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PubMed2002

Use of hop (Humulus lupulus) agricultural by-products for the reduction of aqueous lead(II) environmental health hazards.

The agricultural by-products of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) were investigated to determine their potential for use in the removal of heavy lead(II) ions from contaminated aqueous solutions. Separate batch laboratory experiments were performed to establish the optimal binding pH, time exposures, and capacity of the metal adsorption for lead(II) ions by dried and ground hop leaves and stems biomass. Results from these studies have shown a pH dependent binding trend from pH 2-6, with optimum binding occurring around pH 5.0. Time dependency experiments showed a rapid adsorption of lead(II) ions within the first 5 min of contact. Binding capacity experiments demonstrated that 74.2mg of lead(II) were bound per gram of leaf biomass. Similarly overall capacity was seen for the leaves and stems. Desorption of 99% of the bound lead(II) ions was achieved by exposing the metal laden biomass to 0.5M sodium citrate. Further experiments were performed with silica-immobilized hop tissues to determine the lead(II) binding ability under flow conditions. Comparison studies were performed with ion-exchange resins to evaluate the binding ability and to gain further insight into the metal binding mechanism. X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments were also utilized to gain further insight into the possible lead(II) binding mechanism by the hop plant tissue. Results from these studies indicate that carboxyl ligands are involved in the binding of lead(II) from aqueous solution. These findings show that the use of hop agricultural waste products may be a viable alternative, for the removal and recovery of aqueous lead(II) ions from contaminated waters.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2003

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) proanthocyanidins characterized by mass spectrometry, acid catalysis, and gel permeation chromatography.

Proanthocyanidins extracted from hops (Humulus lupulus L. cv. Willamette) were subjected to Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography using a step gradient of methanol, water, and acetone. The resulting fractions were analyzed by acid catalysis, electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The proanthocyanidins contained catechin and epicatechin as monomers and as terminal and extension units. Epigallocatechin was found as extension units. The mean degree of polymerization (mDP) of the crude proanthocyanidins was 7.8, but heptamers were the largest oligomers visible in mass spectra of the whole. In the last-eluted fraction (mDP = 22.2), polymers as large as 20-mers were detected by MALDI-TOF-MS, demonstrating the effectiveness of prior separation in improving MS detection. GPC data correlated well with acid catalysis results, confirming the presence of large polymers that were not detected by MS.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2003

Formation and accumulation of alpha-acids, beta-acids, desmethylxanthohumol, and xanthohumol during flowering of hops (Humulus lupulus L.).

Important secondary metabolites, present in hops (Humulus lupulus L.), include alpha-acids and beta-acids, which are essential for the brewing of beer, as well as the prenylated chalcones, desmethylxanthohumol, and xanthohumol, which exhibit interesting bioactive properties. Their formation and accumulation in five selected hop varieties, Wye Challenger, Wye Target, Golding, Admiral, and Whitbread Golding Variety, were quantitatively monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography using UV detection. All target compounds were present from the onset of flowering, not only in female hop cones but also in male inflorescences, albeit in low concentrations. During development from female inflorescences to cones, levels of alpha-acids, beta-acids, desmethylxanthohumol, and xanthohumol gradually increased, while each hop variety exhibited individual accumulation rates. Furthermore, these compounds were present in leaves of fully grown hops as well. The study demonstrated that key compounds for flavor and potential beneficial health effects associated with beer not only reside in the glandular lupulin structures but also are distributed over various parts of the hop plant.

Beer↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the in vitro estrogenic activities of compounds from hops (Humulus lupulus) and red clover (Trifolium pratense).

Because the prevailing form of hormone replacement therapy is associated with the development of cancer in breast and endometrial tissues, alternatives are needed for the management of menopausal symptoms. Formulations of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) are being used to alleviate menopause-associated hot flashes but have shown mixed results in clinical trials. The strobiles of Humulus lupulusL. (hops) have been reported to contain the prenylflavanone, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), as the most estrogenic constituent, and this was confirmed using an estrogen receptor ligand screening assay utilizing ultrafiltration mass spectrometry. Extracts of hops and red clover and their individual constituents including 8-PN, 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN), isoxanthohumol (IX), and xanthohumol (XN) from hops and daidzein, formononetin, biochanin A, and genistein from red clover were compared using a variety of in vitro estrogenic assays. The IC50 values for the estrogen receptor alpha and beta binding assays were 15 and 27 microg/mL, respectively, for hops and 18.0 and 2.0 microg/mL, respectively, for the red clover extract. Both of the extracts, genistein, and 8-PN activated the estrogen response element (ERE) in Ishikawa cells while the extracts, biochanin A, genistein, and 8-PN, significantly induced ERE-luciferase expression in MCF-7 cells. Hop and red clover extracts as well as 8-PN up-regulated progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA in the Ishikawa cell line. In the MCF-7 cell line, PR mRNA was significantly up-regulated by the extracts, biochanin A, genistein, 8-PN, and IX. The two extracts had EC50 values of 1.1 and 1.9 microg/mL, respectively, in the alkaline phosphatase induction assay. On the basis of these data, hops and red clover could be attractive for the development as herbal dietary supplements to alleviate menopause-associated symptoms.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2006

Sequence analysis of a "true" chalcone synthase (chs_H1) oligofamily from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) and PAP1 activation of chs_H1 in heterologous systems.

Screening of a cDNA library of the hop cv. Osvald's 72 and genomic cloning were used to isolate members of an oligofamily of chs_H1 genes that codetermine the biosynthesis of prenylated chalcones known to be valuable medicinal compounds present in hop (Humulus lupulus L.). chs_H1 oligofamily members showed more than 99% and 98% identity on nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively, and retained all conserved amino acids that form the catalytic center characteristic for "true" chalcone synthases. The chs_H1 promoter exhibited low sequence variability in addition to conservation of all predicted cis-regulatory elements. Possible transactivation of the chs_H1 gene with the transcription factor PAP1 from Arabidopsis thaliana was assayed using Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltrations of Nicotiana benthamiana and Petunia hybrida plants. Infiltration of N. benthamiana leaves with chs_H1 promoter/GUS chimeras led to a 24.8-fold increase of the GUS activity when coinfiltrated with the pap1 gene. Coinfiltration of the "native" chs_H1 gene with pap1 led to an increased accumulation of chs_H1 mRNA as observed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Transgenic lines of P. hybrida expressing the pap1 gene showed unusual patterns of UV-A-inducible pigmentation and anthocyanin accumulation in parenchymatic and medulla cells. Infiltration of transgenic leaves of P. hybrida with chs_H1 and pap1 genes arranged as a tandem led to quick pigmentation within 12 h after UV-A irradiation. It is indicated that the chs_H1 promoter contains functional element(s) mediating an efficient response to PAP1 expression and UV-A irradiation. UV-A also induced chs_H1 mRNA and accumulation of flavonol glycosides in hop leaves. It can be expected that the PAP1 factor could significantly influence the expression of the chs_H1 oligofamily in transgenic hop and modify the hop metabolome.

Acyltransferases↗

PubMed2004

Estrogens and congeners from spent hops (Humulus lupulus).

Estrogenicity-directed fractionation of a methanol extract of the strobiles of Humulus lupulus that had been extracted previously with supercritical CO(2), known as "spent hops", led to the isolation and identification of 22 compounds including 12 prenylated chalcones (1-8, 10-13), five prenylflavanones (14-17), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (18), sitosterol-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (19), humulinone (20), and cohumulinone (21). In addition, the prenylated chalcone xanthohumol C (9a) was obtained as a 6:1 mixture along with its 1' ',2' '-dihydro derivative (9b). Three new chalcones (4, 11, 12) and four previously unreported constituents of hops (5, 6, 9b, 13) are reported. The structures of the new compounds were determined through a combination of spectrometric techniques including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ESIMS-MS. Full 1H NMR spin system analyses were performed to characterize the higher-order glucopyranosyl, prenyl, and chalcone B-ring spectra of the isolates. The principle estrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (15) from hops is an artifact formed along with its positional isomer 6-prenylnaringenin (16) through the spontaneous isomerization of the pro-estrogenic chalcone DMX (7).

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2005

Prenylflavonoids and phloroglucinol derivatives from hops (Humulus lupulus).

The ethyl acetate soluble fraction of hops (Humulus lupulus) showed potent inhibitory activity on the production of nitric oxide (NO) induced by a combination of LPS and IFN-gamma. Four known prenylflavonoids (1-4) and a new prenylflavonoid (5), hulupinic acid (6), lupulone (7), and its six new derivatives (8-13) were isolated from the active fraction. The structures were determined on the basis of physiochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis. Their inhibitory activities on the production of NO in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were examined.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Anti-inflammatory acylphloroglucinol derivatives from Hops (Humulus lupulus).

The polyphenol-enriched fraction of an ethanolic hops extract (Humulus lupulus) was separated to provide four acylphloroglucinol-glucopyranosides (1-4). 1-(2-Methylpropanoyl)phloroglucinol-glucopyranoside 1 has been isolated from hops before, whereas 1-(2-methylbutyryl)phloroglucinol-glucopyranoside 2, known as multifidol glucoside, and 1-(3-methylbutyryl)phloroglucinol-glucopyranoside 3 were found in hops for the first time. 5-(2-Methylpropanoyl)phloroglucinol-glucopyranoside 4 was identified as a new natural product. The compounds were tested for inhibition of COX-1 activity. The aglycon 5, obtained by acid hydrolysis of 1, was equally effective as phloroglucinol, with an IC(50) of 3.8 microM. The inhibitory potential of the glucosides was 1>2>3 and decreased with increasing length of the acyl side chain. Compound 4 was about 2.5-fold less active than 1 (IC(50): 23.7 and 58.7 microM, respectively).

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

PubMed2005

Xanthohumol isolated from Humulus lupulus Inhibits menadione-induced DNA damage through induction of quinone reductase.

The female parts of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) show estrogenic effects as well as cancer chemopreventive potential. We analyzed the chemopreventive mechanism of hops by studying its antioxidative activities and its effect on the detoxification of a potentially toxic quinone (menadione). The detoxification enzyme quinone reductase [(NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, QR] protects against quinone-induced toxicity and has been used as a marker in cancer chemoprevention studies. Although the hop extract was only a weak quencher of free radicals formed from 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, it demonstrated strong QR induction in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. In addition, compounds isolated from hops including xanthohumol (XH) and 8-prenylnaringenin were tested for QR induction. Among these, XH was the most effective at inducing QR with a concentration required to double the specific activity of QR (CD value) of 1.7 +/- 0.7 microM. In addition, pretreatment of Hepa1c1c7 cells with XH significantly inhibited menadione-induced DNA single-strand breaks. The QR inhibitor dicumarol reversed the protective effect of XH against menadione-induced DNA damage. Because the expression of QR and other detoxifying enzymes is known to be upregulated by binding of the transcription factor Nrf2 to the antioxidant response element (ARE), the reporter activity mediated by ARE in HepG2-ARE-C8 cells was investigated after incubation with XH for 24 h. Under these conditions, XH increased ARE reporter activity in a dose-dependent manner. One mechanism by which XH might induce QR could be through interaction with Keap1, which sequesters Nrf2 in the cytoplasm, so that it cannot activate the ARE. Using LC-MS-MS, we demonstrated that XH alkylates human Keap1 protein, most likely on a subset of the 27 cysteines of Keap1. This suggests that XH induces QR by covalently modifying the Keap1 protein. Therefore, XH and hops dietary supplements might function as chemopreventive agents, through induction of detoxification enzymes such as QR.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2006

Molecular phylogeny of wild hops, Humulus lupulus L.

We have analysed wild hops collected widely from the Northern Hemisphere, assessing the genetic diversity and the geographical distribution of haplotypes, to investigate the evolution and phylogeny of hops, Humulus lupulus. The haplotypes were characterized by the nuclear ribosomal DNA spacer region (length and DNA sequence) and chloroplast DNA noncoding regions (DNA sequences). The results indicated that primary divergence into European (including Caucasus and Altai hops), and Asian-North American types, was 1.05+/-0.28 to 1.27+/-0.30 million years ago. Although an Eastern boundary for European nuclear haplotype distribution was unclear due to the ambiguous origin of Northern Chinese samples, the European hop group showed a wide geographical distribution across Eurasia from the Altai region to Portugal. The low genetic variation in this group suggested rapid and recent expansion. The North American hop group showed high diversity, and is considered to include hops that have migrated from Asia. Japanese and Chinese hops were identified as genetically distinct. This study has shown that wild hops in each growing region are genetically differentiated with considerable genetic diversity. It gives insights into the evolution and domestication of hops that are discussed.

DNA, Chloroplast↗

PubMed2004

Differential expression and cellular localization of ERKs during organogenic nodule formation from internodes of Humulus lupulus var. Nugget.

The expression and subcellular localization of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 or 2 (ERK1/2) homologues (HLERK1/2) during the process of organogenic nodule formation in Humulus lupulus var. Nugget was studied using antibodies specific for ERK1 and ERK2, and for phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The increase in HLERK levels, detected by Western blotting 12 hours after wounding suggests their involvement in response to the wounding treatment applied for morphogenesis induction. In dividing cambial cells, occurring in between 4 and 7 days after morphogenesis induction, as well as in dividing prenodular cells (15 days after induction) HLERK1 and/or 2 were localized in the nucleus. However, as soon as nodular cells start proliferating to form shoot meristems, HLERK1 and 2 were detected in the cytoplasm and not in the nucleus. The data reported account for a differential expression and activation of HLERK1 and HLERK2 throughout the process of nodule formation and plantlet regeneration. HLERK1 appears to be expressed in the stages of nodule formation and plantlet regeneration, playing a possible role in controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. HLERK2 may be induced as a response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by wounding of internodes as its expression is reduced in liquid medium with less oxygen availability compared to solid medium. However, addition of a ROS inhibitor to the liquid medium does not result in a further decrease in the HLERK2 level.

Gene Expression Regulation, Plant↗

PubMed2003

Construction of gene expression system in hop (Humulus lupulus) lupulin gland using valerophenone synthase promoter.

The promoter region of the valerophenone synthase (VPS) gene was isolated from hop (Humulus lupulus). VPS, a member of the chalcone synthase (CHS) super-family, catalyzes the biosynthesis reaction of the hop resin that significantly accumulates in the cone's secretory gland called the "lupulin gland". The typical H-box and G-box sequences, which exist in many plants' CHS promoters and act as cis-elements for tissue specificity, UV-light induction, etc., were not found in the isolated VPS promoter, although the H-box-like sequence (CCTTACC, CCTAACC) and the core sequence (ACGT) of the G-box were observed. The transformation experiment using the VPS promoter-UIDA gene fusion revealed that the promoter acts not only in the lupulin gland but also in the glands of leaf and stem. On the other hand, the VPS promoter activity was not induced by UV-irradiation.

Acyltransferases↗

PubMed2006

Efficient extraction of high-quality total RNA from various hop tissues (Humulus lupulus L.).

The isolation of high-quality RNA is a prerequisite for gene expression studies. RNA quality is of special relevance if PCR-based strategies such as cDNA-AFLP or RT-PCR are followed. Our molecular investigations of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) focus on genes that determine the biosynthesis of prenylflavonoids with interesting biological activities which accumulate in the lupulin glands. However, optimized protocols for RNA extraction from hop cones are not available. In this study, the RNeasy midi kit protocol was modified to isolate high amounts of total RNA from fresh and freeze-dried hop tissues, specifically leaves, female inflorescences, and lupulin-enriched hop cone fractions. The main difficulties in obtaining high RNA yields were related to specific features of hop, including the abundance of secondary metabolites and their accumulation in the sticky lupulin glands. The introduction of a number of modifications into the RNeasy midi kit protocol resulted in RNA of high quality, as assessed by spectrophotometry and electrophoresis in agarose gels. The protocol developed is currently being used to produce cDNA-AFLP fingerprints of hop cones and leaves for genetic screening. Furthermore, the method could provide RNA for further molecular studies, including Northern blot hybridizations and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed2005

Expression of allene oxide cyclase and accumulation of jasmonates during organogenic nodule formation from hop (Humulus lupulus var. Nugget) internodes.

A crucial step in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) is the formation of its stereoisomeric precursor, cis-(+)-12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), which is catalyzed by allene oxide cyclase (AOC, EC 5.3.99.6). A cDNA of AOC was isolated from Humulus lupulus var. Nugget. The ORF of 765 bp encodes a 255 amino acid protein, which carries a putative chloroplast targeting sequence. The recombinant protein without its putative chloroplast target sequence showed significant AOC activity. Previously we demonstrated that wounding induces organogenic nodule formation in hop. Here we show that the AOC transcript level increases in response to wounding of internodes, peaking between 2 and 4 h after wounding. In addition, Western blot analysis showed elevated levels of AOC peaking 24 h after internode inoculation. The AOC increase was accompanied by increased JA levels 24 h after wounding, whereas OPDA had already reached its highest level after 12 h. AOC is mostly present in the vascular bundles of inoculated internodes. During prenodule and nodule formation, AOC levels were still high. JA and OPDA levels decreased down to 10 and 118 pmol (g FW)(-1), respectively, during nodule formation, but increased during plantlet regeneration. Double immunolocalization analysis of AOC and Rubisco in connection with lugol staining showed that AOC is present in amyloplasts of prenodular cells and in the chloroplasts of vacuolated nodular cells, whereas meristematic cells accumulated little AOC. These data suggest a role of AOC and jasmonates in organogenic nodule formation and plantlet regeneration from these nodules.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Cloning, expression, and characterization of pollen allergens from Humulus scandens (Lour) Merr and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

AIM: To clone the pollen allergen genes in Humulus scandens (Lour) Merr (LvCao in Chinese) and short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L) for recombinant allergen production and immunotherapy. METHODS: The allergen genes were selectively amplified in the weed pollen cDNA pool by using a special PCR profile, with the primers designed by a modeling procedure. Following truncated gene cloning and confirmation of the pollen source, unknown 3'cDNA ends were identified by using the 3'-RACE method. The gene function conferred by the full-length coding region was evaluated by a homologue search in the GenBank database. Recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli pET-44 RosettaBlue cells were subsequently characterized by N-terminal end sequencing, IgE binding, and cross-reactivity. RESULTS: Three full-length cDNAs were obtained in each weed. Multiple alignment analysis revealed that the deduced amino acid sequences were 83% identical to each other and 56%-90% identical to panallergen profilins from other species. Five recombinant proteins were abundantly expressed in non-fusion forms and were confirmed by using the N-terminal end sequence identity. Sera from patients who were allergic to A artemisiifolia reacted not only with rAmb a 8(D03) derived from A artemisiifolia, but also with recombinant protein rHum s 1(LCM9) derived from H scandens, which confirmed the allergenicity and cross-reactivity of the recombinant proteins from the 2 sources. Comparison of the degenerate primers used for truncated gene cloning with the full-length cDNA demonstrated that alternative nucleotide degeneracy occurred. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a useful method for cloning homologous allergen genes across different species, particularly for little-studied species. The recombinant allergens obtained might be useful for the immunotherapeutic treatment of H scandens and/or A artemisiifolia pollen allergies.

Allergens↗

PubMed2006

Identification of human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of 8-prenylnaringenin and isoxanthohumol from hops (Humulus lupulus L.).

The female flowers of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are used in the brewing of beer and are under investigation for use in dietary supplements for the management of menopausal symptoms in women. Hop extracts contain the weakly estrogenic compound isoxanthohumol (IX), proestrogenic xanthohumol, and the potent estrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (8PN). Because IX can be metabolized in the human liver to form 8PN, the specific cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes responsible for this O-demethylation reaction were identified. In addition, the enzymes that convert IX and 8PN to their most abundant metabolites were identified because these metabolic pathways might also affect the estrogenicity of hop preparations. Specifically, the P450 enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of the prenyl side chains of IX and 8PN into trans- or cis-alcohols were investigated. Human liver microsomes and monoclonal antibodies that inhibit specific P450 enzymes were used in combination with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify the enzymes responsible for these transformations. CYP2C19 was found to catalyze the formation of both cis- and trans-alcohols of the prenyl side chain of 8PN with K(m) values of 14.8 +/- 3.2 and 16.6 +/- 4.6 microM, respectively. CYP2C8 converted 8PN regioselectively to the trans-alcohol of the prenyl group with a K(m) of 3.7 +/- 0.9 microM. Finally, CYP1A2 was found to catalyze the O-demethylation of IX to generate 8PN, with a K(m) value of 17.8 +/- 3.7 microM. These results suggest that the estrogenicity of hop constituents in vivo will depend in part on metabolic conversion that may show individual variation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2004

Microsatellite variability among wild and cultivated hops (Humulus lupulus L.).

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a dioecious perennial plant native to the northern hemisphere cultivated for its use in the brewing industry. To investigate the genetic diversity present in wild hop accessions in comparison with cultivated hops, microsatellite marker variation was assessed at four loci in 124 accessions of wild (from Europe, Asia and from North America) and cultivated (varieties and breeding lines) hops. A total of 63 alleles were identified, with an average of 15.7 alleles per locus and an average PIC of 0.64 over four loci. The average number of alleles per locus in groups of accessions ranged from 5.75 to 8.30, with the highest number detected in groups of wild hops either of European (EU) or North American (NA) origin. Accessions from NA revealed the highest number of unique alleles indicating the high diversity present in this gene pool. Cluster analysis based on the D(D) or D(sw) distance matrix divided accessions into 10 different clusters, which reflect the relationship among geographically diverse wild accessions and hop cultivars. The highest genetic differences were found between NA wild accessions, forming one distant cluster, and all the other accessions. The differentiation between European wild and cultivated accessions was revealed by PCoA based on the D(D) distance matrix and by AMOVA results. Cultivated hops differ significantly from wild ones, although most of the variability was found within groups. The molecular variances within groups of cultivated and wild hops were homogeneous, suggesting that a similar level of molecular variability is found in both groups of accessions. The analysis of allele polymorphism and of allele sequences showed that hop germplasm can be differentiated to NA and EU geographic types according to the differences of allele sizes at three loci or by the specific microsatellite repeat type at one locus. The analysis also indicates the different evolutionary dynamics and complex mutations of microsatellite sequences within loci that can be followed in the two biogeographically separated germplasms.

Alleles↗

PubMed2006

Genetic mapping of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) applied to the detection of QTLs for alpha-acid content.

The map locations and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were estimated for alpha-acid content in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite marker (simple sequence repeat (SSR)) genetic linkage maps constructed from a double pseudotestcross. The mapping population consisted of 111 progeny from a cross between the German hop cultivar 'Magnum', which exhibits high levels of alpha-acids, and a wild Slovene male hop, 2/1. The progeny segregated quantitatively for alpha-acid content determined in 2002, 2003, and 2004. The maternal map consisted of 96 markers mapped on 14 linkage groups defining 661.90 cM of total map distance. The paternal map included 70 markers assigned to 12 linkage groups covering 445.90 cM of hop genome. QTL analysis indicated 4 putative QTLs (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, and alpha4) on linkage groups (LGs) 03, 01, 09, and 03 of the female map, respectively. QTLs explained 11.9%-24.8% of the phenotypic variance. The most promising QTL to be used in marker-assisted selection is alpha2, the peak of which colocated exactly with the AFLP marker. Three chalcone synthase-like genes (chs2, chs3, and chs4) involved in hop bitter acid synthesis mapped together on LG04 of the female map. Saturation of the maps, particularly the putative QTL regions, will be carried out using SSR markers, and the stability of the QTLs will be tested in the coming years.

Chromosome Mapping↗