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Zeng J, Liu X, Dong Z, Zhang F, Qiu F, Zhong M, Zhao T, Yang C, Zeng L, Lan X, Zhang H, Zhou J, Chen M, Tang K, Liao Z. Discovering a mitochondrion-localized BAHD acyltransferase involved in calystegine biosynthesis and engineering the production of 3β-tigloyloxytropane. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3623. [PMID: 38684703 PMCID: PMC11058270 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Solanaceous plants produce tropane alkaloids (TAs) via esterification of 3α- and 3β-tropanol. Although littorine synthase is revealed to be responsible for 3α-tropanol esterification that leads to hyoscyamine biosynthesis, the genes associated with 3β-tropanol esterification are unknown. Here, we report that a BAHD acyltransferase from Atropa belladonna, 3β-tigloyloxytropane synthase (TS), catalyzes 3β-tropanol and tigloyl-CoA to form 3β-tigloyloxytropane, the key intermediate in calystegine biosynthesis and a potential drug for treating neurodegenerative disease. Unlike other cytosolic-localized BAHD acyltransferases, TS is localized to mitochondria. The catalytic mechanism of TS is revealed through molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis. Subsequently, 3β-tigloyloxytropane is synthesized in tobacco. A bacterial CoA ligase (PcICS) is found to synthesize tigloyl-CoA, an acyl donor for 3β-tigloyloxytropane biosynthesis. By expressing TS mutant and PcICS, engineered Escherichia coli synthesizes 3β-tigloyloxytropane from tiglic acid and 3β-tropanol. This study helps to characterize the enzymology and chemodiversity of TAs and provides an approach for producing 3β-tigloyloxytropane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlan Zeng
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhaoyue Dong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Fangyuan Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Fei Qiu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Mingyu Zhong
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tengfei Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chunxian Yang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lingjiang Zeng
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaozhong Lan
- TAAHC-SWU Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, The Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R&D in Xizang Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College, Nyingchi, 860000, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Junhui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Min Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Kexuan Tang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhihua Liao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, SWU-TAAHC Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Liu Z, Zhu X, Mohsin A, Sun H, Du L, Yin Z, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Uncovering the Role of Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase in Boosting Chlorogenic Acid Accumulation in Carthamus tinctorius Cells under Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2710. [PMID: 38473957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are bioactive compounds widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Carthamus tinctorius is an important economic crop, and its suspension cells are rich in CGAs. However, little is known about the biosynthesis and regulation of CGAs in Carthamus tinctorius cells. This study first elucidated the regulatory mechanism of CGA biosynthesis in methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-treated Carthamus tinctorius cells and the role of the MeJA-responsive hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) gene in enhancing their CGA accumulation. Firstly, temporal changes in intracellular metabolites showed that MeJA increased the intracellular CGA content up to 1.61-fold to 100.23 mg·g-1. Meanwhile, 31 primary metabolites showed significant differences, with 6 precursors related to increasing CGA biosynthesis. Secondly, the transcriptome data revealed 3637 new genes previously unannotated in the Carthamus tinctorius genome and 3653 differentially expressed genes. The genes involved in the plant signaling pathway and the biosynthesis of CGAs and their precursors showed a general up-regulation, especially the HCT gene family, which ultimately promoted CGA biosynthesis. Thirdly, the expression of a newly annotated and MeJA-responsive HCT gene (CtHCT, CtNewGene_3476) was demonstrated to be positively correlated with CGA accumulation in the cells, and transient overexpression of CtHCT enhanced CGA accumulation in tobacco. Finally, in vitro catalysis kinetics and molecular docking simulations revealed the ability and mechanism of the CtHCT protein to bind to various substrates and catalyze the formation of four hydroxycinnamic esters, including CGAs. These findings strengthened our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of CGA biosynthesis, thereby providing theoretical support for the efficient production of CGAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huijie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Linxiao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhongping Yin
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Functional Foods, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Burgos-Valencia E, Echevarría-Machado I, Ortega-Lule G, Medina-Lara F, García-Laynes F, Martínez-Estévez M, Narváez-Zapata J. Haplotype analysis, regulatory elements and docking simulation of structural models of different AT3 copies in the genus Capsicum. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38354741 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2317991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Capsaicinoids are responsible for the pungency in Capsicum species. These are synthesized by the Capsaicin synthase (CS) encoded by the AT3 gene, which catalyzes the transference of an acyl moiety from a branched-chain fatty acid-CoA ester to the vanillylamine to produce capsaicinoids. Some AT3 gene copies have been identified on the Capsicum genome. The absence of capsaicinoid in some nonpungent accessions is related to mutant AT3 alleles. The differences between CS protein copies can affect the tridimensional structure of the protein and the affinity for its substrates, and this could affect fruit pungency. This study characterized 32 AT3 sequences covering Capsicum pungent and non-pungent accessions. These were clustered in AT3-D1 and AT3-D2 groups and representative sequences were analyzed. Genomic upstream analysis shows different regulatory elements, mainly responsive to light and abiotic stress. AT3-D1 and AT3-D2 gene expression was confirmed in fruit tissues of C. annuum. Amino acid substitutions close to the predictable HXXXD and DFGWG motifs were also identified. AT3 sequences were modeled showing a BAHD acyltransferase structure with two connected domains. A pocket with different shape, size and composition between AT3 models was found inside the protein, with the conserved motif HXXXD exposed to it, and a channel for their accessibility. CS substrates exhibit high interaction energies with the His and Asp conserved residues. AT3 models have different interaction affinities with the (E)-8-methylnon-6-enoyl-CoA, 8-methylnonanoyl-CoA and vanillylamine substrates. These results suggested that AT3-D1 and AT3-D2 sequences encode CS enzymes with different regulatory factors and substratum affinities.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Burgos-Valencia
- Unidad de Biología Integrativa. Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 # 130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Ileana Echevarría-Machado
- Unidad de Biología Integrativa. Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 # 130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Gustavo Ortega-Lule
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fátima Medina-Lara
- Unidad de Biología Integrativa. Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 # 130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Federico García-Laynes
- Unidad de Biología Integrativa. Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 # 130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Manuel Martínez-Estévez
- Unidad de Biología Integrativa. Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 # 130, Chuburna de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - José Narváez-Zapata
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional - Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México
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Zhou J, Zou X, Deng Z, Duan L. Analysing a Group of Homologous BAHD Enzymes Provides Insights into the Evolutionary Transition of Rosmarinic Acid Synthases from Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:Shikimate/Quinate Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferases. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:512. [PMID: 38498481 PMCID: PMC10892161 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The interplay of various enzymes and compounds gives rise to the intricate secondary metabolic networks observed today. However, the current understanding of their formation and expansion remains limited. BAHD acyltransferases play important roles in the biosynthesis of numerous significant secondary metabolites. In plants, they are widely distributed and exhibit a diverse range of activities. Among them, rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) have gained significant recognition and have been extensively investigated as prominent members of the BAHD acyltransferase family. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study on a unique group of RAS homologous enzymes in Mentha longifolia that display both catalytic activities and molecular features similar to HCT and Lamiaceae RAS. Subsequent phylogenetic and comparative genome analyses revealed their derivation from expansion events within the HCT gene family, indicating their potential as collateral branches along the evolutionary trajectory, leading to Lamiaceae RAS while still retaining certain ancestral vestiges. This discovery provides more detailed insights into the evolution from HCT to RAS. Our collective findings indicate that gene duplication is the driving force behind the observed evolutionary pattern in plant-specialized enzymes, which probably originated from ancestral enzyme promiscuity and were subsequently shaped by principles of biological adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lian Duan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatory Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.D.)
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5
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Kruse LH, Sunstrum FG, Garcia D, López Pérez G, Jancsik S, Bohlmann J, Irmisch S. Improved production of the antidiabetic metabolite montbretin A in Nicotiana benthamiana: discovery, characterization, and use of Crocosmia shikimate shunt genes. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:766-785. [PMID: 37960967 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The plant-specialized metabolite montbretin A (MbA) is being developed as a new treatment option for type-2 diabetes, which is among the ten leading causes of premature death and disability worldwide. MbA is a complex acylated flavonoid glycoside produced in small amounts in below-ground organs of the perennial plant Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora). The lack of a scalable production system limits the development and potential application of MbA as a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical. Previous efforts to reconstruct montbretin biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb) resulted in low yields of MbA and higher levels of montbretin B (MbB) and montbretin C (MbC). MbA, MbB, and MbC are nearly identical metabolites differing only in their acyl moieties, derived from caffeoyl-CoA, coumaroyl-CoA, and feruloyl-CoA, respectively. In contrast to MbA, MbB and MbC are not pharmaceutically active. To utilize the montbretia caffeoyl-CoA biosynthesis for improved MbA engineering in Nb, we cloned and characterized enzymes of the shikimate shunt of the general phenylpropanoid pathway, specifically hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (CcHCT), p-coumaroylshikimate 3'-hydroxylase (CcC3'H), and caffeoylshikimate esterase (CcCSE). Gene expression patterns suggest that CcCSE enables the predominant formation of MbA, relative to MbB and MbC, in montbretia. This observation is supported by results from in vitro characterization of CcCSE and reconstruction of the shikimate shunt in yeast. Using CcHCT together with montbretin biosynthetic genes in multigene constructs resulted in a 30-fold increase of MbA in Nb. This work advances our understanding of the phenylpropanoid pathway and features a critical step towards improved MbA production in bioengineered Nb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars H Kruse
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Frederick G Sunstrum
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniela Garcia
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Guillermo López Pérez
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sharon Jancsik
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Joerg Bohlmann
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Forest and Conservation Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sandra Irmisch
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Plant Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 BE, Netherlands
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Wang F, Zhao W, Lv W, Li P, Tian M, Xu S, Li L, Wang R, Liu F, Chen Y, Feng X. Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel Sinapyl Alcohol Acyltransferase from Euphorbia lathyris L. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:20187-20197. [PMID: 38044624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Methoxyeugenol is a phenylpropene compound derived from plants and has various bioactivities. The chemical synthesis of methoxyeugenol is accompanied by pollution issues, whereas extraction from plants is associated with problems such as low yield and high cost. The production of methoxyeugenol can be effectively addressed through an enzymatic approach. In this study, the acyltransferase genes of Euphorbia lathyris L. were screened by homologous alignment of the transcriptome data of E. lathyris in the late growth stage and the acyltransferase genes of the closely related plant species. The results showed that ElBAHD10 had the closest relationship with earlier reported ScCFAT and PhCFAT, which were found to catalyze the reaction of coniferyl alcohol to generate coniferyl acetate. The ElBAHD10 gene was successfully cloned from E. lathyris and subsequently expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified protein ElBAHD10 catalyzed the reaction of sinapyl alcohol with acetyl CoA and cinnamoyl CoA to form sinapyl acetate and sinapyl cinnamate, respectively. In contrast, the crude ElBAHD10 protein could catalyze sinapyl alcohol to directly generate methoxyeugenol. The recombinant E. coli strain expressing ElBAHD10 produced methoxyeugenol through whole-cell transformation. This study provides insights and lays the foundation for methoxyeugenol production through biosynthetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Wanli Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Wei Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Pirui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Mei Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Shu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Linwei Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Ruiyang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
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Funnell-Harris DL, Sattler SE, O'Neill PM, Gries T, Ge Z, Nersesian N. Effects of Altering Three Steps of Monolignol Biosynthesis on Sorghum Responses to Stalk Pathogens and Water Deficit. PLANT DISEASE 2023; 107:3984-3995. [PMID: 37430480 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-08-22-1959-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The drought-resilient crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is grown worldwide for multiple uses, including forage or potential lignocellulosic bioenergy feedstock. A major impediment to biomass yield and quality are the pathogens Fusarium thapsinum and Macrophomina phaseolina, which cause Fusarium stalk rot and charcoal rot, respectively. These fungi are more virulent with abiotic stresses such as drought. Monolignol biosynthesis plays a critical role in plant defense. The genes Brown midrib (Bmr)6, Bmr12, and Bmr2 encode the monolignol biosynthesis enzymes cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, caffeic acid O-methyltransferase, and 4-coumarate:CoA ligase, respectively. Plant stalks from lines overexpressing these genes and containing bmr mutations were screened for pathogen responses with controlled adequate or deficit watering. Additionally, near-isogenic bmr12 and wild-type lines in five backgrounds were screened for response to F. thapsinum with adequate and deficit watering. All mutant and overexpression lines were no more susceptible than corresponding wild-type under both watering conditions. The bmr2 and bmr12 lines, near-isogenic to wild-type, had significantly shorter mean lesion lengths (were more resistant) than RTx430 wild-type when inoculated with F. thapsinum under water deficit. Additionally, bmr2 plants grown under water deficit had significantly smaller mean lesions when inoculated with M. phaseolina than under adequate-water conditions. When well-watered, bmr12 in cultivar Wheatland and one of two Bmr2 overexpression lines in RTx430 had shorter mean lesion lengths than corresponding wild-type lines. This research demonstrates that modifying monolignol biosynthesis for increased usability may not impair plant defenses but can even enhance resistance to stalk pathogens under drought conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna L Funnell-Harris
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Scott E Sattler
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Patrick M O'Neill
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Tammy Gries
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Zhengxiang Ge
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583
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Zheng H, Dang Y, Sui N. Sorghum: A Multipurpose Crop. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:17570-17583. [PMID: 37933850 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is one of the top five cereal crops in the world in terms of production and planting area and is widely grown in areas with severe abiotic stresses such as drought and saline-alkali land due to its excellent stress resistance. Moreover, sorghum is a rare multipurpose crop that can be classified into grain sorghum, energy sorghum, and silage sorghum according to its domestication direction and utilization traits, endowing it with broad breeding and economic value. In this review, we mainly discuss the latest research progress and regulatory genes of agronomic traits of sorghum as a grain, energy, and silage crop, as well as the future improvement direction of multipurpose sorghum. We also emphasize the feasibility of cultivating multipurpose sorghum through genetic engineering methods by exploring potential targets using wild sorghum germplasm and genetic resources, as well as genomic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress, College of life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Yingying Dang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress, College of life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
- Dongying Institute, Shandong Normal University, Dongying, 257000, China
| | - Na Sui
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Stress, College of life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
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9
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Nakamichi Y, Saika A, Watanabe M, Fujii T, Morita T. Structural identification of catalytic His158 of PtMAC2p from Pseudozyma tsukubaensis, an acyltransferase involved in mannosylerythritol lipids formation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1243595. [PMID: 37920243 PMCID: PMC10619693 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1243595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are extracellular glycolipids produced by the basidiomycetous yeast strains. MELs consist of the disaccharide mannosylerythritol, which is acylated with fatty acids and acetylated at the mannose moiety. In the MEL biosynthesis pathway, an acyltransferase from Pseudozyma tsukubaensis, PtMAC2p, a known excellent MEL producer, has been identified to catalyze the acyl-transfer of fatty acid to the C3'-hydroxyl group of mono-acylated MEL; however, its structure remains unclear. Here, we performed X-ray crystallography of recombinant PtMAC2p produced in Escherichia coli and homogeneously purified it with catalytic activity in vitro. The crystal structure of PtMAC2p was determined by single-wavelength anomalous dispersion using iodide ions. The crystal structure shows that PtMAC2p possesses a large putative catalytic tunnel at the center of the molecule. The structural comparison demonstrated that PtMAC2p is homologous to BAHD acyltransferases, although its amino acid-sequence identity was low (<15%). Interestingly, the HXXXD motif, which is a conserved catalytic motif in the BAHD acyltransferase superfamily, is partially conserved as His158-Thr159-Leu160-Asn161-Gly162 in PtMAC2p, i.e., D in the HXXXD motif is replaced by G in PtMAC2p. Site-directed mutagenesis of His158 to Ala resulted in more than 1,000-fold decrease in the catalytic activity of PtMAC2p. These findings suggested that His158 in PtMAC2p is the catalytic residue. Moreover, in the putative catalytic tunnel, hydrophobic amino acid residues are concentrated near His158, suggesting that this region is a binding site for the fatty acid side chain of MEL (acyl acceptor) and/or acyl-coenzyme A (acyl donor). To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide structural insight into the catalytic activity of an enzyme involved in MEL biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakamichi
- Bioconversion Group, Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Azusa Saika
- Biochemical Group, Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masahiro Watanabe
- Bioconversion Group, Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Fujii
- Bioconversion Group, Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomotake Morita
- Bioconversion Group, Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
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10
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Xu D, Wang Z, Zhuang W, Wang T, Xie Y. Family characteristics, phylogenetic reconstruction, and potential applications of the plant BAHD acyltransferase family. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1218914. [PMID: 37868312 PMCID: PMC10585174 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1218914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The BAHD acyltransferase family is a class of proteins in plants that can acylate a variety of primary and specialized secondary metabolites. The typically acylated products have greatly improved stability, lipid solubility, and bioavailability and thus show significant differences in their physicochemical properties and pharmacological activities. Here, we review the protein structure, catalytic mechanism, and phylogenetic reconstruction of plant BAHD acyltransferases to describe their family characteristics, acylation reactions, and the processes of potential functional differentiation. Moreover, the potential applications of the BAHD family in human activities are discussed from the perspectives of improving the quality of economic plants, enhancing the efficacy of medicinal plants, improving plant biomass for use in biofuel, and promoting stress resistance of land plants. This review provides a reference for the research and production of plant BAHD acyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghuan Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, China
| | - Weibing Zhuang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing, China
| | - Yinfeng Xie
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Wang L, Jiang Z, Zhang J, Chen K, Zhang M, Wang Z, Wang B, Ye M, Qiao X. Characterization and structure-based protein engineering of a regiospecific saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5969. [PMID: 37749089 PMCID: PMC10519980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylation contributes to the bioactivity of numerous medicinally important natural products. However, little is known about the acetylation on sugar moieties. Here we report a saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus. AmAT7-3 is discovered through a stepwise gene mining approach and characterized as the xylose C3'/C4'-O-acetyltransferse of astragaloside IV (1). To elucidate its catalytic mechanism, complex crystal structures of AmAT7-3/1 and AmAT7-3A310G/1 are obtained, which reveal a large active pocket decided by a specific sequence AADAG. Combining with QM/MM computation, the regiospecificity of AmAT7-3 is determined by sugar positioning modulated by surrounding amino acids including #A310 and #L290. Furthermore, a small mutant library is built using semi-rational design, where variants A310G and A310W are found to catalyze specific C3'-O and C4'-O acetylation, respectively. AmAT7-3 and its variants are also employed to acetylate other bioactive saponins. This work expands the understanding of saponin acetyltransferases, and provide efficient catalytic tools for saponin acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhihui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiahe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Kuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Binju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
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12
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Mottiar Y, Smith RA, Karlen SD, Ralph J, Mansfield SD. Evolution of p-coumaroylated lignin in eudicots provides new tools for cell wall engineering. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:251-264. [PMID: 36196006 PMCID: PMC10099755 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ester-linked p-coumarate (pCA) is a hallmark feature of the secondary cell walls in commelinid monocot plants. It has been shown that pCA groups arise during lignin polymerisation from the participation of monolignol conjugates assembled by p-coumaroyl-CoA:monolignol transferase (PMT) enzymes, members of the BAHD superfamily of acyltransferases. Herein, we report that a eudicot species, kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), naturally contains p-coumaroylated lignin in the core tissues of the stems but not in the bast fibres. Moreover, we identified a novel acyltransferase, HcPMT, that shares <30% amino acid identity with known monocot PMT sequences. Recombinant HcPMT showed a preference in enzyme assays for p-coumaroyl-CoA and benzoyl-CoA as acyl donor substrates and sinapyl alcohol as an acyl acceptor. Heterologous expression of HcPMT in hybrid poplar trees led to the incorporation of pCA in lignin, but no improvement in the saccharification potential of the wood. This work illustrates the value in mining diverse plant taxa for new monolignol acyltransferases. Furthermore, the occurrence of pCA outside monocot lineages may represent another example of convergent evolution in lignin structure. This discovery expands textbook views on cell wall biochemistry and provides a new molecular tool for engineering the lignin of biomass feedstock plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Mottiar
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
| | - Rebecca A. Smith
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Wisconsin433 Babcock DriveMadisonWI53706USA
| | - Steven D. Karlen
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Wisconsin433 Babcock DriveMadisonWI53706USA
| | - John Ralph
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Wisconsin433 Babcock DriveMadisonWI53706USA
| | - Shawn D. Mansfield
- Department of Wood ScienceUniversity of British Columbia2424 Main MallVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research CenterUniversity of Wisconsin1552 University AvenueMadisonWI53726USA
- Department of BotanyUniversity of British Columbia6270 University BoulevardVancouverBCV6T 1Z4Canada
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Nomura T, Yoneda A, Kato Y. BAHD acyltransferase induced by histone deacetylase inhibitor catalyzes 3-O-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid formation in bamboo cells. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 112:1266-1280. [PMID: 36305861 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16013] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Suspension-cultured cells of a bamboo species (Bambusa multiplex; Bm) produce 3-O-feruloylquinic acid (3-FQA) and 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid (3-pCQA) by treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoyl bis-hydroxamic acid (SBHA). Acyltransferases catalyzing the formation of 5-O-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid esters by transesterification from hydroxycinnamoyl-CoAs to the C-5 hydroxy group of quinic acid (hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:quinate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, HQT) have been identified in the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acids and monolignols; however, an HQT that catalyzes the acylation of the C-3 hydroxy group of quinic acid has not been identified previously. In the present study, we purified a native HQT from SBHA-treated Bm cells. The purified enzyme preferentially accepted feruloyl-/p-coumaroyl-CoAs as acyl-donors and quinic acid as the acyl-acceptor, and the enzyme specifically formed 3-FQA and 3-pCQA but not 5-O-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid esters or esters with shikimic acid. A cDNA (BmHQT1) encoding this HQT was isolated. Although BmHQT1 is a phylogenetically unique member of the BAHD acyltransferase superfamily that does not cluster with other HQTs, functional characterization of the recombinant enzyme verified that BmHQT1 catalyzes the regiospecific formation of 3-O-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid esters. Transcript levels of BmHQT1 markedly increased in Bm cells cultured in the presence of SBHA. Moreover, elevated acetylation levels of histone H3 were observed in the coding region of BmHQT1 in the presence of SBHA, indicating that the induced accumulation of 3-FQA/3-pCQA by SBHA is caused by transcriptional activation of BmHQT1 by the action of SBHA as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. The results demonstrate the utility of HDAC inhibitors for discovery of cryptic secondary metabolites and unknown biosynthetic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiji Nomura
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama, 939-0398, Japan
| | - Akari Yoneda
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama, 939-0398, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kato
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama, 939-0398, Japan
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14
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Grover S, Shinde S, Puri H, Palmer N, Sarath G, Sattler SE, Louis J. Dynamic regulation of phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites in modulating sorghum defense against fall armyworm. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1019266. [PMID: 36507437 PMCID: PMC9732255 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1019266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plants undergo dynamic metabolic changes at the cellular level upon insect infestation to better defend themselves. Phenylpropanoids, a hub of secondary plant metabolites, encompass a wide range of compounds that can contribute to insect resistance. Here, the role of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) phenylpropanoids in providing defense against the chewing herbivore, fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, was explored. We screened a panel of nested association mapping (NAM) founder lines against FAW and identified SC1345 and Ajabsido as most resistant and susceptible lines to FAW, respectively, compared to reference parent, RTx430. Gene expression and metabolomic studies suggested that FAW feeding suppressed the expression level of genes involved in monolignol biosynthetic pathway and their associated phenolic intermediates at 10 days post infestation. Further, SC1345 genotype displayed elevated levels of flavonoid compounds after FAW feeding for 10 days, suggesting a diversion of precursors from lignin biosynthesis to the flavonoid pathway. Additionally, bioassays with sorghum lines having altered levels of flavonoids provided genetic evidence that flavonoids are crucial in providing resistance against FAW. Finally, the application of FAW regurgitant elevated the expression of genes associated with the flavonoid pathway in the FAW-resistant SC1345 genotype. Overall, our study indicates that a dynamic regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway in sorghum plants imparts resistance against FAW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjan Grover
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Sanket Shinde
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Heena Puri
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Nathan Palmer
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Gautam Sarath
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Scott E Sattler
- Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Joe Louis
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
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15
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Expression of a Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA Shikimate/Quinate Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase 4 Gene from Zoysia japonica ( ZjHCT4) Causes Excessive Elongation and Lignin Composition Changes in Agrostis stolonifera. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169500. [PMID: 36012757 PMCID: PMC9408870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) is considered to be an essential enzyme for regulating the biosynthesis and composition of lignin. To investigate the properties and function of ZjHCT4, the ZjHCT4 gene was cloned from Zoysia japonica with a completed coding sequence of 1284-bp in length, encoding 428 amino acids. The ZjHCT4 gene promoter has several methyl jasmonate (MeJA) response elements. According to analysis of expression patterns, it was up-regulated by MeJA, GA3 (Gibberellin), and SA (Salicylic acid), and down-regulated by ABA (Abscisic acid). Ectopic ZjHCT4 expression in creeping bentgrass causes excessive plant elongation. In addition, the content of G-lingnin and H-lingnin fell in transgenic plants, whereas the level of S-lingnin increased, resulting in a considerable rise in the S/G unit ratio. Analysis of the expression levels of lignin-related genes revealed that the ectopic expression of ZjHCT4 altered the expression levels of a number of genes involved in the lignin synthesis pathway. Simultaneously, MeJA, SA, GA3, IAA, BR (Brassinosteroid), and other hormones were dramatically enhanced in transgenic plants relative to control plants, whereas ABA concentration was significantly decreased. Expression of ZjHCT4 impacted lignin composition and plant growth via altering the phenylpropionic acid metabolic pathway and hormone response, as revealed by transcriptome analysis. HCTs may influence plant lignin composition and plant development by altering hormone content. These findings contributed to a deeper comprehension of the lignin synthesis pathway and set the stage for further investigation and application of the HCTs gene.
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Zhao L, Shan C, Shan T, Xu J, Zhang S, Tao Y, Wu J. Probing the transcriptome of Boehmeria nivea reveals candidate genes associated with the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid. Gene X 2022; 833:146579. [PMID: 35598678 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Chlorogenic acids are major medically active components of Boehmeria nivea, which can be used clinically to treat hyperglycemia, pneumonia, and cancer. To identify the genes involved in chlorogenic acid biosynthesis, we analyzed transcriptome data from leaf, root, and stem tissues of Boehmeria nivea using the Illumina Hi-Seq 4000 platform. A total of 146,790 unigenes were obtained from Boehmeria nivea, of which 106,786 were annotated in public databases. In analyses of the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome) database, 484 unigenes that encode the five key enzymes involved in chlorogenic acid biosynthesis were identified, and shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase was spatially simulated. Some of these key enzyme unigenes expression levels were verified by RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction). Furthermore, multiple genes encoding plant resistance proteins or transcription factors were identified and analyzed. Differentially expressed genes were identified by performing pairwise comparison of genes between tissues. This study increases the number of public transcript datasets of this species and identifies candidate genes related to the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid, laying a foundation for the further exploration of this pathway in Boehmeria nivea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Zhao
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Chunmiao Shan
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Tingyu Shan
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Jingyao Xu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhang
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Yijia Tao
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China.
| | - Jiawen Wu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Synergetic Innovation Center of Anhui Authentic Chinese Medicine Quality Improvement, Hefei 230012, China.
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17
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Qiang TY, Liu JS, Dong YQ, Mu XL, Chen Y, Luo HM, Zhang BG, Liu HT. Identification, Molecular Cloning, and Functional Characterization of a Coniferyl Alcohol Acyltransferase Involved in the Biosynthesis of Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans in Schisandra chinensis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:881342. [PMID: 35812978 PMCID: PMC9260284 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.881342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Schisandra chinensis owes its therapeutic efficacy to the dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, which are limited to the Schisandraceae family and whose biosynthetic pathway has not been elucidated. Coniferyl alcohol is the synthetic precursor of various types of lignans and can be acetylated to form coniferyl acetate by coniferyl alcohol acyltransferase (CFAT), which belongs to the BAHD acyltransferase family. This catalytic reaction is important because it is the first committed step of the hypothetical biosynthetic pathway in which coniferyl alcohol gives rise to dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. However, the gene encoding CFAT in S. chinensis has not been identified. In this study, firstly we identified 37 ScBAHD genes from the transcriptome datasets of S. chinensis. According to bioinformatics, phylogenetic, and expression profile analyses, 1 BAHD gene, named ScBAHD1, was cloned from S. chinensis. The heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and in vitro activity assays revealed that the recombinant enzyme of ScBAHD1 exhibits acetyltransferase activity with coniferyl alcohol and some other alcohol substrates by using acetyl-CoA as the acetyl donor, which indicates ScBAHD1 functions as ScCFAT. Subcellular localization analysis showed that ScCFAT is mainly located in the cytoplasm. In addition, we generated a three-dimensional (3D) structure of ScCFAT by homology modeling and explored the conformational interaction between protein and ligands by molecular docking simulations. Overall, this study identified the first enzyme with catalytic activity from the Schisandraceae family and laid foundations for future investigations to complete the biosynthetic pathway of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yan Qiang
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiu-Shi Liu
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Tradition Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qing Dong
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Lu Mu
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Mei Luo
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Tradition Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ben-Gang Zhang
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Tradition Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Tao Liu
- Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Tradition Chinese Medicine Resource, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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18
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Muratovska N, Silva P, Pozdniakova T, Pereira H, Grey C, Johansson B, Carlquist M. Towards engineered yeast as production platform for capsaicinoids. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107989. [PMID: 35623491 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Capsaicinoids are bioactive alkaloids produced by the chili pepper fruit and are known to be the most potent agonists of the human pain receptor TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1). They are currently produced by extraction from chili pepper fruit or by chemical synthesis. Transfer of the biosynthetic route to a microbial host could enable more efficient capsaicinoid production by fermentation and may also enable the use of synthetic biology to create a diversity of new compounds with potentially improved properties. This review summarises the current state of the art on the biosynthesis of capsaicinoid precursors in baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and discusses bioengineering strategies for achieving total synthesis from sugar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Muratovska
- Division of Applied Microbiology, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Paulo Silva
- CBMA - Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Pozdniakova
- CBMA - Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Humberto Pereira
- CBMA - Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Carl Grey
- Division of Biotechnology, Lund University, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Johansson
- CBMA - Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal.
| | - Magnus Carlquist
- Division of Applied Microbiology, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
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19
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Smith RA, Beebe ET, Bingman CA, Vander Meulen K, Eugene A, Steiner AJ, Karlen SD, Ralph J, Fox BG. Identification and characterization of a set of monocot BAHD monolignol transferases. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 189:37-48. [PMID: 35134228 PMCID: PMC9070852 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plant BAHD acyltransferases perform a wide range of enzymatic tasks in primary and secondary metabolism. Acyl-CoA monolignol transferases, which couple a CoA substrate to a monolignol creating an ester linkage, represent a more recent class of such acyltransferases. The resulting conjugates may be used for plant defense but are also deployed as important "monomers" for lignification, in which they are incorporated into the growing lignin polymer chain. p-Coumaroyl-CoA monolignol transferases (PMTs) increase the production of monolignol p-coumarates, and feruloyl-CoA monolignol transferases (FMTs) catalyze the production of monolignol ferulate conjugates. We identified putative FMT and PMT enzymes in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and have compared their activities to those of known monolignol transferases. The putative FMT enzymes produced both monolignol ferulate and monolignol p-coumarate conjugates, whereas the putative PMT enzymes produced monolignol p-coumarate conjugates. Enzyme activity measurements revealed that the putative FMT enzymes are not as efficient as the rice (Oryza sativa) control OsFMT enzyme under the conditions tested, but the SbPMT enzyme is as active as the control OsPMT enzyme. These putative FMTs and PMTs were transformed into Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to test their activities and abilities to biosynthesize monolignol conjugates for lignification in planta. The presence of ferulates and p-coumarates on the lignin of these transformants indicated that the putative FMTs and PMTs act as functional feruloyl-CoA and p-coumaroyl-CoA monolignol transferases within plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily T Beebe
- Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Craig A Bingman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Kirk Vander Meulen
- Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Alexis Eugene
- Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA
| | | | - Steven D Karlen
- Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA
| | - John Ralph
- Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Brian G Fox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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20
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Liu X, Dai S, Zhou Y, Liu J, Li D, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Zhao Q, Feng Y, Zhang Y. Crystal structure of the plant feruloyl-coenzyme A monolignol transferase provides insights into the formation of monolignol ferulate conjugates. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 594:8-14. [PMID: 35066379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Lignin is a highly complex phenolic polymer which is essential for plants, but also makes it difficult for industrial processing. Engineering lignin by introducing relatively labile linkages into the lignin backbone can render it more amenable to chemical depolymerization. It has been reported that introducing a feruloyl-coenzyme A monolignol transferase from Angelica sinensis (AsFMT) into poplar could incorporate monolignol ferulate conjugates (ML-FAs) into lignin polymers, suggesting a promising way to manipulate plants for readily deconstructing. FMT catalyzes a reaction between monolignols and feruloyl-CoA to produce ML-FAs and free CoA-SH. However, the mechanisms of substrate specificity and catalytic process of FMT remains poorly understood. Here we report the structure of AsFMT, which adopts a typical fold of BAHD acyltransferase family. Structural comparisons with other BAHD homologs reveal several unique structural features of AsFMT, different from those of the BAHD homologs. Further molecular docking studies showed that T375 in AsFMT may function as an oxyanion hole to stabilize the reaction intermediate and also proposed a role of H278 in the binding of the nucleophilic hydroxyl group of monolignols. Together, this study provides important structural insights into the reactions catalyzed by AsFMT and will shed light on its future application in lignin engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shuliu Dai
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jinyue Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Dong Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yushan Zhu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qiao Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
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21
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Zhang B, Munske GR, Timokhin VI, Ralph J, Davydov DR, Vermerris W, Sattler SE, Kang C. Functional and structural insight into the flexibility of cytochrome P450 reductases from Sorghum bicolor and its implications for lignin composition. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101761. [PMID: 35202651 PMCID: PMC8942828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is a multidomain enzyme that donates electrons for hydroxylation reactions catalyzed by class II cytochrome P450 monooxygenases involved in the synthesis of many primary and secondary metabolites. These P450 enzymes include trans-cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, p-coumarate-3′-hydroxylase, and ferulate-5-hydroxylase involved in monolignol biosynthesis. Because of its role in monolignol biosynthesis, alterations in CPR activity could change the composition and overall output of lignin. Therefore, to understand the structure and function of three CPR subunits from sorghum, recombinant subunits SbCPR2a, SbCPR2b, and SbCPR2c were subjected to X-ray crystallography and kinetic assays. Steady-state kinetic analyses demonstrated that all three CPR subunits supported the oxidation reactions catalyzed by SbC4H1 (CYP73A33) and SbC3′H (CYP98A1). Furthermore, comparing the SbCPR2b structure with the well-investigated CPRs from mammals enabled us to identify critical residues of functional importance and suggested that the plant flavin mononucleotide–binding domain might be more flexible than mammalian homologs. In addition, the elucidated structure of SbCPR2b included the first observation of NADP+ in a native CPR. Overall, we conclude that the connecting domain of SbCPR2, especially its hinge region, could serve as a target to alter biomass composition in bioenergy and forage sorghums through protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixia Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Gerhard R Munske
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Vitaliy I Timokhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dmitri R Davydov
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Wilfred Vermerris
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science and UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Scott E Sattler
- U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - ChulHee Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
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22
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Zhou W, Kong W, Yang C, Feng R, Xi W. Alcohol Acyltransferase Is Involved in the Biosynthesis of C6 Esters in Apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) Fruit. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:763139. [PMID: 34868159 PMCID: PMC8636060 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.763139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Short-chain esters derived from fatty acid contribute to the characteristic flavor of apricot fruit, and the biosynthesis of these compounds in fruit is catalyzed by alcohol acyltransferase (AAT). In this work, we investigated the AAT gene family via genome-wide scanning, and three AAT loci were identified in different linkage groups (LGs), with PaAAT1 (PARG22907m01) in LG7, PaAAT2 (PARG15279m01) in LG4, and PaAAT3 (PARG22697m01) in LG6. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PaAAT1 belongs to clade 3, while PaAAT2 and PaAAT3 belong to clade 1 and clade 2, respectively. In contrast, the three AAT genes present different expression patterns. Only PaAAT1 exhibited distinct patterns of fruit-specific expression, and the expression of PaAAT1 sharply increased during fruit ripening, which is consistent with the abundance of C4-C6 esters such as (E)-2-hexenyl acetate and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. The transient overexpression of PaAAT1 in Katy (KT) apricot fruit resulted in a remarkable decrease in hexenol, (E)-2-hexenol, and (Z)-3-hexenol levels while significantly increasing the corresponding acetate production (p < 0.01). A substrate assay revealed that the PaAAT1 protein enzyme can produce hexenyl acetate, (E)-2-hexenyl acetate, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate when C6 alcohols are used as substrates for the reaction. Taken together, these results indicate that PaAAT1 plays a crucial role in the production of C6 esters in apricot fruit during ripening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhai Zhou
- Key Lab of Aromatic Plant Resources Exploitation and Utilization in Sichuan Higher Education, Yibin University, Yibin, China
| | - Wenbin Kong
- China Chongqing Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Chongqing, China
| | - Can Yang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruizhang Feng
- Key Lab of Aromatic Plant Resources Exploitation and Utilization in Sichuan Higher Education, Yibin University, Yibin, China
| | - Wanpeng Xi
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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23
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Sullivan ML, Knollenberg BJ. Red Clover HDT, a BAHD Hydroxycinnamoyl-Coenzyme A:L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) Hydroxycinnamoyl Transferase That Synthesizes Clovamide and Other N-Hydroxycinnamoyl-Aromatic Amino Acid Amides. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:727461. [PMID: 34868112 PMCID: PMC8641662 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.727461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Red clover leaves accumulate high levels (up to 1 to 2% of dry matter) of two caffeic acid derivatives: phaselic acid (2-O-caffeoyl-L-malate) and clovamide [N-caffeoyl-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)]. These likely play roles in protecting the plant from biotic and abiotic stresses but can also help preserve protein during harvest and storage of the forage via oxidation by an endogenous polyphenol oxidase. We previously identified and characterized, a hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A (CoA):malate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HMT) from red clover. Here, we identified a hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:L-DOPA hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HDT) activity in unexpanded red clover leaves. Silencing of the previously cloned HMT gene reduced both HMT and HDT activities in red clover, even though the HMT enzyme lacks HDT activity. A combination of PCR with degenerate primers based on BAHD hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA transferase sequences and 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to clone two nearly identical cDNAs from red clover. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the encoded proteins were capable of transferring hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric, caffeic, or ferulic) from the corresponding CoA thioesters to the aromatic amino acids L-Phe, L-Tyr, L-DOPA, or L-Trp. Kinetic parameters for these substrates were determined. Stable expression of HDT in transgenic alfalfa resulted in foliar accumulation of p-coumaroyl- and feruloyl-L-Tyr that are not normally present in alfalfa, but not derivatives containing caffeoyl or L-DOPA moieties. Transient expression of HDT in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the production of caffeoyl-L-Tyr, but not clovamide. Coexpression of HDT with a tyrosine hydroxylase resulted in clovamide accumulation, indicating the host species' pool of available amino acid (and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA) substrates likely plays a major role in determining HDT product accumulation in planta. Finally, that HDT and HMT proteins share a high degree of identity (72%), but differ substantially in substrate specificity, is promising for further investigation of structure-function relationships of this class of enzymes, which could allow the rational design of BAHD enzymes with specific and desirable activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin J. Knollenberg
- Department of Plant Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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24
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Lin CY, Sun Y, Song J, Chen HC, Shi R, Yang C, Liu J, Tunlaya-Anukit S, Liu B, Loziuk PL, Williams CM, Muddiman DC, Lin YCJ, Sederoff RR, Wang JP, Chiang VL. Enzyme Complexes of Ptr4CL and PtrHCT Modulate Co-enzyme A Ligation of Hydroxycinnamic Acids for Monolignol Biosynthesis in Populus trichocarpa. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:727932. [PMID: 34691108 PMCID: PMC8527181 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.727932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Co-enzyme A (CoA) ligation of hydroxycinnamic acids by 4-coumaric acid:CoA ligase (4CL) is a critical step in the biosynthesis of monolignols. Perturbation of 4CL activity significantly impacts the lignin content of diverse plant species. In Populus trichocarpa, two well-studied xylem-specific Ptr4CLs (Ptr4CL3 and Ptr4CL5) catalyze the CoA ligation of 4-coumaric acid to 4-coumaroyl-CoA and caffeic acid to caffeoyl-CoA. Subsequently, two 4-hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:shikimic acid hydroxycinnamoyl transferases (PtrHCT1 and PtrHCT6) mediate the conversion of 4-coumaroyl-CoA to caffeoyl-CoA. Here, we show that the CoA ligation of 4-coumaric and caffeic acids is modulated by Ptr4CL/PtrHCT protein complexes. Downregulation of PtrHCTs reduced Ptr4CL activities in the stem-differentiating xylem (SDX) of transgenic P. trichocarpa. The Ptr4CL/PtrHCT interactions were then validated in vivo using biomolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and protein pull-down assays in P. trichocarpa SDX extracts. Enzyme activity assays using recombinant proteins of Ptr4CL and PtrHCT showed elevated CoA ligation activity for Ptr4CL when supplemented with PtrHCT. Numerical analyses based on an evolutionary computation of the CoA ligation activity estimated the stoichiometry of the protein complex to consist of one Ptr4CL and two PtrHCTs, which was experimentally confirmed by chemical cross-linking using SDX plant protein extracts and recombinant proteins. Based on these results, we propose that Ptr4CL/PtrHCT complexes modulate the metabolic flux of CoA ligation for monolignol biosynthesis during wood formation in P. trichocarpa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yuan Lin
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Jina Song
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Hsi-Chuan Chen
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Rui Shi
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Chenmin Yang
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jie Liu
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Sermsawat Tunlaya-Anukit
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Baoguang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
- Department of Forestry, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Philip L. Loziuk
- W.M. Keck FTMS Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Cranos M. Williams
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David C. Muddiman
- W.M. Keck FTMS Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ying-Chung Jimmy Lin
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Ronald R. Sederoff
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jack P. Wang
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Vincent L. Chiang
- Forest Biotechnology Group, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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25
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Yamane M, Takenoya M, Yajima S, Sue M. Molecular and structural characterization of agmatine coumaroyltransferase in Triticeae, the key regulator of hydroxycinnamic acid amide accumulation. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 189:112825. [PMID: 34119689 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) are involved in stress-induced defense in many plant species. Barley accumulates high concentrations of HCAAs irrespective of exogenous stressors, while other major cereals such as wheat and rice accumulate relatively low levels of HCAAs in intact tissues. The primary HCAA species in barley are biosynthesized by agmatine p-coumaroyltransferase (ACT), an N-acyltransferase of the BAHD superfamily. However, the molecular basis underlying barley's uniquely high HCAA accumulation has not been elucidated, and information regarding the structural details of BAHD N-acyltransferases is limited. Hence, we aimed to investigate the ACTs of family Poaceae. We isolated ACT (-like) genes, including those previously undescribed, and investigated their enzymatic and genetic features. All the identified enzymes belonged to clade IVa of the BAHD superfamily. The barley and wheat ACTs were further categorized, based on catalytic properties and primary structures, into ACT1 and ACT2 groups, the encoding loci of which are neighbors on the same chromosome. While all ACTs exhibited similar Km values for CoA-thioesters (acyl-group donors), members of the ACT1 group showed a distinctly higher affinity for agmatine (acyl-acceptor). Among the ACTs tested, an ACT isozyme in barley (HvACT1-1) showed the highest catalytic efficiency and transcript level, indicating that ACT regulates high-level HCAA accumulation in barley. For further enzymatic characterization of the ACTs, we crystalized wheat ACT2 (TaACT2) and determined its structure at 2.3 Å resolution. Structural alignment of TaACT2 and HvACT1-1 showed that the architectures of the substrate binding pockets were well conserved. However, the structure of a loop located at the entrance to acyl-acceptor binding site may be more flexible in TaACT2, which could be responsible for the lower affinity of TaACT2 to agmatine. Mutations of HvACT1-1 at Glu372 and Asp374 within one of the clade-IV specific motifs facing the deduced acyl-acceptor binding pocket caused significant catalytic deterioration toward agmatine both in Km and kcat, suggesting their key roles in acyl acceptor binding by the clade-IV enzymes. This study elucidated the molecular basis of how plants accumulate defensive specialized metabolites and provided insights into developing efficient and eco-friendly agricultural methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyo Yamane
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Mihoko Takenoya
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yajima
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sue
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan.
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26
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Wang L, Chen K, Wang Z, Yi Y, Zhang M, Hasan A, Kuang Y, Shaker S, Yu R, Wang H, Liu H, Ye M, Qiao X. AmAT19, an acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus, catalyses specific 6α-OH acetylation for tetracyclic triterpenes and steroids. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:7186-7189. [PMID: 34378606 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01106e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tetracyclic triterpenes and steroids are pharmacologically important molecules, and acetylation could improve their bioactivities. In this study, a highly regio- and stereo-specific acetyltransferase, AmAT19, was discovered from Astragalus membranaceus. AmAT19 could selectively catalyze the 6α-OH acetylation of four tetracyclic triterpenes and steroids. The strict selectivity is associated with different orientations of the 6α/β-OH as indicated by molecular docking. Acetylated products 1a, 3a and 4a remarkably increased the inhibitory activity against the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, compared to 1, 3, and 4. AmAT19 could be a promising catalyst for specific 6α-OH acetylation to expand the molecular diversity of triterpenes and steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China.
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27
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Wang L, Chen K, Zhang M, Ye M, Qiao X. Catalytic function, mechanism, and application of plant acyltransferases. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:125-144. [PMID: 34151663 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1931015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acyltransferases (ATs) are important tailoring enzymes that contribute to the diversity of natural products. They catalyze the transfer of acyl groups to the skeleton, which improves the lipid solubility, stability, and pharmacological activity of natural compounds. In recent years, a number of ATs have been isolated from plants. In this review, we have summarized 141 biochemically characterized ATs during the period July 1997 to October 2020, including their function, heterologous expression systems, and catalytic mechanisms. Their catalytic performance and application potential has been further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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28
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Murayama K, Kato-Murayama M, Sato T, Hosaka T, Ishiguro K, Mizuno T, Kitao K, Honma T, Yokoyama S, Tanaka Y, Shirouzu M. Anthocyanin 5,3'-aromatic acyltransferase from Gentiana triflora, a structural insight into biosynthesis of a blue anthocyanin. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 186:112727. [PMID: 33743393 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The acylation of anthocyanins contributes to their structural diversity. Aromatic acylation is responsible for the blue color of anthocyanins and certain flowers. Aromatic acyltransferase from Gentiana triflora Pall. (Gentianaceae) (Gt5,3'AT) catalyzes the acylation of glucosyl moieties at the 5 and 3' positions of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin acyltransferase transfers an acyl group to a single position, such that Gt5,3'AT possesses a unique enzymatic activity. Structural investigation of this aromatic acyl group transfer is fundamental to understand the molecular mechanism of the acylation of double positions. In this study, structural analyses of Gt5,3'AT were conducted to identify the underlying mechanism. The crystal structure indicated that Gt5,3'AT shares structural similarities with other BAHD family enzymes, consisting of N and C terminal lobes. Structural comparison revealed that acyl group preference (aromatic or aliphatic) for the enzymes was determined by four amino acid positions, which are well conserved in aromatic and aliphatic CoA-binding acyltransferases. Although a complex structure with anthocyanins was not obtained, the binding of delphinidin 3,5,3'-triglucoside to Gt5,3'AT was investigated by evaluating the molecular dynamics. The simulation indicated that acyl transfer by Gt5,3'AT preferentially occurs at the 5-position rather than at the 3'-position, with interacting amino acids that are mainly located in the C-terminal lobe. Subsequent assays of chimeric enzymes (exchange of the N-terminal lobe and the C-terminal lobe between Gt5,3'AT and lisianthus anthocyanin 5AT) demonstrated that acyl transfer selectivity may be caused by the C-terminal lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Murayama
- Division of Biomedical Measurements and Diagnostics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan; Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kato-Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sato
- Laboratory for Structure-Based Molecular Design, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Hosaka
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kanako Ishiguro
- Research Institute, Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd, Kyoto, 619-0284, Japan
| | - Takayuki Mizuno
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, 305-0005, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kitao
- Research Institute, Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd, Kyoto, 619-0284, Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- Laboratory for Structure-Based Molecular Design, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Yokoyama
- RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Tanaka
- Research Institute, Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd, Kyoto, 619-0284, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
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Negrel J, Klinguer A, Adrian M. In vitro inhibition of shikimate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase by acibenzolar acid, the first metabolite of the plant defence inducer acibenzolar-S-methyl. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 163:119-127. [PMID: 33836466 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acibenzolar acid, the first metabolite formed in planta from the defence inducer acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), has been shown to be an inhibitor of the enzyme shikimate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HST), extracted from grapevine or tobacco cell suspension cultures. Using a purified recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana HST, the inhibition was found to be competitive, acibenzolar acid binding reversibly to the shikimate binding site of the HST:p-coumaroyl-CoA complex, with a Ki value of 250 μM. The other hydroxycinnamoyltransferases tested in the course of this study, using either hydroxypalmitic acid, putrescine, tyramine, or quinic acid as acyl acceptors were not, or only slightly, inhibited by acibenzolar acid. To understand the specificity of the interaction of acibenzolar acid with HST, we analyzed the structure-activity relationship of a series of benzoic or acibenzolar acid analogues, tested either as AtHST substrates or as inhibitors. This analysis confirmed previously published data on the substrate flexibility of HST and demonstrated that both the carboxyl group and the thiadiazole moiety of acibenzolar acid are playing an important role in the interaction with the shikimate binding site. Acibenzolar acid, which cannot form an ester bond with p-coumaric acid, was however a less potent inhibitor than protocatechuic or 3-hydroxybenzoic acids, which are used as acyl acceptors by HST. Our results show that the interaction of acibenzolar acid with HST, which is probably directly linked to the substrate promiscuity of HST, is unlikely to play a direct role in the defence-inducing properties of ASM in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Negrel
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRAE, Univ. Bourgogne Franche- Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Agnès Klinguer
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRAE, Univ. Bourgogne Franche- Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Marielle Adrian
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRAE, Univ. Bourgogne Franche- Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France.
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30
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Chao N, Qi Q, Li S, Ruan B, Jiang X, Gai Y. Characterization and functional analysis of the Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) gene family in poplar. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10741. [PMID: 33665007 PMCID: PMC7916539 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) divides the mass flux to H, G and S units in monolignol biosynthesis and affects lignin content. Ten HCT homologs were identified in the Populus trichocarpa (Torr. & Gray) genome. Both genome duplication and tandem duplication resulted in the expansion of HCT orthologs in Populus. Comprehensive analysis including motif analysis, phylogenetic analysis, expression profiles and co-expression analysis revealed the divergence and putative function of these candidate PoptrHCTs. PoptrHCT1 and 2 were identified as likely involved in lignin biosynthesis. PoptrHCT9 and 10- are likely to be involved in plant development and the response to cold stress. Similar functional divergence was also identified in Populus tomentosa Carr. Enzymatic assay of PtoHCT1 showed that PtoHCT1 was able to synthesize caffeoyl shikimate using caffeoyl-CoA and shikimic acid as substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Chao
- School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qi Qi
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Li
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Brent Ruan
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Xiangning Jiang
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, the Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of Chinese Forestry Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Gai
- College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, the Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of Chinese Forestry Administration, Beijing, China
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31
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Haslam TM, Kunst L. Arabidopsis ECERIFERUM2-LIKEs Are Mediators of Condensing Enzyme Function. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 61:2126-2138. [PMID: 33079186 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Condensing enzymes catalyze the committed reaction of fatty acid elongation and determine the chain length of fatty acids accepted and produced by the elongation complex. While necessary for the elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), identified plant condensing enzymes cannot efficiently produce VLCFAs longer than 28 carbons, which are precursors for the most abundant cuticular waxes of most plant species that have been surveyed. The eceriferum2 (cer2) mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana has a severe wax-deficient phenotype and specifically lacks waxes longer than 28 carbons, but the CER2 protein does not share sequence similarity with condensing enzymes. Instead, CER2 is homologous to BAHD acyltransferases. Heterologous expression in yeast previously demonstrated that CER2, and a small clade of BAHD acyltransferases with high sequence identity to CER2, can extend the chain-length specificity of the condensing enzyme CER6. This biochemical function is distinct from that of the broader BAHD acyltransferase family. The product specificity and physiological functions of individual CER2-LIKE proteins are unique. Here, we demonstrate that CER2 physically interacts with the fatty acid elongase. We cloned chimeric CER2-LIKE proteins and expressed these in yeast cells to identify the features that define the substrate specificities of CER2-LIKEs. We generated homology-based structural models to compare CER2-LIKEs and BAHD acyltransferases. In addition, based on the current phylogenetic analysis of the CER2-LIKE clade, we describe two further Arabidopsis CER2-LIKE genes, CER2-LIKE3 and CER2-LIKE4. We used yeast expression and mutant analysis to characterize these genes. Collectively, these results expand our knowledge of the functions of CER2-LIKEs, the BAHD acyltransferase family and cuticular wax metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan M Haslam
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Ljerka Kunst
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
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32
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Jaiswal SK, Agarwal SM, Thodum P, Sharma VK. SkinBug: an artificial intelligence approach to predict human skin microbiome-mediated metabolism of biotics and xenobiotics. iScience 2021; 24:101925. [PMID: 33385118 PMCID: PMC7772573 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to being pivotal for the host health, the skin microbiome possesses a large reservoir of metabolic enzymes, which can metabolize molecules (cosmetics, medicines, pollutants, etc.) that form a major part of the skin exposome. Therefore, to predict the complete metabolism of any molecule by skin microbiome, a curated database of metabolic enzymes (1,094,153), reactions, and substrates from ∼900 bacterial species from 19 different skin sites were used to develop “SkinBug.” It integrates machine learning, neural networks, and chemoinformatics methods, and displays a multiclass multilabel accuracy of up to 82.4% and binary accuracy of up to 90.0%. SkinBug predicts all possible metabolic reactions and associated enzymes, reaction centers, skin microbiome species harboring the enzyme, and the respective skin sites. Thus, SkinBug will be an indispensable tool to predict xenobiotic/biotic metabolism by skin microbiome and will find applications in exposome and microbiome studies, dermatology, and skin cancer research. SkinBug is AI/ML-based tool to predict metabolism of molecules by Skin microbiome Database of 1,094,153 metabolic enzymes from 897 pangenomes of skin microbiome Predicts enzymes, bacterial species, and skin sites for the predicted reactions 82.4% multilabel and 90.0% binary accuracy, and validated on 28 diverse real cases
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham K Jaiswal
- MetaBioSys Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
| | - Shitij Manojkumar Agarwal
- MetaBioSys Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
| | - Parikshit Thodum
- MetaBioSys Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
| | - Vineet K Sharma
- MetaBioSys Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462066, India
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33
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Genome-wide analysis of general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism genes in sugarcane. Funct Integr Genomics 2021; 21:73-99. [PMID: 33404914 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-020-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Lignin is the main component of secondary cell walls and is essential for plant development and defense. However, lignin is recognized as a major recalcitrant factor for efficiency of industrial biomass processing. Genes involved in general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism in sugarcane have been previously analyzed at the transcriptomic level. Nevertheless, the number of genes identified in this species is still very low. The recently released sugarcane genome sequence has allowed the genome-wide characterization of the 11 gene families involved in the monolignol biosynthesis branch of the phenylpropanoid pathway. After an exhaustive analysis of sugarcane genomes, 438 haplotypes derived from 175 candidate genes from Saccharum spontaneum and 144 from Saccharum hybrid R570 were identified as associated with this biosynthetic route. The phylogenetic analyses, combined with the search for protein conserved residues involved in the catalytic activity of the encoded enzymes, were employed to identify the family members potentially involved in developmental lignification. Accordingly, 15 candidates were identified as bona fide lignin biosynthesis genes: PTAL1, PAL2, C4H4, 4CL1, HCT1, HCT2, C3'H1, C3'H2, CCoAOMT1, COMT1, F5H1, CCR1, CCR2, CAD2, and CAD7. For this core set of lignin biosynthetic genes, we searched for the chromosomal location, the gene expression pattern, the promoter cis-acting elements, and microRNA targets. Altogether, our results present a comprehensive characterization of sugarcane general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific genes, providing the basis for further functional studies focusing on lignin biosynthesis manipulation and biotechnological strategies to improve sugarcane biomass utilization.
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34
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Yamane M, Takenoya M, Yajima S, Sue M. Crystal structure of barley agmatine coumaroyltransferase, an N-acyltransferase from the BAHD superfamily. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2020; 76:590-596. [PMID: 33263570 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x20014880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The enzymes of the BAHD superfamily, a large group of acyl-CoA-dependent acyltransferases in plants, are involved in the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites. While the structures of several O-acyltransferases from the BAHD superfamily, such as hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, have been elucidated, no structural information on N-acyltransferases is available. Hordeum vulgare agmatine coumaroyltransferase (HvACT) is an N-acyltransferase from the BAHD superfamily and is one of the most important enzymes in the secondary metabolism of barley. Here, an apo-form structure of HvACT is reported as the first structure of an N-acyltransferase from the BAHD superfamily. HvACT crystals diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution and belonged to the monoclinic space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 57.6, b = 59.5, c = 73.6 Å, α = 90, β = 91.3 , γ = 90°. Like other known BAHD superfamily structures, HvACT contains two domains that adopt a two-layer αβ-sandwich architecture and a solvent-exposed channel that penetrates the enzyme core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyo Yamane
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka 1-1-1, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mihoko Takenoya
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka 1-1-1, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yajima
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka 1-1-1, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sue
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Sakuragaoka 1-1-1, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
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35
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Wang X, Mace E, Tao Y, Cruickshank A, Hunt C, Hammer G, Jordan D. Large-scale genome-wide association study reveals that drought-induced lodging in grain sorghum is associated with plant height and traits linked to carbon remobilisation. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2020; 133:3201-3215. [PMID: 32833037 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE We detected 213 lodging QTLs and demonstrated that drought-induced stem lodging in grain sorghum is substantially associated with stay-green and plant height suggesting a critical role of carbon remobilisation. Sorghum is generally grown in water limited conditions and often lodges under post-anthesis drought, which reduces yield and quality. Due to its complexity, our understanding on the genetic control of lodging is very limited. We dissected the genetic architecture of lodging in grain sorghum through genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 2308 unique hybrids grown in 17 Australian sorghum trials over 3 years. The GWAS detected 213 QTLs, the majority of which showed a significant association with leaf senescence and plant height (72% and 71%, respectively). Only 16 lodging QTLs were not associated with either leaf senescence or plant height. The high incidence of multi-trait association for the lodging QTLs indicates that lodging in grain sorghum is mainly associated with plant height and traits linked to carbohydrate remobilisation. This result supported the selection for stay-green (delayed leaf senescence) to reduce lodging susceptibility, rather than selection for short stature and lodging resistance per se, which likely reduces yield. Additionally, our data suggested a protective effect of stay-green on weakening the association between lodging susceptibility and plant height. Our study also showed that lodging resistance might be improved by selection for stem composition but was unlikely to be improved by selection for classical resistance to stalk rots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
| | - Emma Mace
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
| | - Yongfu Tao
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
| | - Alan Cruickshank
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
| | - Colleen Hunt
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
- Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia
| | - Graeme Hammer
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Warwick, QLD, 4370, Australia.
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36
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Zhang B, Lewis KM, Abril A, Davydov DR, Vermerris W, Sattler SE, Kang C. Structure and Function of the Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase from Sorghum bicolor. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 183:957-973. [PMID: 32332088 PMCID: PMC7333690 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H; CYP73A) is a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase associated externally with the endoplasmic reticulum of plant cells. The enzyme uses NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase as a donor of electrons and hydroxylates cinnamic acid to form 4-coumaric acid in phenylpropanoid metabolism. In order to better understand the structure and function of this unique class of plant P450 enzymes, we have characterized the enzyme C4H1 from lignifying tissues of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), encoded by Sobic.002G126600 Here we report the 1.7 Å resolution crystal structure of CYP73A33. The obtained structural information, along with the results of the steady-state kinetic analysis and the absorption spectroscopy titration, displays a high degree of similarity of the structural and functional features of C4H to those of other P450 proteins. Our data also suggest the presence of a putative allosteric substrate-binding site in a hydrophobic pocket on the enzyme surface. In addition, comparing the newly resolved structure with those of well-investigated cytochromes P450 from mammals and bacteria enabled us to identify those residues of critical functional importance and revealed a unique sequence signature that is potentially responsible for substrate specificity and catalytic selectivity of C4H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixia Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - Kevin M Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - Alejandra Abril
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Dmitri R Davydov
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - Wilfred Vermerris
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, Florida 32610
- Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Scott E Sattler
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583
| | - ChulHee Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
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37
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Yan X, Qin X, Li W, Liang D, Qiao J, Li Y. Functional characterization and catalytic activity improvement of BAHD acyltransferase from Celastrus angulatus Maxim. PLANTA 2020; 252:6. [PMID: 32556997 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03413-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A BAHD terpene alcohol acyltransferase, CaAT20, was identified from Celastrus angulatus Maxim, expressed in E. coli and functionally characterized. S405A mutant of CaAT20 increased the enzyme activity. Acylation is a diversely physiological process in the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites. Plant BAHD acyltransferases play an important role in the modification of volatile esters with biological activities. In this research, a BAHD acyltransferase (CaAT20) was identified from Celastrus angulatus Maxim and the function of this enzyme was characterized. CaAT20 could convert geraniol to geranyl esters by using benzoyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA as the acyl donors respectively. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of CaAT20 for benzoyl-CoA was higher than that of acetyl-CoA. Site-directed mutation of CaAT20 was carried out based on the results of molecular simulation. In vitro site-directed mutant S405A of CaAT20 increased the volume of binding cavity so as to facilitate the entry of geraniol, indicating a more efficient acylation for geraniol and benzoyl-CoA. Our research provides new insight for the catalytic functions of CaAT20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiguo Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
- SynBio Research Platform, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanni Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China.
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38
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Jardim-Messeder D, da Franca Silva T, Fonseca JP, Junior JN, Barzilai L, Felix-Cordeiro T, Pereira JC, Rodrigues-Ferreira C, Bastos I, da Silva TC, de Abreu Waldow V, Cassol D, Pereira W, Flausino B, Carniel A, Faria J, Moraes T, Cruz FP, Loh R, Van Montagu M, Loureiro ME, de Souza SR, Mangeon A, Sachetto-Martins G. Identification of genes from the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism in two sugarcane lignin-contrasting genotypes. Mol Genet Genomics 2020; 295:717-739. [PMID: 32124034 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-020-01653-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The phenylpropanoid pathway is an important route of secondary metabolism involved in the synthesis of different phenolic compounds such as phenylpropenes, anthocyanins, stilbenoids, flavonoids, and monolignols. The flux toward monolignol biosynthesis through the phenylpropanoid pathway is controlled by specific genes from at least ten families. Lignin polymer is one of the major components of the plant cell wall and is mainly responsible for recalcitrance to saccharification in ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Here, we identified and characterized sugarcane candidate genes from the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism through a search of the sugarcane EST databases, phylogenetic analysis, a search for conserved amino acid residues important for enzymatic function, and analysis of expression patterns during culm development in two lignin-contrasting genotypes. Of these genes, 15 were cloned and, when available, their loci were identified using the recently released sugarcane genomes from Saccharum hybrid R570 and Saccharum spontaneum cultivars. Our analysis points out that ShPAL1, ShPAL2, ShC4H4, Sh4CL1, ShHCT1, ShC3H1, ShC3H2, ShCCoAOMT1, ShCOMT1, ShF5H1, ShCCR1, ShCAD2, and ShCAD7 are strong candidates to be bona fide lignin biosynthesis genes. Together, the results provide information about the candidate genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis in sugarcane and may provide useful information for further molecular genetic studies in sugarcane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Jardim-Messeder
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiane da Franca Silva
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Biotecnologia, Escola de Engenharia de Lorena, Universidade de São Paulo, Lorena, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Pedro Fonseca
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Nicomedes Junior
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, Gerência de Biotecnologia, CENPES, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucia Barzilai
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Felix-Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joyce Carvalho Pereira
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara Rodrigues-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela Bastos
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinicius de Abreu Waldow
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, Gerência de Biotecnologia, CENPES, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Cassol
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Willian Pereira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Flausino
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriano Carniel
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello, Gerência de Biotecnologia, CENPES, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessica Faria
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thamirys Moraes
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda P Cruz
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberta Loh
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marc Van Montagu
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology Outreach, Gent University, Technologiepark 3, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marcelo Ehlers Loureiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sonia Regina de Souza
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Mangeon
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Gilberto Sachetto-Martins
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gomez-Cano L, Gomez-Cano F, Dillon FM, Alers-Velazquez R, Doseff AI, Grotewold E, Gray J. Discovery of modules involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of maize phenolic compounds. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 291:110364. [PMID: 31928683 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phenolic compounds are among the most diverse and widespread of specialized plant compounds and underly many important agronomic traits. Our comprehensive analysis of the maize genome unraveled new aspects of the genes involved in phenylpropanoid, monolignol, and flavonoid production in this important crop. Remarkably, just 19 genes accounted for 70 % of the overall mRNA accumulation of these genes across 95 tissues, indicating that these are the main contributors to the flux of phenolic metabolites. Eighty genes with intermediate to low expression play minor and more specialized roles. Remaining genes are likely undergoing loss of function or are expressed in limited cell types. Phylogenetic and expression analyses revealed which members of gene families governing metabolic entry and branch points exhibit duplication, subfunctionalization, or loss of function. Co-expression analysis applied to genes in sequential biosynthetic steps revealed that certain isoforms are highly co-expressed and are candidates for metabolic complexes that ensure metabolite delivery to correct cellular compartments. Co-expression of biosynthesis genes with transcription factors discovered connections that provided candidate components for regulatory modules governing this pathway. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of maize phenylpropanoid related genes, identifies major pathway contributors, and novel candidate enzymatic and regulatory modules of the metabolic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Gomez-Cano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Fabio Gomez-Cano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Francisco M Dillon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | | | - Andrea I Doseff
- Department of Physiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Erich Grotewold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - John Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
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40
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Li Y, Tu M, Feng Y, Wang W, Messing J. Common metabolic networks contribute to carbon sink strength of sorghum internodes: implications for bioenergy improvement. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:274. [PMID: 31832097 PMCID: PMC6868837 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorghum bicolor (L.) is an important bioenergy source. The stems of sweet sorghum function as carbon sinks and accumulate large amounts of sugars and lignocellulosic biomass and considerable amounts of starch, therefore providing a model of carbon allocation and accumulation for other bioenergy crops. While omics data sets for sugar accumulation have been reported in different genotypes, the common features of primary metabolism in sweet genotypes remain unclear. To obtain a cohesive and comparative picture of carbohydrate metabolism between sorghum genotypes, we compared the phenotypes and transcriptome dynamics of sugar-accumulating internodes among three different sweet genotypes (Della, Rio, and SIL-05) and two non-sweet genotypes (BTx406 and R9188). RESULTS Field experiments showed that Della and Rio had similar dynamics and internode patterns of sugar concentration, albeit distinct other phenotypes. Interestingly, cellulose synthases for primary cell wall and key genes in starch synthesis and degradation were coordinately upregulated in sweet genotypes. Sweet sorghums maintained active monolignol biosynthesis compared to the non-sweet genotypes. Comparative RNA-seq results support the role of candidate Tonoplast Sugar Transporter gene (TST), but not the Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter genes (SWEETs) in the different sugar accumulations between sweet and non-sweet genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Comparisons of the expression dynamics of carbon metabolic genes across the RNA-seq data sets identify several candidate genes with contrasting expression patterns between sweet and non-sweet sorghum lines, including genes required for cellulose and monolignol synthesis (CesA, PTAL, and CCR), starch metabolism (AGPase, SS, SBE, and G6P-translocator SbGPT2), and sucrose metabolism and transport (TPP and TST2). The common transcriptome features of primary metabolism identified here suggest the metabolic networks contributing to carbon sink strength in sorghum internodes, prioritize the candidate genes for manipulating carbon allocation with bioenergy purposes, and provide a comparative and cohesive picture of the complexity of carbon sink strength in sorghum stem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Li
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Min Tu
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Yaping Feng
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Wenqing Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Joachim Messing
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
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41
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Levsh O, Pluskal T, Carballo V, Mitchell AJ, Weng JK. Independent evolution of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in two sister families under the Lamiids clade of flowering plants. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:15193-15205. [PMID: 31481469 PMCID: PMC6802498 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
As a means to maintain their sessile lifestyle amid challenging environments, plants produce an enormous diversity of compounds as chemical defenses against biotic and abiotic insults. The underpinning metabolic pathways that support the biosynthesis of these specialized chemicals in divergent plant species provide a rich arena for understanding the molecular evolution of complex metabolic traits. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic natural product first discovered in plants of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is recognized for its wide range of medicinal properties and potential applications in human dietary and medical interventions. Interestingly, the RA chemotype is present sporadically in multiple taxa of flowering plants as well as some hornworts and ferns, prompting the question whether its biosynthesis arose independently across different lineages. Here we report the elucidation of the RA biosynthetic pathway in Phacelia campanularia (desert bells). This species represents the borage family (Boraginaceae), an RA-producing family closely related to the Lamiaceae within the Lamiids clade. Using a multi-omics approach in combination with functional characterization of candidate genes both in vitro and in vivo, we found that RA biosynthesis in P. campanularia involves specific activities of a BAHD acyltransferase and two cytochrome P450 hydroxylases. Further phylogenetic and comparative structure-function analyses of the P. campanularia RA biosynthetic enzymes clearly indicate that RA biosynthesis has evolved independently at least twice in the Lamiids, an exemplary case of chemotypic convergence through disparate evolutionary trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya Levsh
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Tomáš Pluskal
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Valentina Carballo
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Andrew J Mitchell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Jing-Ke Weng
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
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42
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Ferreira SS, Simões MS, Carvalho GG, de Lima LGA, Svartman RMDA, Cesarino I. The lignin toolbox of the model grass Setaria viridis. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 101:235-255. [PMID: 31254267 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-019-00897-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The core set of biosynthetic genes potentially involved in developmental lignification was identified in the model C4 grass Setaria viridis. Lignin has been recognized as a major recalcitrant factor negatively affecting the processing of plant biomass into bioproducts. However, the efficient manipulation of lignin deposition in order to generate optimized crops for the biorefinery requires a fundamental knowledge of several aspects of lignin metabolism, including regulation, biosynthesis and polymerization. The current availability of an annotated genome for the model grass Setaria viridis allows the genome-wide characterization of genes involved in the metabolic pathway leading to the production of monolignols, the main building blocks of lignin. Here we performed a comprehensive study of monolignol biosynthetic genes as an initial step into the characterization of lignin metabolism in S. viridis. A total of 56 genes encoding bona fide enzymes catalyzing the consecutive ten steps of the monolignol biosynthetic pathway were identified in the S. viridis genome. A combination of comparative phylogenetic studies, high-throughput expression analysis and quantitative RT-PCR analysis was further employed to identify the family members potentially involved in developmental lignification. Accordingly, 14 genes clustered with genes from closely related species with a known function in lignification and showed an expression pattern that correlates with lignin deposition. These genes were considered the "core lignin toolbox" responsible for the constitutive, developmental lignification in S. viridis. These results provide the basis for further understanding lignin deposition in C4 grasses and will ultimately allow the validation of biotechnological strategies to produce crops with enhanced processing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sávio Siqueira Ferreira
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Marcella Siqueira Simões
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Garon Carvalho
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Leydson Gabriel Alves de Lima
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Igor Cesarino
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil.
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43
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Vanholme R, Sundin L, Seetso KC, Kim H, Liu X, Li J, De Meester B, Hoengenaert L, Goeminne G, Morreel K, Haustraete J, Tsai HH, Schmidt W, Vanholme B, Ralph J, Boerjan W. COSY catalyses trans-cis isomerization and lactonization in the biosynthesis of coumarins. NATURE PLANTS 2019; 5:1066-1075. [PMID: 31501530 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-019-0510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Coumarins, also known as 1,2-benzopyrones, comprise a large class of secondary metabolites that are ubiquitously found throughout the plant kingdom. In many plant species, coumarins are particularly important for iron acquisition and plant defence. Here, we show that COUMARIN SYNTHASE (COSY) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of coumarins. Arabidopsis thaliana cosy mutants have strongly reduced levels of coumarin and accumulate o-hydroxyphenylpropanoids instead. Accordingly, cosy mutants have reduced iron content and show growth defects when grown under conditions in which there is a limited availability of iron. Recombinant COSY is able to produce umbelliferone, esculetin and scopoletin from their respective o-hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA thioesters by two reaction steps-a trans-cis isomerization followed by a lactonization. This conversion happens partially spontaneously and is catalysed by light, which explains why the need for an enzyme for this conversion has been overlooked. The combined results show that COSY has an essential function in the biosynthesis of coumarins in organs that are shielded from light, such as roots. These findings provide routes to improving coumarin production in crops or by microbial fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Vanholme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa Sundin
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Keletso Carol Seetso
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and the DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, the Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Meester
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart Hoengenaert
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Goeminne
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Metabolomics Core, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Morreel
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Haustraete
- Protein Core, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Huei-Hsuan Tsai
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wolfgang Schmidt
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bartel Vanholme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and the DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, the Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wout Boerjan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.
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44
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Funnell-Harris DL, Sattler SE, O'Neill PM, Gries T, Tetreault HM, Clemente TE. Response of Sorghum Enhanced in Monolignol Biosynthesis to Stalk Rot Pathogens. PLANT DISEASE 2019; 103:2277-2287. [PMID: 31215851 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-09-18-1622-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To increase phenylpropanoid constituents and energy content in the versatile C4 grass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), sorghum genes for proteins related to monolignol biosynthesis were overexpressed: SbMyb60 (transcriptional activator), SbPAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase), SbCCoAOMT (caffeoyl coenzyme A [CoA] 3-O-methyltransferase), Bmr2 (4-coumarate:CoA ligase), and SbC3H (coumaroyl shikimate 3-hydroxylase). Overexpression lines were evaluated for responses to stalk pathogens under greenhouse and field conditions. Greenhouse-grown plants were inoculated with Fusarium thapsinum (Fusarium stalk rot) and Macrophomina phaseolina (charcoal rot), which cause yield-reducing diseases. F. thapsinum-inoculated overexpression plants had mean lesion lengths not significantly different than wild-type, except for significantly smaller lesions on two of three SbMyb60 and one of two SbCCoAOMT lines. M. phaseolina-inoculated overexpression lines had lesions not significantly different from wild-type except one SbPAL line (of two lines studied) with mean lesion lengths significantly larger. Field-grown SbMyb60 and SbCCoAOMT overexpression plants were inoculated with F. thapsinum. Mean lesions of SbMyb60 lines were similar to wild-type, but one SbCCoAOMT had larger lesions, whereas the other line was not significantly different than wild-type. Because overexpression of SbMyb60, Bmr2, or SbC3H may not render sorghum more susceptible to stalk rots, these lines may provide sources for development of sorghum with increased phenylpropanoid concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna L Funnell-Harris
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Scott E Sattler
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Patrick M O'Neill
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Tammy Gries
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Hannah M Tetreault
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Lincoln, NE 68583
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
| | - Thomas E Clemente
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583
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Chacón MG, Kendrick EG, Leak DJ. Engineering Escherichia coli for the production of butyl octanoate from endogenous octanoyl-CoA. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6971. [PMID: 31304053 PMCID: PMC6610577 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Medium chain esters produced from fruits and flowering plants have a number of commercial applications including use as flavour and fragrance ingredients, biofuels, and in pharmaceutical formulations. These esters are typically made via the activity of an alcohol acyl transferase (AAT) enzyme which catalyses the condensation of an alcohol and an acyl-CoA. Developing a microbial platform for medium chain ester production using AAT activity presents several obstacles, including the low product specificity of these enzymes for the desired ester and/or low endogenous substrate availability. In this study, we engineered Escherichia coli for the production of butyl octanoate from endogenously produced octanoyl-CoA. This was achieved through rational protein engineering of an AAT enzyme from Actinidia chinensis for improved octanoyl-CoA substrate specificity and metabolic engineering of E. coli fatty acid metabolism for increased endogenous octanoyl-CoA availability. This resulted in accumulation of 3.3 + 0.1 mg/L butyl octanoate as the sole product from E. coli after 48 h. This study represents a preliminary examination of the feasibility of developing E. coli platforms for the synthesis single medium chain esters from endogenous fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela G Chacón
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, England
| | | | - David J Leak
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, England
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46
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Peng H, Meyer RS, Yang T, Whitaker BD, Trouth F, Shangguan L, Huang J, Litt A, Little DP, Ke H, Jurick WM. A novel hydroxycinnamoyl transferase for synthesis of hydroxycinnamoyl spermine conjugates in plants. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:261. [PMID: 31208339 PMCID: PMC6580504 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1846-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxycinnamoyl-spermine conjugates (HCSpm) are a class of hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs), which not only are instrumental in plant development and stress response, but also benefit human health. However, HCSpm are not commonly produced in plants, and the mechanism of their biosynthesis remains unclear. In previous investigations of phenolics in Solanum fruits related to eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), we discovered that Solanum richardii, an African wild relative of eggplant, was rich in HCSpms in fruits. RESULTS The putative spermine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HT) SpmHT was isolated from S. richardii and eggplant. SrSpmHT expression was high in flowers and fruit, and was associated with HCSpm accumulation in S. richardii; however, SpmHT was hardly detected in eggplant cultivars and other wild relatives. Recombinant SpmHT exclusively selected spermine as the acyl acceptor substrate, while showing donor substrate preference in the following order: caffeoyl-CoA, feruloyl-CoA, and p-coumaroyl-CoA. Molecular docking revealed that substrate binding pockets of SpmHT could properly accommodate spermine but not the shorter, more common spermidine. CONCLUSION SrSpmHT is a novel spermine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase that uses Spm exclusively as the acyl acceptor substrate to produce HCSpms. Our findings shed light on the HCSpm biosynthetic pathway that may allow an increase of health beneficial metabolites in Solanum crops via methods such as introgression or engineering HCAA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
- The Genome Center and Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Rachel S. Meyer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Tianbao Yang
- Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
| | - Bruce D. Whitaker
- Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
| | - Frances Trouth
- Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
| | - Lingfei Shangguan
- Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu China
| | - Jingbing Huang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Amy Litt
- College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
| | - Damon P. Little
- Cullman Program for Molecular Systematics, New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, NY 10458 USA
| | - Hengming Ke
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Wayne M. Jurick
- Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
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Structural and dynamic basis of substrate permissiveness in hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT). PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006511. [PMID: 30365487 PMCID: PMC6203249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Substrate permissiveness has long been regarded as the raw materials for the evolution of new enzymatic functions. In land plants, hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT) is an essential enzyme of the phenylpropanoid metabolism. Although essential enzymes are normally associated with high substrate specificity, HCT can utilize a variety of non-native substrates. To examine the structural and dynamic basis of substrate permissiveness in this enzyme, we report the crystal structure of HCT from Selaginella moellendorffii and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed on five orthologous HCTs from several major lineages of land plants. Through altogether 17-μs MD simulations, we demonstrate the prevalent swing motion of an arginine handle on a submicrosecond timescale across all five HCTs, which plays a key role in native substrate recognition by these intrinsically promiscuous enzymes. Our simulations further reveal how a non-native substrate of HCT engages a binding site different from that of the native substrate and diffuses to reach the catalytic center and its co-substrate. By numerically solving the Smoluchowski equation, we show that the presence of such an alternative binding site, even when it is distant from the catalytic center, always increases the reaction rate of a given substrate. However, this increase is only significant for enzyme-substrate reactions heavily influenced by diffusion. In these cases, binding non-native substrates ‘off-center’ provides an effective rationale to develop substrate permissiveness while maintaining the native functions of promiscuous enzymes. Examples abound of enzymes that can process substrates other than their native ones. However, the structural and dynamic basis of this promiscuity remains to be fully understood. In this work, we examine HCT, an intrinsically promiscuous acyltransferase with conserved function in all land plants. We uncover the sub-microsecond swing motion of a key arginine residue facilitating the recognition of both native and non-native substrates of HCT. We also quantify the impact of an off-center binding site on the non-native reaction rate. Although our calculations were inspired by HCT, the results apply in general, i.e., for enzymes heavily influenced by diffusion, binding non-native substrates ‘off-center’, even with rather weak affinity, can accelerate non-native reactions to appreciable levels.
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Wu YF, Zhao Y, Liu XY, Gao S, Cheng AX, Lou HX. Isolation and functional characterization of hydroxycinnamoyltransferases from the liverworts Plagiochasma appendiculatum and Marchantia paleacea. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2018; 129:400-410. [PMID: 30691636 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT, EC: 2.3.1.133) is a key metabolic entry point for the synthesis of monolignols in vascular plants; however, little is known about HCT in liverworts. Here, the isolation and characterization of HCTs encoded by the two liverwort species, Plagiochasma appendiculatum and Marchantia paleacea, are described. The sequences of the two enzymes harbor features typical of BAHD family members, except for the presence of a stretch of >100 residues that are not represented in higher plant HCTs. When truncated versions of both genes, which were constructed to clarify the significance of these extra residues, were investigated, it became apparent that the full-length and the truncated gene products shared similar catalytic activity and recognized the same substrates in vitro. They also functioned equivalently in vivo either when transiently expressed in tobacco to cause a higher total production of CGA (5-CQA) and 4-CQA or stably expressed in liverworts to accumulate the lignin-like contents. A structural model of MpHCT suggests that its active site bind to its substrate similar to that of Arabidopsis thaliana HCT. While truncated forms of HCT were deposited in the nucleocytoplasm, the full-length versions occurred exclusively in the cytoplasm. The conclusion is that liverworts produce bona fide HCTs that represent a point of departure in studying the evolution of lignin synthesis in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Feng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xin-Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ai-Xia Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Hong-Xiang Lou
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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You LF, Wei T, Zheng QW, Lin JF, Guo LQ, Jiang BH, Huang JJ. Activity Essential Residue Analysis of Taxoid 10β-O-Acetyl Transferase for Enzymatic Synthesis of Baccatin. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2018; 186:949-959. [PMID: 29797298 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-018-2789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Taxoid 10β-O-acetyl transferase (DBAT) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the famous anticancer drug paclitaxel, which catalyses the formation of baccatin III from 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB). However, the activity essential residues of the enzyme are still unknown, and the acylation mechanism from its natural substrate 10-deacetylbaccatin III and acetyl CoA to baccatin III remains unclear. In this study, the homology modelling, molecular docking, site-directed mutagenesis, and kinetic parameter determination of the enzyme were carried out. The results showed that the enzyme mutant DBATH162A resulted in complete loss of enzymatic activity, suggesting that the residue histidine at 162 was essential to DBAT activity. Residues D166 and R363 which were located in the pocket of the enzyme by homology modelling and molecular docking were also important for DBAT activity through the site-directed mutations. Furthermore, four amino acid residues including S31 and D34 from motif SXXD, D372 and G376 from motif DFGWG also played important roles on acylation. This was the first report of the elucidation of the activity essential residues of DBAT, making it possible for the further structural-based re-design of the enzyme for efficient biotransformation of baccatin III and paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Feng You
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wu-Shan Road, Tian-He District, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Functional Organic Molecule, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, 400067, China
| | - Tao Wei
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wu-Shan Road, Tian-He District, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian-Wang Zheng
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wu-Shan Road, Tian-He District, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Fang Lin
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wu-Shan Road, Tian-He District, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li-Qiong Guo
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wu-Shan Road, Tian-He District, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Jia-Jun Huang
- College of Food Science & Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wu-Shan Road, Tian-He District, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
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50
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Long DH, Townsend CA. Mechanism of Integrated β-Lactam Formation by a Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase during Antibiotic Synthesis. Biochemistry 2018; 57:3353-3358. [PMID: 29701951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Modular nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large, multidomain engines of bioactive natural product biosynthesis that function as molecular "assembly lines" in which monomer units are selectively bound, modified, and linked in a specific order and number dictated by their mega-enzyme templates. Recently, a condensation domain in an NRPS was discovered to carry out the synthesis of an integrated β-lactam ring from a substrate seryl residue during antibiotic biosynthesis. We report here a series of experiments supporting a mechanism that involves C-N bond formation by stepwise elimination/addition reactions followed by canonical NRPS-catalyzed amide bond synthesis to achieve β-lactam formation. Partitioning of reactive intermediates formed during the multistep catalytic cycle provided insight into the ability of the NRPS to overcome the reversibility of corresponding reactions in solution and enforce directionality during synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcie H Long
- Department of Chemistry , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , Maryland 21218 , United States
| | - Craig A Townsend
- Department of Chemistry , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , Maryland 21218 , United States
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