Genome analyses of the microalga Picochlorum provide insights into the evolution of thermotolerance in the green lineage

While the molecular events involved in cell responses to heat stress have been extensively studied, our understanding of the genetic basis of basal thermotolerance, and particularly its evolution within the green lineage, remains limited. Here, we present the 13.3-Mb haploid genome and transcriptomes of a halotolerant and thermotolerant unicellular green alga, Picochlorum costavermella (Trebouxiophyceae) to investigate the evolution of the genomic basis of thermotolerance. Differential gene expression at high and standard temperatures revealed that more of the gene families containing up-regulated genes at high temperature were recently evolved, and less originated at the ancestor of green plants. Inversely, there was an excess of ancient gene families containing transcriptionally repressed genes. Interestingly, there is a striking overlap between the thermotolerance and halotolerance transcriptional rewiring, as more than one-third of the gene families up-regulated at 35 degrees C were also up-regulated under variable salt concentrations in Picochlorum SE3. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of the 9,304 protein coding genes revealed 26 genes of horizontally transferred origin in P. costavermella, of which five were differentially expressed at higher temperature. Altogether, these results provide new insights about how the genomic basis of adaptation to halo- and thermotolerance evolved in the green lineage

Gene space completeness in complex plant genomes

Genome annotations offer ample opportunities to study gene functions, biochemical and regulatory pathways, or quantitative trait loci in plants. Determining the quality and completeness of a genome annotation, and maintaining the balance between them, are major challenges, even for genomes of well-studied model organisms. In this review, we present a historical overview of the complexity in different plant genomes and discuss the hurdles and possible solutions in obtaining a complete and high-quality genome annotation. We illustrate there is no clear-cut answer to solve these challenges for different gene types, but provide tips on guiding the iterative process of generating a superior genome annotation, which is a moving target as our knowledge about plant genomics increases and additional data sources become available

Cocomerina pear: an old and rare fruit with red pulp. Analysis of phenolic content and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory capacity

ABSTRACTThe study evaluated the phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH, and 5ʹ-lipoxygenase assay, respectively), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), in Cocomerina pear, an old and rare variety of Pyrus communis. There are two cultivars of this pear that ripen in August and October, both of which are nowadays cultivated only in a small area of central Italy. Significant differences in polyphenolic content were observed between these cultivars, with a 30–40% increase in the late ripening cultivar relative to the early ripening one. Anthocyanin concentration was also strongly affected by the period and stage of maturation. In particular, it was 126-fold higher in fruits that ripen in October as compared to those that ripen in August. Ripe fruits of the late cultivar also exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These findings suggest that this ancient pear variety should be recovered and considered in the framework o..

Fresh juice of cocomerina pear an ancient and rare fruit with red pulp: a new source of polyphenols for human health

The aim of this study was to focus our attention on two ecotypes of an ancient variety of Pyrus communis recently rediscovered whose main feature is the reddish and/or red color pulp. There are two ecotypes of this pear that ripen in August and October, both of which are nowadays cultivated only in a small area of central Italy. Since it is known that the juices obtained by cold pressing maintain unaltered nutritional properties and are easy to prepare, it seemed interesting to examine, in both the ecotypes, the polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins content. A greater concentration of these secondary metabolites in late type pear juice correlated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity evaluated by DPPH, ORAC and 5I-Lipoxygenase assay, respectively, was shown. We can confirm that the fruits of cocomerina pear can be considered a new source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. In fact, even the fresh juices, when compared to the extracts studied in our previous work, have shown antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The results obtained allow us, therefore, to assume that the introduction of fresh juices obtained from this rediscovered variety of pear, may have positive implications for population health benefit

Plant Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents in Sustainable Conservation of Erythrina caffra (Fabaceae) Historical Trees

Microbial colonization plays a relevant role in the biodegradation and biodeterioration of cultural and natural heritage, representing a revealing problem in conservation strategy. In this study, the essential oil (EO) and hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae), an aromatic perennial plant, representative of the Mediterranean basin, growing spontaneously and cultivated all over the world, were analysed. Natural products, such as essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract, have strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and are ad hoc applied for the sustainable conservation of Erithryna caffra (Fabaceae). The main taxa revealed in the damaging of these arboreal heritage, are Bacillus sp., Streptomyces sp. and Terribacillus sp. (as bacteria), Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp. and Chaetomium sp. (as fungi). GS-MS analysis identified carvacrol, thymol and their biosynthetic precursors g-terpinene and p-cymene, as main components, and the antimicrobial efficiency assayed by in vitro methods (Agar Dish Diffusion, Well Plate Diffusion). In this study, by combining the application/exposure of both HAE and EO, the bacterial and fungal colonies development has been in vitro countered. The results confirm the possible use of plant products as a valid alternative to the traditional synthetic chemical biocides, with full respect to the environment

The PlantLIBRA project: how we intend to innovate the science of botanicals

The main aim of the EC-financed R&D project PlantLIBRA (PLANT food supplements: Levels of Intake, Benefit and Risk Assessment) is to foster the safe use of food supplements containing plants or botanical preparations, by enabling science-based decision making by regulators and stakeholders. To make informed decisions, competent authorities and industry need more accessible and quality-assured information, as well as better tools (e.g., databases) and procedures for safety and benefit assessments, supported by broadly accepted methodologies. Consequently, PlantLIBRA is working to develop, validate and disseminate data and methodologies for risk and benefit assessment of plant food supplements, and to implement sustainable international cooperation. International cooperation will help ensure the quality of botanicals imported in the EU. Moreover, the project will provide data on intake by conducting a harmonized consumption survey. Existing composition and safety data will be collated into a meta-database. New analytical data and methods will be investigated and validated. The consortium is working closely with competent authorities and stakeholders