Unravelling some factors affecting sexual reproduction in rock-specialist shrub: Insight from an endemic Daphne arbuscula (Thymelaeaceae).

The role of endemic species in global biodiversity is pivotal, and understanding their biology and ecology is imperative for their fitness and long-term survival, particularly in the face of ongoing climatic oscillations. Our primary goal was to investigate the sexual reproduction level of the endangered Western Carpathian endemic Daphne arbuscula (Thymelaeaceae), which inhabits extreme rocky habitats, and to comprehend the influence of specific factors on its reproductive success. We conducted the research across four populations, varying in size and environmental conditions. Over two years, we monitored flower and fruit production, analyzed genetic variability within and among populations, and studied pollination mechanisms. Daphne arbuscula proved to be strictly self-incompatible, with significant variations in flower and fruit production among populations and seasons. The average fruit production percentage consistently remained below 50% across populations, indicating challenges in sexual reproduction. Cold and harsh weather during the reproductive phase had a substantial negative impact on sexual reproduction efficacy, leading to decreased fruit production. Nevertheless, several individuals in sheltered microhabitats displayed significantly higher fruit production, ranging from 60% to 83%, emphasizing the critical role of microhabitat heterogeneity in sustaining sexual reproduction in this species. We found no pronounced differences in genetic diversity within or among populations, suggesting that genetic factors may not critically influence the reproductive success of this endemic species. The implications of our findings might be of paramount importance for the long-term survival of D. arbuscula and offer valuable insights for the development of effective conservation strategies for this species.

Eight structurally diverse components with anti-acetylcholinesterase activity from Daphne bholua.

Eight structurally diverse components, including six undescribed ones, (±)-daphuarin A (1a/1b), daphuarin B (2), daphuarin D-E (4-6), together with a pair of new natural products (±)-daphuarin C (3a/3b) were isolated from the herb of Daphne bholua Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don. Their planar structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses. The configurations were established with the assistance of quantum chemical calculations, together with the Custom DP4+ method. The inhibitory potentials of all isolates against acetylcholinesterase were evaluated.

New daphnane diterpenoidal 1,3,4-oxdiazole derivatives as potential anti-hepatoma agents: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major challenge for human healthy. Daphnane-type diterpenes have attracted increasingly attention due to remarkable pharmaceutical potential including anti-HCC activity. To further develop this class of compounds as inhibitors of HCC, the daphnane diterpenoids 12-O-debenzoyl-Yuanhuacine (YHC) and 12-hydroxydaphnetoxin (YHE) were prepared by a standard chemical transformation from dried flower buds of the Daphne genkwa plant. Subsequently, 22 daphnane diterpenoidal 1,3,4-oxdiazole derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized based on YHC and YHE. The assessment of the target compound's anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity revealed that YHC1 exhibited comparable activity to sorafenib in the Hep3B cell line, while demonstrating higher selectivity. The mechanistic investigation demonstrates that compound YHC1 induces cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and elevates cellular reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, molecular docking and CETSA results confirm the interaction between YHC1 and YAP1 as well as TEAD1. Co-IP experiments further validated that YHC1 can effectively inhibit the binding of YAP1 and TEAD1. In conclusion, YHC1 selectively targets YAP1 and TEAD1, exhibiting its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects through the inhibition of their interaction.

Daphnepedunins G and H, anti-HIV macrocyclic 3,4-seco-daphnane orthoesters from Daphne pedunculata.

Daphnepedunins G (1) and H (2) with unusual macrocyclic 3,4-seco-daphnane orthoester structure were isolated from Daphne pedunculata. Their structures were determined by physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses combined with synthetic methods, including methyl esterification, derivatization reaction using a chiral anisotropic agent, and biomimetic conversion. Compounds 1 and 2 along with their methyl esters 1a and 2a were evaluated for anti-HIV activity, among which 1a and 2a exhibited potent activity with IC50 values of 1.08 and 1.17 µM, respectively.

Six undescribed guaianolide-type sesquiterpenes from the aerial parts of Daphne penicillata.

Six undescribed guaianolide sesquiterpenes (1-6) were obtained from the aerial parts of Daphne penicillata. Their structures and absolute configuration were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR analyses, ECD calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Structurally, all compounds possess the typical 5,7-fused system of 8,12-guaianolides and this guaianolide-type was first reported to be isolated from Daphne penicillata. All compounds (1-6) were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity. Among them, compounds 1 and 5 showed moderate inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in BV2 cells and 4 displayed potential inhibition against Hep3B cells with an IC50 value of 7.33 µM.

Structurally diverse rearranged sesquiterpenoids, including a pair of rare tautomers, from the aerial parts of Daphne penicillata.

Eight structurally diverse rearranged sesquiterpenoids, including seven undescribed sesquiterpenoids (1a/1b and 3-8) were obtained from the aerial parts of Daphne penicillata. 1a/1b, 3, 5 and 6 possess rare rearranged guaiane skeletons and 4 represents the first example of rearranged carotene sesquiterpenoids. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, NMR and ECD calculations. Interestingly, 1a and 1b were a pair of magical interconverting epimers that may interconvert by retro-aldol condensation. The mechanism of interconversion has been demonstrated indirectly by 9-OH derivatization of 1a/1b and a hypothetical biogenetic pathway was proposed. All compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. Among them, 1a/1b and 2 exhibited potential inhibitory activities on the production of NO against LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells.

Meroterpenoids from Daphne genkwa shows promising in vitro antitumor activity via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in A549 cells.

Phytochemical investigation into the leaves and branches of Daphne genkwa afforded 25 meroterpenoids (1-16) including nine pairs of enantiomers (1a/1b-8a/8b and 12a/12b), among which 20 compounds have been reported in the present work for the first time. The structures with absolute configurations of the new molecules (excluding 10-13) were established via comprehensive spectroscopic analyses especially electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and Mosher's methods. A preliminary in vitro cell viability assay revealed remarkable cytotoxicities of selective compounds against A549 (lung), Hela (cervical), MDA-MB231 (breast) and MCF-7 (breast) cancer cells, and compound 8a showed the best inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range of 3.12-4.67 µM toward the four cell lines. Subsequent in vitro antitumor evaluation of 8a disclosed that it could inhibit the proliferation and metastasis, as well as induce significant apoptosis and cycle arrest, of A549 cells. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that 8a could exert its antitumor activity via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Night and day: Contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to pollen dispersal, paternity diversity, and fruit set in an early-blooming shrub, Daphne jezoensis.

PREMISE: Under uncertain pollinator visit conditions, plants often exhibit long flowering periods and generalized pollination systems. Flowering of the gynodioecious shrub Daphne jezoensis occurs in early spring in cool temperate forests. Pollination by nocturnal moths is expected, given the species' tubular-shaped flowers with sweet fragrance and nectar. However, the effectiveness of nocturnal moths under cool conditions is unknown. We evaluated the relative importance of diurnal and nocturnal visitors as pollinators in early spring. METHODS: We investigated flowering duration, flower visitors, and floral scents in a natural population. We experimentally exposed flowers to visitors only during daytime or nighttime using bagging treatments and evaluated the contributions of diurnal and nocturnal insects to fruit set, pollen dispersal distance, and paternity diversity using 16 microsatellite markers. RESULTS: Female flowers lasted ~3 wk, which was ~8 d longer than the flowering period of hermaphrodites. Various insects, including Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, visited the flowers during both daytime and nighttime. Flowers emitted volatiles, such as lilac aldehyde isomers and ß-ocimene, which are known to attract moths. Fruit-set rate in the night-open treatment was similar to or higher than that in the day-open treatment. However, pollen dispersal distance in the night-open treatment was shorter than that in the day-open treatment. Paternity diversity was similar in day-open and night-open treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Early-blooming plants ensure pollen receipt and dispersal by having a long flowering period and using both diurnal and nocturnal flower visitors, suggesting the importance of a generalized pollination system under uncertain pollinator visit conditions.

Phytochemicals, Essential Oils Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Astragalus spp., Phlomis olivieri and Daphne mucronata in Habitats of Central Iran.

This study evaluated several secondary metabolites, essential oils (EOs) compositions, and antioxidant activity in four medicinal plants that originated in Isfahan rangelands. The species were Astragalus verus, Astragalus adscendens, Daphne mucronata, and Phlomis olivieri. Thirty-two genotypes of these species were evaluated for different biochemical traits. Based on the evaluation of EOs compounds, GC/MS analysis revealed the total number of identified compounds. These compounds were 25, 22, 12, and 22 for A. adscendens, A. verus, D. mucronata, and P. olivieri, respectively. The dominant compounds were phthalate (59.88 %) in A. adscendens, phytol (38.02 %) in A. verus, hexanoic acid (32.05 %) in D. mucronata and ß-cubebene (30.94 %) in P. olivieri. Phytochemical analysis showed that D. mucronata, A. adscendens, and P. olivieri had the highest total phenolics content (TPC) (18.24 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), total flavonoids content (5.57 mg QE/g DW), and total anthocyanins content (0.23 mg/g DW), respectively. The highest total chlorophyll (0.27 mg/g DW), total carotenoids (0.03 mg/g DW), and antioxidant activity (71.36 %) were observed in A. adscendens, A. adscendens and A. verus, respectively. Among all genotypes, the highest TPC (20.1 mg GAE/g DW) was observed in genotype 5 of D. mucronata. This study provided new information on the chemical compounds within the distribution range of these ecologically dominant rangeland species in Isfahan province, Iran. The data revealed that superior genotypes from these species are rich in natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Thus, they can be used in ethno pharmacological fields, food, and industrial applications.

Identification of Daphne genkwa and Its Vinegar-Processed Products by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics.

Crude herbs of Daphne genkwa (CHDG) are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat scabies baldness, carbuncles, and chilblain owing to their significant purgation and curative effects. The most common technique for processing DG involves the use of vinegar to reduce the toxicity of CHDG and enhance its clinical efficacy. Vinegar-processed DG (VPDG) is used as an internal medicine to treat chest and abdominal water accumulation, phlegm accumulation, asthma, and constipation, among other diseases. In this study, the changes in the chemical composition of CHDG after vinegar processing and the inner components of the changed curative effects were elucidated using optimized ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Untargeted metabolomics, based on multivariate statistical analyses, was also used to profile differences between CHDG and VPDG. Eight marker compounds were identified using orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis, which indicated significant differences between CHDG and VPDG. The concentrations of apigenin-7-O-ß-d-methylglucuronate and hydroxygenkwanin were considerably higher in VPDG than those in CHDG, whereas the amounts of caffeic acid, quercetin, tiliroside, naringenin, genkwanines O, and orthobenzoate 2 were significantly lower. The obtained results can indicate the transformation mechanisms of certain changed compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to employ mass spectrometry to detect the marker components of CHDG and VPDG.

Complete genome sequence of daphne virus 1, a novel cytorhabdovirus infecting Daphne odora.

A novel cytorhabdovirus was identified in Daphne odora in South Korea using high-throughput sequencing. The virus, tentatively named "daphne virus 1" (DV1), has a full-length genome sequence of 13,206 nucleotides with a genome organization comparable to that of unsegmented plant rhabdoviruses and contains seven antisense putative genes in the order 3'-leader-N-P'-P-P3-M-G-L-5'-trailer. The coding region of the genome is flanked by a 3' leader and a 5' trailer sequence, 261 and 151 nucleotides long, respectively. The DV1 genome shares 33.74%-57.44% nucleotide sequence identity with other cytorhabdoviruses. The DV1-encoded proteins share the highest amino acid sequence identity with homologues from Asclepias syriaca virus 1. Phylogenetic analysis showed that DV1 clustered with representative cytorhabdoviruses. We propose classifying DV1 in a new species within the genus Cytorhabdovirus, family Rhabdoviridae.

Exploring the hub genes and mechanisms of Daphne altaica treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis.

PURPOSE: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is a frequent digestive tract malignant carcinoma with a high fatality rate. Daphne altaica (D. altaica), a medicinal plant that is frequently employed in Kazakh traditional medicine, and which has traditionally been used to cure cancer and respiratory conditions, but research on the mechanism is lacking. Therefore, we examined and verified the hub genes and mechanism of D. altaica treating ESCC. METHODS: Active compounds and targets of D. altaica were screened by databases such as TCMSP, and ESCC targets were screened by databases such as GeneCards and constructed the compound-target network and PPI network. Meantime, data sets between tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from GEO database (GSE100942, GPL570) were analyzed to obtain DEGs using the limma package in R. Hub genes were validated using data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, TIMER2.0 and GEPIA2 databases. Finally, AutoDock software was used to predict the binding sites through molecular docking. RESULTS: In total, 830 compound targets were obtained from TCMSP and other databases. In addition, 17,710 disease targets were acquired based on GeneCards and other databases. In addition, we constructed the compound-target network and PPI network. Then, 127 DEGs were observed (82 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes). Hub genes were screened including TOP2A, NUF2, CDKN2A, BCHE, and NEK2, and had been validated with the help of several publicly available databases. Finally, molecular docking results showed more stable binding between five hub genes and active compounds. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, five hub genes were screened and validated, and potential mechanisms of action were predicted, which could provide a theoretical understanding of the treatment of ESCC with D. altaica.

Isolation and structure elucidation of antioxidant compounds from stem and root barks of Daphne giraldii.

Two new compounds, aphegiractin A1/A2 (1a/1b), and seven known compounds were isolated by phytochemical work on EtOAc-soluble ingredients extracted from stem and root barks of Daphne giraldii. Their structures were established based on extensive spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, CD experiments, 1D and 2D NMR. All compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity to DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity and inhibitory activity on tyrosinase. Of these compounds, compound 3 exhibited significant antioxidant activities.

Rapid screening of diarylpentanoids from Daphne bholua.

Fractionation motivated by biological activity screening and NMR characteristic signals analysis led to the isolation of seventeen diarylpentanoids from the whole plant of Daphne bholua Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, among which nine compounds were undescribed. Their structures and stereochemistry were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data, J-based configurational analysis, and quantum chemical calculations. The inhibitory potentials of all isolates against acetylcholinesterase were evaluated in vitro and in silico.

Guide isolation of guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids from Daphne tangutica maxim. And their anti-inflammatory activities.

Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry guided molecular networking, 12 undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, namely tanguticatins A-L, 19 known analogs and a previously undescribed triterpene (tanguticatin M) were obtained from Daphne tangutica Maxim and characterized. Their planar structures and configurations were elucidated and unequivocally assigned by detailed spectroscopic analyses, electronic circular dichroism spectral calculations and single single-crustal X-ray diffraction analysis. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in murine microglial BV2 cells. Tanguticatin E and K exhibited more potent inhibitory effects than minocycline (positive control).

Prenylated flavonoids with significant anti-hepatoma activity from Daphne giraldii and effects on Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1).

We report here the orchestration of molecular ion networking (MoIN) and a set of computational and informatics assisted structural elucidation approaches in the discovery of 23 new prenyl-flavonoids and 13 known molecules from Daphne giraldii Nitsche (Thymelaeaceae), some of which possess significant bioactivity against hepatoma carcinoma. Daphnegiratriprenylone A (DPTP-A) represents the class of polyprenyl-flavonoids possessing a triprenyl substitution, and was identified with the guidance of mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance combined with computational approaches. This approach illustrates a paradigm shift in the application of computational tools for the direct assignment of new natural product structures and it was demonstrated to be reliable compared to conventional 2D-NMR techniques. Seventeen compounds exhibited potent and selective activity against Hep3B cells (IC50 ranging from 0.42 to 7.08 µM). Tyrosine kinase FGFR1 has emerged as a potential target of polyprenyl-flavonoids by a reverse pharmacophore mapping approach. We validated that the prenyl-flavonoids effectively inhibit FGFR1 using the Mobility Shift Assay, Western blot and molecular dynamics simulations, and the results suggest significant potency of the compounds towards FGFR1. These findings provide a new chemical class with strong links to traditional medicines, possessing reasonable safety for developing potential therapeutic agents for FGFR1-related diseases.

Daphne genkwa flower extract promotes the neuroprotective effects of microglia.

BACKGROUND: Microglia are innate immune cells in the central nervous system that play a crucial role in neuroprotection by releasing neurotrophic factors, removing pathogens through phagocytosis, and regulating brain homeostasis. The constituents extracted from the roots and stems of the Daphne genkwa plant have shown neuroprotective effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. However, the effect of Daphne genkwa plant extract on microglia has yet to be demonstrated. PURPOSE: To study the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Daphne genkwa flower extract (GFE) in microglia and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: In-vitro mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), inducible nitric oxide synthase, Arginase1, and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in microglia cells. Nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α protein were respectively analyzed by Griess reagent and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Immunoreactivity of Iba-1, Neu-N, and BDNF in mouse brain were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Phagocytosis capacity of microglia was examined using fluorescent zymosan-red particles. RESULTS: GFE significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and promoted neuroprotection both in vitro and in vivo. First, GFE inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory factors NO, iNOS, and TNF-α in microglial cell lines and primary glial cells, thus demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects. Arginase1 and BDNF mRNA levels were increased in primary glial cells treated with GFE. Phagocytosis was also increased in microglia treated with GFE, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of GFE. In vivo, neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of GFE were also found in the mouse brain, as oral administration of GFE significantly inhibited LPS-induced neuronal loss and inflammatory activation of microglia. CONCLUSION: GFE has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes microglial neuroprotective effects. GFE inhibited the pro-inflammatory mediators and enhanced neuroprotective microglia activity by increasing BDNF expression and phagocytosis. These novel findings of the GFE effect on microglia show an innovative approach that can potentially promote neuroprotection for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Genetic and demographic signatures accompanying the evolution of the selfing syndrome in Daphne kiusiana, an evergreen shrub.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The evolution of mating systems from outcrossing to self-fertilization is a common transition in flowering plants. This shift is often associated with the 'selfing syndrome', which is characterized by less visible flowers with functional changes to control outcrossing. In most cases, the evolutionary history and demographic dynamics underlying the evolution of the selfing syndrome remain poorly understood. METHODS: Here, we characterize differences in the demographic genetic consequences and associated floral-specific traits between two distinct geographical groups of a wild shrub, Daphne kiusiana, endemic to East Asia; plants in the eastern region (southeastern Korea and Kyushu, Japan) exhibit smaller and fewer flowers compared to those of plants in the western region (southwestern Korea). Genetic analyses were conducted using nuclear microsatellites and chloroplast DNA (multiplexed phylogenetic marker sequencing) datasets. KEY RESULTS: A high selfing rate with significantly increased homozygosity characterized the eastern lineage, associated with lower levels of visibility and herkogamy in the floral traits. The two lineages harboured independent phylogeographical histories. In contrast to the western lineage, the eastern lineage showed a gradual reduction in the effective population size with no signs of a severe bottleneck despite its extreme range contraction during the last glacial period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the selfing-associated morphological changes in D. kiusiana are of relatively old origin (at least 100 000 years ago) and were driven by directional selection for efficient self-pollination. We provide evidence that the evolution of the selfing syndrome in D. kiusiana is not strongly associated with a severe population bottleneck.

Characteristic biflavonoids from Daphne kiusiana var. atrocaulis (Rehd.) F. Maekawa.

Structurally diverse biflavonoids have attracted significant research interest for drug discovery over past decades. Biflavonoid oriented phytochemistry research on the stems of Daphne kiusiana var. atrocaulis (Rehd.) F. Maekawa was carried out, which resulted in the identification of ten major effective components (1-10), including the undescribed biflavonoids, daphnodorin Q (1), daphnodorin R (2) and flavane, daphnekiuslin A (10). The known structures were identified from this herb for the first time. Their structures were determined by combination of multiple spectroscopic data as well as calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). All the identified compounds were evaluated for the anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Compound 9 could inhibit the overactivation of BV-2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide with IC50 value at 26.32 µM.