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Compounds of plants with activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets.
Marmitt, DJ, Goettert, MI, Rempel, C
Expert review of clinical pharmacology. 2021;(5):623-633
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently conducted to combat SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities, which are the focus of many studies. AREAS COVERED This review shows compounds of traditional plants listed on RENISUS list have therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2 targets. EXPERT OPINION The rise of new variants, more pathogenic and virulent, impacts in the increase of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thus, the control of the outbreaks of disease remains a global challenge. Other's drug and vaccines development is an essential element in controlling SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is imperative that approach to tackle this pandemic has to be solidly evidence-informed. It should be noticed that the immune system does play critical roles in fighting viruses. Studies show that T cells levels decreased continuously as the disease progressed. T cell-mediated cellular immune response, probably by immunological memory, is essential for direct virus eradication after infection whilst B cells functions in producing antibodies that neutralize virus.But, have distinct patterns of T cell response exist in different patients, suggesting the possibility of distinct clinical approaches. Efforts are concentrated to elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and progression for better design of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies. We seek to identify biomolecules with the potential to act in biomarkers that predict how severe the disease can get. But it is important to warn that the plants that produce the compounds mentioned here should not be used without a physician prescription. Finally, we speculate that these compounds may eventually attract the attention of physicians and researchers to perform tests in specific contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and if they show positive results, be tested in Clinical trials.
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Plant-Microbe Interaction: Aboveground to Belowground, from the Good to the Bad.
Nadarajah, K, Abdul Rahman, NSN
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(19)
Abstract
Soil health and fertility issues are constantly addressed in the agricultural industry. Through the continuous and prolonged use of chemical heavy agricultural systems, most agricultural lands have been impacted, resulting in plateaued or reduced productivity. As such, to invigorate the agricultural industry, we would have to resort to alternative practices that will restore soil health and fertility. Therefore, in recent decades, studies have been directed towards taking a Magellan voyage of the soil rhizosphere region, to identify the diversity, density, and microbial population structure of the soil, and predict possible ways to restore soil health. Microbes that inhabit this region possess niche functions, such as the stimulation or promotion of plant growth, disease suppression, management of toxicity, and the cycling and utilization of nutrients. Therefore, studies should be conducted to identify microbes or groups of organisms that have assigned niche functions. Based on the above, this article reviews the aboveground and below-ground microbiomes, their roles in plant immunity, physiological functions, and challenges and tools available in studying these organisms. The information collected over the years may contribute toward future applications, and in designing sustainable agriculture.
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How activated NLRs induce anti-microbial defenses in plants.
El Kasmi, F
Biochemical Society transactions. 2021;(5):2177-2188
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Abstract
Plants utilize cell-surface localized and intracellular leucine-rich repeat (LRR) immune receptors to detect pathogens and to activate defense responses, including transcriptional reprogramming and the initiation of a form of programmed cell death of infected cells. Cell death initiation is mainly associated with the activation of nucleotide-binding LRR receptors (NLRs). NLRs recognize the presence or cellular activity of pathogen-derived virulence proteins, so-called effectors. Effector-dependent NLR activation leads to the formation of higher order oligomeric complexes, termed resistosomes. Resistosomes can either form potential calcium-permeable cation channels at cellular membranes and initiate calcium influxes resulting in activation of immunity and cell death or function as NADases whose activity is needed for the activation of downstream immune signaling components, depending on the N-terminal domain of the NLR protein. In this mini-review, the current knowledge on the mechanisms of NLR-mediated cell death and resistance pathways during plant immunity is discussed.
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Exploiting Structural Modelling Tools to Explore Host-Translocated Effector Proteins.
Amoozadeh, S, Johnston, J, Meisrimler, CN
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(23)
Abstract
Oomycete and fungal interactions with plants can be neutral, symbiotic or pathogenic with different impact on plant health and fitness. Both fungi and oomycetes can generate so-called effector proteins in order to successfully colonize the host plant. These proteins modify stress pathways, developmental processes and the innate immune system to the microbes' benefit, with a very different outcome for the plant. Investigating the biological and functional roles of effectors during plant-microbe interactions are accessible through bioinformatics and experimental approaches. The next generation protein modeling software RoseTTafold and AlphaFold2 have made significant progress in defining the 3D-structure of proteins by utilizing novel machine-learning algorithms using amino acid sequences as their only input. As these two methods rely on super computers, Google Colabfold alternatives have received significant attention, making the approaches more accessible to users. Here, we focus on current structural biology, sequence motif and domain knowledge of effector proteins from filamentous microbes and discuss the broader use of novel modelling strategies, namely AlphaFold2 and RoseTTafold, in the field of effector biology. Finally, we compare the original programs and their Colab versions to assess current strengths, ease of access, limitations and future applications.
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Plant growth-promoting bacterial endophytes as biocontrol agents of pre- and post-harvest diseases: Fundamentals, methods of application and future perspectives.
Morales-Cedeño, LR, Orozco-Mosqueda, MDC, Loeza-Lara, PD, Parra-Cota, FI, de Los Santos-Villalobos, S, Santoyo, G
Microbiological research. 2021;:126612
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture requires the recruitment of bacterial agents to control diverse plant diseases such as bacterial endophytes. Bacterial endophytes colonize and inhabit internal plant tissues without causing any apparent damage. Within the plant, these bacteria exert multiple beneficiary effects, including direct stimulation of plant growth by the action of phytohormones or the production of metabolites. However, bacterial endophytes also protect their plant host through biocontrol pathogens or by inducing plant innate immune system. The present work makes a systematic and in-depth review on the current state of endophytic bacterial diversity, their plant colonization strategies, and their potential roles as protective agents against plant diseases during pre- and post-harvest stages of crop productivity. In addition, an exploration of their beneficial effects on sustainable agriculture by reducing/eliminating the use of toxic agrochemicals was conducted. Finally, we propose diverse effective strategies for the application of endophytic bacteria as biological agents during both pre- and post-harvest stages, with the aim of protecting crop plants and their agricultural products.
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Shining a light on NAD- and NADP-based metabolism in plants.
Smith, EN, Schwarzländer, M, Ratcliffe, RG, Kruger, NJ
Trends in plant science. 2021;(10):1072-1086
Abstract
The pyridine nucleotides nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide [NAD(H)] and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NADP(H)] simultaneously act as energy transducers, signalling molecules, and redox couples. Recent research into photosynthetic optimisation, photorespiration, immunity, hypoxia/oxygen signalling, development, and post-harvest metabolism have all identified pyridine nucleotides as key metabolites. Further understanding will require accurate description of NAD(P)(H) metabolism, and genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors have recently become available for this purpose. Although these biosensors have begun to provide novel biological insights, their limitations must be considered and the information they provide appropriately interpreted. We provide a framework for understanding NAD(P)(H) metabolism and explore what fluorescent biosensors can, and cannot, tell us about plant biology, looking ahead to the pressing questions that could be answered with further development of these tools.
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Cell wall-associated effectors of plant-colonizing fungi.
Tanaka, S, Kahmann, R
Mycologia. 2021;(2):247-260
Abstract
Plant-colonizing fungi secrete a cocktail of effector proteins during colonization. After secretion, some of these effectors are delivered into plant cells to directly dampen the plant immune system or redirect host processes benefitting fungal growth. Other effectors function in the apoplastic space either as released proteins modulating the activity of plant enzymes associated with plant defense or as proteins bound to the fungal cell wall. For such fungal cell wall-bound effectors, we know particularly little about their molecular function. In this review, we describe effectors that are associated with the fungal cell wall and discuss how they contribute to colonization.
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Mechanisms of Plant Defense Under Pathogen Stress: A Review.
Sood, M, Kapoor, D, Kumar, V, Kalia, N, Bhardwaj, R, Sidhu, GPS, Sharma, A
Current protein & peptide science. 2021;(5):376-395
Abstract
Being sessile organisms, plants are persistently confronted by a diverse array of biotic agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, herbivores, and nematodes. Understanding the mechanism of host-pathogen interactions is essential for improving plant resistance against these biotic factors. In this review, we have discussed various means and mechanisms by which pathogens influence the host plant defense. A virulent pathogen can reduce the growth and development of a plant, which eventually lowers its yield by multiple processes, like enhancement in cell death, as well as modification of plant architecture. This review also explains the various strategies used by plants to control pathogen-caused diseases. These mainly include either resistance or tolerance by activating cell signaling pathways, which further regulate the synthesis and accumulation of several cellular products, such as phytohormones, enzymes, proteins, and secondary metabolites. To minimize the influence of infection on their vigor, plants also exhibit immunity regardless of the amount of pathogen multiplication. The current review provides an important insight into the mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction, which is very significant for efficient disease management.
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Plants as a realized niche for Listeria monocytogenes.
Truong, HN, Garmyn, D, Gal, L, Fournier, C, Sevellec, Y, Jeandroz, S, Piveteau, P
MicrobiologyOpen. 2021;(6):e1255
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen. It is the causative agent of listeriosis, the leading cause of bacterial-linked foodborne mortality in Europe and elsewhere. Outbreaks of listeriosis have been associated with the consumption of fresh produce including vegetables and fruits. In this review we summarize current data providing direct or indirect evidence that plants can serve as habitat for L. monocytogenes, enabling this human pathogen to survive and grow. The current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the interaction of this bacterium with plants is addressed, and whether this foodborne pathogen elicits an immune response in plants is discussed.
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Plant immunity in signal integration between biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Saijo, Y, Loo, EP
The New phytologist. 2020;(1):87-104
Abstract
Plants constantly monitor and cope with the fluctuating environment while hosting a diversity of plant-inhabiting microbes. The mode and outcome of plant-microbe interactions, including plant disease epidemics, are dynamically and profoundly influenced by abiotic factors, such as light, temperature, water and nutrients. Plants also utilize associations with beneficial microbes during adaptation to adverse conditions. Elucidation of the molecular bases for the plant-microbe-environment interactions is therefore of fundamental importance in the plant sciences. Following advances into individual stress signaling pathways, recent studies are beginning to reveal molecular intersections between biotic and abiotic stress responses and regulatory principles in combined stress responses. We outline mechanisms underlying environmental modulation of plant immunity and emerging roles for immune regulators in abiotic stress tolerance. Furthermore, we discuss how plants coordinate conflicting demands when exposed to combinations of different stresses, with attention to a possible determinant that links initial stress response to broad-spectrum stress tolerance or prioritization of specific stress tolerance.