Project description:Deciphering the dietary immunomodulatory effects of a medicinal plant leaf extract (MPLE) obateined from sage (Salvia officinalis, Lamiaceae) and lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora, Verbenaceae) upon the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).
Project description:Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with low 5-year survival rates, high 3-year recurrence rates, and no known therapeutic targets. Recent studies have indicated TNBCs possess an altered metabolic state with higher rates of glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and increased generation and utilization of TCA cycle intermediates. Here we utilized a label-free quantitative proteomics approach to investigate the effects of a methanolic extract from the plant Lippia origanoides (L42) on MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. L42 dysregulated mitochondrial OXPHOS by targeting Complex I of the electron transport chain and suppressed cellular metabolism by targeting key TCA cycle enzymes and mitochondrial lipid and amino acid metabolic pathways. Our study also revealed that treatment with L42 was seen to activate the stress response, and pathways related to cell cycle progression and DNA repair. Overall, our results reveal new compelling evidence that L42 triggers rapid, irreversible apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by effectively 'starving' the cells of metabolites and ATP. We continue to study the specific bioactive components of L42 in the search for novel, highly effective mitochondrial inhibitors to selectively target TNBC.
2018-03-13 | MSV000082159 | MassIVE
Project description:Microsatellite markers for the bushy matgrass (Lippia alba) and related Lippia species
Project description:BackgroundThe genus Lippia comprises 150 species, most of which have interesting medicinal properties. Lippia sidoides (syn. L. origanoides) exhibits strong antimicrobial activity and is included in the phytotherapy program implemented by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Since species of Lippia are morphologically very similar, conventional taxonomic methods are sometimes insufficient for the unambiguous identification of plant material that is required for the production of certified phytomedicines. Therefore, genetic and chemical analysis with chemotype identification will contribute to a better characterization of Lippia species.MethodsAmplified Length Polymorphism and Internal Transcribed Spacer molecular markers were applied to determine the plants' genetic variability, and the chemical variability of Lippia spp. was determined by essential oil composition.ResultsAmplified Length Polymorphism markers were efficient in demonstrating the intra and inter-specific genetic variability of the genus and in separating the species L. alba, L. lupulina and L. origanoides into distinct groups. Phylogenetic analysis using Amplified Length Polymorphism and markers produced similar results and confirmed that L. alba and L. lupulina shared a common ancestor that differ from L. origanoides. Carvacrol, endo-fenchol and thymol were the most relevant chemical descriptors.ConclusionBased on the phylogenetic analysis it is proposed that L. grata should be grouped within L. origanoides due to its significant genetic similarity. Although Amplified Length Polymorphism and Internal Transcribed Spacer markers enabled the differentiation of individuals, the genotype selection for the production of certified phytomedicines must also consider the chemotype classification that reflects their real medicinal properties.