Analysis of Dieback in a Coastal Pinewood in Campania, Southern Italy, through High-Resolution Remote Sensing.

For some years, the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) forests of the Domitian coast in Campania, Southern Italy, have been at risk of conservation due to biological adversities. Among these, the pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) has assumed a primary role since its spread in Campania began. Observation of pine forests using remote sensing techniques was useful for acquiring information on the health state of the vegetation. In this way, it was possible to monitor the functioning of the forest ecosystem and identify the existence of critical states. To study the variation in spectral behavior and identify conditions of plant stress due to the action of pests, the analysis of the multispectral data of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, acquired over seven years between 2016 and 2022, was conducted on the Domitian pine forest. This method was used to plot the values of individual pixels over time by processing spectral indices using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The use of vegetation indices has made it possible to highlight the degradation suffered by the vegetation due to infestation by T. parvicornis. The results showed the utility of monitoring the state of the vegetation through high-resolution remote sensing to protect and preserve the pine forest ecosystem peculiar to the Domitian coast.

Functional Properties of Natural Products and Human Health.

Natural products (NPs), broadly defined as chemicals produced by living organisms including microbes, marine organisms, animals, fungi and plants, are widely used as therapeutic agents for treating diseases and maintaining health and "wellness" [...].

Sirtuin Inhibitor Cambinol Induces Cell Differentiation and Differently Interferes with SIRT1 and 2 at the Substrate Binding Site.

Epigenetic mechanisms finely regulate gene expression and represent potential therapeutic targets. Cambinol is a synthetic heterocyclic compound that inhibits class III histone deacetylases known as sirtuins (SIRTs). The acetylating action that results could be crucial in modulating cellular functions via epigenetic regulations. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effects of cambinol, and its underlying mechanisms, on cell differentiation by combining wet experiments with bioinformatics analyses and molecular docking simulations. Our in vitro study evidenced the ability of cambinol to induce the differentiation in MCF-7, NB4, and 3T3-L1 cell lines. Interestingly, focusing on the latter that accumulated cytoplasmic lipid droplets, the first promising results related to the action mechanisms of cambinol have shown the induction of cell cycle-related proteins (such as p16 and p27) and modulation of the expression of Rb protein and nuclear receptors related to cell differentiation. Moreover, we explored the inhibitory mechanism of cambinol on human SIRT1 and 2 performing in silico molecular simulations by protein-ligand docking. Cambinol, unlike from other sirtuin inhibitors, is able to better interact with the substrate binding site of SIRT1 than with the inhibition site. Additionally, for SIRT2, cambinol partially interacts with the substrate binding site, although the inhibition site is preferred. Overall, our findings suggest that cambinol might contribute to the development of an alternative to the existing epigenetic therapies that modulate SIRTs.

Pilot Study on the Geographical Mapping of Genetic Diversity among European Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Cultivars in Southern Italy.

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivar diversity is essential for managing and conserving the genetic resources of this fruit tree species in Southern Italy. To this goal, the present work investigated the feasibility of mapping, through spatial representation, the distribution of genetic diversity of traditional chestnut varieties in the area of the Roccamonfina Regional Park in the Campania Region. After Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) of molecular-genetic data, chestnuts formed varietal groups in a leopard spot on PCoA plots with a relatively high degree of genetic diversity. Successively, a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool utilized these molecular-genetic data to create a genetic divergence surface by geospatial interpolation on the geographic map of the Regional Park corresponding to each chestnut variety. The regions containing more biodiversity richness resulted in differentially colored from those containing cultivars less genetically distant from each other; thus, the area in study was consistently colored according to the allelic richness as evaluated by molecular-genetic markers. The combined use of tools for molecular and spatial analysis allowed for drafting genetic landscapes with the aim of extracting useful information for the safeguarding of the chestnut biodiversity at risk.

Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential.

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.

Metabolite Profile and In Vitro Beneficial Effects of Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Polar Extract.

Over the centuries, humans have traditionally used garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a food ingredient (spice) and remedy for many diseases. To confirm this, many extensive studies recognized the therapeutic effects of garlic bulbs. More recently, black garlic (BG), made by heat-ageing white garlic bulbs, has increased its popularity in cuisine and traditional medicine around the world, but there is still limited information on its composition and potential beneficial effects. In this study, the metabolite profile of methanol extract of BG (BGE) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in high-resolution mode. Results allowed to establish that BGE major components were sulfur derivatives, saccharides, peptides, organic acids, a phenylpropanoid derivative, saponins, and compounds typical of glycerophospholipid metabolism. Characterization of the BGE action in cancer cells revealed that antioxidant, metabolic, and hepatoprotective effects occur upon treatment as well as induction of maturation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. These results are interesting from the impact point of view of BG consumption as a functional food for potential prevention of metabolic and tumor diseases.

Structural Dissection of Viral Spike-Protein Binding of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 to the Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as Cellular Receptor.

An outbreak by a new severe acute respiratory syndrome betacoronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) all over the world. Immediately, following studies have confirmed the human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular receptor of viral Spike-Protein (Sp) that mediates the CoV-2 invasion into the pulmonary host cells. Here, we compared the molecular interactions of the viral Sp from previous SARS-CoV-1 of 2002 and SARS-CoV-2 with the host ACE2 protein by in silico analysis of the available experimental structures of Sp-ACE2 complexes. The K417 amino acid residue, located in the region of Sp Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, showed to have a key role for the binding to the ACE2 N-terminal region. The R426 residue of SARS-CoV-1 Sp-RBD also plays a key role, although by interacting with the central region of the ACE2 sequence. Therefore, our study evidenced peculiarities in the interactions of the two Sp-ACE2 complexes. Our outcomes were consistent with previously reported mutagenesis studies on SARS-CoV-1 and support the idea that a new and different RBD was acquired by SARS-CoV-2. These results have interesting implications and suggest further investigations.

Molecular Docking Simulations on Histone Deacetylases (HDAC)-1 and -2 to Investigate the Flavone Binding.

Histone modifications through acetylation are fundamental for remodelling chromatin and consequently activating gene expression. The imbalance between acetylation and deacetylation activity causes transcriptional dysregulation associated with several disorders. Flavones, small molecules of plant origin, are known to interfere with class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes and to enhance acetylation, restoring cell homeostasis. To investigate the possible physical interactions of flavones on human HDAC1 and 2, we carried out in silico molecular docking simulations. Our data have revealed how flavone, and other two flavones previously investigated, i.e., apigenin and luteolin, can interact as ligands with HDAC1 and 2 at the active site binding pocket. Regulation of HDAC activity by dietary flavones could have important implications in developing epigenetic therapy to regulate the cell gene expression.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms as Practical Molecular Tools to Support European Chestnut Agrobiodiversity Management.

European chestnut orchards are multifunctional agroforestry systems with a key role in environmental management. Their biodiversity is at risk of erosion and farmers do not have enough tools to protect and valorize traditional ecotypes. In particular, cost effective and reliable molecular markers for cultivar identification are lacking. The aim of this research was to develop a new molecular tool for varietal identification in European chestnuts. A set of cultivars was preliminarily characterized to evaluate the range of genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The genetic distances indicated a sufficiently wide variability range among tested genotypes and confirmed they were suitable for our goal. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mining within 64 expressed sequence tags (EST), covering all the linkage groups, was performed by high-resolution melting (HRM) and validated by target resequencing. Fifty-six SNPs were retrieved by monitoring the variability present on the whole set of considered cultivars in loci uniformly distributed on the genome. A subset of 37 SNPs was finally transformed into kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers that were successfully evaluated for varietal discrimination. Three assays (C1083, G0115 and A5096) were identified as necessary and sufficient for distinguishing among the tested cultivars. The developed tools can be effectively exploited by stakeholders for improving the management of the European chestnut genetic resources.

Comparative Phytochemical Characterization, Genetic Profile, and Antiproliferative Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Pigmented Tubers of Different Solanum tuberosum Varieties.

Plants produce a vast array of biomolecules with beneficial effects for human health. In this study, polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich extracts (PAE) from pigmented tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. varieties "Blue Star", "Magenta Love", and "Double Fun" in comparison with the more extensively studied "Vitelotte" were evaluated and compared for antiproliferative effects in human leukemia cells, and their phytochemical and genetic profiles were determined. In U937 cells, upon treatment with PAE, it was possible to reveal the expression of specific apoptotic players, such as caspase 8, 9, 3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), as well as the induction of monocyte and granulocyte differentiation. A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) investigation revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds in all the varieties of potatoes analyzed, among which caffeoyl and feruloyl quinic acid derivatives were the most abundant, as well as several acylated anthocyanins. Each pigmented variety was genotyped by DNA-based molecular markers, and flavonoid-related transcription factors were profiled in tubers in order to better characterize these outstanding resources and contribute to their exploitation in breeding. Interesting biological activities were observed for "Blue Star" and "Vitelotte" varieties with respect to the minor or no effect of the "Double Fun" variety.

Structure and Ligands Interactions of Citrus Tryptophan Decarboxylase by Molecular Modeling and Docking Simulations.

In a previous work, we in silico annotated protein sequences of Citrus genus plants as putative tryptophan decarboxylase (pTDC). Here, we investigated the structural properties of Citrus pTDCs by using the TDC sequence of Catharanthus roseus as an experimentally annotated reference to carry out comparative modeling and substrate docking analyses. The functional annotation as TDC was verified by combining 3D molecular modeling and docking simulations, evidencing the peculiarities and the structural similarities with C. roseus TDC. Docking with l-tryptophan as a ligand showed specificity of pTDC for this substrate. These combined results confirm our previous in silico annotation of the examined protein sequences of Citrus as TDC and provide support for TDC activity in this plant genus.

The Ancient Neapolitan Sweet Lime and the Calabrian Lemoncetta Locrese Belong to the Same Citrus Species.

"Neapolitan limmo" is an ancient and rare sweet Mediterranean lime, now almost extinct but used until a few decades ago for the production of a fragrant liqueur called the "four citrus fruits". The objective of this work was to compare, through the use of chemical (flavonoids, volatile organic compounds, and chiral compounds) and molecular (DNA fingerprint based on RAPD-PCR) markers, the residual population of Neapolitan limmo with other populations of sweet limes, identified in Calabria and known as "lemoncetta Locrese". We report for the first time specific botanical characteristics of the two fruits and unequivocally show that the ancient sweet Mediterranean limes Neapolitan limmo and lemoncetta Locrese are synonyms of the same Citrus species. Owing to the biodiversity conserved in their places of origin, it will now be possible to recover, enhance and implement the use of this ancient sweet lime for agro-industrial purposes.

Experimental Evidence and In Silico Identification of Tryptophan Decarboxylase in Citrus Genus.

Plant tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) converts tryptophan into tryptamine, precursor of indolealkylamine alkaloids. The recent finding of tryptamine metabolites in Citrus plants leads to hypothesize the existence of TDC activity in this genus. Here, we report for the first time that, in Citrus x limon seedlings, deuterium labeled tryptophan is decarboxylated into tryptamine, from which successively deuterated N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine is formed. These results give an evidence of the occurrence of the TDC activity and the successive methylation pathway of the tryptamine produced from the tryptophan decarboxylation. In addition, with the aim to identify the genetic basis for the presence of TDC, we carried out a sequence similarity search for TDC in the Citrus genomes using as a probe the TDC sequence reported for the plant Catharanthus roseus. We analyzed the genomes of both Citrus clementina and Citrus sinensis, available in public database, and identified putative protein sequences of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase. Similarly, 42 aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase sequences from 23 plant species were extracted from public databases. Potential sequence signatures for functional TDC were then identified. With this research, we propose for the first time a putative protein sequence for TDC in the genus Citrus.

The beneficial effect of Trichoderma spp. on tomato is modulated by the plant genotype.

Rhizosphere-competent fungi of the genus Trichoderma are widely used as biofertilizers and biopesticides in commercial formulates because of the multiple beneficial effects on plant growth and disease resistance. In this work, we demonstrate that genetic variability among wild and cultivated tomato lines affects the outcome of the interaction with two 'elite' biocontrol strains of T. atroviride and T. harzianum. The beneficial response, which included enhanced growth and systemic resistance against Botrytis cinerea, was clearly evident for some, but not all, the tested lines. At least in one case (line M82), treatment with the biocontrol agents had no effect or was even detrimental. Expression studies on defence-related genes suggested that the fungus is able to trigger, in the responsive lines, a long-lasting up-regulation of the salicylic acid pathway in the absence of a pathogen, possibly activating a priming mechanism in the plant. Consequently, infection with B. cinerea on plants pretreated with Trichoderma is followed by enhanced activation of jasmonate-responsive genes, eventually boosting systemic resistance to the pathogen in a plant genotype-dependent manner. Our data indicate that, at least in tomato, the Trichoderma induced systemic resistance mechanism is much more complex than considered so far, and the ability of the plant to benefit from this symbiotic-like interaction can be genetically improved.

Pectin methylesterase in Citrus bergamia R.: purification, biochemical characterisation and sequence of the exon related to the enzyme active site.

Three forms of pectin methylesterase (PME) were purified, from bergamot fruit (Citrus bergamia R.), to homogeneity by ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The isoforms, named PME I, PME II and PME III, according their elution order on a heparin-sepharose column, were characterized for their relative molecular mass, activity kinetic parameters and thermostability. The molecular mass was estimated to be 42kDa for the three forms, and the apparent Km values for citrus pectin were 0.9mg/ml for PME I and 0.5mg/ml for PME II and PME III. The optimum pH values lie within the range 6.5-9.0, depending on salt concentration. Thermal behaviours of the three PME isoforms were studied in a temperature range from 65°C to 80°C with the less abundant PME I isoform showing a higher heat resistance. Moreover, the complete exon 2 sequence of PME gene was acquired (GenBank accession no. DQ458770) using a PCR-based approach on well-known Citrus genomic DNA present in the NCBI database.

Agronomic, chemical and genetic profiles of hot peppers (Capsicum annuum ssp.).

A study on morphology, productive yield, main quality parameters and genetic variability of eight landraces of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum ssp.) from Southern Italy has been performed. Morphological characters of berries and productivity values were evaluated by agronomic analyses. Chemical and genetic investigations were performed by HPLC and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR, respectively. In particular, carotenoid and capsaicinoid (pungency) contents were considered as main quality parameters of hot pepper. For the eight selected samples, genetic similarity values were calculated from the generated RAPD fragments and a dendrogram of genetic similarity was constructed. All the eight landraces exhibited characteristic RAPD patterns that allowed their characterization. Agro-morphological and chemical determinations were found to be adequate for selection, but they resulted useful only for plants grown in the same environmental conditions. RAPD application may provide a more reliable way based on DNA identification. The results of our study led to the identification of three noteworthy populations, suitable for processing, which fitted into different clusters of the dendrogram.