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Special Issue "Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees"

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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Genetics and Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2023 | Viewed by 6709

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Feng Xu

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Guest Editor

College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
Interests: Ginkgo biloba; plant secondary metabolism; flavonoid synthesis; terpene metabolism; genetic improvement; mechanisms of secondary metabolite biosynthesis

Dr. Yuhua Wang

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Guest Editor

College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: Camellia sinensis; plant genetics; plant molecular biology; plant cell biology; fluoride accumulation mechanism; aluminum accumulation mechanism; plant signal transduction

Dr. Wanfeng Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Interests: larch; gene regulation; tree breeding; plant molecular biology; life cycle; regulation of metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the years, secondary compounds have been known to be associated with many photochemical processes in forest plants, such as improving the resistance of conifer xylem to insects and fungi, mediating plant responses to biotic or abiotic environmental stresses, and contributing to fruits’ flavor and flower colors. The production and distribution of secondary metabolites are usually specific to plant species, organs, tissues, and growth stages. In many forest trees, the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites are complex and diverse, and the discovery of regulatory genes and enzymes involved in the accumulation of their secondary metabolites is still very limited. Research on improving important biological traits of forest trees through genetic improvement is lagging behind. Therefore, this Special Issue plans to provide an overview of the most recent advances in the discovery and characterization of secondary metabolic pathways in forest trees. This Special Issue is aimed at providing selected contributions on advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of secondary metabolites in different forest trees.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Secondary metabolite biosynthesis of forest trees;
Mining of gene clusters in biosynthetic pathways;
Functions of key genes in secondary metabolic pathways;
Regulatory networks of secondary metabolites;
Prospects of secondary metabolites in forest trees.

Prof. Dr. Feng Xu
Dr. Yuhua Wang
Dr. Wanfeng Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

forest trees
secondary metabolism
bioactive compounds
biosynthesis
flavonoids
alkaloids
phenylpropanoids
terpenoid

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Disentangling the Potential Functions of miRNAs in the Synthesis of Terpenoids during the Development of Cinnamomum burmannii Leaves

and

Forests 2023, 14(3), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030555 - 11 Mar 2023

Viewed by 654

Abstract

The essential oil of Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees and T. Nees) Blume is rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of terpenoid-related genes have not yet been clarified in C. burmannii. Here, we conducted a metabolomic analysis of the leaves of C. burmannii across four developmental stages using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We also identified miRNAs and their target genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis using small RNA sequencing. A total of 135 differentially expressed metabolites were detected, including 65 terpenoids, 15 aldehydes, and 13 benzenes. A total of 876 miRNAs from 148 families were detected, among which 434 miRNAs were differentially expressed, including three known miRNAs and 431 novel miRNAs. Four miRNAs (gma-miR5368, novel_miR_377, novel_miR_111, and novel_miR_251) were predicted to regulate the expression of four differential expressed genes involved in the monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid synthesis. miRNAs families miR396, miR5185, and miR9408 were predicted to play diverse regulatory roles in monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid synthesis during the leaf development of C. burmannii. The results of our study shed new light on the roles of regulatory genes in terpenoid biosynthesis. Our findings also have implications for the further promotion of essential oil production using the leaves of C. burmannii. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees)

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Open AccessArticle

Identification of Key Genes for Oleoresin Biosynthesis in High and Low Oleoresin-Yielding Slash Pine Based on Transcriptome Analysis

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Forests 2022, 13(8), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081337 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1159

Abstract

Slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelmann) is a pine species widely cultivated for its high oleoresin production capacity. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism of oleoresin biosynthesis between high and low oleoresin-yielding slash pines. In this study, the terpenoid compositions of oleoresin harvested from high- and low-yielding slash pines were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The monoterpenes and diterpenes are the major constituents, of which the α- and β-pinenes are the overwhelming majority of turpentines, and abietic acid, levopimaric acid, and neoabietic acid are the most abundant in rosin. The transcriptomic analysis was also performed with secondary xylem tissues of high- and low-yielding slash pines. After functional annotation, the DEGs of RNA-seq data between high- and low-yielding pines in April, July, and October were screened, and many key enzyme genes were found to be implicated in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. Moreover, weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was carried out to uncover the gene modules highly related to α- and β-pinene biosynthesis in slash pine. Twenty-three modules were attained in this study. Focusing on the total oleoresin yield, the MEblue module exhibited the highest positive correlation, while the MEgreen module exhibited the highest negative correlation. A total of 20 TFs were identified in gene modules. Among these genes, the c215396.graph_c0 encoding an MYB TF is the key differentially expressed gene (DEG) between high- and low-yielding pines. The subsequent one-hybrid yeast assay verified that c215396.graph_c0 can activate the transcription of Apetala 2 (AP2) and 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (dxs), which are also two DEGs between high- and low-yielding pines. Thus, our study identified a set of key enzymes and TFs that are involved in regulating oleoresin and composition between high- and low-yielding slash pines and provided us a deep insight into oleoresin biosynthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees)

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Open AccessArticle

Identification and Analysis of JAZ Gene Family in Ginkgo biloba Reveals Candidate Genes for Biosynthesis of Terpene Trilactones

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Forests 2022, 13(5), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050781 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

Terpene trilactones (TTLs) are the main secondary metabolites in Ginkgo biloba L. with efficacious pharmacological activity. Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) protein is a key regulatory factor of the JA signaling pathway, which regulates the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In this study, GbJAZ01~GbJAZ11 were identified from the genome data in G. biloba, which contained TIFY-, Jas-, and weakly conserved NT-domains, and the promoters in most of them contained light, hormone, and stress-responsive elements. Phylogenetic analysis divided all JAZ proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Picea sitchensis, Taxus chinensis, and G. biloba into nine groups, in which GbJAZs belong to Group VI-IX. GbJAZs have similar functional motifs to A. thaliana and O. sativa, but also contain three specific motifs of gymnosperms, indicating that, although gymnosperms and angiosperms have some conservative structures and functions, their evolutionary processes are independent. Expression pattern analysis showed that the expression levels of GbJAZs were significantly up-regulated by MeJA, but the change pattern and amplitude were different, indicating that the function of GbJAZs in response to a JA signal may be different. After ABA and SA treatment, the expression of GbJAZs was up-regulated or inhibited in varying degrees, and different GbJAZs may be involved in the synergistic or antagonistic effects between JA and other hormone signals. The MeJA significantly increased the content of TTLs in G. biloba leaves, which were significantly positively correlated with the expression levels of GbJAZ01, 02, 07, and 11, and negatively correlated with the expression of GbJAZ04. They may play an important role in JA signaling pathways and the interactions between JA and other hormone signals, and participate in the regulation of the biosynthesis of TTLs. Our results provide a reference for the discovery that GbJAZs are involved in JA signaling pathways, and lay a theoretical foundation for analyzing JA signaling pathways to regulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Research Advances in Oxidosqualene Cyclase in Plants

Pengqing Wang

Guo Wei

and

Liguo Feng

Forests 2022, 13(9), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091382 - 30 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1211

Abstract

Triterpenes are natural products of plants that can defend against microorganisms and various stresses. Oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), the key rate-limiting enzyme of the triterpene biosynthetic pathway, catalyzes 2,3-oxidosqualene into sterols and triterpenes with different skeletons through the chair–boat–chair (CBC) conformation or chair–chair–chair (CCC) conformation. They were expanded in plants mainly by tandem duplication and are distributed in many plant lineages. They have multiple biological activities, including as functional foods and drugs. Here, we summarize the current characterized forest OSCs and their potential functions, especially for pharmacological applications. The study of triterpene-catalyzed enzyme OSC has an important scientific role and potential economic value. This paper summarizes the research advances of the main members of the OSC family in plants, their structure and function, the biosynthesis of triterpenes, and the molecular evolution of OSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees)

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Open AccessReview

Advances in Biosynthesis and Pharmacological Effects of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl Essential Oil

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Forests 2022, 13(7), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071020 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl essential oil (CCEO) is a volatile oil with aroma and is extracted from various tissues of Cinnamomumcamphora. It is traditionally used as a spice, preservative, as an anti-inflammatory and for sterilization. Terpenoids are the main active components in CCEO. Based on currently available research, considerable effort is still needed to study the biosynthesis and regulation of terpenoids in CCEO. In this review, the research progress related to terpenoid biosynthesis and bioactivity in CCEO in recent years is summarized, with the data compiled and presented mainly from online resources such as PubMed, Scopus and CNKI in China up to May 2022. The research advances related to key enzymes in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway are mainly discussed. Previous studies have isolated some genes encoding key enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis; however, among these genes, only a few TPS genes have been verified to catalyze the production of terpenoid synthases at the protein level. Most genes encoding key enzymes have been cloned and isolated, but no transgenic experiments have been carried out to verify gene function. In-depth study of the biosynthesis of terpenoids in CCEO may contribute to a better understanding of the differential accumulation of terpenoids in different types of C. camphora and provide reference for improving terpenoid content in CCEO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees)

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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Integrated volatile metabolome and transcriptome analyses provide insights into the formation of benzenoid-phenylpropanoid aroma substance eugenol in the variety 'Lanxing' flowering
Authors: Pei Sun; Yuan Yang; Hua Wang; Maofu Li; Yanhui Kang; Shuting Zhou; Wanmei Jin
Affiliation: Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science
Abstract: Scent is the key character of the horticultural ornamental plant rose, and ben-zenoid-phenylpropanoid compounds are the main source of scent. However, the underlying bi-osynthesis mechanism of these benzenoid-phenylpropanoid scent metabolites during rosa flowering is poorly understand. In this study, we conducted the volatile metabolome and tran-scriptome conjoint analysis to the six stage petals of the variety ‘Lanxing’ to investigate ben-zenoid-phenylpropanoid metabolites synthesis. A total of 25 benzenoid-phenylpropanoid vola-tile compounds were identified, of which eugenol possessed the highest content. Meanwhile, we obtained 87.9 million clean reads and 22,004 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in transcrip-tome analysis. By combining eugenol content variation trend, spatio-temporal gene expression, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment, gene ontology (GO) enrichment and phenotype correlation analysis, we found a key candidate gene RcEGS32 related to the eu-genol synthesis. Co-expression network analysis found that five transcription factor RcMYB1, RcBES1, RcERF2, RcbHLH1, and RcTUB may act as regulator in eugenol synthesis process by di-rectly binding to RcEGS32 or form complex unit. Our study provides key insight into the for-mation of the scent substance eugenol during flowering, offering valuable volatile metabolome and transcriptome resource for the future target trait related gene discovery of roses.

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Special Issue "Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Forest Trees"

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