Espécies de Psychotria encontradas no sul do Brasil produzem alcalóides do tipo monoterpeno indólicos, alguns deles com interessantes atividades biológicas e oriundos de novas rotas biossintéticas. P. leiocarpa Cham. & Schlecht. acumula N, b-D-glicopiranosilvincosamida (GPV), o primeiro alcalóide N-glicosilado desta classe a ser descrito. O extrato contendo GPV apresenta atividade analgésica inespecífica e, na planta, sua biossíntese é regulada pelo desenvolvimento e por luz. P. umbellata Vell., por sua vez, produz psicolatina, que apresenta alto potencial farmacológico, pois apresenta atividade analgésica do tipo opióide, ansiolítica e antipsicótica, interagindo com receptores de diversos sistemas de neurotransmissores no sistema nervoso central. Além disso, psicolatina é um eficiente agente redutor de peróxidos e quencher de oxigênio singlet in vitro. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram estudar a fotorregulação de GPV em plântulas de P. leiocarpa, assim como avaliar os efeitos antioxidantes e antimutagênicos in vivo do extrato foliar bruto de P. umbellata e de psicolatina purificada, utilizando a levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Essas duas últimas substâncias também foram avaliadas quanto à capacidade antioxidante contra o radical hidroxila in vitro. Em ensaios de transição luz-escuro realizados com plântulas assépticas de P. leiocarpa, o acúmulo de GPV mostrou ser responsivo a alterações na condição luminosa de cultivo. O papel negativo do escuro contínuo na biossíntese de GPV foi comprovado pela redução dos níveis deste alcalóide em plântulas cultivadas na luz e transferidas para o escuro. Por outro lado, quando plântulas cultivadas no escuro foram expostas à luz, os níveis de GPVaumentaram, indicando o caráter promotor da luz na produção de GPV. Os efeitos das transições foram mais evidentes em plântulas cultivadas em meio sem sacarose do que em plântulas cultivadas com suprimento exógeno de carboidratos. A biossíntese de GPV é regulada por diferentes faixas de luz. As regiões do azul e do vermelho-extremo aumentaram os teores de GPV. A luz vermelha não afetou de forma significativa o teor de GPV. Os resultados revelam um padrão típico de VLFRs (Very Low Fluence Responses), possivelmente envolvendo ação de PhyA em conjunto com criptocromo.Tanto o extrato bruto foliar de P. umbellata quanto psicolatina apresentaram efeito antioxidante in vivo, reduzindo a inibição do crescimento de Saccharomyces cerevisiae sob estresse oxidativo induzido por peróxido de hidrogênio e paraquat. O extrato e o alcalóide purificado também apresentaram ótima atividade antioxidante in vitro, protegendo contra o ataque do radical hidroxila. Os índices de mutagênese induzida por peróxido de hidrogêncio foram significativamente reduzidos quando as células de S. cerevisiae foram co-cultivadas na presença tanto do extrato quanto de psicolatina. / Species of Psychotria founded in southern Brazil produce a set of novel monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs), several of which have interesting biological activities and originate from new metabolic pathways. P. leiocarpa Cham. & Schlecht. accumulates N, b-D-glucopyranosylvincosamide (GPV), the first N-glycosylated MIA described. Leaf extracts containing GPV display nonspecific analgesic activity and, in planta, its biosynthesis is regulated by development and light. P. umbellata Vell., in turn, produces psychollatine which has significant pharmacological potential, since it yields opioid-like analgesic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic activities, interacting with receptors of different neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. In addition, psychollatine is an efficient peroxide reducing agent and a singlet oxygen chemical quencher in vitro. This work aimed at studying the photoregulation of GPV in P. leiocarpa seedlings, as well as at investigating the antimutagenic and antioxidant in vivo effects of the crude foliar extract of P. umbellata and purified psychollatine using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These last substances were also evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant properties against hydroxyl radicals.In light-dark transition assays with aseptic P. leiocarpa seedlings, GPV accumulation showed to be responsive to changes in light condition. The negative role of continuous dark on GPV biosynthesis was shown by reduction of the alkaloid contents when light growing seedlings were transferred to dark. On the other hand, dark growing seedlings increased GPV contents after light exposure, suggesting a positive light regulation of GPV production. Theseresults were more evident in seedlings cultivated in media without sucrose than in seedlings cultivated with carbohydrate supplementation. GPV biosynthesys is also regulated by different light qualities. Light in the blue and far-red regions increased GPV accumulation, whereas red ligh had no significant influence on GPV yield. These results are in agreement with the profile of VLFRs (Very Low Fluence Responses), mediated by PhyA with coaction of cryptochrome. Both the crude foliar extract of P. umbellata and psychollatine showed in vivo antioxidant effects by reducing the growth inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under hydrogen peroxide- and paraquat-induced oxidative stress. The extract and the purified alkaloid also showed strong in vitro antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radicals. The levels of hydrogen peroxide-induced mutagenicity were significantly reduced when S. cerevisiae cells were cocultivated with leaf crude extract or psychollatine.

In this thesis the oxidation of monoterpenes by O3 and NO2 and factors that influenced the oxidation were studied. In the environment both ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are present as oxidising gases, which causes sampling artefacts when using Tenax TA as an adsorbent to sample organic compounds in the air. A scrubber was developed to remove O3 and NO2 prior to the sampling tube, and artefacts during sampling were minimised when using the scrubber. The main organic compounds sampled in this thesis were two monoterpenes, alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene, due to their presence in both indoor and outdoor air. The recovery of the monoterpenes through the scrubber varied between 75-97% at relative humidities of 15-75%. The reactions of alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene with O 3, NO2 and nitric oxide (NO) at different relative humidities (RHs) and reaction times were studied in a dark reaction chamber. The experiments were planned and performed according to an experimental design were the factors influencing the reaction (O3, NO2, NO, RH and reaction times) were varied between high and low levels. In the experiments up to 13% of the monoterpenes reacted when O3, NO2, and reaction time were at high levels, and NO, and RH were at low levels. In the evaluation eight and seven factors (including both single and interaction factors) were found to influence the amount of alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene reacted, respectively. The three most influencing factors for both of the monoterpenes were the O 3 level, the reaction time, and the RH. Increased O3 level and reaction time increased the amount of monoterpene reacted, and increased RH decreased the amount reacted. A theoretical model of the reactions occurring in the reaction chamber was created. The amount of monoterpene reacted at different initial settings of O3, NO2, and NO were calculated, as well as the influence of different reaction pathways, and the concentrations of O3 and NO2, and NO at specific reaction times. The results of the theoretical model were that the reactivity of the gas mixture towards alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene was underestimated. But, the calculated concentrations of O3, NO2, and NO in the theoretical model were found to correspond to a high degree with experimental results performed under similar conditions. The possible associations between organic compounds in indoor air, building variables and the presence of sick building syndrome were studied using principal component analysis. The most complex model was able to separate 71% of the “sick” buildings from the “healthy” buildings. The most important variables that separated the “sick” buildings from the “healthy” buildings were a more frequent occurrence or a higher concentration of compounds with shorter retention times in the “sick” buildings. The outcome of this thesis could be summarised as follows; - - - -

<p>In this thesis the oxidation of monoterpenes by O3 and NO2 and factors that influenced the oxidation were studied. In the environment both ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are present as oxidising gases, which causes sampling artefacts when using Tenax TA as an adsorbent to sample organic compounds in the air. A scrubber was developed to remove O3 and NO2 prior to the sampling tube, and artefacts during sampling were minimised when using the scrubber. The main organic compounds sampled in this thesis were two monoterpenes, alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene, due to their presence in both indoor and outdoor air. The recovery of the monoterpenes through the scrubber varied between 75-97% at relative humidities of 15-75%.</p><p>The reactions of alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene with O 3, NO2 and nitric oxide (NO) at different relative humidities (RHs) and reaction times were studied in a dark reaction chamber. The experiments were planned and performed according to an experimental design were the factors influencing the reaction (O3, NO2, NO, RH and reaction times) were varied between high and low levels. In the experiments up to 13% of the monoterpenes reacted when O3, NO2, and reaction time were at high levels, and NO, and RH were at low levels. In the evaluation eight and seven factors (including both single and interaction factors) were found to influence the amount of alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene reacted, respectively. The three most influencing factors for both of the monoterpenes were the O 3 level, the reaction time, and the RH. Increased O3 level and reaction time increased the amount of monoterpene reacted, and increased RH decreased the amount reacted.</p><p>A theoretical model of the reactions occurring in the reaction chamber was created. The amount of monoterpene reacted at different initial settings of O3, NO2, and NO were calculated, as well as the influence of different reaction pathways, and the concentrations of O3 and NO2, and NO at specific reaction times. The results of the theoretical model were that the reactivity of the gas mixture towards alfa-pinene and delta-3-carene was underestimated. But, the calculated concentrations of O3, NO2, and NO in the theoretical model were found to correspond to a high degree with experimental results performed under similar conditions. The possible associations between organic compounds in indoor air, building variables and the presence of sick building syndrome were studied using principal component analysis. The most complex model was able to separate 71% of the “sick” buildings from the “healthy” buildings. The most important variables that separated the “sick” buildings from the “healthy” buildings were a more frequent occurrence or a higher concentration of compounds with shorter retention times in the “sick” buildings.</p><p>The outcome of this thesis could be summarised as follows;</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p>

During photosynthesis Plantaginaceae species can produce glucose derivatives such as iridoid glycosides and alcohol sugars that in addition to sucrose can be exported from leaves. Plantago lanceolata transported sorbitol in addition to sucrose especially at warmer leaf temperatures. However, two iridoids, catalpol and aucubin, found in P. lanceolata were not readily labelled from 14CO2 under any conditions examined. In contrast, in two greenhouse, cut-flower cultivars of Antirrhinum majus the iridoids, antirrhinoside and antirrhide, were readily 14C-labelled along with sucrose but little 14C was recovered in alcohol sugars (e.g., mannitol). The amount of 14C-partitioned into antirrhinoside increased at higher temperatures. Exposing leaves of P. lanceolata and A. majus to reduced-photorespiratory conditions (e.g. short-term CO2 enrichment and/or low O2) increased fixation and export. Under low O2 in P. lanceolata sorbitol 14C-labelling increased relative to sucrose and in A. majus 14C-labelling of sucrose increased relative to antirrhinoside. Also 14C-labelling of antirrhide increased more than antirrhinoside. During both short-term and long-term acclimation to high CO2, whole plant NCER, leaf photosynthesis and export increased in A. majus. Taken together the temperature and CO2 enrichment studies show plasticity in Plantaginaceae species to synthesize and transport sucrose and auxiliary glucose esters and alcohol sugars in a species-specific manner (depending on the rate of carboxylation).

L’objectif de ce travail de thèse est d’améliorer l’état de nos connaissances sur les processus de formation et du devenir de l’AOS, en lien avec la réactivité des COVB avec les oxydants de l’atmosphère et en particulier l’ozone, en utilisant le potentiel de l’écosystème landais en tant que source d'AOS biogénique. Pour cela, des campagnes de terrain ont été menées sur un site de mesure en forêt landaise, écosystème particulièrement approprié pour l’étude de la formation et du devenir des AOS. Au cours de ces campagnes, différents paramètres physico-chimiques complémentaires ont été mesurés, tels que les concentrations et les flux de particules, d’oxydants et de COVB. Des épisodes nocturnes de formation de nouvelles particules ont été mis en évidence, ce qui constitue un résultat original car les évènements rapportés jusqu’ici dans la littérature étaient principalement diurnes. La contribution importante de l’ozonolyse des monoterpènes émis par les pins maritimes, dominés par l’α- et le β-pinène, à la formation nocturne de nouvelles particules a également été démontrée. Les mesures de flux de particules réalisées suggèrent que les particules formées au cours de la nuit sont transférées depuis la canopée vers les plus hautes couches de l’atmosphère. Une production d’ozone a également été démontrée par la comparaison des mesures de flux d’ozone à un modèle physique de dépôt. Cette source d’ozone pourrait être liée à la photooxidation des COVB / Forest ecosystems affect air quality and climate, especially through the emissions and the reactions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) with the atmospheric oxidants, known to generate Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOAs). This work aims to improve our knowledge on the processes involved in biogenic SOA formation and fate. Two field campaigns have been conducted in the Landes forest. In a first step, the measurement site was characterized by a statistical study of local meteorological conditions. During these campaigns, complementary physical and chemical measurements have been carried out, implying measurements of fluxes and concentrations of particles, BVOCs and oxidants. The results evidenced nocturnal new particle formation, which is an original result as this process was usually only reported during daytime. The strong contribution of BVOCs (dominated by α- and β-pinene) ozonolysis to nocturnal new particle formation has been demonstated. Particle flux measurements suggested that particles are transfered from the canopy to the higher atmospheric surface layer. The comparison between ozone fluxes and a physical ozone deposition model also highlighted an ozone production source. This ozone production might be related to BVOC photooxidation.

Catharanthus roseus est une plante tropicale qui produit spécifiquement des alcaloïdes indoliques monoterpéniques (AIM) d’intérêt thérapeutique. Chez C. roseus, la branche terpénique incluant la voie du méthylérythritol phosphate (MEP) est considérée comme limitante et présente une régulation transcriptionnelle coordonnée en réponse aux hormones inductrices de l’accumulation alcaloïdique. Lors de ce travail, suite à des analyses bioinformatiques et à la caractérisation de promoteurs de gènes de la voie MEP, nous avons identifié de nouvelles familles de facteurs de transcription impliquées dans la régulation de la biosynthèse des AIM. Des membres de la famille des ZCT, des WRKY et des RR type B interagissent avec le promoteur du gène hds de la voie MEP et régulent son activité. Ces travaux ont permis d’approfondir les connaissances sur les réseaux transcriptionnels régulateurs de la biosynthèse des AIM. L’utilisation de ces nouveaux facteurs de transcription activateurs peut désormais être envisagée dans le cadre d’expériences d’ingénierie métabolique afin d’augmenter l’accumulation d’alcaloïdes d’intérêt pharmaceutique chez C. roseus. / Catharanthus roseus is a tropical plant producing specifically monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA) of high interest due to their therapeutical values. In C. roseus cells, the terpenoid branch including the methyl erythritol phosphate pathway (MEP) provides the MIA terpenoid moiety and is regarded as limited for MIA biosynthesis. This branch presents a coordinated transcriptional regulation in response to hormonal signals leading to MIA production. In this context, bioinformatic analysises and functional characterization of MEP pathway gene promoters allowed the identification of new transcription factor families involved in the MIA pathway regulation. Members of ZCT proteins, WRKY and type B RR families specifically interact with the hds promoter from the MEP pathway and regulate its activity. This work permits to gain into insight the transcriptional network controlling the MIA biosynthesis. It is possible now to consider using transcription factor that act as activators and target genes from the terpenoid branch to increase the accumulation of alkaloids of pharmaceutical interest in C. roseus by metabolic engineering approaches.

Les alcaloïdes indoliques monoterpéniques (AIM) sont des molécules à propriétés anti-tumorales extraites de Catharanthus roseus. Leur coût de production et les besoins encore importants de ces médicaments en chimiothérapie, en font des cibles majeures pour la recherche de stratégies de production plus efficaces. L’objectif de ce travail vise à identifier de nouveaux facteurs de transcription (FT) régulateurs de la production des AIM. Cette étude porte plus particulièrement sur la caractérisation fonctionnelle et l’implication dans la régulation de la biosynthèse des AIM, de protéines de la famille des WRKY (CrWRKYs) et des protéines de type doigt de zinc (ZCTs) précédemment isolées au sein de l’EA2106 « Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales ». Nos expériences ont révélé que, parmi ces protéines, CrWRKY22, CrWRKY32, ZCT1 et ZCT2 agissent en tant que facteurs de transcription et plus spécifiquement interagissent avec le promoteur du gène Crhds. Ce dernier code une enzyme de la voie du méthyl érythritol phosphate (MEP) considérée limitante pour la production des AIM. Ces travaux ont permis d’identifier de nouveaux FT ciblant la voie du MEP dont la régulation via les FT est encore peu élucidée à ce jour et d’envisager leur utilisation en ingénierie métabolique pour augmenter la production d’AIM par la modulation du flux terpénique chez C. roseus. / Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIA) are molecules with anti-cancer properties from Catharanthus roseus. Their production cost and the important need in chemiotherapy make them major targets for the research of more efficient production strategies. The aim of this work is to identify new transcription factors (TF) that regulate MIA production. This study focuses especially on the functional characterization and the involvement in the MIA biosynthesis regulation, of proteins previously isolated in the EA2106 “Plant Biocompounds and Biotechnology” laboratory: 3 proteins that belong to the WRKY family (CrWRKYs) and 3 zinc finger proteins named ZCTs. Our experiments revealed that among them, CrWRKY22, CrWRKY32, ZCT1 and ZCT2 act as transcription factors and more specifically interact with the promoter of Crhds gene. Crhds encodes an enzyme of the methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway that is considered as limiting for MIA production. Our work allowed identifying new TFs targeting the MEP pathway those regulation through TFs is mostly unknown. Using such transcription factors in metabolic engineering could be now considered increasing MIA production by the modulation of terpenoid flux in C. roseus.