Evolution of the metabolic network leading to ascorbate synthesis and degradation using Marchantia polymorpha as a model system

Jarrod Creameans, Karina Medina-Jiménez, Tanya Gómez-Díaz, Viankail Cedillo-Castelán, Dulce Flores-Martínez, Adolfo Aguilar-Cruz, Omar Altehua-Lopez, Grecia Lopez-Ramirez, Ana E. Dorantes-Acosta, John L. Bowman, Argelia Lorence, Mario A. Arteaga-Vazquez

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In plants, l-ascorbic acid (AsA) is a functional enzyme cofactor, a major antioxidant, and a modulator of several biological processes including photosynthesis, photo-protection, cell wall growth and expansion, tolerance to environmental stresses, and synthesis of other molecules. One of the major roles of AsA in plants is detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen or peroxide radicals. ROS are produced when plants undergo biotic or abiotic stresses and if accumulated in high concentrations, can cause damage to macromolecules such as nucleic acids, membrane lipids, and proteins. Until now, little study has been done on ascorbate metabolism in liverworts. Bryophytes (liverworts, hornworts, and mosses) comprise the earliest diverging land plant lineages that came about approximately 360-450 million years ago between the Ordovician and Devonian periods. The ancient liverwort Marchantia polymorpha is an emergent model system specifically suited to use in the study of the evolution of different biosynthetic pathways. In this chapter, basal levels of both reduced and oxidized AsA in M. polymorpha are reported. Comparative and functional genomics experiments in combination with precursor feeding experiment are also discussed in order to provide valuable insights on the evolution of the AsA biosynthetic pathways.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAscorbic Acid in Plant Growth, Development and Stress Tolerance
EditorsMohammad Anwar Hossain, Sergi Munné-Bosch, David J Burritt, Pedro Diaz-Vivancos, Masayuki Fujita, Argelia Lorence
Place of PublicationCham Switzerland
PublisherSpringer
Chapter16
Pages417-430
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9783319740577
ISBN (Print)9783319740560
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • Ascorbate pathways
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Liverworts
  • Marchantia
  • Pathway evolution
  • Vitamin C

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