Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. elevated tolerance to D2O: its use for the production of highly deuterated metabolites

Abstract

The method introduced here to grow F. hygrometrica in high concentrations of D O is an excellent alternative to produce highly deuterated metabolites with broad applications in metabolic studies. Our mass spectrometry experiments strongly indicate the successful incorporation of deuterium into organic compounds. Deuterated metabolites are useful tracers for metabolic studies, yet their wide utilization in research is limited by the multi-step total synthesis required to produce them in the laboratory. Alternatively, deuterated metabolites can be obtained from organisms grown in DO or deuterated nutrients. This approach also has limitations as DO in high concentrations negatively affects the survival of most organisms. Here we report the moss Funaria hygrometrica as an unusual high tolerant to DO in liquid culture. We found that this moss is able to grow in up to 90% DO, a condition lethal for many eukaryotes. Mass spectrometric analyses of F. hygrometrica extracts showed a strong deuteration pattern. The ability to tolerate high concentrations of DO together with the development of a rich molecular toolbox makes F. hygrometrica an ideal system for the production of valuable deuterated metabolites.

Voltammetric H/D Isotope Effects on Redox‐Active Small Molecules Conjugated with DNA Self‐Assembled Monolayers

“…Exceptions exist, and so, Vergara et al. used water moss F. hygrometrica at high D 2 O concentrations (90 %) to isolate deuterated chemicals . In addition, heavy water inhibited human pancreatic tumor cells in vitro…”

“…[16] Exceptions exist, and so, Vergara et al used water moss F. hygrometrica at high D 2 O concentrations (90 %) to isolate deuterated chemicals. [17] In addition, heavy water inhibited human pancreatic tumor cells in vitro. [18] Electrochemical [19] and gravimetric [20,21] DNA biosensors have been frequently examined.…”

H/D Isotope Effects on Redox-Switching of DNA Self-Assembled Monolayers Observed by EQCM and Cyclic Voltammetry

“…In fact, the cell-free assay of GFP expression carried out by Hohlefelder et al which have shown a considerable H/D isotope effect, give an indication of antiproliferative properties of heavy water [14] . Exceptions exist, and so, Vergara et al could use water moss F. hygrometrica in high concentrations (90%) of D2O to isolate deuterated chemicals [15] . Heavy water showed an inhibiting effect upon human pancreatic tumor cells in vitro [16] .…”