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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

SPRUCE Climate Warming and Elevated CO2 Rapidly Alter Peatland Soil Carbon Sources and Stability: Supporting Data

This data set reports a suite of complementary biogeochemical analyses of peat samples from the SPRUCE (Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments) experiment. Results were collected using quantitative molecular analysis of bulk soil carbon to assess the stability of soil organic carbon following whole-ecosystem warming and exposure to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations (eCO2). Targeted soil organic carbon components include solvent-extractable compounds (alkanoic acids, alkanols, alkanes, steroids, and terpenoids), ester-bound hydrolysable biopolymers (cutin and suberin markers), lignin phenols, and pyrogenic carbon. Bulk peat samples were analysed by Soxhlet extraction and solid phase separation for solvent-extractable compounds, alkaline hydrolysis to extract hydrolysable biopolymers, copper (II) oxide oxidation to extract lignin phenols and benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCAs) as an approximation of pyrogenic carbon. Samples were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and compound identification was performed on GC coupled to mass selective detector (MS) for solvent-extractable compounds, ester-bound hydrolysable biopolymers and lignin phenols, and high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) for pyrogenic carbon. Results are presented in Ofiti et al. (accepted). The experimental work was conducted on samples collected in August 2018 at the SPRUCE climate manipulation experiment in northern Minnesota, 40 km north of Grand Rapids, in the USDA Forest Service Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF). Samples were collected and later analysed in a 10 cm increments over 0 to 50 cm depth and 25 cm intervals from 50 to 75 cm. Samples were analyzed for lignin phenols over 0 to 30 cm depth. This data set contains one file in comma separate (*.csv) format. This dataset contains data used to produce: Ofiti, N.O.E., Schmidt, M.W.I., Abiven, S., Hanson, P.J., Iversen, C.M., Wilson, R.M., Kostka, J.E., Wiesenberg, G.L.B., Malhotra, A. 2023. Climate warming and elevated CO2 rapidly alter peatland soil carbon sources and stability. Nat Commun 14, 7533. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43410-z.

SPRUCE experiment, Marcell Experimental Forest, so↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hyaloscypha finlandica Metabolome Repository

This repository provides the curated data tables, manuscript figure and table exports, dependency records, and workflow scripts supporting an integrated comparative genomics and untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics analysis of Hyaloscypha finlandica strain PMI 746, a root-associated dark septate endophyte of poplar. The repository includes genome-mining summaries from antiSMASH, FunBGCeX, BGC-Prophet, and BiG-SCAPE; processed metabolomics inputs; metabolite annotation evidence; statistical outputs; and publication-facing figures and tables. Raw LC-MS/MS spectra, full genome/protein downloads, and large generated tool outputs are referenced through public archive/accession records and are not stored in Git.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Metagenomics Reveals Diet-Specific Specialization of Bacterial Communities in Fungus Gardens of Grass- and Dicot-Cutter Ants

Leaf-cutter ants in the genus Atta are dominant herbivores in the Neotropics. While most species of Atta cut dicots to incorporate into their fungus gardens, some species specialize on grasses. Here we examine the bacterial community associated with the fungus gardens of grass- and dicot-cutter ants to examine how changes in substrate input affect the bacterial community. We sequenced the metagenomes of 12 Atta fungus gardens, across four species of ants, with a total of 5.316 Gbp of sequence data. We show significant differences in the fungus garden bacterial community composition between dicot- and grass-cutter ants, with grass-cutter ants having lower diversity. Reflecting this difference in community composition, the bacterial functional profiles between the fungus gardens are significantly different. Specifically, grass-cutter ant fungus garden metagenomes are particularly enriched for genes responsible for amino acid, siderophore, and terpenoid biosynthesis while dicot-cutter ant fungus gardens metagenomes are enriched in genes involved in membrane transport. Differences between community composition and functional capacity of the bacteria in the two types of fungus gardens reflect differences in the substrates that the ants incorporated. These results show that different substrate inputs matter for fungus garden bacteria and shed light on the potential role of bacteria in mediating the ants’ transition to the use of a novel substrate.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Functional analysis of Pogostemon cablin farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene and its binding transcription factor PcWRKY44 in regulating biosynthesis of patchouli alcohol

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) plays an important role in the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites, but its function and molecular regulation mechanism remain unclear in Pogostemon cablin . In this study, the full-length cDNA of the FPP synthase gene from P. cablin ( PcFPPS ) was cloned and characterized. The expressions of PcFPPS are different among different tissues (highly in P. cablin flowers). Subcellular localization analysis in protoplasts indicated that PcFPPS was located in the cytoplasm. PcFPPS functionally complemented the lethal FPPS deletion mutation in yeast CC25. Transient overexpression of PcFPPS in P. cablin leaves accelerated terpene biosynthesis, with an ~47% increase in patchouli alcohol. Heterologous overexpression of PcFPPS in tobacco plants was achieved, and it was found that the FPP enzyme activity was significantly up-regulated in transgenic tobacco by ELISA analysis. In addition, more terpenoid metabolites, including stigmasterol, phytol, and neophytadiene were detected compared with control by GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, with dual-LUC assay and yeast one-hybrid screening, we found 220 bp promoter of PcFPPS can be bound by the nuclear-localized transcription factor PcWRKY44. Overexpression of PcWRKY44 in P. cablin upregulated the expression levels of PcFPPS and patchoulol synthase gene ( PcPTS ), and then promote the biosynthesis of patchouli alcohol. Taken together, these results strongly suggest the PcFPPS and its binding transcription factor PcWRKY44 play an essential role in regulating the biosynthesis of patchouli alcohol.

Wang, Xiaobing↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Sesquiterpene Synthase from the Endophytic Fungus Serendipita indica Catalyzes Formation of Viridiflorol

Interactions between plant-associated fungi and their hosts are characterized by a continuous crosstalk of chemical molecules. Specialized metabolites are often produced during these associations and play important roles in the symbiosis between the plant and the fungus, as well as in the establishment of additional interactions between the symbionts and other organisms present in the niche. Serendipita indica, a root endophytic fungus from the phylum Basidiomycota, is able to colonize a wide range of plant species, conferring many benefits to its hosts. The genome of S. indica possesses only few genes predicted to be involved in specialized metabolite biosynthesis, including a putative terpenoid synthase gene (SiTPS). In our experimental setup, SiTPS expression was upregulated when the fungus colonized tomato roots compared to its expression in fungal biomass growing on synthetic medium. Heterologous expression of SiTPS in Escherichia coli showed that the produced protein catalyzes the synthesis of a few sesquiterpenoids, with the alcohol viridiflorol being the main product. To investigate the role of SiTPS in the plant-endophyte interaction, an SiTPS-over-expressing mutant line was created and assessed for its ability to colonize tomato roots. Although overexpression of SiTPS did not lead to improved fungal colonization ability, an in vitro growth-inhibition assay showed that viridiflorol has antifungal properties. Addition of viridiflorol to the culture medium inhibited the germination of spores from a phytopathogenic fungus, indicating that SiTPS and its products could provide S. indica with a competitive advantage over other plant-associated fungi during root colonization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics Highlight Specific Genetic Features in Ganoderma Species

The Ganoderma species in Polyporales are ecologically and economically relevant wood decayers used in traditional medicine, but their genomic traits are still poorly documented. In the present study, we carried out a phylogenomic and comparative genomic analyses to better understand the genetic blueprint of this fungal lineage. We investigated seven Ganoderma genomes, including three new genomes, G. australe, G. leucocontextum, and G. lingzhi. The size of the newly sequenced genomes ranged from 60.34 to 84.27 Mb and they encoded 15,007 to 20,460 genes. A total of 58 species, including 40 white-rot fungi, 11 brown-rot fungi, four ectomycorrhizal fungi, one endophyte fungus, and two pathogens in Basidiomycota, were used for phylogenomic analyses based on 143 single-copy genes. It confirmed that Ganoderma species belong to the core polyporoid clade. Comparing to the other selected species, the genomes of the Ganoderma species encoded a larger set of genes involved in terpene metabolism and coding for secreted proteins (CAZymes, lipases, proteases and SSPs). Of note, G. australe has the largest genome size with no obvious genome wide duplication, but showed transposable elements (TEs) expansion and the largest set of terpene gene clusters, suggesting a high ability to produce terpenoids for medicinal treatment. G. australe also encoded the largest set of proteins containing domains for cytochrome P450s, heterokaryon incompatibility and major facilitator families. Besides, the size of G. australe secretome is the largest, including CAZymes (AA9, GH18, A01A), proteases G01, and lipases GGGX, which may enhance the catabolism of cell wall carbohydrates, proteins, and fats during hosts colonization. The current genomic resource will be used to develop further biotechnology and medicinal applications, together with ecological studies of the Ganoderma species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Maize Terpene Synthase 8 (ZmTPS8) Contributes to a Complex Blend of Fungal-Elicited Antibiotics

In maize (Zea mays), fungal-elicited immune responses include the accumulation of terpene synthase (TPS) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP) enzymes resulting in complex antibiotic arrays of sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids, including α/β-selinene derivatives, zealexins, kauralexins and dolabralexins. To uncover additional antibiotic families, we conducted metabolic profiling of elicited stem tissues in mapping populations, which included B73 × M162W recombinant inbred lines and the Goodman diversity panel. Five candidate sesquiterpenoids associated with a chromosome 1 locus spanning the location of ZmTPS27 and ZmTPS8. Heterologous enzyme co-expression studies of ZmTPS27 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in geraniol production while ZmTPS8 yielded α-copaene, δ-cadinene and sesquiterpene alcohols consistent with epi-cubebol, cubebol, copan-3-ol and copaborneol matching the association mapping efforts. ZmTPS8 is an established multiproduct α-copaene synthase; however, ZmTPS8-derived sesquiterpene alcohols are rarely encountered in maize tissues. A genome wide association study further linked an unknown sesquiterpene acid to ZmTPS8 and combined ZmTPS8-ZmCYP71Z19 heterologous enzyme co-expression studies yielded the same product. To consider defensive roles for ZmTPS8, in vitro bioassays with cubebol demonstrated significant antifungal activity against both Fusarium graminearum and Aspergillus parasiticus. As a genetically variable biochemical trait, ZmTPS8 contributes to the cocktail of terpenoid antibiotics present following complex interactions between wounding and fungal elicitation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of a Unique Pair of Ferredoxin and Ferredoxin NADP+ Reductase Isoforms That Operates in Non-Photosynthetic Glandular Trichomes

Our recent investigations indicated that isoforms of ferredoxin (Fd) and ferredoxin NADP+ reductase (FNR) play essential roles for the reductive steps of the 2C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway of terpenoid biosynthesis in peppermint glandular trichomes (GTs). Based on an analysis of several transcriptome data sets, we demonstrated the presence of transcripts for a leaf-type FNR (L-FNR), a leaf-type Fd (Fd I), a root-type FNR (R-FNR), and two root-type Fds (Fd II and Fd III) in several members of the mint family (Lamiaceae). The present study reports on the biochemical characterization of all Fd and FNR isoforms of peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.). The redox potentials of Fd and FNR isoforms were determined using photoreduction methods. Based on a diaphorase assay, peppermint R-FNR had a substantially higher specificity constant (kcat/Km) for NADPH than L-FNR. Similar results were obtained with ferricyanide as an electron acceptor. When assayed for NADPH–cytochrome c reductase activity, the specificity constant with the Fd II and Fd III isoforms (when compared to Fd I) was slightly higher for L-FNR and substantially higher for R-FNR. Based on real-time quantitative PCR assays with samples representing various peppermint organs and cell types, the Fd II gene was expressed very highly in metabolically active GTs (but also present at lower levels in roots), whereas Fd III was expressed at low levels in both roots and GTs. Our data provide evidence that high transcript levels of Fd II, and not differences in the biochemical properties of the encoded enzyme when compared to those of Fd III, are likely to support the formation of copious amounts of monoterpene via the MEP pathway in peppermint GTs. This work has laid the foundation for follow-up studies to further investigate the roles of a unique R-FNR–Fd II pair in non-photosynthetic GTs of the Lamiaceae.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Botryococcene - A tetramethylated acyclic triterpenoid of algal origin

The green alga Botryococcus braunii, implicated in the formation of certain geological deposits, produces unusual isomeric C34H58 alkenes, botryococcene and isobotryococcene, during a particular physiological state. A structure for botryococcene is suggested, taking into account NMR techniques, oxidative degradation, and established biosynthetic principles. Botryococcene appears terpenoid in origin.

Cox, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Study of the organic matter in the DSDP /JOIDES/ cores, legs 10-15

The composition of the organic matter collected on legs 10 to 15 of the DSDP (Deep Sea Drilling Project) is described. Distributions of various alkanes, carboxylic acids, steroids and terpenoids, isoprenoid ketones and olefins, and aromatic polycyclic compounds are given. Samples analyzed had terrigenous clay components, with variable organic carbon contents and thus diverse solvent soluble matter. The distribution patterns for the various compound series monitored were of marine derivation, with the terrigenous components superimposed. Diagenesis of steroids appeared to proceed via both stanones and stanols to their respective steranes. Degradative processes were observed to be operative: oxidative products, mainly ketones derived from steroids and phytol, were identified, probably due to microbial alteration prior to or during sedimentation. Loss of alkane and fatty acid C preferences and presence of polycyclic aromatics evinced maturation. Results indicate that the accumulation, degradation, diagenesis and maturation of organic matter occurs in various steps in the deep sea environment.

Simoneit, B. R. T.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Mapping Distant Continental Influences in the Remote Pacific Atmosphere; Simulations of CO Relevant to the Photochemistry of Oxidants

An animated sequence of maps of simulated carbon monoxide concentrations graphically portrays the extent of residual continental influence upon the tropical Pacific Ocean as studied by NASA aircraft during the PEM-Tropics B intensive sampling campaign. We used the MM5 at a 90 km resolution in a globally wrapped grid to simulate the meteorology of transport, and our GRACES model to follow the basic chemistry. The CO we simulate derives from different sources, and so we distinguish anthropogenic, natural terpenoid oxidation, biomass burning, and pervasive CH4-oxidation influences. "Influence" is always judged with an implicit timescale, and these maps describe influence on the 15-45 day timescale appropriate for CO oxidation. In consequence, the maps are useful in assessing the origins of slowly reacting compounds like acetone, methanol, and the lightest hydrocarbons. At 8 km altitude, The Eastern South Pacific to ca. 130 W (eastern Polynesia) was frequently affected by continental influences but NASA's DC-8's flight path did not happen to take it into these regions very often. Near the surface, continentally influenced air crossed into t he Western South Pacific, in the region northwest of the Southern Pacific Convergence Zone but south of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. This air originated from the NE Pacific, and partly from North America. Comparisons are made to CO and other compounds measured aboard the DC-8 and the P-3 aircraft. We will also use tracers to describe the influence of marine convection in the upper troposphere. As time allows, we will discuss the "age" of ozone within the very cleanest region sampled in portions of the near-equatorial Western South Pacific, using a simple chemical mechanism for ozone levels. These simulations describe the chemistry of an atmosphere with very low ozone.

Chatfield Robert B.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Hydrous pyrolysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and implications for the origin of PAH in hydrothermal petroleum

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are found at high concentrations in thermally altered organic matter and hydrothermally generated petroleum from sediment-covered seafloor hydro-thermal systems. To better understand the factors controlling the occurrence of PAH in thermally altered environments, the reactivities of two PAH, phenanthrene and anthracene, were investigated in hydrothermal experiments. The compounds were heated with water at 330 degrees C in sealed reaction vessels for durations ranging from 1 to 17 days. Iron oxide and sulfide minerals, formic acid, or sodium for-mate were included in some experiments to vary conditions within the reaction vessel. Phenanthrene was unreactive both in water alone and in the presence of minerals for up to 17 days, while anthracene was partially hydrogenated (5-10%) to di- and tetrahydroanthracene. In the presence of 6-21 vol % formic acid, both phenanthrene and anthracene reacted extensively to form hydrogenated and minor methylated derivatives, with the degree of hydrogenation and methylation increasing with the amount of formic acid. Phenanthrene was slightly hydrogenated in sodium formate solutions. The hydrogenation reactions could be readily reversed; heating a mixture of polysaturated phenanthrenes resulted in extensive dehydrogenation (aromatization) after 3 days at 330 degrees C. While the experiments demonstrate that reaction pathways for the hydrogenation of PAH under hydrothermal conditions exist, the reactions apparently require higher concentrations of H2 than are typical of geologic settings. The experiments provide additional evidence that PAH may be generated in hydrothermal systems from progressive aromatization and dealkylation of biologically derived polycyclic precursors such as steroids and terpenoids. Furthermore, the results indicate that PAH initially present in sediments or formed within hydrothermal systems are resistant to further thermal degradation during hydrothermal alteration.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗
NASA NTRS2020

High productivity in hybrid-poplar plantations without isoprene emission to the atmosphere

Hybrid-poplar tree plantations provide a source for biofuel and biomass, but they also increase forest isoprene emissions. The consequences of increased isoprene emissions include higher rates of tropospheric ozone production, increases in the lifetime of methane, and increases in atmospheric aerosol production, all of which affect the global energy budget and/or lead to the degradation of air quality. Using RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress isoprene emission, we show that this trait, which is thought to be required for the tolerance of abiotic stress, is not required for high rates of photosynthesis and woody biomass production in the agroforest plantation environment, even in areas with high levels of climatic stress. Biomass production over 4 y in plantations in Arizona and Oregon was similar among genetic lines that emitted or did not emit significant amounts of isoprene. Lines that had substantially reduced isoprene emission rates also showed decreases in flavonol pigments, which reduce oxidative damage during extremes of abiotic stress, a pattern that would be expected to amplify metabolic dysfunction in the absence of isoprene production in stress-prone climate regimes. However, compensatory increases in the expression of other proteomic components, especially those associated with the production of protective compounds, such as carotenoids and terpenoids, and the fact that most biomass is produced prior to the hottest and driest part of the growing season explain the observed pattern of high biomass production with low isoprene emission. Our results show that it is possible to reduce the deleterious influences of isoprene on the atmosphere, while sustaining woody biomass production in temperate agroforest plantations.

oxidative stress↗
DOE OSTI2021

Terpene synthases for biofuel production and methods thereof

The present invention relates to terpene synthases capable of degrading precursors into biofuel compounds, such as terpenoid compounds. In one instance, a transformed organism can include such terpene synthases, as well as vectors encoding such synthases. Methods of employing such synthases and organisms are also described herein.

Wu, Weihua↗
DOE OSTI2025

Late-Stage Oxidation of C( sp 3 )─H Bonds with High Efficiency and Alkyl Group Dihydroxylation of Complex Molecules

Here, the late-stage oxidation of C(sp 3 )─H bonds is highly valuable for modulating the solubility and binding of bioactive compounds and for diversification of complex molecules. Undirected methods for C(sp 3 )─H oxidation are valuable for the installation of hydroxyl groups at sites remote from other functional groups present in the molecule, but existing catalysts are limited by low turnover numbers and lengthy ligand syntheses. Perfluorinated ruthenium porphyrins are highly active catalysts for the oxidation of alkyl C─H bonds, but the scope of the transformation with complex molecules under conditions of limiting substrate has not been investigated. We report that carbonylruthenium(II) tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin [Ru(TPFPP)(CO)] catalyzes the selective oxidation of tertiary C(sp 3 )─H bonds in a broad range of complex natural products and drugs, with turnover numbers as high as 1000, and the tolerance of the reaction to various functional groups was rapidly assessed by performing a model reaction in the presence of additives. We show how the combination of this undirected C(sp 3 )─H oxidation and a directed C(sp 3 )─H silylation and oxidation provides rapid access to highly oxidized, 1,2-diol derivatives of natural products by a formal dihydroxylation of an alkyl group.

Alcohols↗
DOE OSTI2025

Combining biotechnology with sustainability: feasibility of bioenergy sorghum in generating high-value bioproducts

Biofuels generated through fermentation of plant-derived lignocellulosic biomass are currently not competitive with fossil fuels. Here, a framework is described for the engineering of valuable coproducts to improve the economic feasibility of biofuel production. To accomplish this goal, the desirable traits of the bioenergy crop Sorghum bicolor are harnessed via modern engineering approaches. A robust analysis is provided to highlight the scientific basis, costs, regulatory challenges, and lucrative nature of coproduct development. Sustainable biofuel production could also have far-reaching societal impacts, especially in the context of our rapidly changing global climate. This perspective suggests that the path to profitable biofuel production is attainable and encourages consideration of similar approaches by the biotechnology industry.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

The crystal structure of Grindelia robusta 7,13-copalyl diphosphate synthase reveals active site features controlling catalytic specificity

Diterpenoid natural products serve critical functions in plant development and ecological adaptation and many diterpenoids have economic value as bioproducts. The family of class II diterpene synthases catalyzes the committed reactions in diterpenoid biosynthesis, converting a common geranylgeranyl diphosphate precursor into different bicyclic prenyl diphosphate scaffolds. Enzymatic rearrangement and modification of these precursors generate the diversity of bioactive diterpenoids. We report the crystal structure of Grindelia robusta 7,13-copalyl diphosphate synthase, GrTPS2, at 2.1 Å of resolution. GrTPS2 catalyzes the committed reaction in the biosynthesis of grindelic acid, which represents the signature metabolite in species of gumweed (Grindelia spp., Asteraceae). Grindelic acid has been explored as a potential source for drug leads and biofuel production. The GrTPS2 crystal structure adopts the conserved three-domain fold of class II diterpene synthases featuring a functional active site in the γβ-domain and a vestigial α-domain. Substrate docking into the active site of the GrTPS2 apo protein structure predicted catalytic amino acids. Biochemical characterization of protein variants identified residues with impact on enzyme activity and catalytic specificity. Specifically, mutagenesis of Y457 provided mechanistic insight into the position-specific deprotonation of the intermediary carbocation to form the characteristic 7,13 double bond of 7,13-copalyl diphosphate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Harnessing evolution: leveraging bacterial isoprenoid pathway diversity toward improved bioengineering strategies

Isoprenoids play vital roles in all domains of life, from beta-carotene in bacteria to heme in humans. Two distinct metabolic pathways have evolved to synthesize the critical precursor of all mature isoprenoids: the mevalonate (MEV) and the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways. Here, we quantify the extensive inter- and intra-genus heterogeneity in the usage of these two pathways with particular emphasis on rare bacteria that encode both, or neither, pathways. Furthermore, MEP intermediates themselves have non-isoprenogenic roles that may underlie evolutionary pressures driving pathway diversification. Understanding isoprenoid biosynthesis in bacteria offers new avenues toward more sustainable engineering of economically relevant molecules in microbes.

Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology↗