Demography and selection analysis of the incipient adaptive radiation of a Hawaiian woody species.

Ecological divergence in a species provides a valuable opportunity to study the early stages of speciation. We focused on Metrosideros polymorpha, a unique example of the incipient radiation of woody species, to examine how an ecological divergence continues in the face of gene flow. We analyzed the whole genomes of 70 plants collected throughout the island of Hawaii, which is the youngest island with the highest altitude in the archipelago and encompasses a wide range of environments. The continuous M. polymorpha forest stands on the island of Hawaii were differentiated into three genetic clusters, each of which grows in a distinctive environment and includes substantial genetic and phenotypic diversity. The three genetic clusters showed signatures of selection in genomic regions encompassing genes relevant to environmental adaptations, including genes associated with light utilization, oxidative stress, and leaf senescence, which are likely associated with the ecological differentiation of the species. Our demographic modeling suggested that the glaberrima cluster in wet environments maintained a relatively large population size and two clusters split: polymorpha in the subalpine zone and incana in dry and hot conditions. This ecological divergence possibly began before the species colonized the island of Hawaii. Interestingly, the three clusters recovered genetic connectivity coincidentally with a recent population bottleneck, in line with the weak reproductive isolation observed in the species. This study highlights that the degree of genetic differentiation between ecologically-diverged populations can vary depending on the strength of natural selection in the very early phases of speciation.

Caracterização de cereja-do-rio grande (Eugenia involucrata DC. ) e grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis LAM. ), frutos nativos da Mata Atlântica, quanto a compostos voláteis e precursores / Volatile compounds and precursors characterization of the Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis LAM. ) and Cereja-do-Rio-Grande (Eugenia involucrata DC. ), atlantic forest native fruits

Mesmo reduzida e fragmentada, o vasto bioma da Mata Atlântica abriga milhares de plantas. Como destaque, tem-se as espécies frutíferas, aos quais podem ser atribuídas um importante valor para a segurança alimentar, nutricional e sociocultural. Entre elas, têm-se a cereja-do-rio grande (Eugenia involucrata DC.) e a grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.), caracterizadas pela polpa de sabor doce-acidulado, sendo muito apreciadas e utilizadas tanto in natura, quanto no preparo de doces, xaropes, licores e geleias. Uma das características determinantes para o sucesso e aceitação destes frutos pelo consumidor, são os atributos de qualidade sensorial. As propriedades aromáticas dos frutos dependem da potência individual dos voláteis e a concentração de cada um, bem como a combinação com outros compostos. Todavia, apesar do grande potencial de mercado, devido às características nutricionais, fitoterápicas, potencial funcional e ao sabor exótico, os plantios existentes destas são oriundos de multiplicação por sementes, resultando em plantas desuniformes quanto as características de produção e qualidade. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar metabólitos voláteis que confiram características sensoriais desejáveis aos frutos. Auxiliando na identificação de plantas que produzem frutos com voláteis de interesse para o sabor, o que permitirá a clonagem e propagação de plantas com homogeneidade na produção. Os compostos voláteis foram analisados em triplicata, de acordo com o método de microextração em fase sólida (SPME, do inglês Solid Phase Microextraction). Os resultados mostraram que os grupos de frutos das diversas regiões se diferenciaram quanto a composição dos metabolitos voláteis, bem como na abundância destes compostos. Observou-se também uma variação de composição entre as árvores da mesma região demonstrando tal irregularidade ocasionada pela propagação por sementes. A maioria de compostos voláteis produzidos foram identificados como terpenos, sendo estes já conhecidos pela importância no flavor em frutos. Desta forma, conhecer o aroma fornecerá um conjunto de dados que são subsídios para outros pesquisadores trabalharem em suas diversas áreas buscando características necessárias para o sucesso da comercialização, ocasionando no incentivo ao cultivo e valorização da riqueza nacional, no âmbito das espécies frutíferas, com vistas à proteção ambiental e em defesa da biodiversidade brasileira

The Atlantic Forest harbors thousands of plants despite of its reduced and fragmented character. It is important to highlight the fruit species which hold attributed and important value for food and socio-cultural security. Among them, there are the big cherry (Eugenia involucrata DC.) And the grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.), fruit with sweet-acidulated flavor, which is much appreciated and used in the preparation of sweets, syrups, liqueurs, and jellies. One of the determining characteristics for the success and acceptance of these fruits by the consumer are the attributes of sensorial quality. The aromatic properties of the fruits depend on the individual potency of the volatiles and the concentration in each one of them, as well as the combination with other compounds. Despite of the great market potential due to the nutritional, phytotherapic and exotic flavor characteristics, the existing plantations of these fruits are originated from seed multiplication, resulting on uneven plants in terms of production and quality characteristics. In this sense, the presented work below was aimed to identify volatile metabolites that confer desirable sensorial characteristics to the fruits. The volatile compounds were analyzed in triplicate according to the Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) method. The results showed that the fruit groups from different regions differed in terms of the composition of volatile metabolites, as well as in the abundance of these compounds. There was also a variation of composition among the trees of the same region which demonstrated such heterogeneity caused by seed propagation. Most volatile compounds produced were identified as terpenes which are known for playing an important role in the flavor of fruits. In this way, by knowing the aroma, a set of data will be provided and used as an allowance for other researchers who are working in the various areas related to the pursue of the necessary characteristics for the commercial success, resulting on the motivation to cultivate and value the forest

Role of phenolic compounds from brazilian native fruits on obesity-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle / Papel dos compostos fenólicos de frutos nativos brasileiros sobre a resistência à insulina do músculo esquelético induzida por obesidade

Skeletal muscle is an important metabolic tissue in glucose uptake and thus in glycemic homeostasis. Evidence suggests that phenolic compounds may exert beneficial health effects against metabolic disorders associated to obesity including its state of peripheral insulin resistance. The objective of this work was to investigate the role of phenolic compounds present in two Brazilian native fruits, cambuci (Campomanesia phaea Berg.) and jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg), on the insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of obese mice fed a high-fat-sucrose diet (HFS). For this, two independent experimental protocols were used for each fruit, where male C57BL/6J mice fed the HFS diet for the induction to obesity were used. Once the condition of obesity was established, animals started to receive daily oral administration (by gavage) of extracts enriched in phenolic compounds obtained from each fruit, in doses reachable through the diet. At the end of the experiments, the animals were euthanized and their tissue and organs collected. The animals receiving extracts of jaboticaba and cambuci, regardless of the dose, presented lower body weight gain in relation to the HFS group. The results for weekly fasting glycemia and glucose tolerance of the animals that received the phenolic extracts of both fruits showed an improvement in glycemic homeostasis even when fed with the deleterious diet. In the gastrocnemius muscle of the animals was demonstrated that cambuci and jaboticaba extracts significantly increased the content of glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT-4) and AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPK-Thr172), which has a broad role in metabolic regulation. Regarding inflammation, the administration of extracts from both fruits favored the reduction of phosphorylation and activation of the nuclear factor-κe (NF-κB) and the expression of some genes such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and JNK, whose increase has been associated with insulin resistance. In conclusion, this study suggests that the phenolics present in both native fruits may be important therapeutic agents in the reduction of muscle insulin resistance and inflammation associated with obesity

O músculo esquelético é um tecido metabólico importante na captação de glicose e, portanto, na homeostasia glicêmica. Evidências sugerem que compostos fenólicos podem exercer efeitos benéficos à saúde contra distúrbios metabólicos associados à obesidade incluindo o seu quadro de resistência à insulina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o papel dos compostos fenólicos presentes em dois frutos nativos brasileiros, cambuci (Campomanesia phaea Berg.) e jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg), na resistência à insulina no músculo esquelético de camundongos obesos alimentados com dieta rica em gorduras e sacarose (HFS, high-fat highsucrose diet). Para tal, foram utilizados dois protocolos experimentais independentes para cada fruto, onde foram usados camundongos machos C57BL/6J alimentados com dieta HFS para indução à obesidade. Uma vez instaurado o quadro de obesidade, os animais passaram a receber a administração diária, por gavagem, de extratos enriquecidos em compostos fenólicos obtidos a partir dos frutos, em doses atingíveis através da dieta. Ao final do período experimental os animais foram eutanasiados e seus tecidos e órgãos coletados. Os animais tratados com os extratos de jaboticaba e cambuci, independente da dose, apresentaram menor ganho de massa corporal em relação ao grupo HFS. Os resultados para glicemia de jejum semanal e a tolerância à glicose dos animais que receberam os extratos fenólicos de ambos os frutos demonstraram melhora na homeostase glicêmica, mesmo alimentados com a dieta deletéria HFS. No músculo gastrocnemius dos animais foi demonstrado que os extratos de cambuci e jaboticaba aumentaram significativamente o conteúdo da proteína transportadora de glicose 4 (GLUT-4) e da proteína quinase ativada por AMP (AMPK-Thr172), que possui um papel amplo na regulação metabólica. No que tange à inflamação, a administração dos extratos de ambos os frutos favoreceu a diminuição da fosforilação e ativação do fator nuclear-κB (NF-κB) e a expressão de alguns genes como IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, e JNK cujo aumento tem sido associado com a resistência à insulina. Deste modo, este estudo sugere que os fenólicos presentes em ambos os frutos nativos podem ser agentes terapêuticos importantes na atenuação da resistência à insulina muscular e da inflamação associada à obesidade

Phylogeny and biogeography of Myrcia sect. Aguava (Myrtaceae, Myrteae) based on phylogenomic and Sanger data provide evidence for a Cerrado origin and geographically structured clades.

Myrcia is one of the largest exclusively Neotropical angiosperm genera, including ca. 800 species divided into nine sections. Myrcia sect. Aguava is one of most complex sections of Myrcia due to high morphological variation and wide distribution range of some species, including M. guianensis, with distribution throughout South America and a complex taxonomic history. We used complete plastid DNA sequences data generated using next-generation sequencing of 45 terminals, mostly from Myrcia sect. Aguava. These data were combined with five target DNA regions (ITS, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, trnQ-rps16, ndhF) of additional terminals to increase taxonomic coverage. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using a maximum likelihood approach, and divergence times and ancestral range distributions were estimated. Myrcia sect. Aguava is monophyletic and exclusively comprises species with trilocular ovaries but has no relationship with other groups within Myrcia that possess trilocular ovaries. Three main lineages that correspond to geographical distribution are recognized within Myrcia sect. Aguava. Multiple accessions reveal a non-monophyletic Myrcia guianensis and stress the biogeographical structure inside the group. Myrcia sect. Aguava had a probable mid-Miocene origin in the Cerrado, but lineages that persisted there diversified only more recently, when the present-day vegetation started to stabilize. Posterior migrations to Atlantic Forest, Amazon and Caribbean occurred at the end of Miocene, evidencing transitions from open and dry to forested and more humid areas that are less frequent in the Neotropics. Overall, it is observed that related lineages remained in ecologically similar environments. Future perspectives on Myrcia and Myrteae in the phylogenomic era are also discussed.

The role of jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (VELL. ) Berg) phenolic compounds in obesity-associated intestinal inflammation / O papel dos compostos fenólicos da jabuticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (VELL. ) Berg) na inflamação intestinal associada à obesidade

Jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) is a Brazilian native fruit belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Previously it was demonstrated that phenolicrich extracts from jaboticaba (PEJ) possess health-beneficial properties in dietinduced obesity; however, whether PEJ modulates the obesity-associated intestinal inflammatory status remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of PEJ on intestinal inflammation associated with obesity induced by a high-fat-sucrose (HFS) diet. Thus, forty male C57BL/6J mice were distributed into two groups: negative control (CH, 10 animals), fed standard diet AIN96M and water ad libitum; and positive control (HFS, 30 animals), fed HFS diet and water ad libitum induced to obesity for an initial period of 14 weeks. After this period, the HFS group was redistributed in three groups of 10 animals each, and continuously fed HFS diet for another 14 weeks: HFS group received daily gavages of water, PEJ1 group received PEJ at the dose of 50 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg body weight (BW and PEJ2 group received PEJ at the dose of 100 mg GAE/kg BW. Feed intake and body mass were monitored weekly, and fasting glucose biweekly. The initial period of obesity-induction demonstrated that the HFS diet was efficient to promote a significant body weight gain and fasting hyperglycemia when compared to the negative control group (CH). At the end of the experiment the animals were euthanized under anesthesia and their organs and tissues were collected. The major classes of phenolic compounds found in PEJ were ellagitannins, anthocyanins including cyanidin and delphinidin glycosides, proanthocyanidins, and free ellagic acid. PEJ-treated animals presented a reduced body weight gain, adiposity and demonstrated significant reversion of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. In addition, the inflammatory profile of colon demonstrated that PEJ prevented metabolic endotoxemia linked to an attenuation of the HFS diet-induced intestinal inflammation via downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-ß), membrane transporter toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the colon. These anti-inflammatory effects appear to be involved, at least in part, with an inhibition of the colonic inflammasome pathway of obese mice. Collectively, our data reveals that PEJ exerts a direct anti-inflammatory effect in obesity-associated intestinal inflammation and this outcome is linked to an amelioration of metabolic endotoxemia in obese mice

A jabuticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) é uma fruta nativa brasileira pertencente à família Myrtaceae. Anteriormente, foi demonstrado que extratos ricos em fenólicos de jabuticaba (PEJ) possuem propriedades benéficas à saúde na obesidade induzida por dieta; no entanto, se o PEJ modula o estado inflamatório intestinal associado à obesidade ainda não está claro. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do PEJ na inflamação intestinal associada à obesidade induzida por uma dieta rica em sacarose (HFS). Assim, quarenta camundongos C57BL / 6J machos foram distribuídos em dois grupos: controle negativo (CH, 10 animais), alimentados com dieta padrão AIN96M e água ad libitum; e controle positivo (HFS, 30 animais), alimentado com dieta HFS e água ad libitum induzida à obesidade por um período inicial de 14 semanas. Após este período, o grupo HFS foi redistribuído em três grupos de 10 animais cada, e continuamente alimentado com dieta HFS por mais 14 semanas: o grupo HFS recebeu gavagens diárias de água, o grupo PEJ1 recebeu PEJ na dose de 50 mg de ácido gálico equivalente (GAE) / kg de peso corporal (pc) e o grupo PEJ2 recebeu PEJ na dose de 100 mg GAE / kg pc. O consumo de ração e a massa corporal foram monitorados semanalmente e a glicemia de jejum quinzenal. O período inicial de indução da obesidade demonstrou que a dieta HFS foi eficiente em promover significativo ganho de peso corporal e hiperglicemia de jejum quando comparada ao grupo controle negativo (HC). Ao final do experimento os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia sob anestesia e seus órgãos e tecidos coletados. As principais classes de compostos fenólicos encontrados em PEJ foram elagitaninos, antocianinas incluindo cianidina e delfinidina glicosiladas, proantocianidinas e ácido elágico livre. Os animais tratados com PEJ apresentaram redução do ganho de peso corporal, adiposidade e reversão significativa da resistência à insulina e dislipidemia. Além disso, o perfil inflamatório do cólon demonstrou que o PEJ evitou a endotoxemia metabólica ligada a uma atenuação da inflamação intestinal induzida pela dieta de HFS por meio da regulação negativa de mediadores pró-inflamatórios, como o fator de necrose tumoral (TNF-), transportador de membrana toll- como o receptor 4 (TLR-4) e o fator nuclear B (NF-B) no cólon. Esses efeitos anti-inflamatórios parecem estar envolvidos, pelo menos em parte, com uma inibição da via do inflamassoma colônico de camundongos obesos. Coletivamente, nossos dados revelam que o PEJ exerce um efeito anti-inflamatório direto na inflamação intestinal associada à obesidade e esse resultado está relacionado com uma melhora da endotoxemia metabólica em camundongos obesos

The complete chloroplast genome and characteristics analysis of Callistemon rigidus R.Br.

Callistemon rigidus R.Br. one of the traditional Chinese medicinal plants, is acrid-flavored and mild-natured, with the prominent effects reducing swelling, resolving phlegm, and dispelling rheumatism. Clinically, it has been commonly used to treat cold, cough and asthma, pain and swelling from impact injuries, eczema, rheumatic arthralgia. The chloroplast genome study on Callistemon rigidus R.Br. is a few seen. This study demonstrates the data collected from the assembly and annotation of the chloroplast (cp) genome of Callistemon rigidus R.Br., followed by furthers comparative analysis with the cp genomes of closely related species. C. rigidus R.Br. showed a cp genome in the size of 158, 961 bp long with 36.78% GC content, among which a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26, 671 bp separated a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87, 162 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18, 457 bp. Altogether 131 genes were hosted, including 37 transfer RNAs, 8 ribosomal RNAs, and 86 protein-coding genes. 284 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were also marked out. A comparative analysis of the genome structure and the sequence data of closely related species unveiled the conserved gene order in the IR and LSC/SSC regions, a quite constructive finding for future phylogenetic research. Overall, this study providing C. rigidus R.Br. genomic resources could positively contribute to the evolutionary study and the phylogenetic reconstruction of Myrtaceae.

Structures related to resprouting potential of two Myrtaceae species from Cerrado: morpho-anatomical and chemical studies.

Resprouting is a functional trait in species which occur in fire-prone ecosystems. These plants can resprout from aerial buds and by recruiting belowground bud bank using carbohydrates allocated in roots as resource. In this study, we present morpho-anatomical features and chemical composition related to the resprouting potential of two species of Eugenia L. in an area of the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) under regeneration, after the clear-cutting of Pinus sp. with the later burning of pine needles layer. We used standard histological techniques for belowground organs analysis and aerial buds protection degree. Belowground buds in layer from soil surface down to 10 depth were counted and the chemical analyses were performed on roots. In all aerial buds, there were relevant protection traits. The belowground organ is a sobole and the number of buds in its upper portion varied from 24 to 517 between individuals of both species. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, starch and other carbohydrates were detected in roots. The protection of aerial buds, the large number of belowground buds and the storing and protective compounds may have favored the resprouting of the species in the area.

Divergent Selection and Primary Gene Flow Shape Incipient Speciation of a Riparian Tree on Hawaii Island.

A long-standing goal of evolutionary biology is to understand the mechanisms underlying the formation of species. Of particular interest is whether or not speciation can occur in the presence of gene flow and without a period of physical isolation. Here, we investigated this process within Hawaiian Metrosideros, a hypervariable and highly dispersible woody species complex that dominates the Hawaiian Islands in continuous stands. Specifically, we investigated the origin of Metrosideros polymorpha var. newellii (newellii), a riparian ecotype endemic to Hawaii Island that is purportedly derived from the archipelago-wide M. polymorpha var. glaberrima (glaberrima). Disruptive selection across a sharp forest-riparian ecotone contributes to the isolation of these varieties and is a likely driver of newellii's origin. We examined genome-wide variation of 42 trees from Hawaii Island and older islands. Results revealed a split between glaberrima and newellii within the past 0.3-1.2 My. Admixture was extensive between lineages within Hawaii Island and between islands, but introgression from populations on older islands (i.e., secondary gene flow) did not appear to contribute to the emergence of newellii. In contrast, recurrent gene flow (i.e., primary gene flow) between glaberrima and newellii contributed to the formation of genomic islands of elevated absolute and relative divergence. These regions were enriched for genes with regulatory functions as well as for signals of positive selection, especially in newellii, consistent with divergent selection underlying their formation. In sum, our results support riparian newellii as a rare case of incipient ecological speciation with primary gene flow in trees.

Advanced understanding of phylogenetic relationships, morphological evolution and biogeographic history of the mega-diverse plant genus Myrcia and its relatives (Myrtaceae: Myrteae).

Myrcia is the largest exclusively Neotropical genus of the plant family Myrtaceae with c. 770 species. Although several studies have elucidated the relationships within particular sections of the genus, to date no phylogeny has been produced that includes a broad taxonomic and geographic representation. Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis of Myrcia and close relatives comprising 253 species and based on two nuclear and seven plastid markers. We combine previously available sequence data with 234 new sequences of the genus Myrcia for this study. We use this phylogeny to investigate the evolution of selected morphological traits and to infer the biogeographic history of the genus. Our results yield a highly supported phylogenetic tree where the Myrceugenia group is sister to the Myrcia and Plinia groups. Five Myrcia species previously considered unplaced emerge in a newly circumscribed clade. The monophyly of two Myrcia sections previously considered uncertain, Aulomyrcia and Gomidesia, are confirmed with strong support. Flowers with free calyx lobes, 2-locular ovaries, and anthers with symmetrical thecae are ancestral features of Myrcia. The Myrcia sect. Gomidesia is highly supported and recovered as monophyletic, with asymmetric anthers that retain their curvature after dehiscence as a morphological synapomorphy. The Atlantic Forest is the most likely ancestral area of the genus and most of its internal clades, from where multiple lineages colonized different regions of South and Central America, in particular the Brazilian Cerrado through multiple unidirectional range expansions. The southern Atlantic Forest is the ancestral area for Myrcia sect. Gomidesia, with lineages reaching the northern Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Yungas, and other savanna vegetation of South America. Our results provide a solid backbone for further evolutionary and taxonomic work and clarify several previously uncertain relationships in this mega-diverse plant group, and shed light on its geographical range evolution.

Physicochemical characterization of fruits of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae)

Belonging to the family Myrtaceae, ‘sete capotes’ is a plant native to the Atlantic Forest biome. It produces yellow-green fruits between February and May. Although used for consumption by local populations, studies of the fruit are rare. The present work aimed at characterize the fruit in terms of physicochemical properties. We quantified mass, volume, moisture, pulp yield, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity, proteins, lipids, total sugars, reducing sugars, ash, macronutrients, micronutrients, pectin, vitamin C and phenolic compounds. Compared with commercial fruits and other native fruit trees, sete capotes is unusual for its pulp yield, vitamin C levels, total phenolic compound content, protein levels, calcium content, potassium levels and iron content. Through the results it is verified of the fruit as a functional food, mainly because of its nutritive content and because of its bioactive compounds. Our data emphasize the importance of study of the constituents of native flora.

Vitamin and bioactive compound diversity of seven fruit species from south Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of native tropical fruits represents an important source of bioactive food and vitamins for consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of vitamins, bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of seven native fruits of the Myrtaceae family from south Brazil. RESULTS: Sample 1 of Eugenia pyriformis presented the highest value of ß-carotene (0.1021 g kg-1 ), lutein (0.0511 g kg-1 ), zeaxanthin (0.0370 g kg-1 ), and α-carotene (0.0112 g kg-1 ), of all analyzed samples. The three samples of Eugenia uniflora L presented the highest lycopene (0.1876, 0.1240 and 0.1615 g kg-1 ) and vitamin A content (0.106, 0.035 and 0.178 g kg-1 RAE) of all seven species analyzed. The cyanidin 3-glucoside was the most common anthocyanin found in fruits in the present study. Two samples of Plinia peruviana presented higher antioxidant capacity by the ABTS radical method (0.80 and 0.67 mol TEs kg-1 ) among the fruits analyzed. The samples of Campomanesia xanthocarpa analyzed stood out owing to the high content of vitamin C present (23.89, 36.83 and 35.05 g kg-1 ). The values of pantothenic acid in Plinia peruviana account for 20% of daily requirements. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the native fruits studied can provide an appreciable amount of vitamins and bioactive compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Heimia myrtifolia and Comparative Analysis within Myrtales.

Heimia myrtifolia is an important medicinal plant with several pharmacologically active alkaloids and is also used as an ornamental landscape plant. The purpose of this study is to complete and characterize the chloroplast (cp) genome of H. myrtifolia and compare genomic features to other Myrtales species' cp genomes. The analysis showed that H. myrtifolia has a total length of 159,219 bp with a typical quadripartite structure containing two identical inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,643 bp isolated by one large single copy (LSC) of 88,571 bp and one small single copy (SSC) of 18,822 bp. The H. myrtifolia cp genome contains 129 genes with eight ribosomal RNAs, 30 transfer RNAs, and 78 protein coding genes, in which 17 genes are duplicated in two IR regions. The genome organization including gene type and number and guanine-cytosine (GC) content is analyzed among the 12 cp genomes in this study. Approximately 255 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 16 forward, two reverses, and two palindromic repeats were identified in the H. myrtifolia cp genome. By comparing the whole H. myrtifolia cp genome with 11 other Myrtales species, the results showed that the sequence similarity was high between coding regions while sequence divergence was high between intergenic regions. By employing the full cp genomes for phylogenetic analysis, structural and sequence differences were characterized between H. myrtifolia and 11 Myrtales species illustrating what patterns are common in the evolution of cp genomes within the Myrtales. The first entire cp genome in the genus Heimia provides a valuable resource for further studies in these medicinally and ornamentally important taxa.

Chloroplast variation is incongruent with classification of the Australian bloodwood eucalypts (genus Corymbia, family Myrtaceae).

Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses have resolved the Australian bloodwood eucalypt genus Corymbia (~100 species) as either monophyletic or paraphyletic with respect to Angophora (9-10 species). Here we assess relationships of Corymbia and Angophora using a large dataset of chloroplast DNA sequences (121,016 base pairs; from 90 accessions representing 55 Corymbia and 8 Angophora species, plus 33 accessions of related genera), skimmed from high throughput sequencing of genomic DNA, and compare results with new analyses of nuclear ITS sequences (119 accessions) from previous studies. Maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses of cpDNA resolve well supported trees with most nodes having >95% bootstrap support. These trees strongly reject monophyly of Corymbia, its two subgenera (Corymbia and Blakella), most taxonomic sections (Abbreviatae, Maculatae, Naviculares, Septentrionales), and several species. ITS trees weakly indicate paraphyly of Corymbia (bootstrap support <50% for maximum likelihood, and 71% for parsimony), but are highly incongruent with the cpDNA analyses, in that they support monophyly of both subgenera and some taxonomic sections of Corymbia. The striking incongruence between cpDNA trees and both morphological taxonomy and ITS trees is attributed largely to chloroplast introgression between taxa, because of geographic sharing of chloroplast clades across taxonomic groups. Such introgression has been widely inferred in studies of the related genus Eucalyptus. This is the first report of its likely prevalence in Corymbia and Angophora, but this is consistent with previous morphological inferences of hybridisation between species. Our findings (based on continent-wide sampling) highlight a need for more focussed studies to assess the extent of hybridisation and introgression in the evolutionary history of these genera, and that critical testing of the classification of Corymbia and Angophora requires additional sequence data from nuclear genomes.

Annotation of the Corymbia terpene synthase gene family shows broad conservation but dynamic evolution of physical clusters relative to Eucalyptus.

Terpenes are economically and ecologically important phytochemicals. Their synthesis is controlled by the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family, which is highly diversified throughout the plant kingdom. The plant family Myrtaceae are characterised by especially high terpene concentrations, and considerable variation in terpene profiles. Many Myrtaceae are grown commercially for terpene products including the eucalypts Corymbia and Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus grandis has the largest TPS gene family of plants currently sequenced, which is largely conserved in the closely related E. globulus. However, the TPS gene family has been well studied only in these two eucalypt species. The recent assembly of two Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata genomes presents an opportunity to examine the conservation of this important gene family across more divergent eucalypt lineages. Manual annotation of the TPS gene family in C. citriodora subsp. variegata revealed a similar overall number, and relative subfamily representation, to that previously reported in E. grandis and E. globulus. Many of the TPS genes were in physical clusters that varied considerably between Eucalyptus and Corymbia, with several instances of translocation, expansion/contraction and loss. Notably, there was greater conservation in the subfamilies involved in primary metabolism than those involved in secondary metabolism, likely reflecting different selective constraints. The variation in cluster size within subfamilies and the broad conservation between the eucalypts in the face of this variation are discussed, highlighting the potential contribution of selection, concerted evolution and stochastic processes. These findings provide the foundation to better understand terpene evolution within the ecologically and economically important Myrtaceae.

Compostos bioativos fenólicos de frutos nativos da famí­lia Myrtaceae: Avaliação da bioacessibilidade e do potencial funcional relacionado às doenças cardiovasculares / Bioactive phenolic compounds of native fruits from Myrtaceae family: Evaluation of bioaccessibility and functional potential related to cardiovascular diseases

As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são responsáveis pela maioria das mortes ocorridas em todo o mundo. Os riscos para o desenvolvimento destas patologias podem ser amenizados, em parte, por meio de uma dieta rica em alimentos de origem vegetal. Neste sentido, os frutos nativos brasileiros, como os pertencentes à família Myrtaceae, podem contribuir para melhorar a qualidade da alimentação, pois apresentam altos teores de compostos bioativos, entre eles, os fenólicos (CBF). Pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos dos polifenóis destes frutos para redução do risco de desenvolvimento das DCV. Sendo assim, este trabalho buscou avaliar a bioacessibilidade dos CBF presentes em polpas de cambuci e jabuticaba e seus efeitos in vitro sobre mecanismos de ação relacionados às DCV. Para tanto, extratos ricos em polifenóis foram obtidos a partir de extrações em fase sólida (C18 e PA) das polpas de ambos os frutos, submetidas ou não à simulação da digestão gastrointestinal. Estes extratos tiveram seus efeitos inibitórios sobre a atividade da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina I (ECA) e a agregação plaquetária induzida por adenosina difosfato avaliados in vitro. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a digestão in vitro foi capaz de liberar os CBF da matriz alimentar. Tal bioacessibilidade parece ter sido importante apenas para a inibição da agregação plaquetária, uma vez que a capacidade inibitória destes compostos sobre a atividade da ECA não melhorou depois da digestão in vitro. Quanto aos resultados obtidos pelos extratos provenientes das colunas PA e C18, observa-se que as maiores concentrações de taninos nestes últimos não foram suficientes para melhorar a capacidade antiagregante, mas foram importantes para aumentar a inibição da atividade da ECA. Comparando-se as respostas apresentadas pelos dois frutos, os CBF presentes no cambuci exibiram, predominantemente, potenciais anti-hipertensivo e antiagregantedo maiores do que os da jabuticaba. Neste contexto, o consumo de cambuci e jabuticaba, bem como a utilização de seus polifenóis purificados, podem ser adjuvantes para a redução dos riscos relacionados ao desenvolvimento das DCV

The cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. The risk of development of these disorders can be reduced, partially, by a vegetal-based diet. In this way, the Brazilian native fruits from Myrtaceae family may contribute to improve the diet quality, once they have high quantity of bioactive compounds, such as the phenolic (PC). The knowledge about the cardioprotective effects of consuming these fruit polyphenols is limited, so this study aimed to evaluate the bioaccessibility of the cambuci and jaboticaba PC and their in vitro potential on CVD-related mechanisms. First, gastrointestinal digestion simulation of each fruit pulp was done, and then the polyphenols rich extracts were obtained by solid phase extractions, before and after the pulps digestion. The polyphenols rich extracts had their phenolic concentrations determined and were used to evaluate the capacity of PC in inhibit the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) activity and the platelet aggregation induced by ADP. The results were expressed as IC50, considering the total phenolic content per milliliter of reaction. According to the results, the in vitro digestion process was able to release the polyphenols from the food matrix. Therefore, the bioaccessibility had no significant effect on ACE activity, but decreased the IC50 values of platelet aggregation. In relation to the extracts from PA and C18 columns, the higher tannin concentration In comparison to the IC50 values presented by PA extracts, the higher concentrations of tannins in the last one were not enough to improve the antiaggregant effect, but were important to increase the inhibition of ACE activity. Cambuci polyphenols presented higher antihypertensive and antiaggregant potentials than the jaboticaba compounds. In this respect, the ingestion of cambuci and jaboticaba and the use of their purified polyphenols can be of particular importance in reducing the risk for the CVD development

A continuous morphological approach to study the evolution of pollen in a phylogenetic context: An example with the order Myrtales.

The study of pollen morphology has historically allowed evolutionary biologists to assess phylogenetic relationships among Angiosperms, as well as to better understand the fossil record. During this process, pollen has mainly been studied by discretizing some of its main characteristics such as size, shape, and exine ornamentation. One large plant clade in which pollen has been used this way for phylogenetic inference and character mapping is the order Myrtales, composed by the small families Alzateaceae, Crypteroniaceae, and Penaeaceae (collectively the "CAP clade"), as well as the large families Combretaceae, Lythraceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Onagraceae and Vochysiaceae. In this study, we present a novel way to study pollen evolution by using quantitative size and shape variables. We use morphometric and morphospace methods to evaluate pollen change in the order Myrtales using a time-calibrated, supermatrix phylogeny. We then test for conservatism, divergence, and morphological convergence of pollen and for correlation between the latitudinal gradient and pollen size and shape. To obtain an estimate of shape, Myrtales pollen images were extracted from the literature, and their outlines analyzed using elliptic Fourier methods. Shape and size variables were then analyzed in a phylogenetic framework under an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process to test for shifts in size and shape during the evolutionary history of Myrtales. Few shifts in Myrtales pollen morphology were found which indicates morphological conservatism. Heterocolpate, small pollen is ancestral with largest pollen in Onagraceae. Convergent shifts in shape but not size occurred in Myrtaceae and Onagraceae and are correlated to shifts in latitude and biogeography. A quantitative approach was applied for the first time to examine pollen evolution across a large time scale. Using phylogenetic based morphometrics and an OU process, hypotheses of pollen size and shape were tested across Myrtales. Convergent pollen shifts and position in the latitudinal gradient support the selective role of harmomegathy, the mechanism by which pollen grains accommodate their volume in response to water loss.

Two fossil species of Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) from the Oligo-Miocene Golden Fleece locality in Tasmania, Australia.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The capsular-fruited genus Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) is one of the most widely distributed flowering plant genera in the Pacific but is extinct in Australia today. The center of geographic origin for the genus and the reason for and timing of its extinction in Australia remain uncertain. We identify fossil Metrosideros fruits from the newly discovered Golden Fleece fossil flora in the Oligo-Miocene of Tasmania, Australia, shedding further light on these problems. METHODS: Standard paleopalynological techniques were used to date the fossil-bearing sediments. Scanning electron microscopy and an auto-montage camera system were used to take high-resolution images of fossil and extant fruits taken from herbarium specimens. Fossils are identified using a nearest-living-relative approach. KEY RESULTS: The fossil-bearing sediments are palynostratigraphically dated as being Proteacidites tuberculatus Zone Equivalent (ca. 33-16 Ma) in age and provide a confident Oligo-Miocene age for the macrofossils. Two new fossil species of Metrosideros are described and are here named Metrosideros dawsonii sp. nov. and Metrosideros wrightii sp. nov. CONCLUSIONS: These newly described fossil species of Metrosideros provide a second record of the genus in the Cenozoic of Australia, placing them in the late Early Oligocene to late Early Miocene. It is now apparent not only that Metrosideros was present in Australia, where the genus is now extinct, but that at least several Metrosideros species were present during the Cenozoic. These fossils further strengthen the case for an Australian origin of the genus.

Screening of wild fruit trees with gastroprotective activity in different experimental models / Triagem de plantas frutíferas silvestres com ação gastroprotetora em modelos in vivo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Given the increase of people with gastrointestinal disorders, the search for alternative treatments with fewer side effects is vital, as well as the demand for food or plants that can help protect the stomach. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of the extracts of wild fruit trees of Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju); Inga vera Willd. (ingá-banana) and Marlierea tomentosa Cambess. (guarapuruna) in in vivo pharmacological models. METHODS The different parts of the fruits were separately subjected to a process of extraction by methanol. Two experimental pharmacological models were conducted in mice; the gastric ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (indomethacin), and the gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl, which allowed us to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Subsequently, the total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS The results showed significant gastroprotective activity against the aggressive agents used - ethanol and indomethacin - for all the extracts tested. CONCLUSION It is assumed that the fruits have bioactive compounds such as antioxidant substances that act on the prostaglandin levels, protecting them from the damage caused by ethanol and indomethacin. These results prompt further studies to isolate and identify the active properties.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Devido ao aumento de pessoas com distúrbios gastrointestinais, a busca de tratamentos alternativos com menos efeitos cola­terais é fundamental, assim como a demanda por alimentos ou plantas que possam ajudar a proteger o estômago. OBJETIVO O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação gastroprotetora dos extratos plantas frutíferas silvestres Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju); Inga vera Willd. (ingá-banana) e Marlierea tomentosa Cambess. (guarapuruna) em modelos farmacológicos in vivo. MÉTODOS As diferentes partes do fruto foram submetidas se­paradamente a um processo de maceração em solução metanólica a frio. Foram realizados dois modelos experimentais em camundongos, modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal (indometacina) e modelo de úlcera gástrica induzida por etanol/HCl, que permitiram avaliar a atividade gastroprotetora dos extratos na dose de 250 mg/kg. Posteriormente, foram determinadas a área total de lesão (mm2) e a área relativa lesada (%). RESULTADOS Os resultados apresentaram atividade gastroprotetora significativa para todos os extratos estudados frente aos agentes agressores utilizados, etanol e indometacina. CONCLUSÃO Supõe-se que os frutos apresentam compostos bioativos, como as substancias antioxidantes, que atuam sobre os níveis de prostaglandinas, protegendo dos danos causados pelo etanol e indometacina. Os resultados encorajam futuros estudos para isolamento e identificação dos princípios ativos dos frutos.

SCREENING OF WILD FRUIT TREES WITH GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTAL MODELS.

BACKGROUND: Given the increase of people with gastrointestinal disorders, the search for alternative treatments with fewer side effects is vital, as well as the demand for food or plants that can help protect the stomach. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of the extracts of wild fruit trees of Myrcianthes pungens (guabiju); Inga vera Willd. (ingá-banana) and Marlierea tomentosa Cambess. (guarapuruna) in in vivo pharmacological models. METHODS: The different parts of the fruits were separately subjected to a process of extraction by methanol. Two experimental pharmacological models were conducted in mice; the gastric ulcer model induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (indomethacin), and the gastric ulcer model induced by ethanol/HCl, which allowed us to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Subsequently, the total lesion area (mm2) and relative lesion area (%) were determined. RESULTS: The results showed significant gastroprotective activity against the aggressive agents used - ethanol and indomethacin - for all the extracts tested. CONCLUSION: It is assumed that the fruits have bioactive compounds such as antioxidant substances that act on the prostaglandin levels, protecting them from the damage caused by ethanol and indomethacin. These results prompt further studies to isolate and identify the active properties.

Which Bay Leaf is in Your Spice Rack? - A Quality Control Study.

The accurate identification of bay leaf in natural products commerce may often be confusing as the name is applied to several different species of aromatic plants. The true "bay leaf", also known as "bay laurel" or "sweet bay", is sourced from the tree Laurus nobilis, a native of the Mediterranean region. Nevertheless, the leaves of several other species including Cinnamomum tamala, Litsea glaucescens, Pimenta racemosa, Syzygium polyanthum, and Umbellularia californica are commonly substituted or mistaken for true bay leaves due to their similarity in the leaf morphology, aroma, and flavor. Substitute species are, however, often sold as "bay leaves". As such, the name "bay leaf" in literature and herbal commerce may refer to any of these botanicals. The odor and flavor of these leaves are, however, not the same as the true bay leaf, and for that reason they should not be used in cooking as a substitute for L. nobilis. Some of the bay leaf substitutes can also cause potential health problems. Therefore, the correct identification of the true bay leaf is important. The present work provides a detailed comparative study of the leaf morphological and anatomical features of L. nobilis and its common surrogates to allow for correct identification.