Project description:The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Acorus gramineus was assembled and characterized as a resource for future genetic studies. With a total length of 152,887 bp, the chloroplast genome comprised of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,005 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,230 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,826 bp. The overall GC contents of the chloroplast genome were 38.7%. A total of 115 genes were predicted, consisting of 80 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. In these genes, nine genes contained one intron and two genes contained two introns. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the position of A. gramineus within the monocots.
Project description:Noroviruses (NVs) are a major cause of foodborne diseases worldwide. The rhizomes of Acorus gramineus (AGR) have been used as a traditional medicinal plant and a food additive. In this study, AGR and its bioactive components-α-asarone and β-asarone-showed significant antiviral activities against murine NV (MNV) with pre-treatment, with more than two log reductions in viral plaques. They also demonstrated strong inhibition on binding to A- and O-type saliva by the recombinant P domain derived from human NV (HuNV) GII.4. Both α- and β-asarones also inhibited the binding of the P domain to the receptor at 0.125-1 mM in a concentration-dependent manner and induced a marked reduction in Tm, suggesting that they may reduce structural stability and block receptor binding by the P domain. In simulated digestive conditions, the AGR extract, α-asarone, or β-asarone further showed a significant reduction of MNV plaques by 1.5-2.8 logs. The asarones show a potential for development as a scaffold for anti-NV agents.
