RESUMEN
Cytokinin dehydrogenase/oxidase (CKX) enzymes play a key role in regulating cytokinin (CK) levels in plants by degrading the excess of this phytohormone. CKX genes have proven an attractive target for genetic engineering, as their silencing boosts cytokinin accumulation in various tissues, thereby contributing to a rapid increase in biomass and overall plant productivity. We previously reported a similar effect in finger millet (Eleusine coracana) somaclonal lines, caused by downregulation of EcCKX1 and EcCKX2. However, the CKX gene family has numerous representatives, especially in allopolyploid crop species, such as E. coracana. To date, the entire CKX gene family of E. coracana and its related species has not been characterized. We offer here, for the first time, a comprehensive genome-wide identification and analysis of a panel of CKX genes in finger millet. The functional genes identified in the E. coracana genome are compared with the previously-identified genes, EcCKX1 and EcCKX2. Exon-intron structural analysis and motif analysis of FAD- and CK-binding domains are performed. The phylogeny of the EcCKX genes suggests that CKX genes are divided into several distinct groups, corresponding to certain isotypes. Finally, the phenotypic effect of EcCKX1 and EcCKX2 in partially silencing the SE7 somaclonal line is investigated, showing that lines deficient in CKX-expression demonstrate increased grain yield and greater bushiness, enhanced biomass accumulation, and a shorter vegetation cycle.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The search for new plant raw material as a potential source of antioxidants is still ongoing. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of the plant raw material of Crambe spp. during vegetation. METHODS: The free radical scavenging activity and molybdenum reducing power of the extracts were used to determine antioxidant activity. The quantification of polyphenol compounds was conducted with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were also determined. The disc diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial activity. RESULTS: It was determined that the free radical scavenging activity, assessed using the DPPH-method, was 4.38-8.20 mg TE/g DW, the molybdenum reducing power of the extracts was 40.07-129.12 mg TE/g DW, total polyphenol content was 20.24-70.88 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid content was 5.73-29.92 mg QE/g DW, and phenolic acid content was 3.00-10.63 mg CAE/g DW. Antimicrobial activity depended on the stage of growth and the part of the plant used. CONCLUSIONS: Crambe spp. possess the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential to mean that they could be used in pharmaceutical studies and the food industry.
