Article
Plant Sciences
Matthias Freund, Dorothea Graus, Andreas Fleischmann, Kadeem J. Gilbert, Qianshi Lin, Tanya Renner, Christian Stigloher, Victor Albert, Rainer Hedrich, Kenji Fukushima
Summary: To survive in nutrient-poor environments, carnivorous plants have developed traps analogous to animal digestive systems to capture and digest small organisms. These traps modify plant-specific organs, such as leaves, to acquire the ability to break down and absorb nutrients. Digestive glands in carnivorous plants secrete enzymes and other substances to digest prey, while absorbing the released compounds for nutrient uptake.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mathias Scharmann, Andreas Wistuba, Alex Widmer
Summary: The evolutionary history of Nepenthes, a genus of around 160 species of carnivorous plants mainly found in tropical Asia, is around 5 million years old. The study confirms previous bifurcating phylogenies and reveals the importance of introgression and hybridization in plant evolution. Organellar capture, admixture graphs, and phylogenetic network analyses provide evidence of introgression events within and between different clades of the main radiation of Nepenthes.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camila T. M. N. Porfirio, Pedro F. N. Souza, Marcio V. Ramos, Francisco A. P. Campos, Samuel F. Freitas, Joao P. B. Oliveira, Gilvan P. Furtado, Jose S. S. Barbosa, Thalia L. Frota, Celso S. Nagano, Rodolpho G. G. Silva, Ghulam Hussain, Cleverson D. T. Freitas
Summary: This study partially characterized three serine carboxypeptidases from Nepenthes mirabilis and further analyzed one peptidase in terms of its allergenic potential. The results showed that these enzymes have similar structures and mechanisms to other plant serine peptidases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Biology
Urszula Krasuska, Agnieszka Wal, Pawel Staszek, Katarzyna Ciacka, Agnieszka Gniazdowska
Summary: Carnivorous plants attract and digest animals using specialised traps, with the involvement of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that play various roles in digestion, including antimicrobial activities and signal transduction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alberto Davila-Lara, Asifur Rahman-Soad, Michael Reichelt, Axel Mithofer
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between the pitcher plant Nepenthes x ventrata and the generalist lepidopteran herbivore Spodoptera littoralis using chemical analytics and feeding assays. The results showed that Nepenthes defends against herbivores through the compound plumbagin, which reduces weight gain in herbivore larvae. Additionally, inducible trypsin protease inhibitor activity was identified as another defense mechanism. Further research is needed to understand the regulation of these defenses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ondrej Kocab, Michaela Bacovcinova, Boris Bokor, Marek Sebela, Rene Lenobel, Caroline R. Schoner, Michael G. Schoner, Andrej Pavlovic
Summary: The Nepenthes hemsleyana, which feeds on faeces, requires less digestive enzymes compared to its close relative Nepenthes rafflesiana that relies on insects, but both species show upregulation of enzyme activity in response to faeces and insect feeding. Contrary to expectations, the final nepenthesin proteolytic activity in the digestive fluid is higher in response to faeces addition than to insect prey, indicating that faeces can mimic arthropod prey triggering the production of digestive enzymes and N. hemsleyana retained capacity for production of them.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Anne-Kristin Lenz, Ulrike Bauer
Summary: Carnivorous pitcher plants, such as Nepenthes gracilis, use raindrop impact energy to trigger a fast pivoting motion of the pitcher lid, capturing insects. Our study revealed distinct deformation patterns in the lid-trapping N. gracilis and pitfall-trapping N. rafflesiana, suggesting an anisotropic impact response that maximizes prey capture forces and dampens oscillation. The results highlight the importance of pitcher geometry in the effective trapping mechanism of N. gracilis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Andrej Pavlovic, Ondrej Kocab
Summary: The pitcher traps of Nepenthes species contain a high amount of AOX enzyme and a low amount of COX II enzyme, but have lower abundance of photosynthesis-related proteins. This finding reveals the important role of AOX in the traps.
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Mu'izzuddin Zulkapli, Nur Syatila Ab Ghani, Tiew Yik Ting, Wan Mohd Aizat, Hoe-Han Goh
Summary: The study utilized the PIT approach combined with Iso-Seq and LC-MS to compare protein compositions in the pitcher fluids of different Nepenthes species, revealing that the hybrid Nepenthes x hookeriana is more similar to Nepenthes rafflesiana. In addition to previously reported hydrolytic proteins, many new proteins with diverse predicted functions were identified.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rishiesvari Ravee, Anis Baharin, Weng-Tim Cho, Tiew-Yik Ting, Hoe-Han Goh
Summary: Nepenthes ampullaria, a unique carnivorous tropical pitcher plant, demonstrates distinct changes in protein composition and protease activity in its pitcher fluids during the early opening stages, with important proteins being replenished upon pitcher opening while prey-inducible chitinases are degraded in the absence of prey. This reflects a feedback mechanism and signaling in the molecular regulation of endogenous protein secretion, turnover, and activity in Nepenthes pitcher fluids. Additionally, new enzymes with potential roles in cell wall degradation were discovered, suggesting their contribution to the detritivory habit of N. ampullaria.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenji Fukushima
Summary: A recent study utilizes computational models to investigate the functional morphology of carnivorous trapping pitchers in Nepenthes, with a focus on the peristome. The study explores new dimensions in the relationship between form and function, offering theoretical insights into the role of complex trap morphology.
Article
Plant Sciences
Andrej Pavlovic, Jana Koller, Ondrej Vrobel, Ivo Chamrad, Rene Lenobel, Petr Tarkowski
Summary: Different carnivorous plants in different evolutionary lineages use jasmonates in different ways for plant carnivory, and the mechanisms of their regulation vary. Jasmonate signaling has been co-opted for botanical carnivory only in some carnivorous plants.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anne Fabricant, Geoffrey Z. Iwata, Soenke Scherzer, Lykourgos Bougas, Katharina Rolfs, Anna Jodko-Wladzinska, Jens Voigt, Rainer Hedrich, Dmitry Budker
Summary: Upon stimulation, plants can produce electrical signals analogous to the animal nervous system, and these signals can generate measurable magnetic fields in multicellular plant systems. Researchers have recorded biomagnetism associated with electrical activity in the carnivorous Venus flytrap, paving the way for understanding the molecular basis of biomagnetism in living plants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Corentin Dupont, Bruno Buatois, Jean-Marie Bessiere, Claire Villemant, Tom Hattermann, Doris Gomez, Laurence Gaume
Summary: The odours of pitcher plants are associated with the type of prey they capture. The study measured the odour and prey compositions of different Sarracenia taxa and found significant differences. The results suggest that odours play a crucial role in the diet composition of pitcher plants.
Article
Fisheries
Angelica P. C. Alves, Raquel T. Pereira, Priscila V. Rosa
Summary: The study provides a detailed characterization of the digestive system of dourado Salminus brasiliensis using anatomical, histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. The digestive tract and accessory organs show remarkable diversity in both function and morphology. The study also identified the presence of taste buds in the esophagus and highlighted the distribution and composition of various glands and cell types in the digestive system of dourado.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saskia Kraaij, Jan G. A. M. de Visscher, Ruben C. Apperloo, Kamran Nazmi, Floris J. Bikker, Henk S. Brand
Summary: Salivary stones are calcified structures in the ductal system of salivary glands. The study analyzed the protein composition of submandibular sialoliths and found that proteins, including alpha-amylase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory-IgA, etc., contribute to the formation of sialoliths. The increasing size of a sialolith may cause local inflammation, and lactoferrin may play a new pathophysiological role in the process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cuicui Fu, Xiaoyun Qin, Jin Zhang, Ting Zhang, Yeqing Song, Jiaqi Yang, Gang Wu, Dan Luo, Nan Jiang, Floris J. Bikker
Summary: Spinacia oleracea-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) CQD-1 and CQD-2 were synthesized using different shredding methods and microwave-assisted hydrothermal approach. CQD-1 exhibited higher photoluminescent (PL) emission intensity and smaller size distribution compared to CQD-2. CQD-1 promoted osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells without showing toxicity or histological effects on major organs.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Mouri R. J. Faruque, Nivedita Cukkemane, Cuicui Fu, Kamran Nazmi, Marja L. Laine, Floris J. Bikker
Summary: The objective of this study was to identify peptide sequences with specific selectivity for salivary MUC5B using phage display. The results showed that peptides MBP-12 and MBP-14 had the highest affinity to MUC5B and MBP-12 moderately stabilized the spinnbarkeit of mucous saliva. These findings suggest that combinatorial peptide libraries may contribute to the development of novel treatments for xerostomia.
ARCHIVES OF ORAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mouri R. J. Faruque, Floris J. Bikker, Marja L. Laine
Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis compared the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva with swabs from the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and sputum. Symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients were also compared. The analysis included 37 studies and found no significant differences in viral load between saliva and the other sample types. Additionally, there were no significant differences in viral load between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. These findings suggest that saliva can be used as an alternative specimen for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wiktoria Potocka, Zainab Assy, Floris J. Bikker, Marja L. Laine
Summary: This article reviews the biological properties, current and potential applications of selected monoterpenes and their derivatives in oral health care, emphasizing the potential benefits of these compounds in preventing dental caries and other oral health issues. The article also highlights the need for further research in exploring the benefits of monoterpenes in oral health care and suggests directions for future studies.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pardis Keikhosravani, Fatemeh Jahanmard, Tim Bollen, Kamran Nazmi, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen, Prasad Gonugunta, Prasaanth Ravi Anusuyadevi, Bart C. H. van der Wal, Charles Vogely, Floris J. Bikker, Peyman Taheri, Harrie Weinans, Saber Amin Yavari
Summary: An antibacterial coating is developed by layer-by-layer assembly of polymers PDLG and GelMA with the loaded peptide CATH-2. The coating exhibits strong antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, making it suitable for preventing infections associated with implants.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kahena R. Soldati, Yaling Jiang, Bernd W. Brandt, Rob A. M. Exterkate, Mark J. Buijs, Kamran Nazmi, Wendy E. Kaman, Lei Cheng, Floris J. Bikker, Wim Crielaard, Daniela L. Zandim-Barcelos, Dong Mei Deng
Summary: This study evaluated the modulation effects of antimicrobial peptide LL-31 and its D-enantiomer (D-LL-31) on saliva-derived microcosm biofilms. The results showed that D-LL-31 had a better performance than LL-31 in reducing the total viable cell counts, P. gingivalis amount, and DPP4 activity of biofilms spiked with P. gingivalis. However, the modulation function of the peptides may be impaired in severely dysbiotic biofilms.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ali Javed, Melanie D. Balhuizen, Arianne Pannekoek, Floris J. Bikker, Dani A. C. Heesterbeek, Henk P. Haagsman, Femke Broere, Markus Weingarth, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen
Summary: This study systematically investigates the influence of O-antigen and Lipid A composition on the antibacterial and anti-endotoxin activity of four HDPs. The results show that O-antigen does not affect antibacterial activity, while Lipid A modification can affect the immunomodulatory role of HDPs. The findings have important implications for the application of HDPs in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Neslihan Yilmaz, Recep Polat, Mervi Gursoy, Wendy Kaman, Elif Gul Aydin, Dareen Fteita, Dogukan Yilmaz, Floris Bikker, Ulvi Kahraman Gursoy
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate salivary concentrations of macrophage activation-related chemokines and MAPKK-degrading proteolytic activity in children and adolescents with and without T1DM. The results showed that salivary concentrations of certain chemokines were elevated and others were decreased in the T1DM group, and the proteolytic activity of MAPKK cleavage was also increased.
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Christine Lundtorp Olsen, Laura Massarenti, Vincent Frederik Dahl Vendius, Ulvi Kahraman Gursoy, Annina Van Splunter, Floris J. Bikker, Mervi Gursoy, Christian Damgaard, Merete Markvart, Daniel Belstrom
Summary: The study aimed to test if probiotics can counteract oral dysbiosis and restore oral homeostasis. The findings suggest that consumption of probiotics during short-term sugar stress can have a stabilizing effect on the supragingival microbiota.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Christine Lundtorp Olsen, Laura Massarenti, Vincent Frederik Dahl Vendius, Ulvi Kahraman Gursoy, Annina Van Splunter, Floris J. Bikker, Mervi Gursoy, Christian Damgaard, Merete Markvart, Daniel Belstrom
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate whether probiotics can protect against experimental gingivitis caused by neglecting oral hygiene for 14 days and support the restoration of oral homeostasis afterwards. The results suggest that probiotics play a role in maintaining the resilience of the oral microbiota during the resolution period of gingivitis.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Juliette M. H. Fey, Floris J. Bikker, Daniela Hesse
Summary: This scoping review comprehensively appraises the different methods of saliva collection among children and adolescents. It finds that the absorption and suction methods are most preferred for young and uncooperative children.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mouri Faruque, Kamran Nazmi, Annina van Splunter, Marja L. Laine, Floris J. Bikker
Summary: This study found that olfactory stimulation with mastic resin and alpha-pinene volatiles enhanced saliva secretion by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of these volatile compounds in treating patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation through olfactory exposure.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Z. Assy, D. H. J. Jager, H. S. Brand, F. J. Bikker
Summary: In this study, the salivary film thickness and MUC5B levels in various intra-oral locations were investigated in healthy volunteers. The findings demonstrate unequal distribution of the salivary film and MUC5B levels in different regions of the oral soft tissues. Furthermore, there was no association between the palatal surface area and the salivary film thickness.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Carolina Noronha Ferraz de Arruda, Rocio Geng Vivanco, Ayodele Alves Amorim, Adriana Cavalcanti Ferreira, Rafaella Tonani-Torrieri, Floris Jacob Bikker, Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri Pires-de-Souza
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of phytosphingosine (PHS) associated with tooth brushing on color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel. The results showed that applying PHS after brushing had a positive impact on these aspects.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2023)