Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Using progesterone 5β-reductase, a gene encoding a key enzyme in the cardenolide biosynthesis, to infer the phylogeny of the genus Digitalis

  • Published:
Plant Systematics and Evolution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The progesterone 5β-reductase (5β-POR), a key enzyme in the cardenolide biosynthesis, was sequenced for 21 species of Digitalis and Isoplexis to infer phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships. This new secondary metabolism molecular marker was compared to the previously applied nuclear ITS and plastid trnL-F sequences. The results from separate analyses show high congruence within the genus Digitalis and support the conclusion that all species of Isoplexis have a common origin and are embedded in Digitalis. The genus Isoplexis therefore should be reduced to sectional rank within the genus Digitalis. The sequence analyses give further evidence that additional sequence data increase support for relationships. It demonstrates that poorly supported relationships in smaller data sets may lead to erroneous conclusions about the evolution of the investigated taxa.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Albach DC, Soltis PS, Soltis DE and Olmstead RG (2001). Phylogenetic analysis of asterids based on sequences of four genes. Ann Missouri Bot Gard 88: 163–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Albach DC, Meudt HM and Oxelman B (2005). Piercing together the “new” Plantaginaceae. Amer J Bot 92: 297–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • APG (2003). An update of the Angiosperm phylogeny group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG II. Bot J Linn Soc 141: 399–436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bocquet G and Zerbst KJ (1974). Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Gattung Digitalis L. II. Candollea 29: 251–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Böhle U-R, Hilger HH and Martin WF (1996). Island colonization and evolution of the insular woody habit in Echium L. (Boraginaceae). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93: 11749–121745

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bräuchler C, Meimberg H and Heubl G (2004). Molecular phylogeny of the genera Digitalis L. and Isoplexis (Lindley) Loudon (Veronicaceae) based on ITS- and trnL-F sequences. Pl Syst Evol 248: 111–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carvalho JA and Culham A (1997). Phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships of the genera Isoplexis (Lindl.) Benth. and Digitalis L. (Scrophulariaceae—tribe Digitaleae): nuclear DNA evidence. Amer J Bot 84(6 Suppl): 180

    Google Scholar 

  • Carvalho JA, Culham A (1998) Conservation status and preliminary results on the phylogenetics of Isoplexis (Lindl.) Benth. (Scrophulariaceae). Bol Mus Mun Funchal (Suppl 5): 109–127

  • Fairfield KN, Mort ME and Santos-Guerra A (2004). Phylogenetics and evolution of the Macaronesian members of the genus Aichryson (Crassulaceae) inferred from nuclear and chloroplast sequence data. Pl Syst Evol 24: 71–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Felsenstein J (1985). Confidence limits on phylogenies: an approach using the bootstrap. Evolution 39: 783–791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finsterbusch A, Lindemann P, Grimm R, Eckerskorn C and Luckner M (1999). Δ5-3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Digitalis lanata Ehrh.—a multifunctional enzyme in steroid metabolism? Planta 209: 479–486

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Framm JJ, Peterson A, Thoeringer C, Pangert Hornung AE, Feussner I, Luckner M and Lindemann P (2000). Cloning and functional expression in Escherichia coli of a cDNA encoding cardenolide 16′-O-glucohydrolase from Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Pl Cell Physiol 41: 1293–1298

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gärtner DE, Keilholz W and Seitz HU (1994). Eur J Biochem 225: 1125–1132

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gavidia I, del Castillo Agudo L and Perez-Bermudez P (1996). Selection and long-term cultures of high-yielding Digitalis obscura plants: RAPD markers for analysis of genetic stability. Pl Sci 121: 197–205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gavidia I, Perez-Bermudez P and Seitz HU (2002a). Cloning and expression of two novel aldo-keto reductases from Digitalis purpurea leaves. Eur J Biochem 269: 2842–2850

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gavidia I, Seitz HU, Perez-Bermudez P and Vogler B (2002b). LC-NMR applied to the characterisation of cardiac glycosides from three micropropagated Isoplexis species. Phytochemistry 13: 266–271

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gavidia I, Tarrioi R, Rodriguez-Trelles F, Perez-Bermudes P and Seitz HU (2007). Phytochemistry 68: 853–864

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herl V, Fischer G, Mueller-Uri F and Kreis W (2006a). Molecular cloning and heterologous expression of progesterone 5β-reductase from Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Phytochemistry 67(3): 225–231

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herl V, Fischer G, Boetsch R, Mueller-Uri F and Kreis W (2006b). Molecular cloning and expression of progesterone 5β-reductase (5β-POR) from Isoplexis canariensis Planta Med 72: 1163–1165

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herl V, Frankenstein J, Meitinger N, Mueller-Uri F and Kreis W (2007). Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) from Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Heterologous expression and characterization of the recombinant enzyme. Planta Med 73: 704–710

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hinz P-A (1990). Étude biosystématique de l’agrégat Digitalis purpurea L. (Scrophulariaceae) en Méditerranée occidentale. XII. Synthese. Candollea 44: 181–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Ivanina LI (1955). Rod Digitalis L. (Naperstyianka) i ego prakticheskoe primenenie. Acta Inst Bot Acad Sci URSS Moskau Ser 1 11: 198–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Kandzia R, Grimm R, Eckerskorn C, Lindemann P and Luckner M (1998). Purification and characterization of lanatoside 15′-O-acetylesterase from Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Planta 204: 383–389

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim SC, Crawford DJ, Francisco-Ortega J and Santos-Guerra A (1996). A common origin for woody Sonchus and five related genera in the Macaronesian islands: Molecular evidence for extensive radiation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 93: 7743–7748

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kreis W, Hensel A and Stuhlemmer U (1998). Cardenolide biosynthesis in foxglove. Planta Med 64: 491–499

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lindemann P, Finsterbusch A, Pangert A, Luckner M (2000) Partial cloning of a Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Digitalis lanata. In: Okamoto M, Ishimura Y, Nawata H (eds) Molecular Steroidogenesis, Proceedings Yamada Conference LII. Universal Academy Press, Frontiers Science Series 29, vol XXIV. Tokyo, Japan, pp 333–334

  • Linné von C (1753) Species plantarum, Stockholm

  • Luckner M, Wichtl M (2000) Luckner M, Wichtl M (eds) Digitalis, WVGmbH Stuttgart

  • Metzner M, Ruecknagel K-P, Knudsen J, Kuellertz G, Mueller-Uri F and Diettrich B (2000). Isolation and characterization of two acyl-CoA-binding proteins from proembryogenic masses of Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Planta 210: 683–685

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moore MJ, Francisco-Ortega J, Santos-Guerra A and Jansen RK (2002). Chloroplast DNA evidence for the roles of island colonization and extinction in Tolpis (Asteraceae: Lactuceae). Amer J Bot 89: 518–526

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Uri F and Reva VA (2000). Ehrh Pharm Pharm Lett 10: 5–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Nebauer SG, del Castillo-Agudo L and Segura J (2000). An assessment of genetic relationships within the genus Digitalis based on PCR-generated RAPD markers. Theor Appl Genet 100: 1209–1216

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olmstead RG and Reeves PA (1995). Evidence for the polyphyly of the Scrophulariaceae based on chloroplast rbcL and ndhF sequences. Ann Missouri Bot Gard 82: 176–193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olmstead RG, de Pamphilis CW, Wolfe AD, Young ND, Elisons WJ and Reeves PD (2001). Disintegration of the Scrophulariaceae. Amer J Bot 88: 348–361

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oxelman B, Kornhall P, Olmsted RG and Bremer B (2005). Further disintegration of Scrophulariaceae. Taxon 54(2): 411–425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Perez Paz J and Roca A (1982). Estudio palinologico preliminar del genero macronesico Isoplexis Lindl. (Scrophulariaceae) y la seccion Frutescentes Benth. De Digitalis L. Bot Macarones 10: 93–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Pichersky E and Gang DR (2000). Genetics and biochemistry of secondary metabolites in plants: an evolutionary perspective. Pl. Sci 5(10): 439–445

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sales E, Nebauer SG, Mus M and Segura J (2001). Population genetic study in the Balearic endemic plant species Digitalis minor (Scrophulariaceae) using RAPD markers. Amer J Bot 88: 1750–1759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaller F (1998) In vitro-Kultivierung von Isoplexis canariensis (L.) Lindl. ex G. Don und Untersuchungen zum Cardenolidgehalt. Dissertation, FAU Erlangen

  • Scholze C, Peterson A, Diettrich B and Luckner M (1999). Cyclophilin isoforms from Digitalis lanata. Sequences and expression during embryogenesis and stress. Pl Physiol 155: 212–219

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seitz HU and Gärtner DE (1994). Enzymes in cardenolide-accumulating shoot cultures of Digitalis purpurea L. Pl Cell Tiss Org 38: 337–344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swofford DL (2002) PAUP. Phylogenetic analysis using parsimony (and other methods). Sinauer Associates, Sutherland. Massachusetts

  • Templeton AR (1983). Phylogenetic inference from restriction site endonuclease cleavage site maps with particular reference to the humans and apes. Evolution 37: 221–233

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Werner K (1965) Taxonomie und Phylogenie der Gattungen Isoplexis (LINDL.) BENTH. und Digitalis L. Feddes Repert indel. Benth. spec nov 70: 109–135

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany

    V. Herl, F. Müller-Uri & W. Kreis

  2. Institut für Spezielle Botanik, Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    D. C. Albach

  3. Department Biologie I, Organismische Biologie, Systematische Botanik, LMU München, München, Germany

    C. Bräuchler & G. Heubl

  4. Botanische Staatssammlung München, München, Germany

    C. Bräuchler

Authors
  1. V. Herl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. C. Albach
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. F. Müller-Uri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. C. Bräuchler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. G. Heubl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. W. Kreis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. Müller-Uri.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Herl, V., Albach, D.C., Müller-Uri, F. et al. Using progesterone 5β-reductase, a gene encoding a key enzyme in the cardenolide biosynthesis, to infer the phylogeny of the genus Digitalis . Plant Syst Evol 271, 65–78 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-007-0616-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-007-0616-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation