Transcriptomic Analysis of Kalopanax septemlobus and Characterization of KsBAS, CYP716A94 and CYP72A397 Genes Involved in Hederagenin Saponin Biosynthesis

The emerging role of honeysuckle flower in inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pose considerable challenges in treatment because they are chronic conditions that easily relapse. The occurrence of IBD continues to rise in developing countries. Nonetheless, the existing therapies for IBD have limitations and fail to address the needs of the patients thoroughly. There is an increasing need for new, safe, and highly effective alternative medications for IBD patients. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is employed in drug development and disease management due to its wide-range of biological activities, minimal toxicity, and limited side effects. Extensive research has shown that certain TCM exhibits significant therapeutic benefits for IBD treatments. Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) was used in TCM research and clinical settings for the treatment of IBD. Bioactive metabolites in L. japonica, such as luteolin, quercetin, cyanidin, chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeic acid (CA), and saponin, exhibit significant therapeutic benefits for managing IBD. The honeysuckle flower is a potential candidate in the treatment of IBD due to its anti-inflammatory, immune system-regulating, and antioxidant qualities. This paper reviews the metabolites of the honeysuckle flower as a candidate for the treatment of IBD. It discusses the fundamental mechanism of L. japonica and the potential of its bioactive metabolites in the prevention and treatment of IBD.

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses revealed key cytochrome P450 genes involved in the biosynthesis of oleanane-type saponins in Hedera helix L

Hedera helix L. is a traditional Chinese medicinal and industrial crop commonly used to treat coughs and upper respiratory tract diseases. Additionally, it can be utilized as insecticidal, mosquito repellent and biopesticide. Its primary components are pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins include oleanolic acid, hederagenin, hederacoside C, etc. Currently, cytochrome P450 (CYP450) has been shown to be closely associated with the structural diversification and functional modification of the triterpenoid. However, the research on H. helix is still shallow, especially the functional characterization of CYP450 gene in the stage of modifying pentacyclic triterpenoid skeleton. This study integrated analyzed transcriptome and the accumulation modes of the main metabolites of H. helix and screened six CYP450 candidate genes. RT-qPCR results showed that candidate genes exhibited tissue specificity and inducible expression specificity. Based on in vitro and in vivo validation, both HhCYP716A409 and HhCYP716S11 showed activity of oxidase in β-amyrin C-28, producing oleanolic acid by participating in the C-28 oxidization of β-amyrin. HhCYP72D57, HhCYP72A1140, and HhCYP72A1141 produced hederagenin by participating in the hydroxylation of oleanolic acid C-23. Additionally, HhCYP72D57, HhCYP72A1139, and HhCYP72A1141 were also involved in the hydroxylation of hederagenin C-16 to produce 16-OH hederagenin. This study confirms the pivotal roles of CYP716 and CYP72 families in oleanane-type triterpenoid biosynthesis and establishes a method to efficiently produce hederacoside C and derivatives, providing a genetic toolkit for metabolic engineering of H. helix to scale saponin production for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or synthetic biology-driven design of novel triterpenoid biopesticides.

Discovery and functional characterization of two novel glycosyltransferases associated with the biosynthesis of α-hederin in Dipsacus asperoides

Triterpenoid saponins are crucial natural products widely distributed in various medicinal plants, with Dipsacus asperoides being particularly rich in these compounds. However, the glycosyltransferases responsible for the biosynthesis of α-hederin, one of the primary bioactive secondary metabolites in D. asperoides, have not been elucidated. In this study, transcriptomic and compound analyses revealed 359 differentially expressed genes associated with secondary metabolism, with 271 involved in triterpenoid saponin glycosylation. Through correlation analysis, 71 candidate glycosyltransferases were identified, and two novel glycosyltransferases were functionally characterized. It was shown that DaUGT121 catalyzes the conversion of hederagenin into cauloside A, while DaUGT103 acts as a cauloside A 1,2-rhamnosyltransferase transforming cauloside A into α-hederin. These findings illuminate the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in D. asperoides, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms and offering novel tools for synthesizing natural products with diverse sugar moieties.

Comprehensive profiling of phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins from Acanthopanax senticosus and their antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activities

Acanthopanax senticosus belongs to Araliaceae family and is traditionally used as a tonic. The roots and stems are mainly used as treatments for hypodynamia, rheumatism, and hypertension, but their frequent use may lead to extinction. However, comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of the remaining parts were still limited. There is a need to reorganize them for standardization of functional foods. In this study, 50 phenolic compounds and 82 triterpenoid saponins from the shoots, leaves, fruits, and stems of were characterized using UPLC-QTOF-MS and UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS. Among them, 52 compounds were newly determined as the cis and malonyl-bound phenolic acids and were found to be structural isomers of Acanthopanax flavonoids and saponins. All compounds were absolutely/relatively quantified, and shoots had the highest content. Peroxynitrite and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were performed, followed by evaluation of structure-activity relationships. Particularly, hederasaponin B and ciwujianoside B showed remarkable efficacy, which were affected by the C-23 hydroxylation, the C-20(29) double bond, and the presence of rhamnose. These detailed profiling can be used as fundamental data for increasing the utilization of A. senticosus and developing them into functional foods.

Genome-Wide Identification of the CYP716 Gene Family in Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. and Its Role in the Regulation of Triterpenoid Saponin Biosynthesis

The main type of saponins occurring in the root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. are oleanolic acid glycosides. The CYP716 gene family plays a major role in catalyzing the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. However, studies on the CYP716 genes in P. grandiflorus are limited, and its evolutionary history remains poorly understood. In this study, 22 PgCYP716 genes were identified, distributed among seven subfamilies. Cis-acting elements of the PgCYP716 promoters were mainly involved in plant hormone regulation and responses to abiotic stresses. PgCYP716A264, PgCYP716A391, PgCYP716A291, and PgCYP716BWv3 genes were upregulated in the root and during saponin accumulation, as shown by RNA-seq analysis, suggesting that these four genes play an important role in saponin synthesis. The results of subcellular localization indicated that these four genes encoded membrane proteins. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of these four genes was proved in the yeast, which catalyzed the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. We found that the content of β-amyrin, platycodin D, platycoside E, platycodin D3, and total saponins increased significantly when either of the four genes was over expressed in the transgenic hair root. In addition, the expression of PgSS, PgGPPS2, PgHMGS, and PgSE was also upregulated while these four genes were overexpressed. These data support that these four PgCYP716 enzymes oxidize β-amyrin to produce oleanolic acid, ultimately promoting saponin accumulation by activating the expression of upstream pathway genes. Our results enhanced the understanding of the functional variation among the PgCYP716 gene family involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis and provided a theoretical foundation for improving saponin content and enriching the saponin biosynthetic pathway in P. grandiflorus.

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis identifies candidate genes involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in leaves of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a well-known medicinal plant which has multiple pharmacological properties. Notably, the leaves of C. asiatica contain large amounts of triterpenoid saponins. However, there have only been a few studies systematically elucidating the metabolic dynamics and transcriptional differences regarding triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis during the leaf development stages of C. asiatica. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome to reveal the dynamic patterns of triterpenoid saponin accumulation and identified the key candidate genes associated with their biosynthesis in C. asiatica leaves. In this study, we found that the key precursors in the synthesis of terpenoids, including DMAPP, IPP and β-amyrin, as well as 22 triterpenes and eight triterpenoid saponins were considered as differentially accumulated metabolites. The concentrations of DMAPP, IPP and β-amyrin showed significant increases during the entire stage of leaf development. The levels of 12 triterpenes decreased only during the later stages of leaf development, but five triterpenoid saponins rapidly accumulated at the early stages, and later decreased to a constant level. Furthermore, 48 genes involved in the MVA, MEP and 2, 3-oxidosqualene biosynthetic pathways were selected following gene annotation. Then, 17 CYP450s and 26 UGTs, which are respectively responsible for backbone modifications, were used for phylogenetic-tree construction and time-specific expression analysis. From these data, by integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses, we identified CaHDR1 and CaIDI2 as the candidate genes associated with DMAPP and IPP synthesis, respectively, and CaβAS1 as the one regulating β-amyrin synthesis. Two genes from the CYP716 family were confirmed as CaCYP716A83 and CaCYP716C11. We also selected two UGT73 families as candidate genes, associated with glycosylation of the terpenoid backbone at C-3 in C. asiatica. These findings will pave the way for further research on the molecular mechanisms associated with triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in C. asiatica.

Combinatorial optimization and spatial remodeling of CYPs to control product profile

Activating inert substrates is a challenge in nature and synthetic chemistry, but essential for creating functionally active molecules. In this work, we used a combinatorial optimization approach to assemble cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) and reductases (CPRs) to achieve a target product profile. By creating 110 CYP-CPR pairs and iteratively screening different pairing libraries, we demonstrated a framework for establishing a CYP network that catalyzes six oxidation reactions at three different positions of a chemical scaffold. Target product titer was improved by remodeling endoplasmic reticulum (ER) size and spatially controlling the CYPs' configuration on the ER. Out of 47 potential products that could be synthesized, 86% of the products synthesized by the optimized network was our target compound quillaic acid (QA), the aglycone backbone of many pharmaceutically important saponins, and fermentation achieved QA titer 2.23 g/L.

Endophyte-inoculated rhizomes of Paris polyphylla improve polyphyllin biosynthesis and yield: a transcriptomic analysis of the underlying mechanism

Introduction

Polyphyllin from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. However, the current production of polyphyllin can barely meet market demand. To improve the content of polyphyllin produced by P. polyphylla, two endophyte strains, Bacillus cereus LgD2 and Fusarium oxysporum TPB, were isolated from Paris fargesii Franch. and inoculated in the roots of P. polyphylla. Both symbiotic strains significantly promoted the accumulation of saponins in P. polyphylla.

Methods

The content of polyphyllin in rhizomes of P. polyphylla treated with TPB with LgD2 strain was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography and the expressed genes were analyzed by RNA-seq. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes annotations were performed on the differentially expressed genes, a clustering tree of UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene families was constructed, and UGT and CYP450 involved in the biosynthesis of polyphyllin were predicted using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA).

Results

RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses showed that endophytic inoculation did not promote polyphyllin accumulation by enhancing the upstream terpene biosynthesis pathway, but probably by up-regulating the downstream CYP450 and UGT genes associated with polyphyllin biosynthesis. Genomes enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes indicated that inoculation with LgD2 and TPB played a positive role in promoting the defense against pathogenic bacteria, enhancing the biosynthesis of carbohydrates, attenuating the process of nitrogen metabolism, and maintaining the equilibrium of the redox reaction homeostasis, potentially indirectly enhancing the polyphyllin yield of P. polyphylla. By combining differentially expressed genes screening, WGCNA, and phylogenetic tree analyses, 17 CYP450 and 2 UGT candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of polyphyllin I, polyphyllin II, polyphyllin VII, polyphyllin D, and polyphyllin H were identified. These results suggest that endophytes probably effectively promote the accumulation of polyphyllin by regulating key downstream genes in biosynthetic pathways.

Discussion

This study provides a new approach for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of endophytes that promote the production and accumulation of polyphyllin in P. polyphylla, providing a basis for further elucidating the mechanisms of plant-endophyte interactions.

Natural products of pentacyclic triterpenoids: from discovery to heterologous biosynthesis

Covering: up to 2022Pentacyclic triterpenoids are important natural bioactive substances that are widely present in plants and fungi. They have significant medicinal efficacy, play an important role in reducing blood glucose and protecting the liver, and have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, anti-viral, and anti-cancer activities. Pentacyclic triterpenoids are derived from the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, which generates common precursors of triterpenes and steroids, followed by cyclization with oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and decoration via cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) and glycosyltransferases (GTs). Many biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoid saponins have been elucidated by studying their metabolic regulation network through the use of multiomics and identifying their functional genes. Unfortunately, natural resources of pentacyclic triterpenoids are limited due to their low content in plant tissues and the long growth cycle of plants. Based on the understanding of their biosynthetic pathway and transcriptional regulation, plant bioreactors and microbial cell factories are emerging as alternative means for the synthesis of desired triterpenoid saponins. The rapid development of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and fermentation technology has broadened channels for the accumulation of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins. In this review, we summarize the classification, distribution, structural characteristics, and bioactivity of pentacyclic triterpenoids. We further discuss the biosynthetic pathways of pentacyclic triterpenoids and involved transcriptional regulation. Moreover, the recent progress and characteristics of heterologous biosynthesis in plants and microbial cell factories are discussed comparatively. Finally, we propose potential strategies to improve the accumulation of triterpenoid saponins, thereby providing a guide for their future biomanufacturing.

Hydroxylases involved in terpenoid biosynthesis: a review

Terpenoids are pervasive in nature and display an immense structural diversity. As the largest category of plant secondary metabolites, terpenoids have important socioeconomic value in the fields of pharmaceuticals, spices, and food manufacturing. The biosynthesis of terpenoid skeletons has made great progress, but the subsequent modifications of the terpenoid framework are poorly understood, especially for the functionalization of inert carbon skeleton usually catalyzed by hydroxylases. Hydroxylase is a class of enzymes that plays an important role in the modification of terpenoid backbone. This review article outlines the research progress in the identification, molecular modification, and functional expression of this class of enzymes in the past decade, which are profitable for the discovery, engineering, and application of more hydroxylases involved in the plant secondary metabolism.

Whole-genome Duplication Reshaped Adaptive Evolution in A Relict Plant Species, Cyclocarya paliurus

Cyclocarya paliurus is a relict plant species that survived the last glacial period and shows a population expansion recently. Its leaves have been traditionally used to treat obesity and diabetes with the well-known active ingredient cyclocaric acid B. Here, we presented three C. paliurus genomes from two diploids with different flower morphs and one haplotype-resolved tetraploid assembly. Comparative genomic analysis revealed two rounds of recent whole-genome duplication events and identified 691 genes with dosage effects that likely contribute to adaptive evolution through enhanced photosynthesis and increased accumulation of triterpenoids. Resequencing analysis of 45 C. paliurus individuals uncovered two bottlenecks, consistent with the known events of environmental changes, and many selectively swept genes involved in critical biological functions, including plant defense and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. We also proposed the biosynthesis pathway of cyclocaric acid B based on multi-omics data and identified key genes, in particular gibberellin-related genes, associated with the heterodichogamy in C. paliurus species. Our study sheds light on evolutionary history of C. paliurus and provides genomic resources to study the medicinal herbs.

Full-length transcriptome, proteomics and metabolite analysis reveal candidate genes involved triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in Dipsacus asperoides

Dipsacus asperoides is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in inflammation and fracture in Asia. Triterpenoid saponins from D. asperoides are the main composition with pharmacological activity. However, the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins has not been completely resolved in D. asperoides. Here, the types and contents of triterpenoid saponins were discovered with different distributions in five tissues (root, leaf, flower, stem, and fibrous root tissue) from D. asperoides by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. The discrepancy between five tissues in D. asperoides at the transcriptional level was studied by combining single-molecule real-time sequencing and next- generation sequencing. Meanwhile, key genes involved in the biosynthesis of saponin were further verified by proteomics. In MEP and MVA pathways, 48 differentially expressed genes were identified through co-expression analysis of transcriptome and saponin contents, including two isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase and two 2,3-oxidosqualene β-amyrin cyclase, etc. In the analysis of WGCNA, 6 cytochrome P450s and 24 UDP- glycosyltransferases related to the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins were discovered with high transcriptome expression. This study will provide profound insights to demonstrate essential genes in the biosynthesis pathway of saponins in D. asperoides and support for the biosynthetic of natural active ingredients in the future.

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase-mediated tailoring of triterpenoids and steroids in plants

The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) superfamily comprises hemethiolate enzymes that perform remarkable regio- and stereospecific oxidative chemistry. As such, CYPs are key agents for the structural and functional tailoring of triterpenoids, one of the largest classes of plant natural products with widespread applications in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agricultural industries. In this review, we provide a full overview of 149 functionally characterised CYPs involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoids and steroids in primary as well as in specialised metabolism. We describe the phylogenetic distribution of triterpenoid- and steroid-modifying CYPs across the plant CYPome, present a structure-based summary of their reactions, and highlight recent examples of particular interest to the field. Our review therefore provides a comprehensive up-to-date picture of CYPs involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoids and steroids in plants as a starting point for future research.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanism of Triterpenoid Saponin Biosynthesis in Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.)

Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) pericarps are rich in valuable bioactive triterpenoid saponins. However, the saponin content dynamics and the molecular regulatory network of saponin biosynthesis in soapberry pericarps remain largely unclear. Here, we performed combined metabolite profiling and transcriptome analysis to identify saponin accumulation kinetic patterns, investigate gene networks, and characterize key candidate genes and transcription factors (TFs) involved in saponin biosynthesis in soapberry pericarps. A total of 54 saponins were tentatively identified, including 25 that were differentially accumulated. Furthermore, 49 genes putatively involved in sapogenin backbone biosynthesis and some candidate genes assumed to be responsible for the backbone modification, including 41 cytochrome P450s and 45 glycosyltransferases, were identified. Saponin-specific clusters/modules were identified by Mfuzz clustering and weighted gene coexpression network analysis, and one TF-gene regulatory network underlying saponin biosynthesis was proposed. The results of yeast one-hybrid assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that SmbHLH2, SmTCP4, and SmWRKY27 may play important roles in the triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis by directly regulating the transcription of SmCYP71D-3 in the soapberry pericarp. Overall, these findings provide valuable information for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of saponin biosynthesis, enriching the gene resources, and guiding further research on triterpenoid saponin accumulation in soapberry pericarps.

Engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for the production of plant triterpenoids: Asiatic, madecassic, and arjunolic acids

Several plant triterpenoids have valuable pharmaceutical properties, but their production and usage is limited since extraction from plants can burden natural resources, and result in low yields and purity. Here, we engineered oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce three valuable plant triterpenoids (asiatic, madecassic, and arjunolic acids) by fermentation. First, we established the recombinant production of precursors, ursolic and oleanolic acids, by expressing plant enzymes in free or fused versions in a Y. lipolytica strain previously optimized for squalene production. Engineered strains produced up to 11.6 mg/g DCW ursolic acid or 10.2 mg/g DCW oleanolic acid. The biosynthetic pathway from ursolic acid was extended by expressing the Centella asiatica cytochrome P450 monoxygenases CaCYP716C11p, CaCYP714E19p, and CaCYP716E41p, resulting in the production of trace amounts of asiatic acid and 0.12 mg/g DCW madecassic acid. Expressing the same C. asiatica cytochromes P450 in oleanolic acid-producing strain resulted in the production of oleanane triterpenoids. Expression of CaCYP716C11p in the oleanolic acid-producing strain yielded 8.9 mg/g DCW maslinic acid. Further expression of a codon-optimized CaCYP714E19p resulted in 4.4 mg/g DCW arjunolic acid. Lastly, arjunolic acid production was increased to 9.1 mg/g DCW by swapping the N-terminal domain of CaCYP714E19p with the N-terminal domain from a Kalopanax septemlobus cytochrome P450. In summary, we have demonstrated the production of asiatic, madecassic, and arjunolic acids in a microbial cell factory. The strains and fermentation processes need to be further improved before the production of these molecules by fermentation can be industrialized.

Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase/Cytochrome P450 Reductase Bi-Enzymatic System Isolated From Ilex asprella for Regio-Specific Oxidation of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids

Ilex asprella is a plant from Aquifoliaceae. Its root is commonly used as folk medicinal materials in southern China. The chemical compositions of I. asprella are rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids, which show various biological activities and demonstrate a good prospect for drug development. The elucidation of biosynthesis mechanism of triterpenoids in I. asprella could lay important foundations for the production of these precious plant secondary metabolites by metabolic engineering. Our previous studies have revealed IaAO1 (a CYP716A210 homolog) responsible for the C-28 oxidation of α- and β-amyrin. Herein, we reported the identification of three more cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes IaAO2 (a CYP716A212 homolog), IaAO4 (CYP714E88), IaAO5 (CYP93A220), and a cytochrome P450 reductase gene IaCPR by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae eukaryotic expression system and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among them, the protein encoded by IaAO2 can catalyze the C-28 oxidation of α-amyrin and β-amyrin, IaAO4 can catalyze the C-23 oxidation of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, while IaAO5 is responsible for the C-24 oxidation of β-amyrin. By introducing three genes IaAO1, IaAO4 and IaCPR into S. cerevisiae. We constructed an engineered yeast strain that can produce C-23 hydroxyl ursane-type triterpenoid derivatives. This study contributes to a thorough understanding of triterpenoid biosynthesis of medicinal plants and provides important tools for further metabolic engineering.

Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Changes Triggered by Inflorescence Removal in Panax notoginseng (Burk.)

The root of Panax notoginseng (Burk.), in which saponins are the major active components, is a famous traditional Chinese medicine used to stop bleeding and to decrease inflammation and heart disease. Inflorescence removal increases the yield and quality of P. notoginseng, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, the differences between inflorescence-removal treatment and control groups of P. notoginseng were compared using transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses. Illumina sequencing of cDNA libraries prepared from the rhizomes, leaves and roots of the two groups independently identified 6,464, 4,584, and 7,220 differentially expressed genes (DEG), respectively. In total, 345 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs), including MYB and WRKY family members, were induced by the inflorescence-removal treatment. Additionally, 215 DEGs involved in saponin terpenoid backbone biosynthetic pathways were identified. Most genes involved in the mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways were activated by inflorescence removal. The co-expression analysis showed that the low expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes (e.g., C4H and F3H) decreased the biosynthesis and accumulation of some flavonoids after inflorescence removal. The results not only provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying the poorly studied inflorescence-removal process in P. notoginseng and other rhizome crops, but they also represent an important resource for future research on gene functions during inflorescence-removal treatments and the reproductive stage.

Diverse triterpene skeletons are derived from the expansion and divergent evolution of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases in plants

Triterpenoids are one of the largest groups of secondary metabolites and exhibit diverse structures, which are derived from C30 skeletons that are biosynthesized via the isoprenoid pathway by cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene. Triterpenoids have a wide range of biological activities, and are used in functional foods, drugs, and as industrial materials. Due to the low content levels in their native plants and limited feasibility and efficiency of chemical synthesis, heterologous biosynthesis of triterpenoids is the most promising strategy. Herein, we classified 121 triterpene alcohols/ketones according to their conformation and ring numbers, among which 51 skeletons have been experimentally characterized as the products of oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs). Interestingly, 24 skeletons that have not been reported from nature source were generated by OSCs in heterologous expression. Comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the identified 152 OSCs from 75 species in 25 plant orders show that several pentacyclic triterpene synthases repeatedly originated in multiple plant lineages. Comparative analysis of OSC catalytic reaction revealed that stabilization of intermediate cations, steric hindrance, and conformation of active center amino acid residues are primary factors affecting triterpene formation. Optimization of OSC could be achieved by changing of side-chain orientations of key residues. Recently, methods, such as rationally design of pathways, regulation of metabolic flow, compartmentalization engineering, etc., were introduced in improving chassis for the biosynthesis of triterpenoids. We expect that extensive study of natural variation of large number of OSCs and catalytical mechanism will provide basis for production of high level of triterpenoids by application of synthetic biology strategies.

De Novo Biosynthesis of the Oleanane-Type Triterpenoids of Tunicosaponins in Yeast

Tunicosaponins are natural products extracted from Psammosilene tunicoides, which is an important ingredient of Yunnan Baiyao Powder, an ancient and famous Asian herbal medicine. The representative aglycones of tunicosaponins are the oleanane-type triterpenoids of gypsogenin and quillaic acid, which were found to manipulate a broad range of virus-host fusion via wrapping the heptad repeat-2 (HR2) domain prevalent in viral envelopes. However, the unknown biosynthetic pathway and difficulty in chemical synthesis hinder the therapeutic use of tunicosaponins. Here, two novel cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases that take part in the biosynthesis of tunicosaponins, CYP716A262 (CYP091) and CYP72A567 (CYP099), were identified from P. tunicoides. In addition, the whole biosynthesis pathway of the tunicosaponin aglycones was reconstituted in yeast by transforming the platform strain BY-bAS with the CYP716A262 and CYP716A567 genes, the resulting strain could produce 146.84 and 314.01 mg/L of gypsogenin and quillaic acid, respectively. This synthetic biology platform for complicated metabolic pathways elucidation and microbial cell factories construction can provide alternative sources of important natural products, helping conserve natural plant resources.

A link between chemical structure and biological activity in triterpenoids

BACKGROUND

Plants with triterpenoid compounds in nature have various biological activities and are reported in many scientific works of literature. Triterpenoids are compounds that draw the attention of scientists because of their wide source, wide variety, high medicinal value, and anti-tumor properties. However, a lack of approach to understand their chemical structures has limited the fundamental comprehension of these compounds in cancer cell therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To seek anti-cancer activity of the structures of triterpenoid compounds and their derivatives, we summarized a number of plants and their derivatives that are a source of potential novel therapeutic anti-cancer agents.

METHODS

This work focuses on relevant 1036 patents and references that detail the structure of organic compounds and derivatives for the treatment of tumors.

RESULT

Compared to tetracyclic triterpenoid, pentacyclic triterpenoid has contributed more to improve the autophagic signaling pathways of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The heterogenous skeleton structure of triterpenoids impaired the programmed cell death signaling pathway in various cancers.

Endophytes, biotransforming microorganisms, and engineering microbial factories for triterpenoid saponins production

Triterpenoid saponins are structurally diverse secondary metabolites. They are the main active ingredient of many medicinal plants and have a wide range of pharmacological effects. Traditional production of triterpenoid saponins, directly extracted from cultivated plants, cannot meet the rapidly growing demand of pharmaceutical industry. Microorganisms with triterpenoid saponins production ability (especially Agrobacterium genus) and biotransformation ability, such as fungal species in Armillaria and Aspergillus genera and bacterial species in Bacillus and Intestinal microflora, represent a valuable source of active metabolites. With the development of synthetic biology, engineering microorganisms acquired more potential in terms of triterpenoid saponins production. This review focusses on potential mechanisms and the high yield strategies of microorganisms with inherent production or biotransformation ability of triterpenoid saponins. Advances in the engineering of microorganisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica, and Escherichia coli, for the biosynthesis triterpenoid saponins de novo have also been reported. Strategies to increase the yield of triterpenoid saponins in engineering microorganisms are summarized following four aspects, that is, introduction of high efficient gene, optimization of enzyme activity, enhancement of metabolic flux to target compounds, and optimization of fermentation conditions. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions for improving the yield of triterpenoid saponins biosynthesis in engineering microorganisms are discussed.

Recent advances in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Isoprenoids, as the largest group of chemicals in the domains of life, constitute more than 50,000 members. These compounds consist of different numbers of isoprene units (C₅H₈), by which they are typically classified into hemiterpenoids (C5), monoterpenoids (C10), sesquiterpenoids (C15), diterpenoids (C20), triterpenoids (C30), and tetraterpenoids (C40). In recent years, isoprenoids have been employed as food additives, in the pharmaceutical industry, as advanced biofuels, and so on. To realize the sufficient and efficient production of valuable isoprenoids on an industrial scale, fermentation using engineered microorganisms is a promising strategy compared to traditional plant extraction and chemical synthesis. Due to the advantages of mature genetic manipulation, robustness and applicability to industrial bioprocesses, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has become an attractive microbial host for biochemical production, including that of various isoprenoids. In this review, we summarized the advances in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in engineered S. cerevisiae over several decades, including synthetic pathway engineering, microbial host engineering, and central carbon pathway engineering. Furthermore, the challenges and corresponding strategies towards improving isoprenoid production in engineered S. cerevisiae were also summarized. Finally, suggestions and directions for isoprenoid production in engineered S. cerevisiae in the future are discussed.

Advances in biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in medicinal plants

In recent years, biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in medicinal plants has been widely studied because of their active ingredients with diverse pharmacological activities. Various oxidosqualene cyclases, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases, and transcription factors related to triterpenoid saponins biosynthesis have been explored and identified. In the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins, the progress of gene mining by omics-based sequencing, gene screening, gene function verification, catalyzing mechanism of key enzymes and gene regulation are summarized and discussed. By the progress of the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins, the large-scale production of some triterpenoid saponins and aglycones has been achieved through plant tissue culture, transgenic plants and engineered yeast cells. However, the complex biosynthetic pathway and structural diversity limit the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in different system. Special focus can further be placed on the systematic botany information of medicinal plants obtained from omics large dataset, and triterpenoid saponins produced by synthetic biology strategies, gene mutations and gene editing technology.

Identification and analysis of CYP450 and UGT supergene family members from the transcriptome of Aralia elata (Miq.) seem reveal candidate genes for triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) gene superfamily have been shown to play essential roles in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis. However, the systematic identification of CYP450s and UGTs has not been reported in Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem, a highly valued medicinal plant.

RESULTS

In the present study, we conducted the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the leaves, stems, and roots of A. elata, yielding 66,713 total unigenes. Following annotation and KEGG pathway analysis, we were able to identify 64 unigenes related to triterpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, 254 CYP450s and 122 UGTs, respectively. A total of 150 CYP450s and 92 UGTs encoding > 300 amino acid proteins were utilized for phylogenetic and tissue-specific expression analyses. This allowed us to cluster 150 CYP450s into 9 clans and 40 families, and then these CYP450 proteins were further grouped into two primary branches: A-type (53%) and non-A-type (47%). A phylogenetic analysis of 92 UGTs and other plant UGTs led to clustering into 16 groups (A-P). We further assessed the expression patterns of these CYP450 and UGT genes across A. elata tissues, with 23 CYP450 and 16 UGT members being selected for qRT-PCR validation, respectively. From these data, we identified CYP716A295 and CYP716A296 as the candidate genes most likely to be associated with oleanolic acid synthesis, while CYP72A763 and CYP72A776 were identified as being the most likely to play roles in hederagenin biosynthesis. We also selected five unigenes as the best candidates for oleanolic acid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. Finally, we assessed the subcellular localization of three CYP450 proteins within Arabidopsis protoplasts, highlighting the fact that they localize to the endoplasmic reticulum.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a systematic analysis of the CYP450 and UGT gene family in A. elata and provides a foundation for further functional characterization of these two multigene families.

Allylic hydroxylation of triterpenoids by a plant cytochrome P450 triggers key chemical transformations that produce a variety of bitter compounds

Cucurbitacins are highly oxygenated triterpenoids characteristic of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae and responsible for the bitter taste of these plants. Fruits of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) contain various cucurbitacins possessing an unusual ether bridge between C5 and C19, not observed in other Cucurbitaceae members. Using a combination of next-generation sequencing and RNA-Seq analysis and gene-to-gene co-expression analysis with the ConfeitoGUIplus software, we identified three P450 genes, CYP81AQ19, CYP88L7, and CYP88L8, expected to be involved in cucurbitacin biosynthesis. CYP81AQ19 co-expression with cucurbitadienol synthase in yeast resulted in the production of cucurbita-5,24-diene-3β,23α-diol. A mild acid treatment of this compound resulted in an isomerization of the C23-OH group to C25-OH with the concomitant migration of a double bond, suggesting that a nonenzymatic transformation may account for the observed C25-OH in the majority of cucurbitacins found in plants. The functional expression of CYP88L7 resulted in the production of hydroxylated C19 as well as C5-C19 ether-bridged products. A plausible mechanism for the formation of the C5-C19 ether bridge involves C7 and C19 hydroxylations, indicating a multifunctional nature of this P450. On the other hand, functional CYP88L8 expression gave a single product, a triterpene diol, indicating a monofunctional P450 catalyzing the C7 hydroxylation. Our findings of the roles of several plant P450s in cucurbitacin biosynthesis reveal that an allylic hydroxylation is a key enzymatic transformation that triggers subsequent processes to produce structurally diverse products.

Molecular Basis of C-30 Product Regioselectivity of Legume Oxidases Involved in High-Value Triterpenoid Biosynthesis

The triterpenes are structurally diverse group of specialized metabolites with important roles in plant defense and human health. Glycyrrhizin, with a carboxyl group at C-30 of its aglycone moiety, is a valuable triterpene glycoside, the production of which is restricted to legume medicinal plants belonging to the Glycyrrhiza species. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are important for generating triterpene chemodiversity by catalyzing site-specific oxidation of the triterpene scaffold. CYP72A154 was previously identified from the glycyrrhizin-producing plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis as a C-30 oxidase in glycyrrhizin biosynthesis, but its regioselectivity is rather low. In contrast, CYP72A63 from Medicago truncatula showed superior regioselectivity in C-30 oxidation, improving the production of glycyrrhizin aglycone in engineered yeast. The underlying molecular basis of C-30 product regioselectivity is not well understood. Here, we identified two amino acid residues that control C-30 product regioselectivity and contribute to the chemodiversity of triterpenes accumulated in legumes. Amino acid sequence comparison combined with structural analysis of the protein model identified Leu149 and Leu398 as important amino acid residues for C-30 product regioselectivity. These results were further confirmed by mutagenesis of CYP72A154 homologs from glycyrrhizin-producing species, functional phylogenomics analyses, and comparison of corresponding residues of C-30 oxidase homologs in other legumes. These findings could be combined with metabolic engineering to further enhance the production of high-value triterpene compounds.

Metabolomes and transcriptomes revealed the saponin distribution in root tissues of Panax quinquefolius and Panax notoginseng

Background

Panax quinquefolius and Panax notoginseng are widely used and well known for their pharmacological effects. As main pharmacological components, saponins have different distribution patterns in the root tissues of Panax plants.

Methods

In this study, the representative ginsenosides were detected and quantified by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis to demonstrate saponin distribution in the root tissues of P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng, and saponin metabolite profiles were analyzed by metabolomes to obtain the biomarkers of different root tissues. Finally, the transcriptome analysis was performed to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of saponin distribution by gene profiles.

Results

There was saponin distribution in the root tissues differed between P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng. Eight-eight and 24 potential biomarkers were detected by metabolome analysis, and a total of 340 and 122 transcripts involved in saponin synthesis that were positively correlated with the saponin contents (R > 0.6, P < 0.05) in the root tissues of P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng, respectively. Among them, GDPS1, CYP51, CYP64, and UGT11 were significantly correlated with the contents of Rg1, Re, Rc, Rb2, and Rd in P. quinquefolius. UGT255 was markedly related to the content of R1; CYP74, CYP89, CYP100, CYP103, CYP109, and UGT190 were markedly correlated with the Rd content in P. notoginseng.

Conclusions

These results provided the visual and quantitative profiles of and confirmed the pivotal transcripts of CYPs and UGTs regulating the saponin distribution in the root tissues of P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng.

The cytochrome P450 CYP72A552 is key to production of hederagenin-based saponins that mediate plant defense against herbivores

Plants continuously evolve new defense compounds. One class of such compounds is triterpenoid saponins. A few species in the Barbarea genus produce saponins as the only ones in the large crucifer family. However, the molecular mechanism behind saponin biosynthesis and their role in plant defense remains unclear. We used pathway reconstitution in planta, enzymatic production of saponins in vitro, insect feeding assays, and bioinformatics to identify a missing gene involved in saponin biosynthesis and saponin-based herbivore defense. A tandem repeat of eight CYP72A cytochromes P450 colocalise with a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for saponin accumulation and flea beetle resistance in Barbarea vulgaris. We found that CYP72A552 oxidises oleanolic acid at position C-23 to hederagenin. In vitro-produced hederagenin monoglucosides reduced larval feeding by up to 90% and caused 75% larval mortality of the major crucifer pest diamondback moth and the tobacco hornworm. Sequence analysis indicated that CYP72A552 evolved through gene duplication and has been under strong selection pressure. In conclusion, CYP72A552 has evolved to catalyse the formation of hederagenin-based saponins that mediate plant defense against herbivores. Our study highlights the evolution of chemical novelties by gene duplication and selection for enzyme innovations, and the importance of chemical modification in plant defense evolution.

Oxidosqualene cyclase and CYP716 enzymes contribute to triterpene structural diversity in the medicinal tree banaba

Pentacyclic triterpenes (PCTs) represent a major class of bioactive metabolites in banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) leaves; however, biosynthetic enzymes and their involvement in the temporal accumulation of PCTs remain to be studied. We use an integrated approach involving transcriptomics, metabolomics and gene function analysis to identify oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) that catalyzed sequential cyclization and oxidative reactions towards PCT scaffold diversification. Four monofunctional OSCs (LsOSC1,3-5) converted the triterpene precursor 2,3-oxidosqualene to either lupeol, β-amyrin or cycloartenol, and a multifunctional LsOSC2 formed α-amyrin as a major product along with β-amyrin. Two CYP716 family P450s (CYP716A265, CYP716A266) catalyzed C-28 oxidation of α-amyrin, β-amyrin and lupeol to form ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and betulinic acid, respectively. However, CYP716C55 catalyzed C-2α hydroxylation of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid to produce corosolic acid and maslinic acid, respectively. Besides, combined transcript and metabolite analysis suggested major roles for the LsOSC2, CYP716A265 and CYP716C55 in determining leaf ursane and oleanane profiles. Combinatorial expression of OSCs and CYP716s in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana benthamiana led to PCT pathway reconstruction, signifying the utility of banaba enzymes for bioactive PCT production in alternate plant/microbial hosts that are more easily tractable than the tree species.

Towards take-all control: a C-21β oxidase required for acylation of triterpene defence compounds in oat

Oats produce avenacins, antifungal triterpenes that are synthesized in the roots and provide protection against take-all and other soilborne diseases. Avenacins are acylated at the carbon-21 position of the triterpene scaffold, a modification critical for antifungal activity. We have previously characterized several steps in the avenacin pathway, including those required for acylation. However, transfer of the acyl group to the scaffold requires the C-21β position to be oxidized first, by an as yet uncharacterized enzyme. We mined oat transcriptome data to identify candidate cytochrome P450 enzymes that may catalyse C-21β oxidation. Candidates were screened for activity by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. We identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme AsCYP72A475 as a triterpene C-21β hydroxylase, and showed that expression of this enzyme together with early pathway steps yields C-21β oxidized avenacin intermediates. We further demonstrate that AsCYP72A475 is synonymous with Sad6, a previously uncharacterized locus required for avenacin biosynthesis. sad6 mutants are compromised in avenacin acylation and have enhanced disease susceptibility. The discovery of AsCYP72A475 represents an important advance in the understanding of triterpene biosynthesis and paves the way for engineering the avenacin pathway into wheat and other cereals for control of take-all and other diseases.

Transcriptome Analysis of Oleoresin-Producing Tree Sindora Glabra and Characterization of Sesquiterpene Synthases

Terpenes serve important physiological and ecological functions in plants. Sindora glabra trees accumulate copious amounts of sesquiterpene-rich oleoresin in the stem. A transcriptome approach was used to determine the unique terpene biosynthesis pathway and to explore the different regulatory mechanisms responsible for the variation of terpene content among individuals. Analysis of de novo-assembled contigs revealed a complete set of genes for terpene biosynthesis. A total of 23,261 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were discovered between high and low oil-yielding plants. DEG enrichment analysis suggested that the terpene biosynthesis process and the plant hormone signal transduction pathway may exert a major role in determining terpene variation in S. glabra. The expression patterns of candidate genes were further verified by quantitative RT-PCR experiments. Key genes involved in the terpene biosynthesis pathway were predominantly expressed in phloem and root tissues. Phylogenetic analysis and subcellular localization implied that S. glabra terpene synthases may evolve from a common ancestor. Furthermore, two sesquiterpene synthase genes, SgSTPS1 and SgSTPS2, were functionally characterized. SgSTPS1 mainly generated β-caryophyllene from farnesyl pyrophosphate. SgSTPS2 is a versatile enzyme that catalyzes the formation of 12 sequiterpenes from farnesyl pyrophosphate and synthesis of three monoterpenes using geranyl pyrophosphate. Together, these results provide large reservoir for elucidating the molecular mechanism of terpene biosynthesis and for exploring the ecological function of sesquiterpenes in S. glabra.