Search

Ex situ living plant collections play a crucial role in providing nature-based solutions to twenty-first century global challenges. However, the complex dynamics of these artificial ecosystems are poorly quantified and understood, affecting biodiversity storage, conservation and utilization. To evaluate the management of ex situ plant diversity, we analysed a century of data comprising 2.2 million records, from a meta-collection currently holding ~500,000 accessions and 41% of global ex situ species diversity. Our study provides critical insights into the historical evolution, current state and future trajectory of global living collections. We reveal sigmoidal growth of a meta-collection that has reached capacity in both total accessions and total diversity, and identify intrinsic constraints on biodiversity management, including a median survival probability of 15 years. We explore the impact of external constraints and quantify the influence of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which we link to reduced acquisition of wild-origin and internationally sourced material by 44% and 38%, respectively. We further define the impact of these constraints on ex situ conservation but highlight targeted initiatives that successfully mitigate these challenges. Ultimately, our study underscores the urgent need for strategic prioritization and the re-evaluation of ex situ biodiversity management to achieve both scientific and conservation goals., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. Crown.)

Genome mining of Paraneptunicella aestuarii NBU2194 resulted in the identification of a family of 17-membered macrolides, neptunizhulides A-F. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. Stereochemical assignments of the neptunizhulides were determined by J -based configuration analysis, ROESY NMR, Mosher's ester derivatization, and bioinformatic predictions. Bioinformatic analysis and a 15 N-serine labeling experiment resulted in the identification of a putative trans -acyltransferase polyketide synthase ( trans -AT PKS) biosynthetic gene cluster, and a biosynthetic pathway is proposed.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading neurodegenerative disorder without effective treatments. The nonlinear dynamic nature of AD pathophysiology suggested that multiple pharmacological actions of anti-AD drugs should be elucidated. 9-Methylfascaplysin (9-MF) was previously designed and synthesized as a novel anti-AD candidate., Methods and Results: In this study, 9-MF at low concentrations significantly prevented cognitive impairments with similar efficacy as donepezil in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. In addition, 9-MF potently reduced β-amyloid (Aβ)-associated neuroinflammation and tau-associated synaptic damage in vivo. 9-MF-regulated microglia-specific differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) were mainly enriched in neuroinflammation, while 9-MF-regulated neuron-specific DPPs were enriched in synaptic regulation, as revealed by a quantitative phosphoproteomic approach. A phosphoproteome-kinome algorithm further identified that rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) ranked high in 9-MF-downregulated kinase perturbations. 9-MF possessed high affinities for ROCK2 and GSK3β, which was confirmed by in vitro kinase activity assay. The protective effects of 9-MF were abolished by ROCK2 knockdown in Aβ-treated BV2 microglial cells, and by GSK3β knockdown in glyceraldehyde-treated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, respectively., Conclusions: All these results supported that 9-MF produced anti-AD effects via cell-specific inhibition of ROCK2 and GSK3β in microglia and neurons, respectively., (© 2024 The Author(s). CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Insects are the major pollination vectors for angiosperms, and insects native to a given habitat can play an irreplaceable ecological role in food webs and plant reproduction. With precipitous declines in insect species over the last decades, it is urgent to document insect assemblages in native plant communities to support conservation efforts. Identifying pollinators and their pollination activity is challenging; however, emerging technological methods are providing new monitoring capabilities. In this study, we compare the accuracy of two different methods of monitoring to assess the flower-visiting insect assemblage and likely pollinators of Encinitas baccharis ( Baccharis vanessae ): focal observations and video recordings from camera traps. B. vanessae is a rare, endemic species found in Coastal Sage Scrub communities in San Diego County. This federally listed species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, which may also be affecting the availability of its insect pollinators. Results indicate that B. vanessae supports and is supported by a variety of flower-visiting insect groups. The diversity of insect visitors at male and female plants were similar across all diversity measurements. The insect vectors identified were as expected given B. vanessae pollination syndrome. This syndrome also aligns with wind as a pollination vector, providing evidence of ambophily. While focal observations underreported insect activity by approximately half, the proportions of common diurnal visitors were similar with both methods. Camera traps were unable to provide sufficient detail to discern visually similar groups, but were able to record nocturnal insect activity, which was dominated by moths (Lepidoptera, 82%). While collection protocol in this study did not record the time an insect spent interacting with a flower, we anecdotally observed moths spent notably longer periods in contact with flowers than most diurnal insects. This study has implications for effective monitoring and conservation of endangered plant species and their affiliated pollinators., Competing Interests: The authors state that there are no conflicts or competing interests related to this research., (© 2024 The Author(s). Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Kavaratamide A ( 1 ), a new linear lipodepsipeptide possessing an unusual isopropyl- O -methylpyrrolinone moiety, was discovered from the tropical marine filamentous cyanobacterium Moorena bouillonii collected from Kavaratti, India. A comparative chemogeographic analysis of M . bouillonii collected from six different geographical regions led to the prioritized isolation of this metabolite from India as distinctive among our data sets. AI-based structure annotation tools, including SMART 2.1 and DeepSAT, accelerated the structure elucidation by providing useful structural clues, and the full planar structure was elucidated based on comprehensive HRMS, MS/MS fragmentation, and NMR data interpretation. Subsequently, the absolute configuration of 1 was determined using advanced Marfey's analysis, modified Mosher's ester derivatization, and chiral-phase HPLC. The structures of kavaratamides B ( 2 ) and C ( 3 ) are proposed based on a detailed analysis of their MS/MS fragmentations. The biological activity of kavaratamide A was also investigated and found to show moderate cytotoxicity to the D283-medullablastoma cell line.

Scientific conferences and meetings are valuable opportunities for researchers to network, communicate, and develop knowledge. For early career scientists, conferences can also be intimidating, confusing, and overwhelming, especially without having adequate preparation or experience. In this Perspective, we provide advice based on previous experiences navigating scientific meetings and conferences. These guidelines outline parts of the hidden curriculum around preparing for and attending meetings, navigating conference sessions, networking with other scientists, and participating in social activities while upholding a recommended code of conduct.

Chemical investigation of Irpex sp. NBUF088, associated with an Ircinia sp. sponge located at an 84 m deep mesophotic zone, led to the discovery of two new heptaketides, named irpetones A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ). Their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum-chemical calculations. Compound 1 exhibited inhibition against the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow monocytes with an IC 50 of 6.3 ± 0.2 μM, causing no notable cytotoxicity. It was also determined that 1 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2-JNK1/2-p38 MAPKs and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, consequently suppressing the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways induced by the NF-κB ligand.

The tropical marine cyanobacterium Moorena producens JHB is a prolific source of secondary metabolites with potential biomedical utility. Previous studies on this strain led to the discovery of several novel compounds such as hectochlorins and jamaicamides. However, bioinformatic analyses of its genome indicate the presence of numerous cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters that have yet to be characterized. To potentially stimulate the production of novel compounds from this strain, it was cocultured with Candida albicans . From this experiment, we observed the increased production of a new compound that we characterize here as hectoramide B. Bioinformatic analysis of the M. producens JHB genome enabled the identification of a putative biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for hectoramide B biosynthesis. This work demonstrates that coculture competition experiments can be a valuable method to facilitate the discovery of novel natural products from cyanobacteria.

One novel rearranged pimarane diterpenoid, pestanoid A ( 1 ), and two reported molecules, nodulisporenones A ( 2 ) and B ( 3 ), were discovered from Pestalotiopsis sp. NBUF145 fungus associated with a 62 m deep mesophotic ("twilight") zone Chalinidae sponge. The structures of 1 - 3 were identified by spectrometry, spectroscopy, quantum-chemical calculations, and X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited bone marrow monocyte osteoclastogenesis in vitro with the IC 50 values 4.2 ± 0.2 μM and 3.0 ± 0.4 μM, respectively, without observed cytotoxicity. Both 1 and 2 suppressed the receptor activator of NF-kB ligand-induced MAPK and NF-κB signaling by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2-JNK1/2-p38 MAPKs and NF-κB nuclear translocation.

Background: Economic reforms and trade liberalisation in Vietnam have transformed the food environment, influencing dietary patterns and malnutrition status. The present study focuses on the relationship between food environments (proximity and density of food outlets) and malnutrition (underweight, overweight, obesity) through diet quality in adult populations across urban, periurban and rural areas of Vietnam., Methods: We evaluated food environment by geospatial mapping of food outlets through a transect walk across the "food ecosystem" from rural to urban areas. Diet quality was assessed using the Diet Quality Index - Vietnamese (DQI-V) comprising Variety, Adequacy, Moderation and Balance components. Malnutrition status was determined using body mass index. We performed a mediation analysis utilising mixed effect models to control for neighbourhood clustering effects. Confounders included age, education, income and nutrition knowledge score., Results: Analysis of data from 595 adult participants (mean ± SD age: 31.2 ± 6.4 years; 50% female) found that longer distance to the nearest food outlet was associated with higher overall DQI-V (β = 2.0; 95% confidence interval = 0.2-3.8; p = 0.036) and the Moderation component (β = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.2-4.0; p = 0.001). Outlet density shows a negative association with the odds of underweight among women (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval = 0.37-0.96). However, we did not observe statistically significant relationships between diet quality and malnutrition. Education and nutrition knowledge scores were positively associated with diet diversity, while income was negatively associated with diet moderation., Conclusions: The findings of the present study have important implications for nutrition and dietetics practice in Vietnam and globally. It emphasises the need to consider various dimensions of sustainable diets, including economic, health and socio-cultural/political factors. Longer distances to food outlets are associated with higher diet quality, whereas lower food outlet density increases the odds of underweight among women. This poses challenges in balancing modernisation and its adverse effects on sustainable food systems. Socio-economic status consistently correlated with diet quality and malnutrition, necessitating further research to promote healthy diets across socio-economic strata., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Dietetic Association.)

Metabolomics is an analytical approach that involves profiling and comparing the metabolites present in biological samples. This scoping review article offers an overview of current metabolomics approaches and their utilization in evaluating metabolic changes in biological fluids that occur in response to viral infections. Here, we provide an overview of metabolomics methods including high-throughput analytical chemistry and multivariate data analysis to identify the specific metabolites associated with viral infections. This review also focuses on data interpretation and applications designed to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of these viral diseases.

The tropical marine cyanobacterium Moorena producens JHB is a prolific source of secondary metabolites with potential biomedical utility. Previous studies of this strain led to the discovery of several novel compounds such as the hectochlorins and jamaicamides; however, bioinformatic analyses of its genome suggested that there were many more cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters yet to be characterized. To potentially stimulate the production of novel compounds from this strain, it was co-cultured with Candida albicans . From this experiment, we observed the increased production of a new compound that we characterize here as hectoramide B. Bioinformatic analysis of the M. producens JHB genome enabled the identification of a putative biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for hectoramide B biosynthesis. This work demonstrates that co-culture competition experiments can be a valuable method to facilitate the discovery of novel natural products from cyanobacteria.

Over the course of history, humans have moved crops from their regions of origin to new locations across the world. The social, cultural and economic drivers of these movements have generated differences not only between current distributions of crops and their climatic origins, but also between crop distributions and climate suitability for their production. Although these mismatches are particularly important to inform agricultural strategies on climate change adaptation, they have, to date, not been quantified consistently at the global level. Here, we show that the relationships between the distributions of 12 major food crops and climate suitability for their yields display strong variation globally. After investigating the role of biophysical, socio-economic and historical factors, we report that high-income world regions display a better match between crop distribution and climate suitability. In addition, although crops are farmed predominantly in the same climatic range as their wild progenitors, climate suitability is not necessarily higher there, a pattern that reflects the legacy of domestication history on current crop distribution. Our results reveal how far the global distribution of major crops diverges from their climatic optima and call for greater consideration of the multiple dimensions of the crop socio-ecological niche in climate change adaptive strategies.

Crop landraces have unique local agroecological and societal functions and offer important genetic resources for plant breeding. Recognition of the value of landrace diversity and concern about its erosion on farms have led to sustained efforts to establish ex situ collections worldwide. The degree to which these efforts have succeeded in conserving landraces has not been comprehensively assessed. Here we modelled the potential distributions of eco-geographically distinguishable groups of landraces of 25 cereal, pulse and starchy root/tuber/fruit crops within their geographic regions of diversity. We then analysed the extent to which these landrace groups are represented in genebank collections, using geographic and ecological coverage metrics as a proxy for genetic diversity. We find that ex situ conservation of landrace groups is currently moderately comprehensive on average, with substantial variation among crops; a mean of 63% ± 12.6% of distributions is currently represented in genebanks. Breadfruit, bananas and plantains, lentils, common beans, chickpeas, barley and bread wheat landrace groups are among the most fully represented, whereas the largest conservation gaps persist for pearl millet, yams, finger millet, groundnut, potatoes and peas. Geographic regions prioritized for further collection of landrace groups for ex situ conservation include South Asia, the Mediterranean and West Asia, Mesoamerica, sub-Saharan Africa, the Andean mountains of South America and Central to East Asia. With further progress to fill these gaps, a high degree of representation of landrace group diversity in genebanks is feasible globally, thus fulfilling international targets for their ex situ conservation., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Understanding the factors driving ecological and evolutionary interactions of economically important plant species is important for agricultural sustainability. The geography of crop wild relatives, including wild potatoes ( Solanum section Petota ), have received attention; however, such information has not been analysed in combination with phylogenetic histories, genomic composition and reproductive systems to identify potential species for use in breeding for abiotic stress tolerance. We used a combination of ordinary least-squares (OLS) and phylogenetic generalized least-squares (PGLM) analyses to identify the discrete climate classes that make up the climate niche that wild potato species inhabit in the context of breeding system and ploidy. Self-incompatible diploid or self-compatible polyploid species significantly increase the number of discrete climate classes within a climate niche inhabited. This result was sustained when correcting for phylogenetic non-independence in the linear model. Our results support the idea that specific breeding system and ploidy combinations increase niche breadth through the decoupling of geographical range and niche diversity, and therefore, these species may be of particular interest for crop adaptation to a changing climate., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Crop diversity underpins the productivity, resilience and adaptive capacity of agriculture. Loss of this diversity, termed crop genetic erosion, is therefore concerning. While alarms regarding evident declines in crop diversity have been raised for over a century, the magnitude, trajectory, drivers and significance of these losses remain insufficiently understood. We outline the various definitions, measurements, scales and sources of information on crop genetic erosion. We then provide a synthesis of evidence regarding changes in the diversity of traditional crop landraces on farms, modern crop cultivars in agriculture, crop wild relatives in their natural habitats and crop genetic resources held in conservation repositories. This evidence indicates that marked losses, but also maintenance and increases in diversity, have occurred in all these contexts, the extent depending on species, taxonomic and geographic scale, and region, as well as analytical approach. We discuss steps needed to further advance knowledge around the agricultural and societal significance, as well as conservation implications, of crop genetic erosion. Finally, we propose actions to mitigate, stem and reverse further losses of crop diversity., (© 2021 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2021 New Phytologist Foundation.)

Main Conclusion: Metabolites in Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma were compared which may have applications in Rafflesia propagation. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, here reported for the first time in Vitaceae, were abundant in non-infected shoots and may be a form of defense. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxylipins, which mediate immune response, were elevated. Endemic to the forests of Southeast Asia, Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a genus of holoparasitic plants producing the largest flowers in the world, yet completely dependent on its host, the tropical grape vine, Tetrastigma. Rafflesia species are threatened with extinction, making them an iconic symbol of plant conservation. Thus far, propagation has proved challenging, greatly decreasing efficacy of conservation efforts. This study compared the metabolites in the shoots of Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma loheri to examine how Rafflesia infection affects host metabolomics and elucidate the Rafflesia infection process. Results from LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis showed benzylisoquinoline alkaloids were naturally more abundant in non-infected shoots and are here reported for the first time in the genus Tetrastigma, and in the grape family, Vitaceae. These metabolites have been implicated in plant defense mechanisms and may prevent a Rafflesia infection. In Rafflesia-infected shoots, oxygenated fatty acids, or oxylipins, and a flavonoid, previously shown involved in plant immune response, were significantly elevated. This study provides a preliminary assessment of metabolites that differ between Rafflesia-infected and non-infected Tetrastigma hosts and may have applications in Rafflesia propagation to meet conservation goals., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Graphics are becoming increasingly important for scientists to effectively communicate their findings to broad audiences, but most researchers lack expertise in visual media. We suggest collaboration between scientists and graphic designers as a way forward and discuss the results of a pilot project to test this type of collaboration., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests.

Propolis is a fragrant material produced by bees and is commonly used as an ingredient in food, beverage, and consumer goods industries. Application of a comparative aroma extract dilution analysis (cAEDA) to volatiles isolated from propolis over three consecutive years afforded 48 odorants with flavor dilution (FD) factors ≥ 4, including 21 compounds not previously reported in propolis. Despite differences in FD factors of some compounds, the overall temporal variation in the odorants was low. Compounds with FD ≥ 64 were quantitated by stable isotope dilution assays (SIDAs), and odor activity values (OAVs) were calculated. A total of 22 compounds showed OAVs ≥ 1, including ( E)-isoeugenol (clove; OAV 3700), linalool (floral; OAV 380), butanoic acid (sweaty, rancid; OAV 370), and 3-phenylpropanoic acid (floral; OAV 270). An odor reconstitution model prepared from deodorized beeswax and the 22 odorants in their natural concentrations closely matched the olfactory profile of authentic propolis. The results of this study will help to establish a basis for future research on the variability of propolis sourced from different geographical locations, produced by different bee species, and collected from different botanical sources, all of which are largely unknown.