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An updated account of Thailand's maidenhair ferns, Adiantum L. (Pteridaceae), is presented. The genus consists of 20 taxa, including 19 indigenous and 1 naturalised, distributed in various habitats throughout Thailand, and 5 of them are endemic. We accept A. fragiliforme and A. ciliatum as distinct species on the basis of our investigation. We also accept infraspecific taxa within A. philippense , namely A. philippense subsp. philippense and A. philippense subsp. intermedium. Revised descriptions of A. fragiliforme and A. gomphophyllum from southern Thailand are provided, as is an updated key to the species of Adiantum in Thailand, and vernacular names and conservation status assessments. Twenty taxa of Thai's maidenhair ferns in genus Adiantum L. (Pteridaceae) is here revised. The first key to all Thai's Adiantum species are provided here. The genus consists of 19 indigenous (5 endemics) and 1 naturalised species, distributed in various habitats throughout Thailand. A new recorded species, A. gomphophyllum , from Phang Na Province, and two accepted infraspecifics of A. philippense are also recognised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum philippense Linn (Pteridiaceae), commonly known as "Goyalelata" which has been traditionally used to cure of different diseases including dysentery, ulcers, fevers, cooling and elephantiasis. This study aims to summarize the phytoconstituents reported for A. philippense and its pharmacological activities as well as further in-silico molecular dynamics studies to identify active compounds against COX-2 enzyme as potent analgesic. The data for this study were collected using online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Previous studies have established that a number of phytochemicals have been identified from this plant including phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, phloroglucino, esculetin), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, luteolin), terpenoids (ursolic acid, botulin, carvone and glycyrrhetinic acid). Literature study demonstrated that A. philipense has the potential analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and hepatoprotective effects in both in-vivo and in-vitro test systems. The plant can act as suitable candidate for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles and application as a therapeutic purpose. The molecular docking analysis of its reported phytoconstituents with CoX-2 showed that quercetin, and luteolin exhibited the most favorable binding affinity with a value of -8.1 and -8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Further molecular dynamics study revealed that quercetin was the most promising anti-inflammatory compounds present in A. philippense confirmed by the RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA and hydrogen bond analysis. In summary, it is proved that A. philippense one of the potential traditional medicinal fern that possess bioactive compounds which could be useful in the prevention of pain and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As recently demonstrated, the group of Adiantum raddianum is monophyletic and can be recognized by round-reniform indusia and veins ending in sinuses at the sterile segment margins. The most related species belong to the A. poiretii group, which is morphologically distinct by the oblong to lunate indusia. In the A. raddianum group sixteen species are recognized in the present work. Among these species, A. patens s.l. is the unique species that occurs in Africa outside the neotropical region. Adiantum raddianum is the broadest distributed species of the group, widely cultivated globally, and it has become naturalized in the Paleotropics and other regions. Typifications are presented for two accepted names: A. lorentzii and A. ruizianum. Several other typifications are also presented for synonymized species. Adiantum alan-smithii, A. galeottianum, A. imbricatum, A. lobatum, A. ruizianum, A. shepherdii and A. subvolubile are species with restricted distributions occurring only in one or two countries. An identification key, as well as descriptions, synonymies, discussion on morphology and taxonomy, illustrations and a list of specimens examined are provided. Citation: Hirai R. Y. & Prado J. 2019: Neotropical species of the Adiantum raddianum group (Pteridaceae). – Willdenowia 49: 295–317. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.49.49302 Version of record first published online on 26 November 2019 ahead of inclusion in December 2019 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. is one of the most serious pests of coconuts and other palms. Following bioassay guided method, a larvicidal compound, 22-hydroxyhopane has been isolated for the first time from methanol extract of leaves of Adiantum latifolium Lam. against the pest (LC 50 value 20.81 μg/g). It is a hopanoid triterpene with molecular mass of 442.42 g/mol. The compound exhibited antibacterial activity against symbiotic gut bacteria, caused histolysis of midgut tissues and inhibited secretion of digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase and trehalase resulting in weight loss of larvae. Enzyme immunoassay showed an elevation of 20-hydroxyecdysone level in haemolymph causing disruption of metamorphosis of larvae. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The triterpenoid 22-hydroxyhopane is isolated from methanol extract of leaves of the fern Adiantum latifolium. • The compound has revealed larvicidal efficacy against the larvae of the coconut pest Oryctes rhinoceros. • Mode of action include histolysis of gut tissue and inhibition of digestive enzyme production. • The compound showed antibacterial activity against gut bacteria. • 22-hydroxyhopane caused an elevation of 20-hydroxyecdysone level in haemolymph disrupting metamorphosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hansraj (Adiantum capillus-veneris) is an herbal plant used in Unani system of medicine since ancient time. Leaves, roots, stem of the plant are mainly used in the treatment of kidney stone, diabetes, fungal infection, thyroid and respiratory disorder. This review article is presented to compose all the new information on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities. Studies indicate Hansraj (Adiantum capillus-veneris) possesses antioxidant, wound healing action, anti-microbial and anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, antipyretic activity, it is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its anti-implantation effect. Most common use of Hansraj (Adiantum capillusveneris) in hair problem because it prevent from alopecia and dandruff. These results are very motivating and indicate this herb should be more explore to confirm these results and reveal other potential and protective effect. Clinical trials using Hansraj (Adiantum capillus-veneris) for a variety of conditions should also be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a serious pest of coconuts and other palms. Symbiotic gut bacteria play significant roles in the digestion of cellulosic materials as well as in some other physiological processes essential for the existence of O. rhinoceros larvae. The study was undertaken to isolate a compound with antibacterial and larvicidal activities from the leaves of Adiantum latifolium Lam. following a bioassay‐guided method. RESULTS: Methanol extract (ME) of dry leaf powder of A. latifolium showed larvicidal activity against third‐instar O. rhinoceros (LD50, 5018 mg/kg) with antibacterial activity on its gut microbiota. An in vitro study showed the bacteria Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus lylae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Kocuria rosea, Burkholderia mallei, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. arlettae and Corynebacterium afermentans identified from the larval gut were sensitive to ME. Bioactivity‐guided isolation of the compound by liquid–liquid extraction and column chromatography resulted in Adiantobischrysene which showed antibacterial and larvicidal activity (LD50, 8.4 mg/kg) and led to weight loss and precocious metamorphosis in larvae. An enzyme immunoassay showed a large peak in 20‐hydroxyecdysone that commits larvae to precocious metamorphosis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the antibacterial and metamorphosis disrupting activity of Adiantobischrysene make it a natural pesticidal compound against O. rhinoceros. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum is among the most distinctive and easily recognized leptosporangiate fern genera. Despite encompassing an astonishing range of leaf complexity, all species of Adiantum share a unique character state not observed in other ferns: sporangia borne directly on the reflexed leaf margin or "false indusium" (pseudoindusium). The over 200 species of Adiantum span six continents and are nearly all terrestrial. Here, we present one of the most comprehensive phylogenies for any large (200+ spp.) monophyletic, subcosmopolitan genus of ferns to date. We build upon previous datasets, providing new data from four plastid markers (rbcL, atpA, rpoA, chlN) for 146 taxa. All sampled taxa can be unequivocally assigned to one of nine robustly supported clades. Although some of these unite to form larger, well-supported lineages, the backbone of our phylogeny has several short branches and generally weak support, making it difficult to accurately assess deep relationships. Our maximum likelihood-based ancestral character state reconstructions of leaf blade architecture reveal remarkable convergent evolution across multiple clades for nearly all leaf forms. A single unique synapomorphy--leaves once-pinnate, usually with prolonged rooting tips--defines the philippense clade. Although a rare occurrence in Adiantum, simple leaves occur in three distinct clades (davidii, philippense, peruvianum). Most taxa have leaves that are more than once-pinnate, and only a few of these (in the formosum and pedatum clades) exhibit the distinct pseudopedate form. Distributional ranges for each of the terminal taxa show that most species (75%) are restricted to only one of six major biogeographical regions. Forty-eight of our sampled species (nearly one-third) are endemic to South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The processes that shaped the West Indian fern flora remain poorly understood. We attempt to investigate earlier biogeographical patterns described for the region using the genus Adiantum as model. These patterns propose that the West Indian fern flora has (1) an essentially continental rather than insular character, having a rich representation of species occurring in tropical America; (2) the Greater Antilles have a higher fern diversity and higher endemism than the Lesser Antilles, and (3) adaptive speciation has been an important process in shaping the fern diversity of the Greater Antilles. Location: West Indies. Methods: Adiantum is a subcosmopolitan genus that comprises 200–225 species of which 33 occur in the West Indies. We compiled the most comprehensive molecular dataset of Adiantum available to date, including the chloroplast markers rbcL, atpA, atpB and trnL‐F of 407 accessions belonging to 101 species, 24 of which occur in the West Indies. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches were applied to generate phylogenetic hypotheses. Divergence times were estimated using published substitution rates. Ancestral areas were estimated using BioGeoBEARS. Results: The extant West Indian Adiantum species originate from at least 17 predominantly Miocene immigration events, 11 from South America and six from Central America, in combination with two cladogenetic events. The Cuban endemics Adiantum alomae and A. sericeum, as well as the Greater Antillean A. deltoideum, A. cristatum and A. pyramidale first appeared during the Pleistocene. The emergence of A. alomae and A. deltoideum coincides with the formation of the karstic relief of the Cuban coasts. Main conclusions: Immigration, rather than cladogenesis, governed the evolution of the West Indian Adiantum species. Our results concur with theoretical models proposed for island communities, suggesting that geologically younger and smaller island assemblages mainly derive from immigration, whereas cladogenesis plays an important role in older and larger islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine isolates of proteus spp. were isolated from 100 urine samples of renal stone patients which were the urine specimens obtained directly from Sulaimania teaching hospital laboratory, and identified according to the cultural characteristic, morphological, biochemical examination. The antibiotic susceptibility test for all isolates were conducted to nine antimicrobial agents including (Ciprofloxacin (Cip), Tetracyclin(TE), Neomycin (N), Gentamicin (CN), Erythromycin (E), Nitrofurintion (F), Naldixic acid (NA), Imipenim (IPM), Amoxicillin (AX). Plasmid analysis of these isolates showed presence are (22) Kb plasmid. Curing of antibiotic resistance genes by using methanol extracts for leave of Crataegus rhipidophylla and Adiantum capillus was performed. The minimum inhibitory concentration of these medicinal plants through methanol extracts which were 8000 μg/ml and 1200 μg/ml for Crataegus rhipidophyllaand Adiantum capillus respectively. The Sub minimum inhibition concentration (SMIC) was also determined. The results of transformation and curing experiments revealed that SMIC of Crataegus rhipidophyllaextract was cured or eliminated plasmid completely, and (SMIC) of Adiantum capillus was cured (CN, E, and AX) resistant genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Adiantum capillus-venerisL. (Adiantaceae) hypocholesterolemic activity is therapeutically praised. Objectives:Pharmacological modulation of pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PL) and α-amylase/α-glucosidase byA. capillus-venerisare evaluated. Materials and methods:Using positive controls (acarbose, orlistat, guar gum, atorvastatin, glipizide and metformin) as appropriate, crude aqueous extracts (AEs) ofA. capillus-venerisaerial parts were tested via a combination ofin vitroenzymatic (0.24–100 mg/mL), acutein vivocarbohydrate tolerance tests (125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight [b.wt]) and chronicin vivostudies (500 mg/kg b.wt) in high cholesterol diet (HCD) fed Wistar rats. Results:Like acarbose,A. capillus-venerisas well as chlorogenic acid, with respective IC50values (mg/mL) of 0.8 ± 0.0 and 0.2 ± 0.0, were identified asin vitropotent dual inhibitors of α-amylase/α-glucosidase. Unlike guar gum,A. capillus-venerishad no glucose diffusion hindrance capacity. Equivalent to orlistat,A. capillus-venerisand its phytoconstituents inhibited PLin vitrowith an ascending order of PL- IC50values (μg/mL): ferulic acid; 0.48 ± 0.06 < ellagic acid; 13.53 ± 1.83 < chlorogenic acid; 38.4 ± 2.8 < A. capillus-veneris;1600 ± 100. Incomparable to acarbose or metformin and glipizide,A. capillus-veneris(125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt) lacked antihyperglycaemic efficacies in acute starch- or glucose-evoked postprandial hyperglycaemia increments in normoglycaemic overnight fasting rats. Superior to atorvastatin;A. capillus-venerisexerted significant antiobesity (p < 0.001) with marked triacylglycerol-reducing capacities (p < 0.001) in comparison to rats fed with HCD for 10 weeks. Discussion and conclusion:A. capillus-veneris, modulating pancreatic digestive enzymes, may be advocated as a combinatorial diabesity prevention/phytotherapy agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) represent a key threat for millions of humans and animals worldwide, since they act as vectors for devastating parasites and pathogens. Eco-friendly control tools are a priority. Plant-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles is rapid and cost-effective. Here we biosynthesized poly-dispersed silver nanocrystals (AgNPs) using a cheap aqueous leaf extract of Adiantum raddianum . AgNPs were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The acute toxicity of A. raddianum extract and biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated against larvae of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi , the dengue vector Aedes aegypti and the filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus . Compared to the leaf aqueous extract, AgNPs showed higher toxicity against An. stephensi , Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus with LC 50 values of 10.33, 11.23 and 12.19 μg/mL, respectively. Biosynthesized AgNPs were found safer to non-target organisms Diplonychus indicus , Anisops bouvieri and Gambusia affinis , with respective LC 50 values ranging from 517.86 to 635.98 μg/mL. Overall, this study firstly shed light on the potential of A. raddianum as a potential bio-resource for rapid, cheap and effective nanosynthesis of novel mosquitocides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient in vitro regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis (SE) was developed for a fern species Adiantum capillus-veneris. Adventitious shoots, green globular bodies (GGBs) and calli were obtained with the maximal induction rate on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium of low concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA) (0-1.0 mg/L), 2.0mg/L BA without 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5-1.0 mg/L 6-BA, respectively. Cyto-morphological and histological changes in the shoot development via calli and GGBs were examined. For a better understanding of these developmental events, expression patterns of six genes, AcLBD16, AcAGL, AcBBM, AcWUS, AcRKD, and AcLEC1, were characterized during SE. AcBBM and AcLEC1 were ubiquitously expressed in direct SE (adventitious shoots and GGBs) the maximal expression of AcBBM in mature GGBs, and the high expression of AcLEC1 in GGB initiation and adventitious shoots. During the indirect SE, AcLBD16, AcLEC1, AcRKD, and AcWUS were highly expressed in mature calli. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses showed that AcWUS, AcBBM, AcLBD, AcAGL, AcRKD, and their homologs of other green plants formed monophyletic clades, respectively. Some of these gene families, however, diversified rapidly with the occurrence of embryophytes, suggesting that embryogenesis-associated genes could experience a rapid evolution with the colonization of plants to terrestrial environments. Expression and phylogenetic analyses of those embryogenesis-associated genes by the aid of in vitro regeneration system of A. capillus-veneris provide new insights into the evolution of reproductive organs in land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seed is an intricate structure. Of the two development processes involved in seed formation, seed maturation, or seed program includes accumulation of storage products, acquisition of desiccation tolerance, and induction of dormancy. Little is known about how these processes were originated and integrated into the life cycle of seed plants. While previous investigation on seed origin was almost exclusively through fossil comparison in paleobotany, a wealth of information about the key role of LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) in seed formation of spermatophyte inspired a new approach to investigating the seed origin mystery. Here, we examined the expression pattern of AcLEC1 during the entire life cycle of Adiantum capillus-veneris, a non-seed plant, confirmed no AcLEC1 gene expression detectable in prothalli, demonstrated inductive expressed by both sucrose and glucose in prothalli. As expected, we found that sugar treatments delayed prothallus development, promoted differentiation of reproductive organs, and triggered accumulation of storage products. These findings demonstrated links between the sugar treatments and the induction of AcLEC1 expression, as well as the sugar treatments and the events such as accumulation of storage products, which is similar to those considered as seed maturation process in seed plants. These links support a modified hypothesis that inductive expression of LEC1 homologs during embryogenesis might be a key innovation for the origin of the seed program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the adoption of some ambiguous and quantitative characters in Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae 3(1), species identifications of the series Gravesiana have been in disarray, requiring clarification. Two hundred and fifty-nine individuals from 47 different populations were collected for the estimation of morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses. Spores of 26 populations were observed through scanning electron microscope. Our results were different from those of previous research: (1) six identifiable species, rather than five species observed previously, were confirmed in the series Gravesiana, they are A. gravesii, A. juxtapositum, A. mariesii, A. dentatum, A. longzhouensis and A. obovatum, of which the latter three are newly recognized species. (2) Thirteen characters were measured and estimated through the program Mesquite v. 2.71. The character whether the pinna stalks were 1/3-1/2 times longer than the pinna was used to distinguish A. gravesii and A. lianxianense previously and was found to be unreliable here, whereas such characters as the height of the plant (H), pinna aligned forms (FP), number of pinna (NP), pinna margin (M), number of veins flabellate at base (NV), sori number and shape per pinna (NSS), pinna texture (T), and powder-covered or not on the abaxial surface of the pinna (P) are estimated to be stable and reliable characters useful for identification. Descriptions of new species and their retrieve keys are also listed. (3) Surface ornamentations and spore sizes are helpful for us to distinguish species in series Gravesiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adiantum philippense (AP) is a pteridophyte that shows antihyperglycemic activity in vivo diabetic model, but the mechanism of action is unknown. Objective: AP was found to play a pivotal role in minimizing the high blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Simultaneously, it was observed that it could maintain the normal lipid profile even in diabetic condition. To investigate its insulin-like activity along with its inhibitory role on adipocyte differentiation became the objective of our present study. Materials and Methods: Glucose uptake potential of this fern was done in isolated pancreatic islets and inhibition of adipocyte differentiation was assessed in 3T3-L1 cell line. Before this, the cytotoxic concentration was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on L929 cell line. To determine its role in lipid metabolism, the oil droplets produced in adipocytes were stained with Oil 'O' red staining, and triglyceride levels of various drug treatments were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: This fern extract was found to be actively utilizing glucose in the glucose uptake assay. Moreover, it was also involved in inhibiting differentiation of pro-adipocyte to adipocyte in the 3T3-L1 cell lines. The percentage inhibition as obtained from the absorbance showed that the ethanolic extract at the concentration of 200 µg/ml showed 32.48% inhibition. Conclusion: All the above-mentioned parameters when appraised indicated that this fern could be used as an alternative medicine in managing diabetes associated with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe, discuss, and illustrate four new species of the fern genus Adiantum (Pteridaceae): one from Guyana ( A. cremersii Boudrie & J. Prado) and two from French Guiana ( A. granvilleanum Boudrie & J. Prado and A. latipinnulum Boudrie & J. Prado), and A. rivularis Boudrie & J. Prado that occurs in Guyana and French Guiana. The typification and application of the name A. oyapokense Jenman are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among the most important factors in wound healing pathways are transforming growth factor beta1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Fibroblasts are the main cell in all phases wound closure. In this study, the extracts of plant materials such as Adiantum capillus-veneris, Commiphora molmol, Aloe vera, and henna and one mixture of them were used to treatment of normal mouse skin fibroblasts. Methods: Cytotoxic effects of each extract and their mixture were assessed on mouse skin fibroblasts cells using 3.(4,5.dimethylthiazol.2.yl).2,5.diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. We performed migration assays to assess migration properties of mouse skin fibroblasts cells in response to the extracts. Changes in the gene expression of the Tgfß1 and Vegf.A genes were monitored by real.time polymerase chain reaction. Results: A. capillus-veneris, C. molmol and henna extract improved the expression of Tgfß1 gene. All used extracts upregulated the expression of Vegf-A gene and promoted the migration of mouse fibroblast cells in vitro. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the mentioned herbal extracts might be effective in wound healing, through the improvement in the migration of fibroblast cells and regulating the gene expression of Tgfß1and Vegf-A genes in fibroblast cells treated with extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more than 200 species, the maidenhair fern genus Adiantum is among the top ten most diverse fern genera. Adiantum is pantropical in distribution and, due to the presence of a unique synapomorphy (sporangia borne on indusia rather than laminae), perhaps the most easily recognized fern genus. Many of its members, including numerous cultivars derived from A. raddianum, are grown as ornamentals. Because of its size, a comprehensive taxonomic study of Adiantum is difficult and the genus is perhaps better approached through a series of narrower studies. Here, we focus specifically on A. raddianum and putative allies. We find a newly defined A. raddianum group to be strongly supported as monophyletic and segregated from other maidenhair ferns on the basis of genetic as well as morphological characteristics. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses of plastid atpA, chlL, chIN, rbcL, and rpoA sequences support the A. raddianum clade as sister to A. poiretii and its allies. We identify round-reniform indusia to be a characteristic of the A. raddianum group (vs. lunate in the A. poiretii group). Additionally, we find species in the A. poiretii group to differ in having a unique 66 nucleotide deletion in our chIN gene alignment. The neotropical A. raddianum group comprises at least 17 species (14 studied here), some widely distributed; one was recently described (A. alan-smithii). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum × meishanianum F. S. Hsu ex Y. C. Liu & W. L. Chiou was regarded as an endemic species in Meishan Village, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China and a hybrid between A. malesianum Ghatak (the maternal parent) and a sexually reproducing diploid cryptic species of A. philippense L. (the paternal parent), as revealed by chloroplast and nuclear markers. However, morphological research revealed that A. × meishanianum is also disjunctively distributed in Yunnan and that its paternal parent is possibly A. menglianense Y. Y. Qian. Thus, this study aimed to confirm these findings by using two chloroplast regions and a low-copy nuclear marker in DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analyses, spore measurement, and flow cytometry. Our results indicated that A. × meishanianum in Yunnan is triploid and abortive, the same as A. × meishanianum in Taiwan, and they both originated from the hybridization between the maternal parent of A. malesianum and the paternal parent of A. menglianense, but not A. philippense. In conclusion, A. × meishanianum probably originated from multiple hybridizations in Taiwan and Yunnan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcriptomics in non-model plant systems has recently reached a point where the examination of nuclear genome-wide patterns in understudied groups is an achievable reality. This progress is especially notable in evolutionary studies of ferns, for which molecular resources to date have been derived primarily from the plastid genome. Here, we utilize transcriptome data in the first genome-wide comparative study of molecular evolutionary rate in ferns. We focus on the ecologically diverse family Pteridaceae, which comprises about 10 % of fern diversity and includes the enigmatic vittarioid ferns-an epiphytic, tropical lineage known for dramatically reduced morphologies and radically elongated phylogenetic branch lengths. Using expressed sequence data for 2091 loci, we perform pairwise comparisons of molecular evolutionary rate among 12 species spanning the three largest clades in the family and ask whether previously documented heterogeneity in plastid substitution rates is reflected in their nuclear genomes. We then inquire whether variation in evolutionary rate is being shaped by genes belonging to specific functional categories and test for differential patterns of selection. Results: We find significant, genome-wide differences in evolutionary rate for vittarioid ferns relative to all other lineages within the Pteridaceae, but we recover few significant correlations between faster/slower vittarioid loci and known functional gene categories. We demonstrate that the faster rates characteristic of the vittarioid ferns are likely not driven by positive selection, nor are they unique to any particular type of nucleotide substitution. Conclusions: Our results reinforce recently reviewed mechanisms hypothesized to shape molecular evolutionary rates in vittarioid ferns and provide novel insight into substitution rate variation both within and among fern nuclear genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nomenclatural history of five Linnaean fern names based on Osbeck's collections from China is discussed. The type status of Osbeck's specimens is discussed and types are selected for the names Blechnum orientale (Blechnaceae), Adiantum flabellulatum (Pteridaceae), Polypodium barometz ( Cibotium barometz, Dicksoniaceae), Polypodium varium ( Dryopteris varia, Dryopteridaceae) and Trichomanes chinense ( Odontosoria chinensis, Lindsaeaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of edible films could be considered as a good alternative for application of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in the food industry. In this study, the effect of A diantum capillus-veneris extract, which has been incorporated into fresh-cut pear starch films, on the microbial growth and antioxidant status of fresh-cut pears was investigated. The films with various extract concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 % v/v) were evaluated regarding their thickness, moisture content, transparency, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Moisture content and transparency properties of films have been affected significantly ( P < 0.05) by all of the examined concentrations of the extracts; in addition, the extracts increased the antioxidant capacity of films which was prepared from starch. No significant differences ( P < 0.05) were observed for the thickness among the films with different extract concentrations. The films with various extract concentrations showed inhibition zones against E scherichia coli O157 : H7, S taphylococcus aureus, P seudomonas aeruginosa and B acillus cereus. Fresh-cut pears were positively affected by the coating treatment, increasing their antioxidant status and decreasing bacterial and fungal contamination. These results demonstrated that the development of an edible film formulated with A . capillus-veneris extract can be applicable to preserve fresh-cut pear quality. Practical Applications The incorporation of natural additives such as herb extract into food matrices can be achieved through the use of edible films. Such films may function as an encapsulation or to deliver additives to food. Thus, they are a good alternative for incorporating protective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents onto the surface of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study presents the bisphenol A exposure and the ameliorative effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris on testicular toxicity induced by bisphenol A. Adult male albino rats were divided into five groups of five animals each: A (control), B (vehicle control), C (toxic), D (protective), and E (ameliorative) were served distilled water, olive oil, bisphenol A (BPA) at 100 mg/kg body weight, A. capillus-veneris plant extract at 25 mg/kg body weight, and BPA + A. capillus-veneris, respectively. All of the doses were administered orally for 15 days, and the rats were then sacrificed. Blood samples for the testosterone assay and both testes were collected for histological examination. The body weight, paired testes weight, relative tissue weight index, Johnsen scoring of tubules, and level of serum testosterone decreased in BPA-treated rats. Similarly, histological examination of the testes in BPA-treated animals revealed a lower number of Leydig cells, an irregular basement membrane, sloughing of germinal layers, vacuolization, a lower number of spermatocytes, and debris in the lumen. However, co-administration of A. capillus-veneris with BPA increased the total antioxidative capacity (330.82 ± 22.46 μmol/mg protein) of the testes and restored the serum testosterone level (1.70 ng/ml); histological features showed restoration in the stages of spermatogenesis. Conclusively, A. capillus-veneris plant extract overcomes the estrogenic effects of BPA on the reproductive system of rats and protects rats' testes against BPA-induced injury/damage via an antioxidative mechanism that appears to be conciliated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of Adiantum growing on serpentine barrens in Pennsylvania and Maryland have been identified as A. aleuticum (Rupr.) C.A.Paris ( = A. pedatum L. var. aleuticum Rupr.). This species, and the allopolyploid A. viridimontanum C.A.Paris, are known from serpentine in New England and Canada. A phylogenetic analysis based on two plastid markers showed that the Pennsylvania and Maryland populations are A. pedatum sensu stricto rather than A. aleuticum or A. viridimontanum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the tree of life, molecular phylogenetic studies often reveal surprising relationships between taxa with radically different morphologies that have long obscured their close affiliations. A spectacular botanical example is Rafflesia, a holoparasite that produces the largest flowers in the world, but that evolved from tiny-flowered ancestors within the Euphorbiaceae. Outside of parasitic lineages, such abrupt transformations are rarely seen. One exception involves the 'maidenhair ferns' (Adiantum), which are quintessential ferns: beautifully dissected, terrestrial, and shade loving. The closely related 'shoestring ferns' (vittarioids), in contrast, have an extremely simplified morphology, are canopy-dwelling epiphytes, and exhibit greatly accelerated rates of molecular evolution. While Adiantum and the vittarioids together have been shown to form a robust monophyletic group (adiantoids), there remain unanswered questions regarding the monophyly of Adiantum and the evolutionary history of the vittarioids. Here we review recent phylogenetic evidence suggesting support for the monophyly of Adiantum, and analyze new plastid data to confirm this result. We find that Adiantum is monophyletic and sister to the vittarioids. With this robust phylogenetic framework established for the broadest relationships in the adiantoid clade, we can now focus on understanding the evolutionary processes associated with the extreme morphological, ecological, and genetic transitions that took place within this lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferns are a large and evolutionarily critical group of vascular land plants for which quite limited mitochondrial gene content and genome organization data are, currently, available. This study reports that the gene for the ribosomal protein S3 ( rps3) is preserved and physically clustered to an upstream rps19 and a downstream overlapping rpl16 locus in the mitochondrial DNA of the true fern Adiantum capillus- veneris L. Sequence analysis also revealed that the rps3 gene is interrupted by two cis-splicing group II introns, like the counterpart in lycopod and gymnosperm representatives. A preliminary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) survey confirmed a scattered distribution pattern of both the rps3 introns also in other fern lineages. Northern blot and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analyses demonstrated that the three ribosomal protein genes are co-transcribed as a polycistronic mRNA and modified by RNA editing. Particularly, the U-to-C type editing amends numerous genomic stop codons in the A. capillus- veneris rps19, rps3 and rpl16 sequences, thus, assuring the synthesis of complete and functional polypeptides. Collectively, the findings from this study further expand our knowledge of the mitochondrial rps3 architecture and evolution, also, bridging the significant molecular data gaps across the so far underrepresented ferns and all land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the different processes involved in spore liberation in the polypod fern Adiantum peruvianum (Pteridaceae). Sporangia are being produced on the undersides of so-called false indusia, which are situated at the abaxial surface of the pinnule margins, and become exposed by a desiccation-induced movement of these pinnule flaps. The complex folding kinematics and functional morphology of false indusia are being described, and we discuss scenarios of movement initiation and passive hydraulic actuation of these structures. High-speed cinematography allowed for analyses of fast sporangium motion and for tracking ejected spores. Separation and liberation of spores from the sporangia are induced by relaxation of the annulus (the ‘throwing arm’ of the sporangium catapult) and conservation of momentum generated during this process, which leads to sporangium bouncing. The ultra-lightweight spores travel through air with a maximum velocity of ~5 m s-1, and a launch acceleration of ~6300g is measured. In some cases, the whole sporangium, or parts of it, together with contained spores break away from the false indusium and are shed as a whole. Also, spores can stick together and form spore clumps. Both findings are discussed in the context of wind dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Adiantum is described from California. This species is endemic to northern California and is currently known only from Shasta County. We describe its discovery after first being collected over a century ago and distinguish it from A. jordanii and A. capillus-veneris. It is evergreen and is sometimes, but not always, associated with limestone. The range of Adiantum shastense Huiet & A.R.Sm., sp. nov., is similar to several other Shasta County endemics that occur in the mesic forests of the Eastern Klamath Range, close to Shasta Lake, on limestone and metasedimentary substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR KINASE (SERK) genes are expressed primarily in seed plants and are involved in the development of embryos from already-differentiated plant cells. This study provides the first evidence for the existence of a SERK gene, designated AcvSERK1, in a fern, Adiantum capillus- veneris. AcvSERK1 belongs to a small family of receptor-like kinases (RLKs), and its sequence and conserved structure closely resemble SERK homologs in other land plants. Phylogenetic analysis of the SERK gene family showed that AcvSERK1 forms a clade with SERK-like genes from non-seed plants and is a member of the SERK1/ 2 genes group, involved in somatic embryogenesis. Moreover, our analyses reveal that AcvSERK1 is expressed throughout the entire process of embryo development, but its levels decrease with the formation of shoots and seedlings. Additionally, in situ hybridization showed that AcvSERK1 is expressed during green globular body (GGB)-derived somatic embryogenesis and in meristematic calluses. Our results indicate that the AcvSERK1 gene is a good marker for differentiated cells that are capable of forming embryos in A. capillus- veneris, suggesting that SERK genes have played an important role in embryogenesis during the evolution of land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether phytoremediation can remove arsenic from the contaminated area, a study was conducted for three consecutive years to determine the efficiency of Pteris vittata, Adiantum capillus veneris, Christella dentata and Phragmites karka, on arsenic removal from the arsenic contaminated soil. Arsenic concentrations in the soil samples were analysed after harvesting in 2009, 2010 and 2011 at an interval of 6 months. Frond arsenic concentrations were also estimated in all the successive harvests. Fronds resulted in the greatest amount of arsenic removal. Root arsenic concentrations were analysed in the last harvest. Approximately 70 % of arsenic was removed by P. vittata which was recorded as the highest among the four plant species. However, 60 % of arsenic was removed by A. capillus veneris, 55.1 % by C. dentata and 56.1 % by P. karka of arsenic was removed from the contaminated soil in 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are different opinions about the relationship of two disjunctively distributed varieties Adiantum reniforme L. var. sinense Y.X.Lin and Adiantum reniforme L. Adiantum reniforme var. sinense is an endangered fern only distributed in a narrowed region of Chongqing city in China, while Adiantum reniforme var. reniforme just distributed in Canary Islands and Madeira off the north-western African coast. To verify the relationship of these two taxa, relative phylogenetic analyses, karyotype analyses, microscopic spore observations and morphological studies were performed in this study. Besides, divergence time between A. reniforme var. sinense and A. reniforme var. reniforme was estimated using GTR model according to a phylogeny tree constructed with the three cpDNA markers atpA, atpB, and rbcL. Results: Phylogenetic results and divergence time analyses-all individuals of A. reniforme var. sinense from 4 different populations (representing all biogeographic distributions) were clustered into one clade and all individuals of A. reniforme var. reniforme from 7 different populations (all biogeographic distributions are included) were clustered into another clade. The divergence between A. reniforme var. reniforme and A. reniforme var. sinense was estimated to be 4.94 (2.26-8.66) Myr. Based on karyotype analyses, A. reniforme var. reniforme was deduced to be hexaploidy with 2n = 180, X = 30, while A. reniforme var. sinense was known as tetraploidy. Microscopic spore observations suggested that surface ornamentation of A. reniforme var. reniforme is psilate, but that of A. reniforme var. sinense is rugate. Leaf blades of A. reniforme var. sinense are membranous and reniform and with several obvious concentric rings, and leaves of A. reniforme var. reniforme are pachyphyllous and coriaceous and are much rounder and similar to palm. Conclusion: Adiantum reniforme var. sinense is an independent species rather than the variety of Adiantum reniforme var. reniforme. As a result, we approve Adiantum nelumboides X. C. Zhang, nom. & stat. nov. as a legal name instead of the former Adiantum reniforme var. sinense. China was determined to be the most probable evolution centre based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, divergence estimation, relative palaeogeography and palaeoclimate materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum peruvianum (Pteridaceae) and Serpocaulon polystichum (Polypodiaceae) are recorded for the first time for Argentina in this paper. These new records were collected during trips to La Caldera and Chicoana department in Salta province. The diagnostic characters are described and illustrated, a keys for identification of species and distribution map are provided [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a phytosociological study of the communities hosting the rare and endangered fern Adiantum capillus-veneris in the foothills of the Julian Alps, in Karst and in Istria. Based on a comparison with similar communities elsewhere in the southern Alps (northern Italy) we classified most of the recorded stands into the syntaxa Eucladio-Adiantetum eucladietosum and -cratoneuretosum commutati. Releves from the southern Julian Alps, located in comparatively slightly colder and moister local climate and the dolomite bedrock are classified into the new subassociation -hymenostylietosum recurvirostri subass. nova. Stands with the abundant occurrence of the liverwort Conocephalum conicum, are classified in to the new subassociation -conocephaletosum conici subass. nova. Stands in conglomerate rock shelters along the Soča at Solkan are classified into the new association Phyteumato columnae-Adiantetum ass. nova, a community of transitional character between the classes Adiantetea capilli-veneris and Asplenietea trichomanis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that determined parental lineage and hybrid origin of rare species of Adiantum meishanianum (Pteridaceae) that is endemic in Taiwan. Topics covered include cytology examination, reproduction modes, chloroplast deoxyribonucleic acid (cpDNA) and nucleotide substitution for phylogenetic analyses. Results showed similar progenitors as to the monophyly of A. malesianum and A. meishanianum with identical CRY2 gene sequence types as triploid.

Blue-light-induced chloroplast photorelocation movement is observed in most land plants. Chloroplasts move toward weak-light-irradiated areas to efficiently absorb light (the accumulation response) and escape from strong-light-irradiated areas to avoid photodamage (the avoidance response). The plant-specific kinase phototropin (phot) is the blue-light receptor for chloroplast movements. Although the molecular mechanisms for chloroplast photorelocation movement have been analyzed, the overall aspects of signal transduction common to land plants are still unknown. Here, we show that the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha exhibits the accumulation and avoidance responses exclusively induced by blue light as well as specific chloroplast positioning in the dark. Moreover, in silico and Southern-blot analyses revealed that the M. polymorpha genome encodes a single PHOT gene, MpPHOT, and its knockout line displayed none of the chloroplast photorelocation movements, indicating that the sole MpPHOT gene mediates all types of movement. Mpphot was localized on the plasma membrane and exhibited blue-light-dependent autophosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. Heterologous expression of MpPHOT rescued the defects in chloroplast movement of phot mutants in the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris and the seed plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). These results indicate that Mpphot possesses evolutionarily conserved regulatory activities for chloroplast photorelocation movement. M. polymorpha offers a simple and versatile platform for analyzing the fundamental processes of phototropin-mediated chloroplast photorelocation movement common to land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations in the tracheary elements of rhizomes, roots and stipes of four cheilanthoid ferns from two genera viz. Aleuritopteris albomarginata, A. bicolor, A. rufa and Cheilanthes tenuifolia have been made both through maceration followed by light microscopic study and longitudinal sections through SEM study. Presence of vessel elements has been detected in the rhizomes of these species and roots of all species except A. albomarginata. No vessel elements were found in the stipes of any member. The vessel elements were having distinct obliquely elongated endplates mostly provided with compound perforation plate without any pit membrane. Detection of vessel elements in these plants which usually grow in dry habitats justifies their ecological success in rapid uptake of water with limited period of water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a new maidenhair fern, Adiantum alan-smithii (Pteridaceae) found in Chiapas, Mexico. It covers the similarity with A. raddianum, its distinguishing features, and contrasting features of A. raddianum. Topics covered include diagnostic characters, etymology, and distribution. Also discussed is the illustration of the species, the endemic new species, and Neotropical fern flora.

Adiantum senae, a diminutive fern nearly restricted to southern Brazil, was described by Baker in 1885. In subsequent Floras, it was either completely overlooked or simply retained in the maidenhair genus Adiantum. However, a molecular phylogenetic analysis and a thorough morphological evaluation clearly demonstrate that this species does not belong in this genus. We find strong molecular support for the inclusion ofA. senae within the cheilanthoid genus Adiantopsis, as a rather isolated lineage resolved as sister to the large, generally echinate-spored clade. The position of sporangia in A. senae--along the vein tips of the main laminar tissue rather than on the abaxial tissue of the pseudoindusia--confirms the separation of this species from Adiantum, and the presence ofarachnoid-echinulate spores reinforces its resolved position within Adiantopsis. Based on the sum of this evidence, we here provide a new combination, Adiantopsis senae (Baker) Schuettp. & A.Davila. Additionally, we designate a lectotype for A. senae, as well as tbr a later synonym. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fern phytochrome 1 in Arabidopsis was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. [•] Two pools of phytochrome 1 similar to those of phytochrome A were detected. [•] Preillumination of seeds affected equilibrium between these pools in seedlings. [•] Transgenic Arabidopsis germinated light-independently in contrast to the wild type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objective: Triterpenoids have been isolated from Adiantum capillus- veneris. These triterpenoids have antitumor effect. Their effect on DNA has been identified. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to obtain reliability of the non mutagenic effect of the methanolic Adiantum capillus-veneris extract using Amest test. Subjects and Methods: Long maceration process (for 48 hrs) was carried out in order to extract all constitutes. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) method was used to evaluate aflatoxin B1 contamination and histidine amino acid presence. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined with dilution method. Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 was used for determination of mutagenicity. The genotype was confirmed by using histidine requirement, R- factor presence, rfa and uvrB mutations tests. The mutagenicity assay was performed at four extract concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2mg/ml). Sodium azide (NaN3) and methanol were used as the mutagens (positive control) and negative control, respectively in the absence or presence of liver-metabolizing enzymes. Results: Adiantum capillus-veneris did have not significant mutagenic activity against negative control. The presence of liver-metabolizing enzymes did not exhibit a significant change on the number of colony formed. Conclusion: The results from this in vitro tests demonstrated that use of the extract from Adiantum capillus-veneris plant in traditional medicine does not carry the risk of mutagenic or genomic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum hispidulum Sw., a species of the widespread maidenhair fern, is officially reported for the first time from NE Thailand. We present a description of this newly recorded species and discuss its geographical distribution, phenotypic variation and conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum capillus-veneris L., commonly regarded as a good experimental plant for the study of fern development, is investigated, and its life cycle under laboratory conditions is described. In our study, the life cycle of A. capillus-veneris was completed in 100 days. Features of spore germination, antheridium and archegonium ontogeny and development, and embryogenesis are investigated. Exosporic gametophytes of A. capillus-veneris came from spores, and ended with the cordate prothallia. Antheridia and archegonia were generally situated toward the posterior end and the notch of the prothallia, respectively. Sporophyte was also studied with emphasis on leaf morphology and the vascular system. There were vascular bundles of dictyostele without secondary vascular tissues. Sporogenesis was scrutinized from sporangial initial of a single surface cell to the annulus shedding spores explosively. Our findings provide insight into the life cycle of the leptosporangiate ferns under experimental conditions, and make it possible for A. capillus-veneris to be an underlying model plant for the study of evolutionary and developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiantum reniforme var. sinensis (Adiantaceae) is an endangered fern endemic to the Three Gorges region in southwest China. To elucidate possible ecophysiological mechanisms restricting its distribution, effects of the availability of light (28%, 14% and 7% of open field) and soil moisture (60% and 40% of field capacity) on dry matter production and allocation, leaf morphology and water use efficiency (WUE) were examined in A. reniforme var. sinensis and its widespread congener A. capillus-veneris. Both species had lower root/shoot ratio (R/S) and higher specific leaf area (SLA) when grown at low light. However, A. reniforme var. sinensis showed less plasticity for total leaf area (LA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) than A. capillus-veneris, and its root mass, total mass and WUE decreased as light availability decreased. Under water stress, all traits of both species except WUE were significantly affected. However, drought stress decreased total mass of A. capillus-veneris but did not have a significant effect on A. reniforme var. sinensis. Compared with A. capillus-veneris, A. reniforme var. sinensis had significantly higher R/S but lower values for other analyzed traits. These results suggest that A. reniforme var. sinensis is relatively superior in drought tolerance but inferior at low light, allowing it to persist in habitats with low soil moisture and high light availability but with few coexisting species present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the leaves of Adiantum philippense L. for their antioxidant, cytotoxicity and thrombolytic activities and to perform phytochemical evaluation. Methods: In-vitro antioxidant activity of extract was studied using DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, total phenol and total flavonoid content determination assays. The cytotoxic activity was determined using brine shrimp lethality bioassay, thrombolytic activity by clot disruption and phytochemical potential by qualitative analysis. Results: The antioxidant activity of the extracts was found promising. The reducing power of this crude extract increase with the increase of concentration; IC50 values of DPPH scavenging activity was (140.00±0.86) μg/mL as compared to ascorbic acid [IC50 (130.00±0.76) μg/mL]; Total phenol and total flavonoids content were (148.26±0.24) mg/mL and (163.06±0.56) mg/mL respectively. In cytotoxicity assay the LC50 values of the sample was (106.41±0.78) μg/mL where as for standard vincristin sulphate was (08.50±0.24) μg/mL as a positive control and the extract shows (12.86±1.02)% clot lytic whereas standard streptokinase shows (30.86±0.44% clot lytic activity in thrombolytic assay. The phytochemical evaluation indicates the presence of chemical constituents including carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids. Conclusions: This study shows that the methanol extract of leaves of Adiantum philippense L. has bioactivity but further compound isolation is necessary to confirm the activities of individual compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chloroplasts change their intracellular distribution in response to light intensity. CHUP1 ( CHLOROPLAST UNUSUAL POSITIONING1) is indispensable for this response in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, involvement of CHUP1 in light-induced chloroplast movement is unknown in other plants. In this study, CHUP1 orthologues were isolated from a moss, Physcomitrella patens, and a fern, Adiantum capillus- veneris, by cDNA library screening and PCR cloning based on the P. patens genome sequence. Functional motifs found in CHUP1 of A. thaliana were conserved among the CHUP1 orthologues. In addition to the putative functional regions, the C-terminal regions (approximately 250 amino acids), which are unique in CHUP1s, were highly conserved. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions of P. patens CHUP1s ( PpCHUP1A, PpCHUP1B and PpCHUP1C) were transiently expressed in protoplast cells. All GFP fusions were localized on the chloroplasts. Light-induced chloroplast avoidance movement of chup1 disruptants of P. patens was examined in the presence of cytoskeletal inhibitors because of the utilization of both microtubules and actin filaments for the movement in P. patens. When actin filaments were disrupted by cytochalasin B, the wild type (WT) and all chup1 disruptants showed chloroplast avoidance movement. However, when microtubules were disrupted by Oryzalin, chloroplasts in ∆ chup1A and ∆ chup1A/B rarely moved and stayed in the strong light-irradiated area. On the other hand, WT, ∆ chup1B and ∆ chup1C showed chloroplast avoidance movement. These results suggest that PpCHUP1A predominantly mediates the actin-based light-induced chloroplast avoidance movement. This study reveals that CHUP1 functions on the chloroplasts and is involved in the actin-based light-induced chloroplast avoidance movement in P. patens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]