Drug-Online: an online platform for drug-target interaction, affinity, and binding sites identification using deep learning.

BACKGROUND: Accurately identifying drug-target interaction (DTI), affinity (DTA), and binding sites (DTS) is crucial for drug screening, repositioning, and design, as well as for understanding the functions of target. Although there are a few online platforms based on deep learning for drug-target interaction, affinity, and binding sites identification, there is currently no integrated online platforms for all three aspects. RESULTS: Our solution, the novel integrated online platform Drug-Online, has been developed to facilitate drug screening, target identification, and understanding the functions of target in a progressive manner of "interaction-affinity-binding sites". Drug-Online platform consists of three parts: the first part uses the drug-target interaction identification method MGraphDTA, based on graph neural networks (GNN) and convolutional neural networks (CNN), to identify whether there is a drug-target interaction. If an interaction is identified, the second part employs the drug-target affinity identification method MMDTA, also based on GNN and CNN, to calculate the strength of drug-target interaction, i.e., affinity. Finally, the third part identifies drug-target binding sites, i.e., pockets. The method pt-lm-gnn used in this part is also based on GNN. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-Online is a reliable online platform that integrates drug-target interaction, affinity, and binding sites identification. It is freely available via the Internet at http://39.106.7.26:8000/Drug-Online/ .

Berberine promotes the degradation of phenylacetic acid to prevent thrombosis by modulating gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Berberine is the main bioactive constituent of Coptis chinensis, a quaternary ammonium alkaloid. While berberine's cardiovascular benefits are well-documented, its impact on thrombosis remains not fully understood. PURPOSE: This study investigates the potential of intestinal microbiota as a novel target for preventing thrombosis, with a focus on berberine, a natural compound known for its effectiveness in managing cardiovascular conditions. METHODS: Intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan induces the secretion of chemical mediators such as histamine and serotonin from mast cells to promote thrombosis. This model can directly and visually observe the progression of thrombosis in a time-dependent manner. Thrombosis was induced by intravenous injection of 1 % carrageenan solution (20 mg/kg) to all mice except the vehicle control group. Quantitative analysis of gut microbiota metabolites through LC/MS. Then, the gut microbiota of mice was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the changes. Finally, the effects of gut microbiota on thrombosis were explored by fecal microbiota transplantation. RESULTS: Our research shows that berberine inhibits thrombosis by altering intestinal microbiota composition and related metabolites. Notably, berberine curtails the biosynthesis of phenylacetylglycine, a thrombosis-promoting coproduct of the host-intestinal microbiota, by promoting phenylacetic acid degradation. This research underscores the significance of phenylacetylglycine as a thrombosis-promoting risk factor, as evidenced by the ability of intraperitoneal phenylacetylglycine injection to reverse berberine's efficacy. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment confirms the crucial role of intestinal microbiota in thrombus formation. CONCLUSION: Initiating our investigation from the perspective of the gut microbiota, we have, for the first time, unveiled that berberine inhibits thrombus formation by promoting the degradation of phenylacetic acid, consequently suppressing the biosynthesis of PAG. This discovery further substantiates the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and thrombosis. Our study advances the understanding that intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in thrombosis development and highlights berberine-mediated intestinal microbiota modulation as a promising therapeutic approach for thrombosis prevention.

"Mini-community" simulation revealed the differences of endophytic fungal communities between the above- and below-ground tissues of Ephedra sinica Stapf.

The microecology of endophytic fungi in special habitats, such as the interior of different tissues from a medicinal plant, and its effects on the formation of metabolites with different biological activities are of great importance. However, the factors affecting fungal community formation are unclear. This study is the first to utilize "mini-community" remodeling to understand the above phenomena. First, high-throughput sequencing technology was applied to explore the community composition and diversity of endophytic fungi in the above-ground tissues (Ea) and below-ground tissues (Eb) of Ephedra sinica. Second, fungi were obtained through culture-dependent technology and used for "mini-community" remodeling in vitro. Then, the effects of environmental factors, partner fungi, and plant tissue fluid (internal environment) on endophytic fungal community formation were discussed. Results showed that environmental factors played a decisive role in the selection of endophytic fungi, that is, in Ea and Eb, 93.8% and 25.3% of endophytic fungi were halophilic, respectively, and 10.6% and 60.2% fungi were sensitive to high temperature (33 °C), respectively. Meanwhile, pH had little effect on fungal communities. The internal environment of the plant host further promoted the formation of endophytic fungal communities.

Let-7g Upregulation Attenuated the KRAS-PI3K-Rac1-Akt Axis-Mediated Bioenergetic Functions.

The aberrant activation of signaling pathways contributes to cancer cells with metabolic reprogramming. Thus, targeting signaling modulators is considered a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. Subcellular fractionation, coimmunoprecipitation, biochemical analysis, and gene manipulation experiments revealed that decreasing the interaction of kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) with p110α in lipid rafts with the use of naringenin (NGN), a citrus flavonoid, causes lipid raft-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-GTP-ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)-protein kinase B (Akt)-regulated metabolic dysfunction of glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), leading to apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. The use of lethal-7g (let-7g) mimic and let-7g inhibitor confirmed that elevated let-7g resulted in a decrease in KRAS expression, which attenuated the PI3K-Rac1-Akt-BCL-2/BCL-xL-modulated mitochondrial energy metabolic functions. Increased let-7g depends on the suppression of the RNA-specificity of monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein-1 (MCPIP1) ribonuclease since NGN specifically blocks the degradation of pre-let-7g by NPC cell-derived immunoprecipitated MCPIP1. Converging lines of evidence indicate that the inhibition of MCPIP1 by NGN leads to let-7g upregulation, suppressing oncogenic KRAS-modulated PI3K-Rac1-Akt signaling and thereby impeding the metabolic activities of aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial OXPHOS.

Angelica sinensis aboveground part polysaccharide and its metabolite 5-MT ameliorate colitis via modulating gut microbiota and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

The roots of Angelica sinensis have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. However, tons of aerial parts of this herb (aboveground part) are commonly discarded during the process of root preparations. A polysaccharide (ASP-Ag-AP) in the aboveground parts of A. sinensis was isolated and preliminarily characterized as typical plant pectin. ASP-Ag-AP exhibited noticeable protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, including reduction of colonic inflammation, modulation of barrier function, and alteration of gut microbiota and serum metabolite profile. Anti-inflammatory effects of ASP-Ag-AP were observed by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the level of serum metabolite 5-methyl-dl-tryptophan (5-MT) was reduced by DSS and restored by ASP-Ag-AP, which also negatively correlated with Bacteroides, Alistipes, Staphylococcus and pro-inflammatory factors. The protection from inflammatory stress on intestinal porcine enterocytes cells (IPEC-J2) of 5-MT was observed through the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Besides, 5-MT also exhibited robust anti-inflammatory effect in colitis mice with improving colitis symptoms, barrier function and gut microbiota, which was the same as presented by ASP-Ag-AP. Therefore, ASP-Ag-AP could be a promising agent for colitis prevention and 5-MT could be the signal metabolite of ASP-Ag-AP on defending against intestinal inflammatory stress.

Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide and its related metabolite 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde ameliorate experimental colitis by regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway.

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. However, tons of aerial parts of this plant are usually discarded in the production of roots preparation. To make better use of these plant resources, the polysaccharide isolated from the aerial part of S. miltiorrhiza was investigated for its potential protection against intestinal diseases. A pectic polysaccharide (SMAP-1) was isolated and characterized being composed of homogalacturonan as the main chain and rhamnogalacturonan type I as ramified region, with side chains including arabinans and possible arabinogalactan type I and II. SMAP-1 exhibited robust protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and restored colitis symptoms, colonic inflammation, and barrier functions. Anti-oxidative effects were also observed by up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Additionally, the level of serum 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde (5-MC) was restored by SMAP-1 identified in metabolomic analysis, being correlated with the aforementioned effects. Protection against oxidative stress on intestinal porcine enterocyte cells (IPEC-J2) by 5-MC was observed through the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 system, as also shown by SMAP-1. In conclusion, SMAP-1 could be a promising candidate for colitis prevention, and 5-MC could be the signal metabolite of SMAP-1 in protecting against oxidative stress in the intestine.

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis by Panax Notoginseng Saponins Combined with Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Surgical Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention among real-world surgical inpatients who received panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among surgical patients between January 2016 and November 2018 in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Participants received LMWH alone or PNS combined with LMWH for preventing DVT. The primary outcome was incidence of lower extremity DVT, which was screened once a week. Participants in the LMWH group were given LMWH (enoxaparin) via hypodermic injection, 4000-8000 AxalU once daily. Participants in the exposure group received PNS (Xuesaitong oral tablets, 100 mg, 3 times daily) combined with LMWH given the same as LMWH group. RESULTS: Of the 325 patients screened for the study, 281 participants were included in the final analysis. The cohort was divided into PNS + LMWH group and LMWH group with 134 and 147 participants, respectively. There was a significant difference of DVT incidence between two groups (P=0.01), with 21 (15.7%) incident DVT in the PNS + LMWH group, and 41 (27.9%) incident DVT in the LMWH group. Compared with participants without DVT, the participants diagnosed with DVT were older and had higher D-dimer level. The multivariate logistic regression model showed a significant lower risk of incident DVT among participants in the PNS + LMWH group compared with the LMWH group (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.86). There were no significant differences in thromboelaslography values (including R, K, Angle, and MA) and differences in severe bleeding between two groups. No symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred during the study. CONCLUSION: Combined application of PNS and LMWH can effectively reduce the incidence of DVT among surgical inpatients compared with LMWH monotherapy, without increased risk of bleeding.

Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanism of Differential Metabolite Formation in Root and Stem of Ephedra sinica.

Ephedra sinica, a well-known Chinese medicinal plant, is characterized as having the opposite medicinal effect among its root and stem. However, there is a lack of understanding to differentiate the active components present in the root and stem of E. sinica, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the differential compounds, which has significantly hampered the further development and utilization of E. sinica resource. In this study, forty-five differential metabolic markers are affiliated to alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acids between root and stem of E. sinica, and sixty genes of key enzymes are involved in their biosynthesis distributed in metabolic pathway branches such as phenylalanine metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropane biosynthesis, based on combination non-targeted metabolome with transcriptome technologies. The finding revealed that the expression activity changes of these enzyme genes had a direct impact on the distinction of differential metabolic markers in the root and stem of E. sinica. This study will help to understand the molecular mechanism of the differentiation and biosynthesis of the primary active metabolites in the root and stem of E. sinica, providing a theoretical foundation for its quality control and promotion in cultivation.

Endophytic fungi and their bioactive secondary metabolites in medicinal leguminosae plants: nearly untapped medical resources.

There are many species of Chinese traditional leguminosae family plants that are well known for their medicinal applications, such as Astragalus membranaceus, Catsia tora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Sophora flavescens and Albacia acacia. Their unique bioactive composition and internal phenological environment contribute to the formation of specific and unique endophytic fungal communities, which are important resources for new compounds used in a variety of pharmacological activities. Nonetheless, they have not been systematically studied. In the last decade, nearly 64 genera and thousands of species of endophytic fungi have been discovered from leguminosae plants, as well as 138 secondary metabolites (with 34 new compounds) including flavonoid, alkaloids, phenol, anthraquinone, macrolide, terpenoid, phytohormone and many more. These were shown to have diverse applications and benefits, such as antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidative, immunoregulatory and neuroprotective properties. Here, we provide a summarized overview with the aim of raising awareness of endophytic fungi from medicinal leguminosae plants and providing a comprehensive review of the discoveries of new natural products that may be of medicinal and pharmaceutical importance.

Functional Characterization of a New Bifunctional Terpene Synthase LpNES1 from a Medicinal Plant Laggera pter odonta.

Laggera pterodonta, known in China as 'Choulingdan' for its stimulous odor, has long been used as traditional herbal medicine. The essential oil of L. pterodonta, which exhibits various pharmacological activities, is a rich resource of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. To date, however, the terpene synthases responsible for their production remain unknown. In present study, a new terpene synthase gene (LpNES1) was identified from L. pterodonta, transcript level of which was significantly upregulated in response to methyl jasmonate treatment. Recombinant LpNES1 could synthesize (E)-nerolidol and minor ß-farnesene from farnesyl diphosphate and linalool from geranyl diphosphate in vitro. Whereas, only sesquiterpenes including (E)-nerolidol and minor ß-farnesene were released when LpNES1 was reconstituted in yeast, even coexpressed with a geranyl diphosphate synthase (ERG20WW). Combined with subcellular localization experiment, the result indicated that the cytosol-targeted LpNES1 was responsible for (E)-nerolidol biosynthesis exclusively in L. pterodonta. Additionally, the expression level of LpNES1 gene was more prominent in floral buds than that in other tissues. LpNES1 characterized in present study not only lays the molecular foundation for sesquiterpene biosynthesis of L. pterodonta, but provides a key element for further biosynthesis of bioactive compound in microbes.

Oxidative Stress-Induced Unscheduled CDK1-Cyclin B1 Activity Impairs ER-Mitochondria-Mediated Bioenergetic Metabolism.

Targeting the activities of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondrial-dependent metabolic reprogramming is considered one of the most promising strategies for cancer treatment. Here, we present biochemical subcellular fractionation, coimmunoprecipitation, gene manipulation, and pharmacologic evidence that induction of mitochondria-localized phospho (p)-cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (Thr 161)-cyclin B1 complexes by apigenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells impairs the ER-mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox regulation of calcium (Ca++) homeostasis through suppressing the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)/BCL-2/B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-xL)-modulated anti-apoptotic and metabolic functions. Using a specific inducer, inhibitor, or short hairpin RNA for acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) demonstrated that enhanced lipid raft-associated ASM activity confers alteration of the lipid composition of lipid raft membranes, which leads to perturbation of protein trafficking, and induces formation of p110α free p85α-unphosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 complexes in the lipid raft membranes, causing disruption of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-GTP-ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)-mediated signaling, thus triggering the p-CDK1 (Thr 161))-cyclin B1-mediated BCL-2 (Thr 69/Ser 87)/BCL-xL (Ser 62) phosphorylation and accompanying impairment of ER-mitochondria-regulated bioenergetic, redox, and Ca++ homeostasis. Inhibition of apigenin-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by a ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine blocked the lipid raft membrane localization and activation of ASM and formation of ceramide-enriched lipid raft membranes, returned PI3K-Akt-GTP-Rac1-modulated CDK1-cyclin B1 activity, and subsequently restored the BCL-2/BCL-xL-regulated ER-mitochondrial bioenergetic activity. Thus, this study reveals a novel molecular mechanism of the pro-apoptotic activity of ASM controlled by oxidative stress to modulate the ER-mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism, as well as suggests the disruption of CDK1-cyclin B1-mediated BCL-2/BCL-xL oncogenic activity by triggering oxidative stress-ASM-induced PI3K-Akt-GTP-Rac1 inactivation as a therapeutic approach for NPC.

Efficacy and safety of Shenyankangfu Tablet, a Chinese patent medicine, for primary glomerulonephritis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease.@*OBJECTIVE@#This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION@#This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Primary glomerulonephritis patients, aged 18-70 years, with blood pressure ≤ 140/90 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min per 1.73 m@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#The primary outcome was change in the 24-hour proteinuria level, after 48 weeks of treatment.@*RESULTS@#A total of 735 participants were enrolled. The percent decline of urine protein quantification in the SYKFT group after 48 weeks was 8.78% ± 2.56% (P = 0.006) more than that in the losartan 50 mg group, which was 0.51% ± 2.54% (P = 1.000) less than that in the losartan 100 mg group. Compared with the losartan potassium 50 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg group had a 13.39% ± 2.49% (P < 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein level. Compared with the losartan potassium 100 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 100 mg group had a 9.77% ± 2.52% (P = 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein. With a superiority threshold of 15%, neither was statistically significant. eGFR, serum creatinine and serum albumin from the baseline did not change statistically significant. The average change in TCM syndrome score between the patients who took SYKFT (-3.00 [-6.00, -2.00]) and who did not take SYKFT (-2.00 [-5.00, 0]) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group.@*CONCLUSION@#SYKFT decreased the proteinuria and improved the TCM syndrome scores of primary glomerulonephritis patients, with no change in the rate of decrease in the eGFR. SYKFT plus losartan potassium therapy decreased proteinuria more than losartan potassium therapy alone.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER@#NCT02063100 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Vitamin D and cognitive function / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Cognitive impairment includes several clinical processes from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, and now it has been a serious public health problem, as there is no effective treatment, it has caused a heavy economic and psychological burden on the family and society, therefore, it seems important to find effective intervention means.Vitamin D is an essential nutrient element for the human body, more and more evidences show that it also participates in many extraskeletal biological reactions, such as nervous system regulatory processes, in addition to calcium and phosphorus metabolism.Several researches have revealed that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with impaired cognition, the mechanisms mediating this link are poorly understood, what's more, for further clinical application, we need to solve the problems like choosing the suitable populations and drug dosage, therefore, this article summarizes and analyzes the effects of serum Vitamin D levels on the cognitive function of different populations, the research progress of Vitamin D intervention research and its possible mechanism of action, hoping to provide references for the clinical application of Vitamin D in the treatment of cognitive impairment.The results show that Vitamin D deficiency is related to the decline of cognitive function in different populations, and Vitamin D can improve cognitive function through reducing Aβ toxicity, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress and other mechanisms, its supplementation is expected to be an important measure of treating cognitive impairment, in the future, large-scale longitudinal cohort studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.

[Recent advances in biosynthesis of forskolin].

Forskolin is a complex labdane plant diterpenoid, which has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases based on its activity as an activator of adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) cyclase. Natural forskolin exists only in the cork layer of the root of Coleus forskohlii. Due to the complexity of the extraction and chemical synthesis processes, the yield and purity of forskolin cannot meet commercial requirements. In recent years, with the rapid development of synthetic biology and the analysis and interpretation of many diterpene biosynthetic pathways, a new approach has been provided for the green production of forskolin. In this paper, the structure, activity, biosynthetic pathway and the heterologous biosynthesis of forskolin were reviewed. The problems and solutions in the heterologous biosynthesis of forskolin were also discussed and summarized, which will provide references for the construction of high-yielding forskolin engineering strains.

A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Ephedra herb.

Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific ingredients have been found in Ephedra herb, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and many other active compounds. These components from Ephedra herb account for its use as the accurate treatment of cold, cough, cardiovascular and immune system disease, cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases. Moreover, with the fast development of novel chemistry and medicine technology, new chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ephedra herb are increasingly identified, demonstrating their great potential for various diseases treatment. Therefore, further detailed understanding and investigation of this ancient herb will offer new opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. This study systematically reviews its progress of phytochemistry, traditional and modern pharmacology based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing useful insight for commercial exploitation, further study and precision medication of Ephedra herb in future.

A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Ephedra herb / 中国天然药物

Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific ingredients have been found in Ephedra herb, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and many other active compounds. These components from Ephedra herb account for its use as the accurate treatment of cold, cough, cardiovascular and immune system disease, cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases. Moreover, with the fast development of novel chemistry and medicine technology, new chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ephedra herb are increasingly identified, demonstrating their great potential for various diseases treatment. Therefore, further detailed understanding and investigation of this ancient herb will offer new opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. This study systematically reviews its progress of phytochemistry, traditional and modern pharmacology based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing useful insight for commercial exploitation, further study and precision medication of Ephedra herb in future.

[Screening and identification of antagonistic Bacillus against Astragalus membranaceus root rot and its effect on microorganism community in root zone soil].

The Astragalus membranaceus root rot disease,a soil-borne disease,has become increasingly severe in Shanxi province.This study was aimed at getting antagonistic Bacillus with excellent bio-control effects,and determining its effects on bacterial communities in root zone soil. With Fusarium solani and F. acuminatum as the target,antagonistic Bacillus was selected through such tests as living body dual culture,antifungal effect of bacteria-free filtrate,mycelia growth inhibition in vitro and control effect in detached roots,and identified with morphology,physio-biochemical characteristics and 16 S r DNA sequence analysis. The results showed that the Bacillus strain SXKF16-1 had obvious antifungal effect. The diameter of inhibition zone of its bacteria-free filtrate to F. solani and F. acuminatum was( 25. 90±1. 18) mm and( 25. 86±1. 85) mm respectively,and showed a lasting inhibition effect to mycelia growth. The disease index of the protective treatment and that of the cure treatment in detached roots test to F. solani and F. acuminatum were( 37. 50±8. 58),( 41. 67±4. 90) and( 25. 00±8. 33),( 38. 89±9. 62) respectively,both being significantly different( P<0. 05) from that of the control. The strain SXKF16-1 was identified as Bacillus atrophaeus. The B. atrophaeus SXKF16-1 showed significantly inhibition effect to pathogen causing root rot and could increase the bacterial diversity in root zone soil. It has potential to be developed as a special biocontrol agent.

Repeated evolution of cytochrome P450-mediated spiroketal steroid biosynthesis in plants.

Diosgenin is a spiroketal steroidal natural product extracted from plants and used as the single most important precursor for the world steroid hormone industry. The sporadic occurrences of diosgenin in distantly related plants imply possible independent biosynthetic origins. The characteristic 5,6-spiroketal moiety in diosgenin is reminiscent of the spiroketal moiety present in anthelmintic avermectins isolated from actinomycete bacteria. How plants gained the ability to biosynthesize spiroketal natural products is unknown. Here, we report the diosgenin-biosynthetic pathways in himalayan paris (Paris polyphylla), a monocot medicinal plant with hemostatic and antibacterial properties, and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), an eudicot culinary herb plant commonly used as a galactagogue. Both plants have independently recruited pairs of cytochromes P450 that catalyze oxidative 5,6-spiroketalization of cholesterol to produce diosgenin, with evolutionary progenitors traced to conserved phytohormone metabolism. This study paves the way for engineering the production of diosgenin and derived analogs in heterologous hosts.

Correlation in Chemical Metabolome and Endophytic Mycobiome in Cynomorium songaricum from Different Desert Locations in China.

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. is a valuable food and medicinal plant with functions, such as an increase in sexual function, mainly attributed to its complex secondary metabolites. However, the effect of internal microbes on metabolite production in C. songaricum is still largely unclear. In this study, the relationship between endophytes and differential secondary metabolites in C. songaricum from seven major producing regions of China were explored based on established methods of metabolomics and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that there were 13 different marker metabolites, seven shared fungal OTUs, and numerous unshared OTUs among C. songaricum distributed at different locations in China and identified significant correlations between metabolites and endophytic fungi. Our study revealed that endophytic fungi may be one possible factor that can affect the plant secondary metabolite composition.

[Recent research progress of selenium polysaccharides from medicinal plants].

Selenium polysaccharides (Se polysaccharides) are a kind of organic selenium compounds which obtain the activities from Se and polysaccharides. Comparing to Se or polysaccharides, Se polysaccharides exhibit improved biological activities and are more prone to be absorbed by human bodies, therefore, they have been widely used in medical applications, such as immunomodulation, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-aging. Due to their unique pharmacological activities, Se polysaccharides from medicinal plants have gradually become a research hotspot. However, only a few of Se polysaccharides have been separated and purified in recent years. The structure of polysaccharides is also very complex, therefore, determination of the chemical structure and mechanism of bioactivity of Se polysaccharide in vivo remain to be further studied. This article systematically introduced the main source and biological activities of Se polysaccharides from medicinal plants. The purpose of this review is to provide a basis for the further research of Se polysaccharides.