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Li M, Chen R, Qiao J, Li W, Zhu H. Recent Advances in Multiple Strategies for the Biosynthesis of Sesquiterpenols. Biomolecules 2025; 15:664. [PMID: 40427558 PMCID: PMC12108891 DOI: 10.3390/biom15050664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2025] [Revised: 04/27/2025] [Accepted: 04/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpenols, a class of natural compounds composed of three isoprene units that form a 15-carbon skeleton with hydroxyl (-OH) group, are characterized by their volatility and potent aromatic properties. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurotoxic, antiviral, immunosuppressive, hepatoprotective, and cardiotonic effects. Due to their diverse physiological functionalities, sesquiterpenols serve as critical raw materials in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. In recent years, research on the heterologous synthesis of sesquiterpenol compounds using microbial systems has surged, attracting significant scientific interest. However, challenges such as low yields and high production costs have impeded their industrial-scale application. The rapid development of synthetic biology has introduced innovative methodologies for the microbial production of sesquiterpenol compounds. Herein, we examine the latest synthetic biology strategies and progress in microbial sesquiterpenol production, focusing on adaptive sesquiterpenol synthase screening and expression, synthesis pathway regulation, intracellular compartmentalized expression strategies, and tolerance to terpenoid-related toxicity. Critical challenges and future directions are also discussed to advance research in sesquiterpenol biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (M.L.); (R.C.); (J.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China
| | - Ruiqi Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (M.L.); (R.C.); (J.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (M.L.); (R.C.); (J.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China
| | - Weiguo Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (M.L.); (R.C.); (J.Q.)
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China
| | - Hongji Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (M.L.); (R.C.); (J.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University (Shaoxing), Shaoxing 312300, China
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Li Q, Peng Y, Zhao T, Dong Q, Yang Q, Liu X, Han Y. Phylogeny and Functional Differentiation of the Terpene Synthase Gene Family in Angiosperms with Emphasis on Rosa chinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:2113. [PMID: 40076733 PMCID: PMC11901113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26052113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Terpenes are pivotal for plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental stresses. With the advent of extensive genomic data and sophisticated bioinformatics tools, new insights into the evolutionary dynamics and functional diversification of terpene synthases (TPSs) have emerged. Despite genome-wide identifications of the TPS family in certain species, comprehensive cross-species analyses remain scarce. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification and subgroup classification of TPS families across 115 angiosperms with available genomic sequences. Our phylogenomic synteny network analysis elucidated the complex evolutionary history of TPS genes, revealing notable expansions and contractions among subgroups. Specifically, TPS-a showed significant expansion, while TPS-b was variably lost in some Poaceae, indicating adaptive responses. TPS-c maintained considerable conservation across species, whereas TPS-e/f diverged into distinct evolutionary trajectories despite functional overlap, with TPS-e further splitting into two angiosperm-specific clades. The TPS-g subgroup displayed lineage-restricted distribution, primarily in super-rosids and monocots. Notably, TPS-d and TPS-h subgroups were absent in angiosperms. Employing Rosa chinensis as a case study, we identified RcTPS23, a conserved bifunctional terpene synthase, highlighting the utility of cross-species synteny data in functional prediction. This comprehensive analysis elucidates the phylogenetic and functional landscape of TPS subgroups in angiosperms, providing a robust framework for predicting TPS function and guiding further functional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yifang Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qijing Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yu Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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3
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Li X, Liu L, Chu J, Wei G, Li J, Sun X, Fan H. Functional characterization of terpene synthases SmTPS1 involved in floral scent formation in Salvia miltiorrhiza. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 221:114045. [PMID: 38460781 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114045] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Plants attract beneficial insects and promote pollination by releasing floral scents. Salvia miltiorrhiza, as an insect-pollinated flowering plant, which has been less studied for its floral aroma substances. This study revealed that S. miltiorrhiza flowers produce various volatile terpenoids, including five monoterpenes and ten sesquiterpenes, with the sesquiterpene compound (E)-β-caryophyllene being the most abundant, accounting for 28.1% of the total volatile terpenoids. Y-tube olfactometer experiments were conducted on the primary pollinator of S. miltiorrhiza, the Apis ceranas. The results indicated that (E)-β-caryophyllene compound had an attractive effect on the Apis ceranas. By comparing the homologous sequences with the genes of (E)-β-caryophyllene terpene synthases in other plants, the SmTPS1 gene was selected for further experiment. Subcellular localization experiments showed SmTPS1 localized in the cytoplasm, and its in vitro enzyme assay revealed that it could catalyze FPP into β-Elemene, (E)-β-caryophyllene and α-Humulene. Overexpression of SmTPS1 in S. miltiorrhiza resulted in a 5.29-fold increase in gene expression. The GC-MS analysis revealed a significant increase in the concentration of (E)-β-caryophyllene in the transgenic plants, with levels 2.47-fold higher compared to the empty vector plants. Furthermore, Y-tube olfactometer experiments showed that the transgenic plants were significantly more attractive to Apis ceranas compared to the empty vector plants. Co-expression analysis suggested that four SmMYCs (SmMYC1, SmMYC5, SmMYC10, and SmMYC11) may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of SmTPS1. The yeast one-hybrid screen and the Dual luciferase assay indicated that SmMYC10 positively regulates the expression of SmTPS1. In conclusion, this study lays a foundation for the functional analysis and transcriptional regulation of terpene synthase genes in S. miltiorrhiza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jin Chu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Guo Wei
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Jiaxue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xu Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Honghong Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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Kiran NR, Narayanan AK, Mohapatra S, Gupta P, Nagegowda DA. Analysis of root volatiles and functional characterization of a root-specific germacrene A synthase in Artemisia pallens. PLANTA 2024; 259:58. [PMID: 38308700 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that Artemisia pallens roots can be a source of terpene-rich essential oil and root-specific ApTPS1 forms germacrene A contributing to major root volatiles. Davana (Artemisia pallens Bess) is a valuable aromatic herb within the Asteraceae family, highly prized for its essential oil (EO) produced in the aerial parts. However, the root volatile composition, and the genes responsible for root volatiles have remained unexplored until now. Here, we show that A. pallens roots possess distinct oil bodies and yields ~ 0.05% of EO, which is primarily composed of sesquiterpenes β-elemene, neryl isovalerate, β-selinene, and α-selinene, and trace amounts of monoterpenes β-myrcene, D-limonene. This shows that, besides aerial parts, roots of davana can also be a source of unique EO. Moreover, we functionally characterized a terpene synthase (ApTPS1) that exhibited high in silico expression in the root transcriptome. The recombinant ApTPS1 showed the formation of β-elemene and germacrene A with E,E-farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) as a substrate. Detailed analysis of assay products revealed that β-elemene was the thermal rearrangement product of germacrene A. The functional expression of ApTPS1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed the in vivo germacrene A synthase activity of ApTPS1. At the transcript level, ApTPS1 displayed predominant expression in roots, with significantly lower level of expression in other tissues. This expression pattern of ApTPS1 positively correlated with the tissue-specific accumulation level of germacrene A. Overall, these findings provide fundamental insights into the EO profile of davana roots, and the contribution of ApTPS1 in the formation of a major root volatile.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Kiran
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Ananth Krishna Narayanan
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Soumyajit Mohapatra
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Dinesh A Nagegowda
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Zhao Y, Chen Y, Gao M, Wu L, Wang Y. LcMYB106 suppresses monoterpene biosynthesis by negatively regulating LcTPS32 expression in Litsea cubeba. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:2150-2161. [PMID: 37682081 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Litsea cubeba, the core species of the Lauraceae family, is valuable for the production of essential oils due to its high concentration of monoterpenes (90%). The key monoterpene synthase and metabolic regulatory network of monoterpene biosynthesis have provided new insights for improving essential oil content. However, there are few studies on the regulation mechanism of monoterpenes in L. cubeba. In this study, we investigated LcTPS32, a member of the TPS-b subfamily, and identified its function as an enzyme for the synthesis of monoterpenes, including geraniol, α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool and eucalyptol. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that LcTPS32 was highly expressed in the fruits of L. cubeba and contributed to the characteristic flavor of its essential oil. Overexpression of LcTPS32 resulted in a significant increase in the production of monoterpenes in L. cubeba by activating both the MVA and MEP pathways. Additionally, the study revealed that LcMYB106 played a negative regulatory role in monoterpenes biosynthesis by directly binding to the promoter of LcTPS32. Our study indicates that LcMYB106 could serve as a crucial target for metabolic engineering endeavors, aiming at enhancing the monoterpene biosynthesis in L. cubeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd, Beijing 100091, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Daqiao Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, China
| | - Yicun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd, Beijing 100091, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Daqiao Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, China
| | - Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd, Beijing 100091, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Daqiao Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, China
| | - Liwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd, Beijing 100091, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Daqiao Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, China
| | - Yangdong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Xiangshan Rd, Beijing 100091, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Daqiao Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, China
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Dwivedi V, Kumar SR, Shilpashree HB, Krishna R, Rao S, Shasany AK, Olsson SB, Nagegowda DA. An inducible potato (E,E)-farnesol synthase confers tolerance against bacterial pathogens in potato and tobacco. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:1308-1323. [PMID: 35778946 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Terpene synthases (TPSs) have diverse biological functions in plants. Though the roles of TPSs in herbivore defense are well established in many plant species, their role in bacterial defense has been scarce and is emerging. Through functional genomics, here we report the in planta role of potato (Solanum tuberosum) terpene synthase (StTPS18) in bacterial defense. Expression of StTPS18 was highest in leaves and was induced in response to Pseudomonas syringae and methyl jasmonate treatments. The recombinant StTPS18 exhibited bona fide (E,E)-farnesol synthase activity forming a sesquiterpenoid, (E,E)-farnesol as the sole product, utilising (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). Subcellular localization of GFP fusion protein revealed that StTPS18 is localized to the cytosol. Silencing and overexpression of StTPS18 in potato resulted in reduced and enhanced tolerance, respectively, to bacterial pathogens P. syringae and Ralstonia solanacearum. Bacterial growth assay using medium containing (E,E)-farnesol significantly inhibited P. syringae growth. Moreover, StTPS18 overexpressing transgenic potato and Nicotiana tabacum leaves, and (E,E)-farnesol and P. syringae infiltrated potato leaves exhibited elevated expression of sterol pathway and members of pathogenesis-related genes with enhanced phytosterol accumulation. Interestingly, enhanced phytosterols in 13 C3 -(E,E)-farnesol infiltrated potato leaves were devoid of any noticeable 13 C labeling, indicating no direct utilization of (E,E)-farnesol in phytosterols formation. Furthermore, leaves of StTPS18 overexpressing transgenic lines had no detectable (E,E)-farnesol similar to the control plant, and emitted lower levels of sesquiterpenes than the control. These findings point towards an indirect involvement of StTPS18 and its product (E,E)-farnesol in bacterial defense through upregulation of phytosterol biosynthesis and defense genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Dwivedi
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Sarma Rajeev Kumar
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - H B Shilpashree
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Ram Krishna
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Srinivas Rao
- Naturalist-Inspired Chemical Ecology, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Ajit K Shasany
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, 226015, India
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Shannon B Olsson
- Naturalist-Inspired Chemical Ecology, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru, 560065, India
| | - Dinesh A Nagegowda
- Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bengaluru, 560065, India
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Zhang A, Liu M, Gu W, Chen Z, Gu Y, Pei L, Tian R. Effect of drought on photosynthesis, total antioxidant capacity, bioactive component accumulation, and the transcriptome of Atractylodes lancea. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:293. [PMID: 34171994 PMCID: PMC8226357 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC, a medicinal herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, often faces severe drought stress during its growth. Until now, there has been no research on the effect of drought stress on the quality formation of A. lancea. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the effects of drought stress on A. lancea through physical and chemical analysis, and to reveal the related molecular mechanisms via transcriptome analysis. RESULTS The photosynthesis was markedly inhibited under drought stress. There were alterations to photosynthetic parameters (Pn, Gs, Ci) and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm, NPQ), and the chlorophyll content decreased. Twenty genes encoding important regulatory enzymes in light and dark reactions, including the Rubisco gene of the Calvin cycle, were significantly downregulated. After exposure to drought stress for more than 4 days, the activities of four antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD CAT and APX) began to decrease and continued to decrease with longer stress exposure. Meanwhile, most of the genes encoding antioxidative enzymes were downregulated significantly. The downregulation of 21 genes related to the respiratory electron transport chain indicated that the blocked electron transfer accelerated excessive ROS. The MDA content was significantly elevated. The above data showed that 15 days of drought stress caused serious oxidative damage to A. lancea. Drought stress not only reduced the size and dry weight of A. lancea, but also lowered the amount of total volatile oil and the content of the main bioactive components. The total volatile oil and atractylodin content decreased slightly, whereas the content of atractylon and β-eudesmol decreased significantly. Moreover, ten significantly downregulated genes encoding sesquiterpene synthase were mainly expressed in rhizomes. CONCLUSIONS After exposed to drought stress, the process of assimilation was affected by the destruction of photosynthesis; stress tolerance was impaired because of the inhibition of the antioxidative enzyme system; and bioactive component biosynthesis was hindered by the downregulation of sesquiterpene synthase-related gene expression. All these had negative impacts on the quality formation of A. lancea under drought stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
- College of Hanlin, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Mengxue Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Wei Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Ziyun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Yuchen Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Lingfeng Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Rong Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
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