title: Environmental and ontogenetic control of accumulation of brachycerine, a bioactive indole alkaloid from Psychotria brachyceras.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, CP 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tatiana Schäffer
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Gregianini
authors.forename: Diogo Denardi
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Porto
authors.forename: Naíla Cannes
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Do Nascimento
authors.forename: Janette Palma
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Fett
authors.forename: Amélia Teresinha
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Henriques
authors.forename: Arthur Germano
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Fett-Neto
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003517:Cyclopentanes; D026121:Indole Alkaloids; D007211:Indoles; D039821:Monoterpenes; D054883:Oxylipins; C433964:brachycerine; C011006:jasmonic acid; D020156:Salicylic Acid