Characterization of Quantitative Trait Loci for Leaf Rust Resistance from CI 13227 in Three Winter Wheat Populations.

Leaf rust is a widespread foliar wheat disease causing substantial yield losses worldwide. Slow-rusting is "adult plant" resistance that significantly slows epidemic development and thereby reduces yield loss. Wheat accession CI 13227 was previously characterized as having slow-rusting resistance. To validate the quantitative trait loci (QTL) and develop diagnostic markers for slow rusting resistance in CI 13227, a new population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of CI 13227 × Everest was evaluated for latent period (LP), final severity (FS), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), and infection type (IT) in greenhouses and genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Four QTL were identified on chromosome arms 2BL, 2DS, 3BS, and 7BL, explaining 6.82 to 28.45% of the phenotypic variance for these traits. Seven kompetitive allele specific polymorphism (KASP) markers previously reported to be linked to the QTL in two other CI 13227 populations were validated. In addition, the previously reported QLr.hwwg-7AL was remapped to 2BL (renamed QLr.hwwg-2BL) after adding new markers in this study. Phenotypic data showed that the RILs harboring two or three of the QTL had a significantly longer LP. QLr.hwwg-2DS on 2DS showed a major effect on all rust resistance traits and was finely mapped to a 2.7 Mb interval by two newly developed flanking markers from exome capture. Three disease-resistance genes and two transporter genes were identified as the putative candidates for QLr.hwwg-2DS. The validated QTL can be used as slow rusting resistance resources and the markers developed in this study will be useful for marker-assisted selection.

Accelerated sonochemical fabrication of MIn2S4 (M = Zn, Mg, Ni, Co) for ultra-high photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production.

Ternary metal sulfide (MIn2S4) by virtue of large extinction coefficient, suitable band gap and stability, has been proposed as a candidate for photocatalytic synthesis hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, MIn2S4 is conventionally synthesized by solvothermal method that is generally characterized by tedious operational steps and long reaction time. In this work, four sonoMIn2S4 (M = Zn, Mg, Ni, Co) were successfully prepared by sonochemical method within 2 h. These as-synthesized sonoMIn2S4 delivered much high-efficient photocatalytic H2O2 generation. Particularly, the sonoZnIn2S4 presented H2O2 production rate of 21295.5 µmol∙g-1∙h-1 in water/benzylalcohol system, which is 3.0 times that of ZnIn2S4 prepared by solvothermal method. The remarkably improved photocatalytic performance of sonoZnIn2S4 might be due to the multiple defects and fast electron-hole pair separation caused by ultrasound cavitation effect. Other metal sulfide photocatalysts with high performance were efficiently fabricated by facile sonochemical technology as well. The sonochemical method realized the rapid preparation of metal sulfide photocatalysts and efficient production of H2O2, which benefits to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG-7 and SDG-12.

Selenium in Wheat from Farming to Food.

Selenium (Se) plays an important role in human health. Approximately 80% of the world's population does not consume enough Se recommended by the World Health Organization. Wheat is an important staple food and Se source for most people in the world. This review summarizes literature about Se from 1936 to 2020 to investigate Se in wheat farming soil, wheat, and its derived foods. Se fortification and the recommended Se level in wheat were also discussed. Results showed that Se contents in wheat farming soil, grain, and its derived foods around the world were 3.8-552 µg kg-1 (mean of 220.99 µg kg-1), 0-8270 µg kg-1 (mean of 347.30 µg kg-1), and 15-2372 µg kg-1 (mean of 211.86 µg kg-1), respectively. Adopting suitable agronomic measures could effectively realize Se fortification in wheat. The contents in grain, flour, and its derived foods could be improved from 93.94 to 1181.92 µg kg-1, from 73.06 to 1007.75 µg kg-1, and from 86.90 to 587.61 µg kg-1 on average after leaf Se fertilizer application in the field. There was a significant positive correlation between the Se content in farming soil and grain, and it was extremely the same between the foliar Se fertilizer concentration rate and the grain Se increased rate. The recommended Se fortification level in cultivation of wheat in China, India, and Spain was 18.53-23.96, 2.65-3.37, and 3.93-9.88 g hm-2, respectively. Milling processing and food type could greatly affect the Se content of wheat-derived food and should be considered seriously to meet people's Se requirement by wheat.

Effect of Zn-Rich Wheat Bran With Different Particle Sizes on the Quality of Steamed Bread.

Bran is the main by-product of wheat milling and the part of the grain with the highest Zn content. We investigated the effects of the particle sizes (coarse, D50 = 375.4 ± 12.3 µm; medium, D50 = 122.3 ± 7.1 µm; and fine, D50 = 60.5 ± 4.2 µm) and addition level (5-20%) of Zn-biofortified bran on the quality of flour and Chinese steamed bread. It was studied to determine if the Zn content of steamed bread could be enhanced without deleterious effects on quality. Dough pasting properties, such as peak viscosity, trough viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown, and setback, decreased significantly as the bran addition level was increased from 5 to 20% but did not significantly differ as a result of different bran particle sizes. Bran incorporation significantly increased hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and adhesiveness, whereas the springiness, cohesiveness, and specific volume of steamed bread decreased with the increase in bran addition. The optimal sensory score of steamed bread samples in the control and Zn fertilizer groups were obtained under 5% bran addition resulting in comparable flavor, and texture relative to control. Meanwhile, the Zn content of the steamed bread in the Zn fertilizer group was 40.2 mg/kg, which was 55.8% higher than that in the control group. Results indicated that adding the appropriate particle size and amount of bran would be an effective and practical way to solve the problem of the insufficient Zn content of steamed bread.

Metabolomics and gene expression analysis reveal the accumulation patterns of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids in different colored-grain wheats (Triticum aestivum L.).

Colored-grain wheats have received increasing attention owing to their high nutritional values. In this study, we compared the metabolomes of four pigmented wheat cultivars with conventional yellow wheat using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based metabolomics approach. A total of 711 metabolites were identified, and considerable differences were observed in the flavonoid and phenylpropanoid metabolites among five samples by orthogonal signal correction and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) analysis. These differential metabolites were significantly enriched in the "anthocyanin biosynthesis", "flavones and flavonols biosynthesis", and "flavonoids biosynthesis" pathways. Furthermore, the expression of 9 structural genes and 2 regulatory genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results suggested that blue, red, purple, and black wheat cultivars showed higher transcription levels of structural and regulatory genes in the flavonoid pathway than that of conventional yellow wheat, possibly accounting for the abundant anthocyanin accumulation in the grains of these four cultivars. This study laid a foundation for understanding the accumulation of flavonoids and coloration mechanisms in colored-grain wheats, and provides a theoretical basis for their sufficient utilization.

Correction to: Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction attenuates rheumatoid arthritis partially by reversing inflammation-immune system imbalance.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Zinc in Wheat Grain, Processing, and Food.

Improving zinc (Zn) content in wheat and its processed foods is an effective way to solve human Zn deficiency, which can cause a variety of diseases. This article summarizes the works on Zn in wheat grain, wheat processing, and wheat-derived foods. Grain Zn content in wheat was 31.84 mg·kg-1 globally but varied across continents, for example, 25.10 mg·kg-1 in Europe, 29.00 mg·kg-1 in Africa, 33.63 mg·kg-1 in Asia, and 33.91 mg·kg-1 in North America. Grain Zn content in wheat improved from 28.96 to 36.61 mg·kg-1 and that in flour increased from 10.51 to 14.82 mg·kg-1 after Zn fortification. Furthermore, Zn content varied in the different processed components of wheat; that is, Zn content was 12.58 mg·kg-1 in flour, 70.49 mg·kg-1 in shorts, and 86.45 mg·kg-1 in bran. Zinc content was also different in wheat-derived foods, such as 13.65 mg·kg-1 in baked food, 10.65 mg·kg-1 in fried food, and 8.03 mg·kg-1 in cooking food. Therefore, the suitable Zn fortification, appropriate processing, and food type of wheat are important to meet people's Zn requirement through wheat.

Soil erosion and corn yield in a cultivated catchment of the Chinese Mollisol region.

Evaluation of soil redistribution rates and influence on crop yield in agricultural catchments is very important information, which can provide a scientific basis for arrangement of soil and water conservation measures and sustainable crop production. In recent decades, the soil erosion has greatly aggravated in the Mollisol region of Northeast China due to unreasonable land management, which in turn has reduced crop yield. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatial distribution of soil redistribution and the relationship between crop yield and soil redistribute at a catchment of the Chinese Mollisol region. A total of 176 soil samples were collected based on a 200 m by 200 m grid and 4 yr of corn (Zea mays L.) yields were measured. The 137Cs trace technique and Zhang Xinbao's mass balance model indicated that the soil redistribution rates ranged from -7122.25 to 5471.70 t km-2 yr-1 and averaged -830.10 t km-2 yr-1. Soil erosion dominated in the research area. The corn yields for four years ranged from 43.24 to 136.19 kg km-2 and averaged 90.42 kg km-2. The spatial distribution of soil redistribution rates and corn yield showed a similar ribbon and plaque characteristics at the catchment. An equation between corn yield and soil redistribution rates was fitted and showed that there was a significant negative correlation between corn yield and soil erosion rates, while there was no relationship between the corn yield and soil deposition rates. Therefore, effective soil and water conservation measures are urgently needed to increase crop yield and realize sustainable land-use management.

The Salvia miltiorrhiza NAC transcription factor SmNAC1 enhances zinc content in transgenic Arabidopsis.

NAC transcription factors play important roles in plant biological processes, including plant development, environmental stress responses and element enrichment. A novel NAC transcription factor gene, designated SmNAC1, was isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. SmNAC1 was localized in the nucleus in onion protoplasts and exhibited transcriptional activation activities in yeast. In addition, the SmNAC1 protein could specifically bind to the cis-elements of the NAC proteins. SmNAC1 was expressed at a higher level in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza, indicating that SmNAC1 might be involved in the transportation of zinc. To examine the function of SmNAC1, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing SmNAC1 were generated. Zinc content assays in the transgenic plants demonstrated that overexpressed SmNAC1 plants had enhanced tolerance to high zinc concentrations, and zinc was enriched in the shoot tissues. Our results demonstrate that SmNAC1 plays important roles in the response to zinc stress. Zinc was mainly enriched in the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza and the shoot tissues of transgenic Arabidopsis plants. SmNAC1 might participate in zinc transportation from the roots to the shoots, that constitutes a useful gene for improving zinc content in plants.

Development of a wheat-Aegilops searsii substitution line with positively affecting Chinese steamed bread quality.

A wheat-Aegilops searsii substitution line GL1402, in which chromosome 1B was substituted with 1Ss from Ae. searsii, was developed and detected using SDS-PAGE and GISH. The SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the HMW-GS encoded by the Glu-B1 loci of Chinese Spring was replaced by the HMW-GS encoded by the Glu-1Ss loci of Ae. searsii. Glutenin macropolymer (GMP) investigation showed that GL1402 had a much higher GMP content than Chinese Spring did. A dough quality comparison of GL1402 and Chinese Spring indicated that GL1402 showed a significantly higher protein content and middle peak time (MPT), and a smaller right peak slope (RPS). Quality tests of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) showed that the GL1402 also produced good steamed bread quality. These results suggested that the substitution line is a valuable breeding material for improving the wheat processing quality.

Identification of nicotianamine synthase genes in Triticum monococcum and their expression under different Fe and Zn concentrations.

In graminaceous plants, nicotianamine (NA) is an important component of metal acquisition. NA is synthesized from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) catalyzed by nicotianamine synthase (NAS). Here, eight Triticum monococcum NAS (TmNAS) genes were cloned and characterized. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that TmNAS genes had high sequence identity with those from Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Oryza sativa and Hordeum vulgare. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NAS genes were classified into two distinct groups, e.g. group I and group II. Expression analysis demonstrated that two of the TmNAS genes in group II were highly expressed in shoot tissues, and the other six TmNAS genes in group I were expressed in root tissues. Further analysis indicated that root-specific TmNAS genes were up-regulated under conditions of Fe- or Zn-deficiency growth, while shoot-specific TmNAS genes were up-regulated under conditions of Fe- or Zn-sufficiency. These results help us understand the NAS genes in T. monococcum and provide novel genetic resources for improving Fe and Zn concentrations in common wheat.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of two novel high molecular weight glutenin subunit genes in Aegilops markgrafii.

The high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) in bread wheat are major determinants of the viscoelastic properties of dough and the end-use quality of wheat flour. Two novel HMW-GSs, 1Cx1.1 and 1Cy9.1, from the diploid species Aegilops markgrafii (CC) were identified in the present study. The corresponding open-reading frames of the genes of 1Cx1.1 and 1Cy9.1 were isolated and sequenced using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Sequence comparison demonstrated that the HMW-GSs from Ae. markgrafii possess a similar primary structure to the homologous proteins in wheat and related species. A tandem tripeptide exists in the central repetitive domain of 1Cx1.1, and this unique structure is very rare in the HMW-GSs of other genomes. To confirm the authenticity of these isolated endogenous HMW-GS, the heterologous proteins produced by removing the signal peptides expressed by E. coli exhibited the same electrophoretic mobility as the native proteins. Subsequently, the single protein was purified at a sufficient scale for incorporation into flour to performsodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) sedimentation testing. Notably, the SDS sedimentation volume was less with the addition of 1Cx1.1 than it was with 1Cy9.1.

QTL mapping of selenium content using a RIL population in wheat.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that plays various roles in human health. Understanding the genetic control of Se content and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping provide a basis for Se biofortification of wheat to enhance grain Se content. In the present study, a set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from two Chinese winter wheat varieties (Tainong18 and Linmai6) was used to detect QTLs for Se content in hydroponic and field trials. In total, 16 QTLs for six Se content-related traits were detected on eight chromosomes, 1B, 2B, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5D, 6A, and 7D. Of these, seven QTLs were detected at the seedling stage and nine at the adult stage. The contribution of each QTL to Se content ranged from 7.37% to 20.22%. QSsece-7D.2, located between marker loci D-3033829 and D-1668160, had the highest contribution (20.22%). This study helps in understanding the genetic basis for Se contents and will provide a basis for gene mapping of Se content in wheat.

Molecular characterization of the IgE-binding epitopes in the fast ω-gliadins of Triticeae in relation to wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Fast ω-gliadins were minor components of wheat storage proteins but a major antigen triggering allergy to wheat. Sixty-six novel full-length fast ω-gliadin genes with unique characteristics were cloned and sequenced from wheat and its relative species using a PCR-based strategy. Their coding regions ranged from 177bp to 987bp in length and encoded 4.28kDa to 37.56kDa proteins. On the base of first three deduced amino acids at the N-terminal, these genes could be classified into the six subclasses of SRL-, TRQ-, GRL-, NRL-, SRP- and SRM-type ω-gliadin genes. Compared by multiple alignments, these genes were significantly different from each other, due to the insertion or deletion at the repetitive domain. An analysis of the IgE-binding epitopes of the 66 deduced fast ω-gliadins demonstrated that they contained 0-24 IgE-binding epitopes. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the fast ω-gliadins and slow ω-gliadins were separated into two groups and their divergence time was 21.64millionyears ago. Sequence data of the fast ω-gliadin genes assist in the study of the origins and evolutions of the different types of ω-gliadins while also providing a basis for the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies to detect wheat antigen content.

Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction attenuates rheumatoid arthritis partially by reversing inflammation-immune system imbalance.

BACKGROUND: Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction (GSZD) has been extensively used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. Marked therapeutic efficacy of GSZD acting on RA has been demonstrated in several long-term clinical trials without any significant side effects. However, its pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear due to a lack of appropriate scientific methodology. METHODS: GSZD's mechanisms of action were investigated using an integrative approach that combined drug target prediction, network analysis, and experimental validation. RESULTS: A total of 77 putative targets were identified for 165 assessed chemical components of GSZD. After calculating the topological features of the nodes and edges in the created drug-target network, we identified a candidate GSZD-targeted signal axis that contained interactions between two putative GSZD targets [histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha, class A member 1 (HSP90AA1)] and three known RA-related targets [NFKB2; inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase beta (IKBKB); and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)]. This signal axis could connect different functional modules that are significantly associated with various RA-related signaling pathways, including T/B cell receptor, Toll-like receptor, NF-kappa B and TNF pathways, as well as osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects and putative molecular mechanisms of GSZD's actions on RA were experimentally validated in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: GSZD may partially attenuate RA by reversing inflammation-immune system imbalance and regulating the HDAC1-HSP90AA1-NFKB2-IKBKB-TNF-α signaling axis.

[Study on extraction and purification technology of Hubei ophiopogon saponins].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the extraction and purification technology of total saponins from the effective parts of Liriope spicata. METHODS: Orthogonal design was used. Macroporous resin was selected to separate and purify total saponin from the effective parts of Liriope spicata. The process validation was conducted. The total saponins was determined by Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: 10 times the amount of ethanol (70%) for each occasion and hot reflux (3 x 2 h). Total saponins was purified by D101 macroporous resin. The concentration of eluting ethanol was 50% - 70%. Ethanol (70%) was selected as the best eluent. The result of process validation was consistent with the study. CONCLUSION: The process is simple and stable enough to significantly improve the extraction rate of the effective parts. The study can provide reference for the research and production of effective parts of traditional Chinese medicine such as Liriope spicata.