Search Results (3)

Prunus cerasoides D.-Don is a rare winter-blooming species and a distinctive and potential germplasm resource for cherry blossoms. We have characterized the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. cerasoides and acquired a monocyclic molecule measuring 421,258 bp. A total of 58 unique genes were annotated, comprising 36 protein-coding genes, 19 tRNAs, and three rRNAs. In the mitochondrial genome of P. cerasoides, we detected 86 simple sequence repeats, 727 dispersed repeats, and 21 tandem repeats. We detected 456 RNA editing sites from 34 unique protein-coding genes, leading to the cytosine to uracil transitions. Collinear analysis revealed that the mitogenome of P. cerasoides is quite conservative among species of the subgenus Cerasus. Moreover, our study detected 26 segments of plastid genomic DNA that had transferred from the plastome to the mitogenome. Six genes were found to be completely transferred from these fragments. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis utilizing the mitogenomes of 29 distinct Rosaceae species supports the classification of P. cerasoides into separate branches. Comprehending the mitochondrial genomic characterization of P. cerasoides is crucial for elucidating its genetic foundation and offers insights into evolutionary relationships within the Prunus species. Full article

Selecting tree species to plant for forest ecosystem restoration is critical but problematic. Knowing tree species’ climatic niches can help, but such information is limited for most tropical tree species. Consequently, the research presented here explored the use of climate and species record location data, to map the potential distribution of four tree species across tropical and subtropical Asia based on their modelled climatic niches. All were framework species, of proven effectiveness for forest restoration: Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) B.L. Burtt and A.W. Hill, Ficus hispida L.f., Hovenia dulcis Thunb., and Prunus cerasoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. Potential species distributions were projected onto maps of known climatic conditions using the maximum entropy algorithm in Maxent software to predict where the climate is conducive for including each species in forest restoration trials. The models predicted species location very well for F. hispida and H. dulcis and fairly well for P. cerasoides and C. axillaris. Climatically suitable areas for C. axillaris were located mostly north of the equator, whilst those of F. hispida, H. dulcis and P. cerasoides extended south of the equator. The importance of each climatic niche variable differed among species. Driest-month precipitation was critical for F. hispida, as well as mean dry-season temperature for C. axillaris and P. cerasoides and cold-season precipitation for H. dulcis. In addition to aiding species selection for forest restoration, potential distribution maps based on climatic niche models can indicate where novel species for tree plantations might be successful and where species might become invasive. Applying such techniques to a large number of species will be needed to significantly improve species selection for forest ecosystem restoration. Full article

Prunus cerasoides (PC) has been reported to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but its potential as a neuroprotective agent in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia has not been explored. Considering neuroglobin (Ngb), an endogenous neuroprotective factor, as a novel approach to neuroprotection, in this study, Ngb promoter activity, Ngb expression changes, and antioxidant protection by PC extract (PCE) and PC component compounds (PCCs) were analyzed in oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated neurons. In vivo analysis involved transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in mice with pre- and post-treatment exposure to PCE. Following ischemic stroke induction, neurological behavior scores were obtained, and cellular function-related signals were evaluated in the ischemic infarct areas. In addition to PCE, certain component compounds from PCE also significantly increased Ngb levels and attenuated the intracellular ROS production and cytotoxicity seen with OGD in primary neurons. Administration of PCE reduced the infarct volume and improved neurological deficit scores in ischemic stroke mice compared with the vehicle treatment. Increased Ngb levels in infarct penumbra with PCE treatment were also accompanied by decreased markers of apoptosis (activated p38 and cleaved caspase-3). Our findings point to the benefits of Ngb-mediated neuroprotection via PCE and its antioxidant activity in an ischemic stroke model. Full article