Hydrozoa
Secosteroids
Solanaceae
Withanolides
Ribes
Host-dependent requirement for the Potato leafroll virus 17-kda protein in virus movement. (1/37)
The requirement for the 17-kDa protein (P17) of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) in virus movement was investigated in four plant species: potato (Solanum tuberosum), Physalis floridana, Nicotiana benthamiana, and N. clevelandii. Two PLRV P17 mutants were characterized, one that does not translate the P17 and another that expresses a P17 missing the first four amino acids. The P17 mutants were able to replicate and accumulate in agroinoculated leaves of potato and P. floridana, but they were unable to move into vascular tissues and initiate a systemic infection in these plants. In contrast, the P17 mutants were able to spread systemically from inoculated leaves in both Nicotiana spp., although the efficiency of infection was reduced relative to wild-type PLRV. Examination of virus distribution in N. benthamiana plants using tissue immunoblotting techniques revealed that the wild-type PLRV and P17 mutants followed a similar movement pathway out of the inoculated leaves. Virus first moved upward to the apical tissues and then downward. The P17 mutants, however, infected fewer phloem-associated cells, were slower than wild-type PLRV in moving out of the inoculated tissue and into apical tissues, and were unable to infect any mature leaves present on the plant at the time of inoculation. (+info)Mutation of interfacial residues disrupts subunit folding and particle assembly of Physalis mottle tymovirus. (2/37)
Virus-like particles (VLPs) serve as excellent model systems to identify the pathways of virus assembly. To gain insights into the assembly mechanisms of the Physalis mottle tymovirus (PhMV), six interfacial residues, identified based on the crystal structure of the native and recombinant capsids, were targeted for mutagenesis. The Q37E, Y67A, R68Q, D83A, I123A, and S145A mutants of the PhMV recombinant coat protein (rCP) expressed in Escherichia coli were soluble. However, except for the S145A mutant, which assembled into VLPs similar to that of wild type rCP capsids, all the other mutants failed to assemble into VLPs. Furthermore, the purified Q37E, Y67A, R68Q, D83A, and I123A rCP mutants existed essentially as partially folded monomers as revealed by sucrose density gradient analysis, circular dichroism, fluorescence, thermal, and urea denaturation studies. The rCP mutants locked into such conformations probably lack the structural signals/features that would allow them to assemble into capsids. Thus, the mutation of residues involved in inter-subunit interactions in PhMV disrupts both subunit folding and particle assembly. (+info)Oral immunization of animals with transgenic cherry tomatillo expressing HBsAg. (3/37)
AIM: To investigate the expression of recombinant HBsAg (rHBsAg) in transgenic cherry tomatillo in order to explore the feasibility of producing HBV oral vaccine with cherry tomatillo by animal immune tests. METHODS: The recombinant plant expression vector containing HBsAg gene was constructed. Mediated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, HBsAg gene was transferred into cotyledons of cherry tomatillo. Transformed cherry tomatillos were obtained through hygromycin delay-selection. Integrated DNA in transgenic cherry tomatillo was confirmed by hygromycin resistance selection, Gus detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and dot blotting analysis. Antigenicity of rHBsAg was examined by ELISA and the immunogenicity of rHBsAg derived from transgenic cherry tomatillo tissues was confirmed by oral feed of transformed tissues to BALB/c mice primed with commercial HBV vaccines. Specific antibody titers in mice's serum were examined by ELISA every week. RESULTS: By far, 10 positive lines of transgenic cherry tomatillos containing HBsAg gene were obtained. Among different organs of the same transgenic cherry tomatillo, level of rHBsAg expressed in leaves was the highest with the yield up to 300ng/g fresh weight. And the rHBsAg expression level in fruits was about 10 ng/g fresh weight. In animal immune tests, oral delivery with transgenic tissues to mice primed with commercial vaccine instead of naive mice resulted in significant immune response. CONCLUSION: The result of this animal immune test indicated the rHBsAg derived from transgenic cherry tomatillo possessed normal immunogenicity. This work demonstrated the feasibility to generate oral immunogenic rHBsAg in transgenic cherry tomatillo, and would provide some experimental approach for the production of low-cost oral vaccines using transgenic cherry tomatillo in large scale. (+info)Minor withanolides from Physalis philadelphica: structures, quinone reductase induction activities, and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS-MS investigation as artifacts. (4/37)
As a result of a bioactivity-guided search for novel, plant-derived cancer chemopreventive agents, ixocarpalactone A (5) was isolated previously as a potent quinone reductase inducer from the leaves and stems of Physalis philadelphica. In the present study, this promising lead compound was reisolated in gram quantities for in vivo biological testing. During the course of this work, four additional minor new withanolides were also obtained and characterized, namely, 2,3-dihydro-3beta-methoxyixocarpalactone A (1), 2,3-dihydro-3beta-methoxyixocarpalactone B (2), 2,3-dihydroixocarpalactone B (3), and 4beta,7beta,20R-trihydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,5-dien-22,26-olide (4). However, compounds 1 and 2 were determined using liquid chromatography (LC)-MS-MS to be artifacts generated during the extraction and isolation procedure. Ixocarpalactone A was detected in the fresh fruits (tomatillos) of P. philadelphica by LC-MS-MS analysis at a concentration of 143+/-4.53 ppb. (+info)Molluscicidal activity of Physalis angulata L. extracts and fractions on Biomphalaria tenagophila (d'Orbigny, 1835) under laboratory conditions. (5/37)
The main objective of this research is to evaluate the molluscicide activity of Physalis angulata L. Biomphalaria tenagophila specimens under laboratory conditions. Extracts and fractions were supplied by the Laborat rio de Qu mica de Produtos Naturais, Farmanguinhos-Fiocruz. Experiments were performed according to the methodology described by the World Health Organization for molluscicide tests using the concentrations from 0.1 to 500 mg/l of the extracts, fractions and of a pool of physalins modified steroids present in this species. The results show that ethyl acetate and acetone extracts from the whole plant, the ethanolic extracts of the roots and the physalins pool from stems and leaves were active. Only the whole plant extracts were available in sufficient quantity for the determination of LD50 and LD90 values. (+info)Trypanocidal constituents in plants 4. Withanolides from the aerial parts of Physalis angulata. (6/37)
The constituents of the aerial parts of Physalis angulata (Solanaceae) were investigated based on the plant's trypanocidal activity against epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent for Chagas' disease. Four new withanolides were isolated, along with six known ones, from the active fraction. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis. Trypanocidal activity against trypomastigotes, an infectious form of T. cruzi, was also estimated, as well as cytotoxic activity against human uterine carcinoma (HeLa) cells in vitro. Evaluation of trypanocidal activity using the colorimetric reagent Cell Counting Kit-8 was also examined. (+info)Biochemical crypsis in the avoidance of natural enemies by an insect herbivore. (7/37)
Plant-herbivore interactions provide well studied examples of coevolution, but little is known about how such interactions are influenced by the third trophic level. Here we show that larvae of the specialized lepidopteran herbivore Heliothis subflexa reduce their vulnerability to natural enemies through adaptation to a remarkable and previously unknown feature of their host plant, Physalis angulata: The fruits of this plant lack linolenic acid (LA), which is required for the development of most insects. By overcoming this nutritional deficiency, H. subflexa larvae achieve numerous advantages. First, they gain near-exclusive access to a food resource: we demonstrate that closely related Heliothis virescens larvae cannot develop on P. angulata fruit unless the fruit are treated with LA. Second, they reduce their vulnerability to enemies: LA is a key component of volicitin, an elicitor of plant-volatile-signaling defenses. We demonstrate that volicitin is absent in the oral secretions of fruit-feeding caterpillars, that the volatile profiles of plants induced by fruit feeding differ from those induced by leaf feeding or by feeding on LA-treated fruit, and that the former are far less attractive to female Cardiochiles nigriceps parasitoids. Finally, they render themselves nutritionally unsuitable as hosts for enemies that require LA for their own development: we show that C. nigriceps larvae fail to develop within the bodies of fruit-feeding caterpillars but do develop in caterpillars feeding on LA-treated fruit. Thus, H. subflexa larvae not only overcome a serious dietary deficiency but also reduce their vulnerability to natural enemies through a form of "biochemical crypsis." (+info)Heterotopic expression of MPF2 is the key to the evolution of the Chinese lantern of Physalis, a morphological novelty in Solanaceae. (8/37)
Morphological novelties arise through changes in development, but the underlying causes of such changes are largely unknown. In the genus Physalis, sepals resume growth after pollination to encapsulate the mature fruit, forming the "Chinese lantern," a trait also termed inflated-calyx syndrome (ICS). STMADS16, which encodes a MADS-box transcription factor, is expressed only in vegetative tissues in Solanum tuberosum. Its ortholog in Physalis pubescens, MPF2, is expressed in floral tissues. Knockdown of MPF2 function in Physalis by RNA interference (RNAi) reveals that MPF2 function is essential for the development of the ICS. The phenotypes of transgenic S. tuberosum plants that overexpress MPF2 or STMADS16 corroborate these findings: these plants display enlarged sepals. Although heterotopic expression of MPF2 is crucial for ICS, remarkably, fertilization is also required. Although the ICS is less prominent or absent in the knockdown transgenic plants, epidermal cells are larger, suggesting that MPF2 exerts its function by inhibiting cell elongation and promoting cell division. In addition, severely affected Physalis knockdown lines are male sterile. Thus, heterotopic expression of MPF2 in floral tissues is involved in two novel traits: expression of the ICS and control of male fertility. Sequence differences between the promoter regions of the MPF2 and STMADS16 genes perhaps reflect exposure to different selection pressures during evolution, and correlate with the observed differences in their expression patterns. In any case, the effects of heterotopic expression of MPF2 underline the importance of recruitment of preexisting transcription factors in the evolution of novel floral traits. (+info)"Physalis" is a genus name in the plant kingdom, specifically within the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers. It's not typically used in a medical context, but rather in botany and agriculture.
However, certain species of Physalis, like P. alkekengi (Chinese lantern) and P. angulata (wild watermelon), have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. For instance, the dried fruit of P. alkekengi has been used to treat respiratory ailments in some systems of traditional medicine.
So, a medical definition would be: Physalis is a genus of plants, some species of which have been used in traditional medicine for their perceived therapeutic properties. Please note that these uses are not necessarily supported by scientific evidence and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical concerns.
Hydrozoa is a class of predominantly marine, simple aquatic animals in the phylum Cnidaria. They are characterized by having a polyp form, which is typically colonial and sessile, and a medusa form, which is usually free-swimming and solitary. The polyp stage is often modular, with individual polyps being connected by stolons to form colonies. Hydrozoans have specialized cells called cnidocytes that contain stinging organelles called nematocysts, which they use for capturing prey and defense. Some well-known examples of hydrozoans include the Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) and fire corals (Millepora spp.).
Secosteroids are a type of steroid molecule that contains a broken bond in the steroid ring structure. The term "secosteroid" is derived from "secosecondary alcohol," which refers to the hydroxyl group (-OH) that is formed when the bond is broken.
The most well-known example of a secosteroid is vitamin D, which is actually a family of related compounds known as calciferols. In vitamin D, the bond between carbons 9 and 10 in the steroid ring structure is broken, forming a new polar group that allows the molecule to act as a hormone.
Secosteroids have a variety of biological activities, including roles in calcium metabolism, immune function, and cell growth and differentiation. In addition to vitamin D, other examples of secosteroids include certain forms of bile acids and steroid hormones that are produced by the body in response to stress or injury.
"Solanaceae" is not a medical term but a taxonomic category in biology, referring to the Nightshade family of plants. This family includes several plants that have economic and medicinal importance, as well as some that are toxic or poisonous. Some common examples of plants in this family include:
- Solanum lycopersicum (tomato)
- Solanum tuberosum (potato)
- Capsicum annuum (bell pepper and chili pepper)
- Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco)
- Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade)
- Hyoscyamus niger (henbane)
While Solanaceae isn't a medical term itself, certain plants within this family have medical significance. For instance, some alkaloids found in these plants can be used as medications or pharmaceutical precursors, such as atropine and scopolamine from Atropa belladonna, hyoscine from Hyoscyamus niger, and capsaicin from Capsicum species. However, it's important to note that many of these plants also contain toxic compounds, so they must be handled with care and used only under professional supervision.
Withanolides are a class of steroidal lactones found primarily in the nightshade family of plants, including Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant. These compounds have been reported to possess various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects. They are currently being researched for their potential uses in various medical applications.
"Ribes" is a botanical term that refers to a genus of shrubs in the family Grossulariaceae, which includes plants commonly known as gooseberries and currants. These plants are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their edible fruits.
However, I believe you may be looking for a medical term related to "ribes." There is no specific medical term or condition directly related to "ribes" in the context of human health or disease. If you have any further questions or need clarification on a different medical term, please let me know!
"Solanum" is a genus of flowering plants that includes many species, some of which are economically important as food crops and others which are toxic. The term "Solanum" itself does not have a specific medical definition, but several species within this genus are relevant to medicine and human health. Here are some examples:
1. Solanum lycopersicum (tomato): While tomatoes are primarily known as a food crop, they also contain various compounds with potential medicinal properties. For instance, they are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which has been studied for its potential benefits in preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Solanum tuberosum (potato): Potatoes are a staple food crop, but their leaves and green parts contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, neurological symptoms, and even death in severe cases.
3. Solanum melongena (eggplant): Eggplants have been studied for their potential health benefits due to their high antioxidant content, including nasunin, which has been shown to protect against lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.
4. Solanum nigrum (black nightshade): This species contains solanine and other toxic alkaloids, but some parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. However, its use as a medicinal herb is not well-established, and it can be toxic if improperly prepared or consumed in large quantities.
5. Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet nightshade): This species has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including treating skin conditions, respiratory ailments, and gastrointestinal complaints. However, its use as a medicinal herb is not well-supported by scientific evidence, and it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
In summary, "Solanum" refers to a genus of flowering plants that includes several species with relevance to medicine and human health. While some species are important food crops, others contain toxic compounds that can cause harm if improperly consumed or prepared. Additionally, the medicinal use of some Solanum species is not well-established and may carry risks.