Massimo E Maffei

Università degli Studi di Torino | UNITO · Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is a natural component of our environment. Plants, which are known to sense different wavelengths of light, respond to gravity, react to touch and electrical signaling, cannot escape the effect of GMF. While phototropism, gravitropism, and tigmotropism have been thoroughly studied, the impact of GMF on plant growth and d...

Plants have always been a source of nourishment and healing for living things. Their dual task of producing nutrients and medicines has played a key role in the evolution of herbivore and omnivore organisms. The so-called secondary metabolites are molecules with well-defined functional roles. These compounds are produced to defend plants from abiot...

Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some...

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are involved in fundamental biological reactions and represent a highly regulated process involving a complex sequence of mitochondrial, cytosolic and nuclear-catalyzed protein-protein interactions. Iron-sulfur complex assembly (ISCA) scaffold proteins are involved in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis, nitrogen and sulfur metabo...

In plant–insect interactions, calcium (Ca2+) variations are among the earliest events associated with the plant perception of biotic stress. Upon herbivory, Ca2+ waves travel long distances to transmit and convert the local signal to a systemic defense program. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+ and electrical signaling are interlinked to form a n...

The genus Coffea is known for the two species C. arabica (CA) and C. canephora (CC), which are used to prepare the beverage coffee. Proper identification of green beans of coffee varieties is based on phenotypic and phytochemical/molecular characteristics. In this work, a combination of chemical (UV/Vis, HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, GC-MS, and GC-FID) and molec...

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease; however, no specific pharmacological therapy has yet been approved for this condition. Plant-derived extracts can be an important source for the development of new drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of (E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP), a p...

Phytopathogens are well known for their devastating activity that causes worldwide significant crop losses. However, their exploitation for crop welfare is relatively unknown. Here, we show that the microbial volatile organic compound (mVOC) profile of the bacterial phytopathogen, Erwinia amylovora, enhances Arabidopsis thaliana shoot and root grow...

The geomagnetic field (GMF) can affect a wide range of animal behaviors in various habitats, primarily providing orientation cues for homing or migratory events. Foraging patterns, such as those implemented by Lasius niger, are excellent models to delve into the effects of GMF on orientation abilities. In this work, we assessed the role of GMF by c...

Plants evolved in the presence of the Earth's magnetic field (or geomagnetic field, GMF). Variations in MF intensity and inclination are perceived by plants as an abiotic stress condition with responses at the genomic and metabolic level, with changes in growth and developmental processes. The reduction of GMF to near null magnetic field (NNMF) val...

Two-Spotted Spider Mites (TSSMs, Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836 (Acari: Tetranychi-dae)) is one of the most important pests in many crop plants, and their feeding activity is based on sucking leaf cell contents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interaction between TSSMs and their host Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) by analyzing the metab...

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is a natural component of Earth’s biosphere. GMF reduction to near-null values (NNMF) induces gene expression modulation that generates biomolecular, morphological, and developmental changes. Here, we evaluate the effect of NNMF on gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in time-course experiments on...

A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-As) are plant-derived natural polyphenols that occur as oligomers or polymers of flavan-3-ol monomers, such as (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, connected through an unusual double A linkage. PAC-As are present in leaves, seeds, flowers, bark, and fruits of many plants, and are thought to exert protective natural roles...

Oleaginous microalgae represent potential feedstocks for the sustainable production of lipids thanks to their ability to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAGs). TAG accumulation in several algal species is strongly induced under specific conditions such as nutrient deprivation and high light which, however, also negatively impact growth. Genetic modifi...

Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins (PACs) have been the subject of intense scientific investigations, both for their antioxidant properties and anti-adhesion activity against uropathogenic bacteria. We investigated the metabolomics and antioxidant capacity of SP4TM, a patent-pending formulation based on a mixture of plant extracts with a high content...

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved both constitutive and inducible responses to the changing environment. Several environmental factors affect plant growth and development. Among them, the Earth magnetic field or geomagnetic field (GMF) is an environmental component of our planet. This chapter highlights some of the basic mechanisms proposed...

Background Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid with high antioxidant power used in different fields as healthcare, food/feed supplementation and as pigmenting agent in aquaculture. Primary producers of astaxanthin are some species of microalgae, unicellular photosynthetic organisms, as Haematococcus lacustris . Astaxanthin production by cultivation of...

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is an environmental factor affecting the mineral nutrient uptake of plants and a contributing factor for efficient iron (Fe) uptake in Arabidopsis seedlings. Understanding the mechanisms underlining the impact of the environment on nutrient homeostasis in plants requires disentangling the complex interactions occurring a...

Hazara virus (HAZV) belongs to the Nairoviridae family and is included in the same serogroup of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). CCHFV is the most widespread tick-borne arbovirus. It is responsible for a serious hemorrhagic disease, for which specific and effective treatment and preventive systems are missing. Bioactive compounds...

A growing body of evidence indicates that extracellular fragmented self-DNA (eDNA), by acting as a signaling molecule, triggers inhibitory effects on conspecific plants and functions as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). To evaluate early and late events in DAMP-dependent responses to eDNA, we extracted, fragmented, and applied the tomat...

It is well established that plants emit, detect and respond to volatile organic compounds; however, knowledge on the ability of plants to detect and respond to volatiles emitted by non-plant organisms is limited. Recent studies indicated that plants detect insect-emitted volatiles that induce defence responses; however, the mechanisms underlying th...

The cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile reflects the insects’ physiological states. These include age, sex, reproductive stage, and gravidity. Environmental factors such as diet, relative humidity or exposure to insecticides also affect the CHC composition in mosquitoes. In this work, the CHC profile was analyzed in two Anopheles albimanus phenotyp...

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is one of the environmental stimuli that plants experience continuously on Earth; however, the actions of the GMF on plants are poorly understood. Here, we carried out a time-course microarray experiment to identify genes that are differentially regulated by the GMF in shoot and roots. We also used qPCR to validate the a...

The phytohormone auxin is involved in almost every process of a plant’s life, from germination to plant development. Nowadays, auxin research connects synthetic chemistry, plant biology and computational chemistry in order to develop innovative and safe compounds to be used in sustainable agricultural practice. In this framework, we developed new f...

The development of environmentally friendly plant growth regulators (PGRs) has become a necessity for sustainable agriculture. Our research provides the synthesis, structural and physico-chemical characterization, as well as biological assessment of new fluorescent compounds based on non-toxic components or natural metabolites as alternatives to cl...

L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is both a drug and a natural component of some dietary supplements. 5-HTP is produced from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), which is present in two isoforms (TPH1 and TPH2). Decarboxylation of 5-HTP yields serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) that is further transformed to melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytrypt...

The Geomagnetic field (GMF) is a typical component of our planet. Plant perception of the GMF implies that any magnetic field (MF) variation would induce possible metabolic changes. In this work was we assessed the role of the GMF on Arabidopsis thaliana Col0 mineral nutrition and lipid metabolism during plant development. We reduced the local GMF...

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome that does not present a well-defined underlying organic disease. FM is a condition which has been associated with diseases such as infections, diabetes, psychiatric or neurological disorders, rheumatic pathologies, and is a disorder that rather than diagnosis of exclusion requires positive diagnosis. A multidimension...

E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene widely distributed in the plant kingdom, where it contributes a unique aroma to essential oils and has a pivotal role in the survival and evolution of higher plants. Recent studies provided evidence for protective roles of BCP in animal cells, highlighting its possible use as a novel therapeutic...

E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural sesquiterpene hydrocarbon present in hundreds of plant species. BCP possesses several important pharmacological activities, ranging from pain treatment to neurological and metabolic disorders. These are mainly due to its ability to interact with the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and the complete lack of interact...

Background: Nannochloropsis gaditana is a photosynthetic unicellular microalgae considered one of the most interesting marine algae to produce biofuels and food additive due to its rapid growth rate and high lipid accumulation. Although microalgae are attractive platforms for solar energy bioconversion, the overall efficiency of photosynthesis is...

By using a triaxial Helmholtz coils system developed by the National Institute of Metrology (INRiM) we lower the GMF to cosmic values and we assess the responses of plants to reduced magnetic field. Exposed plants are studied by the methods described above.

The Earth’s magnetic field, defined as the geomagnetic field (GMF), is an unavoidable environmental factor for all living organisms. Variation in the GMF intensity was found to affect the content of some nutrients and their associated channels and transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this work, we observed that reduction of the GMF to near null...

Trans-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with several important pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective functions. These properties are mainly due to its selective interaction with the peripherally expressed cannabinoid receptor 2. In addition, BCP activates pe...

Background: Microalgae are efficient producers of lipid-rich biomass, making them a key component in developing a sustainable energy source, and an alternative to fossil fuels. Chlorella species are of special interest because of their fast growth rate in photobioreactors. However, biological constraints still cast a significant gap between the hi...

The antioxidant activity of plant extracts requires compelling evidence of the physiological functions of antioxidants at the cellular level. In order to assess the antioxidant power of the phytocomplex OxiCyan®, a bilberry extract functionalized on spirulina, traditional chemical methods (DPPH and ABTS) were compared to in vitro cellular responses...

Abstract Maculinea (=Phengaris) are endangered butterflies that are characterized by a very complex biological cycle. Maculinea larvae behave as obligate parasites whose survival is strictly dependent on both particular food plants and species-specific Myrmica ants. In this interaction, Maculinea caterpillars induce Myrmica workers to retrieve and...

Background: Griffonia simplicifolia Baill. (Caesalpiniaceae) is a medicinal plant whose seeds are widely used in traditional medicine for their high content of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP), a direct precursor and enhancer of the activity of the brain hormone serotonin (5-HT). The plant extracts are used in dietary supplements aimed to alleviate s...

The two‐spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a plant‐sucking arthropod herbivore that feeds on a wide array of cultivated plants. In contrast to the well‐characterized classical chewing herbivore salivary elicitors that promote plant defense responses, little is known about sucking herbivores’ elicitors. To characterize the sucking herbivor...

The genus Pistacia (Anacardiaceae family) is represented by several species, of which only P. vera L. produces edible seeds (pistachio). Despite the different flavor and taste, a correct identification of pistachio varieties based on the sole phenotypic character is sometimes hard to achieve. Here we used a combination of chemical partitioning and...

Main conclusion Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the monoterpene alcohol geraniol synthase exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal stress, possibly due to suppressed sugar metabolism and transcriptional regulation of genes involved in thermal stress tolerance. Monoterpene alcohols function in plant survival strategies, but they may cause self-t...

Coordinated social behaviour is fundamental for ant ecological success. However, even distantly-related organisms, such as plants, have evolved the ability to manipulate ant collective performances to their own advantage. In the parasitic system encompassing Maculinea butterflies, Myrmica ants, and Origanum vulgare plants, the ant-plant interaction...

Serotonin content. Effects of treatments (C: carvacrol; T: thymol; Ct: 3:1 (v/v) carvacrol/thymol; Tc: 1:3 (v/v) carvacrol/thymol) and controls (CTRL and DMSO) on serotonin contents in ant brains of Formica cinerea (A), Tetramorium caespitum (B) and Myrmica scabrinodis (C). Values are expressed as pmol serotonin per ant brain. Boxplots show median,...

Linear regression, coefficient of determination (R2), limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) of biogenic amines. (DOCX)

Tukey’s HSD post hoc differences in ant locomotor activity. *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 (DOCX)

Tukey’s HSD post hoc differences in aggression index between heterocolonial Myrmica workers. *P<0.05; **P<0.01. (DOCX)

Tukey’s HSD post hoc differences in ant brain dopamine and tyramine contents. *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 (DOCX)

Elenco di domande per la preparazione dell'esame di Fisiologia Vegetale, Corso di Laurea in Scienze Biologiche, Università di Torino. This file is in Italian and contains study questions for the preparation of the Plant Physiology exam.

One application of synthetic biology is the redesign of existing biological systems to acquire new functions. In this context, expanding the chemical code underlying key biosynthetic pathways will lead to the synthesis of compounds with new structures and potentially new biological activities. Terpenoids are a large group of specialized metabolit...

This chapter summarizes some of the most important information of plant responses to magnetic fields (MF), with particular reference to: Effects of Low MF on Plant Development Effects of Low MF on Transition to Flowering Effects of High MF on Germination Effects of High MF on Cryptochrome Effects of High MF on Roots and Shoots Effects of High MF on...

The geomagnetic (GMF) field is an inescapable environmental factor for plants on Earth that affects plant growth and development. However, its impact on plant growth and the mechanism of magnetoreception in plants is not clearly understood. To evaluate the effect of GMF on plant fatty acid composition and content, Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 develop...

Terpenoids are toxic compounds produced by plants as a defense strategy against insect herbivores. We tested the effect of Origanum vulgare terpenoids on the generalist herbivore Spodoptera littoralis and the response of the plant to herbivory. Terpenoids were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS and quantitative gene expression (qPCR) was evaluated on sel...

Following herbivore attacks, plants modify a blend of volatiles organic compounds (VOCs) released, resulting in the attraction of their antagonists. However, volatiles released constitutively may affect herbivores and natural enemies' fitness too. In tomato there is still a lack of information on the genetic bases responsible for the constitutive r...

The Earth magnetic field (or geomagnetic field, GMF) is a natural component of our planet and variations of the GMF are perceived by plants with a still uncharacterized magnetoreceptor. The purpose of this work was to assess the effect of near null magnetic field (NNMF, ∼40 nT) on Arabidopsis thaliana Col0 root ion modulation. A time-course (from 1...

Autovalutazione per la preparazione dell'esame di Metaboliti bioattivi delle piante

Biotic stresses induced by herbivores result in diverse physiological changes in plants. In the interaction between the Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and the herbivore Spodoptera littoralis, the earliest event induced by feeding on leaves is the depolarization of the plasma membrane potential (Vm), which is the results of both mechanical damage and...

Biotic stresses induced by herbivores result in diverse physiological changes in plants. In the interaction between the Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and the herbivore Spodoptera littoralis, the earliest event induced by feeding on leaves is the depolarization of the plasma membrane potential (Vm), which is the results of both mechanical damage and...

The defense against influenza virus (IV) infections still poses a series of challenges. The current antiviral arsenal against influenza viruses is in fact limited; therefore, the development of new anti-influenza strategies effective against antigenically different viruses is an urgent priority. Bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants and...