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Special Issue "Molecular Mechanism of Biosynthesis and Regulation of Terpenoids in Plants"

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Dr. Xinhua Zhang
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Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
Interests: plant molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Terpenoids are one of the largest groups of secondary metabolites in plants. Traditionally, specialized terpenoids are used as natural flavor and aroma compounds, which have a long history of human utilization. Moreover, the ecological functions of terpenoids as signals during plant–environment interactions have gained increased attention. Exploiting the molecular mechanism of the biosynthesis and regulation of terpenoids could uncover compounds of greater use, improve the content of metabolites derived by exogenous elicitors, or create plants with enhanced resistance by molecular breeding. This Special Issue of Plants will highlight the function, regulation, and diversity of plant terpenoids and their roles in the interactions of plants with their environment.

Dr. Xinhua Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

terpenoid
secondary metabolites
biosynthesis
regulation
molecular mechanism
plant–environment interactions

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Research

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17 pages, 4236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selection of Reference Genes in Evodia rutaecarpa var. officinalis and Expression Patterns of Genes Involved in Its Limonin Biosynthesis

and

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3197; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183197 - 07 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 636

Abstract

E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant known for its therapeutic effects, which encompass the promotion of digestion, the dispelling of cold, the alleviation of pain, and the exhibition of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The principal active component of this plant, limonin, is a potent triterpene compound with notable pharmacological activities. Despite its significance, the complete biosynthesis pathway of limonin in E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis remains incompletely understood, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. The main purpose of this study was to screen the reference genes suitable for expression analysis in E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis, calculate the expression patterns of the genes in the limonin biosynthesis pathway, and identify the relevant enzyme genes related to limonin biosynthesis. The reference genes play a pivotal role in establishing reliable reference standards for normalizing the gene expression data, thereby ensuring precision and credibility in the biological research outcomes. In order to identify the optimal reference genes and gene expression patterns across the diverse tissues (e.g., roots, stems, leaves, and flower buds) and developmental stages (i.e., 17 July, 24 August, 1 September, and 24 October) of E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis, LC-MS was used to analyze the limonin contents in distinct tissue samples and developmental stages, and qRT-PCR technology was employed to investigate the expression patterns of the ten reference genes and eighteen genes involved in limonin biosynthesis. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis that integrated three software tools (GeNorm ver. 3.5, NormFinder ver. 0.953 and BestKeeper ver. 1.0) and Delta Ct method alongside the RefFinder website, the best reference genes were selected. Through the research, we determined that Act1 and UBQ served as the preferred reference genes for normalizing gene expression during various fruit developmental stages, while Act1 and His3 were optimal for different tissues. Using Act1 and UBQ as the reference genes, and based on the different fruit developmental stages, qRT-PCR analysis was performed on the pathway genes selected from the “full-length transcriptome + expression profile + metabolome” data in the limonin biosynthesis pathway of E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis. The findings indicated that there were consistent expression patterns of HMGCR, SQE, and CYP450 with fluctuations in the limonin contents, suggesting their potential involvement in the limonin biosynthesis of E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis. This study lays the foundation for further research on the metabolic pathway of limonin in E. rutaecarpa var. officinalis and provides reliable reference genes for other researchers to use for conducting expression analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Biosynthesis and Regulation of Terpenoids in Plants)

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Review

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21 pages, 1489 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids: A Comprehensive Review of Natural Occurring Compounds and Their Synthetic Derivatives

Camelia Hodoșan

Cerasela Elena Gîrd

Mihaela Violeta Ghica

Cristina-Elena Dinu-Pîrvu

Lucica Nistor

Iulius Sorin Bărbuică

Ștefan-Claudiu Marin

Alexandru Mihalache

and

Lăcrămioara Popa

Plants 2023, 12(23), 4022; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12234022 - 29 Nov 2023

Abstract

This comprehensive scientific review provides an in-depth analysis of both the natural compounds, pyrethrins, and their synthetic derivatives, pyrethroids, focusing on their classification, biosynthesis, mechanism of action, general and pharmaceutical uses, as well as their toxicity and environmental impact. Pyrethrins, derived from certain plant species, have long been recognized for their potent insecticidal properties. The review begins by examining the classification of pyrethrins and pyrethroids, elucidating their structural characteristics and unique features within the field of natural and synthetic compounds. The biosynthetic pathways responsible for producing pyrethrins in plants are discussed, highlighting the enzymatic reactions and genetic regulation involved. In addition, the synthesis of pyrethroid derivatives is explored, including both natural and synthetic sources and potential optimization strategies. Understanding the mechanisms of action by which pyrethrins and pyrethroids exert their insecticidal effects is a crucial aspect of this review. Complex interactions with the nervous systems of target organisms are examined, providing insights into their selective toxicity and modes of action. In addition, the various applications of these compounds are explored, from their use in agriculture for pest control to their incorporation into household insecticides and potential pharmaceutical applications. The review also critically evaluates the potential toxicity of pyrethrins and pyrethroids to human health. By consolidating current knowledge and research findings, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the properties and applications of pyrethrins and pyrethroids, highlighting their benefits and risks, and the importance of responsible and sustainable use in various areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Biosynthesis and Regulation of Terpenoids in Plants)

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