Investigation of novel biosynthetic pathways and bioactive compounds in "Azafran de Bolita" (Ditaxis heterantha Zucc.)
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
conferenceObject
Abstract
Ditaxis heterantha, a plant species from the Euphorbiaceae family, is native to the semi-arid regions of Mexico. Commonly referred to as “azafran de bolita” or “azafrancillo,” its seeds possess a vibrant orange endosperm traditionally employed as a natural dye and food additive, analogous to Crocus sativus (saffron). Prior investigations have established that D. heterantha seeds are abundant in bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, which confer significant antioxidant properties. In 2005, two novel apocarotenoids, Ditaxin (C31) and Heteranthin (C27), were identified in the endosperm, enhancing the phytochemical profile of the species.
To explore its therapeutic potential, we evaluated the bioactivity of D. heterantha endosperm extracts on various cancer cell lines. The extracts exhibited high cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability even at low concentrations, highlighting their potential as anti-cancer agents. To further characterize the species, targeted and untargeted metabolomic analyses were performed on its endosperm, peel and leaves revealing many bioactive compounds such as ricinine, epitulipinolide, zerumbone, capsiate, and annopurpuricin E. Volatile metabolomics profiling is ongoing to complement the metabolic landscape.
Cytogenetic studies, including DNA content and karyotype analysis via flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, were conducted to shed light on the species’ genetic structure. Concurrently, one of the main objective of my PhD is to elucidate the biosynthetic pathways of Ditaxin and Heteranthin. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) identified two major isomers of Heteranthin and four isomers of Ditaxin. Structural elucidation is being pursued using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
To identify the genetic basis of these pathways, we are integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches. Our initial focus is on carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) implicated in apocarotenoid biosynthesis, supported by “in silico” studies. Future research will extend to other enzymes involved in carotenoid and apocarotenoid biosynthesis in D. heterantha. Candidate genes will be validated through enzymatic assays in bacterial, yeast, and plant systems.
This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive understanding of D. heterantha’s phytochemical and genetic potential, establishing its promise as a source of novel bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Conference(s)
SEEDS OF INNOVATION SPVA PhD Research Symposium