xianlong Cheng, Shiyu Zhou, Tiantian Zuo, Shuai Kang, Feng Wei, Shuangcheng Ma
Summary: A comparative microscopic study was conducted on three quality grades of Maidong, resulting in the establishment of a quantification method based on the area ratio between xylem and pith to distinguish the three quality grades. Subsequent evaluation of Maidong from regional markets using this method showcased the potential for quality improvement in Maidong through microscopic technology.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sueun Lee, Young Hye Seo, Jun Ho Song, Wook Jin Kim, Ji Hye Lee, Byeong Cheol Moon, Mary Jasmin Ang, Sung Ho Kim, Changjong Moon, Jun Lee, Joong Sun Kim
Summary: The study showed that the water extract of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBWE) has a significant therapeutic effect against trimethyltin-induced seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration, likely through its antioxidative properties. Furthermore, six major compounds isolated from PBWE, including inosine and benzoic acid, were confirmed to have essential antioxidative activity, suggesting the potential pharmacotherapeutic use of PBWE in neurodegenerative diseases such as seizures or epilepsy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Min-Jung Kong, Jun-Ho Song, Suk-Pyo Hong
Summary: Pollen morphology plays a crucial role in defining taxa within Persicaria section Cephalophilon and related species, with aperture types, pollen size, and detailed exine ornamentation being key distinguishing features. The presence or absence of orbicules, along with characteristics such as pollen shape and surface texture, provide additional evidence for clarifying taxonomic positions within the studied taxa of Koenigia. Overall, these findings highlight the systematic importance of pollen characteristics in distinguishing between taxa and supporting taxonomic classifications.
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
JUN-HO SONG, SUK-PYO HONG
Summary: This study presented a taxonomic revision of the genus Sorbaria with a new infrageneric classification, recognizing four species and five varieties. The classification was based on morphological, micromorphological, and palynological evidence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seung Mok Ryu, Hyeon-hwa Nam, Joong Sun Kim, Jun-ho Song, Young Hye Seo, Hyo Seon Kim, A. Yeong Lee, Wook Jin Kim, Dongho Lee, Byeong Cheol Moon, Jun Lee
Summary: Three new N-acetyldopamine derivatives were isolated from Tenodera angustipennis egg cases, showing strong antioxidant activities, with compound 2 displaying the highest activity. Additionally, compounds 1a, 1b, and 2 also exhibited the ability to inhibit intracellular reactive oxygen species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gunhyuk Park, Byeong Cheol Moon, Goya Choi, Hye-Sun Lim
Summary: The study showed that Cera Flava can alleviate AD-like skin lesions by modulating immune responses, reducing levels of inflammatory factors, and affecting skin barrier function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Endang Rahmat, Inkyu Park, Youngmin Kang
Summary: The new yeast strain Metschnikowia persimmonesis KCTC 12991 BP demonstrates strong antimicrobial activity, potentially linked to secondary metabolites in its genome. Following high-quality whole-genome assembly, M. persimmonesis is identified as a novel species within the Metschnikowia genus.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Inkyu Park, Jun-Ho Song, Sungyu Yang, Sungwook Chae, Byeong Cheol Moon
Summary: Trichosanthes is a genus of Cucurbitaceae with medicinal value, commonly used in Korean traditional herbal medicines. Despite their herbal applications, genomic information of the genus is limited. This study aims to evaluate the taxonomy of Trichosanthes and provide molecular markers specific for different varieties to prevent confusion and adulteration in commercial medicinal products.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Inkyu Park, Junho Song, Sungyu Yang, Goya Choi, Byeongcheol Moon
Summary: Sanguisorba, commonly known as burnet, is a plant genus in the Rosaceae family native to temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere, with five species in Korea. Despite being a medicinal remedy in Chinese and Korean Herbal Pharmacopeias, there is still uncertainty about the morphological, genomic, and genetic characteristics of Sanguisorba. The comprehensive study revealed diagnostic values in floral micromorphology, palynology, and complete chloroplast genome analysis, leading to the development of new DNA barcodes for species identification. This study provides valuable information for future research on S. officinalis, positioning it as an important medicinal resource.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Min-Kyeong Oak, Sungyu Yang, Goya Choi, Jun-Ho Song
Summary: The pollen of Piperales varies in size, with consistent aperture types and exine ornamentation within genera. Orbicules, minute sporopollenin granules, may be a possible ancestral characteristic of Piperales. The cluster analysis results using palynological characters are generally congruent with the known molecular phylogeny of Piperales.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Young Moon Kim, Shukherdorj Baasanmunkh, Jun-Ho Song, Sungyu Yang, Dong Chan Son, Hyeok Jae Choi
Summary: The genus Philadelphus in South Korea was critically revised based on morphological characteristics and it was found that certain features are insufficient for species recognition. Several synonyms were confirmed and a species was excluded from the Korean flora.
JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Inkyu Park, Bokyung Choi, Hanna Weiss-Schneeweiss, Soonku So, Hyeon-Ho Myeong, Tae-Soo Jang
Summary: This study conducted comparative analyses on the karyotypes of three Iris species in Korea, with an emphasis on the number and localization of 5S and 35S rDNA loci using FISH. The chloroplast genomes of the same individuals were also sequenced and compared. The results provide important insights into the origin of the progenitor species and the genomes of Iris series Chinenses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jun-Ho Song, Hyeon-Hwa Nam, Inkyu Park, Sungyu Yang, Jin Mi Chun, Yun-Soo Seo, Hyun-Yong Kim, Byeong Cheol Moon, Sohi Kang, Changjong Moon, Seong-IL Kang, Ji Hoon Song, Joong-Sun Kim
Summary: This study investigated the morphological and micromorphological differences between Agastache rugosa grown on islands and inland areas, as well as their pharmacological effects on gastritis. The results showed that island A. rugosa had smaller plants and leaves but higher density of trichomes compared to inland A. rugosa. Analysis of essential oil components revealed higher levels of pulegone in island A. rugosa. Both island and inland A. rugosa effectively reduced gastric damages and expression of inflammatory protein. The study suggests that there are quantitative differences between island and inland plants, but their gastritis-inhibitory effects are similar.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kyu-Chan Shim, Yuna Kang, Jun-Ho Song, Ye Jin Kim, Jae Kwang Kim, Changsoo Kim, Thomas H. Tai, Inkyu Park, Sang-Nag Ahn
Summary: In this study, a lethal, chlorophyll-deficient, yellow seedling (YS) phenotype was identified in the progeny of a backcross between a Korean japonica variety and another rice variety. The mutant phenotype was consistent with a recessive mutation and was characterized by loosely arranged mesophyll cells and the absence of chloroplast development. A 2-bp deletion in the OsCHLI gene, which encodes a subunit of magnesium-chelatase, was identified as the cause of the phenotype.
Article
Horticulture
Sungyu Yang, Goya Choi, Jun-Ho Song
Summary: This study analyzed the morphological, anatomical, micromorphological, and palynological characteristics of D. mariesii and presented an expanded and updated description. The obtained results provide systematic data for the phylogeny of Davalliaceae and establish a basis for future taxonomic delimitation.
