Bioactive steroids from seed germination supporting fungus (Ceratobasidium GS2) of the terrestrial orchid Gymnadenia conopsea
Lixin Shi,
Zeyu Zhao,
Luna Yang,
Gang Ding,
Xiaoke Xing
Affiliations
Lixin Shi
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
Zeyu Zhao
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
Luna Yang
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
Gang Ding
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
Xiaoke Xing
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
ABSTRACTAlmost all orchids rely on mycorrhizal fungus to support their seed germination. To date, the effect of active components in mycorrhizal fungus on orchid seed germination largely remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of active components found in mycorrhizal fungus on orchid seed germination. Specifically, we focused on a terrestrial orchid Gymnadenia conopsea and its host-specific seed germination supporting fungus Ceratobasidium GS2. In total, several steroids (1–7) were isolated from this fungus. Notably, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 exhibited significant enhancements in protocorm volume. Moreover, compounds 1–6 demonstrated strong promotion of protocorm differentiation. These findings suggest that steroids may play a crucial role in the symbiotic germination of G. conopsea seeds. Future studies should continue to explore the specific mechanisms through which these steroids exert their effects, contributing to our understanding of orchid biology and mycorrhizal interaction.
