EA2106

Polyphenol metabolism

EA2106 Polyphenol metabolism

Phenylpropanoids are ubiquitous phenylalanine-derived plant natural products involved in various physiological process at the interface of plant/environment interaction. They form a huge class of phytochemicals that comprise, among others, polyphenols such as flavonoids or stilbenes. Part of the EA2106 research team program focuses on the phenylpropanoid metabolism of apple tree and grape, two species of agronomic interest in the Loire valley. Using integrative approaches (molecular biology, phytochemistry, bioassays and field experiments) we aim to elucidate the phenylpropanoids biosynthesis pathways and its function in plant interactions with pathogens and pests.

Elucidation of dihydrochalcone metabolism in apple tree

Dihydrochalcones represent the major flavonoid subgroup in apple green tissues and are considered as protective compounds. A global functional genetic approach is used to both identify genes implicated in the biosynthesis pathway, and disturb dihydrochalcones accumulation in planta to access its functions. Expression of candidate genes are transiently modulate using virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) or viral overexpression systems.

← Apple tree leaves yellowing after down regulation of RuBisCo expression by VIGS

Stilbene as bioactive compounds in grape

ACTISARM (PI: Arnaud Lanoue, Project RĂ©gion Centre) aims to develop stilbene extracts from grape canes as alternative fungicides. In collaboration with IFV (French Vine and Wine Institute), vineyard experiments are conducted to test the potential of stilbene extracts to fight downy mildew. In parallel we reported the activity of resveratrol derivatives against common agents of human mycoses such as Candida yeasts (HouillĂ© et al., 2014). Recently, VITITERROIR (PI: Samuel Leturcq, CNRS, UMR 6173 CITERES Project RĂ©gion Centre) was launched to study the influence of the “terroir” on polyphenol content in grape.

Grappe canes as a source of resveratrol →

Contact: Arnaud Lanoue, SĂ©bastien Besseau

Publications:

HouillĂ©, B., Besseau, S., Courdavault, V., Oudin, A., GlĂ©varec, G., Delanoue, G., GuĂ©rin, L., Simkin, A.J., Papon, N., Clastre, M., Giglioli-Guivarc'h, N. & Lanoue, A. (2015). Biosynthetic Origin of E-Resveratrol Accumulation in Grape Canes during Postharvest Storage. J Agric Food Chem 63, 1631–38.

HouillĂ©, B., Papon, N., Boudesocque, L., Bourdeaud, E., Besseau, S., Courdavault, V., Enguehard-Gueiffier, C., Delanoue, G., GuĂ©rin, L., Bouchara, J.-P., Clastre, M., Giglioli-Guivarc’h, N., Guillard, J. & Lanoue, A. (2014). Antifungal Activity of Resveratrol Derivatives against Candida Species. J Nat Prod 77, 1658–62.

Gaucher, M., DugĂ© de Bernonville, T., Lohou, D., Guyot, S., Guillemette, T., Brisset, M.-N. & Dat, J. F. (2013a). Histolocalization and physico-chemical characterization of dihydrochalcones: Insight into the role of apple major flavonoids. Phytochemistry 90, 78–89.

Gaucher, M., DugĂ© de Bernonville, T., Guyot, S., Dat, J. F. & Brisset, M.-N. (2013b). Same ammo, different weapons: enzymatic extracts from two apple genotypes with contrasted susceptibilities to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) differentially convert phloridzin and phloretin in vitro. Plant Physiol Biochem 72, 178–89.

Grienenberger, E., Besseau, S., Geoffroy, P., Debayle, D., Heintz, D., Lapierre, C., Pollet, B., Heitz, T., Legrand, M. (2009). A BAHD acyltransferase is expressed in the tapetum of Arabidopsis anthers and is involved in the synthesis of hydroxycinnamoyl spermidines. Plant J 58, 246-59.