Article
Plant Sciences
Yingting Zhang, Liwei Yang, Junjie Yang, Hailiang Hu, Guangqian Wei, Jiebing Cui, Jin Xu
Summary: The metabolite contents of Chinese cedar needles vary across different seasons. This study performed integrated non-targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to uncover the biosynthetic mechanisms of differentially synthesized metabolites (DSMs) in Chinese cedar needles. The results provide valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms and extraction of metabolites in Chinese cedar.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Declan J. Lafferty, Richard Espley, Cecilia H. Deng, Catrin S. Gunther, Blue Plunkett, Janice L. Turner, Laura Jaakola, Katja Karppinen, Andrew C. Allan, Nick W. Albert
Summary: Members of the Vaccinium genus, such as blueberry and bilberry, have different concentrations and localization of anthocyanins due to the expression of key regulatory genes MYBPA1.1 and MYBA1. Blueberry lacks VcMYBA1 expression, resulting in insufficient VcMYBPA1.1 for anthocyanin regulation, while bilberry expresses VmMYBA1 which up-regulates VmMYBPA1.1 for coordinated regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis genes and anthocyanin accumulation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Andrew P. Dare, Catrin S. Gunther, Angus C. Grey, George Guo, Nicholas J. Demarais, Sarah Cordiner, Tony K. McGhie, Helen Boldingh, Martin Hunt, Cecilia Deng, Katja Karppinen, Laura Jaakola, Richard Espley
Summary: Bilberry is a wild berry species with high amounts of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. Research shows that certain sugars are positively correlated with anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit, while amino acids are negatively correlated. The accumulation patterns of polyphenols in the fruit skin and flesh are related and change as the fruit develops.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yiqun Dai, Ziyu Ye, Hui Liu, Ruirui Zhu, Lanlan Sun, Shuai Li, Guoyong Xie, Yan Zhu, Yucheng Zhao, Minjian Qin
Summary: In this study, the distribution, accumulation, and biosynthesis mechanisms of flavonoids in S. plebeia were explored through metabolite profiling, transcriptomic analysis, and biological functional verification. Key genes involved in the biosynthesis of its main active ingredients were identified and the hispidulin and homoplantaginin biosynthesis pathways were reconstructed in Escherichia coli.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Massimo Del Bubba, Claudia Di Serio, Lapo Renai, Cristina Vanessa Agata Scordo, Leonardo Checchini, Andrea Ungar, Francesca Tarantini, Riccardo Bartoletti
Summary: The study demonstrated that Vaccinium myrtillusberry extract has inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects on prostate cancer cell lines, as well as a certain level of inhibitory effect on normal prostate epithelial cells. The recombined standard mixture of its main native phenolic compounds showed similar growth inhibitory effects.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Nick W. Albert, Massimo Iorizzo, Molla F. Mengist, Sara Montanari, Juan Zalapa, Andrew Maule, Patrick P. Edger, Alan E. Yocca, Adrian E. Platts, Boas Pucker, Richard Espley
Summary: The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) contains premium berryfruit crops, which are associated with various potential health benefits attributed to their high concentrations of flavonoids. Recent progress in Vaccinium genomics and genetics, as well as functional data on flavonoid regulation, have furthered our understanding of crop improvement and flavonoid biosynthesis. This update highlights the significant gains in genomic tools and functional analysis, using Vaccinium as an example.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanjing Ren, Ning Zhang, Ru Li, Xiaomin Ma, Lugang Zhang
Summary: Through comprehensive analysis of transcript abundance and flavonoid compounds in the seed coat color of B. rapa, key genes associated with seed coat color formation and the important role of flavonoid metabolites have been identified.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wuchen Yin, Xianhang Wang, Hui Liu, Ya Wang, Steve van Nocker, Mingxing Tu, Jinghao Fang, Junqiang Guo, Zhi Li, Xiping Wang
Summary: Transgenic expression of the WRKY transcription factor gene VqWRKY31 from the PM-resistant species Vitis quinquangularis enhanced resistance to powdery mildew in V. vinifera by activating salicylic acid defense signaling and promoting the synthesis of specific disease resistance-related metabolites. These findings have important implications for molecular breeding strategies to produce PM-resistant grapevine germplasm.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Haiyang Wang, Lulu Zhai, Shouwen Wang, Botian Zheng, Honglu Hu, Xuyan Li, Shaomin Bian
Summary: In this study, the roles of MYB family in blueberry in response to anthocyanin biosynthesis were explored. A total of 437 unique MYB sequences were identified and characterized in blueberry, and their transcriptional patterns during fruit development and fruit tissues related to anthocyanin biosynthesis were investigated. The results provide valuable insights into the functional roles of VcMYBs and their regulatory mechanisms for anthocyanin production and accumulation in blueberry.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zhen Li, Qiang Huang, Yu Zheng, Yong Zhang, Bin Liu, Wenkai Shi, Zhijiang Zeng
Summary: This study used LC-MS/MS to compare the flavonoid types in C. oleifera honey and nine other monofloral honeys, and identified eight distinct flavonoids in C. oleifera honey. Two distinct flavonoids were found in both C. oleifera honey and nectar by comparing them with the common flavonoids. Furthermore, kaempferitrin was identified as the distinct flavonoid marker in C. oleifera honey using the PLS-DA model.
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Lv, H. -Y. Su, M. -L. Li, D. -L. Yang, R. -Y Yao, M. -F. Li, J. -H. Wei
Summary: The study revealed that UV-B radiation promotes accumulation of soluble sugars and flavonoids in S. hexandrum, but inhibits PPT biosynthesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanfei Liu, Guowen Lv, Yaqi Yang, Kangxun Ma, Xiaolin Ren, Mingjun Li, Zhande Liu
Summary: In this study, a new SEP gene, AcMADS68, was identified as a regulatory candidate for anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed kiwifruit. AcMADS68 was found to interact with AcMYBF110 and AcMYB123, co-regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis by activating target genes. Additionally, AcMADS68 could also activate the promoter of AcbHLH1, further amplifying the regulation signals from the MBW complex and enhancing anthocyanin accumulation in the kiwifruit.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qi Tang, Fu-Mei Chi, Hong-Di Liu, Hong-Jun Zhang, Yang Song
Summary: The study utilized two different transcriptome sequencing platforms to investigate the flavonoid synthetic pathways in blueberries, identifying a transcription factor VcMYB1 that positively regulates anthocyanin synthesis. This provides background information and data for studying the synthetic pathways of flavonoids and other secondary metabolites in blueberries.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Katja Karppinen, Declan J. Lafferty, Nick W. Albert, Nelli Mikkola, Tony McGhie, Andrew C. Allan, Bilal M. Afzal, Hely Haggman, Richard V. Espley, Laura Jaakola
Summary: This study comprehensively characterized the regulatory network of R2R3 MYB transcription factors in anthocyanin biosynthesis in blue berries of bilberry. It identified a new type of co-regulation between MYBA, MYBPA1, and MYBPA2 subgroups, and associated MYBPA3 subgroup with proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. The results suggest gene duplication enabled functional diversification among various MYB subgroups for the intricate regulation of anthocyanin profiles in blue-coloured berries.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Minke Yang, Juan Li, Chengying Zhao, Hang Xiao, Xiang Fang, Jinkai Zheng
Summary: Flavonoids have gained increasing attention for their various health-promoting effects. Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) has become a widely used technique for detecting flavonoids, providing efficient separation and structural information. This review comprehensively summarizes the principles and methodologies of LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for detecting flavonoids in food, including qualitative and quantitative determination. It also discusses recent applications in agricultural products, food processing, and in vivo metabolism, as well as suggesting technological improvements and potential applications.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Anna Maria Pirttila, Habibollah Mohammad Parast Tabas, Namrata Baruah, Janne J. Koskimaki
Summary: Microbiological tools, biofertilizers, and biocontrol agents have been developed for improving crop plant growth and health; however, inconsistency in field performance remains a major challenge. Addressing this challenge, potential solutions include combining various microbial strains from the full plant microbiome to overcome inconsistency and ensuring a thorough understanding of each microbiological tool's mechanisms of action.
Article
Plant Sciences
Amos Samkumar, Dan Jones, Katja Karppinen, Andrew P. Dare, Nina Sipari, Richard V. Espley, Inger Martinussen, Laura Jaakola
Summary: This study found that both red and blue light can enhance the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in bilberry fruit, with red light showing a more significant effect in increasing anthocyanin concentration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of major anthocyanin structural genes, key regulatory MYB transcription factors, and abscisic acid biosynthetic genes under both light treatments.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Declan J. Lafferty, Richard Espley, Cecilia H. Deng, Catrin S. Gunther, Blue Plunkett, Janice L. Turner, Laura Jaakola, Katja Karppinen, Andrew C. Allan, Nick W. Albert
Summary: Members of the Vaccinium genus, such as blueberry and bilberry, have different concentrations and localization of anthocyanins due to the expression of key regulatory genes MYBPA1.1 and MYBA1. Blueberry lacks VcMYBA1 expression, resulting in insufficient VcMYBPA1.1 for anthocyanin regulation, while bilberry expresses VmMYBA1 which up-regulates VmMYBPA1.1 for coordinated regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis genes and anthocyanin accumulation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amos Samkumar, Katja Karppinen, Binita Dhakal, Inger Martinussen, Laura Jaakola
Summary: In this study, 25 sugar metabolism-related genes were identified in bilberry, and their expression patterns were found to be different during berry development. The highest sugar content was observed in ripe berries, with fructose and glucose being the dominant sugars. Additionally, supplemental irradiation with red and blue light was found to upregulate several sugar metabolism-related genes.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Thomas Roitsch, Kristiina Himanen, Aakash Chawade, Laura Jaakola, Ajit Nehe, Erik Alexandersson
Summary: Nordic countries face challenges in agriculture due to short growing seasons, long days, and the risks associated with climate change. Adapted crops and better crop management systems are needed to meet these challenges and contribute more to global agricultural production.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
A. L. Ruotsalainen, M. Tejesvi, P. Vanni, M. Suokas, P. Tossavainen, A. M. Pirttila, A. Talvensaari-Mattila, R. Nissi
Summary: This study found that mother vaginal microbiome contributes to the microbiome of vaginally delivered neonates. Mothers with a diabetic child had increased alpha-diversity of bacteriome and decreased alpha-diversity of mycobiome compared to control mothers. The study also suggests an association between certain fungal genera and bacterial metabolic pathways of the mother vaginal microbiome and child T1D.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amos Samkumar, Katja Karppinen, Tony K. K. McGhie, Richard V. V. Espley, Inger Martinussen, Laura Jaakola
Summary: Light quality affects flavonoid biosynthesis during fruit ripening. The effect of light conditions on detached and naturally ripening non-climacteric wild bilberry fruits was analyzed. The results showed contrasting responses in phenolic compound accumulation to red and blue light treatments. Both red and blue light increased the expression of major structural genes in the flavonoid pathway. Key regulatory gene VmMYBA1 expressed significantly higher under blue light treatment in detached berries. Red light selectively increased the delphinidin branch of anthocyanins in naturally ripening berries, while blue light increased other anthocyanin classes in detached berries. Red and far-red light had a positive influence on the accumulation of flavonols in both ripening conditions. The study provides new insights into the light-mediated regulatory mechanisms in non-climacteric fruit ripening.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Declan J. Lafferty, Richard Espley, Cecilia H. Deng, Andrew P. Dare, Catrin S. Guenther, Laura Jaakola, Katja Karppinen, Murray R. Boase, Lei Wang, Henry Luo, Andrew C. Allan, Nick W. Albert
Summary: This study identified activator and repressor transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the production of anthocyanins, pigment compounds that positively affect human health, in blueberry and bilberry fruits. MYBA1 activates the pathway while MYBC2.1 represses it. These TFs operate within a hierarchical regulatory network, and the absence of this module in blueberry flesh results in a lack of anthocyanins.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Anna Avetisyan, Tatevik Aloyan, Amalya Iskandaryan, Margarita Harutyunyan, Laura Jaakola, Andreas Melikyan
Summary: This study investigated the geographical distribution of local wild beet species in Armenia under climate change conditions and found that these species are sensitive to climate change and were impacted to varying degrees. The most affected species, B. lomatogona, is at the brink of extinction. The study also observed migration of two species up the mountain belt and a decrease in beet population size with an increase in plant numbers within populations.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Yang Liu, Massimiliano Morelli, Janne J. Koskimaki, Sheng Qin, Yong-Hua Zhu, Xiao-Xia Zhang
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Stef Bokhorst, Jarle W. Bjerke, Gareth K. Phoenix, Laura Jaakola, Hanne K. Maehre, Hans Tommervik
Summary: Arctic ecosystems are increasingly exposed to extreme climatic events, which can impact species performance. This study examined the physiological responses of seven dominant sub-Arctic cryptogams to single and combined extreme events. Winter extremes affect cryptogam physiology, while summer responses appear to be mild. Lichens have a greater effect on the photobiont than the mycobiont.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
A. M. Pirttila, V. Brusila, J. J. Koskimaki, P. R. Wali, A. L. Ruotsalainen, M. Mutanen, A. M. Markkola
Summary: Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial symbiotic communities exist across different kingdoms, extending the host genome and aiding adaptation to changing environments. Plants and insects carry a variety of microbes on their surfaces, internally, and even within cells, with the insect gut being a selective environment. Despite their high dependence and frequent interaction, it remains uncertain how much plants and insects exchange and modify each other's microbiomes. This review focuses on herbivores that feed on plants in forest ecosystems, discussing the plant microbiome, overlap with insect microbial communities, and the effects of microbiome exchange on each host's fitness.
Review
Plant Sciences
Richard V. Espley, Laura Jaakola
Summary: The color of fruit plays a vital role in its eating quality and provides benefits for both plants and consumers. Carotenoids and anthocyanins are the main pigments in most fruit species, and their production is regulated by phytohormones and environmental conditions. Light, temperature, and water availability can all influence fruit color.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Janne J. Koskimaki, Johanna Pohjanen, Jouni Kvist, Thomas Fester, Claus Haertig, Olga Podolich, Silvia Fluch, Jaanika Edesi, Hely Haggman, Anna Maria Pirttila
Summary: The endophyte Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060 interacts with pine trees by activating hormone signaling pathways and promoting stress tolerance, resulting in positive effects on pine development.
