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Yang LT, Wang YY, Chen XY, Fu QX, Ren YM, Lin XW, Ye X, Chen LS. Effects of aluminum (Al) stress on the isoprenoid metabolism of two Citrus species differing in Al-tolerance. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116545. [PMID: 38850709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Isoprenoid metabolism and its derivatives took part in photosynthesis, growth regulation, signal transduction, and plant defense to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, how aluminum (Al) stress affects the isoprenoid metabolism and whether isoprenoid metabolism plays a vital role in the Citrus plants in coping with Al stress remain unclear. In this study, we reported that Al-treatment-induced alternation in the volatilization rate of monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and 3-carene) and isoprene were different between Citrus sinensis (Al-tolerant) and C. grandis (Al-sensitive) leaves. The Al-induced decrease of CO2 assimilation, maximum quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), the lower contents of glucose and starch, and the lowered activities of enzymes involved in the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway might account for the different volatilization rate of isoprenoids. Furthermore, the altered transcript levels of genes related to isoprenoid precursors and/or derivatives metabolism, such as geranyl diphosphate (GPP) synthase (GPPS) in GPP biosynthesis, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), chlorophyll synthase (CHS) and GGPP reductase (GGPPR) in chlorophyll biosynthesis, limonene synthase (LS) and α-pinene synthase (APS) in limonene and α-pinene synthesis, respectively, might be responsible for the different contents of corresponding products in C. grandis and C. sinensis. Our data suggested that isoprenoid metabolism was involved in Al tolerance response in Citrus, and the alternation of some branches of isoprenoid metabolism could confer different Al-tolerance to Citrus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Tong Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yan-Yu Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hui'an County, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qiu-Xiang Fu
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yi-Min Ren
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xi-Wen Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xin Ye
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Li-Song Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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2
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Li M, Yang Z, Chen S, Liu Z, Tong L, Zheng S, Yang D. Sphaerotilus natans hemoglobins have an NADH oxidation activity and promote the yield of limonene in an engineered E. coli strain. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:128112. [PMID: 37972845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial hemoglobins play important roles inside the cell. Phylogenetically, they belong to three different families: the single domain hemoglobin, flavohemoglobin and truncated hemoglobin. Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) is the first characterized bacterial hemoglobin, and belongs to the single domain hemoglobin family. Heterologous expression of VHb promotes the growth of host cells under microaerobic conditions, and enhances the yield of products during fermentation. Although VHb has been widely applied in the biotechnology field, other bacterial hemoglobins have not demonstrated similar applications. In this study, we identified four bacterial hemoglobins from the microaerobic growing bacterium Sphaerotilus natans, including one flavohemoglobins (FHB) and three truncated hemoglobins (THB1, THB2 and THB3). Absorption spectrum studies validate the existent of the Soret peak and Q-band characteristic to heme and suggest heme groups in FHB and THB1 are hexa- or penta-coordinated, respectively. Our studies demonstrate that FHB and all three truncated hemoglobins have NADH oxidation and radical production activities, which is surprising since truncated hemoglobins do not have a reductase domain that could bind NADH. However, the M. tuberculosis HbN does not show these activities, indicating they are not universal among truncated hemoglobins. Docking studies suggest the nicotinamide ring of NADH may bind to the distal heme pocket of THB1, suggesting the direct electron transfer from NADH to heme might be possible. Our truncated hemoglobins also show peroxidase activities that in THB2 and THB3 could be inhibited by FdR, indicating possible interactions between FdR and truncate hemoglobins. Expression of FHB and THB1 in E. coli could promote cell growth. THB1 also enhances the production of limonene in an engineered E. coli strain, while VHb does not have this effect, which suggests that studies on truncated hemoglobins may lead to the discovery of new and more powerful tools that could have profound impact on biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohui Li
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ziqing Yang
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Sihua Chen
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zilu Liu
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Li Tong
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shaokui Zheng
- School of Environment, MOE Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences/State Key Lab of Water Environment Simulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Dong Yang
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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3
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Whitehead J, Leferink NGH, Johannissen LO, Hay S, Scrutton NS. Decoding Catalysis by Terpene Synthases. ACS Catal 2023; 13:12774-12802. [PMID: 37822860 PMCID: PMC10563020 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c03047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The review by Christianson, published in 2017 on the twentieth anniversary of the emergence of the field, summarizes the foundational discoveries and key advances in terpene synthase/cyclase (TS) biocatalysis (Christianson, D. W. Chem Rev2017, 117 (17), 11570-11648. DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00287). Here, we review the TS literature published since then, bringing the field up to date and looking forward to what could be the near future of TS rational design. Many revealing discoveries have been made in recent years, building on the knowledge and fundamental principles uncovered during those initial two decades of study. We use these to explore TS reaction chemistry and see how a combined experimental and computational approach helps to decipher the complexities of TS catalysis. Revealed are a suite of catalytic motifs which control product outcome in TSs, some obvious, some more subtle. We examine each in detail, using the most recent papers and insights to illustrate how exactly this fascinating class of enzymes takes a single acyclic substrate and turns it into the many thousands of complex terpenoids found in Nature. We then explore some of the recent strategies for TS engineering, including machine learning and other data-driven approaches. From this, rational and predictive engineering of TSs, "designer terpene synthases", will begin to emerge as a realistic goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua
N. Whitehead
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole G. H. Leferink
- Future
Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
Department of Chemistry, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
| | - Linus O. Johannissen
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Hay
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Manchester
Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
- Future
Biomanufacturing Research Hub (FBRH), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
Department of Chemistry, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, United
Kingdom
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4
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Lanier ER, Andersen TB, Hamberger B. Plant terpene specialized metabolism: complex networks or simple linear pathways? THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 114:1178-1201. [PMID: 36891828 PMCID: PMC11166267 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
From the perspectives of pathway evolution, discovery and engineering of plant specialized metabolism, the nature of the biosynthetic routes represents a critical aspect. Classical models depict biosynthesis typically from an end-point angle and as linear, for example, connecting central and specialized metabolism. As the number of functionally elucidated routes increased, the enzymatic foundation of complex plant chemistries became increasingly well understood. The perception of linear pathway models has been severely challenged. With a focus on plant terpenoid specialized metabolism, we review here illustrative examples supporting that plants have evolved complex networks driving chemical diversification. The completion of several diterpene, sesquiterpene and monoterpene routes shows complex formation of scaffolds and their subsequent functionalization. These networks show that branch points, including multiple sub-routes, mean that metabolic grids are the rule rather than the exception. This concept presents significant implications for biotechnological production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Björn Hamberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, Molecular Plant Sciences Building, 1066 Bogue Street, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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5
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Wiles D, Shanbhag BK, O'Brien M, Doblin MS, Bacic A, Beddoe T. Heterologous production of Cannabis sativa-derived specialised metabolites of medicinal significance - Insights into engineering strategies. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 203:113380. [PMID: 36049526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. has been known for at least 2000 years as a source of important, medically significant specialised metabolites and several bio-active molecules have been enriched from multiple chemotypes. However, due to the many levels of complexity in both the commercial cultivation of cannabis and extraction of its specialised metabolites, several heterologous production approaches are being pursued in parallel. In this review, we outline the recent achievements in engineering strategies used for heterologous production of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids along with their strength and weakness. We provide an overview of the specialised metabolism pathway in C. sativa and a comprehensive list of the specialised metabolites produced along with their medicinal significance. We highlight cannabinoid-like molecules produced by other species. We discuss the key biosynthetic enzymes and their heterologous production using various hosts such as microbial and eukaryotic systems. A brief discussion on complementary production strategies using co-culturing and cell-free systems is described. Various approaches to optimise specialised metabolite production through co-expression, enzyme engineering and pathway engineering are discussed. We derive insights from recent advances in metabolic engineering of hosts with improved precursor supply and suggest their application for the production of C. sativa speciality metabolites. We present a collation of non-conventional hosts with speciality traits that can improve the feasibility of commercial heterologous production of cannabis-based specialised metabolites. We provide a perspective of emerging research in synthetic biology, allied analytical techniques and plant heterologous platforms as focus areas for heterologous production of cannabis specialised metabolites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Wiles
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Bhuvana K Shanbhag
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Martin O'Brien
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Monika S Doblin
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia; La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Antony Bacic
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia; La Trobe Institute for Agriculture & Food, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Travis Beddoe
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Research Council Research Hub for Medicinal Agriculture, AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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6
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Kim H, Srividya N, Lange I, Huchala EW, Ginovska B, Lange BM, Raugei S. Determinants of Selectivity for the Formation of Monocyclic and Bicyclic Products in Monoterpene Synthases. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c01836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hoshin Kim
- Physical and Computational Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Narayanan Srividya
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-7411, United States
| | - Iris Lange
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-7411, United States
| | - Eden W. Huchala
- Physical and Computational Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Bojana Ginovska
- Physical and Computational Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - B. Markus Lange
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-7411, United States
| | - Simone Raugei
- Physical and Computational Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-7411, United States
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7
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Leferink NGH, Escorcia AM, Ouwersloot BR, Johanissen LO, Hay S, van der Kamp MW, Scrutton NS. Molecular Determinants of Carbocation Cyclisation in Bacterial Monoterpene Synthases. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100688. [PMID: 35005823 PMCID: PMC9303655 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Monoterpene synthases are often promiscuous enzymes, yielding product mixtures rather than pure compounds due to the nature of the branched reaction mechanism involving reactive carbocations. Two previously identified bacterial monoterpene synthases, a linalool synthase (bLinS) and a cineole synthase (bCinS), produce nearly pure linalool and cineole from geranyl diphosphate, respectively. We used a combined experimental and computational approach to identify critical residues involved in bacterial monoterpenoid synthesis. Phe77 is essential for bCinS activity, guiding the linear carbocation intermediate towards the formation of the cyclic α-terpinyl intermediate; removal of the aromatic ring results in variants that produce acyclic products only. Computational chemistry confirmed the importance of Phe77 in carbocation stabilisation. Phe74, Phe78 and Phe179 are involved in maintaining the active site shape in bCinS without a specific role for the aromatic ring. Phe295 in bLinS, and the equivalent Ala301 in bCinS, are essential for linalool and cineole formation, respectively. Where Phe295 places steric constraints on the carbocation intermediates, Ala301 is essential for bCinS initial cyclisation and activity. Our multidisciplinary approach gives unique insights into how carefully placed amino acid residues in the active site can direct carbocations down specific paths, by placing steric constraints or offering stabilisation via cation-π interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G H Leferink
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Andrés M Escorcia
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Bodi R Ouwersloot
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Linus O Johanissen
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Sam Hay
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Marc W van der Kamp
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Nigel S Scrutton
- Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
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8
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Leferink NGH, Scrutton NS. Predictive Engineering of Class I Terpene Synthases Using Experimental and Computational Approaches. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100484. [PMID: 34669250 PMCID: PMC9298401 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Terpenoids are a highly diverse group of natural products with considerable industrial interest. Increasingly, engineered microbes are used for the production of terpenoids to replace natural extracts and chemical synthesis. Terpene synthases (TSs) show a high level of functional plasticity and are responsible for the vast structural diversity observed in natural terpenoids. Their relatively inert active sites guide intrinsically reactive linear carbocation intermediates along one of many cyclisation paths via exertion of subtle steric and electrostatic control. Due to the absence of a strong protein interaction with these intermediates, there is a remarkable lack of sequence-function relationship within the TS family, making product-outcome predictions from sequences alone challenging. This, in combination with the fact that many TSs produce multiple products from a single substrate hampers the design and use of TSs in the biomanufacturing of terpenoids. This review highlights recent advances in genome mining, computational modelling, high-throughput screening, and machine-learning that will allow more predictive engineering of these fascinating enzymes in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G. H. Leferink
- Future Biomanufacturing Research HubManchester Institute of BiotechnologyDepartment of ChemistrySchool of Natural SciencesThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Future Biomanufacturing Research HubManchester Institute of BiotechnologyDepartment of ChemistrySchool of Natural SciencesThe University of Manchester131 Princess StreetManchesterM1 7DNUK
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9
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Xu H, Lackus ND, Köllner TG, Dickschat JS. Isotopic Labeling Experiments Solve the Hedycaryol Problem. Org Lett 2022; 24:587-591. [PMID: 34985289 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c04021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedycaryol is a widespread sesquiterpene alcohol and important biosynthetic intermediate toward eudesmols and guaiols. A full NMR assignment for this compound has been hampered because of the unique molecular mechanics of its conformers in complex mixtures. This problem was solved through the enzymatic synthesis of isotopically labeled materials using a mutated plant and a bacterial enzyme for access to both enantiomers of hedycaryol, which also allowed us to follow the stereochemical course of its Cope rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchao Xu
- Kekulé Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nathalie D Lackus
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jeroen S Dickschat
- Kekulé Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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10
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Huang ZY, Ye RY, Yu HL, Li AT, Xu JH. Mining methods and typical structural mechanisms of terpene cyclases. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:66. [PMID: 38650244 PMCID: PMC10992375 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Terpenoids, formed by cyclization and/or permutation of isoprenes, are the most diverse and abundant class of natural products with a broad range of significant functions. One family of the critical enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis is terpene cyclases (TCs), also known as terpene synthases (TSs), which are responsible for forming the ring structure as a backbone of functionally diverse terpenoids. With the recent advances in biotechnology, the researches on terpene cyclases have gradually shifted from the genomic mining of novel enzyme resources to the analysis of their structures and mechanisms. In this review, we summarize both the new methods for genomic mining and the structural mechanisms of some typical terpene cyclases, which are helpful for the discovery, engineering and application of more and new TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ru-Yi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hui-Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ai-Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Jian-He Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for Biomanufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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11
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Lei D, Qiu Z, Qiao J, Zhao GR. Plasticity engineering of plant monoterpene synthases and application for microbial production of monoterpenoids. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:147. [PMID: 34193244 PMCID: PMC8247113 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant monoterpenoids with structural diversities have extensive applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Due to the strong dependence on the geographical locations and seasonal annual growth of plants, agricultural production for monoterpenoids is less effective. Chemical synthesis is also uneconomic because of its high cost and pollution. Recently, emerging synthetic biology enables engineered microbes to possess great potential for the production of plant monoterpenoids. Both acyclic and cyclic monoterpenoids have been synthesized from fermentative sugars through heterologously reconstructing monoterpenoid biosynthetic pathways in microbes. Acting as catalytic templates, plant monoterpene synthases (MTPSs) take elaborate control of the monoterpenoids production. Most plant MTPSs have broad substrate or product properties, and show functional plasticity. Thus, the substrate selectivity, product outcomes, or enzymatic activities can be achieved by the active site mutations and domain swapping of plant MTPSs. This makes plasticity engineering a promising way to engineer MTPSs for efficient production of natural and non-natural monoterpenoids in microbial cell factories. Here, this review summarizes the key advances in plasticity engineering of plant MTPSs, including the fundamental aspects of functional plasticity, the utilization of natural and non-natural substrates, and the outcomes from product isomers to complexity-divergent monoterpenoids. Furthermore, the applications of plasticity engineering for improving monoterpenoids production in microbes are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengwei Lei
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Zetian Qiu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Guang-Rong Zhao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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12
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Goodger JQD, Sargent D, Humphries J, Woodrow IE. Monoterpene synthases responsible for the terpene profile of anther glands in Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker (Myrtaceae). TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 41:849-864. [PMID: 33219374 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Research on terpene biosynthesis in the genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is poorly developed, but recently large numbers of terpene synthase (TPS) genes have been identified. Few of these have been characterized or their expression localized to specific tissues. A prime candidate for detailed examination of TPS gene expression is the bisexual eucalypt flower-composed of male and female reproductive organs, and vegetative tissues that may express different TPS genes. We aimed to characterize and compare the terpene profile and TPS genes expressed in anthers and gynoecia in the high oil-yielding Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker. We hypothesized that gynoecia will produce greater amounts of defensive terpenes, whereas anthers will have a terpene profile that is biased towards a role in pollination. Microscopy of isolated anthers showed them to possess a single, prominent oil gland. Chemical analysis of whole floral structures at different stages of development showed total oil per unit dry mass increased as flower buds expanded, with highest concentrations in mature flower buds just prior to flower opening. The oil profile of gynoecia was dominated by the monoterpene 1,8-cineole, whereas that of isolated anthers were enriched with the monoterpene α-pinene. Through transcriptomic analysis and recombinant protein expression, we were able to identify monoterpene synthases responsible for the different profiles. Synthases for α-pinene and 1,8-cineole were expressed in each tissue type, but the relative expression of the former was higher in anthers. Sequence comparison and site-directed mutagenesis of the α-pinene synthase allowed us to identify amino acids that influence the α-pinene to β-pinene ratio of the product profile. We suggest the terpene constituents of anthers may have multiple roles including attracting pollinators through emission of volatile α-pinene, deterrence of palynivores through emission of volatile 1,8-cineole and adhesion of pollen to pollinators via the release of sticky α-pinene onto the anther surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Q D Goodger
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Demi Sargent
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - John Humphries
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ian E Woodrow
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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13
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Xu J, Peng G, Xu J, Li Y, Tong L, Yang D. Probing of the plasticity of the active site in pinene synthase elucidates its potential evolutionary mechanism. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 181:112573. [PMID: 33142148 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Terpenes form a class of highly diverse natural products. The diversity of terpenes is created by terpene synthases. During the reaction, carbocation intermediates form and their rearrangement could lead to the formation of various products. Terpene synthases determine the final product profile by controlling the conformation of the intermediate or stabilizing the carbocation. Pinene synthase is a monoterpene synthase catalyzing the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) to form pinene. Our study suggests that by mutating the aromatic residue F482 to Ala, Val, Ile and Thr, the enzyme can be converted to sabinene synthase, with more than 90% of its total terpene products becoming sabinene, which indicates the aromaticity of this residue is essential for stabilizing the pinyl carbocation. We also identified a mutation S491A that could cause an about 29% increase in the overall activity of the enzyme without altering its produce selectivity. Molecular dynamic simulation indicates this mutation could decrease the flexibility of the enzyme when it forms a complex with the pinyl carbocation. Our study suggests the active pocket of pinene synthase has a certain level of plasticity, making it relatively easy to change the product selectivity or overall activity. This property could have an important implication in the evolution of terpene synthases and thereby terpene diversity, as by changing a few residues an enzyme could synthesize a completely different terpene product in a significant amount, which allows selection to take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Xu
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Guanzu Peng
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jinkun Xu
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yi Li
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Li Tong
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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14
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Clancy MV, Haberer G, Jud W, Niederbacher B, Niederbacher S, Senft M, Zytynska SE, Weisser WW, Schnitzler JP. Under fire-simultaneous volatilome and transcriptome analysis unravels fine-scale responses of tansy chemotypes to dual herbivore attack. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:551. [PMID: 33297957 PMCID: PMC7724791 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tansy plants (Tanacetum vulgare L.) are known for their high intraspecific chemical variation, especially of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the terpenoid compound group. These VOCs are closely involved in plant-insect interactions and, when profiled, can be used to classify plants into groups known as chemotypes. Tansy chemotypes have been shown to influence plant-aphid interactions, however, to date no information is available on the response of different tansy chemotypes to simultaneous herbivory by more than one insect species. RESULTS Using a multi-cuvette system, we investigated the responses of five tansy chemotypes to feeding by sucking and/or chewing herbivores (aphids and caterpillars; Metopeurum fuscoviride Stroyan and Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval). Herbivory by caterpillars following aphid infestation led to a plant chemotype-specific change in the patterns of terpenoids stored in trichome hairs and in VOC emissions. The transcriptomic analysis of a plant chemotype represents the first de novo assembly of a transcriptome in tansy and demonstrates priming effects of aphids on a subsequent herbivory. Overall, we show that the five chemotypes do not react in the same way to the two herbivores. As expected, we found that caterpillar feeding increased VOC emissions, however, a priori aphid infestation only led to a further increase in VOC emissions for some chemotypes. CONCLUSIONS We were able to show that different chemotypes respond to the double herbivore attack in different ways, and that pre-treatment with aphids had a priming effect on plants when they were subsequently exposed to a chewing herbivore. If neighbouring chemotypes in a field population react differently to herbivory/dual herbivory, this could possibly have effects from the individual level to the group level. Individuals of some chemotypes may respond more efficiently to herbivory stress than others, and in a group environment these "louder" chemotypes may affect the local insect community, including the natural enemies of herbivores, and other neighbouring plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Clancy
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany
- Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology (FARCE Lab), Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Georg Haberer
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Plant Genome and Systems Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Werner Jud
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bishu Niederbacher
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Simon Niederbacher
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Senft
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany
| | - Sharon E Zytynska
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Plant Genome and Systems Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Ecology, University of Liverpool, Evolution and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wolfgang W Weisser
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Schnitzler
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany.
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New frontiers: harnessing pivotal advances in microbial engineering for the biosynthesis of plant-derived terpenoids. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:88-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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Bao T, Shadrack K, Yang S, Xue X, Li S, Wang N, Wang Q, Wang L, Gao X, Cronk Q. Functional Characterization of Terpene Synthases Accounting for the Volatilized-Terpene Heterogeneity in Lathyrus odoratus Cultivar Flowers. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 61:1733-1749. [PMID: 32726442 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) is an ornamental plant with exceptional floral scent, previously used as an experimental organism in the early development of Mendelian genetics. However, its terpene synthases (TPSs), which act as metabolic gatekeepers in the biosynthesis of volatile terpenoids, remain to be characterized. Auto-Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction/Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of floral volatile terpene constituents from seven sweet pea cultivars identified α-bergamotene, linalool, (-)-α-cubebene, geraniol, β-caryophyllene and β-sesquiphellandrene as the dominant compounds. RNA sequencing was performed to profile the transcriptome of L. odoratus flowers. Bioinformatic analysis identified eight TPS genes (acronymed as LoTPS) that were successfully cloned, heterologously expressed and functionally analyzed. LoTPS4 and LoTPS7, belonging to the TPS-b clade, biochemically catalyzed the formation of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. LoTPS3 and LoTPS8, placed in the TPS-a clade, also generated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, while LoTPS12 belonging to the TPS-g clade showed linalool/nerolidol synthase activity. Notably, biochemical assays of the recombinant LoTPS proteins revealed their catalytic promiscuity, and the enzymatic products were basically consistent with major volatile compounds released from sweet pea flowers. The data from our study lay the foundation for the chemical ecology, molecular genetics and biotechnological improvement of sweet pea and other legumes (Fabaceae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Bao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Kimani Shadrack
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Karatina University, Karatina, Kenya
| | - Song Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinxin Xue
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiuyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE and Institute of Genetics & Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Quentin Cronk
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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17
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Srividya N, Lange I, Lange BM. Determinants of Enantiospecificity in Limonene Synthases. Biochemistry 2020; 59:1661-1664. [PMID: 32293167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Monoterpene synthases catalyze the first committed step in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes and are in part responsible for the enormous structural diversity among this class of metabolites. Here, we explore the structure-function relationships underlying the formation of limonene enantiomers in limonene synthases that bind geranyl diphosphate as a common substrate. On the basis of analyses that consider both crystal structure data and amino acid sequence divergence, we identified candidate active site residues with potential roles in catalyzing reactions that involve accommodating reaction intermediates of opposite enantiomeric series. We demonstrate that spearmint (-)-limonene synthase [which generates >99% (-)-limonene over (+)-limonene] can be converted into a mutant enzyme, by exchanging four residues (C321S, N345I, I453V, and M458V), which produces (+)-limonene with reversed enantiospecificity [80% (+)-limonene and 3% (-)-limonene; the remainder are mostly bicyclic monoterpenes]. This study provides the foundation for a more in-depth understanding of the formation of enantiomeric series of monoterpenes, which can have vastly different olfactory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanan Srividya
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340, United States
| | - Iris Lange
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340, United States
| | - B Markus Lange
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M. J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340, United States
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18
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Xu W, Klumbys E, Ang EL, Zhao H. Emerging molecular biology tools and strategies for engineering natural product biosynthesis. Metab Eng Commun 2019; 10:e00108. [PMID: 32547925 PMCID: PMC7283510 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2019.e00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products and their related derivatives play a significant role in drug discovery and have been the inspiration for the design of numerous synthetic bioactive compounds. With recent advances in molecular biology, numerous engineering tools and strategies were established to accelerate natural product synthesis in both academic and industrial settings. However, many obstacles in natural product biosynthesis still exist. For example, the native pathways are not appropriate for research or production; the key enzymes do not have enough activity; the native hosts are not suitable for high-level production. Emerging molecular biology tools and strategies have been developed to not only improve natural product titers but also generate novel bioactive compounds. In this review, we will discuss these emerging molecular biology tools and strategies at three main levels: enzyme level, pathway level, and genome level, and highlight their applications in natural product discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore
| | - Evaldas Klumbys
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore
| | - Ee Lui Ang
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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19
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Genomic characterization of the complete terpene synthase gene family from Cannabis sativa. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222363. [PMID: 31513654 PMCID: PMC6742361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Terpenes are responsible for most or all of the odor and flavor properties of Cannabis sativa, and may also impact effects users experience either directly or indirectly. We report the diversity of terpene profiles across samples bound for the Washington dispensary market. The remarkable degree of variation in terpene profiles ultimately results from action of a family of terpene synthase genes, only some of which have been described. Using a recently available genome assembly we describe 55 terpene synthases with genomic context, and tissue specific expression. The family is quite diverse from a protein similarity perspective, and subsets of the family are expressed in all tissues in the plant, including a set of root specific monoterpene synthases that could well have agronomic importance. Ultimately understanding and breeding for specific terpene profiles will require a good understanding of the gene family that underlies it. We intend for this work to serve as a foundation for that.
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20
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An automated pipeline for the screening of diverse monoterpene synthase libraries. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11936. [PMID: 31417136 PMCID: PMC6695433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoterpenoids are a structurally diverse group of natural products with applications as pharmaceuticals, flavourings, fragrances, pesticides, and biofuels. Recent advances in synthetic biology offer new routes to this chemical diversity through the introduction of heterologous isoprenoid production pathways into engineered microorganisms. Due to the nature of the branched reaction mechanism, monoterpene synthases often produce multiple products when expressed in monoterpenoid production platforms. Rational engineering of terpene synthases is challenging due to a lack of correlation between protein sequence and cyclisation reaction catalysed. Directed evolution offers an attractive alternative protein engineering strategy as limited prior sequence-function knowledge is required. However, directed evolution of terpene synthases is hampered by the lack of a convenient high-throughput screening assay for the detection of multiple volatile terpene products. Here we applied an automated pipeline for the screening of diverse monoterpene synthase libraries, employing robotic liquid handling platforms coupled to GC-MS, and automated data extraction. We used the pipeline to screen pinene synthase variant libraries, with mutations in three areas of plasticity, capable of producing multiple monoterpene products. We successfully identified variants with altered product profiles and demonstrated good agreement between the results of the automated screen and traditional shake-flask cultures. In addition, useful insights into the cyclisation reaction catalysed by pinene synthase were obtained, including the identification of positions with the highest level of plasticity, and the significance of region 2 in carbocation cyclisation. The results obtained will aid the prediction and design of novel terpene synthase activities towards clean monoterpenoid products.
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21
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Leferink NGH, Ranaghan KE, Karuppiah V, Currin A, van der Kamp MW, Mulholland AJ, Scrutton NS. Experiment and Simulation Reveal How Mutations in Functional Plasticity Regions Guide Plant Monoterpene Synthase Product Outcome. ACS Catal 2019; 8:3780-3791. [PMID: 31157124 PMCID: PMC6542672 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.8b00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Monoterpenes (C10 isoprenoids) are a structurally diverse group of natural compounds that are attractive to industry as flavours and fragrances. Monoterpenes are produced from a single linear substrate, geranyl diphosphate, by a group of enzymes called the monoterpene cyclases/synthases (mTC/Ss) that catalyse high-energy cyclisation reactions involving unstable carbocation intermediates. Efforts towards producing monoterpenes via biocatalysis or metabolic engineering often result in the formation of multiple products due to the nature of the highly branched reaction mechanism of mTC/Ss. Rational engineering of mTC/Ss is hampered by the lack of correlation between the active site sequence and cyclisation type. We used available mutagenesis data to show that amino acids involved in product outcome are clustered and spatially conserved within the mTC/S family. Consensus sequences for three such plasticity regions were introduced in different mTC/S with increasingly complex cyclisation cascades, including the model enzyme limonene synthase (LimS). In all three mTC/S studied, mutations in the first two regions mostly give rise to products that result from premature quenching of the linalyl or α-terpinyl cations, suggesting that both plasticity regions are involved in the formation and stabilisation of cations early in the reaction cascade. A LimS variant with mutations in the second region (S454G, C457V, M458I), produced mainly more complex bicyclic products. QM/MM MD simulations reveal that the second cyclisation is not due to compression of the C2-C7 distance in the α-terpinyl cation, but is the result of an increased distance between C8 of the α-terpinyl cation and two putative bases (W324, H579) located on the other side of the active site, preventing early termination by deprotonation. Such insights into the impact of mutations can only be obtained using integrated experimental and computational approaches, and will aid the design of altered mTC/S activities towards clean monoterpenoid products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G. H. Leferink
- Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre for Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Kara E. Ranaghan
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K
| | - Vijaykumar Karuppiah
- Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre for Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Andrew Currin
- Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre for Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Marc W. van der Kamp
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K
| | - Adrian J. Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K
| | - Nigel S. Scrutton
- Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre for Fine and Speciality Chemicals (SYNBIOCHEM), Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
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22
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Xu J, Xu J, Ai Y, Farid RA, Tong L, Yang D. Mutational analysis and dynamic simulation of S-limonene synthase reveal the importance of Y573: Insight into the cyclization mechanism in monoterpene synthases. Arch Biochem Biophys 2017; 638:27-34. [PMID: 29225126 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Monoterpene synthases carry out complex reactions to produce multiple products from a sole substrate, geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP). S-limonene synthase (LS) is a model monoterpene synthase that can be explored to understand the catalytic mechanism of these enzymes. In this study, we have identified an active site tyrosine residue (Y573) is crucial for the enzyme activity and mutational analysis indicates that both the aromatic ring and hydroxyl group are essential for the catalysis. Dynamic simulations found a hydrogen bond between Y573 and D496 and also a significant conformational change in the helical form of the LPP intermediate. Further mutagenesis suggested that this hydrogen bond is essential for catalysis. Sequence analysis suggested Y573 is completely conserved among cyclic monoterpene synthases but variable in acyclic enzymes, indicating this residue may be involved in cyclization. Subsequent studies by using neryl diphosphate (NPP) as the substrate ruled out the possibility that Y573 functions solely at the substrate isomerization step. Therefore, a more complicated role may be played by this residue. We proposed that Y573 may be involved in the earlier steps of the reaction, probably by controlling the conformation of the helical LPP intermediate. Our study provides important insights not only on the catalytic mechanism of LS, but also on the cyclization of monoterpene synthases in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkun Xu
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 China
| | - Jingwei Xu
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 China
| | - Ying Ai
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 China
| | - Roba A Farid
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 China
| | - Li Tong
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 China
| | - Dong Yang
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 China.
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