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Rao S, Cao H, O'Hanna FJ, Zhou X, Lui A, Wrightstone E, Fish T, Yang Y, Thannhauser T, Cheng L, Dudareva N, Li L. Nudix hydrolase 23 post-translationally regulates carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:1868-1891. [PMID: 38299382 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Carotenoids are essential for photosynthesis and photoprotection. Plants must evolve multifaceted regulatory mechanisms to control carotenoid biosynthesis. However, the regulatory mechanisms and the regulators conserved among plant species remain elusive. Phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyzes the highly regulated step of carotenogenesis and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) acts as a hub to interact with GGPP-utilizing enzymes for the synthesis of specific downstream isoprenoids. Here, we report a function of Nudix hydrolase 23 (NUDX23), a Nudix domain-containing protein, in post-translational regulation of PSY and GGPPS for carotenoid biosynthesis. NUDX23 expresses highly in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. Overexpression of NUDX23 significantly increases PSY and GGPPS protein levels and carotenoid production, whereas knockout of NUDX23 dramatically reduces their abundances and carotenoid accumulation in Arabidopsis. NUDX23 regulates carotenoid biosynthesis via direct interactions with PSY and GGPPS in chloroplasts, which enhances PSY and GGPPS protein stability in a large PSY-GGPPS enzyme complex. NUDX23 was found to co-migrate with PSY and GGPPS proteins and to be required for the enzyme complex assembly. Our findings uncover a regulatory mechanism underlying carotenoid biosynthesis in plants and offer promising genetic tools for developing carotenoid-enriched food crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sombir Rao
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Hongbo Cao
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Franz Joseph O'Hanna
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xuesong Zhou
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andy Lui
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Emalee Wrightstone
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tara Fish
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yong Yang
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Theodore Thannhauser
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lailiang Cheng
- Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Natalia Dudareva
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2063, USA
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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García-Paz FDM, Del Moral S, Morales-Arrieta S, Ayala M, Treviño-Quintanilla LG, Olvera-Carranza C. Multidomain chimeric enzymes as a promising alternative for biocatalysts improvement: a minireview. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:410. [PMID: 38466518 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09332-9] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Searching for new and better biocatalysts is an area of study in constant development. In nature, mechanisms generally occurring in evolution, such as genetic duplication, recombination, and natural selection processes, produce various enzymes with different architectures and properties. The recombination of genes that code proteins produces multidomain chimeric enzymes that contain two or more domains that sometimes enhance their catalytic properties. Protein engineering has mimicked this process to enhance catalytic activity and the global stability of enzymes, searching for new and better biocatalysts. Here, we present and discuss examples from both natural and synthetic multidomain chimeric enzymes and how additional domains heighten their stability and catalytic activity. Moreover, we also describe progress in developing new biocatalysts using synthetic fusion enzymes and revise some methodological strategies to improve their biological fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor de María García-Paz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001 Col. Chamilpa CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Sandra Del Moral
- Investigador por México-CONAHCyT, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Alimentos, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Campus Veracruz. MA de Quevedo 2779, Col. Formando Hogar, CP 91960, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Sandra Morales-Arrieta
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica del Estado de Morelos, Boulevard Cuauhnáhuac No. 566 Col. Lomas del Texcal CP 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Marcela Ayala
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001 Col. Chamilpa CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Luis Gerardo Treviño-Quintanilla
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica del Estado de Morelos, Boulevard Cuauhnáhuac No. 566 Col. Lomas del Texcal CP 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Clarita Olvera-Carranza
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001 Col. Chamilpa CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
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3
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Adusumilli SH, Alikkam Veetil A, Choudhury C, Chattopadhyaya B, Behera D, Bachhawat AK. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase variants increase NADPH pools for yeast isoprenoid production. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:410-425. [PMID: 38124687 PMCID: PMC10909971 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Isoprenoid biosynthesis has a significant requirement for the co-factor NADPH. Thus, increasing NADPH levels for enhancing isoprenoid yields in synthetic biology is critical. Previous efforts have focused on diverting flux into the pentose phosphate pathway or overproducing enzymes that generate NADPH. In this study, we instead focused on increasing the efficiency of enzymes that generate NADPH. We first established a robust genetic screen that allowed us to screen improved variants. The pentose phosphate pathway enzyme, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), was chosen for further improvement. Different gene fusions of G6PD with the downstream enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6PGL), were created. The linker-less G6PD-6PGL fusion displayed the highest activity, and although it had slightly lower activity than the WT enzyme, the affinity for G6P was higher and showed higher yields of the diterpenoid sclareol in vivo. A second gene fusion approach was to fuse G6PD to truncated HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting step and also the major NADPH consumer in the pathway. Both domains were functional, and the fusion also yielded higher sclareol levels. We simultaneously carried out a rational mutagenesis approach with G6PD, which led to the identification of two mutants of G6PD, N403D and S238QI239F, that showed 15-25% higher activity in vitro. The diterpene sclareol yields were also increased in the strains overexpressing these mutants relative to WT G6PD, and these will be very beneficial in synthetic biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Harsha Adusumilli
- Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliManauliIndia
- Present address:
Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonWIUSA
| | - Anuthariq Alikkam Veetil
- Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliManauliIndia
- Present address:
Department of Chemistry and Biomedical SciencesLinnaeus universityKalmarSweden
| | | | - Banani Chattopadhyaya
- Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliManauliIndia
| | - Diptimayee Behera
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliManauliIndia
| | - Anand Kumar Bachhawat
- Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliManauliIndia
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Adusumilli SH, Dabburu GR, Kumar M, Arora P, Chattopadhyaya B, Behera D, Bachhawat AK. The potential of R. toruloides mevalonate pathway genes in increasing isoprenoid yields in S. cerevisiae: Evaluation of GGPPS and HMG-CoA reductase. Enzyme Microb Technol 2024; 174:110374. [PMID: 38147781 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2023.110374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The enzymes of the mevalonate pathway need to be improved to achieve high yields of isoprenoids in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The red yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides produces high levels of carotenoids and may have evolved to carry a naturally high flux of isoprenoids. Enzymes from such yeasts are likely to be promising candidates for improvement. Towards this end, we have systematically investigated the various enzymes of the mevalonate pathway of R. toruloides and custom synthesized, expressed, and evaluated six key enzymes in S. cerevisiae. The two nodal enzymes geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (RtGGPPS) and truncated HMG-CoA reductase (RttHMG) of R. toruloides showed a significant advantage to the cells for isoprenoid production as seen by a visual carotenoid screen. These two were analyzed further, and attempts were also made at further improvement. RtGGPPS was confirmed to be superior to the S. cerevisiae enzyme, as seen from in vitro activity determinations and in vivo production of the heterologous diterpenoid sclareol. Four mutants were created through rational mutagenesis but were unable to improve the activity further. In the case of RttHMG, functional evaluation of the enzyme revealed that it was very unstable despite functioning very well in S. cerevisiae. We succeeded in stabilizing the enzyme through mutation of a conserved serine in the catalytic region, which did not alter the enzyme activity per se. In vivo evaluation of the mutant revealed that it could enable better sclareol yields. Therefore, these two enzymes from the red yeast are excellent candidates for heterologous isoprenoid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Harsha Adusumilli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India
| | | | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi (South Campus), India
| | - Prateek Arora
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Banani Chattopadhyaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Diptimayee Behera
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Anand Kumar Bachhawat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India.
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5
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Cao K, Cui Y, Sun F, Zhang H, Fan J, Ge B, Cao Y, Wang X, Zhu X, Wei Z, Yao Q, Ma J, Wang Y, Meng C, Gao Z. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies for producing high-value natural pigments in Microalgae. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108236. [PMID: 37586543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are microorganisms capable of producing bioactive compounds using photosynthesis. Microalgae contain a variety of high value-added natural pigments such as carotenoids, phycobilins, and chlorophylls. These pigments play an important role in many areas such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Natural pigments have a health value that is unmatched by synthetic pigments. However, the current commercial production of natural pigments from microalgae is not able to meet the growing market demand. The use of metabolic engineering and synthetic biological strategies to improve the production performance of microalgal cell factories is essential to promote the large-scale production of high-value pigments from microalgae. This paper reviews the health and economic values, the applications, and the synthesis pathways of microalgal pigments. Overall, this review aims to highlight the latest research progress in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology in constructing engineered strains of microalgae with high-value pigments and the application of CRISPR technology and multi-omics in this context. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on the bottlenecks and challenges of microalgal pigment production and their future development prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; School of Life Sciences and medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Yulin Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Fengjie Sun
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jianhua Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Baosheng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Yujiao Cao
- School of Foreign Languages, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255090, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; School of Life Sciences and medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Zuoxi Wei
- School of Life Sciences and medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Qingshou Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jinju Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Chunxiao Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Zhengquan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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Du B, Sun M, Hui W, Xie C, Xu X. Recent Advances on Key Enzymes of Microbial Origin in the Lycopene Biosynthesis Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:12927-12942. [PMID: 37609695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03942] [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: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Lycopene is a common carotenoid found mainly in ripe red fruits and vegetables that is widely used in the food industry due to its characteristic color and health benefits. Microbial synthesis of lycopene is gradually replacing the traditional methods of plant extraction and chemical synthesis as a more economical and productive manufacturing strategy. The biosynthesis of lycopene is a typical multienzyme cascade reaction, and it is important to understand the characteristics of each key enzyme involved and how they are regulated. In this paper, the catalytic characteristics of the key enzymes involved in the lycopene biosynthesis pathway and related studies are first discussed in detail. Then, the strategies applied to the key enzymes of lycopene synthesis, including fusion proteins, enzyme screening, combinatorial engineering, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, DNA assembly, and scaffolding technologies are purposefully illustrated and compared in terms of both traditional and emerging multienzyme regulatory strategies. Finally, future developments and regulatory options for multienzyme synthesis of lycopene and similar secondary metabolites are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangmian Du
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengjuan Sun
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenyang Hui
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chengjia Xie
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute, Yangzhou 225127, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xian Xu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu Province, China
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Ezquerro M, Li C, Pérez-Pérez J, Burbano-Erazo E, Barja MV, Wang Y, Dong L, Lisón P, López-Gresa MP, Bouwmeester HJ, Rodríguez-Concepción M. Tomato geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase isoform 1 is involved in the stress-triggered production of diterpenes in leaves and strigolactones in roots. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 239:2292-2306. [PMID: 37381102 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19109] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are photoprotectant pigments and precursors of hormones such as strigolactones (SL). Carotenoids are produced in plastids from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), which is diverted to the carotenoid pathway by phytoene synthase (PSY). In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), three genes encode plastid-targeted GGPP synthases (SlG1 to SlG3) and three genes encode PSY isoforms (PSY1 to PSY3). Here, we investigated the function of SlG1 by generating loss-of-function lines and combining their metabolic and physiological phenotyping with gene co-expression and co-immunoprecipitation analyses. Leaves and fruits of slg1 lines showed a wild-type phenotype in terms of carotenoid accumulation, photosynthesis, and development under normal growth conditions. In response to bacterial infection, however, slg1 leaves produced lower levels of defensive GGPP-derived diterpenoids. In roots, SlG1 was co-expressed with PSY3 and other genes involved in SL production, and slg1 lines grown under phosphate starvation exuded less SLs. However, slg1 plants did not display the branched shoot phenotype observed in other SL-defective mutants. At the protein level, SlG1 physically interacted with the root-specific PSY3 isoform but not with PSY1 and PSY2. Our results confirm specific roles for SlG1 in producing GGPP for defensive diterpenoids in leaves and carotenoid-derived SLs (in combination with PSY3) in roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ezquerro
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Changsheng Li
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Julia Pérez-Pérez
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - Esteban Burbano-Erazo
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - M Victoria Barja
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Yanting Wang
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Lemeng Dong
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Purificación Lisón
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - M Pilar López-Gresa
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | - Harro J Bouwmeester
- Plant Hormone Biology Group, Green Life Sciences Cluster, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Concepción
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
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8
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Bhargava N, Ampomah-Dwamena C, Voogd C, Allan AC. Comparative transcriptomic and plastid development analysis sheds light on the differential carotenoid accumulation in kiwifruit flesh. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1213086. [PMID: 37711308 PMCID: PMC10499360 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1213086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are colorful lipophilic isoprenoids synthesized in all photosynthetic organisms which play roles in plant growth and development and provide numerous health benefits in the human diet (precursor of Vitamin A). The commercially popular kiwifruits are golden yellow-fleshed (Actinidia chinensis) and green fleshed (A. deliciosa) cultivars which have a high carotenoid concentration. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the synthesis and sequestration of carotenoids in Actinidia species is key to increasing nutritional value of this crop via breeding. In this study we analyzed fruit with varying flesh color from three Actinidia species; orange-fleshed A. valvata (OF), yellow-fleshed A. polygama (YF) and green-fleshed A. arguta (GF). Microscopic analysis revealed that carotenoids accumulated in a crystalline form in YF and OF chromoplasts, with the size of crystals being bigger in OF compared to YF, which also contained globular substructures in the chromoplast. Metabolic profiles were investigated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), which showed that β-carotene was the predominant carotenoid in the OF and YF species, while lutein was the dominant carotenoid in the GF species. Global changes in gene expression were studied between OF and GF (both tetraploid) species using RNA-sequencing which showed higher expression levels of upstream carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes such as DXS, PSY, GGPPS, PDS, ZISO, and ZDS in OF species compared to GF. However, low expression of downstream pathway genes was observed in both species. Pathway regulatory genes (OR and OR-L), plastid morphology related genes (FIBRILLIN), chlorophyll degradation genes (SGR, SGR-L, RCCR, and NYC1) were upregulated in OF species compared to GF. This suggests chlorophyll degradation (primarily in the initial ripening stages) is accompanied by increased carotenoid production and localization in orange flesh tissue, a contrast from green flesh tissue. These results suggest a coordinated change in the carotenoid pathway, as well as changes in plastid type, are responsible for an orange phenotype in certain kiwifruit species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitisha Bhargava
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research) Mt Albert, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles Ampomah-Dwamena
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research) Mt Albert, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte Voogd
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research) Mt Albert, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew C. Allan
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (Plant & Food Research) Mt Albert, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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9
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Majhi BB, Gélinas SE, Mérindol N, Ricard S, Desgagné-Penix I. Characterization of norbelladine synthase and noroxomaritidine/norcraugsodine reductase reveals a novel catalytic route for the biosynthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids including the Alzheimer's drug galanthamine. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1231809. [PMID: 37711303 PMCID: PMC10499049 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1231809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are a large group of plant specialized metabolites with diverse pharmacological properties. Norbelladine is the entry compound in AAs biosynthesis and is produced from the condensation of tyramine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3,4-DHBA). There are two reported enzymes capable of catalyzing this reaction in-vitro, both with low yield. The first one, norbelladine synthase (NBS), was shown to condense tyramine and 3,4-DHBA, while noroxomaritidine/norcraugsodine reductase (NR), catalyzes a reduction reaction to produce norbelladine. To clarify the mechanisms involved in this controversial step, both NBS and NR homologs were identified from the transcriptome of Narcissus papyraceus and Leucojum aestivum, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzymatic assays performed with tyramine and 3,4-DHBA with each enzyme separately or combined, suggested that NBS and NR function together for the condensation of tyramine and 3,4-DHBA into norcraugsodine and further reduction into norbelladine. Using molecular homology modeling and docking studies, we predicted models for the binding of tyramine and 3,4-DHBA to NBS, and of the intermediate norcraugsodine to NR. Moreover, we show that NBS and NR physically interact in yeast and in-planta, that both localize to the cytoplasm and nucleus and are expressed at high levels in bulbs, confirming their colocalization and co-expression thus their ability to work together in the same catalytic route. Finally, their co-expression in yeast led to the production of norbelladine. In all, our study establishes that both NBS and NR participate in the biosynthesis of norbelladine by catalyzing the first key steps associated in the biosynthesis of the Alzheimer's drug galanthamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhusan Majhi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah-Eve Gélinas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Ricard
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
- Plant Biology Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, QC, Canada
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10
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Dahmani I, Qin K, Zhang Y, Fernie AR. The formation and function of plant metabolons. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 114:1080-1092. [PMID: 36906885 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Metabolons are temporary structural-functional complexes of sequential enzymes of a metabolic pathway that are distinct from stable multi-enzyme complexes. Here we provide a brief history of the study of enzyme-enzyme assemblies with a particular focus on those that mediate substrate channeling in plants. Large numbers of protein complexes have been proposed for both primary and secondary metabolic pathways in plants. However, to date only four substrate channels have been demonstrated. We provide an overview of current knowledge concerning these four metabolons and explain the methodologies that are currently being applied to unravel their functions. Although the assembly of metabolons has been documented to arise through diverse mechanisms, the physical interaction within the characterized plant metabolons all appear to be driven by interaction with structural elements of the cell. We therefore pose the question as to what methodologies could be brought to bear to enhance our knowledge of plant metabolons that assemble via different mechanisms? In addressing this question, we review recent findings in non-plant systems concerning liquid droplet phase separation and enzyme chemotaxis and propose strategies via which such metabolons could be identified in plants. We additionally discuss the possibilities that could be opened up by novel approaches based on: (i) subcellular-level mass spectral imaging, (ii) proteomics, and (iii) emergent methods in structural and computational biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Dahmani
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Kezhen Qin
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Center of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Center of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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11
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Chen J, Tan J, Duan X, Wang Y, Wen J, Li W, Li Z, Wang G, Xu H. Plastidial engineering with coupled farnesyl diphosphate pool reconstitution and enhancement for sesquiterpene biosynthesis in tomato fruit. Metab Eng 2023; 77:41-52. [PMID: 36893914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Sesquiterpenes represent a large class of terpene compounds found in plants with broad applications such as pharmaceuticals and biofuels. The plastidial MEP pathway in ripening tomato fruit is naturally optimized to provide the 5-carbon isoprene building blocks of all terpenes for production of the tetraterpene pigment lycopene and other carotenoids, making it an excellent plant system to be engineered for production of high-value terpenoids. We reconstituted and enhanced the pool of sesquiterpene precursor farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) in plastids of tomato fruit by overexpressing the fusion gene DXS-FPPS encoding a fusion protein of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS) linked with farnesyl diphosphate synthase (originally called farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, and abbreviated as FPPS) under the control of fruit-ripening specific polygalacturonase (PG) promoter concomitant with substantial reduction in lycopene content and large production of FPP-derived squalene. The supply of precursors achieved by the fusion gene expression can be harnessed by an engineered sesquiterpene synthase that is retargeted to plastid to engineer high-yield sesquiterpene production in tomato fruit, offering an effective production system for high-value sesquiterpene ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Jing Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Xinyu Duan
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Jing Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Agricultural Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Foshan, 528200, China.
| | - Zhengguo Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Haiyang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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12
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Nutritional composition of maize grain associated with phosphorus and zinc fertilization. J Food Compost Anal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Mapping and Validation of BrGOLDEN: A Dominant Gene Regulating Carotenoid Accumulation in Brassica rapa. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012442. [PMID: 36293299 PMCID: PMC9603932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In plants, the accumulation of carotenoids can maintain the balance of the photosystem and improve crop nutritional quality. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying carotenoid synthesis and accumulation should be further explored. In this study, carotenoid accumulation differed significantly among parental Brassica rapa. Genetic analysis was carried out using the golden inner leaf ‘1900264′ line and the light−yellow inner leaf ‘1900262′ line, showing that the golden inner leaf phenotype was controlled by a single dominant gene. Using bulked−segregant analysis sequencing, BraA09g007080.3C encoding the ORANGE protein was selected as a candidate gene. Sequence alignment revealed that a 4.67 kb long terminal repeat insertion in the third exon of the BrGOLDEN resulted in three alternatively spliced transcripts. The spatiotemporal expression results indicated that BrGOLDEN might regulate the expression levels of carotenoid−synthesis−related genes. After transforming BrGOLDEN into Arabidopsis thaliana, the seed−derived callus showed that BrGOLDENIns and BrGOLDENDel lines presented a yellow color and the BrGOLDENLdel line presented a transparent phenotype. In addition, using the yeast two−hybrid assay, BrGOLDENIns, BrGOLDENLdel, and Brgoldenwt exhibited strong interactions with BrPSY1, but BrGOLDENDel did not interact with BrPSY1 in the split−ubiquitin membrane system. In the secondary and 3D structure analysis, BrGOLDENDel was shown to have lost the PNFPSFIPFLPPL sequences at the 125 amino acid position, which resulted in the α−helices of BrGOLDENDel being disrupted, restricting the formation of the 3D structure and affecting the functions of the protein. These findings may provide new insights into the regulation of carotenoid synthesis in B. rapa.
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14
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Gutensohn M, Hartzell E, Dudareva N. Another level of complex-ity: The role of metabolic channeling and metabolons in plant terpenoid metabolism. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:954083. [PMID: 36035727 PMCID: PMC9399743 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.954083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Terpenoids constitute one of the largest and most diverse classes of plant metabolites. While some terpenoids are involved in essential plant processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, growth, and development, others are specialized metabolites playing roles in the interaction of plants with their biotic and abiotic environment. Due to the distinct functions and properties of specific terpenoid compounds, there is a growing interest to introduce or modify their production in plants by metabolic engineering for agricultural, pharmaceutical, or industrial applications. The MVA and MEP pathways and the prenyltransferases providing the general precursors for terpenoid formation, as well as the enzymes of the various downstream metabolic pathways leading to the formation of different groups of terpenoid compounds have been characterized in detail in plants. In contrast, the molecular mechanisms directing the metabolic flux of precursors specifically toward one of several potentially competing terpenoid biosynthetic pathways are still not well understood. The formation of metabolons, multi-protein complexes composed of enzymes catalyzing sequential reactions of a metabolic pathway, provides a promising concept to explain the metabolic channeling that appears to occur in the complex terpenoid biosynthetic network of plants. Here we provide an overview about examples of potential metabolons involved in plant terpenoid metabolism that have been recently characterized and the first attempts to utilize metabolic channeling in terpenoid metabolic engineering. In addition, we discuss the gaps in our current knowledge and in consequence the need for future basic and applied research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gutensohn
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Erin Hartzell
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Natalia Dudareva
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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15
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Ding BY, Xie XC, Shang F, Smagghe G, Niu JZ, Wang JJ. Characterization of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway genes in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) revealed by heterologous complementation and RNA interference assays. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:645-656. [PMID: 34399028 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12958] [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: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are involved in many essential physiological functions and are produced from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate through synthase, desaturase, and cyclase activities. In the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the duplication of carotenoid biosynthetic genes, including carotenoid synthases/cyclases (ApCscA-C) and desaturases (ApCdeA-D), through horizontal gene transfer from fungi has been detected, and ApCdeB has known dehydrogenation functions. However, whether other genes contribute to aphid carotenoid biosynthesis, and its specific regulatory pathway, remains unclear. In the current study, functional analyses of seven genes were performed using heterologous complementation and RNA interference assays. The bifunctional enzymes ApCscA-C were responsible for the synthase of phytoene, and ApCscC may also have a cyclase activity. ApCdeA, ApCdeC, and ApCdeD had diverse dehydrogenation functions. ApCdeA catalyzed the enzymatic conversion of phytoene to neurosporene (three-step product), ApCdeC catalyzed the enzymatic conversion of phytoene to ζ-carotene (two-step product), and ApCdeD catalyzed the enzymatic conversion of phytoene to lycopene (four-step product). Silencing of ApCscs reduced the expression levels of ApCdes, and silencing these carotenoid biosynthetic genes reduced the α-, β-, and γ-carotene levels, as well as the total carotenoid level. The results suggest that these genes were activated and led to carotenoid biosynthesis in the pea aphid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest, Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Cheng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest, Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest, Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest, Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Zhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest, Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest, Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Design of Artificial Enzymes Bearing Several Active Centers: New Trends, Opportunities and Problems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105304. [PMID: 35628115 PMCID: PMC9141793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Harnessing enzymes which possess several catalytic activities is a topic where intense research has been carried out, mainly coupled with the development of cascade reactions. This review tries to cover the different possibilities to reach this goal: enzymes with promiscuous activities, fusion enzymes, enzymes + metal catalysts (including metal nanoparticles or site-directed attached organometallic catalyst), enzymes bearing non-canonical amino acids + metal catalysts, design of enzymes bearing a second biological but artificial active center (plurizymes) by coupling enzyme modelling and directed mutagenesis and plurizymes that have been site directed modified in both or in just one active center with an irreversible inhibitor attached to an organometallic catalyst. Some examples of cascade reactions catalyzed by the enzymes bearing several catalytic activities are also described. Finally, some foreseen problems of the use of these multi-activity enzymes are described (mainly related to the balance of the catalytic activities, necessary in many instances, or the different operational stabilities of the different catalytic activities). The design of new multi-activity enzymes (e.g., plurizymes or modified plurizymes) seems to be a topic with unarguable interest, as this may link biological and non-biological activities to establish new combo-catalysis routes.
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17
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Zhou X, Rao S, Wrightstone E, Sun T, Lui ACW, Welsch R, Li L. Phytoene Synthase: The Key Rate-Limiting Enzyme of Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:884720. [PMID: 35498681 PMCID: PMC9039723 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.884720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyzes the first committed step in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway and is a major rate-limiting enzyme of carotenogenesis. PSY is highly regulated by various regulators and factors to modulate carotenoid biosynthesis in response to diverse developmental and environmental cues. Because of its critical role in controlling the total amount of synthesized carotenoids, PSY has been extensively investigated and engineered in plant species. However, much remains to be learned on its multifaceted regulatory control and its catalytic efficiency for carotenoid enrichment in crops. Here, we present current knowledge on the basic biology, the functional evolution, the dynamic regulation, and the metabolic engineering of PSY. We also discuss the open questions and gaps to stimulate additional research on this most studied gene/enzyme in the carotenogenic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Zhou
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sombir Rao
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Emalee Wrightstone
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Tianhu Sun
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Andy Cheuk Woon Lui
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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18
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Fordjour E, Mensah EO, Hao Y, Yang Y, Liu X, Li Y, Liu CL, Bai Z. Toward improved terpenoids biosynthesis: strategies to enhance the capabilities of cell factories. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2022; 9:6. [PMID: 38647812 PMCID: PMC10992668 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-022-00493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Terpenoids form the most diversified class of natural products, which have gained application in the pharmaceutical, food, transportation, and fine and bulk chemical industries. Extraction from naturally occurring sources does not meet industrial demands, whereas chemical synthesis is often associated with poor enantio-selectivity, harsh working conditions, and environmental pollutions. Microbial cell factories come as a suitable replacement. However, designing efficient microbial platforms for isoprenoid synthesis is often a challenging task. This has to do with the cytotoxic effects of pathway intermediates and some end products, instability of expressed pathways, as well as high enzyme promiscuity. Also, the low enzymatic activity of some terpene synthases and prenyltransferases, and the lack of an efficient throughput system to screen improved high-performing strains are bottlenecks in strain development. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology seek to overcome these issues through the provision of effective synthetic tools. This review sought to provide an in-depth description of novel strategies for improving cell factory performance. We focused on improving transcriptional and translational efficiencies through static and dynamic regulatory elements, enzyme engineering and high-throughput screening strategies, cellular function enhancement through chromosomal integration, metabolite tolerance, and modularization of pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fordjour
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Emmanuel Osei Mensah
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yunpeng Hao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yankun Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiuxia Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ye Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chun-Li Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
| | - Zhonghu Bai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Research Centre for Bioactive Product Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
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19
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Sun T, Rao S, Zhou X, Li L. Plant carotenoids: recent advances and future perspectives. MOLECULAR HORTICULTURE 2022; 2:3. [PMID: 37789426 PMCID: PMC10515021 DOI: 10.1186/s43897-022-00023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are isoprenoid metabolites synthesized de novo in all photosynthetic organisms. Carotenoids are essential for plants with diverse functions in photosynthesis, photoprotection, pigmentation, phytohormone synthesis, and signaling. They are also critically important for humans as precursors of vitamin A synthesis and as dietary antioxidants. The vital roles of carotenoids to plants and humans have prompted significant progress toward our understanding of carotenoid metabolism and regulation. New regulators and novel roles of carotenoid metabolites are continuously revealed. This review focuses on current status of carotenoid metabolism and highlights recent advances in comprehension of the intrinsic and multi-dimensional regulation of carotenoid accumulation. We also discuss the functional evolution of carotenoids, the agricultural and horticultural application, and some key areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhu Sun
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Sombir Rao
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Xuesong Zhou
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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20
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Agrawal S, Karcher D, Ruf S, Erban A, Hertle AP, Kopka J, Bock R. Riboswitch-mediated inducible expression of an astaxanthin biosynthetic operon in plastids. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:637-652. [PMID: 34623449 PMCID: PMC8774745 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The high-value carotenoid astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione) is one of the most potent antioxidants in nature. In addition to its large-scale use in fish farming, the pigment has applications as a food supplement and an active ingredient in cosmetics and in pharmaceuticals for the treatment of diseases linked to reactive oxygen species. The biochemical pathway for astaxanthin synthesis has been introduced into seed plants, which do not naturally synthesize this pigment, by nuclear and plastid engineering. The highest accumulation rates have been achieved in transplastomic plants, but massive production of astaxanthin has resulted in severe growth retardation. What limits astaxanthin accumulation levels and what causes the mutant phenotype is unknown. Here, we addressed these questions by making astaxanthin synthesis in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plastids inducible by a synthetic riboswitch. We show that, already in the uninduced state, astaxanthin accumulates to similarly high levels as in transplastomic plants expressing the pathway constitutively. Importantly, the inducible plants displayed wild-type-like growth properties and riboswitch induction resulted in a further increase in astaxanthin accumulation. Our data suggest that the mutant phenotype associated with constitutive astaxanthin synthesis is due to massive metabolite turnover, and indicate that astaxanthin accumulation is limited by the sequestration capacity of the plastid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Agrawal
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Daniel Karcher
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Alexander Erban
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Alexander P Hertle
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Joachim Kopka
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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21
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Welsch R, Li L. Golden Rice—Lessons learned for inspiring future metabolic engineering strategies and synthetic biology solutions. Methods Enzymol 2022; 671:1-29. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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22
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Elevating fruit carotenoid content in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh). Methods Enzymol 2022; 671:63-98. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ronnebaum TA, Eaton SA, Brackhahn EAE, Christianson DW. Engineering the Prenyltransferase Domain of a Bifunctional Assembly-Line Terpene Synthase. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3162-3172. [PMID: 34609847 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Copalyl diphosphate (CPP) synthase from Penicillium verruculosum (PvCPS) is a bifunctional diterpene synthase with both prenyltransferase and class II cyclase activities. The prenyltransferase α domain catalyzes the condensation of C5 dimethylallyl diphosphate with three successively added C5 isopentenyl diphosphates (IPPs) to form C20 geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), which then undergoes a class II cyclization reaction at the βγ domain interface to generate CPP. The prenyltransferase α domain mediates oligomerization to form a 648-kD (αβγ)6 hexamer. In the current study, we explore prenyltransferase structure-function relationships in this oligomeric assembly-line platform with the goal of generating alternative linear isoprenoid products. Specifically, we report steady-state enzyme kinetics, product analysis, and crystal structures of various site-specific variants of the prenyltransferase α domain. Crystal structures of the H786A, F760A, S723Y, S723F, and S723T variants have been determined at resolutions of 2.80, 3.10, 3.15, 2.65, and 2.00 Å, respectively. The substitution of S723 with bulky aromatic amino acids in the S723Y and S723F variants constricts the active site, thereby directing the formation of the shorter C15 isoprenoid, farnesyl diphosphate. While the S723T substitution only subtly alters enzyme kinetics and does not compromise GGPP biosynthesis, the crystal structure of this variant reveals a nonproductive binding mode for IPP that likely accounts for substrate inhibition at high concentrations. Finally, mutagenesis of the catalytic general acid in the class II cyclase domain, D313A, significantly compromises prenyltransferase activity. This result suggests molecular communication between the prenyltransferase and cyclase domains despite their distant connection by a flexible polypeptide linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trey A Ronnebaum
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Samuel A Eaton
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Emily A E Brackhahn
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - David W Christianson
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
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Faylo JL, Ronnebaum TA, Christianson DW. Assembly-Line Catalysis in Bifunctional Terpene Synthases. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3780-3791. [PMID: 34254507 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The magnificent chemodiversity of more than 95 000 terpenoid natural products identified to date largely originates from catalysis by two types of terpene synthases, prenyltransferases and cyclases. Prenyltransferases utilize 5-carbon building blocks in processive chain elongation reactions to generate linear C5n isoprenoid diphosphates (n ≥ 2), which in turn serve as substrates for terpene cyclases that convert these linear precursors into structurally complex hydrocarbon products containing multiple rings and stereocenters. Terpene cyclization reactions are the most complex organic transformations found in nature in that more than half of the substrate carbon atoms undergo changes in chemical bonding during a multistep reaction sequence proceeding through several carbocation intermediates. Two general classes of cyclases are established on the basis of the chemistry of initial carbocation formation, and structural studies from our laboratory and others show that three fundamental protein folds designated α, β, and γ govern this chemistry. Catalysis by a class I cyclase occurs in an α domain, where a trinuclear metal cluster activates the substrate diphosphate leaving group to generate an allylic cation. Catalysis by a class II cyclase occurs in a β domain or at the interface of β and γ domains, where an aspartic acid protonates the terminal π bond of the substrate to yield a tertiary carbocation. Crystal structures reveal domain architectures of α, αβ, αβγ, βγ, and β.In some terpene synthases, these domains are combined to yield bifunctional enzymes that catalyze successive biosynthetic steps in assembly line fashion. Structurally characterized examples include bacterial geosmin synthase, an αα domain enzyme that catalyzes a class I cyclization reaction of C15 farnesyl diphosphate in one active site and a transannulation-fragmentation reaction in the other to yield C12 geosmin and C3 acetone products. In comparison, plant abietadiene synthase is an αβγ domain enzyme in which C20 geranylgeranyl diphosphate undergoes tandem class II-class I cyclization reactions to yield the tricyclic product. Recent structural studies from our laboratory show that bifunctional fungal cyclases form oligomeric complexes for assembly line catalysis. Bifunctional (+)-copalyl diphosphate synthase adopts (αβγ)6 architecture in which the α domain generates geranylgeranyl diphosphate, which then undergoes class II cyclization in the βγ domains to yield the bicyclic product. Bifunctional fusicoccadiene synthase adopts (αα)6 or (αα)8 architecture in which one α domain generates geranylgeranyl diphosphate, which then undergoes class I cyclization in the other α domain to yield the tricyclic product. The prenyltransferase α domain mediates oligomerization in these systems. Attached by flexible polypeptide linkers, cyclase domains splay out from oligomeric prenyltransferase cores.In this Account, we review structure-function relationships for these bifunctional terpene synthases, with a focus on the oligomeric systems studied in our laboratory. The observation of substrate channeling for fusicoccadiene synthase suggests a model for dynamic cluster channeling in catalysis by oligomeric assembly line terpenoid synthases. Resulting efficiencies in carbon management suggest that such systems could be particularly attractive for use in synthetic biology approaches to generate high-value terpenoid natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacque L. Faylo
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Trey A. Ronnebaum
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - David W. Christianson
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
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25
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Torres-Montilla S, Rodriguez-Concepcion M. Making extra room for carotenoids in plant cells: New opportunities for biofortification. Prog Lipid Res 2021; 84:101128. [PMID: 34530006 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Plant carotenoids are essential for photosynthesis and photoprotection and provide colors in the yellow to red range to non-photosynthetic organs such as petals and ripe fruits. They are also the precursors of biologically active molecules not only in plants (including hormones and retrograde signals) but also in animals (including retinoids such as vitamin A). A carotenoid-rich diet has been associated with improved health and cognitive capacity in humans, whereas the use of carotenoids as natural pigments is widespread in the agrofood and cosmetic industries. The nutritional and economic relevance of carotenoids has spurred a large number of biotechnological strategies to enrich plant tissues with carotenoids. Most of such approaches to alter carotenoid contents in plants have been focused on manipulating their biosynthesis or degradation, whereas improving carotenoid sink capacity in plant tissues has received much less attention. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms influencing carotenoid storage in plants has substantially grown in the last years, opening new opportunities for carotenoid biofortification. Here we will review these advances with a particular focus on those creating extra room for carotenoids in plant cells either by promoting the differentiation of carotenoid-sequestering structures within plastids or by transferring carotenoid production to the cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Torres-Montilla
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas - Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodriguez-Concepcion
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas - Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
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26
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Plant geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases: every (gene) family has a story. ABIOTECH 2021; 2:289-298. [PMID: 36303884 PMCID: PMC9590577 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-021-00050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Plant isoprenoids (also known as terpenes or terpenoids) are a wide family of primary and secondary metabolites with multiple functions. In particular, most photosynthesis-related isoprenoids (including carotenoids and chlorophylls) as well as diterpenes and polyterpenes derive from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) produced by GGPP synthase (GGPPS) enzymes in several cell compartments. Plant genomes typically harbor multiple copies of differentially expressed genes encoding GGPPS-like proteins. While sequence comparisons allow to identify potential GGPPS candidates, experimental evidence is required to ascertain their enzymatic activity and biological function. Actually, functional analyses of the full set of potential GGPPS paralogs are only available for a handful of plant species. Here we review our current knowledge on the GGPPS families of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the crop species rice (Oryza sativa), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The results indicate that a major determinant of the biological role of particular GGPPS paralogs is the expression profile of the corresponding genes even though specific interactions with other proteins (including GGPP-consuming enzymes) might also contribute to subfunctionalization. In some species, however, a single GGPPS isoforms appears to be responsible for the production of most if not all GGPP required for cell functions. Deciphering the mechanisms regulating GGPPS activity in particular cell compartments, tissues, organs and plant species will be very useful for future metabolic engineering approaches aimed to manipulate the accumulation of particular GGPP-derived products of interest without negatively impacting the levels of other isoprenoids required to sustain essential cell functions.
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27
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Sun T, Zhu Q, Wei Z, Owens LA, Fish T, Kim H, Thannhauser TW, Cahoon EB, Li L. Multi-strategy engineering greatly enhances provitamin A carotenoid accumulation and stability in Arabidopsis seeds. ABIOTECH 2021; 2:191-214. [PMID: 36303886 PMCID: PMC9590580 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-021-00046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Staple grains with low levels of provitamin A carotenoids contribute to the global prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and therefore are the main targets for provitamin A biofortification. However, carotenoid stability during both seed maturation and postharvest storage is a serious concern for the full benefits of carotenoid biofortified grains. In this study, we utilized Arabidopsis as a model to establish carotenoid biofortification strategies in seeds. We discovered that manipulation of carotenoid biosynthetic activity by seed-specific expression of Phytoene synthase (PSY) increases both provitamin A and total carotenoid levels but the increased carotenoids are prone to degradation during seed maturation and storage, consistent with previous studies of provitamin A biofortified grains. In contrast, stacking with Orange (OR His ), a gene that initiates chromoplast biogenesis, dramatically enhances provitamin A and total carotenoid content and stability. Up to 65- and 10-fold increases of β-carotene and total carotenoids, respectively, with provitamin A carotenoids composing over 63% were observed in the seeds containing OR His and PSY. Co-expression of Homogentisate geranylgeranyl transferase (HGGT) with OR His and PSY further increases carotenoid accumulation and stability during seed maturation and storage. Moreover, knocking-out of β-carotene hydroxylase 2 (BCH2) by CRISPR/Cas9 not only potentially facilitates β-carotene accumulation but also minimizes the negative effect of carotenoid over production on seed germination. Our findings provide new insights into various processes on carotenoid accumulation and stability in seeds and establish a multiplexed strategy to simultaneously target carotenoid biosynthesis, turnover, and stable storage for carotenoid biofortification in crop seeds. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-021-00046-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhu Sun
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA.,Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Qinlong Zhu
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Ziqing Wei
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Lauren A Owens
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Tara Fish
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588 USA
| | - Theodore W Thannhauser
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Edgar B Cahoon
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588 USA
| | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA.,Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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28
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Barja MV, Ezquerro M, Beretta S, Diretto G, Florez-Sarasa I, Feixes E, Fiore A, Karlova R, Fernie AR, Beekwilder J, Rodríguez-Concepción M. Several geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase isoforms supply metabolic substrates for carotenoid biosynthesis in tomato. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:255-272. [PMID: 33590894 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) produced by GGPP synthase (GGPPS) serves as a precursor for many plastidial isoprenoids, including carotenoids. Phytoene synthase (PSY) converts GGPP into phytoene, the first committed intermediate of the carotenoid pathway. Here we used biochemical, molecular, and genetic tools to characterise the plastidial members of the GGPPS family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and their interaction with PSY isoforms. The three tomato GGPPS isoforms found to localise in plastids (SlG1, 2 and 3) exhibit similar kinetic parameters. Gene expression analyses showed a preferential association of individual GGPPS and PSY isoforms when carotenoid biosynthesis was induced during root mycorrhization, seedling de-etiolation and fruit ripening. SlG2, but not SlG3, physically interacts with PSY proteins. By contrast, CRISPR-Cas9 mutants defective in SlG3 showed a stronger impact on carotenoid levels and derived metabolic, physiological and developmental phenotypes compared with those impaired in SlG2. Double mutants defective in both genes could not be rescued. Our work demonstrates that the bulk of GGPP production in tomato chloroplasts and chromoplasts relies on two cooperating GGPPS paralogues, unlike other plant species such as Arabidopsis thaliana, rice or pepper, which produce their essential plastidial isoprenoids using a single GGPPS isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Victoria Barja
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Miguel Ezquerro
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Stefano Beretta
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Igor Florez-Sarasa
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Elisenda Feixes
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Alessia Fiore
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, Rome, 00123, Italy
| | - Rumyana Karlova
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, 6700AA, the Netherlands
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany
| | - Jules Beekwilder
- BU Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, 6700AA, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Concepción
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, València, 46022, Spain
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29
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Gutbrod P, Reichert S, Gutbrod K, Hamai A, Bréhélin C, Ngando-Ebongue G, Dörmann P. Fatty acid isoprenoid alcohol ester synthesis in fruits of the African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis). PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 185:112684. [PMID: 33581596 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112684] [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: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis; family Arecaceae) represents the most important oil crop for food and feed production and for biotechnological applications. Two types of oil can be extracted from palm fruits, the mesocarp oil which is rich in palmitic acid and in carotenoids (provitamin A) and tocochromanols (vitamin E), and the kernel oil with high amounts of lauric and myristic acid. We identified fatty acid phytyl esters (FAPEs) in the mesocarp and kernel tissues of mature fruits, mostly esterified with oleic acid and very long chain fatty acids. In addition, fatty acid geranylgeranyl esters (FAGGEs) accumulated in mesocarp and kernels to even larger amounts. In contrast, FAPEs and FAGGEs amounts and fatty acid composition in leaves were very similar. Analysis of wild accessions of African Oil Palm from Cameroon revealed a considerable variation in the amounts and composition of FAPEs and FAGGEs in mesocarp and kernel tissues. Exogenous supplementation of phytol or geranylgeraniol to mesocarp slices resulted in the incorporation of these alcohols into FAPEs and FAGGEs, respectively, indicating that they are synthesized via enzymatic reactions. Three candidate genes of the esterase/lipase/thioesterase (ELT) family were identified in the Oil Palm genome. The genes are differentially expressed in mesocarp tissue with EgELT1 showing the highest expression. Geranylgeraniol from FAGGE might be recycled and used as a substrate for the synthesis of carotenoids and tocotrienols during fruit development. Thus, FAPEs and FAGGEs in the mesocarp and kernel of Oil Palm provide an additional metabolic source for fatty acids and phytol or geranylgeraniol, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Gutbrod
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Strasse 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Strasse 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Gutbrod
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Strasse 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Amazigh Hamai
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, UMR 5200, F-33140, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Claire Bréhélin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, UMR 5200, F-33140, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Georges Ngando-Ebongue
- Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Center for Oil Palm Research (IRAD-CEREPAH) of La Dibamba, P.O. Box 243, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Strasse 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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30
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Koschmieder J, Wüst F, Schaub P, Álvarez D, Trautmann D, Krischke M, Rustenholz C, Mano J, Mueller MJ, Bartels D, Hugueney P, Beyer P, Welsch R. Plant apocarotenoid metabolism utilizes defense mechanisms against reactive carbonyl species and xenobiotics. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 185:331-351. [PMID: 33721895 PMCID: PMC8133636 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiaa033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoid levels in plant tissues depend on the relative rates of synthesis and degradation of the molecules in the pathway. While plant carotenoid biosynthesis has been extensively characterized, research on carotenoid degradation and catabolism into apocarotenoids is a relatively novel field. To identify apocarotenoid metabolic processes, we characterized the transcriptome of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots accumulating high levels of β-carotene and, consequently, β-apocarotenoids. Transcriptome analysis revealed feedback regulation on carotenogenic gene transcripts suitable for reducing β-carotene levels, suggesting involvement of specific apocarotenoid signaling molecules originating directly from β-carotene degradation or after secondary enzymatic derivatizations. Enzymes implicated in apocarotenoid modification reactions overlapped with detoxification enzymes of xenobiotics and reactive carbonyl species (RCS), while metabolite analysis excluded lipid stress response, a potential secondary effect of carotenoid accumulation. In agreement with structural similarities between RCS and β-apocarotenoids, RCS detoxification enzymes also converted apocarotenoids derived from β-carotene and from xanthophylls into apocarotenols and apocarotenoic acids in vitro. Moreover, glycosylation and glutathionylation-related processes and translocators were induced. In view of similarities to mechanisms found in crocin biosynthesis and cellular deposition in saffron (Crocus sativus), our data suggest apocarotenoid metabolization, derivatization and compartmentalization as key processes in (apo)carotenoid metabolism in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florian Wüst
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schaub
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Álvarez
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Danika Trautmann
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Université de Strasbourg, INRAE, SVQV UMR-A 1131, F-68000 Colmar, France
| | - Markus Krischke
- Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute for Biosciences, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Camille Rustenholz
- Université de Strasbourg, INRAE, SVQV UMR-A 1131, F-68000 Colmar, France
| | - Jun’ichi Mano
- Science Research Center, Organization for Research Initiatives, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida 1677-1, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida 1677-1, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Martin J Mueller
- Université de Strasbourg, INRAE, SVQV UMR-A 1131, F-68000 Colmar, France
| | - Dorothea Bartels
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Kirschallee 1, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Philippe Hugueney
- Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute for Biosciences, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Beyer
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Welsch
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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31
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Zhang Y, Fernie AR. Metabolons, enzyme-enzyme assemblies that mediate substrate channeling, and their roles in plant metabolism. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 2:100081. [PMID: 33511342 PMCID: PMC7816073 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Metabolons are transient multi-protein complexes of sequential enzymes that mediate substrate channeling. They differ from multi-enzyme complexes in that they are dynamic, rather than permanent, and as such have considerably lower dissociation constants. Despite the fact that a huge number of metabolons have been suggested to exist in plants, most of these claims are erroneous as only a handful of these have been proven to channel metabolites. We believe that physical protein-protein interactions between consecutive enzymes of a pathway should rather be called enzyme-enzyme assemblies. In this review, we describe how metabolons are generally assembled by transient interactions and held together by both structural elements and non-covalent interactions. Experimental evidence for their existence comes from protein-protein interaction studies, which indicate that the enzymes physically interact, and direct substrate channeling measurements, which indicate that they functionally interact. Unfortunately, advances in cell biology and proteomics have far outstripped those in classical enzymology and flux measurements, rendering most reports reliant purely on interactome studies. Recent developments in co-fractionation mass spectrometry will likely further exacerbate this bias. Given this, only dynamic enzyme-enzyme assemblies in which both physical and functional interactions have been demonstrated should be termed metabolons. We discuss the level of evidence for the manifold plant pathways that have been postulated to contain metabolons and then list examples in both primary and secondary metabolism for which strong evidence has been provided to support these claims. In doing so, we pay particular attention to experimental and mathematical approaches to study metabolons as well as complexities that arise in attempting to follow them. Finally, we discuss perspectives for improving our understanding of these fascinating but enigmatic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Zhang
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Alisdair R. Fernie
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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32
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Li C, Swofford CA, Sinskey AJ. Modular engineering for microbial production of carotenoids. Metab Eng Commun 2020; 10:e00118. [PMID: 31908924 PMCID: PMC6938962 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2019.e00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing demand for carotenoids due to their applications in the food, flavor, pharmaceutical and feed industries, however, the extraction and synthesis of these compounds can be expensive and technically challenging. Microbial production of carotenoids provides an attractive alternative to the negative environmental impacts and cost of chemical synthesis or direct extraction from plants. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches have been widely utilized to reconstruct and optimize pathways for carotenoid overproduction in microorganisms. This review summarizes the current advances in microbial engineering for carotenoid production and divides the carotenoid biosynthesis building blocks into four distinct metabolic modules: 1) central carbon metabolism, 2) cofactor metabolism, 3) isoprene supplement metabolism and 4) carotenoid biosynthesis. These four modules focus on redirecting carbon flux and optimizing cofactor supplements for isoprene precursors needed for carotenoid synthesis. Future perspectives are also discussed to provide insights into microbial engineering principles for overproduction of carotenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02139, USA
- Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Charles A. Swofford
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02139, USA
- Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Anthony J. Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02139, USA
- Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
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Zheng X, Giuliano G, Al-Babili S. Carotenoid biofortification in crop plants: citius, altius, fortius. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158664. [PMID: 32068105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids are indispensable for human health, required as precursors of vitamin A and efficient antioxidants. However, these plant pigments that play a vital role in photosynthesis are represented at insufficient levels in edible parts of several crops, which creates a need for increasing their content or optimizing their composition through biofortification. In particular, vitamin A deficiency, a severe health problem affecting the lives of millions in developing countries, has triggered the development of a series of high-provitamin A crops, including Golden Rice as the best-known example. Further carotenoid-biofortified crops have been generated by using genetic engineering approaches or through classical breeding. In this review, we depict carotenoid metabolism in plants and provide an update on the development of carotenoid-biofortified plants and their potential to meet needs and expectations. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of using natural variation for carotenoid biofortification and the potential of gene editing tools. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongjie Zheng
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, the BioActives Lab, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giovanni Giuliano
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, Roma 00123, Italy
| | - Salim Al-Babili
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, Center for Desert Agriculture, the BioActives Lab, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Wichmann J, Lauersen KJ, Kruse O. Green algal hydrocarbon metabolism is an exceptional source of sustainable chemicals. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 61:28-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Oliva N, Florida Cueto-Reaño M, Trijatmiko KR, Samia M, Welsch R, Schaub P, Beyer P, Mackenzie D, Boncodin R, Reinke R, Slamet-Loedin I, Mallikarjuna Swamy BP. Molecular characterization and safety assessment of biofortified provitamin A rice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1376. [PMID: 31992721 PMCID: PMC6987151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Part of the studies involved in safety assessment of genetically engineered crops includes characterizing the organization, integrity, and stability of the inserted DNA and evaluating the potential allergenicity and toxicity of newly-expressed proteins. Molecular characterization of the introduced DNA in provitamin A biofortified rice event GR2E confirmed insertion of a single copy of the transfer-DNA in the genome and its inheritance as a single locus. Nucleotide sequencing of the inserted DNA confirmed it was introduced without modifications. The phytoene synthase, and carotene desaturase proteins did not display sequence similarity with allergens or toxins. Both proteins were rapidly digested in simulated gastric fluid and their enzymatic activity was inhibited upon heat treatment. Acute oral toxicity testing of the protein in mice demonstrated lack of adverse effects. These evidences substantiated the lack of any identifiable hazards for both proteins and in combination with other existing comparative analyses provided assurance that food derived from this rice is safe. This conclusion is in line with those of the regulatory agencies of US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada and Food Standard Australia and New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Oliva
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Florida Cueto-Reaño
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Kurniawan R Trijatmiko
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Mercy Samia
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Ralf Welsch
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schaub
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Beyer
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Donald Mackenzie
- Institute for International Crop Improvement, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Raul Boncodin
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Russell Reinke
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Inez Slamet-Loedin
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines.
| | - B P Mallikarjuna Swamy
- Strategic Innovation Platform, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Metro Manila, Philippines.
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Lux PE, Freiling M, Stuetz W, von Tucher S, Carle R, Steingass CB, Frank J. (Poly)phenols, Carotenoids, and Tocochromanols in Corn ( Zea mays L.) Kernels As Affected by Phosphate Fertilization and Sowing Time. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:612-622. [PMID: 31903750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b07009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Corn (Zea mays L.) growth and development is often limited by the availability of phosphate. We thus hypothesized that phosphate fertilization may increase the contents of (poly)phenols, carotenoids, and tocochromanols (vitamin E) in corn grains. Corn plants cultivated on a soil fertilized with 44 kg phosphorus/ha were compared to plants grown on soil with low plant-available phosphate (1.6 mg CAL-P/100 g of soil), each sown early (April) and late (May) in a randomized field experiment. HPLC-DAD-(HR)-ESI-MSn revealed 19 soluble and 10 insoluble (poly)phenols, comprising phenolic acids, phenolic amines, diferulic, and triferulic acids in corn grains. Contents of individual (poly)phenols, carotenoids, and tocochromanols in whole grains were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by sowing time, but not by phosphate fertilization. In conclusion, low phosphate availability did not impair the biosynthesis of (poly)phenols, carotenoids, and tocochromanols in corn grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Lux
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Food Biofunctionality , University of Hohenheim , Garbenstrasse 28 , 70599 Stuttgart , Germany
| | - Markus Freiling
- Department of Plant Sciences, Chair of Plant Nutrition , Technical University of Munich , Emil-Ramann-Strasse 2 , 85354 Freising , Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stuetz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Food Biofunctionality , University of Hohenheim , Garbenstrasse 28 , 70599 Stuttgart , Germany
| | - Sabine von Tucher
- Department of Plant Sciences, Chair of Plant Nutrition , Technical University of Munich , Emil-Ramann-Strasse 2 , 85354 Freising , Germany
| | - Reinhold Carle
- Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chair Plant Foodstuff Technology and Analysis , University of Hohenheim , Garbenstrasse 25 , 70599 Stuttgart , Germany
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science , King Abdulaziz University , P.O. Box 80257, Jeddah 21589 , Saudi Arabia
| | - Christof B Steingass
- Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chair Plant Foodstuff Technology and Analysis , University of Hohenheim , Garbenstrasse 25 , 70599 Stuttgart , Germany
- Department of Beverage Research, Chair Analysis & Technology of Plant-Based Foods , Geisenheim University , Von-Lade-Strasse 1 , 65366 Geisenheim , Germany
| | - Jan Frank
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Chair of Food Biofunctionality , University of Hohenheim , Garbenstrasse 28 , 70599 Stuttgart , Germany
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Abstract
Carotenoids are isoprenoid compounds synthesized de novo in all photosynthetic organisms as well as in some nonphotosynthetic bacteria and fungi. In plants, carotenoids are essential for light harvesting and photoprotection. They contribute to the vivid color found in many plant organs. The cleavage of carotenoids produces small molecules (apocarotenoids) that serve as aroma compounds, as well as phytohormones and signals to affect plant growth and development. Since carotenoids provide valuable nutrition and health benefits for humans, understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis, catabolism and storage is important for biofortification of crops with improved nutritional quality. This chapter primarily introduces our current knowledge about carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation pathways as well as carotenoid storage in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhu Sun
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Yaakov Tadmor
- Plant Science Institute, Israeli Agricultural Research Organization, Newe Yaar Research Center, Ramat Yishai, Israel
| | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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38
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Sun T, Li L. Toward the 'golden' era: The status in uncovering the regulatory control of carotenoid accumulation in plants. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 290:110331. [PMID: 31779888 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are essential pigments to plants and important natural products to humans. Carotenoids as both primary and specialized metabolites fulfill multifaceted functions in plants. As such, carotenoid accumulation (a net process of biosynthesis, degradation and sequestration) is subjected to complicated regulation throughout plant life cycle in response to developmental and environmental signals. Investigation of transcriptional regulation of carotenoid metabolic genes remains the focus in understanding the regulatory control of carotenoid accumulation. While discovery of bona fide carotenoid metabolic regulators is still challenging, the recent progress of identification of various transcription factors and regulators helps us to construct hierarchical regulatory network of carotenoid accumulation. The elucidation of carotenoid regulatory mechanisms at protein level and in chromoplast provides some insights into post-translational regulation of carotenogenic enzymes and carotenoid sequestration in plastid sink. This review briefly describes the pathways and main flux-controlling steps for carotenoid accumulation in plants. It highlights our recent understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying carotenoid accumulation at both transcriptional and post-translational levels. It also discusses the opportunities to expand toolbox for further shedding light upon the intrinsic regulation of carotenoid accumulation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhu Sun
- Robert W Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA; Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Li Li
- Robert W Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, USDA-ARS, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA; Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA.
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Camagna M, Welsch R. Expression, Purification, and Enzyme Activity Assay of Phytoene Synthase In Vitro. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2083:39-52. [PMID: 31745911 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9952-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phytoene synthase (PSY) is the rate-limiting step in carotenoid biosynthesis, and accordingly subjected to a number of regulatory mechanisms at various levels, including transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational. Several PSY genes are present in most taxa and show various degrees of tissue and/or stress-specific responses providing an additional layer of regulating carotenogenesis. Moreover, only a small number of amino acid differences between paralogs or even single nucleotide polymorphisms distinguishing orthologs greatly affect enzyme properties, suggesting that different enzymatic parameters determined by intrinsic properties of PSY protein sequences also determine pathway flux. The characterization of enzyme properties of PSY variants from different origins requires in vitro enzyme assays with recombinant PSY. In this protocol, we present detailed instructions how to purify several milligrams of active PSY enzyme from bacterial lysates, which includes initial recombinant PSY enrichment through inclusion body purification, chaotropic unfolding, refolding in presence of detergents and purification through immobilized metal affinity chromatography. In addition, we provide a protocol to obtain active geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthase as active supply of GGPP substrate is a requirement for high in vitro PSY activity. The activity assay requires 14C-labeled substrate and allows to determine its incorporation into phytoene as well as GGPP. The protocol described here was successfully applied to a variety of PSY and GGPP synthase homologs from various plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Camagna
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Welsch
- Institute for Biology II, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Ding BY, Niu J, Shang F, Yang L, Chang TY, Wang JJ. Characterization of the Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase Gene in Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Its Association With Carotenoid Biosynthesis. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1398. [PMID: 31780956 PMCID: PMC6861191 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotenoids play many crucial roles in organisms. Recently, the de novo synthesis of carotenoids has been reported in pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) through horizontally transferred genes. However, their upstream pathway in the pea aphid is poorly understood. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) is the functional enzyme in the synthesis of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) which is a precursor for the biosynthesis of many biological metabolites, including carotenoid synthesis. In this study, we performed a series of experiments to characterize GGPPS gene and its association with carotenoid biosynthesis. (1) determining the transcript abundance and carotenoid content in two geographical strain with red and green morphs, and (2) examining the abundance of carotenoid related genes and carotenoid levels after silencing of GGPPS in both red and green morphs. We observed that GGPPS was more highly expressed in the green morph than in the red morph of two strains of the pea aphid. The total level of carotenoids was also higher in green morphs than in red morphs in both strains. In addition to the total carotenoid difference, the carotenoids found in the two morphs also differed. There were α-carotene, β-carotene, and γ-carotene in the green morphs, but three additional carotenoids, including cis-torulene∗, trans-torulene∗, and 3,4-didehydrolycopene∗, were present in the red morphs. Silencing the GGPPS by RNAi in both the red and green morphs decreased the expression of some carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes, including carotenoid synthase/cyclase genes and carotenoid desaturase genes in green morphs. Carotenoid levels were decreased in both green and red morphs. However, the specific carotenoids present were not changed after silencing GGPPS. These results demonstrated that GGPPS may act as the upstream enzyme to influence the synthesis of the total amount of carotenoids. The present study provided important molecular evidence for the conserved roles of GGPPS associated with carotenoids biosynthesis and will enhance further investigation on the mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in pea aphid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng-Yu Chang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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41
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Improved Astaxanthin Production with Corynebacterium glutamicum by Application of a Membrane Fusion Protein. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17110621. [PMID: 31683510 PMCID: PMC6891673 DOI: 10.3390/md17110621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Astaxanthin is one of the strongest natural antioxidants and a red pigment occurring in nature. This C40 carotenoid is used in a broad range of applications such as a colorant in the feed industry, an antioxidant in cosmetics or as a supplement in human nutrition. Natural astaxanthin is on the rise and, hence, alternative production systems are needed. The natural carotenoid producer Corynebacterium glutamicum is a potent host for industrial fermentations, such as million-ton scale amino acid production. In C. glutamicum, astaxanthin production was established through heterologous overproduction of the cytosolic lycopene cyclase CrtY and the membrane-bound β-carotene hydroxylase and ketolase, CrtZ and CrtW, in previous studies. In this work, further metabolic engineering strategies revealed that the potential of this GRAS organism for astaxanthin production is not fully exploited yet. It was shown that the construction of a fusion protein comprising the membrane-bound β-carotene hydroxylase and ketolase (CrtZ~W) significantly increased astaxanthin production under high glucose concentration. An evaluation of used carbon sources indicated that a combination of glucose and acetate facilitated astaxanthin production. Moreover, additional overproduction of cytosolic carotenogenic enzymes increased the production of this high value compound. Taken together, a seven-fold improvement of astaxanthin production was achieved with 3.1 mg/g CDW of astaxanthin.
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Cao H, Luo H, Yuan H, Eissa MA, Thannhauser TW, Welsch R, Hao YJ, Cheng L, Li L. A Neighboring Aromatic-Aromatic Amino Acid Combination Governs Activity Divergence between Tomato Phytoene Synthases. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 180:1988-2003. [PMID: 31221734 PMCID: PMC6670109 DOI: 10.1104/pp.19.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids exert multifaceted roles to plants and are critically important to humans. Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a major rate-limiting enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. PSY in plants is normally found as a small enzyme family with up to three members. However, knowledge of PSY isoforms in relation to their respective enzyme activities and amino acid residues that are important for PSY activity is limited. In this study, we focused on two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) PSY isoforms, PSY1 and PSY2, and investigated their abilities to catalyze carotenogenesis via heterologous expression in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and bacterial systems. We found that the fruit-specific PSY1 was less effective in promoting carotenoid biosynthesis than the green tissue-specific PSY2. Examination of the PSY proteins by site-directed mutagenesis analysis and three-dimensional structure modeling revealed two key amino acid residues responsible for this activity difference and identified a neighboring aromatic-aromatic combination in one of the PSY core structures as being crucial for high PSY activity. Remarkably, this neighboring aromatic-aromatic combination is evolutionarily conserved among land plant PSYs except PSY1 of tomato and potato (Solanum tuberosum). Strong transcription of tomato PSY1 likely evolved as compensation for its weak enzyme activity to allow for the massive carotenoid biosynthesis in ripe fruit. This study provides insights into the functional divergence of PSY isoforms and highlights the potential to rationally design PSY for the effective development of carotenoid-enriched crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Cao
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, National Research Center for Apple Engineering and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Hongmei Luo
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Mohamed A Eissa
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Theodore W Thannhauser
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Ralf Welsch
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology II, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yu-Jin Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, National Research Center for Apple Engineering and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Lailiang Cheng
- Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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43
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Wurtzel ET. Changing Form and Function through Carotenoids and Synthetic Biology. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 179:830-843. [PMID: 30361256 PMCID: PMC6393808 DOI: 10.1104/pp.18.01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The diverse structures and multifaceted roles of carotenoids make these colorful pigments attractive targets for synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanore T Wurtzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, The City University of New York, Bronx, New York 10468
- The Graduate School and University Center-CUNY, New York, New York 10016-4309
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44
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Hanson AD, Hibberd JM, Koffas MAG, Kopka J, Wurtzel ET. Focus Issue Editorial: Synthetic Biology. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 179:772-774. [PMID: 30808713 PMCID: PMC6393805 DOI: 10.1104/pp.19.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Julian M Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom
| | - Mattheos A G Koffas
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180
| | - Joachim Kopka
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Eleanore T Wurtzel
- Lehman College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Bronx, New York 10468
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45
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Nagel R, Schmidt A, Peters RJ. Isoprenyl diphosphate synthases: the chain length determining step in terpene biosynthesis. PLANTA 2019; 249:9-20. [PMID: 30467632 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-018-3052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes the recent developments in the study of isoprenyl diphosphate synthases with an emphasis on analytical techniques, product length determination, and the physiological consequences of manipulating expression in planta. The highly diverse structures of all terpenes are synthesized from the five carbon precursors dimethylallyl diphosphate and a varying number of isopentenyl diphosphate units through 1'-4 alkylation reactions. These elongation reactions are catalyzed by isoprenyl diphosphate synthases (IDS). IDS are classified depending on the configuration of the ensuing double bond as trans- and cis-IDS. In addition, IDS are further stratified by the length of their prenyl diphosphate product. This review discusses analytical techniques for the determination of product length and the factors that control product length, with an emphasis on alternative mechanisms. With recent advances in analytics, multiple IDS of Arabidopsis thaliana have been recently reinvestigated and demonstrated to yield products of different lengths than originally reported, which is summarized here. As IDS dictate prenyl diphosphate length and thereby which class of terpenes is ultimately produced, another focus of this review is the impact that altering IDS expression has on terpenoid natural product accumulation. Finally, recent findings regarding the ability of a few IDS to not catalyze 1'-4 alkylation reactions, but instead produce irregular products, with unusual connectivity, or act as terpene synthases, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimund Nagel
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
| | - Axel Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str. 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Reuben J Peters
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
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D’Andrea L, Rodriguez-Concepcion M. Manipulation of Plastidial Protein Quality Control Components as a New Strategy to Improve Carotenoid Contents in Tomato Fruit. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1071. [PMID: 31543891 PMCID: PMC6739439 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids such as β-carotene (pro-vitamin A) and lycopene accumulate at high levels during tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit ripening, contributing to the characteristic color and nutritional quality of ripe tomatoes. Besides their role as pigments in chromoplast-harboring tissues such as ripe fruits, carotenoids are important for photosynthesis and photoprotection in the chloroplasts of photosynthetic tissues. Interestingly, recent work in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. has unveiled a critical role of chloroplast protein quality control components in the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis. The accumulation (i.e. degradation rate) and activity (i.e. folding status) of phytoene synthase (PSY) and other Arabidopsis biosynthetic enzymes is modulated by chaperones such as Orange (OR) and Hsp70 in coordination with the stromal Clp protease complex. OR and Clp protease were recently shown to also influence PSY stability and carotenoid accumulation in tomato. Here we show how manipulating the levels of plastid-localized Hsp70 in transgenic tomato plants can also impact the accumulation of carotenoids in ripe fruit. The resulting carotenoid profile and chromoplast ultrastructure, however, are different from those obtained in tomatoes from transgenic lines with increased OR activity. These results suggest that different chaperone families target different processes related to carotenoid metabolism and accumulation during tomato ripening. We further discuss other possible targets for future manipulation in tomato based on the knowledge acquired in Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio D’Andrea
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodriguez-Concepcion
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Barcelona, Spain
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Rodriguez-Concepcion,
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Welsch R, Zhou X, Koschmieder J, Schlossarek T, Yuan H, Sun T, Li L. Characterization of Cauliflower OR Mutant Variants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1716. [PMID: 32038686 PMCID: PMC6985574 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cauliflower Orange (Or) mutant is characterized by high level of β-carotene in its curd. Or mutation affects the OR protein that was shown to be involved in the posttranslational control of phytoene synthase (PSY), a major rate-limiting enzyme of carotenoid biosynthesis, and in maintaining PSY proteostasis with the plastid Clp protease system. A transposon integration into the cauliflower wild-type Or gene (BoOR-wt) results in the formation of three differently spliced transcripts. One of them is characterized by insertion (BoOR-Ins), while the other two have exon-skipping deletions (BoOR-Del and BoOR-LD). We investigated the properties of individual BoOR variants and examined their effects on carotenoid accumulation. Using the yeast split-ubiquitin system, we showed that all variants were able to form OR dimers except BoOR-LD. The deletion in BoOR-LD eliminated the first of two adjacent transmembrane domains and was predicted to result in a misplacement of the C-terminal zinc finger domain to the opposite side of membrane, thus preventing OR dimerization. As interaction with PSY is mediated by the N-terminus of BoOR, which remains unaffected after splicing, all BoOR variants including BoOR-LD maintained interactions with PSY. Expression of individual BoOR mutant variants in Arabidopsis revealed that their protein stability varied greatly. While expression of BoOR-Del and BoOR-Ins resulted in increased BoOR protein levels as BoOR-wt, minimal amounts of BoOR-LD protein accumulated. Carotenoid accumulation showed correlated changes in calli of Arabidopsis expressing these variants. Furthermore, we found that OR also functions in E. coli to increase the proportion of native, enzymatically active PSY from plants upon co-expression, but not of bacterial phytoene synthase CrtB. Taken together, these results suggest that OR dimerization is required for OR stability in planta and that the simultaneous presence of PSY interaction-domains in both OR and PSY proteins is required for the holdase function of OR. The more pronounced effect of simultaneous expression of all BoOR variants in cauliflower Or mutant compared with individual overexpression on carotenoid accumulation suggests an enhanced activity with possible formation of various BoOR heterodimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Welsch
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ralf Welsch, ; Li Li,
| | - Xiangjun Zhou
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Tim Schlossarek
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hui Yuan
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Tianhu Sun
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Li Li
- Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Ralf Welsch, ; Li Li,
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