Environmental and ontogenetic control of accumulation of brachycerine, a bioactive indole alkaloid from Psychotria brachyceras.
Brachycerine is a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid accumulated in Psychotria brachyceras plants (Rubiaceae). To better understand the accumulation patterns of this alkaloid, we investigated its content in different plant organs from field-grown trees, throughout the seasons, during seedling development, and in response to potential biotic factors regulating its biosynthesis. Quantification by RP-HPLC showed that aerial vegetative organs (green stems, young and old leaves) yielded similar amounts of brachycerine [0.1-0.2% dry weight (DW)]. Brachycerine was not detected in roots. In reproductive structures, the highest brachycerine amounts (0.3% DW) were found in inflorescences. Alkaloid concentration decreased in mature fruits (0.045% DW). The lowest concentration in reproductive organs was observed in quiescent seeds (0.004% DW). Apparently, brachycerine content dropped during radicle emission in germinating seeds. During seedling development, an increase in leaf content from 0.02 to 0.1% DW was observed between the stages of 2 and 14 leaves, respectively. Salicylic acid did not affect brachycerine content. A doubling of alkaloid content was observed in wounded plants, and a threefold induction occurred with jasmonic acid treatment, suggesting that brachycerine biosynthesis is regulated by jasmonate production.
Gregianini
Tatiana Schäffer
TS
Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, CP 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
Porto
Diogo Denardi
DD
Do Nascimento
Naíla Cannes
NC
Fett
Janette Palma
JP
Henriques
Amélia Teresinha
AT
Fett-Neto
Arthur Germano
AG
D003517:Cyclopentanes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D004777:Environment; D018525:Germination; D026121:Indole Alkaloids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007211:Indoles / Q000378:metabolism*; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D054883:Oxylipins; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D019666:Rubiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D012621:Seasons
D003517:Cyclopentanes; D026121:Indole Alkaloids; D007211:Indoles; D039821:Monoterpenes; D054883:Oxylipins; C433964:brachycerine; C011006:jasmonic acid; D020156:Salicylic Acid